Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Between the weekly magic lessons with Morgana, finding a way to free Kilgharrah, running errands for Gaius, hiding his own magic, and being Arthur’s manservant, Merlin was being pulled in so many directions that he would honestly kill for a nap. It seemed that every week, Camelot was facing one crisis or another, and who had to fix it, while taking none of the credit? Merlin. Who had to work with Morgana and Percival to set up Lancelot and Gwen? Merlin. (He still needed to scrub the perfume out of his trousers.) Not to mention holding the position of the King’s personal servant was utterly exhausting. 

After Morgause’s challenge, Merlin had been too late. As he and Leon burst into the room, Arthur stood over the throne with a sword to his father's chest.

“Arthur! Don't!” Merlin yelled. “I know you don't want to do this.”

“My mother is dead because of him!” Arthur retorted, not taking his eyes away from the tyrant in the seat of a king.

“Killing your father won't bring her back. You've lost one parent- Do you really want to lose another?”

“Listen to him, Arthur,” Uther said, only causing the sword to press further against his chest.

“Arthur, please.” Merlin knew how much it would hurt Arthur to kill his own father- Even if it was deserved a hundred times over. “Put the sword down.”

“You heard what my mother said. After everything he has done, do you believe he deserves to live?” Arthur was trembling. “He executes those who use magic, and he has used it himself! You have caused so much suffering and pain. I will put an end to that.”

Merlin inhaled, making a split second decision. “He's not worth the blood on your sword.”

“But he wasn't worth my mother's blood on his hands!”

“Arthur, no!”

Arthur plunged the sword into Uther’s chest, and then drew it back as they both yelled. Merlin ran to Arthur’s side, eyes full of worry as the sword fell to the ground.

Uther gasped, hand coming back from his wound coated in blood. Arthur staggered back, and the tyrant stumbled out of the chair and out a side door. Merlin wrapped an arm around Arthur, steadying the shaking Prince. He coaxed him back to his chambers, talking softly about nothing while the silent blond stared into space. 

Of course, the citadel had to be told of Uther, so Morgana explained to the people how Uther had been found out for crimes against Camelot and her people, and fled the country. She handled the kingdom while the throne remained empty, often ranting about inane council members to Gwen, who ranted to Merlin, who quietly took care of it. It was in this manner that Gwen found out about his magic, having walked in on Merlin changing the hair color of a particularly annoying council member in order to stop his comments towards Morgana. She promised secrecy, and left with a smirk. 

Uther wasn't found. Privately, Merlin hoped he died alone and cold in the forest. But he stayed supportive of Arthur, shirking his other duties to attend to Prince for the next two months. Not that he minded spending more time with Arthur, quite the opposite. 

However, Arthur wasn't really himself. He was grieving, of course, but he blamed himself. Merlin was waiting for him to talk about it, but never did, no matter how much he really needed to talk about it to someone. It was tearing him apart on the inside. So Merlin decided to push a little as Arthur sat hunched over the table.

“You know, you aren't a bad person, Arthur.”

“And what makes you say that.” He sounded hoarse. Empty. It broke Merlin’s heart.

“I know you. And I know that you're letting your guilt destroy your mind. You're not a bad person.” 

“I-” Arthur choked back a sob. “I killed my father, Merlin! How can I not be a bad person?” His blue eyes were so full of pain, it hurt to look at them. But Merlin refused to look away.

“Because you are more than your actions. Because you are more than your father's actions. Because you are meant for more, Arthur. Because I know you.” Merlin squatted down beside the other, who had tears silently flowing down his face. “I know you, and you may be a giant prat at times, but you are an amazing man who knows what's good for his kingdom. Uther wasn't good for Camelot anymore.” He took Arthur's hands in his own, looking up at his Prince.

“But…” The hands in his own squeezed hard enough to hurt. “I killed him. He hurt so many people.”

“You have a chance to change everything, Arthur. You can make Camelot a place for everyone. You can rule how you see fit.” Merlin squeezed back. “And I'll be by your side through it all. I won't let you become a tyrant. I should have stopped you. But we can't change the past.”

“You?” Arthur smiled amid his tears. “Stop me? What could you have done, Merlin?”

“I could've lied,” Merlin said, shrugging. “‘Could have told you that Morgause lied about your mother. That it was all a ploy.”

Arthur wiped his eyes. “I'm glad you didn't. I can't bear to live a lie.”

“I know.” Merlin swallowed, suddenly feeling very heavy. 

Confronting him helped, but Arthur still felt far away. What finally got Arthur out of his funk, after another month of Merlin trying literally everything, was an attack on the city by a group of sorcerers led by a man named Alvar. They were attempting to breach the vaults, looking for the Crystal of Neahtid. Merlin halted the attack upon seeing Mordred- the druid boy who was slightly taller now- there with the attackers. Mordred and Alvar managed to tell Arthur about the Crystal, and how Uther had stolen it so many years ago. 

Merlin had never been prouder than when Arthur handed over the Crystal, promising to be a just and fair king to all people in Camelot, including practitioners of magic. He felt destiny shift as Mordred smiled at them. Merlin caught up with the boy, listening to his adventures with a smile. That was how Leon found out about his magic, but the knight assured him that it would be kept in confidence.

Arthur was finally back, and then life at the castle was full of preparations for the coronation. Merlin may have shed a few tears, especially after curbing quite a few spells launched at Arthur over the week leading up to it. They had made it. They had finally made it.

Kilgharrah was thrilled- Merlin had “finally listened to some of his advice”, and “Albion was on the horizon”. The dragon still hadn't changed his opinion on Morgana and Mordred, but stated that their betrayal was far less likely and commended the warlock for doing the impossible and changing fate.

The first thing Arthur did was knight Elyan, Lancelot, and Percival. And then he had Merlin draft up a petition to legalize magic. The manservant was ecstatic, raving to Leon and Percival over training that he could kiss Arthur. The knights shared a look.

“Well, Merlin, I'm sure he might just legalize that too if you asked him,” Leon said with a joking smile.

Merlin sputtered, dropping his papers in surprise as his face burned red. I mean, sure, he had thought about kissing Arthur, but who hadn't? He was still a prat, just a really kind and handsome prat. And he had to spend nearly every hour with the man, it was inevitable that he would think such things. “I didn't- I couldn't- He's my King!” Merlin finally settled on. “‘Sides, have you seen him and Gwen?”

“Gwen? The same Guinevere who’s head over heels for Lance over there?” Percival jabbed a thumb at the training knight, and Gwen in the stands who was pretending not to be watching him. “Nah, Arthur spends most of his time with-”

“MERLIN!!” Arthur shouted, holding up a busted helmet. “Come fix my helmet! What am I paying you for?”

Merlin sighed, carrying his papers with him to Arthur's side. “To keep your ego in check, your Royal Turniphead-ness!” 

“Merlin.” Arthur raised a brow.

Merlin smiled cheekily. “Shut up?”

Arthur ruffled Merlin’s hair roughly. “You got it! Now go fix my helmet.” Merlin entirely missed the King’s fond smile as he walked back to the side lines. 

Kilgharrah was getting antsy. Now that Uther was gone, there was no reason to keep him trapped under the castle. Merlin had been searching for weeks to find a way to free him, when Arthur walked into Gaius’ chambers.

“Gaius, I- Ah, Merlin!” Arthur walked over, and Merlin slammed the book shut and covered it with his arms, propping his head up casually.

“A-Arthur. What is it you need?” Don't be suspicious don't be suspicious don't be-

Arthur deadpanned. “Merlin, you're acting suspicious. You never ask me what I need unless you're distracting me. What are you doing this time?” Damnit.

“Uhm… Arthur, let's say someone was trapped underneath the castle. In the caverns. And by some chance, they were in chains that could only be broken by a weapon blessed by the Old Religion.” Merlin offered a nervous smile. Arthur was a good man, he would help. Right?

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You're a terrible liar.”

Merlin scoffed, muttering, “You'd be surprised…”

“What was that?”

“Er- I'll pack supplies!” 

“Go on then, I'll tell Morgana that we're going to… Where is it?”

“...I'll ask Mordred?”

“Great, it'll be a diplomatic mission to the Druids. And send Gaius my way, Merlin, if you can manage that.”

“Yes, sir.” 

“Merlin.”

“Going, going!”

“Arthur, say this person trapped below Camelot wasn't exactly.. human.”

The King, who now wore many garlands of flowers gifted by the Druids, looked at Merlin from atop his horse akin to how Gwaine looked at an empty flagon. “Merlin. Are you going to ruin my good mood after the Druids so graciously accepted Camelot’s attempts at repairing our relationship and agreed upon a treaty meeting?”

Merlin smiled sheepishly, adorned with his own flower crown whilst riding beside his King. “Say it was a dragon. A very, very pissed off dragon. That I may or may not have promised to free.”

Arthur just sighed. “Merlin, what am I going to do with you?”

“Well, you could sack me, but I doubt anything would get done around the castle.”

“Oh sure, nothing happens without the Idiot Seal of Approval,” Arthur teased.

“Well, you have a Royal Prat Seal of Approval, why can't I have my own?” 

Merlin did not dodge the thwack to his head. 

“Well, at least now we know there are probably weapons we can use within the Vaults. And the Druids certainly seemed to like you.”

