Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The warning bells were louder than Merlin remembered them being, but that’s what he gets for going to the country for a fortnight. He’d loved visiting his mother, but he had gotten all the chores she needed done and knew he would be needed in Camelot. Gaius had sent word that an illness had broken out and he would be in the lower town when Merlin returned and he would send a messenger to fetch him if he was needed. The ride back had left Merlin exhausted. The heat was terrible and he had spent the time in Ealdor sleeping without a shirt on so as to stay cool. When he was woken up from the peals of the warning bells, Merlin had groaned and took off down the corridor towards the King’s chambers.

The cool stone made a slapping noise under his feet as he had forgotten to grab his boots. Finding the King’s chambers empty, he headed for the council chamber, narrowly avoiding other servants and a few guards in his haste. Several had seen him fly past and tripped or walked into a wall. Merlin thought it was odd, but kept up his pace until he reached the doors. Even the guards standing sentry at the council hall were looking at him strangely. Merlin pushed the door open and walked in and everything stopped. The King, the few councilmen that had made it, and the original Knights of the Round Table all just stood and gawked at him. Well, Gwaine had fallen over as he leaned around the others trying to get a better look.

“Erm. What’s going on?” Merlin asked, hoping someone would talk instead of stare at him. He reached up and tried calming his hair down thinking it must be sticking up all over. Leon cleared his throat and looked back to the table, and tried again.

“There seems to be some sort of creature just outside the citadel walls.” Leon finally said, whilst digging in a side pouch. 

“What sort of creature? Has anyone been harmed? Gaius is still working in the lower town on that illness, but I should be able to help.” Merlin stated, still waiting for someone to start talking. Instead, he watched as Leon pulled out some coins, counted them, and then handed them to a grinning Percival. Merlin raised his eyebrow at this.

“Merlin, are you cold?” Gwaine managed to ask, having righted himself, though his voice cracked.

“No.” Merlin answered, looking at the Knight in confusion.

“Are you sure you’re not cold?” King Arthur finally asked, arms crossed over his chest.

“Yes, I’m quite sure. It was a long hot ride back from Ealdor, and my room has had the sun on it all day so it is still quite warm. Why?” Merlin was genuinely confused as to why everyone was acting so strangely. He whirled around just as Gwen entered the room at a run and collided with him, sending them both to the floor.

“Oh! Merlin, I’m so-,” Gwen paused and looked down at where her hands were and pursed her lips. 

“Gwen?” Merlin asked.

“Merlin? Why are you not wearing a shirt?” She asked, blush creeping up high on her face. Merlin’s eyes went wide. He looked down and realized he had ran across the castle in just his breeches. 

“I, erm, hadn’t, erm realized. I should go remedy that.” Merlin cleared his throat, as his ears reddened. Gwen still had her hands splayed on his chest. “Your highness? I would need you to get up for me to remedy the situation.” Gwen’s face flushed even more.

“Oh! Right, right, of course.” She acknowledged, slowly getting up and reaching out a hand to help Merlin back up. When he was on his feet again, he stumbled into her slightly, causing her to place her hands over his abdomen, which was more toned than it had a right to be. 

“Guinevere.” Arthur called, gaining her attention. 

“Off you go, Merlin.” Gwen stated, pulling her hands back, stepping away from him and making her way over to the King, her husband, who looked a little peeved. Merlin pursed his lips, promptly turned his back on the group and walked until he was a little ways down the corridor before taking off at a run again.

“Good lord.” Gwaine huffed out, bending down and putting his head on the table. “Did anyone know that was what was hiding under those god-awful red and blue tunics?” He called, voice echoing off the wood.

“Percival.” Leon grumbled in response. 

“Really?” Elyan asked, skeptically. Percival shrugged with a smile. 

“Manual labor has some advantages. What did you think would happen if he carried armor around the castle all day, attended training all the time, or carried heavy visiting nobles trunks upstairs? He is constantly doing some work or another and running everywhere. I don’t know how none of you could see it.” Percival stated simply. 

