Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prince Arthur should have been paying attention to the council meeting, but he was bored to tears and frankly didn’t care about the latest scandals being discussed.  It did not matter to him that Lady Fiona was seen kissing a servant in the lower town or that Lord Bishop was sleeping with Lady Vickers.  Not even hearing that a magical beast had been seen in the neighboring kingdom piqued his interest.  It was absolutely the biggest waste of time and Arthur would give anything to be anywhere else. 

Arthur let his mind wander to other things far more of interest to him.  Like his manservant.  Merlin was a riddle.  The boy was inexperienced and untrained, but he had taken to the job like a fish to water.  Arthur had to admit at first he was annoyed at his father for hiring him to be his servant, but now he was actually happy.  There was something about him.  None of his prior servants had ever made Arthur feel so at ease.  Sure, Merlin was insolent and clumsy, but he was also smart, witty, and braver than anyone Arthur had ever met.  Not that he would ever admit these things out loud.

The prince wished Merlin was there with him now so they could at least be miserable together.  He so enjoyed the eye-rolls and smirks they exchanged when no one was looking.  Arthur had to admit that Merlin was becoming more friend than a servant.  He had never had a close friend other than Morgana, but she was Morgana.  He couldn’t share with her the things he could with Merlin.  Yes, Merlin was his friend, though he would never be able to show it outwardly because his father would not like it and would probably send Merlin away.

Thinking back to the day he met Merlin, Arthur grinned openly before bringing his hand up to his mouth pretending to cough to hide it.  The boy didn’t care that he was a royal, didn’t care that he was a knight.  He saw a wrong being done and stepped in to stop it.  Sure, it had been fun taunting him and goading him into throwing a punch, but Arthur had to admit he was in the wrong and Merlin did the right thing standing up for the servant he was tormenting.

The council meeting ended putting Arthur out of his misery at last.  He stood and made his escape before his father could corner him.  He ran out the door turning the corner to find Merlin in the corridor talking to Guinevere.  He grinned and approached casually placing his hand on Merlin’s shoulder startling the boy.

“Isn’t there something you are meant to be doing, Mer—lin?”

Merlin tilted his head back slightly, thinking then shook his head.  “No, can’t think of anything,” he said then flashed that cheeky grin of his that made Arthur want to laugh and smack him upside the head at the same time.  “How was the meeting?”

“You know how it was, I was bored to tears and you weren’t there to amuse me.”

“Sorry, Sire,” Merlin said, “I had to help Gaius with something.”

“I should be getting back to Morgana, I need to bring her lunch,” Gwen smiled then kissed Merlin on the cheek before heading toward the kitchen.

Arthur gave Merlin an amused look, “Guinevere is a little sweet on you it seems.”

“Me?” Merlin asked then shook his head, “No, just friends.”

“Friends?  Right,” Arthur grinned.

Merlin shrugged then tilted his head, “Did you hear the news about Lady Fiona?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Arthur grimaced.

“Did you hear who the servant was that she was seen kissing?”

“No, I was spared that bit of information, thankfully.”

“It was George.”

“George!” Arthur gasped.

“Can you believe it?  Who knew he had it in him?”

Arthur shook his head to dislodge the image from his mind of George and Lady Fiona.  “I did not need to know that Merlin.”

“Her father is furious.”

“I can imagine.”

“Come on,” Merlin said, “I need to show you something.”

“Merlin, I am rather hungry, it is time for lunch.”

“It won’t take long,” Merlin grinned and headed down the stairs, Arthur followed against his will.

“Where are we going?”

Merlin walked out a door and into the courtyard looking back to make sure Arthur was still behind him.  He grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement.  “Hurry, Arthur.”

“Merlin, this better be worth the effort,” Arthur said.

“It is, come on you will love it.”

Arthur muttered something under his breath but kept following Merlin out the gates and toward the stables.  He bounded over a low wall and down a narrow road following it to a house on the far end of the lower town.  “Where is he going?” Arthur grumbled.

Finally, Merlin stopped walking just beyond the house and waited for Arthur to catch up.  “Look there, Arthur,” he smiled wide, motioning toward a small pen.  Inside was a pure white, newborn foal, struggling to get up on its gangly legs.

Arthur’s eyes lit up.  His smile was just as wide as Merlin’s.  “Reminds me of you, Merlin, all legs,” he chuckled.

They leaned on the fence, side by side, watching as the little one finally got his legs under his body then wobbled over to the mother for a first meal.  Merlin looked at the prince.  “He’s yours, Arthur.”

