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A Secret Greater Than Magic

Chapter 16

Summary:

So this is basically just 5000 words of fluff with a little bit of the intro into some actual plot for next chapter.

Notes:

Thank you everyone for being so patient while I recovered! I hope you enjoy some fluff! I still have some other stuff going on (check end notes if interested) but the next chapter should be out within 2 weeks or so. Enjoy!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“Why are we at a seamstress? Surely you don’t need even more clothes for me to wash.” Merlin asks as he enters the shop

Arthur follows in behind him. “I don’t but you definitely do.” He says just as the woman comes around the corner preventing Merlin from answering.

“Sire!” The older woman says bowing upon seeing the prince. “May I ask what brings you here?” she questions.

“Good to see you again Eileen, I came to get some proper clothes for Merlin here, I can’t have him walking around in these rags it reflects poorly on me.” The heir answers.

The seamstress looks over at the manservant who is standing there in the very fine cloak she had previously made at the future king’s request but under it is the manservants normal raggedy clothes. “Of course my lord. I see the cloak is holding up well.” She comments looking at the garment once more and begins to put the pieces together.

The warlock flushes then remembers he’s just been insulted. “Hey! What’s wrong with my clothes?” He asks.

Arthur laughs. “They look more like something one would use to clean the floors than to wear.” He replies.

“I can’t afford new clothes, you don’t pay me enough for that, sire.” Merlin responds his displeasure evident in his tone and use of the title.

The prince sighs before taking a step closer to his partner. “Stop complaining, this is a gift. I’m paying for it.” He whispers.

The sorcerer looks at him but Eileen speaks up before he can say anything. “What exactly were you wanting.” She asks.

“Three tunics, two red and a blue as well as two pairs of trousers.” Arthur replies to the woman.

Merlin gets an idea.  “If his royal highness is paying I’ll also take a new jacket and two pairs of undergarments as well.” He says hoping this will stop the heir from thinking he has to buy the omega’s affections despite them being mated already.

The seamstress looks over to the prince and he just nods in confirmation not even batting an eye. “Two more of these things as well. A deep blue like the cloak and a red one, same as my cape.” He adds tugging on the other man’s neckerchief to show what he is talking about.

“Of course sire. Any preference in materials?” She asks.

“For the tunics, trousers, and undergarments just use the same as mine and for the neck cloths, silk for the blue.” Arthur begins his reply then goes through the shop looking at all the materials and comes across an undyed one that is softer that anything he has ever felt. “This for the red and actually make two in this material. Also another cape like the blue but deep red.” He says.

The woman writes everything on a piece of parchment. “Is that all my lord?” The woman asks surprised by the large order.

The prince nods in confirmation.

Elieen grabs a strip of paper. “Alright I’ll need to measure you.” She says and approaches the servant. Merlin takes his cloak off and hands it to the prince who fold it over his arm. “I’ll need you to take off that thing around your neck as well.” She requests.

The sorcerer looks over at the heir and the prince knows what is being asked without needing words. “Is there anyone else in the shop?” he asks the seamstress.

“No, just us, my assistant is out for the day. She gets sick every year just before spring starts.” The woman replies.

“I ask you not tell anyone what you are about to see, not only as your prince but as someone who spends quite a bit of gold here. The king does not want this information known.” He requests while locking the door.

Despite the shock and slight fear she agrees. “Of course sire.” Eileen replies.

“Go ahead Merlin.” The prince says and the manservant removes the cloth.

It takes her a moment but the elder woman soon sees the reason behind the secrecy. There is a mating mark on the manservant’s neck she looks over and sees a similar spot on the heir’s. “I see, don’t worry I will tell no one.” She says finally putting together the last piece of the puzzle.

“Thank you.” The omega replies.

The seamstress nods and gets back to work. “I’ve got everything so you two can be on your way.” She says once finished.

“Thank you again, just have the clothes delivered to my chambers in the castle.” Arthur says handing the gold to the woman as Merlin ties his neckerchief slowly back in place before the two leave the shop.

“You do know that it will be known by everyone in the town by night fall.” Merlin says as he follows closely behind the prince.

The heir smiles. “That is precisely why I made sure she was aware the king didn’t want the information to spread. It will never reach him plus most of the knights already know and now the servants will as well. Just because my father doesn’t want it to be known doesn’t mean I share his opinion.” He responds.

“You prat! You wanted her to tell everyone didn’t you?” the sorcerer question.

“Well of course, since when have you known me to not boast about my successes?” The prince questions in reply.

