The first ever plotty story I've written, and hope you guys will like it. Reviews are much appreciated since I so know many people don't ever want to read anything other than Merthur in this fandom but if you've given this fic a chance and actually liked it enough to comment, I am very grateful and happy indeed. All the love, Amanda Yates.

Summary: Prince Arthur Pendragon of Wales is well known for being an eligible bachelor and more importantly a very caring and kind father to his son Merlin. All is not roses and beds in the Royal household however as Prince Merlin possesses magic which Arthur struggles to conceal from King Uther whose Anti-magic laws could mean the death of his son Merlin. With rebel forces targeting to eliminate the royal family, Arthur really doesn't have the time to re-evaluate his past choices when his high school flame Gwaine O' Rourke, the million dollar Irish pop star shows up after an absence of six years from Arthur's life and not just because of the only reason of Arthur not being as over Gwaine as he thought himself to be.

ENTANGLEMENT

FIRST PART – DECEPTION AND LIES

You make my skin burn

You make my heart stutter

Baby, You're so hot

Are you hot for me?

Are you hot for me?

Frown lines made itself appear on Arthur's forehead as he watched Gwaine sing out jubilantly and cockily to the crowd of his fans gathered at Rotterdam.

Are ya hot for me?

Gwaine screamed one more time as the crowd went berserk, after a moment he bowed elaborately his black leather jacket flapping behind him and said thanks to his audience in a much softer voice.

And Arthur bet all those girls in the crowd thought they had a chance, the irony wasn't lost on Arthur.

There was a knock on his door and then Leon his personal bodyguard opened the door, "Your Highness, Merlin has been asking for you."

"Is he feeling sick again?" asked Arthur as he got up from his place on his rather comfortable armchair and made his way towards Merlin's room.

"I don't know, he just said he wants to see you" said Leon and then as they were both walking, "I see you're seeing the live telecast of Gwaine's tour…"

Arthur knew it was imprudent to be caught watching Gwaine on screen but Leon was his oldest friend, he could feel the slightest hint of disappointment in Leon's voice and said "It was on the telly when I switched channels, I was going to change it before my ear drums were going to be damaged permanently anyway."

If both of them knew well enough that Arthur was lying through his teeth neither mentioned it.

Arthur opened the door to Merlin's room and Merlin who was sat rater grumpily on the bean bag with his power ranger doll in hand looked up as Arthur entered the room.

Merlin didn't bestow Arthur with one of his blinding smiles as always and Arthur wondered if this was going to be one of those days before he closed the door telling Leon "I'll take care of this."

By the time Arthur had sent Leon away Merlin had once again taken to fiddling with his doll looking quite seriously sullen for a five year old.

Arthur reminded himself how lonely he had been when he was young and Merlin's age and told himself to have patience as he sat down in front of Merlin taking the garishly painted doll out of Merlin's hands. It was even more complicated for Merlin who had his gifts which made him all the more isolated from the rest of the world and his peers.

"What is it?" he refrained from adding the 'now', Merlin had been unusually fussy these past months and though he'd recovered from a bout of pneumonia earlier in the year Arthur couldn't imagine that that was what was troubling Merlin now.

Merlin made a grab for the doll but Arthur held it out of reach and then Merlin got angry and clenched his little fists as his eyes sparkled gold and the fire place burned to life without anyone having lit it.

"Merlin!" Arthur was stern in his voice but in his heart he was panicking, everytime Merlin did this it made him break out in cold sweat.

"Merlin, stop it now!"

Merlin looked mutinous and the gold in his eyes did not bleed to the oceans blue and Arthur took Merlin's fists in his hands and besieged "Merlin please…"

Merlin finally relented and the fire was put out as his fists unclenched and twined with Arthur's fingers. Merlin looked down at where his and Arthur fingers were wound together as if he was startled by the contrast of his little fingers to Arthur's.

Arthur picked Merlin up and into his arms, he was still as light and wiry as the day he was born. Merlin tucked his head in Arthur's neck as Arthur carried him out of his room and into his own.

Leon looked at him askance before he entered his room but Arthur just shook his head, no one understood why Merlin was so morose these days, although he had a thousand reasons to feel so Arthur had thought he'd been good at keeping Merlin happy inside their little bubble of security and comforts.

Maybe the hardship of keeping such a big secret was taking its toll on Merlin and Arthur was out of his wits end as to how to break Merlin out of his recent state of melancholy.

His telly was still blaring with Gwaine's voice when he entered his room as Arthur had not managed to switch it off before leaving his room.

Merlin squirmed in Arthur's arms keen to be let down and Arthur did so, as soon as he was free Merlin ran and occupied Arthur's armchair.

Gwaine was singing his hit single 'Lure me away' and Arthur took the remote control in hand to try and change the channel to something more child friendly and that did not repeatedly make references to sex.

Merlin however fussed as he changed the channel to Pogo and said "Put that back on!"

In Merlin's current state it wouldn't do for Arthur to refuse eventhough his heart was pounding in something akin to fear, he changed the channel back to Gwaine shaking his ass for the masses and sighed.

Merlin however seemed to perk up from his dull mood and as childish joy alighted his features and he started to bob his head to the music and laughed at Gwaine's antics on the screen Arthur clenched his teeth, something burned in his heart at the fact that Merlin had been cheered up by Gwaine's music when Arthur had been unsuccessful for months in trying to get a genuine laugh from Merlin.

"Daddy, who is this?" asked Merlin, his voice showing his curiosity and excitement for the answer.

Arthur considered telling 'a no worthy third class Jackson wannabe' but he couldn't exactly explain why he didn't share Merlin's enthusiasm so he answered "Gwaine O'Rourke"

When Merlin continued to look expectant tearing his eyes away from the screen Arthur said "He's a musician Merlin, what else do you want to know?"

Merlin turned back to the telly and declared "He has a great voice" and damn if he didn't sound a bit like Arthur himself in that moment.

Arthur pouted, his heart considering this betrayal while his mind logically reminded him that Merlin was only a five year old and his loyalties were entirely to Arthur.

He dislodged Merlin from his perch on the armchair making Merlin shout an indignant "Hey!" while Arthur seated himself in the armchair and arranged Merlin to sit between his legs with his back leaning against Arthur's front.

"He does not have a great voice!" proclaimed Arthur just to needle Merlin, after all even if Gwaine was the one who'd made Merlin chipper Arthur had missed this cheery, exuberant, always back answering child of his for ages.

"Does too!" chirped Merlin without missing a beat.

"Does not"

"Does too dad!"

"Whatever you say Merls" Arthur ruffled Merlin's soft raven hair as they watched the whole ten songs being performed by Gwaine before he bowed out with a final thank you to the audience.

Merlin was tired once the show was over as he'd been watching unblinking throughout and Arthur put him to sleep in his own bed before checking with Leon about the security patrol that evening. Soon Arthur joined Merlin in his bed, drew his son close and fell asleep to soft puffs of breath tickling his neck into where Merlin had snuggled his head in.

The next morning the telly was only background noise telecasting Uther's recent royal visit to Scotland as Arthur and Merlin shared their breakfast.

Arthur let Merlin perch himself on the kitchen counter as he himself sat in a stool close by, Uther would have a fit if he knew this was the kind of table manners Arthur was instilling in his grandson but Arthur was not in the mood to impose proper dining etiquette at the moment, especially since Merlin's grim mood had made a sudden disappearance and the cheerfulness from last night seemed to persist.

Merlin was chatting Arthur's ears away, "Daddy, when will grandpa be back from Scotland?"

"A day or two, why?"

"He told me he'd take me to Hyde Park when he's back."

Arthur would have to go along himself, Merlin tended to get out of control with his magic tricks when he was outside and the consequences didn't bear thinking about if Uther ever found out.

"Merlin you know you should never do magic in front of grandpa, don't you?" Arthur had been training Merlin to keep his magic hidden ever since he'd manifested the trait when he was two years old. Everybody in England knew about King Uther's magic purge and Arthur couldn't chance Merlin's life expecting Uther's mercy, they had to keep Merlin's magic hidden at all costs.