“Gwen? How did it feel?” Gwaine asked, looking up at the Queen, who flushed and had to try to fan her face. 

“Don’t answer that, Guinevere. If you love me at all, don’t answer that with me in the room.” Arthur shook his head, running a hand over his face. A cough sounded from the door, and nearly everyone jumped. Merlin grinned.

“Sorry. Ready to discuss the threat, now?” He asked. 

“Yes. Finally. About time, Merlin.” Arthur grumbled. As they discussed the plan, Merlin could swear Gwaine was pouting in his direction. He wasn’t embarrassed to be seen without his shirt, but it seemed to have caused some stress to his friends. Well, he was fairly interested in what had caused Leon to hand Percival some money, and hoped he could ask the larger man later. He left as soon as the plan was decided to ready horses and provisions. He wondered why the others remained in the hall, half still in their night clothes, half in their armor, but tried not to think about it too much.

Chapter Text

Merlin was glad for the slight reprieve from the castle. Gaius had been running low on several ingredients lately and it was long overdue for him to fetch more. Things had been odd with some of the others since he’d accidentally shown up to the council meeting without his shirt. Gwaine was staring at him more, and tripping over himself trying to watch him lug the King’s armor through the halls or scrub the floors. Gwen was flushed anytime he was around, which was constantly, since he and Arthur were always together. 

He breathed in deeply. Tasting the woods. Pine, oak, and earth. He missed the woods and the clean air outside the city. He felt like he had been cooped up for ages. But then again, he always did when he’d spent time back on the farm and had to return to life in Camelot. After an hour he stopped to have some water and eat a bit. Gaius had sent a sandwich with him so he decided to stop and enjoy it. He’d left his jacket behind, but having his sleeves rolled up wasn’t keeping him cooled off. He leaned back and pulled his neckerchief off and wiped the sweat from his head. After a few more moments, he couldn’t take it anymore and pulled his shirt off. He ate the apple he had, relishing the flavor. Though it was refreshing, he still didn’t feel cooled off. Finally he couldn’t take it any more. He pulled his breeches off and left them in a pile with his shirt and bag that he used to collect herbs in. He waded into the water of the stream nearby and sighed heavily, enjoying the coolness of the water. 

----

Gwaine was biting his fist to keep from making any noise. Elyan punched him on the arm, but had to put a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing at his friend’s expression. Gwaine was practically vibrating with tension. Percival sat back against a tree eating his own lunch with Leon, ignoring the others who were spying on their friend. 

“Would you leave him alone?” Percival called.

“I can’t help it!” Gwaine barely refrained from shouting.

“Sure you can! Just turn away. You’ve already seen it before.” Leon added.

“Not without breeches.” Gwaine practically whined.

“So now you’ve seen his legs as well as the rest of him?” Percival asked.

“Yes!” Gwaine groaned and fell on the ground in front of his friends, arm draped dramatically over his eyes. “He’s just so damn gorgeous.”

“Please. He’s not that impressive.” Arthur finally pitched in.

“Tell me you didn’t admire him without a shirt on like the rest of us? Tell me with a straight face those muscles by his hips that made that lovely, tantalizing V shape, that you didn’t wonder what the rest of him looked like?” Gwaine pressed, looking up from the ground.

“I didn’t.” Arthur answered, though the red tint to his ears said otherwise. 

“Liar.” Leon scoffed, eating the pear he’d brought along. “Tell us, my lord, has the Queen mentioned his appearance lately? Or just merely looked away?” Arthur grumbled and plopped on the ground next to Percival ignoring Leon’s comment.

“Is that what farm work does to a body?” Gwaine was still basically in a puddle on the forest floor.

“What are you lot doing here?” Merlin asked, suddenly standing beside the group, dripping wet.

“Arthur wanted to get out.” (Leon) / “Percival made me!” (Arthur) / “Elyan wanted some air.” (Percival) / “Leon wanted to eat outside the walls.” (Elyan) / “I needed to see more!” (Gwaine)

Everyone answered at once. Merlin cocked his head at them, but grinned crookedly at their answers. 

