Chapter Text
"I need your help."
Arthur didn’t knock as he entered the room nor did he feel he should given how often people just barged into his chambers without any warning. Still, he was tempted to go back out and redo his entrance with how Hunith pursed her lips as she lowered her book.
"My king." She greeted and perhaps her super senses felt something was off because the irritation almost immediately melted away as her eyes flicked him up and down. “Come sit." She instructed, putting the book down to pat the seat across from her next to the window. "Is everything alright?"
"I need you to stop Merlin,” Arthur said, throwing himself into the empty seat as he let the full weight of his exhaustion hit him at once. "He wants to spy on Morgana using some magical disguise. I don’t like it. I told him that too and he just...” Arthur trailed off and waved his hands around to insinuate all the utter nonsense Merlin had indeed responded with. Hunith frowned.
"I can’t say there’s much I can do. He’s an adult who can make his own decisions." She shrugged and Arthur made a face. Surely, she could scare him into not doing it, right? Perhaps Hunith read his mind because she leaned forward to pat his knee.
"Did I ever tell you about how I met Balinor?" She asked. Arthur hesitantly shook his head. He didn’t dare ask much after her dead love considering how much pain it would bring both her and Merlin. Still, Hunith seemed nonplussed by his name so he figured it must not be too heart wrenching for her to speak of him. "Well,” She began and smoothed out her dress “I was butchering a hog out back when all of a sudden this man comes from nowhere asking if he could hide with the pigs. Now, I don’t know this man or what he’s done but I figure if he approaches a woman covered in blood and asks to hide with her livestock then he must be pretty desperate so I said yes." She shrugged. Arthur wasn’t sure he agreed completely with that sentiment but nodded anyways.
"Well, a bit of time later some knights from Camelot came through asking if I had seen anything. I said no and most went along their way but one of them kept bothering me." Hunith scowled, brows wrinkling a bit in memory. "Eventually he made some crude comment and Balinor jumped up from the pigsty to start yelling and what not. I had to knock him out with a pan." She said as she tapped the book next to her thoughtfully.
Arthur blinked.
"Um...The knight or Balinor?" He asked, just to clarify because there was really no telling with her sometimes.
"The knight. It was a mess." She sighed and put a hand over her chest as if the whole ordeal was sweet in some way. "When he woke up I had to convince him he had been in a coma for years and was actually another farmer in Ealdor. Luckily, everyone helped me. Balinor was even the one who named him Old Man Simmons.” She beamed. Arthur choked.
“Wait. The guy who Merlin almost crushed with a tree as a kid was...?"
“Yes, but that wasn’t the point.” Hunith said with a wave of her hand. Arthur frowned.
“What was the point?"
“That sometimes we fall in love with fools and end up having to fix things ourselves." She shrugged and Arthur considered. Alright, he could get behind that... Though he wasn't sure it was the best solution for his particular situation.
"But I can’t exactly fix Merlin getting himself killed,” He pointed out and chewed at his lower lip. "It...Kind of bothers me. He never really listened before but that was when he was a servant and it was over stupid stuff. I could just say he was insolent and deal with the fact my socks weren’t folded right." He mused. Hunith nodded.
“And now...?"
“Now it’s like he thinks he knows best. What I say regarding his wellbeing doesn’t seem to matter much, but God himself should listen if he has an opinion on my safety.” He said. With a slight shake of his head, he rapped his fingers on the table, letting his full irritation on the matter shine through. "I thought he might at least respect my opinion on things." He added. Hunith leaned back in her chair, putting a finger to her lips in thought.
"That is an issue," She agreed slowly “It makes sense that Merlin might be...More independent given that for most of his time here he has had to work in some underhanded ways to get things done. But that isn’t an excuse to exclude you."
“So you’ll tell him to knock it off?” Arthur asked, allowing a bit of hope to creep into his voice. Hunith scoffed.
“You need to tell him. At some point you both need to work as a team and that can’t happen if I go around mitigating everything." She shrugged. Ugh. Worth a shot. He didn’t particularly want to go around spilling his thoughts like a freaking gir - er. He paused in that thought, a little convinced that Hunith could read minds. Child. Like a freaking a child.
“Talk to him? That’s your advice?” He asked, a little disappointed. Hunith’s brows rose.
“I have another anecdote that could help." She shrugged. Arthur nodded. Good, good. He needed options. "Well, my parents once engaged me to this man in Wessex. He was a physician there and they thought it would be lovely to marry me off to him and have Gaius learn to be his apprentice. I wasn’t sure about the match but because I’m a reasonable person, I agreed to go along and meet him.” She said and Arthur blinked. He wondered, once again, what exactly her family’s status had been growing up. They didn’t seem to necessarily be nobles but he got the feeling they weren’t exactly peasants either. He should ask Gaius later.
“Well, I’m guessing you didn’t marry him.”