Merlin laughed nervously. He wished Emrys wasn't such an important figure. “Oh please, look at all the flowers they gave you! You'll smell nice for weeks.”

Arthur snorted. “What would you know about smelling nice?”

“I don't get all sweaty doing training everyday.”

“I can still send you to muck out the horses, Merlin.”

“No way, you need my help to run the kingdom. And make sure your tunics aren't inside out.” 

The servant dodged a stick thrown towards his face, and laughed.

“That's it, I sentence you to training practice all next week. You'll be my personal dummy.” 

“Sorry, who's the dummy in this situation?”

“Merlin.”

“Shut up?”

“There you go.”

Merlin did not, in fact, shut up. But Arthur never really wanted him to anyway.

 Arthur blocked the pathway with folded arms. “I'm not leaving my only servant alone in a cave with a pissed off dragon.”

Merlin groaned. “Arthur, come onnn. I've been talking to him for years, he's helped me save your royal arse more times than I can count. He won't hurt me, but Kilgharrah is… very temperamental around Pendragons.” 

“You? Save me? Merlin, I'll rephrase. I'm coming with you.”

Merlin grumbled, but began to lead the way into the caverns. “You don't trust me? I was given this job because I'm good at protecting you, clotpole.” He didn't mention that he had only stayed because Arthur wasn’t always a giant prat, and he was a truly great man underneath all the royal pomp. He was glad of the chance to protect Arthur and stay by his side.

“I trust you plenty, idiot. Trust you to get yourself stabbed, poisoned, and kidnapped in my place. Honestly, it's a wonder you're still alive the way you put yourself in danger. You really should be more careful, Merlin.” Arthur rolled his eyes, but Merlin could hear the genuine care in his tone. 

“Thanks. Cabbagehead.”

“Moron.”

“Arse.”

“Git.”

“Dollophead.”

“Fool.”

“Oaf. Ah, here we are!” Merlin swung the torch, illuminating the cavern for his King. 

“Merlin.”

“Yes, your Royal Pratness?”

“I don't see a dragon.”

Merlin took a deep breath. “KILGHARRAH!!”

With a clatter of chain and rustle of scales, the large golden dragon flew down to his perch on the rock near the opening. “Ah, Merlin. And King Pendragon. I had counted on meeting under… different circumstances.”

“Great Dragon, we have come to set you free. Merlin, where's the chain? You can't possibly be strong enough to break it with those twig arms of yours.” Arthur grabbed the enchanted sword, and headed down the stairs.

Merlin rolled his eyes, giving Kilgharrah a look as if to say, ‘Do you see what I put up with?’

The dragon only looked amused. “Unfortunately, young Pendragon, magic is also required with the weapon to free me. But you two should have no problem with that. You are two sides of the same coin, after all.” Kilgharrah smiled at Merlin, who kept glancing at Arthur nervously in hopes that he would remain oblivious. How furious would the man be to learn about how many lies he had told to keep his magic hidden? How many times he had lied to Arthur? The warlock followed after his king down the steps, and coming to the base of the chains, bolted into the rock.

“Not to worry, there's magic in the sword. That should suffice, right Merlin?” Arthur swung the weapon up, ready to throw it down onto the chains.

God damnit. “I suppose we shall see?” 

Arthur was about to swing, but paused, looking up at Kilgharrah. “I formally apologize for your captivity at the hands of m- Uther. Do you swear not to take out your anger against Camelot and her people?”

“Yes, yes, I swear it so. Free me, then.” The dragon shifted balance on his feet, anxious for freedom. 

As Arthur swung downwards, Merlin forced as much power as he could into the whispering of a spell, channeling his magic into the sword. “Ic bebeode þisne sweord þæt hé forcierfe þá bende þæra dracan. Un clýse!” He felt the familiar buildup of magic behind his eyes before the release in a flash of gold. But had Arthur noticed?

The sword struck metal, and smoke filled the air as the unmistakable sound of shattering metal reverberated around the cavern. As if he were a lit firework, Kilgharrah took to the sky faster than Merlin thought possible, and was out of sight within seconds.

“Merlin.”

The warlock’s blood ran cold. Had Arthur seen? Did he know? Gods, Merlin was dead meat. “Yes A-Arthur?” he asked, trying to steady his trembling voice.

“Merlin, the sword broke.”

“Oh.” Thank the Gods.

“I'm blaming you if they ask.”

“Oh sure, blame Merlin. It's not like he has anything better to do.”

Arthur set down the remainder of the sword, and led them back up the stairs. “Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were in charge of running the kingdom.”

“I might as well be…”

“Merlin, I will stick you in the stables for a week.”

“Oh please, you'd miss me after 3 hours. ‘Merrlin, I can't put my shirt on!’” 

“You're right- Who else can I count on to be missing whenever anything important happens?”

“..Did you just attempt to slap my arm.”

“You do it all the ti- OW! Prat!”

“That's King Prat to you, Merlin.”

Chapter Text

Arthur was getting suspicious. Merlin was never where he was supposed to be. Of course, that might've been for the best; no matter what Gaius said, these feelings were definitely the result of a love spell. Why else would he be fawning over Merlin’s ears of all things? It was ridiculous. His servant would never let him live it down if he figured it out.

In any case, Arthur needed Merlin by his side, he was the King for god's sake. And the upcoming treaties were going to be his first real test as ruler of Camelot. The Five Kings would surely attempt to trick him- he needed Merlin to watch his back. And it was amusing to watch the man itch to move during the meetings leading up to the event. Gah, he really needed to solve this love spell issue, it was getting distracting. 

“Elyan, have you seen Merlin?”

The knight paused his assault on a training dummy in the courtyard, and sheathed his sword. “Can't say I have, did you ask Gaius? I thought he does deliveries on Tuesdays.”

“I could've sworn that it was Thursdays…” Arthur turned to leave.

“Well, good luck finding him, m’lord! That one's a keeper.”

“What?”

“What?”

“Gaius! Excellent. Where's Merlin? I need him to draft some new proposals to the council. And please tell me you found something to cure this blasted affliction.” Thinking of Merlin when he should be preparing for meetings was exhausting.

“Ah, I believe he is in the tavern. But sire, I have checked you several times, you are not under any sort of enchantment, love or otherwise. That's not to say you aren't enchanted by-”

“But Gaius, I shouldn't feel like this!”

“Why is that, sire?”

“Because- Because I'm the King! And Merlin is my servant. I wouldn't want to force him into anything, assuming he wouldn't be absolutely disgusted. I need to get rid of it, do what you must, Gaius.” Arthur stormed from the room, headed towards Morgana’s chambers (because Merlin never really was in the tavern no matter what Gaius said), and told himself that he wasn't embarrassed at all.

Upon barging into Morgana’s chambers- as little brothers do- Arthur could've sworn he saw sparkles fade into the air. Girls and their glitter… “Morgana, do you have any idea where- Merlin! What are you doing here? I've been looking for you for twenty minutes!”

“Uh- Poetry.” “My sleeping draught!”

“Er, yes, sleeping draught!” “Poetry!”

Arthur deadpanned, looking at the minimal space between his sister and his manservant on the floor with what he told himself wasn't jealousy, it couldn't possibly be. “Merlin, she's really not in your league.”

“It's not-”

“You dare assume-!”

“Morgana has a partner-”

“Merlin doesn't even like-”

“It's not like that, Arthur!”

Arthur rolled his eyes. “Good, he could do better,” He grinned, earning a glacial glare from Morgana. 

Merlin laughed. “I'm not sure anyone could do much better than actual royalty, Arthur.”

The King waved his hand, pushing away the urge to present himself as an option. “Come on then, Merlin, I have papers to write.”

“You mean papers for me to write.” The raven haired man got to his feet.

“Yes, well, you’d think someone who writes so much would have better handwriting.” Arthur led them from the room and down the corridor, hearing an echoing “Knock next time!” He frowned. “Honestly, Morgana? Really, Merlin? She's my sister.”

Merlin’s face scrunched up. “No- We weren't- We were researching.”

“And what, pray tell, were you ‘researching’?” Arthur's lip curled up at the unpleasant subject.

“Not anything you're thinking of. Nasty. We were doing dream journals, you know how she gets nightmares. Gwen was busy with Lance, so I filled in.”

Arthur sighed. He didn't believe it for a second. Knowing Merlin, it was probably something illegal. Druid children, trapped dragons, love spells, Merlin really was a magnet for magical mayhem. “Just be careful, Merlin. I need you here, so don't get caught breaking the law, alright?”

“Got it. So, what am I drafting this time?”

“You recall the incident with the troll? Stop laughing- The council is thinking we should- Merlin- impose some restrictions on magic that can be.. Harmful. Maybe it will get them to compromise on the magic ban.”

“Ohh, King Arthur is afraid of love spells!” Merlin teased, poking Arthur's arm.

“Merlin, shut up.”

“Yup.”

The negotiations were underway, and everything was going a little too well. The Kings of the Five Kingdoms were getting along well enough, and the druid representatives were showing off feats of magic to the astonished feast attendees along with King Alined’s jester, by the name of Trickler. Arthur gave the signal to the servants to begin serving everyone, and Merlin came over to fill his goblet with wine. 