“Why don’t you join me in cooling off then? You all seem … flustered. The heat can’t be helping. So come on then, let’s all swim for a bit since you’re here.” Merlin teased.

“Oh gods yes.” Gwaine practically tripped over himself to get his clothes off and jump in the water. He felt the desperate need to cool off and Merlin laughed at his behaviour, unsure of what caused it. The others eventually stripped down as well and they were all swimming and splashing around in no time. After a while they all lay out on the shore drying off in the sun. It had turned out to be a great day. Merlin breathed a sigh of relief at having spent time outside the castle with his friends. 

He hadn’t noticed that Gwaine was practically drooling over him lounging in the sun. At least not until Percival practically slapped him. Then he just grinned.

Chapter Text

Merlin groaned as he looked at the large gash in his shirt from training that morning. He could mend it, but it was large enough it would take time, and time was one thing he didn’t have. A feast was being held in honor of one of the council members retiring and their son taking over as the Lord of the house. His other shirt was still covered in mud from a patrol that he’d accompanied. There hadn’t been time to do his laundry as Arthur had him running ragged with preparations. 

“What is it?” Gaius called from the main chamber.

“My shirt. I don’t have time to mend it, and I need to be in the great hall to help with the finishing touches. My red one is still caked with mud since I haven’t had time to wash it yet.” Merlin grumbled, setting his shirt on his bed and scouring his wardrobe. “And apparently my only spare is that purple one that Gwen got me a few years ago.”

“What’s wrong with that one? Just put it on and get moving. Otherwise the King will be down here to drag you out by your ears.” Gaius chuckled as though he found the idea amusing. 

“Nothings wrong with it, exactly. It’s just, well …” Merlin paused as he shuffled into the shirt and went out to the main chamber, “it’s a bit tight is all.” Gaius blinked several times before he spoke. 

“Merlin. Surely you have another shirt?” Gaius watched as Merlin tipped his head back in obvious, albeit annoyed, acceptance. 

“No. I’ll try to mend the other one tonight. Hopefully this can last me the day.” Merlin grumbled as he stretched his arms a few times hoping the material would stretch even just a little. “I’ll be back this evening.” 

Merlin headed out to the great hall, still shrugging his shoulders to try and get used to the close fit of the shirt. He masked his discomfort fairly well, smiling at everyone he saw, though he was confused when he sent a smile toward a pair of maids rushing by with linens and one fainted. When he got to the hall, he began dragging tables out with the other servants and candelabras, and chairs. In no time he was drenched in sweat and his shirt clung to his body even more. The Queen had come in and was directing the flowers and table sets. Merlin smiled at her briefly between tables he had been dragging out. She actually managed a small smile in return, almost like she had before the whole shirtless incident. 

The last chair to move was Arthur’s at the head table. Usually it would take at least two servants to move it, but the others had all moved on to setting up other areas. The Steward was kind enough to ask Merlin to get it instead of ordering him like his first year in Camelot. They had come a long way, and he appreciated all that Merlin did for the King and Knights. Merlin sighed heavily, and hoisted the chair. As soon as he did, he felt his shirt rip. Wonderful , he thought. Unwilling to put the chair down and check, he hurried toward the table and, as carefully as he could, set it down. Once he was satisfied the chair was where it needed to be, he stepped back and glanced down to see if the tear was in his front. Before he could get a good look, there was a crash as a floral arrangement was dropped, a few pitchers were dropped, along with a stack of plates. 

“Merlin?” Gwen called.

“Yes, my lady?” Merlin answered, still unsure how much of his shirt had been damaged. 

“Is that the shirt I gave you?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Do you not have any others?”

“My blue shirt was torn pretty well during training this morning, courtesy of your husband, and my red one is still caked with mud from the patrol as I haven’t had time to do laundry yet.”

“Well, that won’t do. I’ll send someone by later for measurements to get you a few more. That shirt you’re wearing, or rather what’s left of it, was made when you were not so … fully … developed.” Gwen cleared her throat, cheeks reddening. Merlin glanced down and saw his arms had burst the seams, and the V by his throat had stretched and reached his navel. He couldn’t see the back, but he felt it must have ripped there as well, based on how loosely the material now hung on him. His face felt like it was on fire. 