“What?” Arthur asked in surprise.

“He’s all yours, well, he’s actually mine, but I want you to have him, so I am giving him to you,” Merlin stumbled over the words.

“Merlin I can’t,” Arthur shook his head.

“I mean I know you have your pick of horses, but this one is special, and I want you to have him.”

Arthur stared at the foal his eyes glistening with tears.  “Merlin, I am touched…but…”

“Please, Arthur, I really want you to have him.  I know I’m just a servant…”

“Merlin,” Arthur said softly, “My own father never gave me a more precious gift, it isn’t that you are a servant.  It is that I don’t deserve it.”

Merlin dropped his gaze before quickly wiping away a stray tear.  “I saved up my money so I could buy him when he was born.  But I know in my heart that he should be yours.  When he is grown he will keep you safe.  I just know it.  I can’t explain.”  Merlin looked up to see Arthur staring at him with an intensity that took his breath away.

“Merlin,” Arthur said softly, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Merlin said grinning from ear to ear.

“On one condition, you name him,” Arthur smiled.

“Are you sure?” Merlin asked.

“Yes,” Arthur said putting his hands on Merlin’s shoulders, “You name him.”

Merlin stared at the baby for a moment then smiled, “Apollo.”

“Perfect,” Arthur smiled then mussed Merlin’s dark hair.  Then he shook his head, “To hell with what’s proper, come here,” he said pulling Merlin into his arms.  “Thank you, my friend.”

Merlin hugged him back tightly.  “Arthur and Apollo…fitting…”

“Yes, yes it is,” Arthur smiled releasing him.

“I should get your lunch now,” Merlin said stepping back.

“Sounds good.”

“Arthur,” Merlin said, “Did you mean it when you called me your friend?”

“That is what you are,” Arthur smiled, “Just don’t let my father find out or he will send you away.  I have never been allowed to get close enough to people to call them a friend.”

“I’m happy to be your friend,” Merlin said with a slight nod.

“Come on, I’ll race you to the kitchen and help you get us some lunch.  We’ll eat in my chambers.”

Arthur took off running and Merlin charged after him, they ran through the lower town passing Gwen who watched them run by with an amused look on her face.  They reached the corridor leading to the kitchen and Arthur slid to a stop Merlin almost ran into him. 

“Is there a fire, Arthur?” Uther asked, his mouth twitching as he looked from Arthur to Merlin then back.  “Running through the castle?”

“Yes, father,” Arthur said struggling to keep from laughing, “Merlin and I are urgently needed in the kitchen.  Something about berry tarts.”

“I see,” Uther said eyeing Merlin curiously, “Do slow down.  I cannot have my son acting like a rambunctious child.”

“Sorry, father,” Arthur bowed his head biting his bottom lip glancing over his shoulder at Merlin who was doing the same.

“Very well,” Uther gave them a slight smile his eyes showing a glint of humor that surprised his son.  “I will expect you to join Morgana and me for supper tonight.”

“Of course,” Arthur nodded.

As soon as Uther disappeared around the corner Arthur looked at Merlin and grinned then they resumed their mad dash to the kitchen arriving out of breath and laughing.  The cook stared at them with a mixture of confusion and mirth.

“Is there something I can get for you, Sire?”

“Yes,” Arthur said, “I would like lunch.  Enough for two and berry tarts if you have any.”

“Of course, Sire,” she smiled and hurried to fill a tray which she then handed to Merlin with a wink.  “I threw in some honey cakes as well.”

“Thank you,” Arthur grinned then put his hand on Merlin’s elbow steering him toward his chambers.  “That is the most fun I have had in ages.”

“Me too,” Merlin said.

They reached Arthur’s room and Merlin placed the tray on the table before hurrying to open the heavy curtains and tidy the room.

“Have a seat, Merlin,” Arthur grinned, “You’re not my servant for the moment.”

“I will always be your servant, Arthur.”

“Then I will just have to sack you for an hour or two.”

“You really want me to join you for lunch?”

“Yes, Merlin,” Arthur said, “Sit…now.”

“Yes, Sire,” Merlin grinned then sat down as Arthur poured water into two goblets.

Arthur put one of the two plates in front of Merlin and waited for him to start eating before nodding in approval.  The boy was far too skinny for his age and needed to put on some weight.  Arthur knew he came from a poor farm village in Cenred’s kingdom, but little more than that.  He wondered if he could get Merlin to open up to him and talk about himself.

