Work Text:
Merlin was mixing herbs in his and Gaius’ chambers when the door opened and he smiled at the scent of lavender and sunshine that came in.
“Hello, Gwen.”
“Hello, Merlin.” She hummed, smiling at him. She sat next to him on the bench and proceeded to assist him as he mixed up the potions and poultices that were needed in the lower town.
“Merlin?” She asked, somewhat hesitantly.
“Yes?”
“What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Having my day ruined by whatever you’re about to ask me to do?” He guessed, quirking his trademark crooked grin at her. She laughed and playfully smacked his arm.
“Come now, Merlin. You know I never ask you to do anything that would get you in trouble.” She tilted her head as if thinking before amending, “well, not too much trouble, anyway.”
“Hmm. True. Alright. What time will you be by to fetch me, then?”
“When Arthur heads to council.”
“You mean the council that you and he are both supposed to be attending?”
“Yes, that one.” She smiled at him. Merlin rolled his eyes.
“Alright. I’ll be here when you come by.”
“You won’t regret this Merlin.” She looped her arm through his and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“That’s what you told me last time and I ended up in the stocks for two days.”
“And I had Gwaine and Elyan stand with you to make sure that you weren’t pelted too much. I also talked Arthur down from a week in the cells to just those two days in the stocks.”
“Fine.” Merlin huffed, leaning his head down on Gwen’s.
Once he was done with his work, he walked Gwen back to the King and Queen’s chambers, arm in arm, whispering and giggling most of the way as he shared gossip he’d heard. When they arrived, Gwen pulled him in, and when he tried to do chores, she dragged him to the center of the room and made him dance with her. They were laughing and smiling and falling over each other when Arthur and Leon walked in, looking between them warily.
“Guinevere, Merlin.” He said simply, causing them to turn toward him abruptly, and smooth their expressions. Arthur narrowed his eyes at them, but Gwen stepped forward and kissed his cheek, while Merlin turned and collected laundry and stoked the fire. Both looking perfectly innocent.
—
The next day, Arthur was getting annoyed. He’d had several complaints from the various ladies and some lords that resided in the castle about his manservant and the Queen. He intended to corner them in private and demand they desist in their activities, but when a few knights made complaints, he was left with no choice. He sent George to fetch Merlin and ask the Queen to join them in the throne room. Apparently several people intended to demand retribution of some sort.
When they both arrived, Arthur could tell he would never hear the end of this. Gwen’s face was carefully masked, but her eyes were furious at being summoned like this. Merlin at least only looked mildly concerned and somewhat irritated. He noticed the pair completely ignored the audience that had gathered. Even though several were shooting them death-glares. Though it was hard to take some of them seriously when they were sporting pink, purple, and green hair.
“It was brought to my attention that there have been several incidents that took place around the castle today where the pair of you were spotted only moments prior. Do you know the incidents that I’m speaking of?”
“My lord we weren’t informed of any incidents that occurred today.” Gwen stated, hands clasped in front of her, while raising a challenging eyebrow at her husband.
“Merlin?” Arthur questioned, hoping his servant would at least be honest, since his wife was determined not to answer until the charges were stated, perhaps not even then.
“Yes?” He inquired, his face the picture of innocence. For a chaos thriving gremlin, he pulled the look off quite well. Arthur pursed his lips to keep from sighing in annoyance.
“There have been several complaints from our courtiers of malicious tampering of personal possessions.” Arthur stated, eyes focused on the pair before him.
“Have there? I hadn’t heard.” Gwen stated, eyes round and innocent, aside from the mischievous twinkle that lay within. “Has there been an investigation started, my lord?”
“Unfortunately the knights have been unable to begin investigating as several of their possessions have been tampered with as well.” Arthur waved his hand to the side to reveal the knights with multi-colored hair and form hugging clothing. Merlin’s eyebrows rose as he took in the tight trousers on Elyan, Gwaine, Leon, and Percival, not to mention the altered shirts that cut low revealing quite a bit of chest. He licked his lips and turned away, face burning, but a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. While Gwaine’s hair wasn’t colored entirely, there was a large streak of blue cutting through the deep brown.
“How unfortunate, perhaps they need assistance?” Merlin asked, voice cracking when he said assistance. He cleared his throat while Gwen elbowed him. They looked at each other, seeming to have a silent argument with their eyes, until Arthur cleared his throat drawing their attention.
“The pair of you have been named as the culprits responsible. However, no one can physically place you at the origin of the incident. I will lead the investigation and I expect the pair of you to be cooperative.” Gwen turned her full glare on him after his statement. He did his best to avoid the gulp that threatened to overcome him.
“So. You will allow the courtiers to accuse your Queen of a crime and announce it before all of Camelot? I see. Come, Merlin. It is clear that we are not valued as members of King Arthur’s court or he would have approached and discussed these accusations in private.” Gwen growled and looped her arm through Merlin’s and dragged him through the throne room while glaring at those gathered, who turned their eyes down, looking suitably chastised.
“Guinevere!” Arthur called, but she continued until she was out of sight. Arthur groaned his annoyance and looked around the room.
“It was not our intent to cause any strife, sire.” One lady stated, coming forward, her dress looking as though it were struggling not to tear. As a seamstress, it would be no hard task for his wife to alter the dress, or any clothing for those gathered, to cause humiliation.
“It is already done. An investigation will occur, as I said it would. You have all made it clear that you feel slighted. And none of you thought that your reactions to what appears to be a harmless prank would cause. You did not think things through before bringing forth your accusations.” Arthur stated, voice cutting, causing each to wince.
“We withdraw our complaints, sire. And we apologize for any hardships we may have caused.” She stated, bowing her head as much as she was able without causing her gown any unnecessary movement.