“That would be much appreciated, my lady.” Merlin cleared his throat, “I think I should go see if I can find a spare shirt from one of the Knights.” Merlin bowed to the Queen, who grinned at him crookedly, before he rushed from the room. The Queen’s eyes followed him the whole way, and Merlin wasn’t sure what to make of the spark he saw there. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say it looked hungry.

Chapter Text

Merlin was tempted several times to abandon the remaining scraps of his shirt, but didn't want to cause more trouble. He ducked into corridors that were abandoned long ago, at least for most of the way. He had decided along the way to go to Percival thinking he'd rather have a shirt that was too big instead of too small. He didn't want to have that issue a second time that day. 

Merlin was in the middle of the corridor when he heard the voices of a few servants. The last thing he wanted was more people staring at him. Before they could fillings the corner and come into view, Merlin burst through the first door he came to closing it quickly and leaning his head against the wood listening for their footsteps to retreat. Once the voices had gone, he let out a heavy sigh of relief.

"Hiding from your adoring fans?"

Merlin nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard the question. 

"Leon! Sorry to barge in. Had a, er, issue setting up for the banquet. Do you have an extra shirt I could borrow? Just for a few hours, I swear." Merlin rushed the words out watching Leon's face for any hint of a reaction. But Leon sat stoicly at his desk quil still scribbling across his latest patrol schedule. "I'll owe you one." Leon looked up at the promise of a favor.

"A Merlin favor, eh?"

"Yes." 

Leon had learned what that meant early on in his career. Merlin knew that Leon was hooked when he saw the gleam in the Knights eyes.

"Try not to get any holes in it, if you can." Leon grabbed a spare training shirt from his wardrobe and tossed it to younger man. He sat back down to try and finish his schedule before the feast. A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, and he said "Enter," automatically. 

"Nearly done with the schedule? Arthur's asking for it …" Leon looked up to see why Gwaine had stopped talking, but was unsurprised to find him staring at Merlin who was struggling to get free of his ruined shirt. 

"Perhaps, while I finish this, you could help Merlin as I know the King will be searching for him soon, if he isn't already. You know, be helpful instead of just staring." Leon had gone back to his paperwork while making his suggestion. He, along with the others, were tired of the constant pining. 

"Merlin?" Gwaine took a deep breath and cleared his throat, which was suddenly dry, "would you like some help?" 

"Please. I am hopelessly stuck." Merlin flashed him a grateful smile. 

Gwaine thought he might pass out right then, but composed himself and pulled out a dagger from his boot. "Try not to move, yeah?" 

Merlin nodded and stood as still as he could, which was hard to do, being so close to Gwaine. He had developed a ridiculously strong crush on the knight. Unfortunately he had no idea how to approach him and say he wanted more than just friendship. Having him cut his shirt off was definitely something he'd dreamed of a time or two. Those were good dreams. He was free from the destroyed shirt and carefully pulled the borrowed one over his head. It was tighter than his own, but not as tight as the one he'd just ruined. 

"Thanks, Leon! I'll see you at the feast." Before he left, he leaned in to Gwaine putting his lips next to his ear, "thanks, Gwaine, maybe we could do that again sometime." Merlin left quickly not wanting to give Gwaine a chance to respond.

"Here." Leon handed off the schedule he'd just finished and watched as Gwaine, practically catatonic, took the document in the hand that didn't hold Merlin's shirt remnants, and left the room looking very confused.

"If they don't get together soon, I'm going to get a permanent migraine." Leon ran his hands through his hair and over his face.

"They've been dancing around each other for years now. If left up to them, it'll take another year. If they don't do it soon, he's going to end up as the royal consort." Elyan stated, coming in from the servants entrance.

"It was hilarious watching Gwaine try not to pass out." Percival added with a chuckle.

"Think we can make it through the feast without something happening to the shirt he borrowed?" Leon asked.

