"We are here to celebrate the peace treatment that my son managed to get for us. Mercia and Camelot will live in peace! We shall rejoice in this feast. In our future lies hope. Hope for a better kingdom and freedom for us all.", Uther Pendragon was standing in the middle of the throne room. He had his goblet in his hand. Raised for a toast that would never come.
Arthur was standing next to him, clapping fiercely. The rest of the room was cheerful though. Only few figures acted quite bored or annoyed. Others looked very pleased, others worried.

Morgana was clapping too, but her eyes didn't look too happy.
Since Morgouse had died during the incident when the entire Castle was asleep – Morgana had been very distressed. No wonder there – she had almost died that day. Poisoned. Someone had poisoned her. Probably Morgouse. Arthur hoped it was Morgouse. If not – then there was a traitor among them. If there was – Arthur would do anything in his power to kill that person.

"To my son, Arthur – who made this feast possible.", Uther nodded in Arthur's direction.

.....

Arthur's shot up in his bed. Well, not his bed. His and Merlin's bed. He was breathing heavily. And sweating. His head turned to find his husband sleeping soundly.
How long it had taken for Merlin to settle down enough to sleep without nightmares. Arthur couldn't remember. It had been a bloody long time since he himself had a nightmare such as this.
Thank god it was only Arthur who had dreamed this.
His eyes shot back to the memory Jar, that stood on the shelf on the other side of the room – where Merlin collected his books about herbs. Should he write it down? Maybe not this time. He knew Merlin liked to read some of the scrolls. This – Arthur knew instantly – wasn't a memory Merlin should know about.

It had been a while since Arthur's head had hurt from such a heavy memory.
He could see the flower within the memory Jar glowing. That in itself was nothing new. But it was glowing brighter than before. The glow fading slowly.

'I am the prince.', Arthur realized with a start. 'Uther Pendragon was my father.'
It wasn't as surprising as it once would have been. After all – they had their suspicions already. What panicked Arthur was – that he now KNEW about it.

Two days, Freya had said. And truly – the sun had just begun to rise after those two days had passed. Arthur's calm life would be over now. He WAS the prince. He had the responsibility over Camelot. A destiny. And he had neglected it for three years.
Was it too late to pretend he hadn't seen it? Was it too late to pretend it was just a dream?

Arthur buried his face in his hands. "Fuck.", he muttered. Merlin stirred next to him. But he barely turned around. It was too early to wake up anyway.
But Arthur would never be able to sleep again. At least not this morning. Quietly he grabbed his shirt. He considered for a second. Then he reached for the Jar and took out the flower. The forgetmenot. Something about this flower was strange, Arthur decided. Not just for the first time. Freya had told him to keep the flower close. Morgana had told him to keep the flower as well. Katie had told him the flower was meant for him.
Then the strange glowing this morning. Maybe there really was something about this flower. Somehow it was connected to his memories.
Maybe he should get rid of it. Whatever it was – it was connected to his destiny at least. And Arthur had long decided not to follow that destiny, whatever it may cost. He should have gotten rid of this flower a long time ago. Because if his assumption was right – it might be what made Merlin remember things as well.
And Arthur really couldn't have that now.

He put the flower in his pocket and went down the magically crafted stairs.
He would go outside to wash himself at the lake – he decided.

'I can pretend I've never seen the memory.', he thought, thinking of Merlin. 'It'll be fine – as long as Merlin doesn't know.'
Because only if Merlin believes he is the prince – only then will hell break loose.
Arthur had messed up. He had broken his promise to Merlin. He had never meant to remember.
But it was too late now.

He reached the shore barefooted. He knelt down to wash his face and his arms. Only just to get rid of the cold sweat from the messed up dream he had.
A memory that he would rather call a nightmare – really. Sometimes not knowing was a blessing.
Arthur was all too much aware of that.

In the dim light, Arthur could barely see a silhouette approaching in the dark. And he cursed himself for not having his sword with him. The one he had stolen from that knight Gareth all those years ago.
Arthur would have loved to hide, but the shore was pretty free from plants and trees and rocks that could have provided him any shelter.

"Arthur?"
Arthur had already turned around, ready to run for the house, when he recognized that voice.
"Katie?", he wondered and only now did he see the bird that flew over to pick on his hair.
"Dave?" Okay, the dove wasn't that much of a surprise. He saw him every other week.
But Katie right behind him?

