Chapter 2
Of all the things Merlin expected to do, it was not to follow his love into his father's quarters. He didn't want to. Of course he wanted to protect and love Arthur, and be there for him when he needed him, but he did not want face Uther. He never wanted to face Uther. Uther is like a lion. He's protective of his cubs and his territory, and so when another lion tries to encroach on his 'property'- Merlin had yet to see evidence that Uther thought of Arthur as something more than a puppet to show and eventually marry off- he gets incredibly protective and bites. Usually very hard. There's been beheadings and burnings and hangings involved.
And that was all that went through Merlin's head as they walked through the oak doors and into the King's private quarters.
"Arthur. Good that you're here." Uther said briskly, sitting behind his desk and rolling up his sleeves neatly. He didn't acknowledge Merlin, but Merlin didn't expect him to. If anything, he was glad.
"I also brought Merlin," Arthur said, gesturing to him. Merlin felt like hitting him. Arthur, the ever-chivalrous, was trying to do the right thing, but it could turn out very badly. Better not draw attention to the fact that Merlin and he were very good friends.
"Yes, good," Uther muttered without looking up. Merlin glared at Arthur with a look that said "that's all you're going to get, give up." Arthur nodded slightly and turned back to his father.
"You summoned us father," Arthur prompted after a few seconds of awkward silent. Merlin glanced at Arthur. He was solid and impassive, not showing any signs of emotion. But because of the angle Merlin was at, he could see Arthur clenching and unclenching his hands behind his back. Impassive indeed.
"Yes," Uther responded quickly, looking up at the document he'd been reading. He was often like that around Arthur. Merlin noticed early on that Uther did that only in the presence of someone he did not respect. When he was speaking to learned knights and kings and his advisors, he kept firm eye contact and paid attention to every word. But when he didn't respect someone, such as a prisoner or a commoner, he let his attention wander as he pleased and made it known with gestures and facial expressions that their words and opinions were not important. He was like that to Arthur, much to his chagrin. More than anything, Arthur wanted Uther's approval and respect. He argued against it when questioned and tried to hide, it but Arthur desperately tried to gain his love and respect. He did receive it for moments, such as when he one tournaments or defeated- or took the credit for Merlin defeating- a foe. But it was only a glimpse, and then it was back to reading the morning's report.
"Father," Arthur prompted again, bring both Merlin and Uther from their thoughts.
"King Urien of Rheged is coming to Camelot with his daughter and son to sign a treaty."
"We fought them just a few years ago over the southern border!" Arthur replied incredulously. Merlin had never seen the King Urien but he'd heard all about him and his sudden need to take some of Camelot's land. A lot of good men had died from that. It was so surreal to stand in the King's office, listening to the prince and king discuss that battle so flippantly when people had agonized about it for months back home and some still weren't over it. He understood that they weren't as attached to Camelot's sons as their mother's are, but it was so strange to realize just how much life had changed since that battle.
"Yes, which is why it is extremely important that we put on a good feast and ball and show that we are prepared to make amends. We almost lost that war Arthur, you know that,"
"Yes, but we can't just let them back in, think of how many we lost-"
"We will be saving thousands more by signing this treaty Arthur. The people will not like that we are signing the treaty with their enemy, yes, but they will soon come to realize how vital this is. If we don't do this, we may lose even more. I can't let that happen."
Merlin could only imagine how the town would react when they heard the news that their king was signing the treaty with The Devil from Rheged as he was affectionately called. Somehow, he didn't think that families that were still grieving from their sons' deaths would be able to rationalize it the way Uther was.
"I don't think this is such a great idea Father," Arthur said, still stubborn. "The people won't accept this. Besides, how do you think they'll react in the fields when they see their carriages and knights riding past them? You'll lose a lot of support."
"I have to Arthur!" Uther shouted, standing up from his seat. Both Arthur and Merlin took a step back. Fortunately, Arthur's step was a lot bigger than Merlin's, so they were now side by side. Without thinking, Merlin grabbed Arthur's sleeve. Arthur didn't push him off. "The people have to be protected. With this treaty, we will not only have eliminated a foe but we will have gained an alliance! Under the treaty, they will be bound to help us in any of our fights, as will we to them. This way, no kingdom will wish to fight with us. No one will want to take on the two most powerful kingdoms on this land!"
Arthur stood stalk still, considering. "I suppose,"Arthur said slowly. "You're right father, this is for the best."
"Good," Uther said, calming down and returning to his seat. "Now, I expected for the both of you to get fit for new banquet clothes, and I want you both their when they arrive."
"Of course father," Arthur replied, giving a short bow and then turning to leave. Merlin followed quietly, but then he was called back.
"Oh and Merlin," Uther called nicely. Merlin turned around, ice creeping down his spine. "You will be their prince's servant for the duration of their stay."
Immediately Arthur lunged forward. "Father, he's my-"
"You are always going on about what an efficient servant he is, Arthur," Uther reminded him none to gently. "I need the best for this. He can still be your servant as well, but the prince comes first."
Merlin watched in silence as they debated his life. He knew nothing about the prince of Rheged, but if he was anything like Urien he wasn't sure he wanted to serve him. At least he wasn't serving Urien.
"That is all," Uther said, instantly returning to his papers. Arthur gave a quiet sigh and led them out of the room.
"That man is incredible! How are you supposed to serve the both of us! You can barely serve me! That man is unbelievable!" Arthur stormed away. Merlin sighed and blew some of his hair out of his face. Arthur was a good man, but sometimes he was a little stuck within himself. It didn't occur to Arthur at all that Merlin would be a little offended that Merlin was nothing but a servant who would be too busy to serve the prince during their visit. As much as Arthur cared for him, the servant-prince relationship was far to ingrained in his brain. He sighed once more and then started after his lover. He probably needed his boots polished or something.
But when Merlin turned the corner, he did not find an Arthur pouting down the hallway. He found a very empty corridor. He started down it slowly, wondering where the hell the prince had gotten to this time. And then, for the second time in ten minutes, an arm snaked out from nowhere.
This time they were simply standing in front of a few windows that curved a bit so it wasn't in view until you got very close. Arthur grabbed Merlin roughly and kissed him firmly on the mouth. Merlin didn't respond, staring at Arthur's closed eyes in shock. When Arthur finally opened them, he immediately asked, "Again?"
Arthur chuckled, running his thumb across Merlin's cheek. "I could barely stand being that close to you without touching you. You won't allow me this one little thing.
Merlin grinned. "Well, I suppose I could. If you're good." He couldn't help but smiling as Arthur's lips closed around his once more. For now, it didn't matter that the enemy king was coming for peace and Arthur was treating his lover like a servant and Uther was treating his own son like a commoner. All that mattered was Arthur's lips covering his and his arms wrapped around Merlin, keeping him safe.
