Chapter Text
Well, actually no. Arthur didn't necessarily have to drink the potion.
He could just mix Merlin's potion with his own. That would show them their destiny together.
So Arthur did that, as he realized why his brain had focused on the drinking solution.
He put on drop of Merlin's blood in another vial for later. Then he went and mixed Merlin's hair potion with another potion of Arthur's own.
Immediately, the potions reacted to each other. The potion began to change color.
“The golden age of Albion, huh?”, Arthur said with a smile.
And yes, that is what it was. Pure gold. This was the ultimate proof.
Merlin was his soulmate. This was their future together. Arthur couldn't help but smile at it.
The potion twirled within like a stream. Merlin's hair still golden.
But Arthur's hair had changed.
Confused, Arthur stared at the silver string that danced around Merlin's golden one.
“Why would my hair turn silver?”, he wondered irritated.
And yet again, he felt the need to drink Merlin's potion. He didn't know why. He just felt like he needed to. No. He wanted to. That was why his brain needed to remind himself that it wasn't smart to just drink some random potions.
But the more Arthur stared at the silver vial, the more desperate his desire became.
He needed to drink this.
He turned around to see if anyone was watching, then he opened the blood vial and drank it's content.
From the corner of his eyes, he could see a silver flash in his irises. For just a brief moment, Arthur felt alive.
Like life itself was spreading through his veins. And then, a seconds later, he felt normal again.
For a second, Arthur felt confused. But the desire was gone. He had done what he had to.
He just hoped he wouldn't regret it.
---------------------
“You are invited to my wedding.”
Balinor was seen everywhere in the lower town. The tavern, the seamstress' hut, the herbs market, just everywhere.
He handed out flyers for his own wedding with Hunith, while Hunith and Merlin were preparing the Dragon tower for the event.
And Balinor invited …. EVERYONE.
Everyone except for Uther. Which was obvious, really. Nobody would be stupid enough to invite Uther to their wedding. The king would ruin everything.
But non of that was of Arthur's concern. In fact, Arthur was helping where he could. He had no idea how to decorate an entire tower, of course. But he could order some servants to help them.
He could ask Gwen to design a dress for Hunith. (He knew she had a talent for it, since she helped make some of Morgana's clothes. And we all know how stunning Morgana looks.)
And Arthur could help make sure Balinor wasn't accidentally inviting Bandits to his wedding.
Which was a rather hard task, because the man kept disappearing into nothingness.
'Is this an Ambrosius thing? Is this where Merlin got it from?'
But apparently Balinor lacked Merlin's sense for danger. So he must have that one from Hunith.
Well, that did make sense. After all, it was Hunith who came to Camelot to ask for Uther's help against Henthrid's men all those years ago. But that was a different story.
Wait a second, Will had never been the sorcerer, had he?
Arthur blinked. 'Didn't I tell Merlin that sorcerer's are evil back then? NO WONDER he never trusted me with his secrets.'
He frowned with guilt.
Speaking of Merlin. (More like thinking. Not that Arthur ever stopped thinking about Merlin.)
Arthur hadn't seen Merlin in days.
It was getting harder to ignore the gnawing feeling in his guts. Because, for one, Merlin was his soulmate. Arthur just didn't feel complete without him.
Another part of him was a little worried. Because if things continued like this, with Merlin working all the time, and not being Arthur's servant anymore and being the court physician's apprentice and adding knight training and their shared destiny on top of it – would Arthur ever see him again?
The last part was simply, because Arthur missed him.
Merlin with his humor, his wits, his smile. – Arthur didn't like the time out at all.
Maybe, they should get some days off. Just the two of then. Merlin was about to become a knight now. Uther shouldn't have have a reason to object to Arthur asking for a hunting trip. Apart from the being-Balinor's-son thing. But Arthur could find a way around that.
Arthur smiled at the idea. Alright, fine, Merlin hated hunting. But they didn't have to hunt, really. They could just spend some time together and maybe Arthur would finally get to talk to him about the whole soulmate thing.
So Arthur went to his father for permission.
“Absolutely not.”
Arthur was not surprised to hear this from Uther, so he rolled his eyes.
“And why not, father?”, he asked. It was getting harder to call him that. 'Father. What kind of father practiced genocide for a child he neglected since he was born?'
“That boy, Arthur, is Balinor's son. If anything happens to him, all of Camelot is doomed! Balinor will take his rage out on all of us and you know it!”
Arthur shook his head. “Merlin is about to become a knight.”
“He is horrible with a sword! Your first knight is growing impatient with him!”
“I would teach him personally, if you'd let me! I know how he ticks. He was my servant after all. Merlin works best under pressure. He needs to be challenged, not drilled into a will less puppet.”
Arthur sighed.
Uther clicked his tongue. “He would just corrupt you!”, he muttered.
Arthur shook his head. “If he could, then he already would have, don't you think? I've known him long enough. Now he is becoming a knight and has been on less hunts than ever.
When he was still a servant, he came along all the time!”
Uther still wasn't satisfied.
“The fact that he is Balinor's son means he has a right to become a knight. He has to follow the knights code as much as everyone else. But that also means for you, that he needs to gather experience. Give me two days. Nothing more.”
Uther seemed to contemplate this for a second, until he sighed. “I guess Balinor would have my head, if I kept ignoring his son like that.... Alright, fine. But only two days! You have to leave today!”
Arthur couldn't help but beam at him. For a moment, Uther looked startled, which reminded Arthur to keep it down a little.
“Yes, er, thank you, your majesty. We will return soon enough.”
