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"I don't get a say at all?!" Arthur tries to restrain himself from yelling at the king, as that would just make things worse.
"Arthur, you know you must do what's best for the Kingdom." Uther says, not even looking up from whatever paperwork he's reading.
"Yes, and I always do! Can't I have this one thing?"
"You're a prince, Arthur. You can have many things. I really don't see the problem. Do you know what so many boys your age would give to be in your position? To marry a beautiful princess?"
That's because they don't have a beautiful Merlin! Arthur seethes in his thoughts.
"I don't love her."
"Love doesn't come into it. Besides, lovely girl like Mithian, you're bound to develop feelings for her."
Not with Merlin around.
Arthur tries to keep arguing, but Uther won't budge.
He storms out of the council chambers and returns to his room, finding Merlin anxiously sharpening his sword.
"I hope you're planning to commit regicide with that." Arthur mumbles acidly.
"I take it things didn't go well?"
"Not at all. He won't hear of my protests, and it's not like I can tell him the actual reason, but even if I did he wouldn't care!"
Merlin sets aside the sword and walks over to wrap Arthur in his arms.
Arthur clutches him tightly in return, whispering, "I don't want to lose you." into his shoulder.
"Hey, look at me." Merlin says, lifting Arthur's chin, " Nothing could make you lose me, alright? I'm not going anywhere."
"But it won't be the same. I'll be legally bound to her. If I were to be caught with you, both of us would get into trouble, but you'd get the worst of it. I can't let that happen."
"I guess we'll just... have to go back to the way things were."
"Go back to hopelessly pining?"
"Hopeless for me, were you?" Merlin tries to joke.
"You already know the answer to that."
Merlin smiles and presses a kiss to his forehead, holding him even closer.
They stand together for a while, just holding each other close, trying to breathe and keep the sense of dread away.
"Should we spend one last night together or start getting used to-" Merlin starts, but Arthur interrupts him.
"I want as much time with you as possible."
"Me too."
Their kiss is fervent, trying to pour all of the love and emotion they have into it, for fear that it could be their last.
~
Once they've exhausted themselves and have curled around each other, they're simply looking at each other, trying to commit how they look to memory, as if they haven't already.
"I love you. I always will." Arthur swears into the small space between them.
It's not the first time that evening, and it probably won't be the last, but Merlin smiles sadly at the words all the same.
He repeats the sentiment, laying a hand on Arthur's cheek, leaving it there as Arthur leans into it and brings his own hand up.
"What if we ran away?" He asks.
"Arthur, you know we can't. We'll both want to come back as soon as there's danger."
"Yes, but maybe if we stay away long enough, my father will see reason?"
"The longer we're gone, the angrier he'll be. You know that."
"You wouldn't be able to return."
"Why?"
"He'd probably think you convinced me to go, or he'd see it as treason that you went willingly."
"Ah yes, how treasonous to go and protect my king."
"I'm not the King yet." Arthur laughs.
"You are to me." Merlin replies simply.
The laughter is abruptly stopped, and replaced with a look of awe and adoration.
"And you are king to me."
"I'm no king."
"You'd be better than the current one."
"Wouldn't take much." Merlin mutters, then says louder, "How am I your king?"
"You're the one I should be marrying, so close enough."
Merlin laughs, affectionately calling Arthur a clotpole.
"I never want to leave this moment. I want to stay here, with you, forever." Arthur says, apparently the prospect of forced marriage to someone else is enough to get him to talk about his feelings.
"Oh, you just don't want to get out of bed, that's all it is."
"That's a big part of it, but I'd rather you be here than Mithian."
"I know. She'll take my spot!"
"No, she won't. She can keep the chambers she has now."
"Will that be allowed?"
"It's more common than you'd think."
"Are all royal marriages forced?"
"A lot. Sometimes they fall in love, but not always. Now I don't know how many of them are secretly in love with their servants, because we usually try to keep that quiet."
"How scandalous."
"More so not wanting your own father to execute said servant." Arthur grimaces.
"This royalty business was a terrible idea. You're all idiots."