“Well this is going remarkably well so far,” Merlin remarked.

Arthur took a sip, looking over the patrons. “Don't jinx it, Merlin.”

“Right, sorry.” Merlin knocked on the wooden table, and Arthur shot him a bemused look. 

“Merlin.”

“Yes, sire?” Well, at least he was pretending to be respectful.

“Go mingle. I can't think with you breathing down my neck.” More importantly, Merlin and his stupid face were distracting him when he was trying to do politics. And Gaius still thought nothing was wrong, the old fart.

Merlin looked a little miffed. “Fine, s’pose you can pour your own wine then.” He left the wine jug on the table beside Arthur, and the King sighed as his servant disappeared into the crowd. 

Morgana snorted, talking quietly. “Arthur, you really must be nicer to him. He is trying to be.. a ‘proper’ servant.”

“I don’t want him to be a proper servant, I want him to be Merlin.” Arthur took an annoyed bite of roast, pretending not to be looking for a mop of black hair among the servants in red. 

“Then perhaps you should give him room to be himself.”

“Well how the hell am I supposed to do that?”

“Don’t be King Pendragon around him- Just be Arthur. In return, he’ll just be Merlin.”

“I hate it when you make sense.”

“You’re welcome. And if you ever need flirting advice, just let me know.”

“Why would I-?” 

Their hushed conversation was interrupted as Merlin ran over, looking out of breath. “Arthur! I found-”

“Do all your servants speak to you in this manner, Lord Pendragon?” King Larys, who was seated nearby, spoke up, looking intrigued. Arthur knew that Larys had a reputation for causing issues based around class and rank, which were a heavy part of his kingdom’s culture. 

“No, Lord Larys. Merlin is just particularly mouthy,” Arthur glared at Merlin for a second, and he smiled sheepishly in turn. 

King Larys smiled in a twisted way that made a pit grow in Arthur’s stomach. “I’m sure if he spent a single night under my.. direction.. he would surely behave more in the presence of company.” Merlin coughed with alarm, looking to Arthur for help.

“That will not be necessary. Unless you are suggesting that Camelot is not adept at training her servants,” Arthur laced his words with a warning, which would hopefully make Larys back off. 

“Ah, I meant no such offense, Lord Pendragon. I simply enjoy reforming wayward subjects into proper tools for the kingdom.”

Arthur felt Merlin shiver beside him, and couldn’t help but feel a little creeped out too. “Ah. Personally, I prefer hunting, or the annual Camelot jousting tourney.”

“Oh? Will you still participate this year, in light of your coronation? Surely you wouldn’t risk the throne of Camelot for a little jousting.”

Arthur was starting to see why his fa- Uther always sat Larys so far away. “Camelot would be in good hands were I to succumb, I assure you.”

Larys raised an eyebrow. “With no heir, nor queen? I envy you, Lord Pendragon. You have become the most eligible bachelor in the Five Kingdoms. Even King Olaf may be willing to part with his Vivian!” He laughed, and Arthur saw Olaf slightly shake his head, so he returned the sentiment. Besides, he hardly knew Vivian, and despite all of Uther’s words about marrying for duty and not love, Arthur refused to rule with someone he couldn’t trust. 

“I hardly agree, Lord Larys, though my partner will come to me in time, I am sure.” Arthur took a sip of his newly refilled goblet, and rolled his eyes towards Merlin, who fought back a snicker. 

Merlin hummed as he pulled the dress shirts off of Arthur, turning to hang them back up in his wardrobe. He’d clean them later. Probably. Honestly, Arthur was too tired to care. He wanted to sleep. Now. “Do you think it went well, Merlin?”

“As well as it could’ve, sire.”

Arthur groaned. “Not this again. I may be your King, but as far as you’re concerned, I’m still Arthur.”

“Oh thank god. Did you see the way Vivian was snapping at Gwen? Lance looked about half ready to strangle her himself!” Merlin started spouting, and Arthur couldn’t help but smile as his bed clothes were pulled on. “And Larys was so creepy! Can’t help but feel sorry for his own servants, I can’t imagine they get nearly as much leeway as Gwen and I do. Thank you by the way.”

“For what, Merlin?” Arthur knew what, he just wanted the other man to say it. 

“..For saving me from whatever he wanted to do. It.. wouldn’t have been pleasant.”

“You’re welcome, Merlin. You aren’t meant to be boring, you know.” Arthur climbed into bed, throwing the warm blankets over himself. 

“Thanks, Arthur.”

“Mh.” The blond was half asleep as Merlin extinguished all the candles in the room. 

------

Something was terribly off about Arthur the next morning. For starters, he was dressed on his own. And then he started declaring his love for the “lovely Lady Vivian”. Merlin knew that was utter bullshit, just yesterday he had commented on how rude the visiting princess was. So he dragged Arthur over to Gaius, hoping to whatever gods would hear him that nobody with a perchance for gossip heard the King loudly declaring his undying adoration for someone even prattier than he was. But even the gods couldn’t stop his heart from hurting at each poorly formulated couplet. 

“Well, this can’t be right at all.” Gaius remarked, walking in on Arthur attempting to braid a flower crown for his entirely too sudden love. 

“Gaius, I think he’s been enchanted.”

“Well that much is certain, but it’s by the wrong person. Go search his chambers for clues, Merlin.”

“I did that already,” Merlin held up a lock of blonde hair, but it was far too bright and wiry to be Arthur's. “This was below his pillow, and I know for a fact that it wasn’t there last night. Which means someone snuck into Arthur’s chambers to cast a love spell on him.”

“And any declaration like what Arthur is planning will disrupt the peace treaties, and will surely throw Olaf into a rage,” Gaius realized. “There’s just one problem, Merlin.”

“Hm?” Merlin looked up from inspecting Arthur’s eyes- for medical purposes of course.

“There are over 636 love spells, over 150 of which involve a lock of hair. And if we use the wrong remedy, it can make it worse.”

“Shite.”

“Merlin!”

And that was how they spent 3 hours researching love spells. Gaius sorted them into categories, and whenever Merlin found one that was rather promising, he tried it. It was unlikely that Arthur would remember any of it anyway. So far, they had turned the king blue, sticky, even more in love, and into three different frog species. Merlin was exhausted. “Gaius, isn’t there some sort of universal fix-it for love spells?”

The old physician hesitated. “You won’t like it. Well, maybe, but it’s truly a last resort.”

“The meeting for the treaties is in less than half an hour, Gaius. I’m prepared to try anything at this point.”

“Are you truly sure about that?”

“Yes.”

“Most love spells can be broken through an act of true love. It can be familial love, platonic love, romantic love. But it must be true.” 

“You can't be serious. This isn't some fairytale, Gaius.”

“I'm aware. Be grateful it's not as specific as true love's kiss, that one is annoying.” 

“Well who should we get?”

“You want to get more people involved?”

Merlin sighed and glanced at Arthur, who was still messing with the nearly complete flower crown. Vivian would surely destroy it on sight, wasting the hours he had spent on it. He sighed, and stood in front of the preoccupied blond. “Arthur, I can deliver that crown to your beloved.”

Arthur looked up with blurry stars in his eyes. “Would you really? Make it so, Merlin.” He handed the nearly finished circlet of dandelions over to Merlin, who fought not to frown- or cry.

“Yes, well, I will need some payment. Would you allow me to give you a gift, Arthur?”

The blond seemed to contemplate that. “Okay. Go ahead.” 

Merlin didn't think it would get this far. His heart was racing. “Hold still, and close your eyes.” Arthur shut his eyes, appearing at peace with the spell fogging his mind. Merlin gently took Arthur's face in his hands, and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. He pulled away quickly, before Arthur could come to his senses, and stepped back to stand beside Gaius. 

Arthur blinked, his eyes losing their glassy quality and returning to a sharp blue. “What.. Merlin, Gaius, what happened?”

“Er..” Merlin hadn't thought of that. What would they tell him?

“Sire, we cured the love spell,” Gaius said with a knowing smile. Merlin gave him a confused look.

Arthur turned pink in the ears, and coughed awkwardly, sneaking quick looks at Merlin. “Yes. Thank you. Good. Now then.”

“Arthur, the meeting with the Five Kings and the Druid Representatives is in..” Merlin checked the position of the sun, “10 minutes.” 

“WHAT?!”

This really wasn't fair. Merlin had to stand in the room, fetching papers for Arthur and handing them to other servants. Luckily, the competitive politics served to distract him from how Arthur's face had felt just right in his hands, or how his skin felt on his lips. It seemed that every other paper held a glaring flaw in a treaty, or a loophole for a law. He (very discreetly of course) would point these out to Arthur, who would nod in return. Occasionally the Kings would get into a shouting match, but their servants and counselors would calm them down.

And that was it. For hours. Merlin was ready to tear his hair out. Arthur wasn't doing much better, and he had far more experience dealing with pompous arseholes. By the end, everyone was happy (aside from Alined, who'd been shooting Arthur glares all day), and the treaties were signed and finalized. 

Arthur groaned upon entering his chamber. “I am utterly exhausted, Merlin.” 

“You're telling me,” Merlin yawned out, pulling out some fresh bed clothes for Arthur. How anyone could keep up this workload was beyond him. 