With that, Arthur bowed and hurried out of the throne room. And grinned. It was kind of ironic how Uther was cornered under his crown. Living in the same fear he held his own people captive for over twenty years.
The fear of death was a pill he had made too many people swallow. Finally he had to take his own medicine. 'This!', Arthur thought. 'This is Karma.'
---------------------------------------------------
Merlin didn't stop complaining the whole way on the hunt.
“My mom needs more advice on the banners! She asked me to turn them green, Arthur! Because when their potions combine, they are green! That is a fashion DISASTER! It fits with neither the Pendragon, nor the Ambrosius banner.
The wedding will be ruined! I don't have the time to go on hunts! I have to stop my mom from destroying our lives!”
It went on like this, but Arthur was happy for the harmless complains. There was something awfully reassuring about Merlin's constant chattering. And he hadn't realized how much he had missed it.
“Merlin, you are stressed, you need a break.”, he said instead of all the comebacks that he had on his mind. Man, he really had no affection filter at all anymore, had he?
Merlin snorted. “Yeah sure. Stressed.”, he shook his head. “You know when I was stressed? When I released the dragon! That's when I was stressed!
This wedding is KILLING me! Do you know how many cakes I had to test to find the perfect one? I've been on a constant sugar rush for days!”
Arthur stopped his horse. And turned around, as Merlin too stopped in his tracks.
“What do you mean, you released the dragon?”
Merlin blinked, mouth still open, but closed it before he could say anything.
“I – er -”
“Was he the one who told you about the prophecy?”, Arthur's eyes widened. Somehow, he understood without Merlin telling him. It was as though he could read it from Merlin's face, even though the man looked away in shame.
“Arthur, I -”
“He manipulated you, didn't he? Made you release him in exchange for – let me guess, saving my life?”
“Something like that.”, Merlin answered quietly.
Arthur sighed. “It's fine. I'm not mad.”, he admitted. Honestly, after everything he knew now, this was hardly surprising. At least Merlin had good intentions. Though they needed to have a serious talk about his priorities. Or his self preservation skills.
“You're not?”, Merlin asked hopeful.
Arthur felt his insides twist painfully. Had Merlin been afraid that he was? Well, Merlin had promised not to lie anymore. So maybe he had braced himself for worse things than just anger.
“Well – you are a dragon lord. Wait are you? Well, a dragon lord in training. It is kind of your job to protect the dragons, no matter if he manipulated you or not. You've been neglecting your duties as a protector for your own kind for too long. I'm glad you helped at least one other person than me.
To be honest, I kind of wished he had managed to kill my father back then. We'd have a lot less problems now.” 'Do dragon's count as people?' Probably. The one he met could talk, after all.
Merlin bit his lip.
“I'm glad he didn't get to.”, he said. Arthur melted a little at this blatant display of kindness.
“You are a good man, Merlin.”, Arthur said with a soft smile. “That is going to be your downfall one day.”, he added after a while.
Merlin laughed. “THAT, I've been told before.”, he said.
So they went ahead, through the forest, just talking about this and that, while Arthur was drastically searching for a way to bring up the soulmate thing.
He needed to know what Merlin thought of this. Of their linked destinies. Of their friendship. Of their everything. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to ask. Not because he feared he would loose Merlin. They were soulmates. They would work as friends just as well as – more.
Arthur was sure they could make work whatever it was they were supposed to be.
But he wanted Merlin to have a choice. And not be pressured by him into anything. Or by the dragon and destiny.
Arthur had fallen for Merlin before he knew of their destiny. He had fallen for him the moment he began understanding who Merlin truly was.
What about Merlin? He had known about the destiny for far longer. Though Arthur didn't know how much longer, he could only wonder how that affected Merlin's feelings.
“Arthur, it's getting dark. Should we make up camp? We haven't even started hunting yet. You didn't plan to hunt at night, did you?”
Arthur blinked. It was true. He hadn't even noticed the world darkening around them. Or the horses walking slower and slower from the exhaustion.
“Oh, er, right. I wasn't planning for this.”, he said.
“You didn't plan for staying the night?”, Merlin looked at him incredulous.
“The ONE time I ask you to bring stuff for yourself -”
Arthur was quick to interrupt. “No, no! I made sure we have everything for a night out. I just didn't plan for hunting.”
Merlin blinked, confused. “But – we went for a hunt.”, he pointed out.
Arthur blushed a little. “It was the only excuse I had to get away from my father. But I know you hate hunting, so -”
“Arthur, why are we here?”
Arthur sighed, now or never. “I believe we need to talk.”
Merlin's eyes widened. “Talk? About what?” He looked frightened for some reason.
Arthur winced a little at that expression.
“Let's build up camp first.”, he said.
...
They worked in silence together. The atmosphere was suddenly unnecessarily heavy.
But maybe that was Arthur's fault for being all mysterious about this trip.
Merlin was clearly nervous, looking over his shoulders all the time just to see what Arthur was doing. Arthur, however, still felt nervous about his whole confession thing.
Wait – was this going to be a confession?
'I knew that, damn it. Why am I panicking now?'
For Arthur their preparations were done too fast. Merlin was just about to do the last step of making up the camp: Creating a fire.
“Why don't you use magic?”, Arthur finally asked. Not because he thought this was faster. Heaven no, he would be happy for any second added to the silent screaming in his head that he called procrastinating.
Merlin stopped. The stones in his hands separated by merely an inch or so.
His head turned around in confusion.
“We had a deal, didn't we?”, he asked. Arthur blinked.
“I'm pretty sure that deal was over the moment I learned about my father's genocidal hobby.”