“Oh, no. He was awful. Always interrupting me and refusing to listen. At one point he actually hushed me before saying if I didn’t learn my place he would put me there.” She added, nose wrinkling in clear dismay at the memory. Arthur felt a surge of anger on her behalf. "Gaius told me to either speak with my parents or him on the matter. I tried, but neither were particularly accommodating so I knew I had to find a new solution."
“What was it?”
“I poisoned him.” She said simply and reached beside her to grab some needles and fabric next to her book. Arthur choked.
"What?”
"If he wasn’t going to bother listening to me then I really had no use for him. And if I couldn’t get my parents to break off the engagement then that was the only way to get things done." She said and simply shrugged before setting to work sewing something.
"Are...You suggesting to kill Merlin?” Arthur managed, a little panicked this had gone in this direction. Besides, Merlin wasn't that bad... Hunith clicked her tongue.
“Well, if having a conversation is simply too difficult then I thought I could provide an alternative.” She told him and went back to sewing. Arthur swallowed.
“Right. Okay. Um, I’m going to...Talk to him." He said and got up. Hunith beamed.
"Good luck!"
Next time Merlin said his mother was out to kill him Arthur would take him a bit more seriously.
One would think since Arthur had given Hunith a pretty luxurious room filled with pretty things and nice dresses that she might be around more often. However, it turned out a Hunith with money was harder to find than a Hunith without money. This was mainly due to the fact that Arthur had unwittingly given her the funds to do whatever she wanted.
With this in mind, there appeared to be a vast double standard going on because when Hunith disappeared for a week to do whatever she was ‘a free spirit’ or ‘busy’ but whenever Arthur decided to do it he was ‘not allowed to’ and ‘abandoning his duties’.
“...it’s different when you’re the king, Arthur. We can’t just be without a ruler for - Oh, thank God." Merlin muttered when his mother walked in. Arthur sat up straight.
"And just where have you been?" He demanded as Hunith shrugged off her cloak with a bewildered expression. "Wessex? Mercia? Somewhere else amazing?" He asked, not bothering to hide the bitterness in his voice. Merlin sighed.
"Nemeth." She answered and Arthur threw up his hands. "What’s this about then?" Hunith asked and Merlin pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"Arthur is mad that you get to come and go as you please and he cannot. Which, you can, Arthur. Just to be clear. You’re the king. You just need to tell somebody.” He added with what probably should have been a reassuring smile. It did not feel reassuring. Why was Arthur even bothering with this? Merlin wasn't the king. He couldn't tell him what to do.
“That does take some of the fun out of it.” Hunith mused and Arthur pointed to her. There. She understood. Because Hunith was awesome and Merlin apparently didn’t love him anymore. “Oh, don’t look at me like that.” She added to her son as she sat down.
"When I was younger you would have never run off and left me alone without saying anything." Merlin pointed out. Slowly, Hunith nodded. "So Arthur can’t do so without telling the kingdom." He explained. Arthur made a face. If he told people he was leaving they would try to stop him with ridiculous requests and meetings and nonsense that he was leaving to avoid in the first place.
"Just appoint a regent.” She suggested and Arthur turned to look at Merlin.
“Wow. What a great idea. If only I knew someone who would be able to do that for me."
"I’m not going to be regent, Arthur. People won't like a sorcerer regent right now and we’re not even married. Plus, I have no qualifications-“
“Will you do it?” Arthur interrupted him to look at Hunith. Merlin immediately froze. His eyes flickered between the two warily before nervously shaking his head. Hunith pursed her lips.
"How does it work?"
“It’s like looking after Merlin, but not as hard.”
“What? That’s not true.” Merlin frowned, but Arthur only nodded. "Besides, you would still have to tell her when you’re leaving. I don’t understand why -"
"How often would I be doing this?"
"Mother. Please. Are you really-“
"Once a month for maybe a week at a time.” Arthur reasoned. He didn’t ask for much. Just a small vacation from the horrific quandaries of ruling. "Please?" He added, just to show he meant business. Hunith was always more accommodating when good manners were involved. He waited as she gave a long suffering sigh.
“I suppose I can, but don’t you dare make it so that I’m stuck with all your work for that week. I expect you to still do you duties as if I won’t be taking over from time to time.”
“I’m so stressed.” Merlin announced “Is this a joke? Are you both messing with me?"
“I promise it’s not as hard as dealing with a secret magic child who talks too much.” Arthur reassured her and Merlin threw up his hands.
Hunith looked at him.
“He does have a point, love." She told him and Merlin spluttered for a few moments before eventually just raising his hands in surrender and leaving the room. Hunith watched him go with the most unapologetic nod of her head that Arthur had ever seen before turning back to Arthur with curious eyes. "So I just have to keep everyone alive and well until you return?” She asked and Arthur shrugged. It might seem strange to trust a random woman as regent, but quite frankly given Hunith’s way of looking at life he didn’t see much reason why she couldn’t. “Hm..." She mused and picked up a knife to start whittling away at a piece of wood. “I’m going to ban Gwaine from the tavern. All that drinking isn't good for him."