Arthur huffs a laugh, then speaks, "And what does that say about you?"
"It says I should do better."
Arthur smiles at Merlin's sarcasm, until it falls at the idea that Merlin might have to hold back the remarks around Mithian, lest she inform Uther.
He doubts she would, but he won't take any chances when it comes to Merlin.
"I wish there was a way to get out of this marriage."
"What if you were already married?" Merlin says, sounding like this just came to him but once again proving he can offer great advice at times.
Unlike the first time he tried to offer advice on how to get out of the marriage, which was to push Uther into a well. It would have worked for the time being, but things wouldn't have been pleasant.
"Merlin, I'll never say this again, but you're a genius!" Arthur declares as he jumps out of bed.
Merlin magics their clothes on, and the next thing you know, they're running through the halls to the library.
Geoffrey is awake, jumping at their sudden appearance.
"Geoffrey! I need you to marry me!" Arthur announces.
"No offense, Sire, but you're not my type." Geoffrey responds, looking extremely confused.
"No! I need you to officiate my wedding!"
"I am, Sire. I'll be there tomorrow."
"No! Right now!"
"But the princess isn't even here!"
"I'm not marrying her! I'm marrying Merlin!" Arthur says, gesturing to him.
"Your servant?!"
"No, Merlin the woodcarver. Of course Merlin my servant!"
"But you're to be married to Princess Mithian tomorrow evening!"
"Yes, that's why I have to marry him now! I can't marry her if I already have a spouse."
"This is most unheard of, my Lord."
"I don't care who's heard of it! Can you do it, or not?!"
"Yes, technically, there's no actual law against it-"
"Great! Let's get to the vows."
"Your Highness! What about the King? Won't he be most unpleased?"
"He'll get over it."
"What if he doesn't and tries to lop my head off?" Merlin asks, now that he's had time to think, he's come up with some repercussions.
"I won't let him."
"Merlin, are you alright with this?" Geoffrey asks.
"It was my idea."
"Young people." Geoffrey shakes his head.
"Do you have the books and cloth and things for the ceremony?" Arthur asks.
"No, everything is ready in the throne room."
"Is that important?" Merlin asks.
"I remember the speech, but we need the ceremonial cloth."
"Then I'll go get it." Arthur says, but Merlin grabs his arm before he can rush off.
"What's so special about the cloth?"
"Nothing, really. It's just a silk cloth, only used by Royalty because of how it looks. Peasants will use any bit of cloth they have.", Geoffrey explains.
Merlin reaches up to untie his neckerchief asking if it'll work.
"Yes, but shouldn't you get a witness as well?"
"Leon's on patrol tonight, he should be passing by soon." Arthur says, going to the door.
"Do you have rings?" Geoffrey asks, still very confused about this arrangement.
"Oh, Merlin! We should do the thing with the coin!" Arthur calls from the doorway.
"Good idea! Have you got one?" Merlin asks meaningfully, luckily Arthur understands and says for him to come over.
Merlin magics up a coin once he's with Arthur, pretending they're passing it between them.
"Yes, this will do nicely."
He spells it in half, making sure Geoffrey can't see.
As they're taking care of that, the sound of someone in armour walking toward them rings through the hall.
"Leon?" Arthur calls.
"My Lord?" He gets in return, Leon jogging closer.
"What's going on?"
"We need you to witness our wedding." Arthur explains, though Leon doesn't seem to think that clears it up.
"We'll explain later, we don't have much time!" Merlin says, pulling them both over to Geoffrey.
Geoffrey, confused as he is, starts the ceremony like any other.
With Merlin's neckerchief entwining them, they swear before Leon and Geoffrey what they'd already sworn to each other, and what destiny had decided for them long ago, that they will always be two sides of the same coin, accentuating it by each taking a piece of the split coin.
They say the traditional vows, then add in a few of their own they make up on the spot.
"Even though you're a dollophead, I'll love you forever."
"Even though you're an idiot, I'll love you forever as well."
"You'd better not try to die anytime soon."
"Same to you."
"You're the biggest prat I've ever met, but you're my prat."
