Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lancelot watched down the hall, definitely not hiding behind a statue, as a noble lady flushed and flirted with Merlin. Merlin, who smiled and winked and kissed her knuckles, leaving her looking as if she were about to faint, as he headed off the opposite direction down another corridor. Well. Lancelot decided it was his duty to approach him and ensure he was aware of what happened. He’d never seen anyone flirt with Merlin. He’d never seen Merlin flirt with anyone, either, now that he thought about it. He knew Merlin grew up without a father, so he figured he never had anyone to explain certain … things to him. Mind made up, Lancelot headed off to the armory where he knew Merlin was supposed to be polishing armor. He hoped the armory would be empty, but was sure that at least a few knights would be hanging around. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass the young warlock. 

“Merlin.” Lancelot said as he entered the room.

“Lancelot.” Merlin replied, with a smirk. “What brings you out here on this fine evening? Thought you were off.”

“I am. But I wanted to speak with you about something.” Lancelot cleared his throat. “I saw you in the corridor earlier. With Lady Elisabeth.”

“Oh.”

“Yes. I erm, I wanted to talk with you about it. Make sure you understand … everything.” Lancelot cleared his throat again, but Merlin just looked at him quizzically.

“Understand everything? I don’t understand you, at the moment, Lancelot.” Merlin chuckled and continued working on polishing. “You knights get more confusing by the day.”

“That’s just not fair, Merlin.” Gwaine stated as he sauntered over, taking a seat next to the young man, nudging him with his shoulder.

“It’s true though. Lancelot said he wanted to talk to me to make sure I understood something but won’t speak plainly.” Lancelot flushed slightly, ready to argue, but Gwaine stopped him.

“He’s trying to give you the ‘talk’. You know, the sex talk.” Gwaine clarified.

“What?” Merlin looked up at the now full group of Round Table Knights. “Are you serious?”

“Very.” Lancelot said, finally finding his voice.

“How old do you think I am?” Merlin asked the group. 

“Twelve.” Percival said teasingly. 

“Do I look 12 years old to you?” Merlin pointedly asked, eyes landing on Elyan.

“Fourteen.” He shrugged, grinning slyly.

“So your plan was to approach me while I was busy with a task to tell me about sex?”

“Yes. But the way you say that, makes me doubt the decision.” Lancelot responded. Merlin started laughing and couldn’t stop. He was leaning on Gwaine for support before long, and the others just looked at each other in fond confusion.

“I appreciate the thought. I really do, but you are a few years late to that conversation. I may not have had a father to tell me about everything, but my mother tried, and after too many awkward dinners, she decided it would be best to wait until I got to Camelot and could get a better talk from Gaius. Unfortunately Gaius liked to use pictures and diagrams.” Merlin shivered at the memory. “I had my, er, introduction, so to speak, back in Ealdor when Will and I sort of figured things out on our own. Honestly, I’m grateful for the attempt.” Merlin continued chuckling, unable to stop smiling at what was happening. 

"So! You must have stories, then?" Gwaine encouraged, rubbing his hands together. 

"A fair few. Not that I'd tell." Merlin winked at the Knight who pouted. "Think about where we are. The castle. Surrounded by lords and ladies and various courtiers and visiting nobility. What do you think would happen if a servant ran around chatting about escapades with so-and-so? Said servant would be flogged, put in the stocks, fired, or would flat out disappear."

"Surely that doesn't happen." Elyan said tentatively. Merlin shrugged and continued polishing. 

"You won't tell us any of your exploits then?" Gwaine pouted more.

"I'll make you a bet. At the feast tomorrow evening I'll serve wine and you have to determine if I've slept with them or not. If you don't guess correctly, I win."

"And what do you win exactly?" Lancelot asked, curiosity getting the best of him.

"You all do my chores for an entire day. You can do them all the same day as I don't want to overwhelm you. If I lose, I'll give you one name per person."

"I'm in!" Gwaine exclaimed. Percival, Elyan, and Lancelot glanced at each other and nodded agreement, but startled when Leon walked in. He paused in the door, waiting to see who would talk first.

"Gentlemen." 

"Leon." Everyone chorused.

"Merlin!" A yell sounded down the hall. Merlin sighed and started collecting the armor he had just finished with.

"I'll see you." Merlin grumbled as he left the armory, grinning when he heard the others filling Leon in on the wager.

Chapter Text

The Knights were all gathered in their hall before the feast began, and were feeling pretty good about their respective odds on Merlin’s … adventures. When Arthur walked in and found them counting out coins and laughing. 

“What’s going on here? Someone lose a bet with Gwaine again?” Arthur asked, causing the men to freeze. 