“Merlin, tell me, why did you come to Camelot?”

Merlin stopped chewing mid-bite, his eyes dropped to his hands.  Arthur thought for a moment that the boy was about to jump up and run from the room and his brow creased in concern.  What was it about such a simple question that could make Merlin close off so suddenly?

“Merlin?”

“I’m sorry,” Merlin said then after a few minutes he finally let out a breath and looked up at Arthur.  “I came here looking for work, a place to belong because I no longer fit in back home.”

“I am your friend, Merlin,” Arthur smiled reassuringly, “You can talk to me.  Nothing you say will leave this room; I promise.”

“There are things that I would give anything to be able to tell you, Arthur.”

“There is nothing you could say that would make me think any differently of you, Merlin.”

“Yes, there is,” Merlin said his eyes wide and fearful.

Arthur shook his head and chuckled, “I mean it’s not like you have magic or something.”

Merlin’s face turned white then his gaze dropped to the floor as he pushed the plate away from him with trembling hands.  Arthur stared at him silently as everything came together in his mind.

“I should go,” Merlin said then bolted for the door.

“Merlin, stop!” Arthur shouted and the boy froze.

Arthur got up from his chair walking past Merlin to lock the door then he turned to face him.  “Merlin, do you?  Do you have magic?”

Merlin steeled himself then stood up straight meeting Arthur’s gaze.  “Yes.”

Silence followed as Arthur struggled with his emotions.  He stepped forward bringing a hand up to grasp Merlin’s shoulder and Merlin flinched visibly, his head turning away.  He thought Arthur was going to hit him.  Drawing his hand back, Arthur shook his head slowly.

“You really thought I would hit you?” Arthur asked his voice tinged with hurt.

“No—I don’t know,” Merlin said biting his bottom lip.

“Merlin,” Arthur said, “My God, you are in Camelot, and you have magic.  Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for you here?”

“My first hour in Camelot I witnessed a beheading,” Merlin said, “I am aware.”

“What is so important that you feel the need to remain here where your life is in danger?”

“You,” Merlin said with confidence.

“Me?”

“My magic, Arthur…I was born with it.  I was given these powers so that I can fulfill my destiny to protect you.

“That makes no sense,” Arthur said running his fingers through his blonde hair, “You came here just to protect me?”

“I came here, as I said, to find work and a new start because I was getting into trouble in Ealdor.  My magic was getting harder to control.  I needed help, so my mother sent me here to Gaius.  It was after I talked to the Great Dragon that I learned my true purpose.”

“You talk to the Great Dragon?” Arthur asked.

“Yes,” Merlin frowned, “Well, more like he talks, and I listen, but he is fond of riddles and tends to leave out things that he thinks I am not ready to know.”

Arthur put his hands on Merlin’s shoulders, “You are seriously telling me that the damn dragon in the cavern below the castle talks?”

Merlin nodded.

“I must be losing my mind,” Arthur grumbled letting go of his servant and walking back to the table to sit down and absorb everything he was just told.  “Merlin, sit back down and eat.”

Merlin nodded then moved back to his seat.  “What are you going to do to me?” he asked softly.

Arthur glared at him, but his face softened as soon as he looked into Merlin’s eyes, filled with fear, desperation, and hurt.  “I don’t know what I am going to do yet, but I can promise you are not going to die.  I will not kill you.”

“If you order me to leave Camelot, I might as well die,” Merlin said softly.

“Merlin,” Arthur shook his head.

“I’m serious, Arthur,” Merlin said, “You will have to kill me because I won’t leave willingly.”

“You would rather die than leave Camelot?”

“I would rather die than leave you.”

Arthur leaned forward resting his chin on his hands.  “Because of this supposed destiny, the damn dragon told you about?”

Merlin shook his head, “Because you called me your friend.”

Arthur sat back in his chair eyes wide.  “Merlin, I cannot let you continue to risk your life for me.”

“It is not your life, Arthur, it is mine and I choose to use it to protect my friend.”

“So, you have been using your magic to protect me since you got here?”

“Yes.”

“The witch, you saved me from her dagger by pulling me out of the way.”

“After I dropped the chandelier on her and slowed time.”

“You slowed time?” Arthur asked.

“Yes, it was the only way I could get you out of the way in time.”

“Why didn’t you use your magic on me when we fought in the market?  I could have killed you.”

Merlin smirked, looking at the prince.  “I did.”

“What?”

“I did use magic.  Your mace getting tangled in the hooks, the wood box, and the rope.”