Merlin looked up at him with his rather sharp eyes for a five year old, "Yes dad, I know. Grandpa hates magic, he'll hate me too if he knows."

Arthur wished he could assure Merlin that Uther could never hate him but he knew what kind of a man Uther was.

Arthur dumped his cereal bowl and stood close to Merlin, no matter how many times Arthur said it Merlin never seemed to realize the seriousness of the situation he was in. Owing to this reason Arthur tended to limit Merlin's contact with Uther but to keep Uther from becoming suspicious Arthur had to arrange for atleast some interactions between Uther and Merlin.

Merlin who was now engrossed with his empty bowl drawing little circles with his thumb inside the bowl didn't pay much mind to Arthur who wanted to try and make Merlin understand yet again.

"Merlin" called Arthur softly.

When Merlin kept ignoring him Arthur gently pried the bowl from his hands and held him by the shoulders, "It's not that grandpa hates you Merlin…it's that he hates magic."

"Because magic is evil?" asked Merlin looking forlorn and downtrodden.

Arthur shook his head; he may have been conditioned to think so from childhood but Merlin's magic proved every one of his assumptions about magic wrong.

"Your grandpa thinks so but I don't, and neither does Lance or Leon or Gwen alright?"

"Aunty Morgana thinks magic is wicked! She showed me how to light up the sealing last time I met her!" Merlin exclaimed. Arthur frowned; he was going to have to warn Morgana to not be so encouraging of Merlin performing magic, not to mention he was so jealous because Merlin absolutely adored Morgana above everyone because she was the cool aunt who could teach him magic.

"Merlin look, you must never do magic in front of Uther alright? At any cost, because it's dangerous, if your grandpa finds out you have magic, he'll take you away from me, do you understand Merlin?"

"Take me where?" asked Merlin the first hints of fear making itself known as his blue eyes widened. He'd never thought his grandpa would take him away from his dad if he knew Merlin had magic, Merlin couldn't imagine being separated from his dad.

"Somewhere far away where I or Aunty Morgana, or Gwen or Lance or Leon wouldn't be able to see you. Do you understand now Merlin? Why you must never do magic when Uther is present?"

Merlin nodded his head looking quite serious for a five year old with his brows pinched, he held out his pinky to Arthur and Arthur smiled before joining it with his finger.

"Pinky promise!" proclaimed Merlin and Arthur laughed before tickling Merlin and making him burst out in peels of laughter as well.

That was the scene that met Leon when he entered the kitchen, "Oh right! I've been searching the entire house for you!"

Arthur turned back with his own guileless smile as he said "Sorry Leon, did you have something important to discuss?"

"Yeah I just wanted to discuss the security detail for you and Merlin for Lance and Gwen's wedding ceremony."

"Alright, I'll be with you after I send this dynamo to bath" said Arthur pointing to Merlin who was still giggling quietly to himself.

After he'd successfully given Merlin a bath and lead him off to his room with his nanny Elena, Arthur went to discuss security details for the wedding with Leon.

When they were finished Leon looked chagrined before saying in a quiet voice, "You should know now they've invited Gwaine…"

Arthur froze for a moment before he composed himself and said "What does it matter to me?" flippantly.

"Arthur" intoned Leon in his most dubious tone with his eyebrows raised.

"Really Leon, it's been years, I AM OVER HIM, I don't understand why you and Morgana keep pestering me about this."

"It's not just me and Morgana, Gwen and Lance think the same thing, they're just too kind to actually broach the subject with you!"

"If they want to invite him, let them…I'm not going to make a scene and I doubt he is going to either seeing as he's got this hetero image to maintain to save his arse."

"You're maintaining the hetero image too you know…"

"Because of Uther! I never lied about my sexuality to the people who mattered."

"You're lying to the country Arthur and so is Gwaine, doesn't make you both any different. People already suspect he's gay anyway…."

This was news to Arthur, out of all the things Arthur found unbelievable about Gwaine's super stardom and rise as a pop star his image of raging heterosexuality was the one Arthur found to be completely confounding.

"And that's not the only concern you'd have if he turns up for the wedding."

Arthur cast a quick glance in the direction of Merlin's room, "He couldn't possibly connect the dots" even so his demeanor showed how uncertain of the fact he was.

"Gwaine is clever Arthur, don't let his bullshitting lyrics fool you, he knows you're gay, he knows you're a carrier…..and you're story about impregnating a women during an ill advised night in college might fool the masses but not Gwaine."

"He's had years to ponder but he's not exactly come to me asking for explanations right? There's no reason to think he will now…" stated Arthur nodding to himself and trying to convince himself of the fact.

"Yes but he's also never seen Merlin up close and personally, there's this thing called father's intuition…"

Arthur was rankled at Leon alluding to Gwaine as Merlin's father eventhough it was biologically true.

"What would you have me do then? Not attend the wedding?"

"No, I'm just warning you that the shit could hit the fan pretty quickly if Gwaine is half as perceptive as he used to be…"

"He won't find out" declared Arthur imperiously.

"Let's hope he won't" stated Leon before he rose and left Arthur alone in his room.


Percival looked on in worry as Gwaine consumed yet another glass of vodka and laughed singing 'Against all odds' in a frankly horrible way that would make Phil Collins cringe.

For a person who'd won several awards as best vocalist Gwaine could sound quite awful when he'd had a drink too many, Percy was unfortunately the poor soul who had to put up with Gwaine's drunken singing.

After he'd pried another glass away from Gwaine, Percy managed to lift Gwaine up and held him with a hand around his mid section as he lead him out of the private bar of the hotel they were put up in for the duration of the tour in London.

Percy observed a pattern in Gwaine's drinking habits over the years, it always seemed to sky rocket when Gwaine was anywhere around England.

Percy knew only gossip about Gwaine's relationship with the Prince of Wales and yes he knew Gwaine was not as straight as his fan girls and the media believed him to be. Heck, Gwaine had hit on Percy a number of times when he was drunk off his arse and not minding who was looking his way.

When he'd tried to google it, it was apparent to him that Prince Arthur and Gwaine had gone to the same school up until university; there were no other details of the Prince and Gwaine having had any other form of relationship.

Everybody knew the Prince went off to Cambridge for university and Gwaine had started to put together his band and sold his first album within a year's time.

And Percy had been there ever since the start and left with Gwaine when Gwaine decided he wanted to go solo there on after. Percy was behind the drums on every concert and every song of Gwaine's to have ever come out so far, they'd been friends and colleagues for about six years now and still Percy didn't feel he was close enough to Gwaine to ask about the relationship everybody hinted had happened in the past.

Still his curiosity was to be answered tonight as Gwaine slurred out, "Today was the day Percy!"

Percy didn't mind Gwaine's drunken blabbering as he hauled him all the way into the lift.

"Today was the day Prince Arthur broke my heart…" Gwaine muttered quietly and Percy despite himself turned to Gwaine in shock, not even when he was extremely drunk was Gwaine ever forthcoming about his private life. But Gwaine it seemed was in a world of his own and after a while he laughed a bit hysterically as the lift began to ascend up, "Broke me so bad too….mmm…"

Percy wondered if this was Gwaine's inspiration for the song lyrics and wondered what kind of man the Prince must be to make a man like Gwaine admit to having his heart broken by him. As far as he knew Gwaine was the cheerful kind, he was gregarious and charming and that's why the girls fell all over for him, too bad it wasn't any girl who could win Gwaine's heart, thought Percy wondering if Gwaine would find someone worthy of being with at all who weren't interested because of his fame, money or the notoriety of having a fling with the legendary Irish pop star Gwaine O'Rourke.


Arthur was taking Merlin out for ice cream; this week had been a good week for both Arthur and Merlin.

Merlin was being his usual chipper self chatting everyone's ears off to the extent that Morgana had put a silencing charm on him when she came to visit earlier, the harpy! Arthur of course told her to take it off of his son immediately and berated her for being such a bitch aunt and loudly wondered why Merlin seemed to actually like her, after which he pointedly asked Merlin if he now understood that Morgana was really a vile vile person under all the perfume and the coiffed hair.

