Merlin and Arthur were deeply in love. So merlin thought. They were not allowed to be together publically. It was shameful to have a prince date a serving boy. Especially a serving boy. it couldn't happen. They had to keep their love secret.
Despite having to keep their love secret, they were happy.
Merlin and Arthur were deep in the forest in a clearing by the lake. They were having a picnic. They often had picnics here. Every time they did, they has a blissful time.
In the calm of the forest merlin fed Arthur grapes and every few minutes, he stole one as the prince was about to eat it.
Merlin stole the last one.
"That's it!" Arthur grinned.
Arthur lunged for merlin but merlin lept to him feet laughing and ran off. Arthur lept up after him. Merlin and Arthur spent ten minutes running around until Merlin run into a hollow tree trunk and Arthur caught him.
"Got you now!" Arthur smirked.
"What are you going to do to me?" merlin smiled.
"This…"
Arthur leaned in and kissed merlin gently and lovingly for the first time. Merlin was in shock when Arthur pulled away.
"You're beautiful merlin!"
"You're not so bad yourself!"
Arthur laughed. He led merlin back to the blanket to finish off their picnic before the left for Camelot.
As they trotted in through the town after their "hunting trio", everyone smiled up at them. Since the "secret" relationship had started, the townspeople were less bullied.
The townsmen believed Merlin had brought out a better side of Arthur. A bolder, more confident side which made him fight for his people and not his father. Camelot on a whole, was a brighter place for their love.
As they passed, the townspeople cheered for them. To show them that they were accepted. That they were loved. They were so happy for them that Merlin kept grinning because he just couldn't stop. Arthur couldn't stop smiling at Merlins joyous grin.
A love-struck bond that was so obviously formed between them, brought floods of joy to the excited crowds around them.
But it was still secret.
A secret rumour that Uther wanted to put a stop to.