"You’re going to be great at this.”
"I don’t understand.” Arthur said and turned to Merlin “I don’t understand - do you understand?” He asked and Merlin only smiled. “Explain." He tried instead.
"It’s pretty self-explanatory, Arthur.” Merlin mused as he slid next to him. Arthur didn’t think that was the case at all so he simply looked at him until the other man relented in his unnerving attempt at silence. "She’s making a sword. It isn’t a big deal-"
“How has she already spent all the money I’ve given her?" Arthur asked, horrified “She wasn’t supposed to have to work anymore! Did she spend it on you? Why did you let her do that?” He asked, gesturing to where Elyan was lounging on the ground to give Hunith idle critiques on her work. Arthur scowled. There was no need for him to mock her.
"What? Arthur, she isn’t doing this out of necessity. She’s just bored.” Merlin snorted with a small shake of his head "She’s always liked to learn new things. Even when I was a kid we would sometimes go to the city to find something to do if the crops weren’t giving us enough work." He shrugged, sticking his hands in his pockets. Arthur frowned.
“I could have hired her tutors.”
"As much fun as I find you fussing over my mother, I don’t think she would appreciate it too much.” Merlin mused and tugged at his hand. “Just let her make the swords in peace. She’s having fun." He said and Arthur grumbled a bit as he allowed himself to be dragged away with a suspicious glance over his shoulder.
It was about a week later that Hunith had taken the sword she had made and asked quite bluntly if he would teach her how to use it.
“Why?” He asked, a little mystified. “Merlin’s magic would keep you safe from any attack. I would defend you - and Gwaine would probably die for you.” He added offhandedly and if summoned by God himself, Gwaine’s head popped into the armory.
“You wouldn’t even need to ask.” He told her and Hunith pointed a finger at him.
“Go eat something. And bring Leon with you. He’s been on patrol for far too long.” She said and Gwaine saluted her before disappearing out the door again. Hunith turned back to Arthur. “Yes, I know and it’s all very sweet.” She smiled “But I don’t wish to be completely reliant on you...And punching can only get you so far." She frowned, looking at her hand as if it betrayed her somehow. Arthur hesitated. He had trained Hunith briefly back when they first met in Ealdor once before...But that was different than full on lessons. “Oh, and Gwen said she’d like to join too.”
Of fucking course she would. Hunith was a terrible influence on her. Arthur caught the pair of them in the castle many times doing a multitude of activities from simply sewing to telling off visiting nobles (it was a little hard to explain why these two women were allowed to speak in such a manner but he did his best).
Not to mention book club. God, Arthur hated book club. Gwen and Hunith would drag his knights to a room solely to discuss books and then assign readings. It was bewildering but nobody knew how to stop them exactly... And Leon was actually quite a fan book club so he often aided in this particular venture by telling them he had impromptu drills for them to run only to lead everyone into that hellish literary trap.
All of this to say... It looked like he was teaching Gwen and Hunith sword fighting.
"Very well... if you could get Merlin to come as well that would be nice." He told her, “I wish he would learn not to rely so much on his magic."
“Oh?" Hunith asked and nodded “I see...Perhaps you should learn magic too. So you don’t rely so much on your blade.”
Arthur remembered the days he would get upset over people constantly telling him what he wanted to hear...It appeared some ill-humored god had sent a reckoning in the form of Hunith to correct the matter.
"You seem upset with me."
Arthur wasn’t sure why he said it. Addressing the elephant in the room meant he would get a reaction and God...He did not want a reaction. Hunith might be a small woman with limited influence in the grand scheme of things, but her will was only matched by that of Merlin’s.
Which was why he was so concerned when she only glanced up at him before going back to mashing some sort of beetle into a bowl.
"I’m not upset."
Oh. That was good. Maybe? The words were said stiffly - as if she was lying. Only he was pretty sure she didn’t lie...Then again, he once thought Merlin didn’t lie either so he was really at a loss here.
"You...Really?” He backtracked and sat down in the stool in front of Gaius’ bench. "I thought you might disagree.” He said carefully and Hunith paused to look at him before sighing.
“I do disagree, but it is still your kingdom. I can’t tell you how to run it." She said simply and the answer was so infuriatingly similar to Merlin’s vague answer that Arthur had half of a mind to throw them both in the dungeons for it.
But he didn’t. Instead he took a long breath and folded his hands in front of him.
"May I ask why you disagree?"
There was a sharp note in his tone that was too sarcastic, he knew. Almost, but not quite, condescending. He felt a little bad about it, but it got Hunith’s attention at least.