"You're the biggest clotpole I've ever met, but you're my clotpole."
"That's my word, you can't steal my word for our wedding vows."
"Well I didn't want to say idiot again!"
"Not my fault you aren't as creative as I am."
Neither Geoffrey nor Leon understand what they're watching, but Merlin and Arthur do, and that's what's important.
"You may kiss." Geoffrey says, but it almost sounds like he's asking.
They don't need to be told twice, leaning in and letting their first married kiss ignite hope and love, joy and peace inside them.
Hopefully their witnesses don't notice the few candles that also ignite, due to Merlin's emotions skyrocketing.
"We'll be alright." They whisper to each other, promising that whatever happens because of this, they'll face together.
"I now pronounce you husband and husband." Geoffrey says, wondering if any of the couples he's married have smiled like that before.
"My Lord, er, Lords? I'm happy for you both, but what about Princess Mithian?" Leon asks.
"Don't call me that." Merlin says before Arthur has a chance to speak.
"I'm sure she'll understand."
"Yeah, she can do better."
"Does that mean you can't?"
"I could, you just got lucky."
"You're the lucky one, I'm a prince!"
"Yeah, and you're also a prat."
"How has the entire castle not noticed what's going on with them before?" Leon mutters to Geoffrey, who is watching in surprise.
"I never paid this much attention. They've been acting like they were married for years!"
Leon lets out a long-suffering sigh and continues his patrol.
Arthur asks Geoffrey to keep this between them before leaving.
Before they fall asleep, Merlin creates some simple golden rings for them, as well as attaching their coins to some string so they can wear them as necklaces.
They slip the rings onto each other's fingers, smiling as they lay down.
"One day, we can have a proper wedding." Arthur says.
"I don't know, I liked the whole rushing around and confusing everyone thing."
"You would."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means I just married a chaotic idiot."
"At least I'm not boring."
"I suppose." Arthur laughs, pulling Merlin closer.
They fall asleep hand in hand with their new rings pressed together.
However, they wake up to the door receiving a beating.
Merlin quickly jumps out of the bed and makes sure he's presentable, and doesn't look like he'd been sleeping with the prince.
He uses his magic to check who's outside, snapping it back as he recognizes Uther.
He opens the door, trying to stay calm and continue being able to breathe as he asks, "What can I do for you, Sire?"
"Where is my son?"
"Asleep, my Lord. Well, he was."
Uther narrows his eyes before continuing, "Are you aware of the time?"
"I'm afraid not, Your Highness. I've been busy with wedding preparations since sunrise, hardly had a moment to check." He lies easily, although what he'd been doing could be considered part of the wedding deal.
"It is past time for Arthur to be up and preparing for his wedding."
"Of course, I'll get right on that. My apologies."
Merlin takes great satisfaction in shutting the door in Uther's face, though he doesn't slam it as hard as he wishes.
"You heard the King. Rise and shine." Merlin says as he stands above Arthur.
"It's the day after my wedding, I should be allowed to sleep in."
"Go tell that to your father, who thinks it's the day of your wedding."
"Ughh this is going to be a mess."
"Yeah, probably."
"Thank you for your support. Really proving it's worth it." Arthur says sarcastically.
"Oh come here." Merlin says exasperatedly as he pulls Arthur up.
"You know I'll stand beside you no matter what. But if he tries to lay a hand on you, I might lose it."
"Maybe you should stay here."
"What, and let my husband deal with this alone?" Merlin asks, unable to keep in a smile, but it looks like Arthur can't either.
"Alright, but no magic! Please don't risk yourself. Be careful, okay? I know you can lose control sometimes, and if you do, get yourself out of there." Arthur pleads.
"I'm not leaving you!"
"I'll join you later. I'll be able to get out of it, you won't."
"What if he sticks you in the dungeons?"
"I'll be alright."
"I'm not going to lose control. I haven't done that in ages."
"I saw you do it last night! Or did you flare those candles on purpose?"
"I haven't done it in a big noticable way in ages."
"Merlin, Love. Don't be an idiot."
"I would hate to take your job."
