AN: So sorry for the delay! I was on a mission trip for two weeks so I was nowhere near a computer! I hand wrote this on the car rides and it took FOREVER to type up, so I hope you like it! Reviews are much appreciated!
Arthur took a deep breath and faced the doors in front of him. He stood tall, red cape clasped around his shoulders, crowned head held high. Music blared and the large oak doors swung open, revealing a throne room packed with people.
He walked down the aisle in confident strides, doing his best to mask his trembling. He reached the front of the room and turned to face the crowd.
His eyes traveled the sea of faces. The countless Lord, Ladies, and Knights stared back at him. At the front of the crowd his eyse fell on three figures.
Merlin stood humbly, wearing his usual red shirt and blue neckerchief. His expression was still. When his eyes locked with Arthur's, his face split into a reassuring grin.
Arthur's heart gave a slight twinge. The agreement with Arabella was a better deal than he ever dared to hope for, but he still wished more than anything that it was Merlin he was marrying. Was this really the best course of action?
On Merlin's right stood Giaus, the court physician. He had been the only person with whom Merlin and Arthur had trusted with their secret, and he had kept it well. Now he smiled softly at the prince.
On Merlin's other side was a tall, brown haired boy in a simple brown shirt that Arabella had introduced as William, the stable boy that had won the princess' heart. He was a handsome young man, Arthur supposed. He was strong looking with a soft jawline and gentle brown eyes. When he had been introduced to Arthur the previous day, he had gripped his hand and smiled so that his eyes crinkled around the edges. Now he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, shifting his weight nervously from foot to foot.
The music changed tempo and the room's occupants turned to see the bride walking down the aisle.
Arthur had to admit, Arabella looked beautiful. Her long white gown was woven with silver and gold strands. Diamonds glittered from her wrists and neck so that she seemed to sparkle in the sunlight streaming in from the windows. Underneath a thin veil her light brown hair was done up in an elaborate bun.
The crowd ooh'd and aah'd when they saw her. William seemed unable to breathe as he took in her divine form, his eyes full of both wistful admiration and pain. Arthur felt a pang of sympathy for the boy, knowing how hard it must be to see his beloved marrying another man, even though he knew that her heart truly belonged to him.
Arthur's eyes flickered to Merlin, who had one eyebrow quirked high.
As Princess Arabella approached the altar, her eyes moved from Arthur to her father, standing at the front of the room beside Uther, wearing identical proud smiles. Vladimir gave his daughter a small nod of approval as she passed.
She reached the front of the room and turned to face the prince. As he lifted her veil he did his best to fill his eyes with as much affection as he could. Arabella did the same, both doing their best to make their love convincing. The pair joined hands and the ceremony began.
"Dearly beloved," said the vicar, "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the two young royals, prince Arthur Pendragon, son of King Uther, and princess Arabella Theroulde, daughter of King Vladimir. In this sacred bond they are tied together forever with love, trust, and faith. Their unity not only brings the two together, but also their kingdoms. This marriage signifies a new beginning of peace and alliance. Their love is an inspiration to us all, and may the people follow it in all our endeavors..."
Arthur tuned out his words, choosing instead to let his gaze wander over to where Merlin stood, wearing a pained smile. When Arthur had explained to him his plan, he had protested, insisting that it would never work. They argued, Merlin not wanting his prince to marry someone else and worried that they might get caught. Arthur reminded him that if he had his way he would marry Merlin in a heartbeat, but it was out of his hands, so this was the closest they could get to being together. He tried to convince his servant that it was a good deal. The two wouldn't have to sneak around as much if they didn't have to hide from Arthur's wife. Merlin had internalized his reservations, knowing Arthur was right.
Merlin returned Arthur's small half-smile and the prince moved his eyes back to those of his bride's. The genealogist droned on about love and unity and nobility, and Arthur suppressed a yawn.
"Arthur Pendragon, is it your wish to take Arabella Theroulde as your wife, now and for eternity?"
Arthur swallowed, his eyes flickering to Merlin's for a fraction of a second before saying as steadily as he could, "It is."
"And Arabella Theroulde, is it your wish to take Arthur Pendragon as your husband, now until your death?"
"It is." There was a short silence after Arabella spoke, her voice echoing around the throne room.
"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife."
Arthur hesitated. He knew kissing was part of the deal, but he hadn't liked to think about it. Kissing wasn't such a bad thing, but he recoiled at the thought of embracing somebody who wasn't Merlin. His breath hitched and he froze, staring wide eyed at his new wife.
Arabella seemed to understand what was going through his mind. She tutted and leaned in, pressing their lips together in a short, chaste kiss. Arthur felt his neck and ears turn red.
She pulled away and trumpets began to blast music. Cheers erupted from the people and the pair linked arms to walk back down the aisle. Arthur and Arabella both looked at their true loves, applauding with all the rest, sporting the smallest of smiles. The prince and princess walked down the hall and from the room, followed by the spectators, and they made their way to the dining hall to have their celebratory wedding feast.
