A/N: Thank you again for the feedback!
Merlin tore another grape from the bunch and popped it into his mouth, biting down and letting the sweet wetness explode in his mouth. He stood at the window, looking down into the courtyard below where Cenred was greeting Morgause, the rest of his company behind him.
His conversation with Arthur the previous day had left him shaken. He'd grown close, dangerously close to giving things away and that was one thing he couldn't do. So much of his past he'd kept hidden, from the people around him, from Morgause, even from himself. The past was ... the past. This was the life he led now, and there was no going back.
The splashing of water behind him drew his attention and he turned to see Arthur washing his hair in the basin a maid had brought up. He'd taken off his shirt and the bare expanse of skin left Merlin momentarily breathless with awe. Muscles rippled under his skin, tensing and relaxing in a pattern as he raised the water to his hair and then let his arms drop again. Merlin was captivated.
The door opened and Arthur paused in his washing, his eyes narrowing as Morgana entered.
"Cenred's here," she said, directing her words to Merlin after an almost frightened glance in Arthur's direction. "We're gathering in the throne room."
"We'll be there shortly," Merlin replied with a smile. Morgana's tense expression relaxed almost marginally and she smiled at Merlin before she left. Merlin was glad he could still comfort her, like he had before. They'd been through a lot together.
Arthur had drawn on a clean shirt by the time Merlin looked back and he stood somewhat awkwardly, as if waiting for Merlin's command.
"Let's go then," Merlin said airily.
"I can't," Arthur said, jerking the chain round his ankle irritably.
Holding back a smile at how much of a spoiled child, not getting his way Arthur looked in that moment, Merlin clapped his hands, eyes glowing gold at the same time.
The cuff round his ankle sprang to Arthur's left wrist and the other end, which had been bound to the bed, jumped to his right. With trepidation, Arthur tested the chain only to give a sigh when it did not give.
"I've taken off the burning enchantment," Merlin said, gracing Arthur with another smile. "But we don't want Cenred thinking we're letting you be too comfortable." he added, as Arthur yanked on the chain again.
Arthur gave him a tight, sarcastic smile in response and Merlin let a small laugh escape him. He just looked so gorgeous when he was defiant.
"Right," he said, pulling himself from a train of thought it would be better not to go down. "Let's go."
The throne room was quiet as Arthur and Emrys entered, Emrys a step in front and Arthur behind, determinedly not looking at anyone in particular. He realised he must look somewhat too defiant and so lowered his gaze to the floor, a picture of humility. A servant in his master's steps.
Every part of him screamed that this wasn't right, that these people had destroyed his kingdom, taken his father's throne. They were sorcerers, murderers ...
He calmed his breathing. Play the game, Arthur.
The throne stood empty, Morgause on one side and Morgana on the other. Gwen stood near to Morgana, her gaze fearful and worried but when her and Arthur's eyes met, she gave him a small nod. Arthur dropped his gaze again.
Gaius stood away the left of the throne and Arthur could see him avoiding his gaze. A guard stood at his side and Arthur's gut twisted, thinking with dread what they might have been doing to the old man. Still, Gaius looked well enough. Perhaps he too was playing the game.
Then there was Cenred, stood down from the throne, idly slouched and inspecting his nails. His men stood around him and Arthur felt more than one pair of greedy eyes settle on him. He resisted the urge to shiver.
As Emrys came to Cenred's side, he stopped and extended a hand. Cenred took it, but his gaze wasn't on Emrys, it had already moved to Arthur.
"Such a pleasure, to come to this city and pay respects, my lord," Cenred said, his voice slick and oily.
Arthur kept his gaze firmly on the floor. Don't rise, don't rise.
"A pleasure to have you," Emrys responded, his voice smooth and even.
"I was glad to hear of your conquest, sire," Cenred said, a smirk flickering across his face. "Too long the Pendragons have taken what they want from this land. Too long have they reigned."
Don't listen to him, Arthur.
"Yes, I'm glad we are of the same mind on that." Arthur could feel both Cenred and Emrys' gaze on him now. In fact, he'd guess pretty much the whole hall was looking at him, waiting for him to lash out.
"I see you've taken an interest in the Prince," Cenred said, stepping away from Emrys and toward Arthur. "And I must say, it's impressive what you've done with him, the Arthur I know would never be so ... compliant."
Arthur raised his gaze marginally, enough to throw Cenred a glare which passed over exactly what he thought. Cenred smirked.
"I am skilled in many things my lord Cenred," Merlin said, a smile on his face. "Bending the will of an arrogant Prince is no great feat."
"What say you Arthur?" Morgause's voice rang out. "Would you say you are broken yet? Ready to kneel?" Her voice was mocking and Arthur heard others laugh.
He raised his head, his expression impassive. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Gaius shaking his head. A warning. Play the game.
"I'll kneel to a true king," Arthur replied guardedly.
There was a brief silence, then Emrys snorted.
"I don't know which is more insulting. That he doesn't see me as a true king or that he does see Uther as one."
"My father-" Arthur began, rising to the jibe as Emrys had clearly known he would. Cenred, however, cut him off.
"He needs to be defeated," Cenred said confidently.
"It may have passed your notice, but he already has been," Emrys responded tightly, gesturing to Arthur's chains.
"By magic, yes. But to truly break him, truly break his pride, he needs to be defeated by a man."
Emrys' gaze fell on Arthur, considering.
"Let it happen," Morgause said, stepping down from next to the throne. "You'll fight him, won't you Cenred?"
Cenred's jaw tightened, but then he simply unstrapped his gauntlet from his wrist and threw it down at Arthur's feet.
"To the death," he growled.
Emrys scowled disapprovingly but Arthur had already stooped and picked up the gauntlet.
"It'll be a pleasure," he responded in a growl. In all truth, he was looking forward to it. He could wield a sword, it was what he had been trained to do all his life. And, as Cenred had said, he was just a man, he didn't have magic. He could be defeated.