There had been no impromptu visits from King Uther as he seemed to have forgotten all about promising to take Merlin to Hyde Park after he came back from Scotland, Arthur and Merlin this time breathed a collective sigh of relief.

And Merlin had had no magical outbursts, outbreaks or unexplained happenings around him this week, which boded well for Arthur's all time freying nerves.

They went to the ice cream shop Merlin favored above every other shop in England and as Arthur stepped in people stopped to stare for a whole minute. Merlin rolled his eyes at them and Arthur smirked before ordering a chocolate cookie ice cream for Merlin and a plain vanilla for himself.

Arthur let loose of Merlin as he wandered around the displays and indicated which toppings he wanted with his hands.

Only he seemed to be constantly in two minds and the shop attendee was having a hard time trying to cater to young Prince Merlin's wishes, finally Arthur took pity on the attendee and drew Merlin back to his side.

Merlin pouted but seemed mollified once he got his ice cream in his hands and Arthur made him sit down on one of the chairs set out in the shop before he took a seat with his own ice cream in his hands.

Merlin took his time as always and by the time Arthur was finished with his and paid the money Merlin was still eating his ice cream.

Arthur took Merlin in his arms again and they set out of the ice cream shop as journalists who'd heard about their little tour came milling about shooting pictures thankfully from a respectable distance.

Merlin deliberately put his face down focusing on his ice cream making the paparazzi irate no doubt and Arthur smiled again at some of his characters shining through in his son as he'd never liked to pose for the press when he was young either and took to hiding anyway he could.

They had a stroll down the street's sidewalks with Merlin having finally finished his ice cream. Merlin was walking now holding onto Arthur's hands and looking about eagerly at the front window displays of the various shops they passed.

Arthur was just about to call it a day when Merlin tugged at his hand to stop and said "Daddy look! It's the man with the great voice in the telly!"

And sure enough it was a record store and Gwaine's picture was splashed across the front window with his album title 'Believe' written across the poster.

"Yes Merlin, come on we need to get going!" Arthur tugged at Merlin's hands wanting to force him away from the window and his child like admiration of Gwaine.

But Merlin being the stubborn kid he was refused and tugged his hand out of Arthur's, "I wanna go inside, maybe they have his songs in the store!"

"No Merlin" Arthur spoke in a tone that left no room for discussion and who anyone else in the world would know not to argue with.

Merlin glared at Arthur defiantly and repeated "I wanna go inside!"

Arthur knew he was being irrational but he couldn't help it he picked Merlin up and off his feet and tightened his hold when Merlin tried to squirm free.

Merlin started to wail loudly and Arthur thanked the heaven's they were close to where Leon was parked in the street, he hurried up and got them both inside the car as Merlin's wailing rose to an all high pitch.

Leon looked at them both asking "What happened Arthur?"

Arthur however was too guilty of having caused Merlin to cry to answer Leon, he barked "Just drive Leon"

Merlin wailed until he'd exhausted himself and only the occasional little sniffles escaped, Arthur tried to hold him and comfort him but Merlin slapped his hands away moving away to the farthest corner from Arthur and sulking throughout the entire ride.

And damn if it didn't make Arthur feel like a shit parent, he'd let his own pride and pettiness win again and caused his son distress at the end, and all because Merlin wanted to hear Gwaine's songs.

Arthur thunked his head against the windows wondering how he was going to fix this faux pas as Leon parked the car and Merlin rushed out and inside the house, knowing him Merlin had probably locked the door to his room as well though Arthur could easily open it if he wanted to.

Leon gave him a questioning glance again and Arthur narrated what had happened.

"And you say you are over him…." muttered Leon and Arthur glared at the back of Leon's head willing Leon to take it back but once he realized that wasn't going to happen he opened the door to the car and strutted out too as Leon said "All of them prancing peacocks the lot of them, like father like son indeed…."


"Oh no"

Percy looked up from where he was sitting on the couch in Gwaine's London flat as Gwaine was looking startled holding what appeared to be an invitation in his hand.

"What is it?" Percy asked knowing Gwaine would babble about it anyways, he might as well ask.

"It's an invitation Percival" said Gwaine like he thought Percy was dimwitted.

"I gathered mate" said Percy annoyed at Gwaine's tone, Gwaine had been seriously cranky ever since their UK tour had started and it seemed to be persistent still, "Kinda hard to miss with all the shiny paper."

"It's a wedding invitation to Lord Lancelot du Lac and Lady Guinevere's wedding…."

"Are they your mates from school?"

"Yeah"

"And you don't want to show up?" asked Percy, in the years since he'd known him Gwaine hardly attended any social gatherings with his friends from his 'other life' as Gwaine liked to call it.

"I don't have a choice mate…" Gwaine's tone was one of the direly put upon.

Percy raised an incredulous eyebrow; it was a well known fact that nobody could get Gwaine to do anything unless he wanted to.

"Ah well, as you don't know it I'll say it" Gwaine said with a private little smile, "nobody denies Guinevere, absolutely no one."

Percy's eyes widened and he blurted out, "Is she that much of a bitch?"

Gwaine chuckled and shook his head, "No, she's the sweetest woman on the earth so you'll be feeling like shit if you ever dare to deny her anything."

"Oh" Percy's eyes clouded with confusion, "so why don't you want to go if they're nice people?"

Gwaine's face lost its openness of a moment ago and his eyes shuttered as he murmured something to himself before saying "Nothing, I am going to show my head I suppose."

"Hey, what's your royal name?" asked Percy sensing Gwaine's sour mood and hoping to lighten him up, apparently Gwaine's blue blood inheritance was something of a comedy to Gwaine.

Gwaine smiled again as he said "I think I've forgotten….there are just too many names you know, quite a hassle to remember them all…"

"Hmmm, what's Dumbledore's full name?"

Gwaine didn't even ponder on it for a minute before saying "Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore"

"Wow, you remember the name of a Harry Potter character but not your own ancestral name?"

"It's not just any character Percy" Gwaine sounded and looked mock serious, "It's Dumbledore"

"He's the old wizard who actually plans to sacrifice Harry in the end!"

"Ah but it was his wisdom that saved Harry in the end!"

"He's also gay" said Percy and then put his hand over his mouth looking at Gwaine apologetically.

Gwaine looked guarded the easy camaraderie from before vanished to be replaced with gauging eyes trained on Percival, "I'll thank you to keep such comments to yourself Percy"

"Hey, I'm not a homophobe Gwaine…it wasn't meant to be an insult…"

Gwaine turned away before saying "I know….just don't go running off the mouth about my sexuality when we're not in private."

"You know I wouldn't" this was the first time either of them had ever acknowledged Gwaine's sexuality and Percy had to know Gwaine trusted him to not rat him out to the press.

Gwaine turned back to Percy and gave him a small smile which was trusting nonetheless "I know Perce…I just become paranoid I suppose"

In a man of Gwaine's position it was quite natural to be paranoid and Percy remained silent switching on the TV as Gwaine wandered off into his bedroom.


'Dark Wizard Myror has been arrested by the MI6 this evening, Myror was found inside military base trying to steal weaponry when the MI6 caught him with the help of the new magic detection device MDD5624 which had been placed inside places where suspicious magical activity was likely to happen.

Myror is said to be the right hand man of the Underground Rebel Forces and is being investigated by a team of experts.

As of now there is no word from King Uther about the fate of the Dark Wizard captured by His Majesties Secret Service agents'

Arthur switched off the channel as the news reporter went on to describe about the various follies Myror had committed and why he was on the hit list of MI6.

Arthur knew well enough what King Uther would actually do once this farce of an investigation was over. Myror would likely be stripped of his magic and sent to die a horrible death in one of the concentration camps for Magic users that his father had operating throughout the world.

Thinking about how he was absolutely powerless to stop any of his father's tyrannical actions made Arthur fume about the injustice of it all.

And every minute he lived in the fear that his own son Merlin might be found out for being a mage.