Arthur and Arabella exchanged glances as behind them they heard the joyful voices of the people.
"Long live Arthur and Arabella Pendragon! The prince and princess of Camelot!"
At the feast, Arthur and Arabella sat side by side at the head of the table, looking on at the spectacle. Night had fallen, and the room was bathed in the yellow glow of a thousand flickering candles. The tables were laden with food- plates piled high with vegetables, bread, and meat roasted in garlic, simmering in hot broth and herbs. Silver goblets were filled with the finest wine Camelot could offer. Lords and ladies surrounded the table chatting and filling the room with happy laughter.
Servants lined the walls, rushing forward to fill goblets then stepping back to blend into the shadows. Merlin stood among them He caught Arthur's eye and grinned. Despite his reservations about the plan, he had to admit that it was a good party.
At the head of the table, Uther stood from where he say on the other side of his son. The noise died instantly.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, voice resonating around the room. "Now is the time to say a few words to express my joy on this happy occasion.
"My son has always been a compassionate boy, caring more for his people than for himself. One day I fear his compassion will be the death of him." A laugh from the crowd. "He has always valued loyalty nobility, bravery, and kindness. When Arthur loves, he loves with such an immeasurable passion, and only the most worthy people are given his heart.
"Tonight we are here to celebrate the woman to whom Arthur has given his heart: The lovely princess Arabella." He smiled down at her as he said her name, and she bowed her head humbly. "Words cannot express my pride that my son has chosen such a divine woman as his bride." His smile shifted to Arthur, who returned the smile and reached over to grip Arabella's hand. Uther continued:
"Their unity not only brings together their hearts, but unites their kingdoms. A new alliance has been formed, a bond that shall never be severed. Their wedding marks the beginning of an age of prosperity, between our kingdoms, as I'm sure m dear friend King Vladimir will agree."
Vladimir nodded, grinning and grasping the other forearm of his daughter. "And so I would like to propose a toast, to love everlasting."
He raised his goblet, and the rest followed suit, raising their wine above their heads.
"To love!" They cried. "And to the Prince and Princess!"
The pair smiled as the voices echoed around the hall. Uther resumed his seat, finished with his speech. As the talk continued around them, he turned to Arthur and spoke so that only he could hear him: "I'm proud of you, son."
Arthur stopped short. He knew that his father was proud of him, but it was rare that he would voice those feelings aloud. For a moment he was at a loss for words, then he regained his composure and said,
"Thank you, father."
He turned away, guilt creeping at his stomach.
This marriage with Arabella made his father so happy, but it was all a lie. His fierce pride in his son was misguided, completely taken in by Arthur and Arabella's deceit. Part of him was glad that he and the princess were putting on such a convincing show, the other was guilty about the illusion.
He looked back to the wall to see Merlin slip quietly from the room to prepare his and Arabella's "wedding chambers." he gave an inward shudder and reminded himself why he was going through with all of this: For Merlin, his true love.
Merlin entered the wedding chambers and closed the door behind him. The room was filled with the scent of a hundred flowers, bursting from vases, blooming from windows, and winding up the posts of the enormous bridal bed.
He directed his attention to the person sitting at the table and pulled up a chair to join him.
"The feast's almost over, so they'll be up soon," He said to William.
"I'll just be glad when this whole ordeal is over," The stable boy replied.
"Who knows when that will be, seeing as this is a lifelong marriage," Merlin pointed out.
"I know. I don't like it," William sighed.
"Neither do I," Merlin agreed. "We have to watch Arthur and Arabella pretend to love each other instead of us, and if the kings find out they'll have us killed on the spot."
"Less sneaking around though," William said wearily. "Bella did look beautiful tonight." He added, somewhat dreamily.
Merlin nodded. All night he hadn't been able to stop thinking of the plan to deceive the kingdom, and of when Arthur had told him of it.
He and the princess had rode back from the woods looking happier than ever, and for a terrifying moment Merlin thought his prince had actually fallen in love with her. He fled to his chambers, heart threatening to crumble. Then Arthur had burst in with a wild look in his eye, and before Merlin could say a word, he was taken into the most passionate kiss his prince had ever given him.
Leaning their foreheads together, Arthur had breathlessly told him that he had found a way for them to be together while still uniting the two kingdoms as his father wished.
Merlin was brought back to the present as the doors to the wedding chambers opened and Arthur and Arabella entered, arms slung around each other, waving away a gaggle of well wishers. The moment the doors obscured them from view, their arms dropped to their sides and they moved away from each other.
"Bella!" William greeted, and ran to embrace her.
"That," Said Arthur, flopping into a chair, "Was one long party."
"Fun though," Said Merlin, pouring a goblet of water and handing it to him.
"What are you talking about, it was just the same as ever other party we have, only this time I had to pretend to be in love."
"But you are in love, aren't you?" Said Arabella as she and William broke apart and took their seats at the small table. "Just not with me?"
"Yes, and that is exactly what made it so long. I honestly don't know if I'll be able to keep this up."