“Successes? So I’m just a prize, a trophy?” The omega questions stopping in place.

Arthur stops a moment later, no longer hearing the other man’s footsteps behind him and turns to see Merlin standing in the middle of the road and goes back to him then pulls him to a small alleyway between two shops. “That is not what I meant. My success was getting you to be my mate by your own choice.” He says.

“So this has nothing to do with me being an incredibly powerful sorcerer?” the warlock whispers.

“Considering that’s very privileged information that not even The King of Camelot knows, no. My boasting has nothing to do with that.” The heir answers.

“So what’s with all the clothes? I’m guessing they are to make me look less like a peasant while you boast.” The sorcerer questions.

“No, those are courting gifts, same as the horse and the mattress.” He answers.

Merlin takes in the information before speaking. “I thought they seemed like courting presents! But that was months ago! Why did you not tell me?” He asks.

“I wasn’t sure how you would respond especially seeing as you didn’t know I was aware of your magic and then all the stuff with the unicorn, and the questing beast, the timing was never right.” Arthur answers.

“So you waited until a dagger forced me into heat?” the warlock questions.

The prince is about to reply when someone passes by their hiding spot briefly halting the conversation. Once it is safe he speaks up “As I said when I presented the sigil to you, I was going to confess everything in the woods before we were attacked. Then I was worried about the dagger’s effects, clearly for good reason.” He says.

“I don’t think what happened was necessarily a bad outcome.” Merlin replies.

“No, it wasn’t but we are both aware that it could have been.” The heir responds.

“Still, we are mated now there is no need for courting gifts, Especially when the stuff I have is just fine.” The sorcerer states.

The remark causes Arthur to laugh. “We both know that isn’t the case. Half of your clothes have holes in them and the other are so thin they are nearly see through. I also didn’t hear you complain when you added to the list of items.” He says.

“I wanted to see if you would stop me.” The manservant admits.

“You could have purchased the whole shop and I wouldn’t have stopped you.” The prince replies. “Also you need to get used to finer things.”

“What do you mean?” the warlock questions.

“When I am king it wouldn’t be good for appearances if my mate were going around in rags.” The alpha replies.

Merlin hates to think what will happen when they marry and then a thought hits him. “Please tell me you aren’t going to make me wear a crown after we get married are you?” He asks.

A smirk appears on the prince’s face. “C’mon, we need to get to the leather smith to get you new boots.” He says and leaves the alley with the sorcerer following close behind.

“ARTHUR!” The sorcerer yells following after the heir. “ARTHUR!” He shouts once again despite now being right behind the man.

“That’s Prince Arthur to you.” The future king responds as they step into the bootmakers.

“Sire, to what do I owe the pleasure?” the leathermaker asks bowing at the heirs arrival.

“Good to see you Kieran. My manservant, Merlin here requires some boots. He trips of his own feet so often it’s caused his to fall apart, I figured that a decent pair or two might help make him a halfway decent servant.” Arthur says.

“I see, well I do always say a good boot makes a good man.” The leather worker says and then his apprentice takes the needed measurements. “Will that be all for you today my lord?” he asks once the boy finished.

Arthur thinks for a moment, eyes scanning the premade selection of goods. “I will also take that belt and those leather pouches behind you.” He says.

The leatherworker takes the items and puts them in a cloth sack and the prince hands him the payment for the goods. “Thank you. Have the boots delivered to my chambers once they are finished.” the heir says.

“Of course, sire. It’s always a pleasure.” The shop owner says.

They leave the business, Merlin walking next to Arthur as they make their way back to the castle. “Why didn’t you tell him about the secret?” he asks.

“Makes it so that some people doubt it. Easier to deny if it gets back to my father.” The prince answers.

“Did you really have to make me seem like an absolute idiot that can’t even walk straight?” the sorcerer asks.

“That part was actually the truth.” The heir responds as they enter the castle.

Merlin laughs. “Says the man who can’t even dress himself.” He says.

“I can, but having you do it is so much more fun.” Arthur replies rather loudly.

“Shh, we are still in the corridor. Someone could hear you.” The warlock whispers.

“No one is around and I’m the prince, I can be as loud as I want.” The heir says nearly shouting the second half of the statement.

They make it back to the prince’s chambers and there’s a loud banging sound that causes the whole castle to shake enough that Merlin nearly falls flat on his face. “See, like I said tripping over your own feet.” Arthur says.

“It was the noise.” The manservant protests. “You do understand that I am supposed to be the most powerful sorcerer to ever live right?” he questions.