"He should be fine. Besides, hes only clumsy when he's trying to hold in his magic." Percival answered with a shrug.

"That can't be healthy." Elyan said, scrunching up his face. "Anyway, Gwen is having some more clothes made for him."

"Trying to claim him, eh?" Percival grinned while Elyan rolled his eyes. 

"Alright, enough gossiping. Go get ready for the feast." Leon sent the Knights out of his chambers and got himself ready. 

He was very excited to have earned a favor from Merlin. That boy could work miracles.

Chapter Text

Merlin felt like he was overheating. He hadn’t been able to expel any magic in some time due to preparing for the feast that was held, and then attending the feast, as well as the cleaning afterwards. Nearly a full week of not being able to just let it loose to wander, as Gaius called it. He felt itchy and stuffy and definitely overheated. Gwen had done her part and scheduled a time for a tailor to come measure and get some new clothes made for him, and he knew he was sweating more than he should be in the crisp fall air. Everything else had finally started to cool off from the immense heat the summer sent their way. So. He stood as still as he could, in the middle of a random guest chamber, while a tailor, a seamstress, and, of course, the Queen, made sure he was accurately measured, suited with materials and colors to complement his position in the royal household, as well the King and Queen and the Knights he was so often in the company of.  

“I don’t suppose you have all you need, yet?” Merlin felt like he was whining, but couldn’t stop the tone. He needed time outdoors. 

“Nearly done, Merlin. Relax. Arthur knows where you are, as do the rest of the staff.” Gwen chastised, though, her eyes still sparkled with mischief. He was thankful that he was able to conduct this without a shirt. If he’d had another layer on, he was certain it would burst into flames. He tried to direct his magic to rid the room of the minute layer of dust that covered everything, but the restriction was nearly as stifling as not using it at all. 

“Ah, Guinevere, there you are.” Arthur commented when he entered the room. Merlin normally would have rolled his eyes, but he was trying to remain still as he had been reminded several times to stop fidgeting. 

“You knew where I was, darling.” Gwen teased, causing Arthur to blush.

“How is it going? He looks rather annoyed.” Arthur said, kissing Gwen on the head, “good job.”

“I heard that.” Merlin grumbled.

“It wasn’t meant to be secret. Merlin, why do you look like you’re about to pass out?” Arthur asked him curiously.

“I’m just rather warm, sire. Nothing to concern your pretty little head over.” Merlin still had his eyes closed, so he missed the deepening blush that spread over Arthur’s face and down his neck. 

“Are you sure you’re not cold?” The tailor, Martin, asked. “Most people are complaining of the chill in the air today.” 

“Positive.” Merlin mumbled. He was starting to feel a bit light headed from the combination of heat and holding in his magic. “Though I may need to sit down soon.” He swayed dangerously, and stepped his foot out to try and regain his balance.

“Merlin?” Arthur called, though it sounded far away to Merlin.

“Arth’r,” Merlin responded and his knees buckled. Merlin felt strong hands holding him in place and opened his eyes to meet concerned sky blue ones. “Sorry. Feel a bit light headed.”

“Merlin, you’re burning up.” Arthur stated, not taking his hands from Merlin’s shoulder and waist.

“Mm. Just need to go outside for a bit. Outside always helps.” Merlin wobbled again, and Arthur tightened his grasp.

“Alright. Is he done here?” Arthur asked Gwen.

“Yes, his clothes will be delivered in the next few days. Here, take this shirt with you. Don’t need Camelot coming to a stop because he wandered around shirtless again.” Gwen winked at her husband, who had no response.

“Alright, come on Merlin. Gardens or battlements?” 

“Gardens would be great.” Merlin answered, trying to keep his eyes open and stay on his feet. Arthur pulled Merlin’s arm over his shoulders and gripped his waist with his other hand, while the shirt rested between his arm and Merlin’s back. Merlin was fairly out of it during the walk, but he was sure that he felt Arthur’s grasp tighten and relax a few times. He was also fairly certain that he wasn’t the only one sweating. “Why are you clammy?” Merlin asked, unable to stop himself.

