Chapter Text
A few years had passed since the night that changed everything. Camelot had undergone its fair share of trials, but in the end, it had emerged stronger, more united, and filled with hope. Lord Kane’s influence had faded into the background, his suspicions never quite reaching the truth of what had been happening under his nose. The kingdom had accepted the unspoken truth, and life went on—peacefully, for the most part.
Merlin and Arthur stood side by side on the balcony of Camelot’s great hall, watching as the sun set over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of red and gold. The distant mountains were bathed in twilight, and the soft murmur of the city below spoke of a kingdom at rest.
Arthur had grown into the ruler Camelot always needed. He was wise now, his decisions tempered by experience and guided by his heart. It had taken time, but he’d found his balance between the responsibilities of his crown and the quiet joy he found in the simple moments. And there was no moment simpler, or more precious, than the one he shared with Merlin.
Merlin, too, had found his place in the kingdom. He wasn’t just Arthur’s servant anymore—he was Arthur’s equal, his confidant, his closest friend, and most importantly, his partner in everything. The years had changed him in ways that were difficult to describe, but one thing had always remained constant: his love for Arthur.
The bond between them was no longer a secret. Camelot had come to accept it slowly but surely. At first, there had been whispers, a few raised eyebrows, but those were swiftly silenced by the force of the connection between the two men. And as time went on, their relationship became something celebrated, something that gave the kingdom hope for the future. The once-hidden love had blossomed into something that touched everyone around them.
Arthur turned to look at Merlin, his face softening as he met his gaze. “You’ve been quiet tonight,” he said, a teasing note in his voice.
Merlin smiled, leaning against the stone railing. “Just thinking,” he said, though his eyes twinkled with affection. “About how far we’ve come.”
Arthur chuckled. “It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it? When we were sneaking around the castle, trying to keep everything hidden.”
Merlin nodded, remembering the way they used to exchange furtive glances during council meetings, the brush of hands under the table, the stolen kisses in shadowed corridors. There had been danger in those moments, the thrill of secrecy, but also the weight of fear. The fear that it could all fall apart at any moment.
And yet, here they were. Together. At peace.
“I can’t believe how much has changed,” Merlin said softly. “Camelot, you, me. Us.”
Arthur’s smile was warm, genuine. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a loud, familiar voice from behind them.
“You two lovebirds still standing there?” Gwaine called, striding toward them, a wide grin on his face. “The feast is starting, and if I’m not mistaken, someone promised me they’d save me a seat.”
Merlin laughed and pushed himself off the railing, feeling the weight of the last few years lift from his shoulders. “We’re coming, Gwaine,” he said, his voice light. “We’re just enjoying the view.”
Gwaine raised an eyebrow. “A view of the sunset or a view of each other?”
Arthur rolled his eyes, though there was affection in the gesture. “Gwaine, you never stop.”
“Well, someone has to keep things interesting around here,” Gwaine said with a grin, patting Arthur on the back. “Come on, before Gwen eats all the roasted boar.”
Merlin’s eyes brightened at the mention of food. “Roasted boar, you say?”
Gwaine chuckled. “I knew that would get you moving.”
As they made their way down to the hall, the sounds of laughter and music filled the air. The great hall was alive with celebration, its stone walls echoing with the voices of the people who had helped build this kingdom, who had stood by Arthur’s side through every battle and triumph.
Gwen, Lancelot, and Percival were already seated at the long table, surrounded by plates and goblets, deep in conversation. Gwaine made his way over to them with his usual enthusiasm, and Merlin and Arthur followed, their presence enough to shift the energy in the room.
“You’re late,” Gwen teased as Arthur took his seat beside her.
“We were just admiring the sunset,” Arthur said with a grin.
“Oh, so that’s what you call it now?” Lancelot quipped, raising an eyebrow. “I thought we were going to have a serious conversation about diplomacy, Arthur.”
Arthur gave him a mock glare. “Do we have to talk about work at every meal, Lancelot?”
“Only when you’ve been ignoring your duties for too long,” Lancelot shot back, but there was no malice in his words. Just the easy camaraderie that had formed between the knights over the years.
Merlin took his seat next to Arthur, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he glanced around at their group of friends. They had become a family of sorts—united by loyalty, laughter, and love. There had been no grand proclamations, no official declaration of their bonds, but they had all found their place in the heart of Camelot.
“You know,” Percival said, his voice thoughtful, “sometimes I forget how much we’ve been through together. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but when I look at everyone here, I realize how much we’ve all changed.”
Gwen smiled, her eyes warm as she reached across the table to squeeze Lancelot’s hand. “We’ve all grown, haven’t we? Together.”
Arthur raised his goblet, a gleam of pride in his eyes. “To Camelot,” he said, his voice strong and sure. “To the future we’re building together.”
“To Camelot,” everyone echoed, clinking their goblets in unison.
As the night wore on, the laughter grew louder, the food more plentiful, and the music more joyous. There was no kingdom to save at that moment, no battles to fight. For once, the weight of responsibility felt light, because for Arthur, and for Merlin, it was enough to simply be with the people they loved.
Later, as the feast began to wind down and the guests slowly filtered out of the hall, Merlin and Arthur found themselves standing near the door, looking out over the balcony again, the stars now visible in the sky. It was the same view they had shared so many times before, but tonight it felt different.
“Do you think it’s going to stay this way?” Merlin asked quietly, his voice soft as he looked at Arthur, the warmth of their shared happiness filling the space between them.
Arthur turned to face him, his hand reaching for Merlin’s. “I hope so. I really do.”
Merlin smiled, his heart full. “Then let’s make sure it does.”
And for once, there was no fear. No hesitation. Only the promise of the future, and the certainty that whatever came next, they would face it together.
With Arthur by his side, Merlin had no doubt that Camelot’s future was brighter than ever.