Chapter Text
Merlin giggles as Arthur leads him through the palace, gasping as he trips over a step before catching his balance, and continuing to laugh.
“Wait here,” Arthur says.
Merlin hears the creak of a door that he knows well.
“The library, Arthur?”
“Hold on.”
Arthur takes him by the shoulders, guiding him into the reading chamber.
Arthur pulls the scarf off from over Merlin’s eyes, and lets him look around.
“Here.”
Arthur hands him a stack of papers, which he takes, shuffling through them.
“You kept these?” Merlin asks, wonder in his voice.
Arthur nods. “And, one more,” he says, handing him a letter.
Merlin rips the top off, and pulls the letter out, along with another envelope.
“Don’t open the envelope yet.,” Arthur says.
“Okay, one second.” Merlin replies, beginning to read.
Dearest, Merlin,
Five years ago I knocked you off of a ladder here. I then proceeded to argue with you over Aristotle’s politics. After that first debate, I couldn’t tell why, but some part of me wanted to come back and keep talking to you. Turns out, I’m pretty sure that’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
I’ve learned so much from you. I’ve laughed until my stomach hurt, smiled until my face gave way, and cried so long over your recommendations for books that my father and the rest of the court has thought I’ve gone insane.
Four years ago, you asked if I would rewrite a story with you. I said that I would make better choices than Achilles. We said we’d write a happier story than theirs.
Will you start the next page with me?
Merlin fumbles with the letter, grabbing the smaller envelope. He tears the top off, turning it upside down to catch the contents.
A ring falls out.
He looks up.
Arthur is already kneeling, a matching ring in his hand.
“Would you do me the honor of marrying you?”
Merlin nods vigorously, trying to find the right words.
“Yes, yes, in less than a heartbeat, yes!”
Arthur stands up, embracing him, and grins.
They’ve already done a better job than Achilles and Patroclus.