“You have told me that but I have yet to see any real proof.” The prince taunts.

Merlin’s eyes flash and suddenly the heir’s trousers and undergarments are pooling at his ankles. “Is that enough proof?” the sorcerer asks as his eyes fade back to blue.

“If you wanted my pants of all you had to do was ask.” Arthur responds leaning forward to kiss the omega when there is another loud bang followed by a knock on the chamber door. “Answer that!” the prince commands pulling back before their lips can even touch as he pulls his trousers back up.

Merlin opens the door to find Leon standing there. “It’s just Leon.” He announces letting the man into the room.

“What is it?” Arthur questions attempting to relace his trousers.

The knight sees this and his eyes widen slightly. “King Uther has ordered an excavation of what may be an old tomb so I am afraid the noise will be ongoing.” He says.

“Well at least we aren’t under attack for once.” The prince responds giving up on the ties and just holding the material up.

“Yes, and uh sorry for intruding on the two of you.” Leon says with a cough unable to not look to where the heir’s trousers are still undone.

“OH! That’s not what wasn’t happening.” Merlin interjects. “Arthur and I were having a disagreement and he said something about me not being powerful.” He attempts to explain.

“So you used your magic to have his pants fall down?” the knight questions.

“Uh, yes?” warlock replies realising how bad that sounds.

“Right, I’ve got to get going.” Leon responds bowing to the both of them before leaving.

The warlock lets out an exasperated sigh. “Thanks to you not being able to dress yourself we’ve scarred poor Leon.” He says.

“It’s not my fault, the laces are way too long.” Arthur replies.

The sorcerer’s eyes shift to gold and the prince’s laces retie themselves. “There.” He says. “Do you know what all this excavation is about?” Merlin questions.

“No clue, my father has been avoiding me since I told him about us.” The prince replies.

“Probably for the best.” The warlock responds they sit in comfortable silence for a moment before he realises something. “LEON BOWED TO ME!” He says loudly startling the heir.

“Dammit Merlin! Don’t shout like that!” Arthur responds.

“I’m sorry but why the fuck did Leon bow to me?” Merlin asks.

The prince laughs. “You do remember we mated right?” the alpha questions.

“Obviously, but what’s that got to do with anything?” the sorcerer asks in return.

“While it’s not recognised legally yet, those that are aware may view you as Prince Consort.” The heir explains.

The shock causes the omega to choke on his own spit. “No! I’m still just Merlin, I’m still your manservant!” he insists flopping back onto the bed.

“That’s only because my father refuses to accept that this is happening whether he wants it or not.” The prince replies.

Merlin lets out a groan “Does this mean you’re actually going to make me wear a crown?” he asks.

“Not until we are married and even then only when not in the castle or if we have visitors or there’s a feast.” The heir confirms.

“Please tell me it won’t be a tiara.” The sorcerer pleads.

“I can promise you that, we will have something commissioned.” Arthur responds trying to reassure his partner.

“I still don’t like it. The clothes and now a crown. What next? Will I have to have someone serve me?” the warlock asks.

The look on the prince’s face says everything before he even opens his mouth. “At some point, yes. You will have to step down and we will each have to get new servants.” He says.

Merlin sits up. “No, absolutely not. I can’t be ordering someone around all the time.” He protests.

“You have no problem ordering me around.” The heir points out.

“Well yeah, you’re a prat and deserve it. I can’t order around some servant who, I know from experience has way too hard of a job. I certainly can’t allow you to force someone to do my job, without magic it would be impossible!” he objects.

Arthur sighs sitting next to his mate on the bed. “You can’t be my manservant forever, once I am king you’ll have other duties to attend to. We will find people that actually want the job. I will higher multiple servants for myself if you think it’s needed.” He says.

“You don’t treat your servants well.” The warlock says. The prince glances at the bed. “Other than me and you weren’t all that great to me either. You attacked me with a mace when we first met, and on my first day as your servant you had a list so long I didn’t even get a chance to eat that day.” He adds.

The heir sighs. “I hate admitting this but you’re right, but you also didn’t let me get away with acting like-.” He says.

“A clotpole. A prat.” Merlin interrupts.

“I was going to say an arse but I guess those work too. My point is I’m learning, and I doubt you would ever allow me to treat anyone like that again.” Arthur finishes.

“Damn right I won’t but you still have a long way to go.” The manservant says.

The prince laughs. “Glad you think so highly of me.” He says as another loud bang sounds through the castle. “I’ve got to get out of here before that noise drives me insane.” He says.