“I need a vacation. Maybe to a quaint little farm. I’d bring you, of course. Someone will need to muck out the horses.”

“Oh sure, how gracious of you,” Merlin rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he offered the bundle of clothes to the other. 

Arthur laughed, grabbing the night shirt from him and pulled it over himself. Then he looked at Merlin, and it just struck him how close they were. Arthur was staring into his eyes, just as Merlin was staring back. They must've stood there like that for a minute or two before Merlin looked away, coughing to disguise his embarrassment. He really needed to check himself before he did anything stupid. “Will that be all?”

The blond was climbing into bed, already half asleep. “Merlin, you'd go to the farm with me, right?”

Merlin couldn't help but smile. “Yes, Arthur. I'll follow you anywhere.”

Chapter Text

Merlin folded the letter, sighing as he opened the servant's door into Arthur's room. They really couldn't go a week without a mishap, could they. “Arthur, you remember Gwaine, correct?” 

Arthur nodded.

 “Well, it appears that we're getting that vacation. Gwaine went and got himself captured by some old pub buddies he owed money to in the outer reaches of the kingdom.”

Arthur snorted from his desk. “Of course he did. Ready the horses?”

“Already packed.”

“Morgana?”

“I left a note.” He hadn't wanted to be teased about going on another ‘date’ with Arthur. Morgana was trying to set him up now, and it was infuriating. Not that he minded being shoved next to Arthur at any particular moment. But the blond might notice, and that would be disastrous. 

“Merlin, you really do use your brain sometimes!”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Of course not. It's a surprise, if anything.”

“Clotpole.”

“Idiot. Come on, help me with my jacket.” 

“Or what?” Merlin asked, but he had already grabbed the red overcoat and was maneuvering it over Arthur's back. 

“I'll have you put in the stocks.” 

Merlin smoothed the collar, pointedly not looking at Arthur's face. “Oh? In this weather?”

“It's drizzling, Merlin.”

“Pouring, really. I could drown.”

“Barely a mist.”

“I could catch cold- But you'd have George to help you get ready while I’m sick in bed.”

Arthur shuddered, and grabbed Merlin's chin, pulling him upwards to stare into those stupidly blue eyes. The raven haired man nearly gasped. “Merlin. Don't you dare.”

Merlin smiled. “Wouldn't dream of it, sire.”

They had deduced that a stealth mission would be practically impossible, between Arthur being the King, and Merlin being clumsier than a rabbit with legs only on its left side. Why they had attempted it anyway, Merlin didn't have the foggiest. They were caught almost immediately, when Arthur smacked Merlin upside the head for a joke, and the warlock crashed into a conveniently placed pile of dirty pots. Bad news, they were now in a cell deep under the abandoned fortress. Good news, they found Gwaine. 

“When I sent for help, I didn't mean for you to get caught too, Merl. And you dragged your boyfriend here too?” Gwaine shook his head in mock disappointment while Merlin flushed red. 

“He- I- That's-”

“I came along of my own volition, thank you!” Arthur’s ears were pink, like when Merlin found him picking flowers in the castle gardens for “Reasons, Merlin! I’m the King, I can do what I want!” “You're a friend, I won't be leaving you to rot.” He didn't deny the boyfriend allegation. Neither did Merlin, but that was irrelevant. Probably.

“Well, this cell is quite nice, really. I doubt any rotting would be done,” Merlin remarked, attempting to change the subject. 

“Quite nice!?” the blond gaped.

Gwaine raised an eyebrow at Arthur’s outburst.

Merlin shrugged. “Well, I've stayed in quite a few dungeon cells, Arthur. I'm just saying, there isn't any mold, no rats… Well, maybe one rat, but I'm in the cell with him.” He chuckled, dodging a cuff from Arthur.

Gwaine snorted. “Can we make an escape plan, or are you two going to keep that up?”

“Fine, I'll stop,” Merlin begrudged. “Arthur?”

“You were the one provoking me! But sure, I'll stop.” Arthur huffed, and Merlin poked his arm to cheer him up.

“Alright. Any ideas?”

It had taken half an hour of planning, three broken swords, and over a dozen spells, but the trio had escaped from the bandit fortress without a scratch. Well, that wasn't exactly true. Merlin had gotten hit by a bolt while he was busy deflecting a sword from Arthur's head. 

Arthur had noticed immediately after their exit, and forced them to stop while he turned a strip of his tunic into a bandage for Merlin's arm. “You idiot, you could've died! Stop putting yourself in danger to save me.”

Merlin shook out his arm, unconcerned and trying not to think about Arthur's hands on his arm. “It's just my arm, Arthur.”

“Actually, that's near a pretty prominent vein,” Gwaine cut in. 

Arthur nodded. “Artery. But yes. Come on, let's get a move on. And for God's sake, be careful. If I have to carry you back to Camelot, I won't be happy.”

“Will you carry me?”

“Not a chance, Gwaine.” 

Arthur got a pretty stern talk from Morgana and Gaius afterward, and he promised to rule the citadel for an entire month before going on another adventure. This was good news, he was getting settled into his new role as King of Camelot, and Gwaine could be knighted.

Bad news, Merlin had to visit Ealdor, something his mother said was urgent. She wouldn't mention what it was in the letter, which was unusual. But he would go anyway, his mother needed him.

The hard part was talking to Arthur about it. 

Not because Arthur wouldn't give him leave- He knew Hunith, he understood that Merlin would do anything for his mother, especially never having known his own. No, the issue came about because Arthur always looked so sad, like a puppy left in the rain. And that made Merlin not want to leave, even though he knew he must. He told Gwen about it, and she just sighed and called him dense. (Merlin only let it be without retort because she was his best friend.)

In any case, Merlin now had permission (though he would have left without it) to travel back to Ealdor. He blinked in surprise as he saddled a horse- his horse, really- that he hadn't called it home. Camelot was home to him now. Though, it only made sense after living here for… how many years? Two? Merlin had stopped counting, perhaps he should ask Gaius. 

He started leading the horse from the stables, but was stopped by Morgana near the entrance. “Well, it's about time. Surely you don't saddle Arthur's horse this slow?” Her own steed, Saffron, was saddled as well, he noticed.

“Er, no. I was just thinking. Where are you headed?” 

“I'm going with you. Arthur insisted upon sending a bodyguard after you, so I volunteered. I need to get out of the castle. Plus, I miss Hunith, she's a lovely lady.”

Merlin nodded, not able to argue with that logic. He mounted his horse with a mischievous grin. “Think you can keep up?”

Morgana scoffed, jumping onto her horse in a single graceful move. “I've been riding horses since I was old enough to walk, Merlin. Do you think you can keep up?”

“Challenge accepted!” They both started off, careening down the tight roads of Camelot towards the main gate. Merlin hadn't had a chance to have fun with Morgana in a while, and he couldn't help but laugh as she took the lead. 

They didn't continue the breakneck pace for very long after leaving the citadel. It should only take two days to ride to Ealdor, weather providing, and they didn't want to strain the horses. Merlin was delighted to find that Morgana cared for the horses as much as Arthur did, if not more. And Arthur absolutely adored Llamrei. Merlin could calm and direct horses, but Morgana seemed to talk to and understand Saffron. When he asked about it, she admitted to being able to sense most animals’ intentions, as she had with Mordred all those years ago. 

Speaking of which, the young squire was doing well in the ranks. Arthur didn’t seem to recognize him exactly, which he and Morgana laughed about for half an hour. Merlin had a talk with the druid early on, to make sure he didn’t practice any obvious magic. While nobody had been executed or even tried on the crime of sorcery since Arthur had ascended to the throne, it was still technically illegal, a point that frustrated Merlin, Morgana, and Arthur to no end. Despite their attempts to repeal the ban on magic, the council was stubborn, most of them having been appointed during Uther’s reign. Arthur was hoping to change things. The ‘castle arrest’ verdict would give him a chance to implement the ‘Round Table’ idea he had pitched to Merlin a moon or so ago. 

Talking to Morgana, he revealed he had been thinking of telling Arthur about his magic. The issue was, how betrayed, how hurt would Arthur be? Would their relationship make it through such a large and encompassing lie? “I just worry that he’d hate me, Morgana. I can’t… After protecting him, being by his side for so long… It might just break me. I wouldn’t know what to do.”

“I can’t imagine that Arthur could hate you, Merlin. You’re too precious to him.”

“I am not precious,” Merlin refuted with burning ears. 

“Please, he sent a bodyguard to make sure you made it to Ealdor, presumably because he couldn’t go with you himself. He let Mordred train to be a knight, did he not?”

“That’s different. We don’t know if he even recognizes Mordred.”

“Please, how many druids named Mordred can there be? Arthur may have been raised to believe magic evil, just as I was, but he is trying to change things. In fact, when we get back, I’ll tell him of my magic just to prove it to you.”

Merlin paled. “Morgana, that’s not necessary. What if he banishes you?”

“Arthur is trying to legalize magic, Merlin. I doubt he would care if his sister was a Seer. He’d probably say something stupid, like, ‘I always knew you were a witch,’ and then walk away to go stare at you doing chores.” Morgana smirked as Merlin rapidly turned red all the way to his neck. 

“He doesn’t stare-”

“Oh yes he does. Honestly, you two really are morons. Everyone can see it except you two.”