Arthur had placed himself away from Uther who lived in Buckingham palace by staying most of the time at Kensington Palace but he could not help but think it was only a matter of time before Uther found out. What will he do then? He might have to just kill his father like thousand mage rebellion groups no doubt wanted to do. He couldn't imagine Merlin being sent off to one of those camps or worse put to death with Arthur being helpless to stop it.

There was a knock on his door before Elena strode inside, Arthur hoped Merlin had let atleast his nanny comfort him and put him to sleep.

"How is he?"

"Upset, he's as stubborn as a mule….must have inherited that from you" said Elena with a cheeky smile.

Arthur smiled back despite being tired and feeling wretched, he was so glad Elena was Merlin's nanny, he'd known Elena since they were kids and he trusted her to keep Merlin's magic a secret. However employing a friend meant that he wasn't allowed to get away when he was being a bad parent, Elena never held back her opinions when she didn't agree with the choices he made for Merlin.

"Did you really say no to buying him Gwaine's CD?" there was disapproval in Elena's tone and Arthur was not happy with it.

He snapped "It's hardly what a five year old should listen to, and I don't want him growing up with shit taste in music."

"Arthur his last album sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, if there's anyone who has no appreciation for good music…" Elena trailed off when Arthur glared at her.

Elena spread her hands in surrender and gave Arthur a sympathetic glance saying "You're still not entirely over him are you?"

"Of course not" Arthur was quick to deny, why was everyone thinking he was still arse over tits for Gwaine, Arthur couldn't understand.

Elena came down and sat opposite to him, tucking her legs in and making herself comfortable, "You know I always thought you should have told him about Merlin…things might have been different then…"

Arthur scoffed, was Elena serious?

"And did what? Be a happy little family with the white picket fence? It was never going to happen Elena…not with father considering me as a blight upon the Pendragon name because I'm gay and not with Gwaine either who was only interested in his band and drunken cavorting! Not to mention the little pickle of me being the Prince of Wales."

Elena was quiet for a while chewing thoughtfully on her lip, "You know you always cared more about your father's opinions than your own happiness….it's sad Arthur, you deserve to be happy."

"I am happy now, I have Merlin" Arthur said and it was true, just Merlin's existence gave him the most happiness there ever was and nothing could ever compare to the joy he felt everytime he even so much as thought of his son.

"Hmmm, I bet Merlin isn't too happy with you at the moment, just buy him the CD Arthur, it's only his songs….it doesn't mean he's going to take Merlin away from you."

"I wasn't…" Arthur protested but Elena held up a hand and gave him a no nonsense look and Arthur looked away knowing he could argue for hours but knowing Elena wasn't going to believe in his lies anyway.

Arthur did do as Elena asked though and now Gwaine's voice was blaring inside Merlin's room who had thankfully forgiven Arthur as soon as he saw what Arthur had to offer as penance.

When Arthur peered through the door Merlin and Elena were dancing to a rather cheery song about a lady's amazing legs.

Arthur leaned against the door watching as Merlin shouted what he could understand of the song lyrics wriggling around in his Scooby doo pajama pants and sleep shirt.

Elena noticed him first and twirled Merlin around to look at Arthur, for a minute Merlin looked startled like a deer caught in headlights and Arthur wished he had a camera so he could take a picture of Merlin's wide shocked eyes and becoming blush blooming in his cheeks both from the exertion of dancing and from embarrassment of Arthur having caught him at it.

Arthur chuckled in amusement giving Merlin a naughty look before he ran forward and lifted Merlin into his arms swinging him around and around until Merlin broke out into loud laughter and then let him down, he offered Elena his arm and asked "Will you do me the honor my lady?"

Elena said "I shall" and took his hand.

Arthur danced around with her with Merlin on the bed laughing and dancing on top of the bed while they took the floor. It was a good thing Merlin's room was so spacious as both Elena and Merlin were prone to accidents because of genetic klutziness inherited from Gwaine probably, thought Arthur rather nastily.

Soon Merlin joined the both of them and Arthur twirled him around on the floor as the three of them danced together to Gwaine's song until they fell off in exhaustion and Merlin fell into his bed, asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Arthur dropped by to see Morgana the next day and as soon as she was done with pleasantries Morgana exclaimed "I can't believe they captured Myror"

Arthur hummed noncommittally and when Morgana's sharp eyed glare was fixed upon him Arthur said "Well I'm not too bothered, he wasn't the good sort Morgana…"

Morgana didn't relent however, "Only because necessity made them to be….we wouldn't all have to turn to dark magic if it weren't for Uther's war against magic!"

"He's killed kids Morgana….for the sake of some sacrifice, you can't believe that such people don't deserve punishment, and I'm not saying this because I support Uther…you know I don't."

"Only because you have reason to not support him now, if it weren't for Merlin I don't doubt you'd have been on Uther's side"

Arthur was hurt that Morgana after all this time thought so little of him and it showed as Morgana refused to meet his eyes.

"I would have stood on your side to support you, if you'd ever trusted in me before I got pregnant."

Arthur could never forget those days that he spent carrying Merlin and not being able to go out anywhere, feeling so alone and wretched and Morgana and his friends were the only ones who supported him through that ordeal.

Gwaine was long gone, Uther was furious with Arthur having gotten himself pregnant until the heir was born and he'd had a change of heart.

Morgana was the only reason Arthur and Merlin were even still alive to see the day, how could Morgana ever think that he wouldn't staunchly support her was beyond him.

Morgana seemed to let it go after that and said "Gwen has got me a truly horrible bridesmaid dress…I've never worn anything quite so horrible in my entire life!"

"Suck it up Morgana, it wouldn't do for you to steal the show from the bride on her wedding day."

"Oh you're a darling Arthur" said Morgana with a genuine smile now.

Arthur's thoughts were niggling at the back of his mind and he blurted "You know this wasn't just a casual visit, I wanted to talk to you about something…."

Morgana's eyes gleamed and it showed she already had a pretty good idea about what he wanted to talk about, "Go on then little brother mine…."

"There's a good chance Gwaine is going to be at the wedding, Lance and Gwen have invited him…"

"He may not show up" Morgana was looking disinterestedly at her nails, "the man hasn't shown his face here in years."

"If he does show up though…" Arthur rubbed his neck, all this talk about Gwaine recently was making him feel uncomfortable in his own skin, "I just….don't want him to figure out anything about Merlin…can you"

"NO" said Morgana firmly and her eyes were ice shards when they met Arthur's.

"Morgana"

"No Arthur, I will not put a glamour on Merlin for your sake! Firstly because I don't want to out myself or Merlin because you're afraid of Gwaine finding out and secondly because you should have told him yourself by now!"

"WHAT? You as well? Out of all the people Morgana I thought you would have backed me up in this!"

"It's not about just you Arthur!" Morgana stood up and was in Arthur's face as she shouted "It's about Merlin, about him knowing both of his parents! And don't tell me Gwaine doesn't deserve to know, you have no idea what he would have done if he did know because you hid it from him!"

"I know exactly what he would have done Morgana! Don't you dare try to acquit him as if he's the innocent victim in this scenario, and when have you been a fangirl of the Gwaine fan club anyway?"

Morgana was angrier than ever as she snapped "And yet it wasn't I who got knocked up by Gwaine now, was I?"

Arthur felt like he'd been slapped and his eyes were hard and cold as Morgana realized what she'd said in her anger and looked apologetic, Arthur marched out of her house in silent fury and shame at her accusation because it was all true wasn't it, Arthur was the one who was stupid enough to let Gwaine get him pregnant in the first place.

Needless to say that weekend dinner with Uther was filled with frosty silence on both Morgana and Arthur's part as Merlin chattered eagerly about his how the pet cats they kept in Kensington palace had had a litter of kittens this week.

His little mind was oblivious to the tension in the room and Uther looked amused at Merlin's antics and poor table etiquette as he kept spilling his food around on the table and on his napkin and couldn't hold the fork properly enough to save his life.

"What mannerisms have you been teaching my grandson Arthur? I hope a lesson on table etiquette is not necessary…" Uther looked pointedly at how Merlin was struggling with his fork.