“Not this time, fortunately.” Elyan chuckled.

“Just getting a full count before the wage this evening with Merlin.” Gwaine said, grinning crookedly.

“Merlin? What would you bet Merlin on?” Arthur looked genuinely confused, which caused Lancelot to laugh, and fail hiding it with a cough.

“Oh, uh, nothing to concern you with, Sire.” Leon stated, trying to change the topic. “Perhaps we should head that way?”

“Not until you tell me what you are wagering with my servant about.” Arthur declared, glancing between his most trusted Knights.

“Lancelot took it upon himself to try to give Merlin the ‘talk’ last evening. And, well, his response was to laugh and tell him he was a few years too late.” Elyan answered, seeing the others weren’t going to.

“What?” Arthur looked like he’d been slapped. “That can’t be right.” 

“That turned into a wager of if we could guess who he had and hadn’t slept with at the feast tonight. If he wins, we have to do his chores for a day. If we win, he said he would give us one name per person.” Gwaine responded, with a twinkle in his eye.

“You’re telling me, that my manservant, is bedding my courtiers?” Arthur looked flabbergasted.

“Some. He did mention visiting nobility as well, so I reckon he has some good stories to tell.” Percival added in, sly smile on his face.

“If you want to yell at him about it, wait until after the feast, yeah? We want to see if we can figure it out.” Gwaine asked.

“This feast is going to be a disaster.” Arthur stated and headed toward the banquet hall, Knights in tow. Merlin was already there, helping the other servants with pitchers and setting out food. Once everyone was seated, Arthur gave a speech that he stumbled through, still distracted by the conversation with the Knights. Merlin gave him teasing looks, and appeared as if he was struggling not to laugh. When he filled the King’s cup, he whispered in his ear and caused the King to roll his eyes.

“That was, by far, the worst I’ve ever seen you deliver a speech. Distracted by something tonight already, my lord ? Or perhaps someone?” Arthur grumbled and scowled at Merlin. But now that Arthur was aware of what the night would entail, it was hard not to notice. The Knights watched Merlin with such interest, that the other revelers were starting to notice. Lancelot quickly tried to get everyone in a rousing conversation, but only Gwaine seemed able to watch and converse with equal attention.

Each table Merlin went to, at least three people would blush, touch his arm in a gesture of thanks, or whisper something to him. A few times, Merlin would reach out and brush a stray hair from a ladies face, lean a little closer to one of the young lords, or respond to the whisper with one of his own. One young man, and two young women, practically fainted when he leaned in close. The one that caught Arthur off guard, was George. George would approach Merlin when he was refilling his pitcher and didn’t even try hiding that he was ogling Merlin. 

“He’s not even that attractive.” Arthur scoffed, finishing his drink.

“Perhaps not to you. But it’s the closest that many can get to the King.” An unexpected answer sounded from beside him. He turned and saw Gwen with a slight blush. 

“Not you too.”

“No, not me. But he is quite popular. His kindness, helpfulness, loyalty, and bravery draw people in. Would you rather he be lonely?” She asked, watching Arthur’s face.

“I suppose not. But, Gwen, how is it that it is glaringly obvious the interest they have in him, but they are able to hide it while in council? Or during audiences? How can he be so good at keeping secrets?”

“Arthur, he’s been your servant for a long while now. The amount of secrets he’s been privy to are uncountable at this point. You should be thankful that his devotion is to you and to Camelot.” Gwen added, and then left Arthur to his thoughts while going to scold the Knights for staring. Elyan and Lancelot at least looked ashamed, but Gwaine was unrepentant, Percival as well, and Leon pretended he wasn’t part of the group. Arthur held his cup up, and Merlin rushed over to fill it.

“You and I need to have a chat.” Arthur practically growled. Merlin raised an eyebrow at him questioningly. “About flirting with everyone during a feast.” Merlin laughed. He tried to hold it in, but his laughter was loud and rang through the hall, as he tried to pull himself together. Arthur saw that many of the revelers were watching him with unmasked jealousy. 

“My apologies. Just trying to mess with your most loyal Knights. I’ll, uh, be less forward for the remainder of the evening.” Merlin was still chuckling as he moved away from the King. 

After a few hours, drinks were taking their effect on the guests, and several had grabbed at Merlin who merely removed their hands and moved along. He was kind about it, but the action made Arthur angry. Just because he flirted with them, did not give them the right to touch. Merlin was taking a quick break by the table holding the wine, when Arthur saw it. One of his lords had cornered Merlin and had him pressed against the wall. Merlin had tried talking, but the man seemed unable to understand the meaning of the word no. Arthur was getting ready to intervene, when Leon stepped in. Seeing who it was, the lord backed off and left the hall. Merlin released a visible sigh of relief and Leon hovered nearby until Arthur was ready to retire. 