“See what?” he squawked. 

Morgana sighed, rolling her eyes with the ferocity of someone who doesn’t get paid enough to deal with this. “Even Gwen and I weren’t this bad!”

Merlin raised an eyebrow in true physician fashion, his curiosity piqued. 

“Oh, right. Gwen and I had a fling when we were younger, around 15. Nothing really came of it, so we decided to stay friends. It made our friendship stronger, if anything.”

“Really?” Merlin had never seen even a glimpse that they had dated in the past. “And nobody had any issues?” he asked in what he hoped was a casual manner. Sexual deviation wasn’t exactly well received in the small villages he’d been to, and Camelot hadn’t seemed to differ by much. (Which was rather annoying when your King and his knights were so attractive. Mostly the King, though.)

“Well, Uther would’ve banished her if he found out, but he was just like that. Gaius found it adorable, as did Leon, but Arthur was put out that I got a girlfriend before him.” 

Merlin snorted. Arthur would. And this was evidence that Arthur wouldn’t hate him for that, either. Maybe. Though there really was no point in hoping. Arthur was the King after all, and Merlin was his servant, and Arthur would eventually need to produce an heir, and it would be really quite stupid to assume Arthur would just throw out years of tradition, or even feel similarly. Of course, he never would feel similarly. He had tried to court several women over the years, so he was normal. He wasn’t a freak like Merlin was. (Merlin chose to ignore the fact that none of them lasted past the second date, and he was always dragged along for some inexplicable reason.)

Morgana smiled. “No, the majority of Camelot is full of good hearted, kind people. There are some loud individuals who condemn interracial and same-sex couples, but I have noticed that the loudest of them left with Uther. Frankly, I hope none of them return. Killa, you know him from the apothecary?”

Merlin nodded. “I see Killa every week, to get rosemary for Gaius.”

“He lives there with Igor. They’re truly lovely people, and I’m sure if you ever needed anything, they would be willing to help. Of course, you could also ask me. I’m quite an expert on the art of wooing.”

Merlin felt his ears burning again. “I-I think if I ever needed advice, I’d go to Gwaine.”

“Gwaine would get you in the dungeons sooner than in someone’s bed-”

“And you would have me do something stupid like, ‘tell him how I feel’!”

“... I think you’re the stupid one, Merlin.” 

“Rude.”

Upon reaching Ealdor, Merlin and Morgana were greeted by the village’s children, who remembered them from when the bandits had attacked and they helped fend them off. Merlin and Morgana entertained them for a few minutes, lifting them onto their steeds and conjuring small flowers. Out of the corner of his eye, Merlin saw his mother approaching, and he swiveled to greet her, but the smile died on his face. 

Standing beside her was a tall, dark haired man with a scraggly beard, dressed in far too many layers for summer. He glanced away, while Hunith offered a smile. Merlin wasn’t sure what to do. He looked at Morgana, who was smiling as she played with the children. Merlin took a deep breath, and followed after his mother into the house.

He hadn’t ever considered the possibility that his mother would ever remarry. Of course, she deserved all the happiness in the world, but who was to say this man wasn’t going to take advantage of her? Or perhaps he was a drunk, or an abuser. The thought made Merlin’s blood boil. What if he had enchanted her? What if he knew of Emrys, and was using her to get to him? To get to Camelot, or Arthur? Maybe Merlin was overreacting. He took a deep breath as he stepped into his old home, having the goal to be civil. He shut the door behind him, and turned to see his mother and this stranger holding hands and looking at him. 

Merlin hugged his mother, and she hugged back just as tight. It had been far too long. “Mother, you said it was urgent?” he asked, stepping back and giving the man a strange look. 

She smiled. “Merlin, this is your father.”

Yeah, no, he wasn’t going to be very civil about this. “Mother, I respect your right to remarry, but my father is dead.” He had never been told much about his father, but Hunith never talked of him much aside from saying that he was gone. But Merlin wasn’t about to just accept any man as his father. Gaius already filled that position for him, he didn’t need anything more. 

“No, Merlin-” His mother took a breath. “This is Balinor. He fled Camelot many years ago, and took refuge with me for a time. When Uther sent his men looking for him he had to leave. I had assumed the same as you, but…”

No. Nope. Merlin would not let himself hope. This could be an imposter, a shade, a changeling. A criminal. Merlin narrowed his eyes at Balinor. “Why would you need to flee from Camelot? Are you a criminal? What are your intentions with my mother?” He took a few steps forward, searching the man’s weathered face for any malintent.

Balinor chuckled. “Good, keeping her safe. I’m a dragonlord. So, yes, under the laws of Camelot, I am a criminal by existing.”

Merlin scanned the man. He had magic, but he wasn’t lying. He wasn’t setting off any of the usual alarm bells for traitors or assholes. And his mother wouldn’t lie to him. Could it really be…? 

“I assure you, there are no tricks. It’s nice to meet you, son.” Balinor, no, his father, offered a tearful smile. 

The three were a mass of hugs and smiles and tears as Morgana peeked through the door. Hunith looked up to smile at her. “Morgana! It’s lovely to see you again,” she said through a joyful grin. 

Balinor’s eyebrows raised at the name, his eyes turning steely. “Surely this is not Morgana, Ward of Uther.”

“Uther is dead. You have nothing to fear from me,” Morgana said, her eyes flashing a quick and silent gold. “Unless, of course, you plan on doing harm to Hunith or Merlin. I’m his bodyguard, you know.”

Merlin groaned, running a hand down his face. Balinor turned to him with a look of surprise. “The Lady Morgana is your bodyguard?”

“Well-”

“Only because Arthur couldn't come here himself. He's grounded to the city for a month because he kept going on adventures with Merlin instead of running the kingdom.” Morgana smirked.

Merlin was glowering at the smug enchantress. “I'm going to murder you, Morgana. Maybe even get Kilgharrah to eat you. He wouldn't mind it; he still doesn't like you even though I ‘changed the prophecy’ or whatever.” 

“You know Kilgharrah?” 

Ah, he had nearly forgotten his father was there. Merlin turned to him. “Wait, you know Kilgharrah?”

“Of course I do. I was… I was the one who trapped him below Camelot.” Balinor seemed regretful, not making eye contact with anyone. “Uther… Before he betrayed me, at least. He had me lead the Great Dragon down into the caverns.”

“Oh. Not to worry, Arthur and I broke him out a month and a half ago.” Merlin shrugged. 

His father blinked. “Merlin, what exactly is your job? Are you a knight?”

Morgana laughed, and Merlin shot her a glare. Hunith smiled, resting a hand on Merlin's shoulder along with her hand entwined with Balinor’s. “Our boy is King Arthur’s manservant!”

Balinor seemed even more confused. “And you are close with the King? Nevermind that, how in Albion did you manage a job in the royal household?”

“Save his life on the regular,” Merlin snorted, "It's been my job to keep the dollophead in line since we met… How many years has it been?”

“Three and a half,” Morgana and his mother answered at the same time. 

“Dollop.. head.” His father blinked, his eyes narrowing. “Does he mistreat you?”

“Not maliciously. Just throws stuff in the mornings and tries to punch my arm to cheer me up, but I constantly insult him so I think it's even. He's really not much of a morning person.”

If anything, both of his parents looked even more confused by the explanation. Morgana rolled her eyes. “Despite Merlin being one of the worst servants ever, he's Arthur's most trusted counsel and his best friend. Don't think I don't recognize your handwriting on the laws that Arthur bids to the council- He trusts you more than anyone.” She pointed a look at Merlin as he went to object, which caused him to close his mouth. “He and Arthur have been working to repeal the magic ban since Arthur was crowned. You should be proud.”

“I’m seriously going to murder you,” Merlin grumbled as his parents hugged him tight with proud, tearful smiles. 

Suddenly, Hunith pulled back. “Merlin, does that mean he knows..?”

Merlin winced. “I don't think so. I never told him, and if I do so now, it'll seem like I was repealing the ban for my own sake.” He hated lying to the one man he wanted to tell everything to.

“So you have magic?” Balinor muttered, astonished. “And- And you chose to go live in Camelot?”

“It was really my idea. I sent him to Gaius, the village was getting too small for him,” Hunith said, squeezing his hand. 

“Back to my question, what is so urgent you need me here?” Merlin asked. “Not that I mind visiting, and I can't believe I met my father. Is someone in danger? Don't tell me that Kanen has returned.”

His mother shook her head, smiling. “No, no. Nothing is wrong. We- Balinor and I- wanted to invite you to come live with us. On the Sanctuary we hope to build.”

Merlin's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. His home was Camelot. “Sanctuary?”

His father suddenly brightened, pulling a bag from within a cupboard. He lifted the flap gently, and pulled out a large teardrop stone, dusted blue at the tip. Behind Merlin, Morgana gasped. The man held the stone gingerly, and beamed at them. “A few weeks ago, a young man tried to gain passage through my cave to the Tomb of Ashkanar. He held a completed Triskelion, the key to said tomb. I warned him to turn away, but he slipped past me and to the tomb beyond. The Druids have spoken of how the Triskelion was not just the key, but a trap. I followed behind him and saved his life, but he attempted to take the treasure within: a dragon egg. We fought, he wanted only to use it for power. I took the egg and ran, the building collapsing behind me. He did not make it. My first thought was your mother- we could build a new life, somewhere far away, create a Sanctuary for all magic. And we want you to come with us, Merlin.”