“I’m not.” Arthur lied. Merlin raised an eyebrow at him. “Fine. Sure you don’t want me to lie? Or that you wouldn’t rather accept a lie?”

“Nope. No lies, Arthur. We decided that long ago. Remember?” Arthur sighed. Of course he remembered. He’d caught Merlin doing magic in his sleep and confronted him about it. They had been working on making law changes in secret, but weren’t confident it was ready to be presented yet. 

“Fine. Guinevere has asked, if you aren’t currently involved with anyone, if you would consider a position as,” Arthur cleared his throat, feeling very uncomfortable, “as royal consort.” They walked along in silence for a few minutes.

“What?” Merlin felt his face burning worse than the rest of him.

“Please don’t make me repeat it.” Arthur sighed heavily, pushed the door to the garden open, and took a deep breath of the crisp air, glad to be outside finally. Merlin walked a few steps from Arthur and sank down to his knees, putting his fingers in the grass and digging them into the ground. He practically moaned with pleasure as he sent his magic loose into the earth. Give and take. Sending magic and receiving relief from nature. He took a deep breath, finally feeling cooled off and relaxed enough to process Arthur’s words. He turned and met the King’s eyes and could see the sincerity of the offer. 

“You could have anyone you wanted, and you want me?” Merlin asked, genuinely confused. 

“Merlin, you have been part of my life, and Guinevere’s, for many, many years now. It would give you some say in council meetings, elevating you from your current position in the household, you’d have your own chambers, as well as an allowance that you could keep or send home to your mother, since I know that is where you send most of your money anyway. You’ll still have your own life, but you would, essentially, belong to us. We’ve discussed it, and you would still be able to see other people outside of us. But, we would come first.” Arthur was looking at Merlin as he spoke, and Merlin could see the meaning behind the words. The love. “You have some time to think it over. But we would like an answer in the next fortnight. There would be paperwork drawn up and such, but I don’t want to bother you with that yet.”

“You said if I wasn’t already involved with anyone. Then you said I’d still be able to see whomever I wanted unless you needed me. From what I’ve seen, if there is a consort, they belong to the monarchs. They have no other relationships.” Merlin tilted his head, trying to see if he could understand Arthur’s expression better.

“That is normally the case, yes. However, you are very dear to both of us, and I’ll kill you if you repeat that, but we want you to not feel like you are our property. We want you to always be you. And if that means sharing you with another,” Arthur coughs, and it sounds suspiciously like Gwaine, “then so be it. Think it over. Don’t make any decisions just yet.” Arthur says, as he sits on a bench near Merlin. Merlin slowly gets to his feet and walks over to join him. 

“I’ll think about it. Thanks, Arthur.” Merlin bumps shoulders with him, and they both chuckle. “Could I have that shirt now? I don’t feel like I’m burning up anymore.” Arthur tossed the shirt at Merlin’s face, and once he settled, they sat and enjoyed the peace of the garden.

Chapter Text

Merlin hated that this was being made into a big deal. He hated the ceremony and attention. And today everyone would be focused on him. He groaned and shook out his arms and bounced on his feet. 

“This is a terrible idea. Surely this isn’t necessary.” Merlin grumbled. 

“Calm down, Merlin or you’ll cause a bigger scene with your rampant magic.” Gaius chastised as a few butterflies floated into existence around the warlock.

“I am calm. I’m totally and completely calm.” Merlin lied. 

“Take some deep breaths, my boy.” Gaius said, putting his hands on Merlin’s shoulders. Merlin rolled his eyes and took a few breaths as instructed and felt his anxiety lessen a little. “That’s better. There’s no reason to be nervous. You’ve already signed the papers, you’ve already agreed and served in the role for a month already now. This isn’t going to change anything. It’s just showing the kingdom that you are theirs and that they are placing you in an official position. Making it known they value you. You deserve the recognition.”

“I know. I was just hoping it could be smaller, you know?” 

