"I beg your forgiveness, your highness, but you need to get up."
Mumbling and growling Arthur turned away not even opening his eyes when George's pleading reached his ear. He felt to sick, too tired to even acknowledge his servant. Unfortunately the annoying git wouldn't leave him alone. A hesitating hand grabbed his shoulder, shaking him lightly.
"My Lord, I'm sorry, but the king has asked for your presence. Immediately."
Forcing his eyelids open Arthur could make out the early morning light shining grey through the windows telling him about the unholy hour. With still too much alcohol in his blood it was almost impossible to swing his legs out of bed. When he tried to put weight on his feet the room started to spin and his vision blurred. Moments later George's hand came out of nowhere to steady the prince, trying to lead him to a chair.
Arthur grabbed the backrest only out of instinct while massaging his right temple.
"What does the king want?" The hoarseness of his own voice sounded alien so he demanded water.
Already holding out a goblet to his master, George gave a submissive bow, making an attempt to get the prince into a blue tunic and brown trousers.
"I'm not sure, my Lord. Your father and some of the circus folk have gathered in the conference hall. It appears that a problem has occurred."
Upon hearing his servants explaining words Arthur emptied the goblet in one gulp, almost crushing it when he put it down. Suddenly feeling much more sober, he pulled on the little clothing he needed and hurried for George to bring his boots.
Jogging through the deserted castle, his manservant trailing behind, the prince went over the possibilities of what could await him in the council room. Between all his guesses, the first and worse one proved itself to be true when he burst through the double doors. He was confronted with the picture of three parties facing each other.
The first one contained his father and the first knight Leon, standing by the throne, looking stoic as ever and not a bit hungover, adding to Arthur's growing irritation. The second was made of the fool and circus leader Dormian as well as two of his artists standing to the prince's right. Given this sight it was really no surprise what could be found at his left, near the king. Merlin.
The siren-boy was being held by two guards, forced to kneel on the stone floor. His hands were unnecessarily bound in shackles while a leather gag was covering his mouth. Unlike everyone else Merlin did his best to make himself invisible. Head hanging low he was staring at the floor. The boy looked almost frustrated, Arthur thought to himself.
Finally catching on to the conversation that impression was no surprise at all seeing that Merlin had no say in the discussion which was being held between Uther and Dormian, since he was just its mere subject.
When the prince arrived, heads turned and all eyes settled on him. His father's features didn't brighten up, if anything they darkened a bit more increasing the amount of wrinkles decorating his forehead.
Uther's lips were set in a firm line telling Arthur how much the king struggled to contain his anger. His eyes merely brushed over Dormian who´s expression showed a mixture of fear, irritation and desperation, to settle on Merlin who slowly looked up to meet his gaze. His left cheek was swollen.
The prince tried to read him but all he was able to see was a miserable boy that seemed to have surrendered to higher powers.
"Father, you called for me. May I ask what´s going on?"
Uther nodded slightly taking a step in Merlin´s direction.
"Yes, I´ve called you so you could help me make a decision. As the prince and future king you need to practice your judgment in a situation like this."
Arthur listened without interrupting the flow of words, a rather unexplainable sensation of relief flooding his veins.
"Yes father, let me thank you for this opportunity. But for a fair judgment I need to know the crime."
"Of course, of course. Through a lack of attention and poor guarding by our group of entertainers from last night," Uther´s hand waved towards Dormian and his folks, making them shrink, "this creature could escape and roam the castle. I´m certain I don´t have to remind you how dangerous it is. Nobody can imagine what it´s capable of. Especially since it has easily got rid of its restrains."
Walking a circle the king threw wrinkled hands in the air gesturing agitated towards the boy.
"If the guards had not caught and disabled it from singing before it started to try and enchant someone, we could all be under its spell by now. Camelot would be at its mercy."
Arthur almost choked, holding back a laugh which had almost left his mouth. Fortunately he changed his mind for the better. Just the thought of this scared little creature, siren or not, conquering Camelot was ridiculous. Still, he managed to keep a straight face.
"You are right father. A carelessness like this which could endanger not just us but the whole of the kingdom is a serious matter." He took his eyes off Merlin to direct his next words at Dormian and his consorts.
"Do you have anything to say to defend yourself?" Lifting an eyebrow he viewed the fool in his most prattish, princely manner.
The man´s shoulders crumbled slowly under the weight of the unfortunate event he was now to take responsibility for. The submissive behavior had ultimately defeated his self-pleased character.
"Please, my lord, I really don´t know how it could escape. We are at constant alert and never take our eyes off it." Dormian began gesturing desperately at Merlin, his gaze switching between him and the prince, pleading.
"It must´ve somehow used its powers on one of the guards when they were feeding it."
If Arthur had needed anymore proof of the boy´s enslavement then this was it. The way the fool talked about him like he was discussing an animal was making him feel disgusted. Shooting another look at Merlin´s pathetic form Arthur knew he would not let him stay in the care of these people.
"It´s interesting, what you claim."
"Claim, my Lord?" Dormian appeared frightened. Good.
"Yes, claim. Because I can very well remember watching you and your folks getting enormously drunk whilst camping in the yard. Nobody was watching your attraction by then. Especially not your guards, who seemed to be more interested in their wine skins."
The prince made it obvious that he didn´t think much of Dormian´s so called security. He could see him wince, the artists hiding behind him. That had been easy.
Hearing this fueled the king´s anger as well. He stepped forward, next to Arthur, pointing his finger in the fool´s direction, warningly.
"Is that true?" Barely keeping his voice in control he granted Dormian three seconds to answer.
Arthur noticed a vein swelling near his father's left temple. Not far from exploding then.