Arthur laughed, “That was magic?  Something tells me that is nowhere near what you were capable of doing.  How powerful are you?”

Merlin shrugged, “I don’t really know.  I haven’t exactly been able to use it openly.  I have to keep it reined in.  Learning spells has helped me control it and to tell it what I need or want it to do.”

“Merlin, when I went to find the Mortaeus flower, the light in the cave, it was your magic wasn’t it?” Arthur asked, “It was you who saved me even though you were dying.”

“I don’t remember, but Gaius told me I incanted the spell in my sleep.  He saw the orb appear in my hand beneath the blanket.”

“Merlin, you are truly…” Arthur’s voice trailed off as he got up and approached Merlin.  He pulled him to his feet and embraced him tightly.  “Thank you.”

Merlin laughed softly, “I will always protect you, Arthur.”

Drawing back Arthur looked at Merlin then patted his cheek.  “All right then, you are not leaving Camelot, you will stay by my side.  I swear on my life that your secret is safe with me.”

“I’m sorry, I should have told you sooner.”

“Well, I know now,” Arthur smiled and sat back down to eat.  “Food is cold,” he grumbled.

Merlin grinned, held out his hand, and whispered a spell.  Arthur sat up sharply as their food was heated again right before his eyes.  “Not anymore,” Merlin smirked.

Arthur shook his head and motioned toward the other chair.  “Sit down and eat or I will tie you down and force-feed you.”

“Yes, Sire,” Merlin smiled and sat down.

“Merlin,” Arthur said, “When you told me that Apollo would keep me safe…what did you mean?  You said you couldn’t explain it.”

Merlin looked up at him and shook his head.  “You won’t believe me if I tell you.”

“Just tell me, Merlin.”

“When I died…from the poison, I saw things, visions.  I saw you, as king, riding a beautiful white stallion and I just knew it was him.  It sounds crazy now, saying it out loud.”

“You died?” Arthur asked eyes wide, “Gaius never told me…”

“My heart stopped, but then I woke up and Gwen kissed me.”

“Guinevere kissed you,” Arthur grinned, “I knew it, she is sweet on you.”

Merlin looked at him, biting his lip.  “Gwen and I are not to be.”

“You could do far worse, Merlin,” Arthur said, and Merlin quickly averted his gaze.

“Arthur, there’s more…”

“I’m not going to like this am I?” Arthur sat back in his chair.

“It’s Morgana…”

“What about her?”

“She…um…she will turn against Camelot, against you.  Her nightmares…” his voice drifted off.

“Merlin, tell me.”

“Morgana has magic.  Her powers are only beginning to surface.  She is lost and scared and Gaius thinks it is best for her not to know the extent of her abilities.  He is trying to protect her from your father.  You are the only one who can help her.”

Arthur stilled, his eyes wide and troubled.  “Morgana has magic?”

“Yes,” Merlin said softly.

“Merlin, this is about more than visions you saw, isn’t it?  I want to know everything so tell me.”

“All right, I’ll tell you, but it won’t be easy,” Merlin frowned.

“Nothing about this is easy, tell me.”

Merlin finished the food on his plate then pushed it away.  “I don’t just have the ability to slow time, but I can bend it.  I can travel through time and see things, change things.  It is perilous to do so because every time I try to interfere, well, let’s just say the outcomes have not been pleasant.  I came back to this time to find a way to prevent the one event that will destroy everything and everyone I care about,” Merlin faltered, his eyes shining with tears, “The death of the one person I love more than anything, more than my own life.”

Arthur didn’t even have to ask, he knew.  The instant Merlin’s eyes met his, he felt it in his soul.  Merlin stood up then, and before Arthur’s eyes, he transformed.  His skinny frame filled out with muscle, his shoulders broadened, his face and jawline changed, his hair lengthened a bit, and his blue eyes became shadowed.  He was still Merlin, but a Merlin who had been through impossible situations and been forced to make difficult choices.  This was Merlin a man whose heart was broken from pain and loss.

Arthur got up and moved around the table to stand in front of his servant.  He brought his hand up to brush against Merlin’s neck and shoulder then moved down his strong chest his fingers curling into the fabric of his tunic.  Merlin’s full lips parted, his breath stuttering at Arthur’s unexpected, but welcome touch.

“Merlin,” Arthur said, “We will do whatever it takes, I promise.  I never want to see that pain in your eyes.”

“I’m sorry…I tried so hard to save you,” Merlin said, his voice breaking.

“I’m certain you did.”