“Does that happen often?” Arthur asked as they entered his room. Merlin wouldn’t meet the King’s eyes, so Arthur took that as a yes. “You can defend yourself, you know? I trust you would never attack anyone who hadn’t aimed harm towards you or the kingdom.”

“Thanks, Arthur. I appreciate it. So,” Merlin cleared his throat, making it known he wanted to change the topic, “did you enjoy your evening?”

“I did, for the most part. Thought Leon was going to punch Lord Avril right then and there. Would have made for a decent finish.” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur smiled. “Go on then, I know the others are dying to hear from you.” Merlin sent him one last thankful smile and disappeared out the door.

Chapter Text

Merlin approached the Knights hall, hoping the Knights would focus on the bet, and not how the night ended, but he was pushed roughly against a wall with his arm twisted painfully behind his back. He hissed in pain, trying not to move too much so as not to worsen his position. 

“Think you could get away from me that easily, eh?” Lord Avril breathed in his ear. 

“Not at all, my lord. I was needed by my King.” Merlin said through gritted teeth. He hoped the others wouldn’t find him like this. The man ran his hands up and down his body, and Merlin clenched his jaw. “I should be going, my lord. I will be needed quite early for the King.” Merlin pressed, trying to get the man to back off. The lord merely pushed his arm up higher behind his back, to a painful point. Merlin was certain any higher and his arm would break. 

“I think not. You’ve been nothing but a tease all night to anyone and everyone. You will come back to my room and take care of my needs, servant .” Lord Avril growled, grinding his hips against Merlin’s pinned body. The man became distracted by the friction that he felt from rubbing up against him, so he held as still as he could. When the man leaned forward and bit down on his neck, he barely suppressed a shout of pain. The man’s free hand reached up and held it over Merlin’s mouth, making it hard for him to breathe. “None of that now. Can’t have those common born men playing at being Knights, coming to your rescue.” 

“They earned their Knighthood and have proven themselves worthy time and again. They weren’t born into their positions.” Merlin knew he should have kept his mouth shut, but the man didn’t know when to leave him alone. He felt his arm twisted higher and would have screamed when he felt it pop out of socket, if the man hadn’t had his hand over his mouth. Before he could process the pain, he felt himself released, and he collapsed to the floor. His eyes were screwed shut and he had his left arm reaching over to brace his right. He pressed his head to the stones in front of his face, feeling like he was going to throw up. 

“Merlin? Merlin, can you open your eyes?” Elyan was calling softly. Merlin opened his eyes and saw the concern in the eyes of the Knight.

“El.” Merlin finally answered.

“Merlin, can you stand? I need to get you to Gaius so he can fix your arm.” Elyan was speaking gently as if afraid he would spook him. Merlin closed his eyes and pressed his head to the stones one last time before he nodded. Hands gently lifted him to his feet and led him down the hall. He grit his teeth and when he thought he would collapse, an arm was gently around his waist guiding him. 

“Thanks, El. You should get back to the others. I can get to Gaius on my own from here.” Merlin stated as they approached the door to the physician’s chambers.

“Absolutely not. I am with you until Gaius sends me away. Gwen would have my head, not to mention Arthur. You're stuck with me, mate.” 

“Alright. You may need to help Gaius in putting my arm back anyway. I know it’s not broken, just dislocated.” Merlin said, as if that should make it ok.

“I’ll help. Hopefully Percival or Gwaine was able to get Arthur before Leon beat Lord Avril too severely.”

“Leon?” Merlin questioned, feeling like he was ready to pass out, and stumbling into the door slightly. 

“Yeah, he spotted Lord Avril pass by after you left with the King. Thought he was gonna murder him right then. Gaius? Merlin needs looked at.” Elyan stated as they walked into the familiar chambers.

“Who was it this time, my boy?” Gaius asked, as Elyan helped lower him to the nearest bench.

“Lord Avril.” Merlin answered at the same time his friend spoke.

“This time?” Elyan asked, voice cracking.

“It happens nearly every other feast. Someone wants something from him, he either politely refuses, or they force themselves on him, though he’d never tell anyone. Thank you for escorting him. Is the King aware?”

“He is.” Arthur growled from the door.

“Sire.” Gaius acknowledged, with an incline of his head. “Sir Elyan could you hold his arm like so?” Gaius held Merlin’s arm out and instructed the Knight. After some pulling and pushing, Merlin’s arm slid back into place with an audible pop, and Merlin looked extremely pale. He was panting heavily. “Drink this and straight to bed.” Gaius directed. Merlin nodded, and while he drank the potion, Gaius wrapped his arm. As Merlin stumbled to his room and lay down, Gaius turned to face the King and Knight who were still waiting. 