Now he saw her, jumping from the boat and swimming towards him. Arthur smiled. Thank god it was warm enough outside to swim in lakes. Without a second thought he jumped after her to reach her half way.
"HEY!", he exclaimed as he finally saw the familiar face that momentarily erased all his worries. Both their faces were grinning widely, as they raced each other to reach the shore.
The boat slowly followed and soon enough two more figures jumped from the boat.

"Arthur!", another familiar voice said and Arthur couldn't help but grin even brighter.
"Lancelot! It is so good to see you! How on earth did you guys find us?", he asked and hugged the protesting man that used to be his landlord.
Of course, Arthur was soaked wet with lake water. Lancelot was still dry. Naturally Lancelot would shy away from human contact now.

"That was all Dave!", Katie explained proudly, as the white dove returned to her shoulder. She pet him gently.

"That dove is really smart.", Arthur ruffled her short hair with the compliment.

"And where is my hug?", the other silhouette asked. Only now, Arthur saw the man's face. And stunned.

"Erm – hi.", he said. 'Who was that guy?', was his first thought. But he stretched out his hand politely anyway.
With a frown the man grabbed his wet hand and shook it.
"And here I thought you were a good man. Turns out, you're still a prattish prince.", the man shook away his frown and smiled, as he forced Arthur into a hug."

"It's good to see you again.", the man said with a smile. But Arthur blinked rapidly. 'Prattish Prince? How on earth does he -'
"I'm – I'm sorry. Do you know me?"

You know – under normal circumstances, when you experience memory loss – you wouldn't go around asking people who they are. As many movies make you believe.
You would think 'how do they know me?' and you would banter your head to find a face that maybe matched this person. You would try to find a name. If you don't find one – you would just nod and wait until the other person either introduces themselves and confirms that you – indeed – never met before.
Or until someone else says their name.
Then you slowly work on sneakily finding information so you can pretend you know who they are.
You get to know them first, before admitting that you have no idea who they are.
Because we are all human. Forgetting memories doesn't mean you forget your manners that are practically burned into your personality.
You're avoiding the question of 'who are you', because admitting that someone wasn't important enough for you to at least remember their name is impolite.
It hurts people's feelings.
You wouldn't do that.

Arthur, however, he has lost his memories for many many years now. And he's been living with that loss for just as long.
He knows that it's not only him who forgot other people's faces. They forgot everything about him as well.

So when Arthur meets a person who apparently knows him, remembers him even– naturally his first reaction is to ask 'how?'.

The man blinked. "Do I -". he turned his head. "Are you serious? You don't remember me? It's me – Gwaine! We met a couple years ago in a bar fight that you guys started!
You paid for my tavern bill! You were really mad!"

Arthur held his head at that. With each word, memories hit his head like a bulldozer. Not that Arthur knew what a bulldozer was.
He saw Gwaine's face in them. More often than not with a mug in his hand.
"Stop – please.", Arthur held his hand up and tried to catch his breath. "I need – a moment to remember."
Gwaine stopped, his face twisted with disbelieve. A bit taken aback with how rudely Arthur had cut him off just now.

"You really don't remember me?"

Arthur shook his head. "The real question is – how the hell do you remember ME?"

Gwaine's twisted frown softened. That didn't mean he wasn't any less confused.
"What do you mean?"

Arthur looked up at Lancelot who recognized the symptoms of Arthur's memory return. Arthur sat down in the sand beneath him, sighing heavily and ignoring how the sand clung to his wet trousers.
He also ignored that the dry shirt he had taken with him and now put on, immediately soaked up the water from his skin. Not to mention all the sand that now itched on his skin.

He held his head. "Nobody remembers me. Not even I do. Well -", he didn't end that last sentence. It probably wasn't a good idea to confess that he now knew who he was. He just figured it out a couple of minutes ago.
"What do you mean!", Gwaine sounded almost mad now. "You are Arthur Pendragon! The prince of Camelot! Of all people YOU should remember!"

Arthur hissed, as he remembered something else. A memory. A coronation.
Arthur's coronation as crown prince. "Shut the fuck up, Gwaine.", he hissed.
Gwaine was taken aback.
Lancelot blinked. That wasn't Arthur's usual reaction to learning news over who he was. Shouldn't Arthur be curious? Nervous maybe? He could probably question Gwaine – but shutting him up like that didn't really sound like Arthur at all.