“I know.” Gaius answered with a sigh. The horns sounded and the doors creaked open to the throne room. “I’m right here with you.”

“Thanks, Gaius.” Merlin smiled at his mentor, gave him a quick hug, then turned to face the gathered crowd. He walked the pathway with Gaius at his side all the way to the front where he knelt before the King and Queen who were smiling lovingly at him. Seeing their smiles helped him relax and he focused on that. On their love. 

“Merlin Emrys, do you swear to uphold the values of Camelot and place her needs above your own? Do you swear your life, and your magic, to her service?” Geoffrey asked, voice raised for all to hear.

“I do so swear.”

“And do you swear to honor and defend her King and Queen for as long as you live?”

“I do so swear.”

“By the power vested in me, by the laws of Camelot, you are hereby named Prince Merlin Emrys, consort and royal sorcerer of Camelot.” Geoffrey announced with a smile. King Arthur stepped forward placing the small silver circlet he’d worn as a Prince on Merlin’s head. He stood with Arthur’s help, their hands clasped, each with a silly somewhat besotted grin on their faces, and turned to face the gathered crowd. 

“Long live the Prince!” Queen Guinevere intoned, and the hall echoed loudly with immense cheering and applause. Merlin’s face hurt from smiling so much, but he was quickly swept up in the crowd, his hand being shaken and back patted. He tried to stay near his King and Queen, but was swept out into the hall where the banquet would be held. There were speeches and revelry all night and Merlin had started to feel stifled. He snuck off to an open balcony to breathe some fresh air. He wasn’t sure why he was so worried earlier. 

“There you are.” Merlin smiled as King Arthur and Queen Guinevere came over to him, each placing an arm around him possessively. 

“Just needed some air.” Merlin smiled at them, while rolling his eyes. He shivered slightly as a cool breeze ruffled through his hair.

“Are you cold?” Gwen asked, reaching out and taking his hand in hers.

“No, just got a chill is all. Happens everytime the weather changes.” Merlin told her, squeezing the hand in his.

“Here.” Arthur placed his cape over Merlin’s shoulders, tucking it around him tightly, then leaned in and kissed his head.

“Thanks, Arthur.” Merlin said softly.

“You are welcome. Another hour and we can retire. Can you handle that?”

“I think so.” Merlin answered with a sigh. “I don’t know how you did this for so long. It’s almost more tiring than serving.” 

“Well, you won’t be serving anymore, so you should start getting used to it.” Gwen told him with a smirk. “Now, as Arthur said, another hour. Let’s get it over with, shall we? You can dance with me until then.” Merlin laughed and let the royals usher him inside and spin him through the hall with dance after dance until it was appropriate enough for them to retire. 

Once they entered the royal suites, Merlin slumped back on the bed in exhaustion. He knew he should stay up and at least get in his night clothes, but he just felt the tiredness take him over so quickly, all he could do was groan. He barely acknowledged the King kneeling down and removing his boots, nor the Queen carefully taking his new circlet. He groaned again at being pulled to his feet, but was only met with laughter.

“Come on, cariad, you have to help a little.” Arthur teased, and Merlin blushed at the term of endearment. 

“Only because you’re being sweet about it.” Merlin grumbled and let himself be led behind the screen to change. He climbed into bed after helping Arthur and then Gwen get into their night clothes and was nearly asleep before the King and Queen climbed in on each side. As they wrapped their arms around him, he sighed in contentment.

“Are you cold, love?” Gwen asked gently.

“Mm. No. You’re both warm. G’night.” Merlin said, voice sleep slurred.

“Good night, Merlin.” Arthur and Gwen said, holding him close. Merlin was so cosy he could almost forget what it was ever like to be cold.

