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“You have a sister?” Merlin asked incredulously.
“Sort of, she’s been under my father’s care since her parents died years ago. She picks on me enough to be considered family,” Arthur grumbled.
“How have you managed to keep her away all this time, I’ve been here for nearly a month.”
“Father told her you had a contagious disease,” Arthur offered with a scowl. “His little lie has worked to keep most everyone away actually.”
Merlin didn’t know how to respond, he could feel his mouth hanging open in shock. Being holed up in Arthurs chambers for weeks had been necessary, since Uther had immediately wanted to throw Merlin out when they’d first met. Being injured and in need of assistance didn’t matter to the king, all he saw was a magic wielding omega out to bond with his only son.
However, Arthur had managed to get the council and Uther to leave them alone, for now. The last time Merlin had seen the king, the man had warned him that if he used any magic against Camelot he’d burn Merlin alive. No one in Camelot seemed to be very happy about Arthur and Merlin being each other’s mates.
The fear of being punished or put to death had been enough to keep Merlin from exploring any of his new home. Save from one trip outside the citadel walls for some fresh air a few days ago, Merlin had been with Arthur the whole time.
“Wait, so your father told everyone I was sickly so they’d stay away? So, how many people actually know about my magic?”
“The council and the king obviously, Leon, Gaius, um, I’m not sure who else. If any of the servants heard our shouting the first night you were here then there may be a few rumors going around. I’ve not asked anyone else about it and Morgana, my sister, has steered clear of me.”
“She didn’t want to get sick I take it?” Merlin huffed. “Great, I still have to hide who I really am, I hate this so much.”
“What, no, you don’t have to hide from me, and when you meet Morgana she’ll probably figure some things out on her own, she’s pretty smart.”
Suddenly feeling discouraged at the prospect of being kept hidden away for the rest of his life, Merlin wished he’d never left home. It was obvious that his alpha liked him, and that they shared a strong bond, but Merlin wasn’t sure that alone would be enough to make him happy. So far all Merlin knew was a future father in law that hated him and wished him dead, and a life surrounded by cold stone walls and people that avoided him.
“Merlin, talk to me, what’s wrong?” Arthur begged after a moment.
“I don’t think I can fit in here, this was a mistake.”
Arthur’s eyes widened, “No, you can’t leave, you’re my omega. I just found you, and now you want to leave?!”
“What about me?!” Merlin exclaimed. “Do I not get a say? I understand we are meant to be together, but sometimes things don’t work out.” Pausing Merlin shook his head and began pacing the room. “Come on Arthur, I’m breaking the laws of Camelot just being here with you.”
“I’m not letting you go that easily Merlin.” It was clear that Arthur was starting to panic. “Ah! We can run away together, to a place where magic isn’t banned, would that work?”
“You’d do that for me? We hardly even know each other Arthur. I could be a terrible omega to live with, you have no idea.”
“I know the few times I’ve left your side I get antsy. I know that when I see my father threaten you I want to defend you till my dying breath. I know that I’ve never felt anything like this before and – and that has to mean something, right?”
Hearing Arthur say what was really on his mind left Merlin feeling dizzy. Even in the short time they’d know each other Merlin had figured out fairly quickly, Arthur wasn’t one to talk about his emotions. “I don’t think your father would let us go that easily. He’d blame me.”
“Who says he has to know,” Arthur huffed.
Merlin ceased his pacing and came to stand in front of his future mate. “He’s your father, you should at least tell him goodbye, and it wouldn’t be fair to him.”
Arthur sighed, “Even after all he’s put you through you’d still say that?”
“Family matters,”
“Yeah it does, and you’re part of my family now too.”
“I gathered that,” Merlin replied softly.
“Would you be willing to meet Morgana and maybe give this whole arrangement another few weeks?”
“So long as she doesn’t threaten to kill me after five minutes of meeting me,” Merlin quipped.
Arthur pulled a face and shook his head dramatically, “Damn, that might be an issue, she’s uh, well she’s feisty.”
“I can’t tell if you’re having me on or being serious.”
“Oh, shut up, no one is worse than father. So, can I introduce you two or not?”
“From the sounds of it she’ll break down the door to find out the truth sooner or later.”
“I think she’s already suspicious of father’s tale anyway, at least this way she’ll hear the truth from us and not his distorted version.”