Merlin's eyes widened.
“So – you don't hate magic anymore?”
'Anymore. Very funny, Merlin.' “I don't. Never really could, to be honest. I tried, I mean. With believing my father and all that. But in the end, I always wondered if there could be good sorcerer's too.
When I learned about Will, that only strengthened my doubt. It confused me. I guess that's why I lashed out on you back then. But Will was never the one with the magic, was he?”
Merlin's head tilted in wonder at those words. Then he shook his head.
“No. That was me all along.”
Arthur smiled. “Alright then, go ahead.”
“Are you sure it doesn't bother you?”, Merlin guessed again. Why was he sitting so far away?
Arthur stood up and sat down next to him on the log that casually lay around in the woods.
“Show me.”, he said and when Merlin's eyes met with him, Arthur noticed just how close they were. This shouldn't be news to him. They had been sitting like this before. Many times, actually.
But Arthur felt excited to be alone with Merlin. He was excited to see him use magic. To see the clear gold in those usually deep blue eyes.
Merlin hissed in a breath, searching for something.
Then he cleared his throat, before raising one hand towards the small fireplace he had built for them.
He was opening his mouth, then closing them, as he bit his lips. He was clearly nervous to be watched so intently. But that wouldn't stop Arthur from staring.
Then, Merlin took another deep breath. “Forbaernan!”, he whispered in a rough voice and yet again, his eyes flashed gold.
Arthur hardly had time to register the flames that immediately shot from the ground and cast light on Merlin's scarf.
Arthur had a rough time trying to stop himself from kissing Merlin right then and there.
“See.... The fire is done.”, Merlin waved at the flames, but Arthur was still staring, as Merlin's eyes faded back to blue.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”, Merlin asked, flinching slightly.
“I thought you wanted to see me use magic?”
“Yeah.”, Arthur dumbly replied.
“Arthur, are you okay? Are you sure you are alright with me using magic?”, then, Merlin's hand was put on Arthur's flushed face.
Resisting that urge was getting harder.
Arthur swallowed.
“I-...” 'This was such a bad idea. Such a horrible idea. Why did we come here? I can't back out now, I have to tell him!God, I'm in worse than I thought!'
“Arthur?”, Merlin looked really worried now.
“Merlin, you are my soulmate.”, Arthur said. And finally, he could feel like he could breathe again. He leaned back and forced himself to stop looking at Merlin. That wouldn't end well.
Merlin's mouth opened slightly, but then he leaned back with an incredulous laugh.
“What? No – how could you possibly – why would you.... no!”, he was sputtering.
Arthur felt betrayed! 'How dare you!'
“I know, Merlin.”, Arthur made an important pause. “Because it's pretty obvious. My soulmate's hair is completely golden in the scaling potion, just like your hair!”
Merlin flushed. “That could be anyone.”, he said defensively. Arthur sighed.
Arthur could say many things right now. He could argue that Balinor had informed him how rare a full blown golden hair actually was. He could tell him, that he had mixed their potions together and seen how it showed the destined golden future of Albion within.
He could even go as far and admit that he drank Merlin's potion and wasn't poisoned so far.
But Arthur decided to go further with his confession.
“But I want you to be.”
Merlin's smile dropped to an open mouth, face flushed completely red, or was that the fire.
When Arthur realized what he had said, he cleared his throat once more.
“Your father told me about my destiny as the once and future king. And yours as Emrys.
I believe we are like two sides of the same coin. I can feel it's you who is destined to be at my side. And there is no one I'd rather see there.”
Merlin rose in his posture a little with nerves.
“You really mean that?”, he asked with wide eyes. 'Beautiful eyes.... god damn it, I'm a mess.'
“Yes, Merlin.”, Arthur rolled his eyes. Why was it so hard for Merlin to see how much he meant to him? If Merlin could sacrifice everyone and everything, including himself for Arthur, why couldn't he understand that Arthur would do the same for him, anytime?
“Then ….. is this what you wanted to talk about? The prophecy?”, Merlin asked, slightly worried.
Arthur wondered for a second why that caused Merlin such worry.
“To be honest, I don't believe in prophecies too much. But this one I would like to fulfill.
We need to talk about our future-”
Arthur waited a second, before he added: “- together.”
Merlin turned to the fire immediately. Maybe there was something in his eyes that Arthur wasn't supposed to see.
“Like what?”, Merlin asked quietly. Hopeful? Was that hope? Arthur wasn't too sure about that.
“Well – for one we need to figure out how to get my father off the throne.”, Arthur began, because he felt hot all over all of a sudden and he really couldn't continue this slow paced conversation without loosing his goddamn mind.
Merlin froze at that. “You want to kill him?”, he asked, incredulous. Like this was the first time he had every heard anything like it.
“What? NO! We've talked about this. No murder. No. But there should be other ways.”
'The only thing we just killed was the mood.', Arthur thought bitterly.
-----------------------------------
So they talked through the night. About Merlin's knight training. About how awful Merlin was in a sword fight. About the fact that they didn't see each other often enough, though Arthur made it sound like it was necessary for their plans rather than his personal wish.
They made plans to force Uther to resign from the throne.
They talked about the wedding and what they should wear. Then about the scaling potion and what color may be connected to what.
They joked and they bickered and they laughed. And for a blissful night, they were on the same page again. Well, almost.
Because Arthur didn't have the guts to just tell Merlin. Which is why it was his own fault for what was about to come.
“A pub is the best way to figure out what the people really want. What they think of you and how they think of the kingdom. As long as they don't know who we are.”, Arthur finally explained. And if Arthur didn't know better, he would guess that he was giving Merlin advice how to behave like a proper king.