Katie stepped up hesitantly. "You already knew that, didn't you?", she asked gently and pulled her hands up to use magic to heal his headache.
Gwaine's lip twitched, probably thinking she would make him forget again. But Arthur took another deep breath, relaxing his his pain was reduced to a minimum.

Wow – Merlin and him had been so stupid. Why hadn't THEY used magic to stop the pain?

Gwaine was speechless as Arthur thanked her.
"I just dreamed of the night when Uther was killed.", he admitted quietly. He knew it must have been that certain night. As with dreams – sometimes you just know things. Even if nothing indicated it. Sometimes you just knew.
"I just figured out who I am minutes before you arrived.", he added sadly. So – it truly was too late to take things back.

Arthur's head shot up in a warning. "Don't you dare tell Merlin though! He'll kill me, if he finds out!"

Gwaine blinked, then laughed in relief. "So you really are here with Merlin. Don't worry. He won't hurt a hair on your head. Not the Merlin I know."
Arthur flinched at that. His words really did sound far too ironic for people like Gwaine to understand.
"That is not what I meant.", Arthur tried to explain, but in that moment, another head perked up from the sea again.

"Freya?", he asked, slightly baffled to see her so early in the morning. And when he had company too.
Freya winked at him. "Arthur – it is time.", she said. "Now. You don't have any time left.", she said ominously and finally. For the first time since he first met her, she stepped out of the water.

Gwaine stepped back a bit. For whatever reason. Lancelot and Katie offered her some space, like she was royalty. To be fair, with that purple dress – she could be.
"Arthur. Your sister is in danger. It's time that you know who you are. And what brought you here."

Arthur frowned. "I just figured it out. Can't you give me some time to process?"
"No. You didn't.", she said and shook her head.
"All of you – follow me.", she said and waved at them.

Lancelot and Katie just shrugged irritated. Gwaine was completely overwhelmed and Arthur was pretty sure, he as well needed some time to process all this.
"Shouldn't we call for Merlin? He should know too, don't you think?", he asked exasperated. Arthur stood up and pat him on the shoulder. "No. It's better if he doesn't."
Freya turned around again, as Gwaine looked at Arthur betrayed.
"He is right, you know? It would be dangerous if Emrys finds out about Arthur right away. We would all be in danger."

Gwaine bridged his nose with his hand. "SO alright! Can someone please explain to me what Merlin knowing about Arthur has to do with Emrys?!"
Arthur shot a glance at Lancelot. "You didn't tell him?"
Lancelot shrugged. Gwaine was confused again. "Gwaine.", Arthur started and tried to tell him as calm as possible. "Merlin IS Emrys. They are the same person."

Gwaine froze.

Arthur let go off him and decided to finally follow his destiny. There was a lot to discuss on their way to the mysterious place that would make Arthur remember.
He still didn't want to know. But Arthur could no longer deny his destiny. He could no longer pretend Merlin and him could live in their happy little bubble forever.

Not when Gwaine remembered him. Not when Lancelot and Katie were here. No. Freya was right. Their time was over. Arthur felt defeated in his knowledge.

--------------------------------------------------

Merlin awoke alone. He rubbed his eyes. It was unusual for Arthur to stand up before him. But it wasn't like it had never happened. Sometimes Arthur just couldn't sleep. So Merlin didn't think much of it, when he put his clothes on, went down the stairs and sat down on the chair down in the kitchen area.

The bread was fresh from yesterday evening. And barely covered with dry cloth so the softness wouldn't get lost from it.
He looked out the window, wondering if Arthur would soon come in, so they could eat together. But he wasn't there. Not at the shore, not in their garden. Maybe he remembered something they had forgotten to buy?
Maybe he was visiting a friend? Who knows. Merlin sighed. He had told Arthur multiple time to inform him when he left. Merlin didn't like worrying about him all day.

There was a knock on the door.
Merlin smiled. Maybe Arthur was back already? He went for the wooden door, unaware of the dark mare that shouldn't have been there at the front of his house.
He opened the door, a smile and an insult ready on the tip of his tongue.

But the man in front of his door was not Arthur.
Merlin blinked as realization hit him. His smile fell instantly.
"Let me in.", Agravaine ordered, before Merlin could magically close the door shut. Merlin's eyes turned red. This was an order. He couldn't refuse.

"We need to talk.", Agravaine said. Merlin had no choice but to let him in. The door shut close behind them.

-------------------------------

"You've brought me to a rock.", Arthur deadpanned, as soon as they had arrived at the spot Freya claimed to be his destiny.