Merlin was stunned. A dragon egg, a magic sanctuary, his father… This was all so much. He swallowed. “I…”

“We'll give you time to think it over, honey.” Hunith squeezed his shoulder supportively. “For now, let's make dinner, yeah? How's stew sound?”

Merlin nodded, grateful for the chance to think. His face split into a mischievous grin. “Well, I hope you can tolerate me for a week. According to Arthur, I'm insufferable.” His mother laughed, and his father ruffled his hair fondly. Morgana smiled from the corner. This would be an interesting week.

Chapter Text

“So what does it mean, exactly? To be a dragonlord.” Merlin kicked a rock on the path. He and Balinor- his father- were out gathering herbs, Louisa had gotten sick and needed some medicine. Peppermint, ginger, lavender, and rosemary. 

His father paused, looking to the sky, the sun filtering through the trees behind him. “We are kin, to dragons. Long ago, humans and dragons fought across the lands. Crops were ravaged, thousands died, the land was stained red from the bloodshed. A group of peacemakers from both sides assembled a powerful ritual to turn dragons into humans, so they could negotiate. And the dragonlords were born.

“Since then, the spirit of the dragon, which carries the ability to commune with and suggest dragons, has been passed from parent to the eldest child. I am the last: and when I am gone Merlin, you will receive the spirit of the dragon.” 

Merlin listened with awe. “Is that the reason I can talk to Kilgharrah?” he asked, placing some rosemary into the basket. 

“No, dragons can speak any tongue they please. Any may understand them if they so choose. But only dragonlords are truly brothers with dragons.”

“That makes sense, especially since Arthur could understand him as well.” Merlin smiled fondly at the thought of the King. His King.

Balinor paused for a moment, cutting some ginger from the ground. “How on earth did you manage to meet the Prince of Camelot? Let alone befriend him and the Lady Morgana. Camelot hates us. They used us, and they would kill us without a second thought.”

“Uther used you. Uther hated magic. I was terrified when I arrived,” Merlin laughed nervously. “First thing I saw was the execution of a sorcerer. His distraught mother attacked the court later that week, while I was helping Gaius. I saved Arthur’s life, so Uther made me his manservant. Neither of us were pleased- he was a pratty arse, and I’m still a terrible servant.”

“Still?” Balinor interrupted. “You’re Prince Arthur’s manservant still? With all your power?”

“King Arthur. And he’s really a good man, you know. We’re working to repeal the ban, remember?”

“Who knows, then? About your magic?”

Merlin hesitated. “Not Arthur yet. I’m still illegal, you know.” He chuckled. “Morgana and Gwen know, and so do half the knights. I’ve been helping Morgana learn to control her magic.” He picked a wildflower from the ground, twirling it between his fingers before dropping it. “I hope to tell him. He deserves to know.”

“From what your mother has told me your magic is powerful, my boy. Why do you do all this?”

That question was easy. “Because it’s my duty, father. I am to protect Arthur, help him raise up Albion. That’s why I have to stay in Camelot. That’s why…”

“Why you can’t come with us.”

Merlin nodded, grabbing more rosemary for the cook, she was fond of the spice. “I can’t leave Arthur. We still have work to do in Camelot. In Albion.” They continued in comfortable silence until Balinor decided they had enough herbs to make the medicine. 

“Why is it your duty, Merlin? You’re not a citizen of Camelot. You have no obligation to a kingdom that would burn you for who you are, my son.” His father sounded concerned, caring, and Merlin understood it. He was putting himself in considerable danger every day he lived there, but he was finding it was worth every bit of peril. Because he had saved lives from within Camelot, he had saved Arthur more times than he could count. 

“I’m Emrys. It’s my destiny. My duty, my obligation, is to Arthur, is to Albion. We will create a better world for everyone, and I don’t think I’d have it any other way.” Merlin smiled. Camelot was his life now, Arthur was his life now. Perhaps it always had been. 

Balinor looked shocked, if anything. Then he finally laughed, clapping Merlin on the back. “Never thought my boy would be part of a prophecy. You’ll do well. And Merlin,” They stopped just outside of Ealdor, pulling into a hug, one much needed by both father and son. “I’m proud of you.”

They soon got to work making the medicine, and Morgana helped to crush the herbs. At some point during the mixing process, Balinor turned to the heir with a question. “Lady Morgana, what has become of the Ambrosius Estate?”

Morgana paused. “Ambrosius… That was a noble family from before the Purge, they were in some old records I've seen. It's the one to the East, with the large stables?”

Balinor nodded. “Aye, and nobody has occupied it in all that time?”

“Oh, Uther tried initially. But the grounds are haunted, and all have refused to stay there. In fact, he tried hiring priests and magicians to clear the estate- Nothing would remove them. The spirits of the Purge have always been as vengeful as the day they were murdered.” Morgana continued to grind the ginger into a fine paste, despite the sharp smell.

The Dragonlord smiled. “Ah, Locke. He is from a time before the Purge, though I wouldn't doubt that others joined him in keeping watch of the Estate.” He turned down the fire, steadily mixing the medicine. “Perhaps we can create the Sanctuary within Camelot herself.”

The other occupants of the cottage froze, looking at Balinor. 

Hunith was the first to speak. “You never mentioned nobility, Bal.”

“I was in exile, my nobility effectively revoked.”

“Nor an estate,”

“I thought it would be burned. There was no reason to tell you, my love.” They embraced, Balinor gently caressing Hunith’s hair. “I just wanted to be Balinor with you.”

Morgana was smiling, eyes full of tears. Merlin fought not to gag.

Suddenly, her smile turned into a mischievous grin. “Well, I can arrange for you to move back in light of the new reign. In fact, King Arthur may personally welcome his new subjects,” Morgana hinted, and Merlin caught on.

“And of course, I'll help you settle in. Perhaps even make a room for myself,” Merlin said. “I've gotten very good at cleaning, you know.” He could already imagine the look on Arthur's face when he saw Merlin Ambrosius answer the door. Nobility- It was so much to wrap his head around. He had a family name! The warlock laughed with incredulity. A Dragonlord nobleman back from the dead, and it was his father. “Mum- You won't have to rely on my wages anymore!”

Balinor seemed just as excited. “There are orchards that stretch for acres. Our firewine was famous! And the dragons- Oh, the dragons! Kilgharrah can stay with us if he so wishes, help raise the egg. I remember how the sun used to sparkle on their scales.” 

He shook himself from the memories, turning back to the potion. “Come Merlin, here's the incantation..”

The medicine was given to Louisa, and soon the contents of the cottage were packed into a cart and the hut was sold to some lovely young ladies and their cat. Merlin insisted that Hunith and Balinor take his horse, while he sat in the back of the cart and chatted with Morgana on the journey to the Ambrosius Estate. 

Merlin would joke with his mother and father, contribute ideas to the idea of the new estate. To pass the time, they would play spotting games, or watch Merlin juggle, or listen to Morgana's stories of young Arthur. He felt himself smiling, happy to be himself with people he loved. 

And it hit him as he stared at the stars from within the cart, ignoring the bumps of the road as he rested against the folded blankets and stacked chairs. This was family. Camelot may have been his home, but this was his family. Merlin's eyes watered, watching his mother and father nearly asleep in the saddle ahead. His family. 

Somewhere between the citadel and the mountain range covered in pines, the trees thinned out and the air began to smell sweet like fruit blossoms. Just over a hill and up a path that hadn’t been walked by the living in decades was a grand hall, built of dark wood and strong stone. The stables beside it were spacious and tall as the three story estate itself, and Merlin had an inkling that they weren’t made to house horses. He laughed, running a hand through his hair. All this time, and this had been here, untouched by the throes of Uther’s reign. 

“Welcome to the Roost,” Balinor boomed, his arms spread wide as his smile. “Our new Sanctuary.” Hunith was stunned speechless, gently petting the mane of Merlin’s horse while she took everything in. The path turned to cobbled stones, the horses’ hoof falls dampened by the pine needles covering the ground. Ivy spread over the tall walls of the estate, curling around windows and hanging from lantern posts. “It will need some cleaning up, but nothing we can’t manage.”

“Uther tried many times to remove us and regift the Roost,” a voice from behind them said, and they turned around with a start to see a silvery man dressed in furs and a beard delicately braided beyond what Merlin knew possible. 

“Is that a ghost?” Morgana gasped incredulously.

The man sniffed indignantly. “I prefer spirit, thank you.”

Balinor grinned. “Locke! How have you fared, dear friend?”

“As well as one can, being dead.” Locke folded his arms, his face lined from being frozen in a stern glare. “You have not returned for so long, and now you bring family with you?” he asked, and Merlin guessed that it was a tease. The metal charms and sigils tied onto his coat seemed to jingle in the wind like a windchime, without ever moving. 

“Aye! We will rebuild the Roost, create a Sanctuary for magic in Camelot once more.”

“And what of the Tyrant King?” Merlin and Morgana exchanged a look, unsure of which truth to tell them.

Hunith smiled. “We are free of him, my Lord.”