Not that he would ever be one..... 'Who am I kidding.', Arthur sighed embarrassed, as they entered the local tavern. 'I imagine him wearing a crown far too often.'
And sat down on one of the desks. Arthur ordered some mead for both of them. Arthur had one more night. Tomorrow, they would have to get back to Camelot.
Maybe by then, Arthur would finally have made his confession. 'Hopefully.', Arthur thought.
“Hey there, boys. Here is your mead. Wow, you're a handsome fella-”, a middle aged woman said. She must be the lady of the pub. She was curvy and had a kind face. Long black hair and apparently, an endless reserve of alcohol.
Arthur knew more then enough men who were very much into that.
But she wasn't really Arthur's type, still he appreciated the compliment.
“Well, you wouldn't be the first to say it.”, he said and looked at Merlin. Just waiting for what he was going to say to that. Maybe a teeny tiny hint of jealousy? Just enough to give Arthur courage for later that day?
“Oh, sorry. Actually, I meant your friend here.”, she said and winked at Merlin.
Arthur's grin fell. His head snapped to Merlin, who was slightly surprised, but grinned at her anyway.
He even had the nerve to look after her!
Arthur growled at that. 'I mean, she's right. But she didn't have to say it.', he thought bitterly.
Yeah, long story short, you probably remember this scene from the show, so let's not repeat the entire bar fight.
Point is, this is how they met Gwaine.
And Gwaine would be quite the bitter experience for Arthur.
Especially since he was the reason, they had to return to Camelot early. Well, him and that other guy who's name I refuse to remember. The one who started the fight. You know what I mean.
It was just.... Gwaine hated nobles. Well, not every noble. He liked Merlin, for one.
“Merlin doesn't count. He just became a noble! He is a peasant at heart!”, he INSISTED!
Despite his conviction that it was the heart that defined what a noble was. Who was more of a noble than Merlin?! Like … seriously.
Arthur understood what he meant...
But that didn't mean he was okay with him just …. making it very obvious he didn't want Arthur around. And even more obvious that he liked Merlin.
Arthur was furious, to say the least.
And it got even worse.
Not only did Gwaine get drunk on Arthur's bill down in the rising sun (without inviting him, how dare you, Gwaine). No. He also got drunk with a certain bearded man who was definitely not supposed to be in the tavern to invite a bunch of drunk idiots to his wedding.
Well fuck, because Gwaine seemed to love Balinor.
“THIS is your father?”, Arthur overheard them talking. Arthur was NOT eavesdropping, thank you very much. Gwaine had no reason to be with them on their knight training.
One which Merlin was still the worst in. At least worse than most of the other knights.
Merlin smiled proudly. “Yes. Behold, Sir Balinor Ambrosius. Knight and Dragon Lord of Camelot. Currently holding the entire kingdom hostage.”
Gwaine's eyes were wide. “You're holding the entire kingdom hostage? HOW?”, he asked. Like that was the impressive part.
Anyone could hold the kingdom hostage. Morgouse could, if she wanted to. So could a ten year old child with magic. Heck, Morgana could, if she was armed with a comb.
Balinor was not that special.
“Well... I let the Dragon live who attacked the castle, but ordered him to leave. If Uther tries to hurt me or the people I love, the Dragon will attack again. If I die, nothing is holding the Dragon back. So basically, the king has no choice but to let me do whatever I want.”, Balinor shrugged amused.
“By the way, you are also invited to my wedding.”
Gwaine looked impressed, if still confused.
“Wedding? What wedding?”
Merlin was excited to answer. “He's marrying my mom next week! You would love her!”
Gwaine smiled at that. But there was something sad in his eyes.
“You know, Gwaine.... You remind me of an old friend of mine. He served in Caerlon. His name was Sir Gethrid. He was a good man. Saw the good in people. A good man, that knight.”, Balinor was grinning at him, as though he knew something.
Gwaine's eyes were even wider now. “You knew my dad?”
Arthur was hit by Leon's sword and fell into the mud. 'Gwaine is a friggin noble and he didn't say anything????!!!!!'
Merlin was paying Arthur no attention at all. It was Leon who helped him up. But Arthur never lost sight of the group of three men, talking about a knight from another kingdom.
Arthur felt his stomach turn at that beaming smile of Merlin's, that for once, wasn't directed at him.
Arthur felt sick and dismissed himself.
---------------------------
Balinor had adopted Gwaine. Kind of. At least it seemed like it.
Arthur didn't know how it happened, or god forbid, why. But it had happened.
Merlin was asked to be Balinor's best man and Gwen (Whom Gwaine was flirting with shamelessly, even though it was to no avail, because Morgana kept kicking him out the castle) was asked to be Hunith's maid of honor.
All while Uther kept going more and more insane, the closer the days got to the wedding.
Merlin had hung up violet decorations.
“No, mom. We are NOT making this room green! I swear to the triple goddess, if you as much as change one handkerchief...!”
Arthur would have loved to know what Merlin could threaten his mom with.
But he never got to hear it, because Gwaine had practically jumped his new half brother like a little puppy.
A very drunk, very irritating little puppy. And that guy was actually a noble.
Not that Uther knew. Uther. Powerless Uther.
Powerless and mad Uther. As Arthur had said, the man was growing insane. Actually, if this kept going on, Arthur was pretty sure the council would soon ask to renounce him as king. Simply because he wasn't sane enough to lead a kingdom.
Arthur kind of hoped that would work. Merlin, Morgana, Gwen and him were trying to make him look insane anyway.