“Well I would help but I promised Gaius that I would go pick some herbs for him this morning but someone dragged me to buy unnecessarily expensive clothing.” Merlin responds.

“Herb picking in winter?”  the heir asks as another boom rattles the chambers. “You know what, I’ll help you.” He decides, not wanting to spend another minute in the citadel.

The physician’s apprentice laughs. “You? Pick herbs”” he asks still laughing.

“Stop laughing, I need an excuse to get out of the castle and it can be part of my trying to be a better ruler.” the future king replies

“Ah yes. The de-pratification of Prince Arthur.” Merlin says still quietly laughing. “Have you ever searched the woods for anything you can’t kill” he asks.

“No, but seeing as you do it, it can’t be that hard.” Arthur teases.

The sorcerer glares at him. “Okay, fine but if you pick something that makes you itchy don’t expect me to make it stop.” He says and grabs his bag.

“I’ll be fine.” The prince argues and follows his mate out the door.

They enter the woods just outside the city and Merlin shows Arthur a photo of the first thing they need, willow bark. “This is an easy one but we need a lot of it, down near the stream would be best.” He says and they head in that direction.

“Is this it?” Arthur asks as they come to a group of trees.

“It is, I’m impressed you actually paid attention.” The other man praises.

“I am capable of listening Merlin.” The heir responds and then goes towards the trunk of the tree with his dagger.

The sorcerer stops him just in time. “Clearly not well. You don’t take it from there. We use the little branches so they can regrow.” He explains pulling out a small axe to hack off a branch.

The prince watches with fascination. “Why don’t you use magic?” he enquires.

The warlock turns around after taking down another branch. “It is still illegal you know and it’s just habit at this point. I’ve grown so used to having to conceal it that most of the time I just do.” He finishes.

Arthur cuts a branch off a similar tree. “You won’t have to hide forever just until I’m king, I promise.” He says.

“I know, now come on we have a lot more to collect.” Merlin replies.

They continue to collect several more branches then they leave them in a pile near the edge of the woods to collect on their way back and move onto the next plant.

“Fuck, we need lady’s mantle.” The apprentice says looking at the last item on the list.

“What’s the issue?” the heir asks.

“It only flowers in the spring so I can’t pick it, and the shop I buy it from is closed by now and Gaius is very low.” The omega answers.

“How important is it?” the prince questions.

“Very, it is used in a lot of his recipes including my suppressant, Morgana’s sleep draught, and one of the herbs I use to mask my smell.” Merlin explains.

“So, it can’t wait until morning.” Arthur replies.

The sorcerer shakes his head. “No, it cannot.” He replies.

“Okay, why don’t we just go to the shop keeper’s house and get some?” the heir asks.

“I have no clue where she lives and regardless I refuse to bother at her home, especially with the Prince of Camelot tagging along. She’d probably die of fright.” He says.

“Okay so what do we do?” The prince questions.

The manservant scans the area. “This is where it should normally grow, so I might have an idea.” He says pulling out his spell book.

“How is magic going to help?” Arthur questions.

“You’ll see, just make sure no one comes up on us.” The warlock requests.

The prince unsheathes his sword. “Alright.” He agrees and watches as his mate crouches in the middle of a small clearing.

“Blóstmá.” The sorcerer says extending his hand over the earth as his eyes shift to gold.

The grass in the clearing turns greener and all around them flowers grow quickly, the air warming as if spring has touched only this small meadow. Merlin retracts his hand and his eyes fade back. “Hurry and help me pick this we don’t have long before this goes away.” He says grabbing as many bunches of Lady’s Mantles as he can fit in his bag.

Arthur snaps out of where he was staring in awe and begins helping. Taking one of the smaller plants out of the ground roots and all, hiding it in his cloak. “Is this enough?” he asks arms full.

“Yes that’s definitely plenty. Put it in your bag and lets get back to the branches so we can get this to Gaius.” The warlock responds and as he speaks the lively meadow goes back to where it was in its dormant winter state.

The prince puts the plants away in his own bag grabbing the sorcerer’s arm before he can pass him by. He grabs Merlin’s face gently and kisses him, his love and adoration seeping into the kiss. “That’s how you prove to someone that you’re powerful.” He says.

“Maybe I should use my magic around you more often.” The omega responds.

“Yes, yes you should.” The heir responds kissing his love again.

Merlin pulls away. “C’mon. We have to get back to the castle before it’s too late and we have to get those branches back still.” He says.