“‘My Lord’? Nonsense my Lady, I am but the groundskeeper of your estate.” Locke walked towards the building, though his feet seemed to land on empty air. “Come, you have a friend waiting in the vineyards.” As he led them down the loosest definition of a path, Merlin turned to his father with a question.

“How has he remained in the living realm so long?” The last time he’d interacted with spirits had gone badly, to say the least. Nobody wanted another Cornelius Sigan.

“Locke is not the only spirit who has made their way here. This is hallowed ground, a priestess before the old religion once made her home here, her duty to help such wanderers find peace. Her magic has outlasted empires, and will still be present long after we have left this earth.” Balinor looked around, quite at ease with this information. “The spirits have helped us run things here, when they wish to. My nursemaid died in his old age, and continued to watch over my siblings. But we do not force them to work. Some wish to be seen, others are looking for closure, peace. Many walk these grounds, but not all are friendly. We keep the land for them, and must maintain respect, because it is and always will be land belonging to the dead.”

Merlin nodded, looking around as they entered the vineyards. It smelled sweet and spicy, and reminded him of the caverns below Camelot where he had found-

"Kilgharrah!" Balinor exclaimed with joy, sliding off his horse and running over to reunite with his old friend.

Locke smiled, his cold eyes wrinkling at the corners. "Come, my Lady. We can begin cleaning the manor at once, and finding homes for your things." He gestured at the cart, and led them to the front steps. In a few hours, with large amounts of help from Merlin's magic and some of the household spirits, the estate was spotless and several rooms had been prepared for Hunith and Balinor to live in and Merlin and Morgana to stay for the night. There were a couple of hard conversations to explain that Merlin would visit often, but couldn't stay with them at the Roost, and that he didn't want to tell anyone that he was nobility. The night ended with warm hugs and the soft rumble of Kilgharrah snoring in the stable.

They would travel to Camelot in the morning, to introduce Arthur to the new (old) noble family.

Chapter Text

Arthur missed Merlin. In the absence of his best friend over the past week, he had pushed the council into removing the ban on magic, with heavy restrictions on any magic that could be harmful. Which meant basically nothing was legal still, but it was progress. And he didn't even have Merlin or Morgana to make the council meetings more bearable. Gwen was somewhat helpful in that regard, but she was highly trained unlike Merlin, and therefore didn't make funny faces whenever anyone talked.

Arthur sighed, slightly slouching to the side on his throne. He would rather be training the new batch of Knights, which included Gwaine and Mordred now. The boy was progressing quickly, and Arthur was pleased to see how far he'd grown from being the little druid boy they had smuggled out of the castle.

"Sire! The Lady Morgana has returned with Merlin and the Nobles of House Ambrosius."

The King sat up straight, raising an eyebrow. "Ambrosius? I haven't heard anything from them since before the purge."

The page nodded, and Arthur sighed. "I'm sure that Merlin and Morgana will have some sort of explanation."

The doors to the throne room opened, and Morgana led a dark haired man draped in furs and leather and a familiar woman into the hall. Merlin followed behind, swiftly making his way to Arthur's side.

"Merlin, is that-?"

"My mother, yes."

"My lord," Morgana began with a smile. God above, he hated it when she used honorifics sarcastically like that. "Presenting Lord Balinor Ambrosius, and his wife Lady Hunith."

Arthur stood, spreading his arms wide. "Welcome back to Camelot! Lady Hunith, I am pleased to see you again. I trust those brigands have left Ealdor alone since our last visit?"

Hunith nodded, smiling warmly. "Aye sire, we've had no complaints."

The man beside her, holding her arm in his own, bowed his head. "Well met, King Arthur. I gave heard tell throughout the lower town that the ban on magic has been rescinded. Is this true?"

Arthur heard Merlin gasp quietly beside him, and he nodded confidently. It had been a tough decision to go through with after the love spell incident, but he had decided that the new law would benefit many in his kingdom, and that made it worth any incidents that would come their way. If there was anything he had learned, it was that nobody deserved to be a criminal for being born. "Anything that can cause harm is still heavily restricted, which is… most magicks.., but it's a good first step towards bringing Camelot back into the light."

Morgana smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I'm glad, Arthur. I'll ask Gwen to settle in the Ambrosiuses for a day or two." She headed out of the room, presumably to fetch Gwen.

Balinor seemed pleased, but Hunith was outright beaming. She walked over, giving Arthur a big hug. He froze for a second, unsure of what to do. What did people do with hugs? Merlin hugged people, he would know. The king chanced a look at Merlin, who still seemed shell-shocked by the change of law. Arthur would have expected him to be elated.

Hunith ended up letting go before Arthur could decide how to respond to the physical affection. "You're a good man, Arthur. I'm very proud of you."

Now he was frozen for an entirely different reason. Praise.? What did he do with that? No wonder Merlin was so helpful to people, he had forgotten how kind and nurturing his mother was. How did he deal with praise and affection all the time..? "Oh, er, thank you, Lady Hunith." If Morgana were here, she would have laughed at his lack of manners.

At some point, Morgana returned with Gwen and escorted the Ambrosiuses to a guest suite, before launching herself at him with a giant hug. Arthur laughed, patting her back awkwardly. "It seems everyone is in a hugging mood, then?" She hadn't hugged him since they were children.

Morgana sniffled into his shoulder, and laughed. "Thank you, Arthur. Thank you so much." She squeezed against his armor, and Arthur pat the top of her head. How did anyone live with this much affection consistently? He might just fall over, or hide in the armory.

"What for, 'Gana?" Arthur asked, confused. He hadn't done anything to help her recently.

Morgana pulled back, joyful tears leaking down her face. "Arthur, I'm a Seer. That's why I have nightmares- I can see parts of the future. But now, thanks to you, my existence is no longer a death sentence. Thank you."

Arthur blinked. "Oh. Well, that makes sense, you always were a little odd," he joked, chest tightening slightly. "Why did you never tell me.?"

Morgana sniffed, wiping her eyes. "I had worried.. And it was never the right time. But I promised Merlin that I would tell you when we returned."

"Wait, Merlin?" Arthur whipped around to face his suddenly very pale best friend. "You knew?"

Merlin coughed, the first sound he had made since Arthur declared magic was legal. "Erm, that is to say, well, yeess..? Uhm. Very important.. herbs. Yes, herbs to deliver to Gaius. See you Arthur!" By the time he had finished, he had shuffled halfway across the throne room and was booking it out the door, his silly jacket trailing behind him.

Arthur frowned. Merlin had a habit of keeping secrets, but he wanted the other man to trust him. He turned back to Morgana. "I would never have anyone banished on account of being a magic user, unless they used it to harm Camelot."

Morgana nodded. "I could never be sure.. And some people's magic was never their choice. Mine certainly wasn't." She fidgeted with the bracelet on her wrist. "Give Merlin a few days, he'll come around. It's all happening so fast, Arthur!" She beamed. "Magic in Camelot."

Arthur laughed. "You should have seen Mordred and Gwaine's faces when it was announced. The boy was practically jumping, and Gwaine said something about a friend of his being ecstatic about it."

"So you do remember Mordred!"

"Of course I remember, I almost got caught smuggling the boy out of here until Merlin showed up." Arthur rolled his eyes. "I'm glad he's found a home with us. And I'm glad that people will finally be free to live in peace here."

Merlin had been avoiding Arthur, and he was tired of it. He knew it was about removing the ban on magic, but he couldn't fathom why Merlin was having such a big kerfuffle about it. Any time he tried to talk to the man, he had to "wash the royal socks" or "gather herbs for Gaius". It was getting old. 'Gana said he would come around eventually, but Arthur was impatient, and he missed his best friend.

Today was Moonday, so the council was hearing the grievances and concerns of the people of Camelot. Usually Merlin made these things bearable, but today he was cold and pale, not a single joke was in store for today.

There were several issues of magic that were solved with simple reasoning and cooperation, and a couple petitions to increase the scope of practicable magic for crop production and preservation. Arthur handled it fairly well, but he felt a little out of his depth when discussing the finer points of sorcery. Perhaps Geoffrey or Gaius had some old books laying around that he could study.

"My lord, I have some.. concerns about the repealing of the magic ban," began a man in a dark cloak. Arthur thought he sounded slightly familiar, but thought nothing of it. "Are you sure you have not been enchanted into such actions? Especially with your father's policies, his decrees damning sorcery so heavily.."

Arthur had thought about that. Extensively. It had been proven time and time again that it was easy enough to cast spells on him. But Uther hated magic as a reaction to his own misuse of it. Arthur saw the ways it could be beautiful- Morgana had shown him a few spells, sealing the grain silos from water, bringing nearly dead plants back to life, healing scrapes on the knees of children. Magic was warm, alive. Magic had been used to protect him, protect Camelot.

He took a breath. "I have made sure that I am not being influenced supernaturally. I do not believe that people in Camelot should live in fear, of magic or the crown. Perhaps if you explained specific issues you have, we can help assure you that this is good for all of Camelot?"

The man in the cloak sniffed. "No, I don't think that will be necessary. Now!"

At the command, a dozen men in similar cloaks walked out of the nooks and shadows of the throne room, and the one in the center pulled down his hood to reveal Uther Pendragon. The room was stunned silent after a palpable gasp.