“I cannot bear to lose you again.  To watch you die over and over…”

Arthur smiled, “Put that out of your mind, for now.  There’s no immediate danger is there?”

Merlin shook his head slightly, “No.”

“In all your travels through time did we ever do this?” Arthur asked huskily as he pressed his lips to Merlin’s, kissing him slow and deep.  Merlin kissed him back his tongue brushing over the prince’s bottom lip.  “Did we, Merlin?” Arthur smiled as he drew back and looked into his servant’s eyes.

“No, but I wanted to…you have no idea,” Merlin gasped kissing Arthur again with more urgency.

Arthur smiled against his lips, “Oh I have a very good idea, Merlin.”

Merlin laughed, “So you believe me?”

“I believe you.  Looking at you like this how can I not?”

“Like what?”

“Scrawny, gangly, clumsy boy…” Arthur said, “To a strong, beautiful man with haunted eyes.”

“It was all years of training, lugging your heavy armor and weapons, scrubbing your floors…”

Arthur grinned, “I have a completely different task for you now, Merlin.”

“Really?”

“I think this one you might like enough to do it every single day.  If you’re up for it.”

“Definitely,” Merlin smirked.

“You can start by undressing me,” Arthur said, “That’s an order.”

“Yes, My Lord,” Merlin grinned, “But if you don’t mind I would like to try a more efficient way.”

“Do it.”

Merlin’s eyes turned to gold and Arthur found himself naked and wrapped in his servant's embrace his lips devouring his.  “Gods, Arthur…”

“You’re still dressed,” Arthur complained.

“I want you to do it,” Merlin grinned.

“So now I am your servant?”

Merlin kissed him hard and deep his tongue delving between his parted lips making Arthur growl low in his throat.  He gave in and his fingers worked quickly to unlace Merlin’s trousers as he pushed him up against the bedpost.  His lips moved to his throat teeth grazing his collar bone.

“Arthur,” Merlin gasped then yanked his jacket off as Arthur pushed his tunic upward. 

“God, Merlin,” Arthur moaned his lips and teeth exploring the pale white skin revealed as Merlin pulled his tunic off dropping it on the floor.  “You are beautiful,” Arthur said as his lips sealed around a hard nipple, and he smiled at the whimper the act elicited.

Merlin’s eyes closed as Arthur slipped his hand into the front of his trousers wrapping it around his engorged shaft stroking him as his lips moved to the other nipple.  “Oh yes, Arthur…please…”

Arthur grinned and kissed his mouth hard.  “Mer—lin, since you are so bad at taking orders, maybe you should try giving them instead.  What do you want me to do to you?” Arthur asked his voice thick with lust.

“On your knees, Arthur…I want your mouth on my cock,” Merlin said, eyes narrowing, his voice deep and commanding.

Arthur nearly came just hearing him speak like that.  He immediately dropped to his knees swallowing Merlin whole, his hand wrapping around the base as he licked and sucked him with fervor.  He wanted to please his servant, to make him say his name over and over in that voice.

“Arthur…yes,” Merlin moaned running his fingers through the prince’s blonde hair.

A loud knock on the door startled them and Arthur swore under his breath.  “What is it?”

“Sire, the King requests your presence in the throne room and to bring Merlin,” Sir Leon’s voice came through the locked door.

Arthur growled, “Fine, tell him I will join him shortly.”

Merlin started to lace up his trousers, but Arthur’s hand stopped him.  “Your father.”

“My father can wait,” Arthur said kissing Merlin long and slow.  He dug his fingertips into his hips pulling him hard against him, their hard cocks pressed together.

“Arthur, God…” Merlin gasped, “I’m so close.”

Their hands came together.  Merlin wrapped his around Arthur stroking him as Arthur gripped Merlin’s shaft again. 

“Come for me, Merlin,” Arthur whispered huskily biting down on his servant’s bottom lip drawing a hot staggered breath from his mouth.

“A-Arthur…so good,” Merlin panted, “Arthur…”

Rotating his hips, Arthur thrust wildly against him until they both came almost in unison.  “Holy hell, Merlin…” he laughed breathlessly.

“That was…” Merlin chuckled reaching behind him to hold on to the bedpost as his knees threatened to give out.

“I think we finally found a task we can both enjoy,” Arthur said, kissing Merlin’s chest and neck then his mouth.

“It’s definitely one I will perform with the utmost enthusiasm,” Merlin grinned.

