Second Part! I decided I wanted to post this all at once, so it is all here. I hope you enjoy, this one is a lot less depressing. I think most of the same stuff from last chapter is true here, although there is less naked-ness.

Sorry about the awkward introduction of the round table. This fic just needed some Gwaine.

Umm, hope this answers any questions anyone had about what happens after The Heart of the Prince. I think I got everyone in there.

Also, as this is the last thing I plan on writing on this story, If you have anything you feel got left out or would make a good story that relates to this fic, let me know! If I get inspiration I will try my best to write it! Or, even better, write ideas you have about this universe yourself, then send them to me so I can read them too! I would love to hear what other people have in mind for the prince and warlock!

I hope you all enjoyed this, we had a good run. Next thing I will be writing is my silly Gwaine short story!

Long Live the Kings

Years later, after Arthur had been declared king and Merlin had been named his court sorcerer, everything seemed to have worked out perfectly for the young couple. Although Arthur could not marry Merlin, as the court of Camelot would never allow such a union, they were still together, and did not have to hide that fact from anyone. Most of the citizens of Camelot knew that they were together despite the fact that it was unofficial, and they all loved Merlin just as much as they loved Arthur. Camelot was prospering under the rule of the new king and his warlock.

Lancelot had returned to Camelot with his friend Percival and another man named Gwaine shortly after Arthur had been announced king. The three men, along with Guinevere's brother Elyan, had quickly proven themselves to be adept fighters and good men who all quickly befriended the couple. Arthur would often consult them before talking to the council of elders when he was worried about the people of Camelot.

Morgana and Guinevere had also returned to Camelot when Arthur was crowned king, but Morgana had returned to the druids who had been teaching her how to control her powers shortly after. She promised to be an ambassador to the druids from Camelot now that Arthur was changing the laws about magic. Guinevere had remained in the city, and she and Lancelot were almost constantly together. Gwaine and Percival had begun betting about when Lancelot would propose, although it was clear he would remain ever the gentleman, and never rush Gwen into anything.

After a long and boring meeting with several foreign kings to discuss Arthur's changes in his father's policies, Arthur needed to get out of Camelot. He decided a hunting trip was exactly what he needed. Alerting Merlin, Lancelot, Gwen, Leon, Gwaine, Percival, and Elyan of his plans he was able to relax knowing he would get to spend all of tomorrow in the woods with his closest friends.

The trip had been wonderful. They focused much less on hunting and more on being out of the castle and in each other's company. They were about to head back to the castle when they were attacked by a ragged group of bandits. The bandits had obviously chosen the wrong group to jump, as they were soon scattering under the combined force of six knights, a well-trained serving maid, and a warlock, but the group from Camelot did not manage to escape unscathed. As Merlin had been trying to protect Arthur from a man sneaking up behind him, he had missed the arrow that had lodged itself in his shoulder. He had managed to remain upright for the rest of the fight, but as the bandits retreated he collapsed to the ground and was quickly surrounded by his companions, Arthur settled closest to the wound.

"Merlin, why do you always have to get yourself injured. Just once, could you try focusing on protecting yourself first, then others?" Arthur sighed, as he inspected the wound. It wasn't bad, but he would need to take off Merlin's shirt to get a better access to the wound. As he reached down to pull the shirt off, Merlin's hand shot out to stop his. There was a look of fear in his eyes. A quick glance back to the other's around him told Arthur exactly what he was worried about.

He was afraid of his friends seeing his scars.

"Merlin, I have to take your shirt off to help. It's alright. No one here will think any differently of you when they know."

Lancelot, the only one who knew the full extent of the injuries that were hidden by his shirt gave Merlin an encouraging nod. Leon and Gwen smiled at him, having some idea what he was worried about but not knowing exactly what he was trying to hide. Percival, Gwaine, and Elyan, exchanged a confused look, as none of them had heard the story of Merlin's hardships, but they still tried to look encouraging. They had all grown quite found of the young court sorcerer.

Merlin looked back at Arthur, and nodded slowly. Arthur felt his arm being released, and he went back to removing Merlin's shirt. When the damaged chest was exposed, the five people in the group who had not seen the scars before let out a collective gasp. They remained silent while Arthur removed the arrow and wrapped it in bandages Merlin had packed that morning. It came out smoothly, and Arthur knew that it would heal quickly with help from Merlin's magic. Once the wound was no longer a major issue, he helped Merlin sit up against a tree and he turned back to his friends who had been watching him dress the wound in silence.

"You are all my most trusted friends, but there are some things about how I came into power that you may not know. Merlin stood by me through everything, and because of that he has suffered. These scars are memories of what we had to go through to create this kingdom."

The group did not know how to respond. Eventually, curiosity caused Gwaine to ask "Why would anyone ever want to do that to Merlin? I mean, you're probably the nicest bloke I've ever met, and I have traveled quite a bit. Sorry to pry, but I might have a few new people to beat up if Arthur hasn't dealt with it already."

After glancing down at the sorcerer, who, although he still looked slightly pale, nodded encouragingly at the prince, Arthur began the story. Merlin jumped in a couple of times, but mostly remained silent as Arthur recounted their painful past. The rest of the group remained silent until the story was finished, Arthur telling how his father had spent his final breath condemning Merlin once more. The group sat quietly as Arthur stopped talking and Merlin moved to snuggle into his prince the best he could with his injured arm and planted a kiss on his check, causing Arthur to move his stare from the forest floor to the face of his love. Guinevere was huddled against Lancelot, tear tracks still visible across her beautiful face. The knights all watched the two lovers with a new-found respect. One by one they each took a knee, and made a vow. They had each already sworn to be loyal to Camelot and Arthur, but this time the turned towards Merlin. They promised to protect and serve the warlock who was king in everything but name. They swore allegiance to the couple who had suffered through so much. Merlin could only watch in stunned silence as all his closest friends pledged their loyalty to him. When he recovered from the shock he smiled at all of them and thanked them, promising to cherish their vows and to serve them in whatever ways he could.

As they rode back to the castle, the group knew that there was not one king in Camelot, but two, and that they would lead the kingdom into a new and brighter future.

LONG LIVE THE KINGS!