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It was hard for Arthur to believe that the day was finally here: he and Merlin were to be married. Married.
If someone would have told him years ago that the annoying kid with ears that were too large for his head and who always had a retort at the ready would be his husband, he would have laughed in their face.
But here he was on his wedding day; nervously pacing outside of the Great Hall, heart ready to burst out of his chest in happiness. He was dressed in his finest Camelot red, his cape fluttering behind him. He adjusted his crown out of habit (he kept looking himself over, feeling like he was forgetting something—he wasn’t), and checked that the ring was still on him (it was). The last thing he wanted to do was somehow lose it.
“Nervous, sire?” he heard Gwen ask from behind him, making him jump slightly.
“Me, never,” Arthur lied blatantly. His hands were shaking from the nerves. Gods, he could lead a force into battle without breaking a sweat, but this was what made his stomach come alive with nerves. His brain was just a constant supply of thoughts like: “What if Merlin doesn’t want to marry me?” and “Oh gods, what if he doesn’t show up?”
Even though he knew the actual answers to everything (and he knew Merlin did want to marry him thank you very much), it didn’t stop the thoughts from intruding.
Gwen grabbed his hand, squeezing it softly before letting it go. He took a deep breath, trying to relax at the gesture. “I thought you might like to know that Merlin looks just as happily terrified as you do,” Gwen said with a smile.
“Is that a thing?” Arthur asked skeptically.
Gwen laughed. “It is now. Just remember that you both love each other, and one day you’ll both laugh about how nervous you two were.”
Arthur raised an eyebrow at that.
“I’m serious!” Gwen continued. “Look, the preparations have been going smoothly, and I promise the hall looks immaculate. You’ve welcomed the Druids and the other royalty that have arrived; there’s nothing left for you to do except say ‘I do.’ Easy.”
Arthur took another deep breath. “You’re right, Guinevere. Thank you,” he said sincerely. He was getting too caught up in his thoughts and he needed to calm down. Everything was going to be fine.
Gwen nodded. “And anyway, if you want something to be nervous about, just know that you’re absolutely going to faint at the sight of Merlin.” Arthur choked out a laugh at that as Gwen beamed at him. “Honestly, the two of you look so dashing and handsome, and I couldn’t be more proud of you both. Camelot will be an even greater kingdom with the two of you ruling.”
“Oh, as opposed to when it was just me, huh?” Arthur joked.
Gwen shook her head, looking at Arthur fondly. “Sire, Merlin makes you better. It’s been a privilege to see you grow and become the king that you are today.”
Arthur felt warmed by Gwen’s words and he smiled at her softly.
“Sire, it’s time,” Leon said, coming up from behind them.
“Right, of course,” Arthur said with a nod as he watched Leon present his arm to Gwen and the two of them walked into the hall.
Arthur took a moment to collect himself, his stomach full of butterflies. But no matter, he could do this (he had never wanted to do something more). With his head held high, he walked into the Great Hall, making his way towards the altar.
He nodded to Geoffrey when he got to his place, waiting for Merlin to arrive. The waiting was the worst part as he could feel himself start to sweat, his hands shaking ever so slightly.
But then, Merlin walked in.
He was dressed all in blue, his signature blue neckerchief matching the colour of his tunic, with a dark blue jacket layered over it. His boots looked freshly scrubbed, his hair artfully tousled, and gods, Gwen was right; the chances were high he was going to faint from the sight. Merlin looked...incredible; Arthur couldn’t take his eyes off of him—all he could do was look at him and think “I’m going to marry that man.” He watched as Merlin blushed slightly from the attention but Arthur was powerless to look away.
Arthur’s heart raced as Merlin came to stand across from him, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. He could see Merlin’s clear blue eyes watering, and it took everything for Arthur not to do the same.
“May you all be seated,” Geoffrey said loudly, gathering everyone’s attention. “Today, we are here to witness the union and coronation between King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot and Lord Merlin Emrys of Ealdor, Court Sorcerer of Camelot.” Merlin grinned as there was a loud whoop from Gwaine.
Geoffrey stared Gwaine down before continuing, “Let us begin: do you, Arthur Pendragon, come here today with the intent to marry and to love Merlin Emrys so long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Arthur said, the butterflies in his stomach fluttering rapidly.
“And do you, Merlin Emrys, come here today with the intent to marry and to love Arthur Pendragon so long as you both shall live?” Geoffrey asked.
“I do,” Merlin replied.
“The two shall now exchange rings,” Geoffrey said, arms spread, gesticulating between them. “And say a few words; words that they promise to keep to one another for their entire lives.”