Gwaine – who had just learned of quite a few things that had happened without his knowledge finally released a breath of relief. Finally something HE knew, that the rest didn't.
"This is Excalibur.", he said with a proud grin.

Freya smiled in his general direction.

"Yes. It is.", she confirmed. And at the confused expression of Arthur, Lancelot and Katie, she began to explain.

"Years ago. The very year Merlin first came to Camelot, a knight was resurrected from the dead."
Collectively, all their eyebrows shot up in surprise. What the actual fuck did that have to do with the bloody sword?

"He dared anyone who was honorable enough, to fight him in a knights duel."

"To the death.", Arthur whispered and felt another headache coming up.

Freya nodded, but continued. "But no mortal weapon can kill the undead.", she said and walked around the sword that was stuck deep, deep into the rock.
"Merlin learned that only a magical weapon could kill the undead. So he went to find the dragon beneath the Castle and let him enchant the sword. Excalibur holds much power. More than you could ever imagine. And it was forged in a dragon's breath. Just for Arthur."

The stunned silence that followed was given by Freya, so they had time to take this in. Arthur felt strange. That information did not sound like it would ring a memory.
"He kept that secret from me, didn't he?", he asked tiredly.

Freya nodded sadly. "He had to. Uther Pendragon took the sword and fought your fight for him.", she continued and Arthur kept quiet to keep listening.
"However, this sword in Uther's hand promised evil. So Merlin had to promise to get rid of it. The sword cannot be destroyed, so Merlin through it in the lake. I took care of it for many years until an immortal army arrived in Camelot and the sword was needed again.
Merlin used it himself and after the immortal army was defeated, he sealed it into this rock.
With a magical seal."

Arthur nodded, but Gwaine looked still lost and confused and heavily impressed.

"Only the once and future king shall be able to pull it from the stone. The man who was king once and will be king again. Who will be reborn into this world again and again to protect it from evil.
The man who Emrys is destined to protect. He will live hundreds of lifetimes to keep serving him. Until this world will cease to exist."

Arthur felt – numb. After hearing this.
Merlin was destined to – Did Merlin know? He asked himself. Was that why Merlin had decided to live with him? Did he KNOW?
Wait no. Arthur shook his head. That wasn't fair. Merlin didn't remember his destiny, he didn't...

Arthur blinked. Why was he so quick to assume that he was that king? Just because he was a prince? Just because Freya seemed to make everything about him?
Was Arthur really that arrogant that he just decided he was -
Maybe it was Gwaine? Maybe Lancelot? They were all three here.

"Arthur. You are the once and future king.", Freya said and Arthur – who had just desperately hoped he could put this destiny on to Gwaine or Lance, froze in his thoughts.
"This sword is yours."

Arthur closed his eyes. "How many times do I have to tell you, Freya. I don't want to leave Merlin. I don't want to know what you weird magical beings expect from me! I JUST want this life! I don't want to know who I was or who I'm supposedly going to be!
Can't you just – for once in your goddamn life, choose someone else for your stupid destiny?"

Freya sighed as Arthur already turned around to leave. Why couldn't people just leave him alone? He was married, he was happy with being a farmer. He was happy damnit! If he was a king – what would that entail?
Would he have to shut Merlin out? Would he have to get married to some rich woman – because finally THAT memory of two years ago made sense!

Arthur was hit with that same memory again.
"I think you're mad. I think you're all mad! People should marry for love! Not convenience and if Uther thinks an unhappy king makes for a better kingdom, than he is wrong! Because you might be destined to rule Camelot. But you have a choice, as to how you do it."
Arthur cursed his brain, as he sank down onto his knees. 'Is NOT ruling at all really not an option?', he asked memory Merlin. He wanted to cry, really.
This was all so much in such little time.

Lancelot rushed to his side, trying to help him up, while Gwaine just stared in utter confusion.
"Arthur. What did you remember?"

Arthur bit his tongue. 'That even Merlin believes I have to be that king.', he thought and fought of the burning sensation behind his eyelids.

"Nobody said this was going to be easy, Arthur. But you need to remember who you were so you can be the person you were always destined to become.", Freya said softly.
'You only say that because you know I would choose this life – I would choose Merlin over every kingdom that could ever be mine.', Arthur responded madly in his head.

He stood up, defeated once more. He couldn't fight destiny. Memory Merlin believed in him. If Merlin had his memories, he would urge him to do this.
"Fine.", he whispered again. More to himself than anyone else. He walked forwards to grab the handle of the sword. Only – because memory Merlin believed in him.