“I guess I should go see what my father wants.  You should stay here unless you want to change back to your younger self.  If anyone sees you like this it will likely raise some uncomfortable questions.”

“Apparently, he specifically requested that I accompany you, so I should go,” Merlin smiled, his eyes glowing as he uttered the spell and morphed back into his younger self.

Twenty minutes later they were walking into the throne room as if nothing had happened.

“You’re late,” Uther said, eyeing Merlin suspiciously.

“Sorry, father I was in the middle of something.  I’m here now.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask how Merlin is working out as your manservant?” Uther asked with an edge to his voice that sent a shiver of fear up Merlin’s spine.

Arthur glanced back at Merlin then back to his father.  “He is doing well actually.  He is a fast learner and strong despite appearances.  Tends to talk too much, however,” Arthur said winking at Merlin.

“Good…very good,” Uther said, “I am pleased.  While Merlin was preparing me for the fight against the wraith he told me that there is a bond between you.  I have observed this bond for myself in recent days.”

“Yes, I would say there is.  We have been through a lot.  He saved my life…”

“…and you saved his,” Uther said, “It is understandable that the two of you would bond over that.”

Merlin was nervous, shifting his weight ever so slightly from one foot to the other, keeping his hands clasped behind his back and his head down.

“What is this really about, father?” Arthur asked trying to keep his voice even and not betray his own unease at the king’s sudden interest in Merlin.

Uther leaned forward slightly, a slow smile spreading across his face.  “I was merely curious.  Merlin is not from Camelot, and I found myself wondering why he came here.  Why he wants to serve a kingdom and a prince that is not his own?”

Arthur glanced at Merlin, “I asked him that myself father.”

“And his answer?” Uther asked.

“Perhaps you should ask him,” Arthur said barely containing his annoyance at the way his father was speaking about Merlin as if he wasn’t standing right in front of him.

“Very well,” Uther nodded, “Merlin, why did you come to Camelot?  Why do you wish to serve this kingdom and Arthur?”

Merlin cleared his throat lifting his head high.  “Your Highness, I came to Camelot because Gaius is a close friend of my mother’s.  She felt that he needed my help and that I needed his to find my way in the world.  My village is small, there is little for me there.  As for Arthur, I believe in him, and I know he will one day be a great king.  I have vowed to protect him and serve him until my dying breath.”

Uther stared at him silently, clearly not expecting such a passionate response.  After several tense minutes of Arthur holding his breath, Uther finally nodded.  “Very good, Merlin.  I am grateful.  While I would normally frown upon my son growing close to anyone, especially a servant, it is clear to me that you and Arthur’s friendship is unique and strong.  He is the best and the strongest, the noblest of Camelot’s knights, but he needs guidance and protection that it seems only you can provide.  It has not escaped my attention how Arthur has matured and grown in recent months, and I believe I have you to thank for that.”

“I didn’t do anything really, Your Highness,” Merlin said.

“Arthur,” Uther turned to his bewildered son.

“Yes, father?”

“Merlin is indispensable, I want you to make sure he is comfortable and taken care of.”

Arthur turned to meet Merlin’s confused gaze then looked at the king again.  “Father?”

Uther laughed, “We cannot afford for a boy with his talents to fall into the hands of our enemies who could attempt to turn him against us.”

Merlin’s face paled and he nearly turned and bolted from the room.  Arthur reached out to grab hold of his arm.  “What talents would that be?” Arthur asked warily.

“I am no fool, Arthur.  I have been watching the boy.  I am well aware of his abilities and after his declaration of loyalty to you, I have made my decision.  He will remain as your servant, but I want him to be happy here.  Camelot needs him.”

“My Lord,” Merlin said, “I am not…”

“Merlin…or should I say Emrys,” Uther said, “You need not fear me.  I know who you are and what you are capable of.”

Merlin suddenly stood up straight, eyes wide, shoulders squared.  “Am I to assume then that I will be keeping my head?” he asked with a slight smirk and a spark of mirth in his blue eyes that made Arthur want to kiss him right then and there.

“Indeed,” Uther smiled raising an eyebrow, “You are to be given anything you need or want.”

“Anything?” Merlin asked, eyes roaming over Arthur possessively making the prince blush.

Uther smiled knowingly, “I knew there was more going on between you two than just friendship.”

Arthur grinned, “Father, as happy as I am that Merlin won’t be executed, I am curious as to why?”

Uther sat back on his throne and gripped the ornate arms.  “I have my sources.  One of which informed me that it was Merlin who thwarted the High Priestess Nimueh’s attacks on Camelot, and it was he that she intended to kill with the poisoned goblet, not you.”