“Or we can stay out here in the woods and we can see what else your magic can conjure.” Arthur suggests.

“As fun as that sounds, we really do need to get these back and I still have to strip all the bark off those branches before we can leave.” The sorcerer replies heading back to the entrance of the woods..

“Since when are you the responsible one?” The heir asks in complaint following the other man.

The warlock laughs. “I’ve always been the responsible one you’re just too much of a clotpole to notice.” He replies. “Now why don’t you help me strip the bark off these so we can get back before sundown.” He instructs sitting down at the edge of the woods.

“Why don’t you just use your magic?” The prince asks but sits down and begins to help anyway.

“Believe it or not most people with magic don’t use it for everything. I try to only use it for you or the good of the kingdom.” Merlin replies.

“And to do your chores.” Arthur responds.

“That falls under good for the kingdom, I hate to think what would happen if their prince’s armour wasn’t shiny enough to see his reflection in it. The whole castle might collapse.” The manservant teases.

The heir balks at the words. “I thought we discussed I’m learning.” He protests.

“You are, but it’s a process now come on we need to get this done.” The sorcerer says and the get back to work.

They are nearly done when Arthur speaks again. “What did you mean when you said the shop owner would probably die of fright if you showed up to her door with me?” He asks.

“Promise not to freak out and send the entire guard after her?” Merlin requests.

“Of course why would I-. Oh.” The prince says realising the implication halfway through his response. “She uses magic.” He says.

The warlock nods. “I can’t say with absolute certainty but she always has a supply of ingredients ready and dried no matter how much of it I purchase, even in the dead of winter.” He replies.

“How many people in Camelot use magic?” The heir asks.

“I’m not entirely sure. I’ve not encountered many that use it with negative intentions.” The sorcerer replies.

“What do you mean?” Arthur enquires.

“Most won’t do it around me at all because I am close to you but those I have either sensed or discovered only ever use it for their families.” Merlin answers.

It’s silent for another moment. “Who have you discovered? I don’t have want for names I just want to know how they use it.” The prince queries.

“Can you promise their safety? You protecting me is one thing but these people haven’t done anything wrong and I won’t have them persecuted.” The sorcerer asks.

“I swear to you I won’t have anything done to them.” The heir vows.

Merlin takes a deep breath before speaking. “There’s the herbalist where Gaius gets some of his supplies that I told you of, a blacksmith that uses magic to calm horses for shoeing, several maids who use it to finish chores, and just other people in town who use it to keep their homes warm, none of them anywhere close to what I can do. Just small spells occasionally. Some of those I’ve sensed may not even use it they just possess the ability.” He reveals.

“Why do they do it knowing the risks?” Arthur asks.

“The same reason I do, the same reason you carry a sword, they do it for love. Love of their family. So they can get food, or so they can stay warm, so they can live to see the next day.” The warlock replies staring at the citadel in the distance surrounded by the farms and houses of the lower town.

“My father would see people dead just for doing what they need to survive. I’ve known for a while that all magic isn’t evil but I never expected it could do so much good.” The prince responds.

“You were raised to only see the bad so of course that’s all you saw but you know better now and that is what’s important.” Merlin replies before standing. “Speaking of important we need to get these back to Gaius.” He says.

The two fill their bags with the willow bark and return to the castle.

“Merlin there you are! I was worried you’d gotten lost again.” The physician says.

“Again?” Arthur questions setting his bag down.

“It’s nothing, we got everything on your list and then some.” The apprentice replies dismissing the question.

Gaius looks at the bags, “We?” he asks pulling out the collected items.

“Arthur went with me. We had to get away from-.” The sorcerer begins to reply but is cut off by a thunderous bang.

“That awful noise!” Arthur finishes the sentence. “It’s getting late, why haven’t they stopped yet? What even is my father searching for?” he enquires.

“He heard a rumour of an old tomb that is supposed to be full of riches. Hopefully they stop before it is time for sleeping.” The court physician answers.

Another bang echoes through the citadel. “It better. It sounds as though we are at war.” The heir replies.

“Thank you for helping with the supplies.” Gaius commends.

“Of course, was a good excuse to get out of here.” The prince replies.

Another startling boom weaves through the air. “Understandable. You two better get going. I have a feeling it is going to be a long night.” The physician says ushering the two out the door.

They have barely reached the bottom of the steps when Arthur remembers the plant in his pocket. “Merlin can you grab dinner and meet me back at our chambers? I’m going to grab some sleep draughts.” He asks but doesn’t wait for a response before turning around and going back Gaius’s quarters.

