Chapter Text
It began as any other envoy to a Druid camp, really. Merlin was practising some new spell or other beside him as they rode in, only to be swept away and greeted as Emrys before Arthur could blink. He rolled his eyes, still getting used to Merlin’s role as the King of Magic.
“That’s not what I am,” Merlin protested, his voice light but firm. “I don’t even think that’s a real thing, Arthur.”
Arthur still teased him with such a title, though, enjoying the blush that rose up his neck at any mention of him being someone of importance.
The actual King of an actual Kingdom had watched as Merlin conversed with elders, played with children, and laughed among peers. Arthur spoke when needed to, but honestly, it was a nice break from his own such envoys. The knights would usually involve themselves a bit more, which often brought a smile to Merlin’s face; seeing his two lives integrate easily must be a welcome change to how everything was before.
Not to say that things had changed so easily, nor had things found a new normal just yet. Some of Arthur’s knights had left, as had some of the castle staff. The kingdom was still adjusting. Arthur was still adjusting. To magic, to the new order of things, to Merlin being the King of Magic. But those closest to Merlin had done their best to adapt and ease Merlin into his role, which was why Arthur was so thrown off by the discussion he was eavesdropping on.
He was leaning against a tree when he heard it. Arms crossed, waiting for Merlin to say his goodbyes, when his ears pricked up all of a sudden and his back tensed.
“You really are a wonder, Emrys,” Elowen, the leader of this particular camp, breathed out. “It would be an honour if you joined us.”
“What do you mean?” Merlin asked.
Yes, what do you mean? Arthur pushed himself off the tree, uncrossing his arms as he watched silently.
“Of course, you have made great changes at the court,” Elowen acknowledged, waving a hand. “But your place in the community would be welcomed with open arms, Emrys. There you could aid us more directly.”
Arthur watched Merlin stutter, which would have been amusing at any other time, but this time only caused a spike to run through him of some feeling he didn’t want to identify.
“Leave the court?” Gwaine wrapped an arm around Merlin’s shoulders in a moment, clearly also having been eavesdropping. “Who’d keep everyone in line?”
All three shared a laugh.
“Well, you might consider it.” Elowen offered instead, perhaps understanding it would be fruitless to discuss the proposal with such clingy friends around.
Merlin bowed his head, but said nothing.
But Arthur had seen it. The hesitation in Merlin’s smile, the curiosity in his eyes. Of course he would consider it.