Same Old Moves For A New Romance
It wasn't until Arthur had left for Tintagel that Uther had Merlin arrested.
Uther had always seen himself as a fair King. He did what was best for his people and tried not to condemn without proof. But he could not pardon what he did not understand.
At first he was glad of the change in his son. The boy had brought out the best in Arthur and pushed him to become his own person. Uther knew the Prince was closer to his servant than he should be but Merlin's sincerity and outstanding loyalty meant that he found himself pleased that his son finally had someone to talk to.
Soon though, he began to notice things. He saw lingering touches and secret smiles; he saw muttered conversations and eyes meet across crowded rooms. Strangely, it was not the knowledge that his son was sharing his bed with a manservant that scared him; it was the way he looked at him.
It was a look Uther didn't want to recognise and yet he could not help but remember sharing one of the same with Ygraine. And he had loved her more than anything. It was a look filled with trust and longing and promise; one which shone with unstoppable, unwavering, unconditional love and try as he might, Uther could not fail to see the same gaze pass between Arthur and Merlin.
So Uther waited until the rare day that Arthur was forced to travel without his manservant to act. He knew that as long as his son was here, the boy could not be harmed but he could not allow a mere servant to distract and bring shame upon the Crown Prince of Camelot. So he waited.
To his credit, Merlin went quietly. He did not plead or struggle. He shed no tear for himself and he did not attempt to deny the accusation. Many did as for him to be pardoned. They dropped to their knees and begged the King to offer the boy a chance to speak for himself; but Merlin instead confirmed Uther's suspicions with a sad smile and resigned eyes.
Uther had waited for his son to leave before arresting Merlin but he made sure Merlin was already on the block when Arthur rode back into the courtyard. He allowed them one last look before he brought down his arm.