They weren't using magic for it, because Arthur thought that would be too bitter for Uther. (Not that he deserved better.)
He just needed him to retire, not to actually go mad. The kingdom needed to know that magic was not the evil guy this time around. Not that it ever really was.
But that was not the point. Arthur hated how Merlin and Gwaine just got along so well.
Too well. It was like they had locked eyes and BAM! They were best friends.
It's like it didn't matter that Merlin already had a soulmate!
Yes, Arthur was jealous. Pretty goddamn jealous, if I might add. He couldn't stop burning holes into Gwaine's cape with his eyes.
He couldn't stop the ugly feeling in his guts, whenever he saw Merlin laughing with him.
And this wasn't fair, because Merlin deserved to have other friends than just Arthur.
Arthur knew that. But he also knew, that he himself was a pining little idiot who was run speechless as soon as Merlin so much as smiled at him.
Of course the guy would rather talk to Gwaine!
It was Arthur's own fault, really.
What was decidedly NOT his fault, however, were the people that were invited to Balinor's and Hunith's wedding. Who arrived the day before the actual feast.
And two of them had been invited by Morgana herself. Of course, no other than the last two characters that are needed for this story.
The blond evil herself, Morgouse. And the boy whom Arthur had smuggled out of Camelot about a year ago. Mordred.
Which was quite worrying. 'Aren't Morgana and Mordred destined to kill me?', he thought. Because Balinor had told him everything about their destiny too.
Oh hell. As if this weekend could get any worse.
Except …. actually...... Merlin seemed to share his fear of Morgana and Mordred.
And decided that it was probably best to spend as much time of the feast with Arthur.
'Maybe I can forgive them.', Arthur smiled at himself, as he kept arguing with Merlin about Hunith's choice of dress.
“What bride doesn't wear a white dress to her own wedding?”, Merlin complained, but Arthur didn't actually care. Hunith could wear whatever she wanted.
And he was pretty certain the green gown he had helped Gwen make for her as a wedding gift would look absolutely stunning.
Merlin should be more worried about his father's appearance. Because Balinor had even less sense of fashion than his future wife.
When Arthur considered his own clothes, he decided that Merlin had probably the best fashion sense of the entire family.
So he went along with the banter. And if he blushed a little too much, and noticed Morgana pointing at him, Arthur would just pretend that was from the wine he never drunk that night.
It was a rather pleasant evening. With lots of food and drinks. Gwaine was already passed out so that Balinor had to take him to the court physician. Hunith was dancing with her son and Arthur as well. Whom she was winking at the entire time.
Not that Arthur understood what she was hinting at. Even if she kept nodding in Merlin's direction.
Okay, fine. He did understand. But it was easier to pretend he didn't.
Merlin was now having a very heated conversation with Morgana about inviting Mordred to the wedding. The poor child looked guilty. Even though he hadn't done anything.
'Yet.', Arthur thought with narrowed eyes, as he drank from his water.
It was already late, when the feast slowly faded out into a nice memory.
Arthur was heading back to his room, avoiding his father, as he usually did. And only half noticed that someone was following him.
Simply, because he knew the shadow wasn't nearly as dangerous as the small child that Morgana was taking care of in the Dragon Lord's tower.
“That was a nice evening, don't you think, my lord?”, Merlin asked, as soon as the heavy door to Arthur's room had closed shut.
“Yes, it sure was.”, he said. “Camelot is known for it's great banquets. You should have learned that by now.”
Arthur mindlessly took of his shirt, while Merlin walked around the room with the habit of cleaning up the mess that no other servant had tended to today.
Arthur had refused to get another permanent servant. The one's to clean his room were fine, but he didn't need them everyday.
I mean.... do you clean your bedroom everyday? Maybe once a week? Once a month? Not at all?
See! Now you know what I'm talking about!
But Merlin hadn't grown out of his habits yet. Arthur didn't even notice what was off at first. Until maybe twenty seconds later.
“Merlin?”, he asked. Merlin turned to him expectantly, as he was already grabbing for Arthur's night clothes.
“Hmm?”, he made, not even covering his staring.
Had Arthur never noticed that before? Or had he just ignored it. Whatever, Arthur wished he had that ability back, because that stare was going to be the end of him.
“You do know you are not my servant anymore, right? You don't have to clean this up. And when you do, you could use your magic. There is no need to pretend anymore.
At least not with me.”
Merlin smiled a little, but he looked around, to see the golden vial standing on Arthur's night stand. Oh right, he forgot he kept it there.
Uther almost never came here. Even less, since Arthur began avoiding him.
Not that Uther could ever hurt him over the knowledge that he had a vial full of gold.
What kind of idiot would think this was a potion? It looked like a strange accessory. Or maybe Arthur could pretend it was.
“What on earth is this?”, Merlin asked mesmerized. “Arthur, this is beautiful!”, he said, holding up the potion with wide eyes.
Arthur smiled. “I mixed some of your potion with mine.”, he said simply.
Merlin froze and turned his head back to Arthur's. And then he kept staring. Maybe this time he could finally see the dopey fond look on Arthur's face. Directed at Merlin and only him.
Merlin opened his mouth, but he said nothing.
“I just wanted to see what our future together would bring. You know – the prophecy and stuff. If they are sure it's us. But it is. This is our future, Merlin. The golden age of Albion.
Where people are treated equally. Where we will fight for the poor and make sure nobody ever gets persecuted for no reason ever again. A world where magic is free.”
Arthur hoped this was the truth. He wanted it to be the truth.