"Arthur, you are bewitched! Enchanted! And I know exactly who is behind it. You!" The exiled king pointed directly at Merlin, and Arthur could practically hear his best friend beginning to panic.

"Father, Merlin would never! He is my most trusted confidant, and my best friend." Arthur stepped forward, holding an arm out in front of the other man, who stood stiff. He had never seen Merlin this terrified.

"My son, you cannot be serious. He has poisoned your mind, turned you against me! He fabricated what you saw, worked with the witch Morgause!" Uther raised a hand, ready to signal a command to his men.

Arthur's breath hitched. "Merlin wouldn't lie to me about that. Tell them, Merlin. You have done no such thing as bewitch me, my mind is my own. You have always been the most loyal of my men."

"I- I wouldn't! I haven't- I didn't! Your mind is your own Arthur, I've made sure of it." Arthur looked over, seeing Merlin's pleading eyes, begging him to believe him. This wasn't anything close to his lying face, though Merlin had never been a particularly good liar. Arthur nodded, and the dark haired man seemed to relax, having been understood.

Out of the corner of his eye, Arthur saw his father signaled to his men to fire, and one of the cloaked men threw something towards Arthur. "Lets see how 'loyal' this servant of yours truly is!"

The King braced for the impact of a small object, but instead felt a body fall into his own. Arthur's eyes widened, and he grabbed onto Merlin before the other man could fall to the floor, a sickly purple ooze dripping from the knife buried in his chest. "MERLIN!" His head whipped up to look at Uther. "What have you done?!"

Uther smiled warmly. "It will wear off soon enough my son. You are too powerful of a pawn for this heathen to let you die, just as I calculated. I thought it would just freeze the blade, but this works just as well. Move in."

Merlin coughed, holding out his hand, and all the cloaked men froze in their tracks before they could act on Uther's order. "You- You can't hurt Arthur!" Arthur looked down, seeing Merlins eyes glowing a gold so bright and beautiful he wished to swim in it.

Uther hummed. "A more powerful demon then. No matter, the poison should set in soon enough. And to make sure it stays on the path to death," he dropped a small vial to the stone floor, and crushed it underfoot.

Arthur gently lowered Merlin to the ground even as the man struggled to breathe, holding him close. He never got to tell Merlin how he felt- He never got to see Merlin use his magic for something beautiful. "Merlin- Merlin stay with me!"

Merlin reached his hand up to cup Arthur's cheek, the warmth draining from his fingers and his chest barely moving as his breath became strangled gasps, his eyes clouded and moving erratically. "Ar-Arthur! Arthur, I can- I cannae see you.." He coughed, eyelids flitting. "I never said- I never told you-"

Arthur held the weak hand against his face, staring intently at Merlin, watching the color fade from his cheeks with horror. He had come close to losing Merlin before, but this time he wouldn't be so lucky. "Merlin don't you dare die!"

"'Ts too late, 'rthur." Merlin smiled weakly, cloudy golden eyes looking through him and flickering. "'M sorry for lying-" he coughed, "'bout the magic. I'd never curse you., never.." He shuddered in one last breath, and fell limp in Arthur's arms, his hand slipping down to rest on the cold floor.

"No.. NO! Merlin- MERLIN!" Arthur tasted more than felt a tear run down his face, and rested his forehead against Merlins for a moment. ".. Merlin.. I love you.." he whispered, finally finding the words he had been running from for years.

He stared blankly at the floor for a second or two before his gaze turned upwards. He carefully stood, and drew Excalibur, his chest full of fire as he stared down Uther. "You killed him."

"Arthur, my son, you are not thinking clearly," Uther placed his hand on his pommel, not yet having drawn his own weapon. "He is dead now, the spell should begin to wear-"

"You KILLED HIM!" Arthur roared, rushing forward until he felt the wet thud of his sword buried up to the hilt in Uther Pendragons gut.

Uther gasped, then slid off the weapon onto the floor with an unceremonious thump. The men in dark cloaks were quickly rounded up by guards, though a few managed to escape.

Arthur stood in the center of the chamber, a hollowness growing in his chest and filling him with such intense loneliness he felt as if it would swallow him whole. The man he loved was dead, murdered by a blade meant for him. His father was dead, though one could argue that he hadn't truly been alive since Arthur was born. All he had to show for it was the legality of magic, the one danger he'd been taught over and over again since childhood. One constant in his life, he would lose everyone close to him.

He slowly turned around, eyes searching for anything, anyone to lean on. He found Morgana, holding onto Gwen as she cried gold, muttering about magic beyond her skill. Leon standing nearby, sword drawn but otherwise stuck in place, staring at Uther's body. Gaius had fallen to his knees beside Merlin, dressing the oozing wound in his chest and lamenting the loss of the only son he'd had.

Arthur sank to the floor beside Gaius, his eyes wide and teary as he stared through the floor.

"Stop crying you dollophead, it'll take a lot more than that to kill me."

Arthur looked up with alarm, seeing Merlin sitting up from the floor, his color returned to his face, eyes a bright and deep blue.

"Merlin?" Gaius asked, astonished. "You- What- Your pulse- How?!"

"Are we sure that's Merlin at all..?" Morgana said, her voice willowy and thin.

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Of course I'm me, Morgana. It's so much harder for an unfamiliar spirit to inhabit a body." He rubbed the back of his head. "At this point I'm worried I'll never stay dead… Umph!" Arthur had lunged, holding Merlin in a tight embrace. He had lost him, but he came back. He didn't care how, he just cared that Merlin was back to him. "Arthur- You're going to squash me to death."

Arthur pulled back, gingerly. "You died, Merlin."

Merlin waved his hand. "I've done it before, no biggie. I just keep coming back. It's probably the whole.. magic.. thing…" He trailed off, looking nervous. "You aren't mad that I lied, right.?"

"It was for safety, think nothing of it. However," Arthur raised an eyebrow. "I thought you knew I knew?"

"WHAT!?"

"Merlin, you turned me into a frog. Three times."

The color drained from Merlin's face. ".. You remembered that..?" he whispered with horror.

"You aren't exactly subtle, Merlin." Arthur would have kissed his forehead, but there were people in here, and he was not about to be so brazen. "Then again, you wouldn't have to be subtle if I made you the Court Sorcerer." Arthur's face screwed up as he thought.

"Warlock, really," Merlin refuted. "Though I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"You'd need nobility status, to make the rest of the court happy.." Arthur nodded to himself.

"That won't be a problem!" Morgana chimed in. Merlin shook his head fervently at her, but she just grinned. "Merlin is the son of Balinor Ambrosius. I think it's a wonderful idea to appoint him as Court Sorcerer."

Merlin groaned, laying back down on the floor in his puddle of blood and poison. It didn't even look like his wound was bleeding anymore, he seemed perfectly healthy. "'S long as I don't get a stupid title like you lot, I'll be fine. Most magic is intuitive anyway, I won't be much help."

Gaius shook his head, sighing. "Let's get you cleaned up, my boy."

After Merlin (begrudgingly) accepted the title of Court Sorcerer, things seemed to be going a lot smoother. Granted, there was still the weekly threat to the citadel to pacify, and lengthy grain reports to read, but everything seemed so much brighter in Camelot. Magic flourished in the streets, helping to improve the kingdom bit by bit. There were those still embittered by the Purge, but Lord Balinor often helped them relocate to a Sanctuary of sorts where dragons were still alive.

Arthur hadn't questioned that part.

"Merlin?" Arthur asked amidst a grain report at his desk. The other man had taken to studying magic books and the like in Arthur's quarters, despite not technically being his manservant anymore.

Merlin didn't look up from where he sat on Arthur's bed. "Hm?"

"Do you remember everything from the day you.. died in the throne room?" The question had been eating him alive, especially concerning whether Merlin heard him admit.. his affections.

The other man looked up, thinking for a moment. "I remember you yelling.. 'No'. And then I was in a lake… Someone pulled me out. And I was back. Why?"

Arthur bit his lip, avoiding eye contact. "You wouldn't do anything I said just because I'm the King, right?" He had to be sure. He wouldn't push himself on Merlin.

Merlin snorted. "When have I ever done that? If anything, I'm more likely to ignore you, just to annoy you." He flashed a smile, eyes sparkling. "What does that have to do with me dying, though?"

The blond cleared his throat, standing up awkwardly. "Merlin. I.. care for you. Deeply. I ask- Would you be open to my affections? That is- May I kiss you?" His palms were sweaty, he felt like vomiting. This was a bad idea. The kiss from the love spell was a fluke, he was going to be humiliated.

Arthur winced, waiting for Merlin's rejection, and felt hands softly cup his face. He opened his eyes to see Merlin staring at him fondly, looking as mischievous as ever.

"You may, Arthur."

Heart beating through his chest, Arthur placed a gentle kiss to Merlin's forehead, just as the other had done a few years prior. Merlin giggled. "The King, fallen for his Court Warlock.. how scandalous. At least I can tell Morgana to stop trying to set us up."

"What?" Arthur laughed incredulously. "She knew?"

"She's known for years, longer than I knew myself." Merlin leaned forward, their foreheads resting on each other. "I love you too, Arthur. I'll stay by your side, always."