"Shut up, Merlin."
They banter like the married couple they now are as Merlin gets Arthur into the clothes he's supposed to wear.
They discuss the plan as they walk to the council room to find Uther.
"Ah, there you are. Your incompetent manservant nearly made you late." Uther says, he found them first.
Arthur tries not to let the full glare show, but the look on Uther's face says he hasn't succeeded well.
"It wasn't Merlin's fault. I didn't want to get up, because I'm not marrying Mithian."
"Not this again. Arthur, you don't have a choice!"
"I can't marry her, Father!"
"Yes, you can! Why won't you?!"
"Because I'm already married!" Arthur announces, quite enjoying the shocked look on Uther's face.
"To who?!"
"I can't tell you, because I will not be letting you execute them."
"For how long?"
"A long time." Arthur says, which isn't true, but they might as well have been married, especially when you take the whole destiny thing into account.
"Can you provide proof?"
Arthur holds up his hand, showing off his new ring.
"I've never seen that before."
"That's not the only thing you never noticed about me."
Uther sighs, asking for a witness.
"Merlin was there."
"You had your servant witness your wedding?"
"Yes."
"And you swear to your king that you witnessed the Prince's marriage?" Uther directs to Merlin.
"Yes. He definitely got married, handfasting, rings, the works."
"And you didn't think to tell me this sooner?" Uther asks Arthur.
"I tried to tell you I couldn't marry her."
"What have you done, boy? The princess is expecting to marry you this evening!"
"Tell her to stop expecting."
"You can tell her yourself. And if this causes war, it will not be good for you. I can't believe you would do something so stupid and irresponsible!"
"I'm sure Mithian will understand." Arthur says again.
"You'd better hope she does. Or I will find out who you wed." Uther says with a meaningful look at Merlin.
"Are you threatening him?!" Arthur asks incredulously as he steps in front of Merlin.
"I'm simply telling you that I have ways of getting information."
Arthur glares at his father before spinning around and pulling Merlin away with him.
Uther refuses to think about the glint of sunlight reflecting off both their hands, at least until a war is confirmed or denyed.
"He will not lay a finger on you." Arthur swears as he stalks through the halls.
"Or you!" Merlin responds.
They reach the chambers Mithian is staying in and wait for her to respond to the knock.
"Isn't it bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding?" She asks upon opening the door.
"That's what I'm here about. Can we come in?"
Mithian moves aside with a knowing smile.
"You're not going to marry me, are you?"
"You know?"
"Of course I know. You've been fighting it tooth and nail."
"You have to know it has nothing to do with you! I simply belong with another."
"Oh, I'm aware."
"You are?!"
"Come on, did you really think I'm that dense? Anyone can see you two are in love." Mithian laughs as she gestures to the way they naturally stand closely together.
"Is it too much to ask you don't tell my father?"
"Of course not. I won't allow any needless wars over this either. What you two have is special. Also, Princess Elena of Gawant and I have had a bet running about you two, so this actually helps me more than anything."
"Why does everyine bet on us?!" Merlin grumbles.
"Easy money! I bet that you would secretly marry each other before the wedding, and Elena said you would just refuse."
"You win." They say in unison, holding up their hands.
"Don't worry, I checked as soon as you came in. Elena owes me a date now."
"You two are a couple?!"
"What if I'd went ahead with the wedding?!"
Mithian just laughs.
"You actually marrying me was the least of my worries. But if you had continued, I would have refused."
"Then why did you agree in the first place?!"
"I wanted to win the bet!"
"What would Elena get if she'd won?" Merlin asks, deciding that if people are going to bet on him, he should at least get the details."
"Also a date. We really just wanted to win something."
~
Mithian leaves peacefully, no wars and no wedding, but she is quite happy all the same.
Merlin and Arthur are happy as well, and basically everyone figures out the prince's secret spouse is his servant, but nobody would tell on them to Uther.
He's the only one who isn't happy with the arrangement, but though he wouldn't admit it, he would be frightened to try and do anything.
At least he doesn't try to get Arthur to marry anyone else.