"Only until you're king, then you can reveal the big secret," Said Merlin, passing more goblets to the others. "Right?"
"Let's hope so," Arthur murmured. "I don't think I'd be able to take this forever."
"You will be able to, right?" said William doubtfully.
"Well," started the prince, "The penalty for adultery in the royal family has always been death, and traditions like that are hard to break..."
"But nobody's cheating," Said William. "We all know exactly what's going on here, nobody will have to die. You can have Merlin and I can be with Bella, no more sneaking around."
"But the people will be pushing for punishment. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't take kindly to being deceived like this. There's no easy way out."
"Maybe we shouldn't have done this," Merlin said nervously.
"Stop it," Said Arabella. "It's too late now, and this is a better deal than you could have hoped for. Our kingdoms are allied, our fathers are happy, and we don't have to endure being apart from the one we really love. All it takes is a little lie and a convincing show for the public, I'd say that's pretty good."
"But what if we get caught?" Said Merlin. "If either of us gets found out, William or I will be killed and Arthur and you will be disgraced forever!"
"Oh Merlin, there's an easy solution to that," Said Arthur. "We simply don't get caught."
The couples stayed to talk for only enough time to drain their goblets. Then the servants bid the others goodnight and went to their quarters. Arthur, being he gentleman, retired to the room's servant's chambers that had been made up to fit a prince, leaving Arabella to sleep in the wedding bed alone.
The next morning the prince and princess emerged from the castle as a newly wed couple. After waving away the adoring public, they mounted their horses and rode into the woods, the prince's manservant and the princess' stable boy riding a respectful distance behind.
Once they were well away from the city, they came to a fork in the road. The four stopped, the royals in front, the servants behind.
"Well, I had my servant pack a picnic, that I would quite like to enjoy down by that lake." Arabella twisted to wink at William.
"We meet here at noon," Said Arthur. Arabella nodded and and kicked her horse, and she and William rode down the left fork side by side.
"That means we go right, Merlin, come on." Arthur and Merlin took off in the other direction. They rode until they came to a clearing on the top of a hill overlooking the country.
It was a clearing they had visited many times before, it being one of the few places far enough from prying eyes to be together peacefully. It was wide and grassy, surrounded in a ring of lush trees. The sea of tall green blades was interrupted by splashes of brilliant blues, purples, and yellows shining in the brilliant golden sunlight.
"Alone at last!" Arthur proclaimed, jumping off of his horse. As soon as Merlin clumsily dismounted his, he was pulled into a kiss.
Arthur's arms snaked around his waist, and Merlin's hands reached up to tangle in his golden hair. They stood like that, holding each other, before Merlin grinned against his lips and they broke apart, breathing each other in.
They sat in the grass, arms still around each other, and they brought their lips together again, mouths gently working together.
They pulled apart and lay down in the soft grass, Merlin's head resting on his lover's chest. He allowed his eyes to flutter closed and inhaled Arthur's scent deeply. The prince gave a contented sigh.
"I told you this would be great," he said. "My father is happy, my people are happy, and we get the whole morning to ourselves. Life is good, isn't it?" Merlin hummed in response. "I never thought something like this would happen," Arthur continued. "I almost can't believe my luck. It's almost too good to be true." Merlin was silent, and Arthur frowned. "Don't you agree?"
When his servant still said nothing, he asked again, "Don't you?"
"Well," Said Merlin after a beat, "It's not as though too much has really changed."
"What do you mean?"
"You're still a prat, for starters."
"Merlin," Said Arthur, shifting to sit up. "What's wrong? I thought you would be happy with this."
Merlin stared at him, chewing on his lip nervously. Arthur watched him with concern.
"We still have to sneak around," He said finally. "Only now if we get caught, not only will we get in trouble for being in a relationship, it's adultery."
"It isn't adultery, though," Arthur replied. "Any other wife would get angry were we to get caught, but Arabella is off having her own affair. This whole thing was her idea in the first place."
"But the people don't know that!" Merlin exclaimed. "Uther doesn't know that, Vladimir doesn't know that! I'd be killed for adultery! If you try and explain the plan you'll probably be disowned, or he'll think you've been enchanted!" Of course, Merlin was a sorcerer, but Arthur didn't need to know that, not now. One day Merlin would tell him.
"Merlin, stop worrying!" Arthur said. Looking at the others wide, terrified eyes, he could tell just how much this was troubling him. He reached out to gently caress Merlin's cheek with the back of his finger.
"I won't let that happen," He said softly. "If you were ever sentenced to death for any reason, I would get you out. Even if that means risking my life or title, I would save you, that's a promise."
Blue stared into blue, and Merlin knew that he was telling the truth. "I would do the same for you."
Arthur leaned in and lightly brushed Merlin's lips with his own.
"I know you would."
Merlin cast his eyes down, not verbalizing just how many times he had done so. Arthur pulled back.
"So is everything alright?" Merlin nodded. "Good." Arthur smiled fondly. "See? Everything's fine, idiot."
"Prat."
The prince shook his head and brought their lips together once more.
To be continued!