Dormian made an actual approach to talk himself out of his mess but it was of no use. The prince's word weighed more than a clown's babbling and Arthur zoned out while Uther started shouting to watch Merlin.
He kept his face expressionless, not wanting to give anything away about their personal encounter. Stupid thing. He'd told him not to get caught. And his father's mood indicated that he's not far from chopping a few heads off.
Crouching in front of the boy Arthur lifted his chin pensively. Gazing upon the addicting features he thought what a pity it'd be to have them stained, eyes lifeless, the song forever gone.
"What a shame it'd be." The prince murmured touching the leather cloth longingly which hid the pretty mouth.
Merlin's gaze was locked on him, questioningly. Arthur would've given a lot to know the boy's thoughts but it didn't matter anymore. He would learn them soon enough since he was going to be his new master.
Bracing himself for the objection of his father that was certainly to come he got up and stepped between the king and the accused. By holding up one hand the prince brought the attention to himself, the stream of Uther's words dying down slowly.
"My apologies, father. But since you called me here to help you to pass sentence I thought I should speak my mind."
Uther eyed his son curiously. "Go on."
"Thank you. I think the case is clear. We've seen that the responsibility of keeping a powerful creature like this siren is too huge a task to be handled by a bunch of circus fools."
Dormian's pupils became restless. Panicking he switched from Arthur to Uther to Merlin and back but didn't dare to speak out.
"So, what is your suggestion?" The king demanded.
"I think," Arthur said slowly, playing the well behaved prince to draw Uther in. Make him believe his best intentions for the kingdom, "that it won't be necessary to order any severe punishment."
To his left the circus folk let out a huff of relief while his father's expression showed dismay.
"Arthur, but surely you are aware of the possible consequences of their carelessness."
"Yes, father, I'm well aware. That's why I suggest, since the creature cannot be released, we take it off the circus' hands and keep it guarded in the castle. That way it won't endanger our citizens and we would always be able to know its whereabouts."
Ignoring Dormian's gaping mouth he looked expectantly at the king whose brows had furrowed in concentration.
"You want to keep it here? Are you sure this is a good decision?"
"Yes, father. I'm certain."
"But when it works its magic on the guards, on us?"
"We can keep it from talking, just like they did it. I'm sure they'll be delighted to give our blacksmith instructions." Raising his blond brows Arthur turned to the fool whose stiff body gave away just how delighted he would be.
"Of course, Sire. If you wish." He pressed through gritted teeth, unable to stop where this was going. Arthur was satisfied.
Nodding once he drew his attention back to Uther who still seemed skeptical.
"And you don't think it would be safer to just kill it?" He asked.
Upon hearing that Merlin's head snapped up shooting the prince a horrified glance.
"Surely it would be safer but think about the opportunities we would lose."
Suddenly the king appeared more interested.
"Opportunities?"
"Opportunities. Possibilities." Arthur stepped next to Merlin yanking his head up by the hair ignoring the muffled sounds behind the gag.
"We would be the court to possess such a creature. We would present it in front of visitors at feasts. It would be impressive."
Bending down on one knee Arthur looked the boy over once again an anticipating smile ghosting over his lips.
"Let me train it father. I'll make it my servant and get it to obey royal command. In our hands it could become much more than a ridiculous attraction."
When he saw Merlin's eyes growing wide with betrayal and rage he wanted nothing more than to signal to him that those words where lies to cover his true intentions. But he could feel Uther's calculating gaze on him so he had to be convincing. It took the king another minute to respond to his son's idea.
Arthur already feared he'd been discovered when Uther clapped his hands and said: "Very well, your suggestion starts to appeal to me. We should give it a try."
The final sound of the decision made Arthur close his lids in relief. Loosening his hold on Merlin's locks he stood up and bowed his head in gratefulness.
Now that the matter around the creature was settled the king could pass his sentence regarding the circus folks.
"Fool," he addressed Dormian.
"Your Majesty."
"I'm not pleased." The men shivered. "You should be thankful towards the prince for convincing me that you had no bad intentions. And since there was no harm done I'll let you off easy."
Uther walked in front of the throne not taking his eyes off Dormian.
"The siren will be taken from you to be held in the castle and trained by the prince, thus it won't be a threat to the people of Camelot. As for you and your folks, fool: You will leave as soon as I dismiss you and you will never be allowed back into the walls of this town. Do you understand?"
Dormian and the two artists at his sides grew even paler, letting their frowning faces fall to the ground.
"Yes, your Highness. Thank you for your generosity and sympathy." Uther just wiggled his hand dismissingly at the false words, not granting them any more attention.
"Now get out of my sight!"
Guards approached to lead them out of the room. The fool threw a lost look at Merlin - his precious possession lost for good – drawing the moment out as long as possible. Then his arm was grabbed and he had to be forced through the doors.
Hopefully never to be seen again, Arthur thought after the heavy wood had closed behind them. Bringing his attention back to his boy in chains he noticed him still looking at the place where his former master had disappeared mere seconds ago.
There was no relief in his features neither less fear or concern which was hardly surprising. Being transferred from one master to another was certainly not the kind of freedom he'd imagined. But the prince could pay his hateful glares no mind.
Uther was watching, Sir Leon at his side. He positioned himself in front of Merlin giving their new resident an indefinable glance. The resentment he expressed now against the creature felt as strong as his fascination for it from the former evening.
"I hope you know the responsibility you've taken upon your shoulders, Arthur." He said, redirecting his eyes to his son's. It was not hard for the prince to notice the disapproval in his voice, still, for now the decision was made. He just had to make sure it wouldn't be changed.
"Yes father. I' am aware of the responsibilities and additional duties. I promise, I won't disappoint you."
Uther raised an eyebrow, doubtfully, then taking a step towards the doors to leave for his chambers. "You had better not."
