Title: Lies for Love
Pairing: Merlin&Arthur
POV: Shared throughout the chapters
Rating: T
AN: I started writing this a long time ago, long before Arthur was king or Uther had died.
Fic is based slightly around 'The Fires of Idirsholas' from Series 2 episode 12.
Starts off a little slow especially this chapter, (first fic I'd ever wrote) but soon gets going as the plot opens up, so stick with it ;)
Will be around 9ish chapters, majority of which have been written already.
Reviews would be lovely and I hope you enjoy :D
Jess. X
Summary: Merlin and Arthur have been a couple for quite a while now, though something hasn't been right between them recently. Merlin has been acting off with Arthur as the guilt of the secret he holds close to his chest has started to take its toll on the manservant.
Will the young Warlock finally reveal his true self, would the young prince be forgiving, and will their feelings and lives remain intact as they face the Knights of Medere and the treacherous challenges that their destiny has chosen for them?
Chapter 1: Royal Duties
It was a cold dull morning in Camelot with only the slightest spread of sun which managed to shine annoyingly through the gap in Arthur's rich silk curtains, waking him slightly. This particular morning was even more frustrating for the young Prince than usual as he was awoken further by a loud knocking on his chamber door.
"Enter" Arthur spoke half asleep, an ill amused tone to his voice as he lay slumped into his soft bed, unwilling to wake from his slumber.
"The King wishes to speak with you, sire. It's a matter of great urgency."
The messenger was clearly anxious and on edge after being given the task of delivering news of such importance to the future King of Camelot.
Recognising the boy's unease, Arthur simply thanked and dismissed him, which seemed to make the boy relax a little as he bowed his head and left his Prince's chambers.
Arthur entered the great hall in a huff. He secretly wanted to go back to bed and just forget about whatever problems his father was about to present him with, but he would never do that. Arthur was loyal; the type of man that would lay down his own life to protect the people he cared for. He had proven that on so many occasions and this one was no different, whatever his father was to ask of him he would do it, if not to gain the Kings respect, but for his people, his kingdom, and most importantly to prove himself worthy of one day wearing the crown.
Arthur eventually looked up to see his father looking unnervingly worried. It was at that moment he realised all eyes were on him and he suddenly felt cold and lonely. He quickly scanned the room trying to spot his manservant but it was no good. Merlin was strangely nowhere to be seen, making Arthur feel even more insecure - if that were even possible.
Forcing Merlin's disappearance to the back of his mind Arthur took a deep breath and approached his father.
"Sire, what's going on?"
The King stepped towards his fragile son and placed a supportive yet stern hand upon his young shoulder.
"Arthur, I need you to take a few men and ride out to the citadel immediately"
Arthur seemed unsure and his forehead creased in confusion. "Why?"
"Smoke has been seen rising from inside its walls. You know what this means?" The King asked uncharacteristically tense.
"The fire of Idirsholas?" He questioned.
With the wrinkles running deep along his head, Uther cringed at the mention of this and he simply nodded.
At this point the Prince was confused. "But... I don't understand. No one has step foot over that threshold in 300 years, how can this be possible?"
Gaius, the courts physician and trusted ally of King Uther, saw his opportunity to butt in and quickly make it clear to Arthur that the situation was serious and needed to be investigated.
"Sire" Gaius began. "The legends say that when the fires of Idirsholas burn, the Knights of Medere will ride again"
Arthur didn't look very impressed.
Although his father had brought him up to believe that all sorcerers were the same and that magic was evil and not to be trusted, he never seemed to be scared of it. Arthur had seen so many sorcerers executed by Uther's hand that he feared his father more than any form of magic.
"Father, surely you don't believe in this...legend. It's just a load of superstitious nonsense" He unknowingly mocked the King, a slight cockiness in his tone.
"Arthur, if this legend turns out to be true I want to know I did everything in my power to stop it from progressing"
"I understand" He lied. "I'll prepare to ride out immediately and send word to Camelot as soon as I reach the citadel."