Author's Note: This is part of a chapter fic I had originally planned out, except I had a beginning and an end, but no middle. So I cut out the beginning, and made this. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, which belongs to BBC.
Ascendance
A Merlin Fanfiction
Chapter One: Future
"Really?"
"No, Merlin. I say these things to lead you on and show you what a gullible fool you are," drawled Arthur. "Yes, I when I say 'I will try to repeal the ban on magic', I mean I will try to repeal the ban on magic." The prince looked again at his manservant. "Why're you so pleased about it anyway?"
Merlin didn't answer, but set to polishing Arthur's boots vigorously, humming a spring-cleaning tune under his breath. Arthur shrugged. Merlin had always been hard of hearing. He'd ask again later.
Arthur's gaze passed over the throngs gathered outside mechanically, not able to bring himself to meet Merlin's eyes. He had almost promised the servant he would repeal the ban on magic. It must have been Merlin's best friend and girlfriend both being magic, and Merlin not wanting to lose any more magical friends that made him care so much. But Arthur couldn't. The Council wouldn't let him. Essentially, he was a figurehead, a puppet king. How Uther had dealt with this, Arthur didn't know. And he never would.
.o0o.
Merlin stared out blankly at the dais, power flickering along the lines of his face, smoldering in his eyes. Arthur had promised not to be like his father. And yet he did not repeal the ban. The coronation was over and Arthur had done nothing. Said nothing. He stood there as the nobles filed out, not moving until Gwaine took him by the shoulders and gently steered him out of the room and toward Gaius' chambers, murmuring soothing things about Freya.
.o0o.
Later, all he would remember before the end were Gwen's screams, and then his own.