Arthur and Merlin both nodded at Geoffrey in response. Arthur reached into his poke that was resting against his hip and pulled out the ring, gripping onto it tightly.
He took a shaky breath. “Merlin,” he said, clearing his throat. “I never thought that I would ever meet someone like you in my entire life. You have changed me, and I promise to keep making you as proud of me as I am of you.” He slipped the ring onto Merlin's finger with a watery smile. “For better or worse, I’ll always be there for you, loving you as I know you will me.”
“Arthur,” Merlin said, happy tears slowly working down his cheeks. Arthur so badly wanted to reach out and wipe them away. “My destiny has always been to be by your side, but I never thought it would lead to this. To this much happiness, to watching you grow, to watching us both grow.” Merlin took Arthur’s hand, placing the ring onto Arthur’s finger. “And I will always be by your side; no matter what.”
Merlin and Arthur intertwined their fingers, holding hands as they looked at each other, drinking the other in, treasuring this moment.
“The ribbons before me all symbolize important meanings in the coming together of King Arthur Pendragon and Lord Merlin Emrys,” Geoffrey announced to the hall. “Red symbolizes love and passion; may it grant them peace and love everlasting.” Here, Geoffrey wrapped the red ribbon around their hands. “Blue the colour of strength and longevity; may it grant them strength in marriage and ruling.” The blue ribbon was next wrapped around their hands, tying into the red. “And lastly, gold,” Geoffrey continued. “The colour of wisdom and prosperity; may it grant them a sense of peace and bring about the time of Albion.” The final ribbon was placed, interwoven into the others, and made into a long braid.
“Let this bond be strong and everlasting. By the power invested in me,” Geoffrey intoned. “I now pronounce you, King Arthur Pendragon and you, Lord Merlin Emrys, married.”
The two of them grinned widely at each other as they leaned in and kissed the other soundly before pulling the ribbons from their intertwined hands, the ribbons knotting together as they did so, a symbol of their love.
The crowd let out a cheer making the two of them laugh. Arthur wiped at his eyes, smiling brightly at Merlin.
Merlin gave him a watery grin full of love in return. “I love you,” he mouthed.
“I love you,” Arthur mouthed in return.
Arthur watched as Geoffrey took the ribbon from them, setting it down gently, before turning and grabbing the pillow with Merlin’s soon-to-be crown resting upon it, giving Arthur a nod. One last step in their union. He could do this; he so desperately wanted to do this.
“Merlin, if you would,” Arthur said quietly, motioning for Merlin to kneel.
Merlin’s eyes widened slightly and he kneeled before him, waiting.
Arthur took the crown, holding it in his hands as he spoke, “Lord Merlin of Ealdor, Consort to I, Arthur Pendragon, with my authority as King of Camelot, I now pronounce you, King Consort Merlin of Camelot. May you always be as kind and caring, and help bring peace to Camelot, to Albion,” Arthur said, placing the crown onto Merlin’s head.
Merlin smiled up at him as Arthur took his hands, helping him off the ground. As soon as Merlin was upright, he leaned in to kiss Arthur sweetly on the mouth once more.
“Long live the Kings!” Leon chanted, the crowd joining in. “Long live the Kings!”
Arthur grabbed Merlin’s hand, intertwining his fingers with his own as they walked down the aisle, together as one. Merlin squeezed his hand and looked over at him, eyes filled with love.
They grinned, beaming, as they walked through the hall’s doors.
_______________________
Merlin all but threw himself at Arthur as soon as the doors closed behind them, kissing him with vigour.
“We did it,” Merlin whispered against his lips.
Arthur kissed him softly, tugging Merlin as close to him as possible, before replying, “We did.”
They pulled apart as people lined out of the hall, ready to approach them with their well wishes as the hall was prepared for a night of drinking and dancing.
Arthur and Merlin greeted everyone with thanks, and stayed together, holding hands until the hall was ready.
Merlin grinned mischievously at Arthur as he pulled him towards the makeshift dance floor as the Troubadours began playing their instruments and filling the Great Hall with music.
Arthur laughed, letting himself be pulled along. He had never felt happier than in this moment, here with his husband.
“You’re going to trip me somehow, aren’t you?” he asked Merlin.
“Me? Never,” Merlin said, shaking his head before pausing. “Okay, well, no promises,” he amended.
“Of course,” Arthur replied with a roll of his eyes. Merlin laughed, abruptly spinning Arthur around in a circle. He only stumbled a little in surprise.
“It’s like that, is it?” Arthur asked, dipping Merlin with no forewarning.
Merlin guffawed. “I suppose so.”
The two laughed and laughed, twirling each other around as they danced, waving at people and saying hello as they danced next to them.