"If you had wanted my - or anyone else’s - opinion on the matter you would have asked before you passed judgement. Not after. So don’t start feeling sorry for yourself because people don’t agree with you." She said sharply, dusting off her hands. Arthur bit his tongue to keep from shooting back a dozen of his own thoughts on the matter, though in complete honesty he wasn’t sure he had much to say to contradict that.
"I did ask an opinion. Agravaine’s. He said it was a reasonable sentence." Arthur tried and Hunith’s fingers twitched slightly at the mention of his uncle. "Is he not a worthy voice to regard?"
"There can be many voices worthy to listening to that may say different things.” Hunith said slowly and picked up the piece of wood she had been using earlier to roll between her hands. "Agravaine presented one view. Though, I must ask why you didn’t seek out Merlin’s?" She added with a hint of real curiosity. Arthur wilted.
"I knew what he would say...He’s always so sympathetic to other magic users even when they commit treason." He admitted, wringing his hands. "It’s biased."
Hunith rose an eyebrow.
"You were biased when it came to Merlin committing treason under your nose for many years."
"That’s different-"
“Is it? Or are you using bias as another word for empathy?" She asked and Arthur snapped his mouth shut at that. "I don’t think that boy deserves to die." She said with a shake of her head “I think he was wrong to go against the crown and should be imprisoned, but what good would killing him do other than upset other magic users?” She shrugged “He was brainwashed by Morgana. It makes it easier for people who are unsure of your intentions to side with her when you do things like this. Just because you legalized magic doesn’t mean the job is done, Arthur." She told him and walked over to Gaius’ cabinet to grab something else "I’m quite disappointed you doled out such a sentence so rashly if I’m honest.”
Arthur didn’t think it was an exaggeration to say he would have preferred it if she punched him in the throat.
"It isn’t done.” He said, a little too quickly before remembering he was a king and probably shouldn’t seem desperate for someone’s approval or even fazed by their disapproval. “It’s just...Agravaine doesn’t think we should show weakness again traitors-"
“I think that’s foolish.” Hunith shrugged “What do you think?" She asked and when Arthur just looked at her hopelessly, reached over to grab his hand. "Since you are concerned with the biases of the world I’ll let you know mine...” she said and when Arthur nodded, grimaced “I would poison your uncle given the chance."
“Hunith! You can’t just say things like that-“
“It’s true,” she snorted, letting go of him “I don’t trust his intentions. Call it a mother’s instinct - we always know when people are out to get our kids." She told him and Arthur rolled his eyes.
“He’s barely interacted with Merlin.” He grumbled and Hunith stared at him. "What?" He asked and she stared some more. He was supposed to understand something here, he was pretty sure. Only he had no idea what it was and he didn’t think she was going to give him any hints. Finally she seemed to give up because she only patted his cheek.
"Do what you will, my lord. I trust in your decisions." She sighed and with that went back to whatever she was making.
Merlin was not very sympathetic to his plight either.
"You look awful," he noted dryly from where he was lying in Arthur’s bed. “What did she say?" He asked as Arthur flopped onto the bed next to him with a groan. "...she threw in the word ‘disappointed’ didn’t she?" He asked and Arthur groaned again. “Can’t say I’m surprised." He muttered along with what sounded suspiciously like ‘you dumb bitch’ but Arthur refused to believe even Merlin would be so bold.
"I’ve called off the execution...For now. Until I have a better sense of what I think.” He said, propping himself up on his elbows. Merlin’s face softened before he nodded, not bothering to extend the conversation much more than that. Arthur bit his lip.
“Has Agravaine been bothering you?” He asked slowly and Merlin glanced over at him with puzzled eyes before shaking his head.
"I mean, I think he’s up to no good, but he hasn’t been particularly horrible to me. Why?” He asked and Arthur gave a long breath.
“Your mother said something about knowing when people when people are out to get their kids. I thought he must have been... What?” He interrupted himself when Merlin closed his eyes.
“You dumb bitch.”
“You cannot call me that. I love you but there is a line -“
“She was referring to you, Arthur.”
Oh. Huh. Unexpected. Not unwelcomed though. He considered this for a moment before feeling his face heat up a little as he turned away.
“...you can get away with saying it just this once.”
"Your majesty, I have some concerns."
Arthur jumped. In all of his musings as he stared out the window he hadn't noticed Gaius enter. Had he knocked? Or did the guards just let him in? He didn't really get a chance to ask in any case because Gaius was walking over with a sort of disarray that Arthur didn't think he had ever seen on him before.
"Do you?" He frowned and looked him over. There didn't appear to be any blood on him at least so that was probably good. "Well, please feel free to share them-"
"Hunith is not a responsible regent!" Gaius burst out so loudly that Arthur almost took a step back. "I know you are impressed with how she had conducted herself so far and I will admit my sister is wise and her engagement with political matters is quite composed, but she also uses the power you have given her recklessly and unjustly. I must object. I do object!" He added. Arthur stared. He had quite honestly never seen the man so riled up before. His face was growing a steady shade of red, fists clenched slightly by his sides as he ranted.