“And I assume I know this source,” Merlin said, “A certain physician?”

“What?” Arthur asked turning to look at Merlin who just nodded.

“Do not hold this against Gaius, he merely wanted to protect you,” Uther said, “Merlin is Emrys, and he is the only man who can protect Camelot from our enemies.”

“My Lord,” Merlin said, “If you know who I am, you know that it is not only my destiny to protect Arthur but to help him bring magic back to Camelot.  I cannot allow you to continue this war on people like me.  If I am allowed to live and be free to use magic so must others, as long as they have good intentions.”

“I am aware,” Uther said, “Perhaps you have changed my mind, Merlin.  You are a powerful sorcerer and yet you chose to use your magic for good.  I have been wrong to persecute all those with magic,” Uther said his tone firm, but calm.

“Do you really mean that?”

Uther looked up while Merlin and Arthur both turned toward the door to see Morgana standing in the opening tears streaming down her face.

“Morgana,” Uther said, “What is the matter, child?”

Morgana walked into the room, stopping next to Arthur, who took hold of her hand squeezing it reassuringly.  “I want to know if you truly mean to stop persecuting people with magic.”

“Yes, Morgana, I meant what I said.  What has you so upset?”

Morgana took a deep shaky breath, “I have magic.”

Uther stared at her in shock.  “Morgana, you believed I would harm you for having magic?”

“How could I not?” Morgana asked, “You made it very clear when you threatened me for trying to save an innocent child from execution.”

Uther dropped his gaze to the floor, his brow creased.  “I regret the things I said and what I did to you, Morgana.  I was wrong to want the boy killed.”

Morgana’s face brightened and she smiled through her tears.  “It gladdens me to hear you say so.  I want to live in freedom, to not be afraid of who and what I am.”

Uther got up from his throne closing the distance between himself and Morgana.  He gathered her into his embrace holding her tightly, stroking the back of her head.  “Forgive me, Morgana.  I have made many mistakes.”  Pulling Arthur into the embrace as well he kissed the top of both their heads.  “I should have told you both long ago…Morgana, you are not merely my ward, you are my daughter.  You are Arthur’s half-sister.”

Morgana looked up at him in confusion, “You’re my father?”

“Yes, Morgana, I am so sorry for keeping the truth from you.”

Arthur raised his eyebrow then chuckled as he and Morgana looked at each other.  “That explains why you are always so bossy and mean to me.”

Morgana punched him, “It explains why you live solely to annoy me.”

Uther laughed and hugged her again, “Forgive me, Morgana.”

Morgana looked up at him and nodded, her eyes filling with tears again.  “I forgive you.”

Merlin turned his head as Gaius came into the room and stood next to him.  “What made you tell him everything?” he asked.

“When you came back to this time and told me what was to come, I knew the only way to prevent it was to change Uther’s attitude toward magic.”

“Perhaps we should have tried it this way to begin with.”

“Perhaps,” Gaius said then turned to Merlin with a serious look and a raised eyebrow that slowly transformed into a smile as he nudged his ward with an elbow.  Merlin laughed and hugged him then looked at Arthur who approached them with a wide grin and a wild look in his eyes.

“Excuse me, Gaius,” Merlin said taking a step toward his prince.  Arthur grabbed the front of his tunic, pulled him close, and kissed him.

Morgana looked at them in shock and Uther shook his head.

“Will that be all, father?” Arthur asked, looking back at the king.

Uther waved a hand, “Yes, yes…get back to whatever you were in the middle of.”

Merlin didn’t wait, he took off running and Arthur charged after him.  They raced all the way back to Arthur’s chambers.  They shut and locked the door then kissed hard. 

“Since my secret is out, I guess I no longer have to hold this form,” Merlin said, “Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” Arthur grinned watching as Merlin returned to his true form.

“Much better, it takes a lot of magic to keep that up every day.”

“Yes, and I would much rather have you direct that magic into other activities,” Arthur said kissing Merlin pushing him toward the bed.  “Magic…naked…now…” he ordered between kisses.

“Yes, My Lord,” Merlin chuckled.

By the time they landed on the bed, their clothes had vanished, and Arthur pinned Merlin down to the mattress kissing his bare chest.  “It’s strange, you are actually older than me now,” he said.

“Older and wiser,” Merlin laughed, “Actually, I was always wiser.”

Arthur bit his neck making Merlin yelp.  “You look pretty good for an old man.”