Arthur felt full of love as the Troubadours began to play something slower, something softer, and he tugged Merlin to his chest, swaying them both to the beat. He wanted to live in this moment for as long as he could with the way Merlin felt against him, the happiness coursing through him, and the sense of peace that had washed over everyone.
“I want to stay like this forever,” Arthur whispered into Merlin’s hair.
Merlin gripped him tighter, lifting his head off of Arthur’s shoulder to kiss him tenderly. “We have all the time in the world, Arthur,” he said.
“You say that now,” Arthur grumbled slightly.
Merlin buried his face into Arthur’s neck, kissing him lightly there. “I promise you, this is just the beginning, but we can stay in this moment a little longer. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Arthur smiled, squeezing Merlin gently. “Me either.”
_______________________
Arthur stood, a drink in his hand, taking a break as he revelled in all that was happening around him. It brought him joy to see so many people together, celebrating—the Druids, royals from other kingdoms, and commoners alike.
It made him hopeful for the kingdom that he and Merlin would continue to build. A peaceful place where all would be treated as equal—Albion.
As his thoughts wandered, his eyes found Merlin (as they always did) and he watched him fondly, dancing with anyone that would have him.
Gods, he really loved him.
“You know, King Arthur,” Arthur heard a voice say from his right side. He looked over to see Princess Mithian standing there with a sly smile on her face. “I thought you had finally invited us to Camelot for trade talks and a ball, but I dare say, a wedding invite and coronation is much better.” She winked.
Arthur huffed, shaking his head slightly. “I’m glad you approve, Princess Mithian.”
She took a small bow. “But of course. You could do no better than Merlin, I daresay. Or, rather, should I say, King Merlin.”
A shiver of pleasure washed over Arthur at that. “Technically, either consort or king would work, but, yes, you’re absolutely correct.”
“Well, no matter, but I expect to hear from the Kings of Camelot soon,” Mithian said, nudging Arthur with her arm. “For now though, I think it’s best we go save Merlin from Princess Elena and her, shall we say, spirited dancing.” Arthur laughed as he looked over at them—Merlin looked pained but in good spirits as Elena continually stepped on his foot. “It’s for the good of the kingdoms that I dance with the Princess,” she continued.
Arthur bit the inside of his cheek, trying to hold back a smile. “Yes, it’s what the people would want.”
“Exactly.” Mithian nodded, taking Arthur’s arm as they made their way through the throngs of people to Merlin and Elena. “I’m glad we agree.”
Arthur just smiled at her fondly. “Perhaps there will be another handfasting to attend soon?” He smirked as Mithian blushed at his comment.
“Oh, hush,” Mithian retorted, pausing for a moment as Elena looked over at them, a wide grin on her face. “Well, one can hope,” she whispered so quietly that Arthur almost missed it.
“I suppose you both are here to rescue dear Merlin from my clutches?” Elena asked, a self-deprecating laugh on her lips, as Arthur and Mithian reached them.
“I think it’s more the other way around,” Merlin said, pressing a swift kiss to Elena’s hand, bowing slightly.
“Merlin, you’re ever the flatterer,” Elena said, shaking her head. “Arthur, please, cut in. I think it’s best if Mithian handles me from here on out.”
Merlin snorted. “Yes, the burden of dancing with my husband shall fall with me.”
“Excuse me?” Arthur asked in faux hurt, taking Merlin by the hand and pulling him in close.
Mithian and Elena started to dance away. “Enjoy yourselves,” Mithian said as both she and Elena waved goodbye.
Merlin smiled at them before resting his head on Arthur’s shoulder.
“I’ll have you know that I’m an excellent dancer,” Arthur insisted, his hands resting on Merlin’s waist as they swayed to the beat of the music. “Did I not prove that earlier?”
Arthur could feel Merlin nod his head. “Yes, of course, best dancer in all of Camelot, definitely, no doubt about it,” Merlin said with a hint of sarcasm as he laughed softly.
“Wow, and they said that the romance would never die,” Arthur said dryly.
Merlin snickered, lifting his head and kissing Arthur softly. “Too bad you’re stuck with me now,” he said a breath away.
“Yeah, what a shame,” Arthur replied, leaning forward to kiss Merlin once more. Merlin grinned into the kiss, deepening it ever so slightly.
“In case you haven’t heard it enough today,” Arthur said, pulling away to rest his forehead against Merlin’s. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Arthur,” Merlin said, eyes warm. “Always.”
“Always,” Arthur repeated, closing his eyes as Merlin leaned into him, swaying once more with the music.
Whatever happened next, Arthur knew that the two of them would be able to handle it—together, united as one.
Albion would come to pass, and Arthur and Merlin were ready.