"I...See." Arthur said with a nod. "And what... What exactly has she done?"
"She - Well, she - she just brought her here! Didn't even tell me... The nerve. I... Didn't ask and she can't just go sending out your men like that! She can't do that!" He managed. Arthur wished Merlin was here so he could figure out if the man was having a stroke or not. "I thought she had outgrown such actions! We aren't... Did you know she used go throw my things and steal my books?" He asked as if that had any relevance to the situation... Which it might. Arthur had no idea what they were talking about to really tell.
"I did not."
"Well she did! And she would always lie to our parents about things I did. Granted, they were usually kind lies that encouraged my parents to help me pursue my scientific interests but that wasn't even the point! And...She-She just brought her here, my lord." Gaius repeated, a little desperately. Right. He got the feeling that even if he asked who 'her' was that it wouldn't lead to a clear answer.
"I will speak with her." He said instead. Hunith wasn't typically one to use her newfound power for personal gain. In fact, she actually was growing to be quite the popular figure among Camelot for the very opposite. It turns out motherhood honed skills for a fine negotiator and a fierce diplomat. Arthur would have considered leaving Camelot more often if he wasn't certain she would yell at him for it.
So he was definitely curious as to what Hunith could have done to upset Gaius... Though, if her reaction was anything to go by, she already knew.
"He told on me, didn't he?" Came the greeting as he entered. She paused in braiding her hair to scowl. "He never changes. Even as kids he was always a tattle tale." She muttered and let go of her hair so that it spilled freely down her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Arthur. I am aware I've taken advantage of your trust." She sighed.
"I'm not sure what's even happened yet. Gaius didn't quite make sense when he came to complain." He admitted as he walked over. She went to stand and curtsy, but he only waved it away. "What did you do?" He asked. Hunith bit her lip.
"...I brought Alice to Camelot." She finally said. Arthur stared blankly. "She was once his betrothed before the Great Purge. They were terribly in love." She informed him - though based on the way she rolled her eyes Arthur got the feeling she had found their love to be a little tiresome. "He helped her escape Uther many years ago. Merlin mentioned she did come back to Camelot briefly and said he was still very clearly besotted."
"So you sent my men to find her?" He asked and Hunith nodded.
"I had the best of intentions, my lord. After all, if Gaius hadn't sent Balinor to Ealdor I wouldn't have met my love. I was only returning the favor." She said with a slight bow of her head. Arthur waited. "Also, I want my son back. I am quite pleased my brother and Merlin are so close but between you taking him and Gaius I never get to see him. I live in Camelot!" She grumbled and Arthur snorted.
"So you figured you would toss Alice at him?" He clarified and Hunith shrugged.
"He may be older but I am wiser." She told him with nod. "But... I do understand why you would be upset with me. I shouldn't have used your resources for such things. I'm sorry." She said and Arthur fought back a grin.
"I think I can find it in my heart to forgive you," He said and glanced over his shoulder to make sure the door was still closed. "And I'll tell you what. I will personally employ Alice as a...?"
"Physician. He trained under her originally." Hunith supplied. Huh. Interesting.
"As a second physician... To help with Gaius workload." He amended. "That way you can continue meddling in your brother's love life. However, I would like to ask a favor in return." He said, watching Hunith narrow her eyes slightly. There was an overwhelming sense of askance that seemed to zip around the room as she pulled her shoulders back to look at him.
"I see," She said slowly and crossed her arms over her chest "And what might that be?"
Arthur beamed.
"Have you told your mother that we don’t like him?”
Arthur had to hide a smile at Merlin's face. He looked torn between crying and just giving up altogether. Percival was waiting for an answer, head tilted to the side as he glanced at the end of the table where Mordred and Hunith were talking brightly to one another. Despite Merlin's desperate warnings that Mordred was destined to betray him, Arthur still held out hope that he would be a good knight. After all, if destiny was set in stone than Merlin wouldn't need to work so hard to defend him from threats other than Mordred, right?
He thought this was reasonable at least. Merlin still hated Mordred. Most of the knights followed suit for the sole purpose of hearing 'kill the king' before going deaf to anything after that. Poor Mordred had been ridiculously understanding of the entire thing upon learning his fate... Which was another thing. Mordred hadn't even known he was supposed to kill Arthur. Elyan said that they shouldn't tell him because telling Mordred he was supposed to kill Arthur might give him some ideas but Arthur remained adamant that this entire thing was stupid and told him anyways.
"Yes," Merlin sighed, running a hand over his face "I told her we didn't like him."
Arthur smirked. He had used his favor well.
