Disclaimer: I don't own anything
Merlin and the king
It was the evening of the coronation. Arthur was now king and Merlin was the king's personal servant. Well that was a promotion, thought Merlin. Arthur suddenly looked up from what he was doing and said "Merlin"
"You're Majesty'
Arthur gave a concerned look and said, "Come with me"
"Yes, Your Majesty" said Merlin and they both walked down the castle steps towards the garden.
The garden was their special place. It was very beautiful and there were small fountains all around cooling the place. Merlin knew that they would not be disturbed here. They both walked in comfortable silence, both immersed in their own thoughts. After some time the king said "Merlin what's wrong"
"Nothing, Your Majesty" he replied with a small grin.
"Then why are you not calling me by my name, I have given you that permission a long time ago. Suddenly today why are you being so formal with me "asked the king in confusion.
"The crown prince had given me the permission, Your Majesty. I cannot presume the same from the king of Camelot." Merlin replied softly looking down.
The king lifted Merlin's head and looked deep into his eyes and said "In that case, now I the king of Camelot give you the same permission"
"Thank you Arthur" replied Merlin.
"Come let's sit "so saying Arthur drew Merlin near a bench and they both sat down close together enjoying each other's company.
Taking Merlin's hand in his own Arthur asked "Merlin did you ever wonder why I did not knight you"
Merlin looked up into the eyes of the king and said "yes"
"Then why did you not ask me?
"It was not my place to ask "Merlin replied still looking at the king.
"There was a reason for that. Even thought you did a lot more for me than any of the others, yet I did not knight you. The others too were wondering and many spoke of this. But I did not do so because I thought the red would not suit you well." Arthur replied with a grin and then said more soberly " no actually I wanted you to have a better post"
Merlin sat silently, still looking at his king.
"Merlin, would you be my advisor and my court wizard?" Arthur asked as Merlin looked with shock.
"How long have you known?" Merlin whispered.
"Many years ago and don't worry I have trusted you implicitly. I know that you were silent due to the laws and I did not want to threaten your security by telling you that I knew." Arthur replied.
"So are you accepting it or not?" Merlin gave a glad laugh and just put his head on Arthur's shoulder and smiled his thanks. They sat there for some time in silence; Merlin with his head under Arthur's chin and Arthur with his hands stroking Merlin's face and hair.
Suddenly Arthur said "I am thinking of getting married"
"WHAT?" there was a look of intense sadness in Merlin's face
"Married" said Arthur with a laugh and then he got up, go down on one knee and said "Merlin will you marry me?"
"Yes "said Merlin shakily.
"Did you actually think I was going to leave you? That I would marry someone else, after all that we have shared together?" Arthur asked.
Merlin smiled softly and said that he was sorry.
They both left the garden slowly and happily together.