Merlin stood up, an almost wild expression on his face as he went to face the future king.
“You really mean that.”, he said fascinated.
Arthur nodded helplessly.
“And you are really okay with magic?”
Arthur nodded again. Why was Merlin asking anyway? He should know that after their little trip into the woods.
Merlin bit his lip, before he said something in sorcerer's gibberish. The fire went on inside the chimney, the windows closed themselves.
But yet again, Arthur found himself captivated by the gold in Merlin's eyes.
“You are not even looking, when I use magic.”, Merlin finally stated, maybe a little bit disappointed.
“What are you talking about, of course I am looking.”
“No you're not.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Because you keep staring at me! Whenever I use magic, you don't even look at what I just did! You just -”, Merlin sounded frustrated. “How am I supposed to believe that you mean it when you say you're okay with my magic?!”
Arthur blinked. 'Was that how it looked like to Merlin?'
“Merlin. The flames and the flowers, they are all beautiful and all.... But that is not where the magic is happening.”
Merlin frowned. “What do you mean?”, he asked irritated. He was about to turn around, when Arthur grabbed for his shoulders, to keep looking deep into his soul.
“The magic, Merlin, is happening right there.” He pointed at Merlin's eyes, who slightly crossed to follow the movement of Arthur's hand.
“I don't understand.”, Merlin frowned.
Arthur kept hold of him. “Merlin, when you use magic, your eyes turn gold. And we both know that you are magic. To me, it's like you're finally fully yourself. You look free, when you use magic like that.
It is the most magnificent thing I have ever seen.”
Merlin's mouth was wide open now. “You think my eyes are beautiful?”, he teased taken aback.
Arthur frowned. “That is not what I said.”
“You just said they were magnificent.”, Merlin pointed out jokingly.
“You're right. That was an understatement.”, Arthur admitted. Merlin stared back.
“You are serious.”, Merlin said and Arthur felt oddly, as though someone was interrogating him on an emotional level.
“Yes.”, Arthur said seriously.
Then – Merlin smirked. “So you mean – you like it when I just -”, and then his eyes were golden again. There was a slight breeze around them now, but Arthur knew this spell wasn't really doing anything.
But he got lost in Merlin's eyes anyway.
“Arthur?”, Merlin asked, almost worried, but his eyes were still gold.
“Arthur, are you okay?”, Merlin kept asking, because Arthur couldn't answer. He didn't even know why that was. He was just panicking inside.
Because Merlin had decided it was now of all times, that he would show Arthur his full blown true self.
Merlin was magic through and through. Hiding his eyes had been part of his lies. Part of his fears. Showing them so blatantly to Arthur – that was bound to have him reeling. That was trust, that was truth, honesty, loyalty. Courage. And maybe a little bit of love.
“Arthur?”, Merlin asked again. The worry gone, as his voice grew smaller under Arthur's gaze.
Only inches apart, Arthur felt it was now or never.
They had long crossed the comfort zone of any normal friendship anyway.
So Arthur kissed him.
And really, Arthur sighed into it with relieve, because he finally gave into his own desires.
Merlin was shocked still at the sudden development. But he didn't push Arthur away.
The thing is – he also didn't respond.
As Arthur realized his mistake, it was already too late. He stepped back.
Watching for Merlin's reaction. Just that Merlin wasn't reacting at all.
Arthur felt a lump in his throat.
How could he have been so stupid? He had thought he had seen the signs. They were soulmates, he knew they were. They were friends, Merlin had dedicated his own life for his. He had thought that was proof enough that there could be something more.
That there was something more.
But that hope was now shattered into pieces. Arthur swallowed heavily, as his breathing picked up.
Merlin cleared his throat. “Right.”, he said, face flushed and clearly overwhelmed by the situation.
“I – I should -”, he turned around, already stumbling over his own feet.
Arthur bit back a comment. Even Hunith had given him an okay earlier. Arthur had thought -
He shouldn't have done this.
He ruined everything.
“Merlin.”, he said weakly, as Merlin just reached the door.
Merlin looked at him in panic.
“Is there, anything else you need, Sire?” Oh god, Arthur really had messed up, when Merlin was already returning to formal attire.
“Merlin.”, Arthur repeated and sighed. The rejection hurt. Of course it did. But he had sworn to everything he believed in that his feelings wouldn't get in the way of what they already had.
He had sworn to accept whatever decision Merlin made.
That included a rejection.
“I understand. I'm sorry. I won't do it again.”
Seriously, what was it with these contradicting signals Merlin send him? Merlin looked like Arthur had just hit him in the head! He had no right to look disappointed.
“I -”, Merlin began and Arthur could hardly remember a time when Merlin had been more nervous.
Arthur bridged his nose with his hands. “It's fine, Merlin. We can talk about this when you're ready. You can go. I'll be fine.”
Arthur was not fine.
Merlin bit his lip. “Yeah, I – good night, Sire.”
“Good night, Merlin.”
And with that Merlin left. Arthur wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. He had made a fool of himself. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to regret it.
At least he knew where he stood now.
---------------------------------
Balinor's and Hunith's wedding day was the most chaotic day Arthur had ever experienced in his entire life.
Not only were last minute preparations keeping him busy. No, his father had begun accusing every serving girl and servant that were somehow involved with the preparations of sorcery.
He began accusing servants of trying to poison him or planning to kill him.
Maybe the whole marriage thing sounded like an excuse for him to get his murderers into the Castle.
Well, that was mostly Balinor's fault. Because Balinor had been seen using magic the entire time he had been here.