Arthur usually allowed Merlin to eat with his hands, he made sure to clean Merlin's hands before he ate and that was good enough for him but Uther was always seeing Merlin as a Prince and heir first and foremost and although he was a lot mellow these days than the days when Arthur used to be under the same cold scrutiny it was still apparent that Uther disapproved of Arthur's parenting just like he disapproved of just about anything Arthur did really.

Morgana didn't inject one of her backhanded comments about Uther being a stuck up old aged bastard today and Uther kept frowning at Merlin who by this point had lost all his cheer and just looked miserable trying to properly hold his food with a spoon and fork.

Arthur couldn't very well allow that and he beckoned to Merlin with a hand "Come here sport" he called and both Uther and Merlin looked surprised. Arthur didn't have to repeat himself as Merlin came rushing into him and sat atop his lap looking very pleased indeed as Arthur spooned the delicacies and fed it to him by his hand.

Arthur expected his father to make a disgruntled remark but when he met Uther's eyes it was to see them turn soft and Arthur had to be reminded that deep down inside Uther maybe had a heart after all.

Morgana was for once looking at him like he did something right and she was proud of him and the dinner went on without a hitch after that, Merlin's weight making Arthur's legs numb at one point but he couldn't let him get down. He felt a lot safer when Merlin was in his arms rather than at a distance away, especially when they were seated in front of Uther.

After Merlin had been put to sleep in his room in the Buckingham Palace, Uther, Arthur and Morgana retired to one of the many sitting rooms in the palace all drinking fine wine.

After Uther was into his cups much Uther said "I tend to forget that for all intents and purposes you're his mother as well….you're doing good by him Arthur….better than I ever did with either of you"

Uther downed the cup of wine in his hands in one go after admitting this to a very shocked Morgana and Arthur and then got up to leave them alone, retiring for the night.

It was only Morgana and Arthur then and she said "Well I never thought this day would come…"

Arthur chuckled, "Me either"

"I'm sorry about earlier….I was angry and I shouldn't have said what I did" said Morgana and she took Arthur's hand in hers as they were sitting close by.

"This day is surreal, first father admits I have better parenting skills than himself and now the great Lady Morgana apologized to me….something you haven't done since I broke my hand falling out of a tree in kindergarten"

"Hey it was your fault for climbing that tree in the first place"

"And who was it that goaded me into doing it?"

"What can I say? You're were an impressionable little five year old"

"And I remember you apologizing so many times…." Arthur laughed remembering how Morgana who was two years older than him had panicked once Arthur had started wailing for all England to hear.

"Oh shut up! I only apologized because you were being a wee little baby and howling!"

"I did not howl"

"Oh you did, positively…."

"Anyway I was a wee little baby, I was allowed…"

"Wee little Artiekins…"

"Don't call me that!" said Arthur and they bickered for the rest of the night until they were both too tired for being witty.


Gwen and Lance made a surprise visit to Kensington Palace to see Arthur and Merlin a week before their wedding.

Merlin was busy playing with his kittens in the palace's pet housing to notice anyone else these days and hence Arthur was forced to play lone host to his guests.

"I asked Elyan to be my best man" Lance said looking a little remorseful at Arthur who shoved him good naturedly, Lance and Arthur were practically brothers in every way but blood.

"It's a good thing you did; I already have my hands full with Merlin."

"That's part of the reason why I didn't ask you actually, it's not like the press need to target you both anymore than they already do."

Gwen and Lance were sitting comfortably together and the way they seemed to communicate with each other without even having to speak anything in words made Arthur a little rueful, he wished his erstwhile son was here so that he didn't have to be stuck playing the third wheel between the two soon to be newlyweds.

One of the Palace's maids brought them refreshments and Arthur leaned back into his own armchair and sipped his hot chocolate in want of something to do.

"How is Merlin?" asked Gwen as the silence seemed to prolong.

"He's fine, totally messes himself playing with the kittens. He doesn't even have time for me anymore…" and if Arthur sounded a bit sulky then he was only missing his only child a little, it was disconcerting to know little four pawed things were more interesting than him.

Gwen and Lance chortled and then Gwen said "You need to go out more, Merlin can't be attached to your hip all the time you know, soon he'll be too old for hugs and where will you be?"

Arthur was skeptic, "It's not like I can date a guy and out myself out of the royal closet Gwen, Uther's still at large you know…"

"It doesn't mean you can't see someone discreetly" Gwen persisted and Arthur shook his head, right now the first priority in his life was Merlin, he was too much worried by Merlin's magic and the anvil dropping on the both of them at any time at all for him to date or have relationships with anyone.

"And anyway the rag tag mags are all wondering Britain's first most eligible bachelor has been single for too long…"

"And he's going to remain single for a very long time indeed; I have too much going between Merlin, Uther and Morgana to even think of dating anyone Gwen…"

"Actually I'm surprised Uther didn't try to set you up with one of the rich socialite ladies yet…"

"He did try actually, a year ago there was this Lady Mithian, too bad she realized I was gay and we turned up being great friends instead of what Uther expected."

"See you're not even that much in the closet" said Gwen.

"Oh Mithian is a jewel, I knew she wouldn't rat me out, but that can't be said for most people, can it?"

"I suppose not" Gwen agreed and so did Lance. Lance went out to find Merlin and it was just Gwen and Arthur now in the room, Arthur couldn't help but feel this move was intentional on Gwen's part and he just knew what she was going to talk about judging by the way she looked uncertain and yet determined at the same time.

"No Gwen, I am not mad at you for inviting Gwaine."

Arthur hoped this would make her satisfied and dissuade her from any other conversation about Gwaine but he knew it was a futile effort.

"He called me last night"

Arthur tried to look uninterested but when Gwen gave him an expectant look he caved and asked "And?"

"He said he was doing good, told me it was about time Lance and I got married and that he'd show up for the wedding."

"Okay" Arthur tried not to let his tone color in disappointment, Gwaine hadn't called him once since their spectacular break up, sure Arthur didn't imagine that he would but knowing that he'd called Gwen without a problem at all and still called Leon sometimes made him the slightest bit angry.

"He asked about you too…" Gwen obviously noted the disappointment in Arthur's demeanor and she was determined to make Arthur see reason, "I have no doubt that he cares about you still….he even asked about Merlin."

Arthur sat upright in his armchair alarmed now, "What?" his shock was palpable.

Gwen put her hands out in a surrendering gesture, "Calm down Arthur, he doesn't suspect a thing."

"In his words he wanted to know if you were still acting high and mighty, and also if Merlin was anything like you or his mother."

"So he does think I got some random girl pregnant right?" asked Arthur to be sure.

"Yeah, he does…" Gwen looked guilty saying it, and knowing Gwen it was probably the matter of them all deceiving Gwaine.

"He can't know Gwen" Arthur stated firmly, on this he was resolute.

"But why? I mean I understand why you didn't want to tell him at that time but now? Doesn't Merlin deserve to know his other parent? And you can't hide the truth from Merlin either when he wants to know and he will want to know Arthur….you know that just as well as I do"

"I can handle Merlin when he asks, if he ever does. And Gwen I already have enough to deal with, Merlin's magic and living in fear of Uther all the damn time! I can't handle Gwaine's interference in our lives too! And you know he won't go quietly if he knows the truth….he could file a case in court and where would I be? Outed to the public in a way that would surely make Uther disinherit me for all the world to see…" Arthur was pacing furiously as he said this, why couldn't people understand the precarious position he was in.

"So you're afraid of Gwaine's reaction to knowing, is that it?"

"That's not the only reason, but yes, Gwaine isn't exactly known for being reasonable or level headed."

"It's been six years Arthur! That's a lot of time for a person to change…and don't forget he won't go to court or anything because he's keeping his sexuality hidden too now!"

"That's even more reason for me to not tell him, for his sake and for mine and Merlin's"

Lance came in with Merlin held up in his arms just as Gwen was about to talk to Arthur, and Arthur thanked every deity looking down upon him for the interruption while Lance looked sheepish after he knew he'd interrupted an important conversation.