Merlin watched them with wary eyes before running a hand over his face. Arthur felt his previous euphoria evaporate. He could see the paranoia hinting in Merlin's eyes as he absently picked at his tunic with his gaze refusing to waver from Mordred. Inwardly, Arthur groaned. That fucking dragon. Arthur didn’t often like to hear of Merlin’s exploits before being brought into the loop. Most of the time it sounded like Merlin's adventures had left him backed into a corner or where there was really no winning solution. Arthur did feel a little bad that the whole thing was causing him such anxiety... And admittedly when Arthur did have a rare moment alone with Mordred he would occasionally have brief moments of uncertainty on whether he was safe. It was probably worse for Merlin... After all, between the prophecy and Kilgharrah's incessant ramblings Arthur was pretty sure that Merlin considered keeping Arthur safe was his only real value. Which was wrong, of course, but Arthur hadn't found a way to convince him of that yet.
"Hey-" He started, reaching for Merlin's arm, but at that moment Hunith stood up and walked over.
"I love him." She announced. Merlin closed his eyes. Arthur felt a stab guilty at the absolute devastation that crossed the other man's face as he leaned back in his chair to stare silently at the ceiling for a few moments. "He's kind and thoughtful and very sweet." Hunith continued as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"He's going to kill Arthur." Merlin said to the ceiling.
"We don't know that." Arthur reminded him. "Anyone could kill me, Merlin... Not that anyone is!" He added quickly upon seeing Merlin's eyes leave the ceiling to dance along the room like a hawk. "Hunith." He added, hoping she could calm him down. There were a couple beats of silence as Hunith seemed to mull over her options before glancing back to where Mordred was sitting with a baffled expression at the far end of the table.
"What worries you exactly?" She finally said and Merlin gave a sharp huff as he pinned his mother with an exasperated look.
"That he's going to kill Arthur!" He repeated, throwing up his hands. "And, yes. I know. I know, destiny could perhaps be swayed but I'm not sure what events might lead to his loyalty or to his betrayal. And what if he does? What if he does and I knew there was that chance and I still trusted him and-" He began, voice rising in panic as he continued, fingers absently reaching for Arthur as if Mordred might come and snatch him away.
Arthur made a note to kill Kilgharrah for real at some point.
Hunith tilted her head as she looked her son up and down before giving a wary sigh.
"Alright," She said and Arthur snapped his head towards her. Alright? Alright, what? "It's going to be hard for you to trust him or even like him. I understand that. I can't force you to." She shrugged and sat in the empty chair beside her son, putting a hand on his arm. "But what is going to be worse for you? Having him kill Arthur after doing your best to be kind to him or having him kill Arthur after pushing him away from Camelot and its king?" She asked. Merlin blinked. "Sweetheart, prophecy or not... You are at your strongest when you are yourself. Not whatever destiny says you are to be. And you've always been kind and understanding. Like I said, you don't have to trust him. Just... Stop being so cold." She said and squeezed his hand. Merlin's brows pinched together for a moment before glancing up at where the knight in question was still watching them.
Mordred waved. Arthur personally did not think it looked particularly evil but Merlin seemed to recoil at it before giving a long sigh.
"I...Could try." He said before giving a much less enthusiastic wave back. Despite the lack of spirit, Mordred broke out into a bright smile at the response. Hunith patted Merlin's arm.
"Good. Because I'm making him pie." She said and Percival (who Arthur had kind of forgotten was there) choked on the sausage he had been eating.
"He gets pie?" He spluttered and looked at Merlin in alarm "But we don't like him." He whispered and Merlin shrugged.
"We like him now." Hunith said flatly. Percival didn't look convinced.
"Does Gwaine know about this?"
"Merlin will be sure to tell him." Hunith added. Percival clicked his tongue.
"...okay." He muttered doubtfully "Not sure how that's going to go, but okay." He said and Merlin's lips quirked upwards for a moment before he shook his head and pushed himself away from the table. Arthur was about to ask where he was going when the man steeled his face into an expression of complete and utter stoicism and pushed forward like a solider heading to battle until he was in front of Mordred.
"Can I eat here?" He asked and Mordred gaped for a moment before wordlessly nodding.
"Of course, Emrys. You don't need to ask." He said slowly and nodded to one of the passing servants who rushed back to the kitchens to grab more food.
"...You can call me Merlin."
"Really?" Mordred asked and then flushed "I mean, of course you would prefer that given that's what everyone calls you. Sorry." He winced and Merlin tilted his head.
"What do you prefer to call me?" He asked and from beside Arthur, Hunith scoffed.
"Thank you." He told her and she waved him away.
"He really is a sweet boy... Not unlike Merlin." She mused, tapping the table. "They're very similar actually. Kind in nature. Big hearts. Want to do the right thing... But if pressed enough they might do the wrong thing with the best of intentions." She said. Arthur grimaced at the truth in that. "Which reminds me... I'm going to kill that God forsaken dragon."