“With age comes experience,” Merlin said, then flipped Arthur onto his back, pinning him down, “Experience and strength.”

“I think I liked you better as a skinny wimp,” Arthur grimaced pushing back as Merlin held his arms down at his sides, his tongue and warm breath skimming over the prince’s left nipple then his right before biting them both repeatedly.  “Good lord, Merlin…yes…” he gasped, “I take it back…holy…”

Merlin looked into his eyes and winked, “You see, all those years of dressing and undressing you, I learned exactly where and how to touch you.”

“Did you now?” Arthur asked, “But we never…”

“No, never…but I wanted to,” Merlin said lowering his head to kiss him slowly and tenderly still holding his arms down.  “Wanted you so badly.”

“Then I was a fool,” Arthur said lifting his head to meet him halfway their tongues delving into each other’s mouths.  “I want you now, Merlin.”

Merlin kissed him long and deep, before working his way downward taking Arthur’s cock into his mouth his lips and tongue drawing a breathless cry of pleasure from the prince.  When Merlin used a little magic to ease the way and pushed a long slender finger inside Arthur his hips jerked.

“All right?” Merlin asked looking up into Arthur’s wide dark eyes.

“God yes,” he moaned throwing his head back when Merlin again took him into his mouth.  “You are so good…more…”

Merlin inserted a second finger and Arthur thrust his hips upward into his mouth.  After a third finger, Arthur was trembling, his fingers tangled in Merlin’s dark hair holding him as he took his cock deep into his throat.

“Merlin—now,” the prince stuttered as he came spilling his seed into the mouth of the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth.  “Gods…that was…” he gasped.

“Are you ready for me, Arthur?” Merlin asked as he kissed his hard stomach and withdrew his fingers.  “I need you now.”

“Yes, Merlin…please, yes…”

Merlin’s eyebrow rose in amusement.  “A please even?  I am touched.”

Arthur sat upright pulling Merlin against him, wrapping his legs around his waist.  “Inside me…now, Merlin,” he growled.

“Yes, My Lord,” Merlin grinned, kissing him.

Arthur released his legs from Merlin just enough to give him room to maneuver.  Their gazes locked on each other as Merlin eased in slowly at first then pushed in all the way causing the breath to rush out of Arthur’s lungs.

“Too much?” Merlin asked and Arthur shook his head.

“Move, please…” he moaned, and Merlin withdrew nearly all the way before thrusting in.  “Oh…Merlin…move faster.”

Merlin splayed one hand wide over Arthur’s stomach his hips stuttering as he thrust harder and deeper his release building as much as he tried to hold it back.  Being one with Arthur, something he had wanted so very long, felt too good.

Arthur propped himself up on one elbow, his hand reached for Merlin’s neck drawing him close their lips brushing together.  “That’s it, Merlin…let go, I’m all yours,” he whispered breathlessly.

“Arthur, God,” Merlin buried himself inside Arthur to the hilt, his release washing over him as he filled the prince with his seed.  “Oh, Arthur…finally,” he laughed breathlessly kissing him hard.

Arthur smiled looking into his eyes, “Not bad for an old man.”

“Ass,” Merlin chuckled as he withdrew and collapsed on the bed.  Arthur kissed his chest then his lips, draping his arm across his stomach.

“How did future me ever resist you?” Arthur smiled.

“He was a bit of a dollop head,” Merlin grinned.

“Good thing I’m smarter then.”

“Very good thing.”

“Merlin, you’ll stay with me, you’re not going to leave?”

Merlin shook his head, “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good,” Arthur grinned.

“I feel like I have been running and fighting for an eternity.  I cannot lose you again, Arthur,” Merlin said a tear sliding down his cheek.

Arthur laced his fingers through Merlin’s and kissed his shoulder.  “I’m sorry, I wish things had been easier for you.  It isn’t fair that you had to suffer alone for so long.”

“We can do things differently this time,” Merlin said. 

“At least we have the advantage since you know what’s coming.”

“Changing Uther’s mind will alter things dramatically.  Much of the bad that happened was due to his hatred and fear which led to Morgana’s headlong slide into darkness.”

“So, a whole new beginning,” Arthur said.

“It would seem so.”

Arthur brought Merlin’s hand up kissing his knuckles.  “This time we do it together.”

Merlin smiled and gave him a quick nod.  “I love you, Arthur,” he said his eyes shining.

“I love you too, Merlin.”

Chapter Text

Time and Again

By a-ha