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” Merlin sighed. Becoming part of Arthur’s daily life wasn’t as stress free as Merlin had hoped. Hopefully, Morgana would be kind when they were introduced.
--
Merlin cursed his alpha the moment Morgana walked into their chambers not one hour later. Arthur had failed to mention that his sister was a fucking alpha! Female alphas were a mixed bag; some behaved like beta’s others were headstrong and wanted to murder everything that stood against them. Merlin hoped Morgana was of the kinder temperament.
Out of habit alone Merlin backed away when she approached and stood a little behind Arthur. The prince realized his mistake the moment Morgana quirked her head and raised an eyebrow at the pair.
“Oh, shit, sorry. Did I forget to mention she’s an alpha?”
“Yes, you prat,” Merlin hissed.
Morgana’s rich laughter filled the room a second later, “You have found your mate then,” she cooed. “Anyone able to insult Arthur is a keeper in my book.”
“Hey, he’s annoying when he wants to be, it’s not just me,” Arthur defended.
“Oi! So says the alpha who forgot to warn me about their intimidating sister!” Merlin shouted.
“You were never sick were you?” Morgana asked interrupting their little rant.
“No, I was injured though,” Merlin answered and because he was feeling upset by the whole thing he blurted out the rest of the truth. He was tired of hiding. “I have magic and Uther wanted to kill me so I’ve been hiding and he’s been spewing lies about me to keep everything quiet.”
“Merlin! You can’t tell everyone we cross paths with, father will do something unfavorable.”
“As if what he’s already done isn’t unfavorable enough, I’m tired of this Arthur.” Merlin couldn’t hold his emotions in check for much longer. His inner omega was seriously wanting to have a good cry and Merlin was about to lose the battle on holding the tears back. “I didn’t ask to be whisked away and locked up for my safety. I was only coming to Camelot to meet my mother’s friend Gaius and learn medicine from him. Not be the latest notch on your father’s belt in magic users to ruthlessly eliminate.”
“Merlin you need to calm down, this isn’t th-.”
“Stop telling me how to feel,” Merlin interrupted with a growl.
“I’m no--.”
“Boys!” Morgana cut in. “Will you two just hug and stop being so dramatic? I can smell poor Merlin’s scent and he’s not happy.”
“I know he’s not happy!” Arthur snapped back. “It’s my job to make him feel safe and protect him and I’m fucking failing, forgive me if I’m upset by that,” he added sarcastically.
“It’s not your sole job Arthur! There will be times you can’t help. Can we stop talking about this; I’m about to try and run away for real.”
“You’ve already tried?” Morgana asked with wide eyes.
“Not really, I just went out for --.”
“He scared me half to death two days ago when he went out for some, what did you call it? Fresh air and I thought father had him taken away and killed.” Arthur finished with a frown.
“That was the day the alarm sounded, I remember.” Morgana was about to say more when she locked eyes with Merlin and furrowed her brow. “You seem so tired, should we sit down?”
Managing only a nod, Merlin stepped aside and bowed slightly to indicate that Morgana should lead the way. Soon they were all sitting by the fire. Arthur wasted no time in grabbing Merlin’s hand, the touch was comforting and Merlin attempted to relax. Morgana didn’t seem that upset by his magic revelation, perhaps she was even more opened minded about the whole thing than even Arthur.
“So, tell me, how did you meet Arthur? I have a feeling this injury you spoke of has something to do with it.”
“I got attacked by a bunch of alpha bandits and one of them shot me with a bolt,” Merlin began, trying not to relive the fear from that terrible day. “Arthur found me and helped me escape them.”
“And, what else?” Morgana prodded. “You’re leaving out something important.”
Arthur took over after that, “Merlin had killed them all with magic before I got there, so he’d saved himself. I merely aided in getting the bolt out and cleaning the wound.”
“You’re that powerful with your magic?” Morgana asked with interest.
“I thought I was going to die so my magic reacted strongly.”
“No wonder Uther doesn’t like you.”
“He hates me Lady Morgana, dislike is too kind a word,” Merlin lamented.
“You don’t seem so threatening to me,” she offered with a shrug. “Also, did I hear you correctly, your mother knows Gaius?”
“Yes, he’s a family friend, my village wasn’t too happy to have a warlock living in their midst. So she suggested I come here to try and find a new life. Even with the laws about magic she thought it would be a better opportunity.”
“I thought you were just a sorcerer?” Arthur checked after a beat.
