Chapter 4: Arthur's POV

"MERLIN!!!" I screamed, stomping down the hallway in search of my manservant. That lazy fool not only was absent during the round table meeting discussing the letter yesterday but now no one can seem to find hide nor hare of him. I swear, if he is in the tavern again he is going to think the stocks a holiday by the time I'm through with him. I was just rounding a corner when the idiotic boy in question collides into my chest. Causing him to fall flat on his back. Crossing my arms and glaring down at him, i raised an eyebrow waiting for his explanation of why he didn't show up to wake me this morning. Thats when i noticed the book he was carrying beside him. Merlin noticing my gaze scrambles to hide it but before he can i bend down and scoop it up. Glancing at the title.

"THE IDENTITY VOW."

"So i see your not completely useless after all. Reading up on what that demon said?"

"I believe he prefers to be called Rumplestilskin." Merlin corrected before slapping a hand over his mouth and staring up at me fearfully with a spark of hope in his eyes. Confused by his reaction i merely rolled my eyes as i handed him back his book.

"I presume Giaus told you that." I huffed once more confused by the look of disappointment replacing his fearful hope.

"Anyway. Stop lazying about. We only have 3 days to fiqure out who this de..., oh alright stop looking at me like that, Rumplestilskin is. My guess is he is hiding among my knights. Giaus said he was close to me so maybe he is even one of the round table knights." I thoughtfully stated ignoring merlins quiet disbelieving groans.

"Or maybe its someone on my council. Agravain maybe?"

"Arthur i really don't think..." waving my hand for silence I rolled my eyes at him not intrested in his useless theories.

"Oh shut up will you. I think i know better how to find him than you merlin. So just keep quiet will you. Now lets go talk to my uncle. He has been acting quite shifty for a while now. I bet you 20 gold pieces that its him." I proclaimed loudly. Confidently stomping down the hallway to Agravains chambers. I could hear Merlin grumbling behind me as he followed. Just wait till he realizes i was right than he won't be grumbling.

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Later That Night. Just After Sunset.

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"Greetings my king. Are you ready to guess my identity?" The demon inquired as he appeared at one end of the round table. Leaning back in his chair, his legs crossed and propped up on the table. His arms behind his cloaked head.

"Of course. After today this silly unbreakable vow will be no more. As i am certain one of these names on this list is you." I confidently stated smirking as i unrolled a long list of names Merlin and I had compiled. Speaking of merlin where did that idiot disappear to this time. He is so going in the stocks tomorrow morning.

"Well than lets hear it. Who am I?" Smirking I quickly scan over the names in my hand before gazing back up at him.

"Are you Sir kay?"

"No."

"Sir Bedivere?"

"Try again."

"How about Agravain? Are you my uncle?" He laughed at this. My heart sped up assuming that laugh means i am right.

"I knew it. It is you uncle. I told merlin it would be. I am so having him muck out the stables now." I crowed triumphantly. Only for my smile to fall as he burst into another peal of laughter. Finally after a moment Rumplestilskin gets himself in check again and shakes his head.

"Sorry sire but i am not Agravain. Looks like you owe your manservant 20 gold pieces." He chuckles pulling his feet off the table, and instead resting his elbows on the wood, as he clasped his hands in front of his face.

"How did you know about that bet. Only merlin knows about that? Are you Giaus prehaps?" I asked suspiciously.

"Oh come now Sire. Giaus is sitting right beside you." He huffed laughing at my embrassment as my cheeks turned a brillant red. Giaus and the other knights were also chuckling around me. Enjoying my discomfort.

"As for your first question. There is not much in this castle that i do not know. As my postion often allows me to slip between the cracks unseen, and unnoticed. Do you have any more guesses tonight your highness or will that be all for now?" He polietly enquired a smile in his voice. Looking down at my list I shook my head realizing from his last comment that no one on here could possibly be him. As they all held such high postions in court that there was no way they could sneak around the castle and not be noticed.

"Very well than. I will return tomorrow night. Remember you only have 2 nights left to save your life. Use that time wisely as it would destroy me to have to kill my brother in all but blood." With that Rumplestilskin vanished once more. Leaving me to ponder his words, and the quiet hints he gave to his identity.

"So what next princess?" Gwain tiredly asked hiding a yawn behind his closed fist. Looking around at all their expectant faces I made my decision. If its someone who can get around easily without being noticed than i know exactly where to look.

"Next Gwain, you and leon are going to find my manservant and place him in the stocks for no doubt lazing about instead of being here by my side. Than we are going to question every servant in this castle. Except merlin of course. There's no way that clumsy buffoon could be this demon. Understood? Good dismissed." Watching them all file out I tiredly leaned back in my chair. Willing away the slowly forming migrane as I rubbed my temples. I couldn't help the short spike of anger and slight feeling of betrayal swirling around my heart as I thought about Merlin. I thought he was my friend. Apparently not as he much rather spend his time doing who knows what rather than be here with me during what could be possibly my last few days alive. Getting up from my chair i sorrowfully made my way to the town square. Determined to be the first in line to throw the biggest piece of rotton fruit imaginable at my supposed friend.