"Daddy" Merlin squirmed out of Lance's hold and beckoned to Arthur with his arms asking Arthur to hold him and Arthur complied swinging Merlin on to his hips.

Merlin's entire shirt was soaked with mud and there was a stray leaf stuck to his hair, and Arthur was thankful Lance had the forethought to remove Merlin's shoes and socks before picking him up, Arthur could only imagine the state they would be in.

Gwen laughed quietly at Merlin's messy state and also at how Arthur's face looked aghast with ill concealed disgust at Merlin's scruffy state.

"Why is Aunt Gwen laughing at you dad?"

"She isn't laughing at me, she is laughing at you because you've become so dirty playing in the garden" said Arthur chastising.

Merlin just stuck out his tongue at Arthur who rolled his eyes.

Lance and Gwen left shortly after saying they had other people in the palace to invite and bid Arthur and Merlin goodbye.


'Young Prince Merlin throws a tantrum while out on a walk with Prince Arthur'

Gwaine scanned the newspage showing a picture of a young raven haired child bawling with his mouth open and eyes scrunched up and an Arthur who looked mutinous.

Gwaine wondered what the little heir could have done to make Arthur look so harsh; being who he was Gwaine had always wanted to assume the worst of Arthur and his first surprise had come when Arthur had announced his illegitimate child to the entire world as his heir and took responsibility for the baby. Even the mother, who still remained anonymous, had abandoned the baby because apparently having begotten the Prince's heir was a bit too much.

Though it had stabbed at Gwaine's heart and cut a wound so deep he'd been reeling from it for so long back in the day knowing Arthur had gotten a random girl pregnant immediately after they broke up, he still couldn't consider Arthur to be the ill intentioned and cold hearted shell of a man that he'd thought Arthur was, not once he looked at all the images and videos of Arthur with his son.

And Gwaine wanted to look for the worst, to know that he was right in assuming Arthur was nothing but a rich upper class elitist arsehole and at first he looked through the pictures with anger and hatred, and most importantly the stinging betrayal of Arthur having slept with a woman probably when he was fucking Gwaine too, the timing just didn't add up, either Arthur was already sleeping with a girl or it was soon after they broke up.

To know it had left Arthur impenetrable while Gwaine felt downright miserable and lost after loosing Arthur was too much to bear, he'd taken to drinking, smoking cannabis, and partying with his band getting thrown out from establishment after establishment before he'd pulled himself together and made music to drown out everything that was happening in his life.

Music made him forget for a while about Arthur, or Uther, how his heart still felt like it was splintering and in the early days it was that desperation to forget that made him drive himself so fully into his carrier as a pop artist, if he'd only know he'd be burying himself deeper in deception and lies back then.

Still, he made music and he'd made money, lots of money and looking back now he could appreciate the role that Arthur had played in his life without bitterness to color every memory about him and Arthur.

And six years later he was still semi stalking the Prince of Wales and his son Merlin. Contrary to what Gwaine wanted to believe and see, Arthur was very loving towards his child, and what was more was that he was not reticent to show his affection openly. In every picture Gwaine had seen of the both of them Arthur was always indulging, loving, caring and kind. He gave his son piggy back rides, held him secure in his arms whenever the paps were about, comforted his son while he was distressed, and on one memorable occasion when Merlin had puked on Arthur's rather dapper suit after a party Arthur had looked calm and understanding, worried about his son rather than absolutely furious that his spawn had vomited on him in front of so many people and the pap's, the scene only endeared Arthur to the crowds of Britain and all mothers and girls let out a collective coo and Gwaine admitted defeat and looked through the pictures only because of an inane obsession about Arthur that would not go away at all.

What was worse however was that he was also rather fond of the little heir of Britain although he had never actually met Prince Merlin. He'd practically seen the runt growing up in front of the media's eyes and somehow someway he felt connected to the Arthur's son though by all rights he should have hated the staunch evidence of Arthur's betrayal.

Hell he'd read so many tabloids and magazines about the heir that he knew everything about the little Prince now, the color he liked was green, he hated dogs but loved cats, he watched Looney tunes obsessively, the most favorite person in his family next to Arthur was Morgana.

And now after all these years he was going to be seeing them all at Gwen and Lance's wedding, Gwaine would be lying if he said he didn't feel nervous about showing his head after so long to any of them.

He knew Arthur would be there and he would probably bring his son along and Gwaine was just not ready to face that yet, but six years had passed and Gwaine wanted to face his past now and try to move on from it. He wanted to stop being obsessed with Arthur and the way they had ended, he wanted to stop wondering what it would have been like if they'd made it work somehow and this was a chance to confront his past one last time before he could happily bury it all.

It was really too bad that Gwaine didn't know this would only be the beginning and not the end.


"Daddyyy, I don't want to wear it! It's itchy…." Merlin whined standing wearing his tailored Armani pants and fetching white shirt and refusing to put on a suit jacket.

"Come on Merlin, don't be difficult now" said Arthur trying to make Merlin put the damn thing on again only for Merlin to move away from him, standing on his bed.

"MERLIN!" Arthur was exasperated and he put his hands on his hips, the set of Merlin's mouth meant that his boy wasn't going to listen nor was using force a good thing.

"Do you want to look less handsome than every other kid who comes to the wedding? Is that it? I bet Freya wouldn't think you're handsome if you don't wear a suit jacket like everyone else."

"I don't care what Freya thinks!" Merlin retorted his cheeks flushed with red.

And Arthur couldn't help but laugh, it was very obvious Merlin had a little bit of a crush on his sometimes play mate.

"Now I know that's not true! Come on…" Arthur said extending the jacket again and Merlin shot it a dirty look before he paddled forward on the bed his feet leaving impressions all over the sheets.

Arthur thanked the Gods for one victory before he quickly got Merlin into the jacket and said "There! Now I bet Freya wouldn't look at any one but you."

Merlin turned to him and shouted "I DON'T CARE ABOUT FREYA!" and then jumped off the bed and ran out from his room.

Arthur got into the car feeling anxious all the way and Merlin sulked in a corner still angry with Arthur for having brought up Freya to tease him. Merlin was embarrassed whenever they talked about Freya, he'd blush and stammer and deny that he liked the little girl and idly Arthur wondered how such a shy child was born to him and Gwaine, for neither of them were ever anything that could be called shy or modest.

And that brought all the fear and trepidation to the forefront of his mind and he couldn't help but replay all the events of the past like a broken record.

Strangely a picture of Gwaine in aviators and biker jacket was all that was in his mind's eye when they finally stopped and Leon announced that they had arrived.

The Kew gardens looked as magnificent as ever, Gwen and Lancelot had chosen the Nash conservatory for their wedding and armed guards escorted Arthur and Merlin with Leon at the front on the lookout for anything suspicious.

"Stay close now, don't go running off with Gillian or William" said Arthur to Merlin who was walking side by side with him.

Arthur shortened his strides to match that of the five year olds and Merlin looked up at him and said "But you never let me have fun while they do!"

"You're the Prince; they are not under risk of getting kidnapped like you are."

"You sound like grand father!" Merlin quipped.

Arthur grunted feeling a bit miffed but he could understand where Merlin's irritation came from, Arthur hardly allowed Merlin out of his sight for even an hour and for a child of five it must get pretty boring pretty quickly.

"Fine, you can play with them but take an escort with you wherever you go alright?"

Merlin smiled and said "OKAY!" loudly enough to make a few heads turn. They had reached the conservatory where the wedding was to be held and the decorations were tasteful without being over the top, it was just like Gwen that Arthur had to smile at that a bit.

Atleast one of their circle of friends were getting a happily ever after.

Morgana had moaned about her dress all day long yesterday to Arthur but he couldn't see her anywhere among the people who were gathered. It was only expected as she was the bridesmaid.

The royals were not as on guard as they would be if it were Uther who had come instead of Arthur and Arthur was happy for that. His people were more comfortable with him and Merlin than they ever were with Uther and Arthur saw more genuine smiles than the curt nods that Uther received.

The glass walls drew in the daylight as it was a particularly sunny day and Arthur and Merlin took their assigned seats while their guards took positions wherever Leon pointed.

