Chapter Text
Arthur woke up one particular morning in a good mood, in a hunting sort of mood most would say. He stretched in is bed, preparing to go grab Merlin, so that the both of them could go out on a hunt. It was then that Arthur remembered something, something important, something awful (something wonderful), the kiss. Oh how could he forget the kiss that he has been thinking about for the past two weeks. The illogical part of him says to forget the marriage and go to Merlin, but the logical side of him knows that he made a promise to Guinevere, and Arthur does not break his promises. Plus, he does not even know if Merlin likes him, sure Merlin kissed him back, but Merlin was pretty drunk, himself.
When Arthur told Morgana of his dilemma last week, she just laughed and called him an idiot. She told him to stop the wedding, and that Guinevere and him were getting married too soon in their relationship. The two had plenty more time to decide if they wanted to get married. It was at that point that Arthur decided to never share any information with Morgana ever again. She spent the next week dropping hints to Merlin, as if he was smart enough to figure them out. Arthur proceeded to spend the rest of the week moping. And then he did the mature thing and avoided Gwen and Merlin for the second week in the row. He let them both believe he was a busy king, but really he got most of his work done at night because he just could not sleep. He contemplated over his conflicting feelings over the two servants. One of which he finds pretty and has the courage to stand up to him, and the other is beautiful,has the courage to stand up to him, is his best friend, goes everywhere with him, is always there to help him, gives him good advice, and list goes on. But like I said, a hard decision, right? Because after all he made promise to the pretty servant. Additionally, it was hard enough getting the council to accept a servant as their queen, much less a servant as their king.
Arthur sighed, his good mood ruined, but he decided to do the mature thing for once and talk to Merlin and Guinevere.
Merlin eyes opened to a confusing scene before him. Did Arthur and him go out on another hunt? Was he kidnapped, again? Where was Arthur? It was then Merlin realized that 'of course I am in the forest alone, I left Arthur. I guess Arthur was right, I can be such an idiot sometimes.' Merlin stopped that painful train of thought only to think about Arthur again.
Merlin was about an hours walk away from Ealdor when it finally occurred to him that he would never see Gaius again, nor Gwen, nor Morgana, nor Arthur. Merlin then held his bag tighter on his shoulder, and continued on his way to his mother's arms.
"Where the Hell is that idiot?" Arthur fumed as he rushed through his castle walls. He then literally ran into Morgana.
"Arthur, you idiot, what did you do to Merlin?" Morgana demanded.
"You can't speak to me like that I am king! And what do you mean 'what did I do to Merlin?' That idiot is probably somewhere in the tavern, drunk, and I have not spoken to him since yesterday morning," Arthur exclaimed.
Morgana then shoved a letter into his hand, and so he read:
'Morgana
Don't worry about me. I am just spending some time away from Camelot, the walls were becoming too constricting, and I felt as if I did not belong anymore. Do not worry about me, my dear friend. Also, do not look for me, and please look after Arthur. That prat does not even know how to put on his own clothes, much less take care of himself. Thank you so much for being my friend these last few years. I owe you one.
love,
Merlin'
Arthur looked up from the letter, and looked up into Morgana's accusing eyes.
"How do you know it was because of me?" Arthur asked haughtily, secretly worried.
"Because it is always you"
Arthur simply glared at Morgana and turned away walking briskly out of sight. He wondered where his dear friend was. He worried if this truly was his fault. And sure, he had been ignoring Merlin, but Arthur never thought that he would leave. Oh, how could he co that to his best friend (even if he wouldn't ever tell Merlin this). He needed Merlin. Arthur decided to first look in his room to see if he too had a letter.
'Dear My Beloved Prat King Prat ,
Please do not blame yourself for my departure. It was a long time coming. I just wish we had more time together, but it was time for me to leave. I just can't look at your face, and see a stranger who no longer values my friendship. Someone who does not love me too. Today, I looked around on the streets of Camelot, and I felt empty, no longer was it a place I could call home. You once asked me if I felt at home in Camelot, and If I was satisfied with my life. At the time I told you that I was still deciding. It turns out, Arthur, that I am still looking. Camelot, a city I know in my heart that would never accept me or my kind. Arthur, I have magic. If you were ever my friend, you would just leave me be. Please Arthur, please do not look for me. I will never enter the city again, I won't even think of it, but please just forget me. have a nice life with Gwen, and have plenty of children. I am counting on Gwen to make sure that they are not prats. Arthur just know that everything I have done, it was for you. I would never harm you. You truly are the Greatest King who will ever live, but please do not act as a prat. I know Morgana and Gwen will look out for you, and won't let you get too big headed again. Please tell Gwen I am sorry for our depleting friendship. Please help Gaius too, he is getting old and can use some assistance. Arthur, most of all please just look after yourself. You are perfect, and please don't doubt your decisions. You are king and better than your father ever was, just don't forget to listen to the people. They matter too. I will always love you and I wish for you the best.
Love
Best Regards
Forever Your Greatest Supporter
Your Best Friend,
Merlin'
Arthur noticed the stray tear marks, and ran off to Morgana's room for some comforting, forgetting that just hours before he promised to never consult her again.