"I absolutely will aid in that quest." Arthur told her and there was a sharp gasp from beside them. Arthur turned to see Percival whispering lowly to where Leon and Gwaine and just entered the room. Leon pursed his lips as Gwaine spluttered incoherently.
"We like Mordred now? But why?"
"Hunith said so." Percival explained and Gwaine hesitated. Slowly, he turned to where Hunith and Arthur were sitting.
"I'll do this only for you," He told her and looked at where Merlin and Mordred appeared to actually be in civil conversation. "Mordred. God. Can't believe we like that guy now."
Arthur was pretty sure this could be the very best day of his life. Forget everything else, this was what mattered.
"So, what happened?" Gwaine was asking eagerly, leaning over the table as Hunith reached over to slide the fourth glass of mead away from him.
"Well, Will wasn’t the best liar so I knew something was off. He tried to tell me Merlin was out in the field still." Hunith shrugged. Merlin himself was bitterly eating his soup as he alternated between sideward scowls at his mother and pleading eyes towards Arthur.
Ha. As if. Arthur wouldn’t change the subject for any amount of bribery.
"Where was he?" He asked instead, sending Merlin a quick wink just to make him suffer more. Hey, Arthur had been annoyed by him enough. This seemed like just compensation.
"By the river. Crying.” Hunith said with a shake of her head as Merlin let out a long sigh. “Turns out he had found a nest of baby birds there and noticed the mother hadn’t been coming back so he decided to take over. It at least explained why he was keeping a bucket of worms in his room." She mused as Arthur snorted "And I guess the stress of looking after these birds was really getting to him because he was just sobbing as he gave them the worms."
“That’s a bit dramatic..." Merlin mumbled and Hunith waved him away.
“That’s not even the amusing part though. I went over and asked him what was going on and he tried to tell me the nest must have fallen out of the tree... I think. It was hard to tell with all the crying.” she noted with a shrug. "Anyways, one of these birds rushes out of the nest into the water and before I can explain anything, Merlin is diving in after it. It is important to note that those ducks could definitely swim while Merlin definitely could not at this age."
“This all happened last week, right?" Mordred asked lightly and Merlin’s scowl deepened.
“I was nine. Leave me alone."
“Nineteen? Yes, I can see that.”
“I wasn’t - " Merlin began and took a deep breath. "Don’t you have anything else to talk to them about?” He asked, turning to his mother who looked unapologetic at the way this had all gone.
"I can talk about when you told me you were going to be a caterpillar for a week.” She offered and immediately there was a murmur of interest as Merlin shook his head at the cold betrayal.
“Why a caterpillar?" Percival asked, raising his eyebrows as the table collectively turned to Merlin for an answer. After gaping at them all for a moment in indignant offense, he let his arms fall away from his chest, perhaps sensing defeat.
"I thought they were underappreciated and shouldn’t have to turn into butterflies because they were already wonderful." He muttered, wrinkling his nose as Leon had to hide his face to keep from laughing. Gwaine had no such qualms.
"Well,” Gwen said fiercely from where she was seated on Hunith’s other side with their arms linked together "I think it’s sweet."
Immediately there was a flash of pure evil in each of the knights eyes as they gave very stoic nods of agreement.
"Oh, sure. So sweet."
“The sweetest."
"Merlin, you absolute sweetheart.”
“Arthur!" Merlin tried, flushing. Again, Arthur let him suffer. Because he should always suffer with this sort of thing. It amused him even more that he didn’t even try to appeal to Hunith for help. It was comforting to know that she wouldn’t help him out in the same way she never helped Arthur out when he made a fool of himself.
“I was lucky he was so sweet,” Hunith mused thoughtfully as she nodded at Gwen in approval "I already had my hands full enough as it was.”
"It does seem like a lot to have to explain to a five-year-old that he couldn’t use magic to grow flowers.” Arthur agreed with a small smile of at imagining a tiny Merlin indignant by the fact he could get executed for doing nice things for his friends. "I don’t remember Balinor being so sweet when I met him. Were you a child with a soft heart?" He asked. He had meant to be teasing, but Hunith seemed to take it seriously because she tapped a finger to her chin for a moment before shrugging.
"Not particularly. Merlin was more similar to Gaius as a child."
Right. He always forgot that Gaius and Hunith had grown up together. Merlin blinked a few times before slowly turning to his mother.
"Wait...Gaius?" He asked a feral grin touched his lips "What sort of things did Gaius do?" He asked and Arthur only shook his head in sympathy for his poor physician. Not that Hunith noticed.
"Well, he’s quite a bit older than me so I can’t say I remember much. Mainly it was when he was a teenager. He was so very kind in always wanting to help people... Though it was also truly terrible how reckless he was - with some God awful discretion.” She snorted.