Arthur had not seen Gwaine among the crowd and he wondered if Gwaine decided not to come after all, he didn't feel relieved by that thought and wondered why.

They were afforded a place of honor in the front row as they were the groom and bride's close friends and also because Arthur was the Prince so he could not look back and peep either for it would be very un-royal of him to do.

Merlin as was custom was bored within minutes and leaned his head on Arthur's hands as he asked "Why are Aunt Gwen and Uncle Lance not here already?"

Arthur rolled his eyes at his son's impatient tone and chastised, "They'll be here soon, stop whining."

"Wedding's are boring"

Arthur snorted, "Don't go saying that to the ladies, they won't be pleased."

"I bet Aunt Morgana thinks they are boring too."

Before Arthur could answer Lance and Elyan came in and stood at the front besides the priest. Arthur waved from his seat giving Lance a warm smile and Merlin waved too rather too enthusiastic and the paps shot photos at them instead of the groom and Arthur looked apologetic but Lance just laughed and waved back.

Finally after what seemed like a long while the choir that had been arranged began to sing the coming of the bride and Arthur and the whole hall turned to look as Gwen came looking resplendent in a ivory ball gown and veil with a tiara pinned to her head, her hair fell in gentle curves around her face and she looked as beautiful as any Princess of the fairy tales, Arthur was breath taken despite being gay and therefore not into women in general.

Morgana despite her griping looked as beautiful as she always did in a melon pink mermaid dress that reached upto the floor and had a split upto the thigh showing a deliberate amount of skin and five inch heels.

Arthur thought some things never changed and smirked when he saw Merlin was looking at both of them as if he were in a trance.

Well Arthur didn't have any delusions that his son would turn out to be as gay as his fathers, Merlin it seemed was entirely enchanted by women.

Gwen smiled when she saw them both and then the ceremony proceeded without further ado.

The reception was at the orangery and Arthur let go of Merlin with one of his trusted bodyguards to play with the other children while he took a seat with Morgana, Elyan, Lord Leodegrance who was Gwen's father, Elena and Lady Helen.

The party was flocking to the newlyweds all of them wanting to see the second most eligible bachelor of England wed Lady Guninevere.

Gwaine was nowhere to be seen and Arthur relaxed finally allowing himself to go to the open bar and have some champagne.

He danced with Gwen and Elena and other ladies who asked him to until his feet ached and he could feel a sheen of perspiration covering his forehead.

Morgana was nowhere to be seen and he went to the toilet to freshen up and came back out going straight for the bar in fear of being asked to dance again. He could only take so much for one day and he hadn't seen his erstwhile son in an hour.

A drink or two later he thought and set about getting pleasantly drunk when there was a tug at his pants and Arthur looked down to see Merlin.

"Oh there you are, finally deigned to come did you?" asked Arthur though he was relieved to see that Merlin was in one piece and hadn't ventured out somewhere far.

"Daddy look who I found!" Merlin said excitedly and pointed with his hand.

Arthur turned only to be confronted with the sight of someone better left in his dreams; it was Gwaine whom Merlin was so excited to have seen.

He was standing beside Gwen and Lance joking by the likes of it and placing an easy hand around Lance's shoulder. He said something that made Lance turn away in what appeared to be shame and Gwen to elbow him in the gut mockingly and then they were all laughing.

Six years hadn't changed that much, Gwaine still looked as painfully handsome as he'd been all those years ago when Arthur had fallen for him. He was wearing a tailored black suit that brought out his pale complexion and his designer stubble, hair and just his presence was attracting a lot of people, ladies and men alike who were shaking hands with him and asking for his autographs. Gwaine looked apologetic at Lance and Gwen but they only shrugged and Gwaine was soon swallowed by his mass of admirers.

Arthur scowled into his cup and knocked back another glass in one go, he needed something stronger than champagne to deal with this, vodka would have been good right about now.

"Daddy! Don't just stand there! Let's go meet him." Merlin was insisted as he looked back and forth between Arthur and Gwaine.

Arthur looked alarmed and shot Merlin a stern look grabbing his arms so that his tyke wouldn't be tempted to run away from him.

"Let's not Merlin, we…see we have to go find Aunt Morgana!" Arthur improvised but Merlin looked mutinous just like when he threw a tantrum before the record store and Arthur hardened his stance and tightened his hold as Merlin tried to wiggle free.

"Let's find Aunt Morgana after we've met him!"

"NO!" Arthur stated rigid, allowing no leeway in his tone and yet Merlin was flippant as always, never knowing when to not push Arthur.

Just then Leon came around and hissed quietly in his ear, "Arthur your causing a scene" Leon looked down at Merlin and gave him a quick smile before he continued whispering, "go see him if it's what Merlin wants, you're making it all look more suspicious than anything and loose that dear caught in headlights look! You'll give yourself away if you don't"

Right, right, Leon was right, he was a Prince, he was Arthur Pendragon and he was going to deal with this with calm and grace, no matter that his heart was pounding like a drum inside his chest and his mind was clouded with fear. Gwaine could never suspect, he wouldn't know and Arthur would make sure of that. Bringing Merlin to Gwaine himself would alleviate suspicion if nothing else, so Arthur looked down at Merlin who by this point had almost got his hand free of Arthur's.

"Alright Merlin, fine…"

Arthur took Merlin's hand gently this time, Gwaine was sitting with some of the most important Lords and Ladies of England and by the sights of it he was charming the pants off of those stiff snobs when Arthur approached them.

Before he could say anything and startle Gwaine into acknowledging him Merlin went forward like always clumsy in his excitement and slipped on the smooth tiled floor.

Arthur saw it all happen like in a dream Merlin falling face forward and Arthur too far away to do anything to stop it except shout "MERLIN!"

Gwaine turned around then and took notice instantly putting his arms out to prevent Merlin's fall.

"Wow there lad, are you alright?" asked Gwaine just as Arthur came around looking relieved and pissed in equal turns.

Merlin who was embarrassed that he'd almost fallen on his current idol faltered at being talked to and gave a nod before drifting back to Arthur to clutch at his legs and hide behind them. Well so much for him hoping Merlin would do all the talking for him.

Gwaine looked up to meet Arthur's eyes and so many emotions seemed to flit across his face before he walled them off and looked apathetic. Likewise, his voice was cool when he said "Arthur, long time no see."

"Not long enough I'm afraid" returned Arthur just as frosty.

Merlin seemed to have found his confidence from somewhere at this point and he interjected completely oblivious to the tension between them, "Dad, you didn't tell me you knew him!"

Arthur broke his glaring contest with Gwaine to look down at Merlin.

Gwaine smirked from where he was perched casually like a Pagan God, "Oh I know your father very well Prince Merlin." Gwaine's voice dropped a few octaves and Arthur felt his cheeks flush despite himself.

"Ohh, you know my name too Mister O'Rourke" said Merlin apparent thrill showing in his childish cherubic face.

"Call me Gwaine, Mister O'Rourke makes me sound so old!" Gwaine winked at Merlin who laughed delightedly at Gwaine's stupid smile and stupid hair and stupid self and Arthur had had enough.

"Right, come along now Merlin" Arthur besieged hoping for once Merlin would co-operate and not make him endure this any longer. The guests who were seated at Gwaine's table cast suspicious glances between Arthur and Gwaine, there was open hostility in both their body languages and speculations would run amuck come morning if Arthur stayed here long.

Alas, his wish was not to be granted as Merlin opened his big mouth and said "I love your songs! I and dad saw your whole concert on the telly and I even have your new CD at home!"

Gwaine looked up genuine surprise coloring his features as he turned incredulous eyes on Arthur who scowled and folded his hands in front of his chest, Merlin was being a proper fanboy and Arthur was sick of standing in the middle of Gwen and Lance's wedding reception feeling out of place and unwanted now as it seemed.

"Oh yeah? I'm honored, it's not everyday that a man gets to say the Prince of England likes their songs." Gwaine patted his chest and bowed and Merlin laughed again making Arthur grit his teeth in annoyance.

"My favorite is Hot for me!"