“How many times has this happened, Gaius?” Arthur asked.

“He usually has some sort of injury after each feast.”

“Every one? Gwen’s never said anything.” Elyan looked shocked.

“She wouldn’t. Merlin swore her to secrecy early in their friendship.” Gaius admitted.

“Why does he not protect himself?” Arthur pushed, feeling angry and out of his depth.

“He doesn’t always have the chance. I assume he thought he was safe tonight after leaving you in your room. Normally he stays on his guard and takes as many winding ways back here that he can.”

“It appears the nobles of the court need a lesson in human decency.” Elyan said, with fire in his eyes. 

“Yes, it does. Gaius, how long will he need to recover properly? I know there is every chance he’ll get away from you and resume his normal work regardless of what he’s told.” Arthur asked, feeling his rage simmering barely below the surface.

“I’d like to keep his arm bound for at least a week, but three would be preferable. I’m not sure I can keep him in a sling that long, however.” Gaius looked at the King and Knight, who grinned at each other.

“We can pass word along and it will be enforced by everyone.” Arthur announced. He turned to leave, but paused and turned back to the physician, “has he actually willingly slept with anyone here?” Arthur wasn’t certain he wanted the answer, but felt he needed to know as sovereign ruler. 

“There have been a few that he went with willingly. But there were many more that he was forced into. He won’t tell you which was which. He’s not proud of those. He sees them as a weakness.” Gaius answered.

“Thank you for your honesty, Gaius. I’ll have guards assigned here tonight so he doesn’t attempt to attend me in the morning. Send word when he can be released and I’ll have the guards dismissed.” Arthur stated and then, after Gaius gave a slight bow, he turned and headed towards his chambers. He paused along the way, though, and then turned to follow Elyan to the Knights hall. When he entered, he found Gwaine pacing, Percival leaned against the wall, and Leon sitting at the table and stretching his hand.

“Gentlemen.” Arthur said as an announcement for himself. “Leon. You should probably see Gaius and get your hand taken care of.”

“Sire. I apologize for my behaviour and place myself at your judgement.” Leon said, expecting some sort of punishment. Arthur sighed.

“Go to Gaius, Leon. You can check in on Merlin while you’re there. He’s sleeping, though, so don’t wake him.” Leon bowed, after gaping at him for a solid minute, and then departed. 

“Is he alright?” Percival asked, looking ready to fight someone. 

“His shoulder is back in place, wrapped, and he’s taken medicine. It appears as though we have some nobles who do not understand what nobility means.” Arthur answered.

“Anything we can do to help?” Gwaine asked, with a twinkle in his eye. Arthur grinned. He knew these men were the right ones for his inner circle. 

“Perhaps. I’ll work on a plan and let you know during tomorrow’s sentencing. Lord Avril is going to be quite disappointed to learn that I do not treat men born of nobility the way my father did. When he loses his lands, though … I’m sure his son is ready, but you may need to escort the man out of the citadel.”

“I can-” Gwaine started, but was interrupted by Elyan’s cough. “WE can ensure that happens.” Gwaine grinned, as did Elyan and Percival.

“I know this isn’t the outcome you expected from your wager, but can I count on you to hold to your end? I’m not sure how honest he’s going to be about who he went to willingly, compared to who he went to due to force.”

“Forget the wager!” Gwaine practically shouted.

“Wager or not, Merlin, along with all the other servants, deserve to be treated with basic human decency.” Percival growled.

“He’s our friend. He doesn’t deserve to be treated like this. He brought us all to the round table, the least we can do is protect him.” Elyan said firmly. Arthur couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips. His knights had truly proven how noble and dedicated they were. 

“Thank you all. I’ll see you in the morning.” Arthur said, and returned to his chambers. Elyan was right. If it weren’t for Merlin, he wouldn’t have gained the closest advisors and Knights that he had. He sat at his desk and decided it was past time that the court understood Merlin’s importance. Perhaps that would deter others from attacking the man he considered a younger brother. He smiled as he wrote out the proclamation announcing Merlin as his highest advisor and secretary. Merlin would probably scoff at him and complain later, but Arthur wanted to ensure that Merlin knew his value, his worth. He grinned imagining the reactions he would get when he announced that magic was no longer a punishable crime. He’d hoped to do it with Merlin’s support, but doing it to support Merlin seemed like a much better idea. He chuckled as he wrote everything out. The morning light would bring many changes, the least of which being Arthur had known about Merlin’s magic since the end of his first year in Camelot.