He didn't pull immediately. He wouldn't try hard, he wouldn't urge to get it out. Maybe if he pretended it didn't work, he could still escape this. But the sword reacted to his touch and began to glow. A familiar sensation. Merlin's magic – as the seal was broken and Arthur pulled out the legendary sword. Golden runes carved into it.
'Draw me close – cast me away.'

And then Arthur felt the flower burn in his pocket. His eyes went wide. As his mind drifted into memory lane once more.

.....................

Arthur saw it all. Saw his father raising him. Saw the many sorcerers who had betrayed him and his father. Who cursed the castle. He saw sorcerers burned. He remembered everything.
He remembered his love for the knighthood. His pride as their leader. The pride as the crown prince of Camelot.
He remembered his hatred for magic. For magical creatures.
He remembered Merlin. Merlin – his servant. The useless idiot who drank too much at the tavern. Who challenged him.

Arthur hadn't been in love with him. He remembered Guinevere. He had been in love with HER.

He remembered Tom and how he died. He remembered Morgouse, he remembered the immortal knight.
And he realized that Merlin had never – Merlin had always lied to him.
Arthur felt the rage in him welling up. Along with so much pain. So much hurt, betrayal. Regret.
He felt so much at once, it was hard for him to focus on anything else.

He was in the throne room again. The night Uther died.
Uther was bringing out a toast – when suddenly someone ran into the throne room. Yelling "STOP!"
Arthur grabbed his goblet tightly. Life was so repetitive sometimes.

"The chalice -", Merlin heaved. "Is enchanted! You can't drink it, it will kill you!"
He looked at Arthur, a desperate tone in his voice. But Uther was enraged. Like he had been last time. Though Arthur was very much inclined to believe him.

"On what grounds do you make such accusations!", Uther growled and Merlin took a deep breath.
"It is Agravaine, Sire! He is planning to take over the throne!"

"That's enough, Merlin." Arthur shook his head. This was against Agravaine? His own uncle? Against Arthur's FAMILY? I'm sorry, Merlin.', he thought, a bit relieved actually that he knew it was just Merlin's strange antics again. 'But I trust my family.'

"Arthur, listen, please!", Merlin asked desperately. And that something in his voice was enough to make Arthur – consider.
"You have no place to say such nonsense!"

"Oh really.", Merlin straightened his back. "I have proof that he conspired with Morgouse against you."
The room – already quiet before, but muffled with confused whispers – now was completely still.

"Proof?", Agravaine was on the other side of the room.
"Against me? Don't be ridiculous. He is a servant. He just likes the attention."

"I know where Mordred is.", Merlin said and his eyes were fixed on Agravaine who looked like he was going to murder someone soon.
"And I will not let you use him to murder Arthur."

Arthur felt lost. 'Mordred? The druid boy?', he wondered in utter confusion. 'He's not even here. How was he supposed to -', Arthur looked back at the goblet he had just abandoned on his desk.
Agravaine eyes the chalice, then Arthur. Arthur's eyes widened. Was Agravaine really trying to ....

His uncle seemed to make a quick decision, as he ran towards Merlin and captured him in a headlock. Suddenly a dagger was in the man's hand and Merlin yelped in surprise.

Arthur – who had been doubting his uncle for only a second, now realized with full blown horror the betrayal the man was committing. He was using magic against his own family. Against Camelot.
Uther's glare was furious. "Agravaine – explain this!", he demanded, but Agravaine knew, with Merlin in his grasp, neither the knights nor Arthur himself could do anything to him.
Agravaine held Merlin close. The servant was unable to move.

"Arthur Pendragon!", Agravaine started and shoved Merlin and him forward. Ignoring the lances that were now directed at him by the guards.
"Drink the wine, or else I will have the head of your servant."
Uther laughed, not knowing how much everyone else in this room valued Merlin's loyalty. His insight. His very person.
The only man left Arthur would trust with his life. A man worth to fight at his side. A fight against magic and treason.

Arthur was about to grab for the chalice, but Merlin whined beneath the grasp he was captured in. "Don't.", he said.
"Merlin, you will die.", Arthur said, eyes blown as he saw how deeply Merlin feared. But not for his own life. For Arthur's.
Uther was getting enraged now. "Arthur, don't you dare touch that chalice.", he demanded, but didn't move a muscle.
Was he really ready to let Merlin die for Arthur? Just because he was a servant?