"MERLIN!" Arthur hissed outraged while Gwaine lauged a full bellied laugh. The other guests around the table seemed amused as well and Merlin turned to look at him in a 'what's the matter with you?' sort of look that made Arthur want to slap his head in shame.

Gwaine suddenly stopped laughing and looked at Merlin, his eyes shining with mirth as he said "Well you get brownie points for being the least stuck up royal I have ever had the pleasure to meet." It was said with a pointed look at Arthur and Arthur rolled his eyes skyward.

Here he was worrying about whether Gwaine might suss out his greatest secret and instead he was getting shamed by a tag team where his son was one of the participants. And yet Arthur preferred this to the other alternative.

Gwaine looked around and when he found all the seats occupied he spread his legs to make room for Merlin and pulled him closer to sit with him in his chair.

It could be said that Arthur's face was red with anger both with the fact that Gwaine had the audacity to pull his son to himself like he had some right to, not to mention said son was the heir to the throne of England and as such no one except perhaps Arthur was allowed to pull him anywhere, and with the fact that Merlin went so willingly while Arthur was standing right next to him.

It was understandable really that he protested vehemently, "Merlin! We can't dawdle here for long, we have to go home."

Merlin looked up from where he was seated right against Gwaine and quipped "But no one is leaving yet!"

"Smart lad!" Gwaine cheered and Merlin beamed.

"William is probably wondering where you are now and I have to find Morgana!"

Gwaine inclined his head to the right, and said "No need, she's heading our way anyway"

Arthur turned to see that Morgana was heading their way, her eyes met his in a questioning glance and Arthur averted his eyes.

Morgana came up to him and stood close to Arthur, "Gwaine, finally decided to show your head here I see."

Gwaine smiled although it didn't reach his eyes and said "Wouldn't miss this for the world."

Morgana huffed and looked down at Merlin then, "Merlin! What are you doing there? Get up, you're making Gwaine uncomfortable."

Merlin hastily tried to get down, sometimes Morgana's words were like a sacred vow to Merlin, and she had more authority over him than Arthur could ever manage.

Gwaine however put his arms lightly around Merlin and said "Not at all Morgana, you can stay right where you are for as long as you want Merlin."

Merlin looked between Morgana and Gwaine, Morgana was still looking expectant and Gwaine was having his arms lightly looped around him.

Merlin said "It's okay, I probably have to go home now." He got down and Arthur saw Gwaine look forlorn for just a moment before Gwaine schooled his expression and shot Merlin a smile when he turned to look at him.

"It was great meeting you Gwaine!"

"Pleasure's all mine lad" said Gwaine with yet another charming wink and then Merlin was back at Arthur's side fingers curling with his and Arthur lifted him up and into his arms, he didn't care if it was a trivial way of one upping Gwaine.

"See you" Arthur said with false cheer and Merlin waved tucking his head into Arthur's neck.

Gwaine waved back before all three of them went away leaving him feeling a keen sense of loss. Especially Merlin, there was something about the lad that it felt so right to hold him close to himself.

Gwaine had expected to come across Arthur and his son at the wedding but he'd never thought that seeing them would only make him want something that he no longer wanted to want for.

When he'd seen Arthur after all these years, it was a shock to his system and all he'd wanted to do instinctually was to shout and rage at Arthur and kiss him silly at the same time.

He'd thought his feelings would have cooled after six years of being apart from Arthur but they just returned manifold and like an avalanche making Gwaine drown in them.

Arthur looked even better than he did when they were together, he'd put on some weight and it looked good on him, not that he ever looked anything other than gorgeous but today of all days he looked so fetching in his grey suit, Gwaine had a thing for men who wore their suits well and Arthur just had the perfect body for it. It didn't help that Gwaine knew touching Arthur right under his nipples would make him moan out in ecstasy or that Arthur liked it when Gwaine pulled his hair when Gwaine fucked him.

He could tell though that he wasn't the only one who was affected, Arthur had played right into his games and seemed agitated enough when Gwaine goaded him. And then there was that becoming flush when Gwaine had hinted at just how he knew Arthur to his son.

And then there was Merlin, Gwaine honestly didn't know why he'd felt such a strong affection for Arthur's boy. Sure he had a little affection for the Prince just like many others in the country did, what with having stalked him and Arthur for years but still this surpassed anything he'd ever felt for any kid, even his own niece.

Talking to Merlin made him genuinely happy like he hadn't been in a long time and Gwaine couldn't understand why he felt that way for a kid he must by all rights hate the sight of.

Gwen clinked the glasses and Gwaine heard the room quiet down when Morgana shouted "Shut up all of you!"

"Alright so, I'm just here to say that a very special person turned up today for our wedding and I can't be happier to have him here with us today!"

Lance took it from there saying "Most of you already know him because his name precedes him here in Britain and everywhere else, and he's one of my best friends."

Gwaine had a feeling they were talking about him and looked slightly uncomfortable with all the eyes staring at him now when Gwen said "We'd be honored Gwaine if you could sing for us tonight."

Gwaine looked completely caught off guard; Arthur was observing him from his table sitting with Morgana. Merlin was in his lap, dozing quite peacefully.

Everyone seemed to be exited at the prospect of one of the world's most talented and favorite Irish rogue pop star performing for them and Gwaine took it in stride standing up with a blinding smile.

Gwaine went to the stage that where a band had already been singing for most of the evening and seemed to talk with them for a while before he stood before the mic.

"Uhhh, alright, earlier Gwen said that she was really happy that I'm here tonight and I have to say that I'm one of the luckiest man alive to have such good friends, I've known Lance and Gwen for a very long time now and I know there's no other couple who are quite so made for each other as you both are. You disgusted us all with your sopping romance when we were in school but after all these years standing here now I can see that people like you give the rest of us some hope for that eternal happily ever after we all long for deep down inside. So here's a song for you both…."

"A lot of you have probably heard it, it's one of the cheesiest things I've ever written and today it seems fitting to sing this here, it's called 'We are destined'" the crowd erupted into cheers as it was one of Gwaine's more popular ballad songs and even Morgana who usually frowned at such songs liked it.

'Yesterday we were strangers,

Passing each other without a single glance,

And then something changed,

Something made me look into your eyes….

And there I fell

Harder than ever

The ground came rushing so fast

The stars burned even brighter

And now I can only say

This feeling inside

Gives me sleepless nights

And I can't help

But think

We are destined to be

We are destined to be

We are destined, ooh…ooohh

The whole room was silent in reverence of Gwaine's voice, his rich baritone filling the entire room with a resonance that made him sound as though he were singing in an opera house.

Even Arthur with his very many reasons to hate Gwaine couldn't help but admire the man for his talent and his voice. It was said that Gwaine was one of the best vocalist of these days and he sang to justify the reputation he'd got.

'Sometimes my mind

Rebels it's too fast to fall

Sometimes my heart

Says it will end in tears

So be careful of what you wish for,

But I can't seem to stop

My soul lies in your arms now

You're free to do as you want to

But then you hold me tight

And say

Baby, I think we are destined to be…

We are destined

Looking into your blue eyes

I feel like I can hang the moon for real

I can't seem to stop my fall

I don't even want to try to be

Away from you

For even a single moment of the day

My heart beats for you now

Because I know

This feeling inside

Hurts me so good so right

Tells me we are destined to be….

We are destined to be….

The hall erupted in cheers and claps as Gwaine took a bow, smiled for his audience and Arthur couldn't help but feel like it was high school all over again.

Merlin who was wide awake now was clapping enthusiastically with the rest of the guests and Arthur frowned when Merlin turned to him and chirped "HE IS THE BEST!"

Sadly it was quite true, so Arthur kept quiet and told himself to stop having these unnecessary feelings for Gwaine. It would only end in chaos.

After today he was probably never going to see Gwaine and that would be for the good.


Excuse my poor song writing skills, I'm not as adept at writing them as I am at writing stories, hope you guys enjoyed this story.

Please please please review? PLEASE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP?

Anyways, hope you guys had an enjoyable and long read, I am starting to work on the next chapter now.