“Is there something I can help you with Sire?” The old man asks at the prince’s return.

“Do you have something to put this in? And two sleeping draughts?” the heir request pulling out the plant.

“Ah, I’m assuming it’s a gift for Merlin?” The physician questions and the prince nods.

Gaius goes across the room and grabs an empty clay pot and scoops some dirt from a larger plant into it. “This should do just fine.” He says then grabs two small vials. “The plant is a much better courting gift for Merlin than a mattress and a new horse.” He says handing the items to Arthur.

“How did you-?” The prince goes to ask.

“I’m not so old as to not know courting gifts when I see them.” The physician interrupts.

The heir sighs. “Alright fine, but you said this would be better?” He asks.

Gaius nods. “When have you ever seen Merlin impressed by displays of wealth?” He questions rhetorically. “This however, it’s something he cares about, that’s the secret. Love, not luxury.” He advises.

“Thank you Gaius.” Arthur says and goes towards the door, another loud boom sounding through the corridors as he leaves the quarters once more.

He makes it back to his chambers just as Merlin is setting down their plates. “There you are, what took you so long?” the manservant asks as he looks up. “What do you have behind your back?” He adds to the question.

“A gift.” The prince says.

“Arthur what did I tell you I don’t need-.” Merlin begins but stops as the heir pulls the plant out from behind his back. Actually speechless.

“I didn’t spend a single piece of silver on this one.” Arthur says and hands the potted Lady’s Mantle to his partner.

The sorcerer just stares at it for a minute not responding. “Well say something.” The prince says worried now that he messed it up again.

“I don’t know what to say.” The warlock responds.

“Oh god, even worse. I’ve broken you.” The heir replies.

Merlin sits down the potted plant. “No, I’m okay, I love the plant really I just didn’t expect something like this from you.” He says.

“Do you not want it?” Arthur asks going to take the herb back.

“Touch it and I turn you into a toad.” The warlock responds.

The prince freeze, “Can you actually do that?” he questions.

“No clue but touch my new plant and find out.” The manservant says.

The heir takes a step back. “So you like it?” he questions.

“I love it, and I love you. This was incredibly thoughtful, thank you.” Merlin answers.

“It got a little messed up in my pocket and it’s already starting to wilt.” Arthur responds.

The warlock laughs. “I think there’s something I can do about that.” He says and this time there’s just a brief flash of gold, no words spoken as the plant gets larger and the small yellow flowers brighten.

“I don’t think I will ever get over that.” The prince comments.

Merlin moves the plant over to the mantle above the fireplace. “There, Lady’s Mantles on the mantle.” He says. “Now let’s eat I think they’ve stopped the excavation.” He adds but as soon as the words leave his mouth another boom rattles the chambers.

“Apparently not, hopefully it is over before we go to sleep.” The heir says and they begin their dinner.

By the time they are ready for bed the loud booms still haven’t stopped. “Let’s hope this works.” Merlin says grabbing the sleeping draughts and passing one to the prince.

“It better.” Arthur responds and the two cling their vials together before drinking the liquid. “Does Gaius have to make all his brews taste so vile?” He asks.

“Honestly I think he does it for fun but lets try and sleep.” The sorcerer replies and they climb into their shared bed as the candles around the room snuff out with a brief flash of gold in the warlock’s eyes.

The couple lays in bed but in the quite of the night the sound only seems to get louder and booms shake their way through the castle.

“Merlin.” The prince says, voice muffled by the pillow over his head in attempt to drown out the noise.

“Yes?” the other man answers.

“Go and tell them to stop.” The heir says.

“But they are working under Uther’s orders.” Merlin responds.

“And according to almost everyone you are working under mine. Use some parchment to write something saying it’s my orders.” Arthur replies.

“Ughhh, fine but I’m conjuring the orders.” The manservant says and a paper appears on the bedside table.

He goes down to where the excavation is taking place only to be met with a group of workmen running from the site screaming.

“Well this can’t be good.” Merlin says having entered the chamber to find a man dead with grey skin, bloodshot eyes, and mouth open in a silent scream.

Notes:

So life is insane for me at the moment. Going to see my two favorite youtubers on tour on the 30th, I also met someone and have a date in the near future and the guy literally could be Arthur's brother he looks so similar! On a less happy note my cat that I mentioned a while back has to be put down. Also while this books is no where near done I'm thinking of my next fic and if it should be a Modern Merthur AU (which I have so many ideas for) or if I should do another fix it but this time Nice Uther! Comment what you think!