Arthur hadn't realized just how much influence this Dragon Lord had on the knights and the servants and the common people in the lower town. The guards, the maids, even the prisoners.
Merlin had been right that Uther had hardly condemned anyone to death since Balinor arrived in Camelot. But that was, as Arthur realized now, because hardly anyone was accused anymore.
Magic could be used for good and Balinor was proof of that.
Balinor may be holding Camelot hostage. But he had not hurt a single person since he came here. He could have easily killed the king.
And yet, he hadn't. Even though he had every right to. And that had changed the minds of many people who got to know him.
Without them realizing, Uther had lost his power not only over anything Balinor did. But about his own people as well.
Prisoners who Uther held captive for fear of their magic, were smuggled out of Camelot by the guards. The one occasion were a sorcerer was actually supposed to be beheaded, Balinor had created a puppet that moved like a real person. The real sorcerer was – again – smuggled out of Camelot.
Arthur figured this out now, because Balinor had used his time well to befriend the people at the court. Balinor had a right to be part of the court. And so Uther couldn't stop him from convincing them to get Uther to retire.
Uther wasn't just afraid to be murdered. He was afraid to be overthrown.
Today was not only the day Balinor and Hunith got married.
Today was the day the court spoke in Arthur's favor and demanded his coronation.
Uther was not happy, to say the least. Which is why Arthur had all his hands full of organizing a fast Coronation and help preparing for the wedding and getting his father out of the way.
He didn't see Merlin during that time. Which he was kind of glad about. He really wasn't in a mood to confront yesterday's escapade as well.
So, in the morning, Uther was locked into the highest tower of the Castle, where he could rampage as much as he wanted without causing any more trouble.
While in the courtyard, the entire town had gathered.
Arthur wondered, if this was a smart idea. But he saw Morgana and Gwen sending him reassuring smiles. He saw Balinor and Hunith giving him thumbs up like proud parents.
Mordred and Morgouse were practically beaming with happiness. For they knew of the prophecy and they knew what this moment meant for the future. He could even see Lancelot waving from the distance.
And he saw Gwaine and Merlin.
Arthur closed his eyes, while Geoffrey talked. He had to be strong now. He couldn't allow himself to be jealous now. He had a kingdom to rule.
“LONG LIVE THE KING!”, he finally heard the people shout. And he liked to imagine he could hear Merlin the loudest. But maybe that was just his senses that were focusing on Merlin. As always. Or maybe Merlin just wanted things to turn back to normal and not leave them in the awkward state they had been in since the day before.
Later that evening, the same people gathered again. But this time the attention was not on their new king. No. This time, the attention was focused entirely on the purple decorations that covered the tables the servants had hurried to get here after the coronation.
Arthur could see Merlin and Morgana go around the aisle to magically create some flowers and butterflies and birds that made the entire yard look like a scene from a fairy tale.
Merlin was wearing chain mail. He was not knighted yet. For that he was too bad of a swordsman. So Merlin didn't have the cape that the other knights were wearing.
Other than Balinor, who looked nervous in his blue cape from the time he had been court sorcerer under Uther's command.
And Arthur wondered, if maybe he should reintroduce that position. Merlin should be his court sorcerer. He was clearly the best option for anything magic related. So yes, that was probably the best place for him. There was nobody who better deserved that position anyway.
Arthur liked that thought. Merlin as court sorcerer.... A powerful ally.
The most powerful ally, really.
But that thought was pushed to the back of his mind, as the entire crowd stood up now.
Hunith had entered the aisle.
Arthur grinned at Merlin's expression. He looked stunned, since he had not seen the dress Arthur had arranged for her until now.
The dress was green. And stood out in the midst of all the purple around them. The dress was long and faded into yellow at the sleeves. She held white flowers in her hands that Arthur didn't know the name of.
But her appearance alone was enough to silence them all. A whispered spell later and suddenly Hunith was practically glowing in a mysterious green light.
Arthur smiled. Typical Merlin.
But the one who looked the most positively screwed was the groom himself.
Arthur knew love when he saw it. He could see it in the way Morgana and Gwen held hands. (Even though Gwen was now leading Hunith down the aisle.)
He could see it in his own eyes, when he looked in the mirror to watch Merlin over his own shoulders doing who knows what mundane task.
He could see it in the way Hunith looked at her soon to be husband. He could see it in Balinor's eyes when he looked at his soon to be wife.
They deserved to be happy together. Arthur was just sorry it had taken them twenty years to get to this point.
“Do you, Hunith of Ealdor, take Balinor Ambrosius as your husband....”, blah blah blah. Arthur wasn't listening.
Mordred had run off to Morgana to whisper something in her ear.
And Arthur had this distinct feeling, that they were planning something for the new couple.
Suddenly, Balinor and Hunith said: “I do.” And a second later, they were kissing.
In that very moment, while everyone was cheering, Morgana and Mordred began to chant something.
And Arthur knew they were trying to do something extraordinary. He knew they were trying to make something wonderful. Some kind of present, but he would never figure out what it was.
All he could see was Merlin, whose head snapped at them in utter confusion and panic. And that was when Arthur realized that something about the incantation went wrong.
Something that would doom Balinor's and Hunith's union.
Arthur didn't waste a second to hesitate, as he ran towards the couple and jumped in front of the blast of their magic. The cheering stopped, as Arthur hit the floor.
---------------------------
Destinies are troublesome things. Destinies are woven into the fabric of the world. They are key elements that cannot be changed, no matter how hard you try.
Arthur and Merlin were destined to bring the golden age of Albion. Morgana and Mordred were destined to kill Arthur.