“I will speak with the Queen and Merlin and see what can be done to correct the issues. But if you have further complaints on either one, they will be brought to me in private. You have now alienated your Queen. I expect each of you to find a way to ingratiate yourselves to her. She is your ruler as much as I am. If playing a harmless prank allows her some semblance of peace to being thrust into the role of Queen instead of servant, then it will be allowed. Unless you have cause to believe that treason is at work, then I will not humor this action again.”
Everyone murmured their agreement and bowed as much as they were able in their altered clothes. The only ones who seemed at ease were his original knights of the round table. Gwaine seemed quite pleased with his new look, as did Elyan. Leon only seemed annoyed that his hair was the color of peonies.
“Should we go find them?” Gwaine asked, leaning against the wall, twirling the blue hair around his finger.
“We might be somewhat welcome, if Merlin’s blush were anything to go by.” Elyan commented with a crooked grin. “Red is definitely a good color for him.”
“Agreed.” Gwaine and Leon commented, while Percival snorted.
“You don’t agree?” Gwaine asked, before narrowing his eyes at the larger man who had his own blush creeping up his neck. “Seriously?!” Gwaine complained, but Percival only shrugged and gave him a small apologetic smile.
“What? It was only twice.” He said quietly.
“You wanker! You never said anything!” Elyan said through his laughter.
“It never came up. And you know how private he is. Besides, no one knew about Leon, either.” Percival said, but smacked a hand over his mouth, eyes widening as he looked to the head knight who sighed.
“Leon?” Gwaine complained. “That’s it, I’m going to find him.”
“I think I know where they’ll both be, but I do not want or need to hear how many of you are sleeping with Merlin, or plan to.” Arthur stated, as he stood by the group. “I know he has a reputation, but I really don’t need details.”
—
Merlin helped Gwen change into some trousers and another shirt, and they headed for the training grounds. Gwen was quite angry about how her pranks were received. They’d both expected Merlin to be cornered and blamed, but Gwen was as well. They had accused the Queen. While she knew it was her plan, it wasn’t anything that had caused harm to any person or the kingdom. As always helped her in the past, she wanted to train with her long knives. When they arrived at the field, the squires and knights standing by, quickly fled upon seeing the Queen’s glare.
“Shirt off, Merlin. I won’t have the material I need to make you a new one for another four days.” She commanded. Merlin rolled his eyes, but pulled his jacket, neckerchief, belt, and shirt off setting them on a bench. He had his harness on that housed his knives he carried with him.
“Good. I was hoping you were wearing that. Are there any adjustments I need to make?”
“No, Gwen. It is perfect. I’ve already told you. Now. Don’t hold back. I know you’re angry, and I know our day has taken a sour turn. But I promise you won’t hurt me.” She nodded and they started circling each other. She leapt forward and they traded blows, their blades clanging against each other, creating a unique harmony. Her eyes were stormy, but she moved through each stance, looking for a weak spot, not finding any.
“All I wanted was a bit of fun. But instead,” She grunted as she clashed blades with Merlin again, “I get summoned to the court as if I weren’t the Queen now. As if I were still a servant. As if a prank warranted an investigation like it was a crime.”
“Dear Guinevere,” Merlin huffed, as they parted and circled each other once more, “it was still a great day. Your arse of a husband will come to his senses soon enough.”
“He’s still the King, Merlin. You can’t just call him names like that.” She said with a smile.
“Never stopped me when he was a Prince. Not going to let it stop me now.” Merlin grinned, and went on the offensive this time. They were so enthralled and invested in their fight, they didn’t realize they’d garnered a crowd. Both were growling and grunting in exertion, sweat dripping down their faces. Merlin could tell Gwen was tiring and was able to disarm her of one of her knives. He twisted around, but while he landed a knife against her neck, hers was against his abdomen. It was a draw.
“One of these days, Merlin, I will beat you.” Gwen said, gasping for breath.
“Gwen, I’ve only beaten you once. Every other time has been a draw.” He complained and they dropped to the ground to catch their breath. They didn’t even notice the exclamations of surprise or the few people who clapped at their display. Until shadows fell over them.
“That was the most incredible thing I have ever seen.” Elyan stated, looking at his sister in awe.
“Thank you, Elyan.” Gwen stated, accepting the water skin that he offered her.
“I agree. Perhaps you two should be teaching the knights.” Arthur said with a wry smile.
“Why would they follow us? We’re nothing special.” Gwen said through clenched teeth.
“You are entirely wrong, my lady. As was I for allowing those fools to pressure me into holding court for your harmless pranks. I want to make amends.” Arthur said, kneeling down and grasping Gwen’s free hand in his. Merlin leaned up, bracing himself on his elbows, nudging Gwen with his knee that was touching hers. She looked at him and they had a sort of silent conversation again. She sighed, before turning back to Arthur.
“Fine. You can attempt it. And I’ll know if you have Merlin be part of your attempt to apologize, so you can’t use him like usual.” Merlin pressed his lips together to keep from laughing.
“Of course. Let me start by drawing you a hot bath.” Arthur pulled her to her feet. She nodded and when Arthur turned to lead the way to the castle, she looked at Merlin and winked. His smile lit up his entire face and he watched as they disappeared in the castle, before realizing he was still surrounded by the knights in their tightly fit clothing. He trailed his eyes over each one, admiringly.
“Care for a bath yourself, Merlin?” Leon asked, with a wicked gleam in his eye. Merlin cleared his throat and attempted to answer.
“It wasn’t a real question, Merlin.” Gwaine stated, before dragging Merlin to his feet, where Percival promptly threw him over his shoulder.
While he had expected his day to be ruined, it had turned out quite the opposite. It had a sour moment, sure, but if he had his favorite people vying for his attention now, it was well worth it.