Arthur's POV

Tomorrow we go to war with Merlin's tyrannical Aunt, Agatha. While the others are ready for the fight ahead I can't help but be afraid. The fear of my power is deep set in my mind and although Merlin helped immensely it will take more than a few kind words to uproot it.

Speaking of Merlin, I see him bound onto the training ground looking for something. He eyes meets mine and he beckons me over. Sheathing my sword, I do just that.

"I was thinking I could train you in magic before tomorrow. Having two warlocks on our side may give us an advantage." I quirk my eyebrow slightly at that. Is being a warlock uncommon? How come there are only two?

"Warlocks aren't very common no. My sister was taught magic from a very early age, but she cannot do the things we can. For example moving objects without the aid of a spell." Did he just-

"Did you just read my mind?"

"Oh yeah I forgot. People with magic can access the minds of other magical creatures or humans. It is easier for me, I sometimes forget I am doing it." I nod my head, becoming more aware of my thoughts than I was before.

"So...where should we start?" Merlin looks off in thought and catches sight of the knights training in the background. His face lights up as an idea comes to mind.

"Defensive and offensive spells. You will probably need them tomorrow."

"Probably?" I say with  laugh. Merlin takes me to a cut of area of the training ground, hidden from view. Thankfully he agrees that we shouldn't tell anyone yet, so I will have to hide it for now.

"Right, I want you to hold out your hand like this and repeat after me," Merlin holds his hand out with his palm angled towards a training dummy. "Wáce ierlic!" The dummy flew back and hit the stone wall of the fortress.

With a shaky hand I copy Merlin. "Wáce ierlic." 

...

Nothing happens. I glance at Merlin who is smiling encouragingly. I take a breath and repeat the spell, this time with more conviction. "Wáce ierlic!" The dummy flies back with exceptional speed, bursting into splinters on impact.

"Yes! You did it!" Merlin cheered, basically jumping up and down with glee. "Ready for the next one?"

- le time skip to that night, still Arthur's POV -

I have learnt more about magic in one afternoon with Merlin than I have my entire life in Camelot. I nailed every spell after the second or third try, even able to do some instinctive magic on command. Knowing I can control it makes me able to relax. It no longer feels like I have a monster inside me waiting to claw its way out. More like a weapon ready to be wielded.

After supper we all retire to our rooms, much to my dislike. I would much rather have stayed with Merlin again, but I know that would be unwise. I can't distract him, he has a kingdom to regain.

I close the door with a bit to much force and throw myself onto my bed, not even bothering to get changed. I lay awake for ages, to lost in thought for sleep to consume me. That is until a small knock sounds at my door.

I spring up, probably a little too happy for the company and open the door. Merlin is standing sheepishly at the door, still dressed in the same clothes as earlier.

"Can't sleep?" I say looking him up and down.

"Nope." He says, popping the 'p'. "Can I come in?" I nod and move out the way allowing him to enter. He takes a seat at the table and I do the same, hoping my blush isn't evident. A small snicker from Merlin makes my heart rate quicken.

"Yes I can see you blushing." He directs this thought into my mind, something I have also managed to master.

"Stop reading my mind, idiot." I yell through the link, making Merlin wince slightly. Good. That'll teach him for invading my privacy.

"I only speak the truth. You look like a tomato." Merlin says with a giggle.

"Did you come here just to insult me or..?" I am too lazy to pick anything up, so I throw a goblet at him with my magic which he catches just as easily. He was now as red as I, but I decided not to snipe anymore. There was clearly something on his mind.

His mind. Should I do it? I mean he does it to me? He wouldn't mind if...

"Yes I would mind. I would rather I told you then you look into my mind and figure it out." His voice was smaller, less confident than before. It made me forget to be mad about the whole mind reading thing.

"Its okay, I wont. You can tell me whenever you're ready." I reach out and take Merlin's hand in my own, ignoring my heart that is about to beat out of my chest.

"I'm ready now, it's just...I don't want you to freak out."

"Merlin in the past week I have discovered you are a Prince, soon to be king, who was born of magic and can talk to dragons. whatever it is it can't top-"

"I love you."

Okay I have to be honest I wasn't ready for that,

Merlin looks as if he is about to burst into tears so I do the only rational thing that comes to mind. I lean forwards, cup Merlin's face in my hands and claim his lips. He doesn't wait a second to kiss me back.

So much for no distractions Arthur.