So this is my first ever fanfiction. I simply adore arthur/merlin bromance and banter. but that's not what I included here. One day this just came to me and I thought of writing it down. And it developed on its own accord. So what was I supposed to do except publish it :)

This is set somewhere in season 4 or maybe after, but Gwen's not queen yet.

Spoilers: None

Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own Merlin. So i satisfy myself by writing about it :D

that's it, so enjoy...

Facing the king

(present)

The sun was just peeping through the hills. Merlin always loved to watch the sunrise. The dawning of a fresh new day always excited him, but not today.

Merlin was sitting on his bed. It was just before dawn. Throughout the night he had tossed and turned in his bed unable to rest. His mind was in turmoil. A whirlwind of emotions rushed through his mind. Fear, sadness, despair, hope, confusion, anguish. But while the others flitted in and out of his mind, one emotion persisted on staying

lying at the depths of his mind,

steeling away his sleep.

It was fear.

He had wanted Arthur to know, to recognize him for who he was. He hated the lies, the deceit that was a part of his life. He always wanted to tell the truth. But now he was not so sure. After dreaming endlessly about all the possible outcomes of this confrontation, the time had finally dawned to face reality. And he was afraid.

Because it had all been unexpected.

(later that day)

The time had come. They knew it had to be done. They had to face him. They had to take responsibility for their actions.

None of them regretted what they had done and they never will. But as the guards summoned them, they were not ready for what awaited them.

They walked past the courtyard to reach the chamber, and just as they were about to enter another figure joined them. He looked tired and depressed as if he had been in the tavern all night. They understood. Together they entered.

They walked through the door and into the throne room. Silently they crossed the room and stood in front of their king.

He watched as the men assembled before him in a line. Making eye contact with each of them, his face set and suddenly

"On your knees" he ordered.

At his order they dropped wordlessly and without hesitation, their heads bowed and waited for him to speak.

A solitary figure stood near the wall watching the proceedings, hands bound behind his back. He watched as they assumed their position, some of the knights still in chainmail. Then directed his gaze back to the king.

Arthur surveyed the kneeling figures. His face deadly and betraying no other emotion towards those whom he considered friends, at least till now. His eyes rested for a moment on the young man just in front of him, he was breathing heavily and his hands were clenched into fists.

"Look at me" he ordered.

Four pairs of eyes looked directly at him.

"Lies" he shouted, stone cold anger seeping through his voice.

"All this time you knew the truth and lied to me."

He pointed to the man who was standing. ""This man is a traitor of Camelot he had deceived everyone for years and by harboring him you all have betrayed my trust."

The knights remained still, they were trained to be obedient no matter the cause, save for one man.

He was slightly trembling. He tried to get a hold of himself but failed. Arthur's words pierced his heart like a dagger, and in front of his king he lay bleeding. He could not believe the turn of events that had happened. He had been helpless as he watched the guards dragging his friend. And now he was helpless as Arthur accused the young man of being a traitor. He did not deserve this, no he did not.

Arthur turned to the most senior knight.

"Sir Leon, do you have anything to say?"

The knight stood up looked at his king

"We did not mean to lie to you sire, we did not mean to put Camelot in danger. We…"

Leon was at a loss for words. He wanted to explain to the king, that he did not consider the young man to be a threat to Camelot, that he would not harm anyone but he knew Arthur would not listen, not in this enraged state.

He looked once more at Arthur before dropping to his knees.

"We are sorry sire."

Indeed they were sorry. Sorry for deceiving their king, but not for protecting him. Never.

Arthur spoke once more.

"Out of all the nobles and knights, I have considered you to be my most trusted friends. You have sworn undying loyalty to me. You have stood by me in my time of need, when all hope had been lost you have helped me to save my kingdom. But now"

His voice rose.

"you are all guilty of treason. Out of all the rules in the knights' code you have broken the most valued and scared law. Trust is essential. If my father was at my position, you will be burned at the stake."

Arthur looked at the shocked faces in front of him, awaiting his decision. His face impassive, he continued.

"As you have been loyal to me in the past, it will not be so. But due to this breach of trust, I cannot consider all of you to be my friends. You are mere subjects to me, no more."

Arthur turned away his face rigid.

"Guards!" the king shouted.

"Take the sorcerer down to the dungeons."

The kneeling figure who had been shaking all along tried to stand up and defend his friend, but Elyan who was beside him made sure that he stayed in position. Defying their king at the moment was not wise.

Arthur noticed the movement in front of him "Anyone who tries to aid the sorcerer will be punished by death."

There was no hesitation in his voice.

So he watched as his friend was dragged away by the guards despising himself for not being able to help.

A/N

So that's it (for now). What do you think? What did I do wrong? And most importantly do you like it? So please review and tell me all your ideas. Constructive criticism accepted :) so review. Pretty please and I'll give you a virtual hug

- Xylie -