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Uther Pendragon enjoyed being king. He enjoyed the power, the control that came from it. But most of it, from everything that came from his rule and the years that had passed, he enjoyed seeing the face of his son every day.
Since losing his beautiful lady Ygraine so many years ago, being left with Arthur is the only way he felt like a true king.
Being a father was his proudest achievement and nothing could change that.
So when Arthur came to him in the morning, body shaking like a leaf during a rainy night, and told Uther he had something to confess, it had frightened the king.
Had something happened to his boy? Had a witch laid a curse on him or perhaps was he ill in some way? Uther would not accept losing his son as well, he couldn't.
He had placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder and smiled at his son.
"You know you can tell me anything."
Arthur had nodded along to his father's words before slowly removing his grip from his shoulder. He bowed to his father and said a couple final words.
"We shall speak more tonight ." And with those words he left the throne room, slamming the large door shuts.
Those words had scared Uther more than any hex or curse could ever. His face became pale and with a sad look trapped in his eyes, and throughout the rest of the hours that passed in his castle, Uther could not focus on anything else other than the confession that laid inside his son.
By the time the evening rolled into the castle, the sun setting across the stone walls and an orange hue slowly darkening against the red fabric in the castles. Uther sat at the head of the table, staring down at his plate as his goblet was filled with wine, filling almost up to the brim although he knew already most of it would be gone before the end of the night.
Arthur arrived rather slowly to dinner, his man servant Merlin following soon after, standing behind Arthur at every chance as the young prince took a seat, not being close to his father but not sitting at the furthermost chair at least. Merlin stood behind him, unable to look anywhere except down at Arthur's hair.
Uther couldn't take it anymore as he spoke.
"Arthur, my boy, please tell me what is on your mind? I have been sick with worry."
Arthur went to spoke as his voice came out hoarse.
"Father, I-" He tried to continue but found himself unable to. This made Uther's climbing fears even worse.
"Has a spell been placed on you? Are you sick? Please, my boy, tell me. I cannot bare to lose you too."
Arthur gently grinned, smiling at his father despite the fear and worry that kept leaking out.
"Father, it is nothing like that, I promise."
"Then what? What is going on?" Uther let out slightly confused.
Arthur sighed, looking away from his father as Merlin took a step closer, his hand moving to place itself on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur smiled at the touch, his own hand moving to touch his man servant, gently caressing the fingers that laid gently gripping his shoulder.
Uther's mind immediately relaxed, his shoulders quickly fell as all worry escaped his lips.
"Oh." He slowly let out, the small escape of air dancing around the dining hall as Prince Arthur nodded at his father.
"Father, Sir, I have taken Merlin as my companion and I wish to take him as my betrothed." Arthur was smiling brightly, like a piece of the sun was shining from inside his soul.
Uther recognised the look on his son's face immediately, it was the look he had seen many times in his youth with his beautiful Ygraine.
A look of absolute adoration and love.
A look he had deeply and dearly missed since losing his wife, and a look that reminded him of the beauty inside the world.
Arthur peered over to his father, staring at his face as he appeared lost in thought. His eyebrows knitted in worry, fear rearing it's ugly head once more in his eyes.
"Are you alright?"
Uther snapped out of his mind, looking around before he let out a soft sigh. His eyebrows softened and his eyes filled with a light that hadn't been seen since the lost of his only love. He moved his hand forever, placing it on the table next to his son as he smiled.
His warm smile spread across his face to the point he looked like a smiling jester. His teeth shined and his eyes twinkled.
"I'm more than alright, my dear boy, I am proud of you." Arthur smiled to his father's words as Uther continued. "I accept your wish to make Merlin your Betrothed and I believe you will both make fine rulers of our dear kingdom."
Arthur smiled with wonder in his eyes.
"Really?" He questioned and Uther nodded.
"Of course, anything for my son and the one he loves."
Arthur nodded as he stood up, moving towards his father. Uther stood up, staring at him as Arthur's arms threw themselves open, embracing his father and tucking his blonde head into Uther's shoulder. Uther grabbed the back of Arthur's head, gently touching his sun bleached hair with a soft and gentle sigh.
Once they separated, Uther wiped a tear from his son's eyes before moving towards the area where Merlin stood. He stared at the long lanky man servant before he nodded, holding his hand out to the boy which seem to take him by surprise. Merlin took the hand on his king and Uther smiled.
"Welcome to the family, son, I hope to see the joy you bring to my son."
Merlin nodded.
"I won't let you down, Sir."
Uther silently agreed as he let go of the servant. He spoke quietly to his son and the man that would soon join the Pendragon family before the two of them left together, smiling and laughing along to their own words.
Uther smiled, watching as he sighed, moving to leave the dining room and return to his own chambers.
He knew he held love for his son and that he always would care for him, but seeing Arthur with Merlin he knew something that brought a tear to his eyes.
That even when he's gone, Arthur will be loved.
He will be remembered and he will be adored.
The way he deserved to be.