Merlin had drunken poison for Arthur once before. Arthur knew he had yet to repay him. Yes, he had – in fact – drunken poison for him with the whole unicorn incident. But that was, because he knew it was a test. Because he knew Camelot would only ever be safe if Arthur drank it. Not when Merlin did. In a very depressing way – that last test had been the easiest of them all.

Merlin met eyes with Arthur, than looked at the chalice. Then he punched Agravaine. Not enough to get out of his grasp – just enough to distract him and stop him from using the dagger at his throat.
Merlin grabbed for the chalice, before Arthur could stop him.
And in a moment of utter terror, not only on Arthur's side, but also Agravaine's, Merlin downed the entire liquid.
'You could have just emptied it. You could have just poured it onto the floor, why on earth would you drink it?', Arthur pleaded with destiny.
He couldn't do the whole morteus flower incident again.
Merlin choked slightly, as Agravaine actually released him. If in disgust or anger, who knew.

Merlin looked at Arthur, then at Agravaine in confusion, then fear. "That wasn't poison.", he whispered, and for a second Arthur felt actually relieved.
"What did you do to me?", Merlin asked at Agravaine who was steaming with hatred.

"This wasn't meant for you, you foolish child.", Agravaine knocked him on the head with his dagger. A lesser man would have been knocked out. But Merlin just shrunk in his position. Knowing something was definitely wrong.
"Arthur finally was sensible enough to reach for his sword."

Agravaine took a deep breath and turned around. Obviously considering how to escape the guards now – that all their intention was on him.
"You know what? I will leave now.", he said, a sickening grin on his face. "How about that, huh?"

Arthur was going to murder him. But what had he done to Merlin?
Merlin seemed to be thinking the same, as he put himself between Arthur and Agravaine, to stop any further attack. Arthur felt his heart sank at such a portray of devotion.

"You should all focus more on Merlin. He is going to kill the king.", Agravaine said.
"Yeah sure, like anyone would believe that.", Arthur said.
Agravaine shook his head. "You're right. Right.", he said. "Obviously the knights will stop him. But he will try."
They stared at him. Waiting for something to happen. And maybe that was their biggest mistake.

"Agravaine – you are hereby sentenced with treason -", Uther began, but Agravaine stopped him.
"Merlin, kill the king. And make it as fast as you can."

The world slowed down as Merlin's eyes turned red as he turned around. Arthur knew in an instant that something was seriously off. Something was seriously wrong. Because Merlin didn't act on his own accord. But on Agravaine's order. Merlin seemed to realize too, that he couldn't stop himself.
But nobody in this entire room - not even Agravaine himself – was prepared for how well Agravaine's plan had turned out.

Merlin raised his hand. Only his hand. He wasn't charging at Uther, like anyone would have expected. Nobody had the time to react at all, really.
There was an audible snap in the air, as Merlin's eyes glowed golden. Arthur felt his heart break, before he heard his father sank to the floor.
In an instant reaction, Arthur turned around to see his father. Lifeless. Dead.
Merlin had killed his father.
With magic.

The room was silent. Everyone shocked. Merlin, more than anyone else. But Arthur had only time for one single thought. "Monster.", he mouthed and Merlin's eyes widened like Arthur had personally sentenced him to death.

Agravaine choked for a second, disbelieve in his features, before he let out a triumphant laugh.
"You have magic." He sounded so excited. But didn't that make things even worse?
Because he was right. They had all seen it. Merlin had magic.
Merlin had betrayed them too.

"Oh, If I had known.", Agravaine looked far too pleased with himself. "You know what. Now that we're at it. Merlin, how about you kill Arthur too?", he said and Arthur fell back into his seat, as Merlin's eyes turned red again.
"No. No. NO!", he could hear him scream, but Arthur was too enraptured in his own betrayal. His hatred in magic, his fear from his best friend. 'Traitor. Murderer. Monster.', Arthur's head repeated.
Because what else could Merlin be, if all it needed was the raise of his hand to kill a man?
Arthur didn't even have time to grief, as he shielded himself uselessly with his hands.

He could hear Agravaine shout.
"KILL HIM! MERLIN! ERASE HIM FROM EXISTENCE!" The last thing Arthur saw was Merlin's eyes – the white of them now red – the iris golden and his hand – raised at Arthur's head.
Tears flooding from his eyes.