----

2 months later

Merlin was annoyed. He hated when winter finally settled firmly in Camelot. It always made him ill those first days. Summer firmly behind them, cold ahead. Arthur had managed to get his temporary decrees for magic passed and the kingdom had celebrated. Merlin had gone to the Druids who had praised him and celebrated his successes. He’d taken Arthur and Gwen up on their offer of the royal consort, and their relationship had only strengthened. He was rarely pulled into a night with just one of them. Gwaine was just thrilled that Merlin was allowed to be with him as well. That being said, Merlin hated being ill, and hated being fussed over for it. Whenever he had gotten sick in the past, Gwen had sat with him and helped nurse him back to health along with Gaius. Arthur sat and read his speeches to Merlin who either fell asleep to them or made suggestions in his fevered state that made the King laugh, and sometimes, make a few changes. 

He no longer had his cupboard of a room in Gaius’ chambers, but had his own suites. The bed was massive compared to what he was accustomed to. He had several blankets laid on top of him, but it didn’t stop the shivers that ran through him. Though he had missed the entire days’ schedule, he refused to send for Gaius or anyone else. There was enough going on that he didn’t need anyone parading through and chastising him for not taking better care of himself. He knew a blazing fire would help him feel better, but wasn’t sure he could make it to the chair closest to it. The idea of climbing out of the blankets was not pleasant. As he was contemplating just setting the bed on fire, his door swung open and King Arthur strode in, with Leon directly behind. 

“Merlin!” Arthur yelled, not seeing him at first glance. Once his eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room, his face dropped and he sped to the edge of the bed. “Merlin! Are you alright?”

“R'th’r.” Merlin tried saying, but his teeth were chattering. 

“Leon, send someone to fetch Gaius.” Arthur directed. He then started pulling a few furs from the chest at the foot of the bed and placed them over the armchair next to the fire. “Come on, then. Let’s get you closer to the fire.”

“I’m f-f-fine.” Merlin cleared his throat, “I’m fine.”

“Merlin, you’re clearly not. You’re shivering, your skin is clammy, and you look near as pale as a spirit. You need more warmth. I can help you over to the fire, or I can simply carry you over there.”

“You have meetings you’re meant to be in. Go on. I’ll be fine. Don’t need you here fussing at me to get better.” Merlin grumbled and a strong tremor ran through his body.

“Are you sure you’re not cold?” Arthur asked gently, getting a wet cloth to wipe across Merlin’s brow.

“F-freezing.” Merlin replied, but leaned into Arthur’s touch. Before Merlin could protest, Arthur pulled him up to a sitting position, draped a blanket over his shoulders, and had him in front of the fire piled in more blankets in no time. Merlin may be stronger now than he was all those years ago when they’d first met, but Arthur had made sure that he would always be able to support Merlin if need be. Merlin sighed in relief at the warmth finally reaching him. “Thanks.”

“Of course. Now. Whatever Gaius gives you to drink, you will drink it. No arguing. Gwaine should be here any minute so I can go to my remaining meetings with the Queen. He’ll ensure you take it as well. You’re to stay here or in bed, until Gaius releases you. Is that understood?” Arthur tipped Merlin’s chin up to ensure he was looking at him. Merlin saw how much him being sick affected the King and hated that he caused him such distress. He smiled softly at him. 

“Only if you ask nicely.” Merlin teased, before looking away to sneeze, ruining the moment. “Sorry.”

“Please, Merlin. Let Gaius treat you. We hate seeing you sick.” Arthur carded a hand through Merlin’s hair. Merlin leaned into it and closed his eyes, humming contentedly.

“Sire. They’re ready for you.” Gwaine said quietly as he came over to the fire. “I’ll make sure he’s taken care of. Will you be by later?”

“I’d like to say yes, but it depends what Gaius says. If he says he needs rest, then, we’ll pop by for a short visit. If he’s feeling a little better, we can come for dinner.” Arthur answered.

“Come for dinner.” Merlin pleaded. “I’ve missed the whole day with you all.” 

“Only if you get some rest, love.” Arthur leaned in and kissed the top of Merlin’s head, before turning away. He patted Gwaine’s shoulder and left for the rest of his day, making sure to inform the Queen of their consorts’ condition. It was funny how Merlin went from being overheated in the Summer months, to freezing in the winter. Much like Camelot during seasonal changes. It wasn’t surprising. Merlin was the heart of Camelot, after all.