“Remember I told you I was born with magic that means I’m a warlock, since I never had to study to learn magic. I mean I do study new spells but most of what I know just comes naturally.” Merlin admitted.
“Don’t tell father that,” Arthur hastily replied.
“I don’t plan on ever talking to Uther unless I’m ordered to. He’s already threatened me with burning at the stake should I use magic against Camelot.”
“He’s a tyrant, we’ll smuggle you out if it goes that far,” Morgana supplied smugly.
Merlin sighed, “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t keep putting faith in people who don’t know me.” It was immediately apparent he’d hurt Arthur’s feelings based off the sour scent filling the air. “This is new for me; I’m not used to having anyone else around but my mum,” he added hoping Arthur would understand.
“That still doesn’t change the fact that I want to help,” Arthur replied squeezing Merlin’s hand for good measure.
“Has Uther said anything else since he threatened you?” Morgana asked.
“No, I’ve still not left the rooms, we were supposed to go on a tour yesterday but something came up.”
Morgana groaned, “Is that why Uther called that ridiculous meeting, I bet he’s trying to keep Arthur busy so he can’t be with you.”
“I had feared that myself; father is being terrible about this.”
“The man has hated magic for a long time Arthur; he’s not going to change overnight because you found your mate.”
“I know,” Arthur lamented. “Is it too much to ask for him to be happy for me?”
“Not right now it’s not,” Morgana huffed. “But enough talk of the king, why don’t we go out for a walk now? The weather is pleasant and no one would bother Merlin with us both in attendance.”
“It’s dark out, what is there to see?”
The idea of being able to see any part of Camelot even in the dark perked Merlin’s interest. Especially with two alphas in tow, no one would think twice about harassing them. “I’d like to go out,” Merlin added hopefully. “I feel like a prisoner here, I promise I won’t use my magic, unless something tries to kill us.”
“Nothing is going to try and kill us Merlin,” Arthur huffed.
Morgana ignored Arthur and excitedly began listing off the places they could go see. “The stables would be fun; you could meet all the horses. I could also see if my maid Guinevere can come, she’s a good resource if you need anything and Arthur’s not around. Then, there’s the great hall, it should still be lit up at this time.”
“I’m not getting out of this am I?” Arthur asked.
“Hardly, poor Merlin needs some excitement other than having people be terrible to him, come on let’s go!” Morgana enthused as she stood and made for the door. “We can pick up Gwen on the way.”
Merlin looked to Arthur to make sure he was truly alright with this sudden plan. The prince smiled and kept hold of his hand. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do this sooner, I want to make you feel welcome here. Give me some time to make things right, okay?”
Hearing Arthur speak about the future made Merlin feel better, they would get through this tough time, together.
--
Later that night, after the tour had been completed and both parties had gone their separate ways, Merlin was comfortably sprawled on the bed waiting for Arthur. Getting to stretch his legs had felt so good; Morgana had done a wonderful job showing him around. Gwen, her maid was very nice and Merlin could tell he’d make fast friends with the beta. She was kind and knew what to look out for in the citadel.
Lost in thought Merlin flinched slightly when Arthur joined him on the bed, “How are you doing? Feeling any better?”
“Yes, getting out and meeting Morgana and Gwen was nice. I feel a little calmer.”
“Good, I want you to feel safe here and I know it’s been hard these past few weeks, but I promise it will get better.”
“I know, and I’m sorry I got snippy earlier, I was upset.”
“I understand, or at least I think I do. I really can’t fathom being an omega and having to deal with all this new stuff. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed.”
“That’s going to happen no matter what you do Arthur,” Merlin laughed. “Things will get better, for now let’s relax and forget about the other things.”
“Agreed, I know what would distract you,” Arthur said with a sly smile.
Merlin narrowed his eyes and stared at Arthur, “What do you have in mind? We could mark each other again but that doesn’t take up much time.”
“Nah, I was hoping we could try something else.”
Merlin watched as Arthur leaned closer until their noses were almost touching. The alpha who had looked very confident all of five seconds ago was suddenly sporting a blush. Arthur clearly wanted to kiss him but wasn’t sure whether to close the gap or not. Licking his lips Merlin inched closer until their foreheads bumped. “What are you worried about?” Merlin asked in a hushed tone.
“Nothing,” Arthur breathed before he moved and Merlin felt the feather soft touch of lips on his own.