But it was their actions that decided how they got there. It were their decisions that lead them to this point of the story. And it will be their decisions that will decide how they will move forward from this moment.
Arthur felt the blast hit his heart. He felt his heart stop, as the crowd shouted in distress.
Arthur would be laughing. How ironic this was. So this was how he would die.
“ARTHUR!”, he heard someone scream. In a matter of seconds, there was Merlin kneeling next to him. Crying as he checked for Arthur's pulse.
“He's dead!”, he whispered.
Arthur frowned inwardly. His eyes were closed, but he was pretty sure he was still alive. He was still conscious at least.
He should have a couple more minutes before it was too late.
“Arthur! Please. No! You can't die! Please! We still have to talk – we – our future. This can't be the end.”
Arthur wanted to tell him, that they still could. That this wasn't the end.
When had Arthur hit his head? He didn't know. He couldn't feel anything. He felt – nothing. Nothing but the buzzing in his heart that he knew radiated from Merlin's magic.
He could hear Morgana and Mordred scream and cry and apologize.
They had tried to bless the couple. But they had messed up the words and made it a curse instead.
Merlin must have noticed. That was the only reason why Arthur was where he was now.
Suddenly, Arthur felt himself stand above his own body.
Like a ghost he could see Merlin cry. “Please, Arthur! Prat! Dollophead! Please! You can't be dead! I need you.”
Arthur stared at him. He couldn't really be dead now, could he?
But he could see himself. Eyes half closed. Rolled back into the back of his head. Like a corpse with a bleeding head.
“Merlin?”, he asked, because Merlin did not look okay at all. He looked like he had just lost his will to live.
And yet, Arthur could still feel the magic radiating from Merlin. Yes. This was the difference between sorcerer's and warlocks. Warlocks were magic itself. They radiated magic. And magic was life. Arthur wondered how he was still here. Maybe it was this. Maybe it was Merlin that kept him here.
He reached out for Merlin's shoulder and then he saw the outlines of his own hand. The outlines were silver.
Arthur frowned. Wait.
He touched Merlin. Merlin flinched at the touch. His own magic must be feeling Arthur's ghost.
But he didn't turn around. Maybe he thought it was someone else touching him.
Arthur felt Merlin's magic cling to his own hand.
Magic was life. And when Arthur drank the potion, he had bound his own life to Merlin's.
That was what he understood now, when he felt life creeping back into his body.
'I'm dead. But I will live.', he thought and then he smiled, as he turned back to his own body.
Silver is the color of immortality.
Morgana and Mordred had killed him. But Arthur was not dead. Because as long as Merlin was alive, Arthur was unable to actually die.
His heart began beating again, as Arthur reached for his soulmate's magic.
“Arthur, you can't leave me! I -”, Arthur knew what Merlin was going to say. He just knew. He should have never doubted himself.
“Is this the part were you tell me you love me? Because you are a little late with that.”, Arthur murmured, right before he opened his eyes.
Merlin breathed in air heavily, like he had been drowning just minutes ago.
Arthur's eyes were silver. Bright and glowing, and there for everyone to see who had gathered around them. Slowly, they faded back into the dark blue color that were their nature.
Merlin was crying, as only moments later he kissed him.
Okay, maybe Arthur had died after all. “I am so sorry I ran away yesterday. I was just- I was panicking, because -”, Merlin was unable to explain himself, as he pulled away.
“Can we talk about this somewhere more private?”, Arthur asked weakly, because he could see the people whispering.
Balinor was also kneeling next to him, and staring at his eyes.
“I'm so sorry, I ruined your wedding.”, Arthur murmured.
“You just saved my life, Arthur! Don't apologize for dying!”, Balinor dismissed him in a quiet outrage. Hunith had her hands crossed in front of her mouth in shock and relief and whatever else a mother would feel for her children.
Arthur knew he wasn't their son. But they sure treated him like one. Maybe they hadn't just adopted Gwaine. They had adopted him too.
“Arthur, Oh my god, I am so sorry.”, Morgana and Mordred had run over as well, just as shocked about their own doing as anyone else was.
“Don't worry. I'm alive.”, he said and closed his eyes again. He needed some time to recover.
Thank god it was Athur who had jumped in front of the couple and not someone else. Anyone else would be dead by now.
“How on earth did you survive this?!”, Balinor asked, and forced one of Arthur's eyes open. “Your eyes were silver just now. What happened? What did you do?”
Arthur winced. It wasn't exactly a nice feeling to be interrogated like this.
Arthur frowned. “I drank your son's potion. Which is silver, by the way.”
Merlin hissed a breath.
“What? NO! You mixed that one with your own! And you would need my blood for it to work and -”, then he stilled.
Arthur laughed. “You cut yourself on my window. I kind of stole your blood for this.”
“You just – drank it?!”, Balinor panicked.
“You can't just drink potions like that! Who knows what could have happened. I don't even know what silver means! I have never heard of this! How could that save your life! What -”
Arthur laughed.
“Arthur, this is not funny!”, Merlin added worriedly. But Arthur really thought it was.
“Don't you have anything to say about this?!?!”, Merlin almost shouted in his slowly calming panic.
But Arthur just smiled.
“Well … what can I say? I guess Merlin just has – royal blood.”
“Arthur, please!”, Merlin shook his head. “This is no joke.”
“I just died, Merlin. Let me have this.”
And let's just say, Arthur would never live this down.
But the prophecy was fulfilled. And the golden age just begun. The future will have more in store for them.
Some good things, some bad. But at the end of the day, they will have each other.
And they will be happy. Like they always deserved to be.
THE END