"You don’t say." Merlin nodded and got up. "I just remembered I need to do something."
"Don’t bully an old man, Merlin." Gwen frowned at him. Merlin scowled back as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“He has yelled at me for years for being reckless and lacking discretion! Am I supposed to not take advantage of the fact he did the same thing?" He asked and Percival cleared his throat.
“In fairness, you’re recklessness and lack of discretion were probably higher stakes than his was." The knight pointed out. Merlin’s lips pursed before giving a sharp nod.
“...you’re right. I need examples.” He said and turned to Hunith. "Please tell me more about Gaius being a dumbass."
Hunith took a sip of her goblet.
"I love you, but if I tell you his misdeeds then he’ll tell you mine. So no."
"What?" Merlin complained, throwing up his hands “Come on. What have you done that’s so bad?"
"She killed a man once." Arthur supplied. Hunith narrowed her eyes. “I think. Maybe. I actually don’t know." He rectified quickly. Merlin was not impressed.
"I’ve killed plenty of people. Big deal. We can bond over it-"
“Merlin-"
Arthur had never meant to make her freaking cry.
It was possibly the worst feeling in the world and he wasn’t even sure what he had done to warrant such a thing as he stood frozen with wide eyes and a pounding heart before jolting into action.
"Hunith?" He asked, inching a little closer to her. "What’s happened?” He asked and looked around. He didn’t know how to deal with crying people well but then again he supposed there wasn’t much to be done other than let them cry sometimes.
"Nothing, nothing... I'm just so happy." She said and touched his arm for a moment before pulling away. "Look at you." She mumbled and Arthur felt his face heat up. Oh. Oh. Oh no. Arthur didn't know how to deal with this sort of thing. He felt a stab of panic that ebbed away only for a moment when Hunith wiped a tear away. "I wasn't sure what to make of it all." She sniffed, "Merlin having magic... Going to Camelot... The prophecy...You." She said, gesturing vaguely to him. "But I couldn't have imagined being so fortunate. And I am so very proud of you. Even to just know you." She smiled and Arthur felt his mouth dry as she leaned over to kiss his cheek.
"I..." He tried and frowned at the own lump that seemed to lodge itself in his throat. Damnit. "Thank you." He told her hoarsely. That was really all the emotion he could allow. After all, this was all to be a horribly emotional day as it was. He couldn't imagine letting it all hit him right now. "That means a lot...Coming from you." He managed and Hunith smiled.
"I'm sorry your mother wasn't here to see this too. Gaius says you are remarkably like her."
Oh, no. No, no, no. Arthur wasn't sure he could take this.
"Oh?" He asked, voice tight and restrained.
"She would have been proud too... At all you've done. Not just as a king, but as a person. I never did thank you-"
"Hunith, please," Arthur said, inhaling sharply as he looked away. "Don't make me cry. The wedding hasn't even started yet."
"You're supposed to cry on your wedding day," She threw back, still sniffling from her own tears. "Anyways... I know today is the day I get to officially make you my son, but I do want you to know that from the day I met you I already considered you as such." Hunith continued as she reached forward to grab his hand. For the love of God.
"I am ordering you to cease saying these things to me immediately. I will not be a sniveling mess when I walk out there." He managed, trying to keep his voice as sharp as possible. Hunith only smiled and gave a small nod before squeezing his hand. Arthur was about to outlaw that as well when Merlin came around the corner.
Fuck.
He smiling and wearing Camelot's red and gold and his eyes were on Arthur and... Fuck.
"Pause the ceremony!" He yelped, jerking away from Hunith. The guards all froze. "We'll start it again in an hour. I... Hunith." He complained and Merlin immediately was there, concern fluttering over his expression as he tried to figure out what was happening. "I'm sorry. Everything is fine. I'm just overwhelmed." He said, trying to reassure him. "Just please don't say anything nice to me. None of that nonsense you spill about me being a great king or any of that." He warned. Merlin stared.
"Okay..." He said slowly "I'm excited to marry you too, dollaphead."
"Fuck!" He shouted and tore away "No mentioning marriage!"
"But we're getting married!"
"Hunith, un-say those things immediately!" He said, spinning towards where his to-be mother-in-law was innocently standing in the corner as if she hadn't just caused this whole emotion-filled trainwreck "I can't get married like this! Take them back!"
"But I meant them."
"Oh my God," He said and inwardly screamed. If Gwaine came around the corner and saw him like this... It was all over. "Okay, I can handle this. I'm fine." He rectified and took a long breath. "Okay." He said and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, Merlin was still waiting patiently.
"Good. Let's do this then," He smiled and interlocked their fingers so he could pull him back to where the doors were. "Love you."
"Merlin, no-"
"I love you both." Hunith jumped in, like a cat on a mouse.
"It's like you don't want this wedding to happen, damnit!"