Chapter 10: His Arrival, Their Meeting
Summary
Merlin finally reaches Camelot, Arthur meets Merlin again and Merlin once again meets a new danger.
Notes
Hello my lovelies. I finally have another chapter for you guys. I'm sorry about the wait but uni is such an effort :P but with summer coming up I will hopefully be posting more regularly but no promises guys.
I hope you enjoy this chapter and please feed the dragon!
TinyDragonRoar! =^.^=
She stared into the bowl, watching her prize walk away with that ruffian, moving towards Camelot. She couldn't believe he was this powerful, even when capped. She was going to have to be careful when he entered Camelot, her home.
And Arthur. She was going have to keep an eye on him. She saw the look in his eye when he saw her prize. It was a look of want. Of lust. Of something more? She didn't need the boy stolen from her now. She knew his beauty shone as brightly as his magic and would continue to grow.
This could be used to her advantage. Her prize could draw anyone in with his innocent eyes, light voice and even more desirable body. He could make anyone do anything and he didn't even realise it. Her plans had progressed. Magic wasn't the only advantage to her prize or in herself. She would use him to make them pay. Severely.
Merlin considered Gwaine.
He looked to be a nice man, had a wicked sense of humour and wit so sharp it could cut glass. He was handsome and didn't have that look in his eyes that Merlin saw so often in many men's eyes when they looked at him.
However, he never stopped talking. Not that it was a bad thing. Merlin, when he got going, could talk your head off. Merlin just needed a break. He could feel a stabbing pain behind his eyes and the constant sound of Gwaine wasn't helping.
"And then I jumped across the roof and down to the barn at the back, narrowly escaping his grubby fists. And let me tell you, the reward I got from his daughter was pretty good. The things she could do with her tongue let me tell you. That reminds me of this one time," Gwaine started.
"Gwaine, as much as I love your stories about innkeepers daughters and their amazing tongue skills, my head is killing me and I need a bit of quiet please" Merlin asked, rubbing his head.
"Okay Merlin, Do you want some water?" Gwaine asked, sounding concerned. He realised Merlin did look pale.
Stopping Gwaine swung his pack off his back, pulling out a water skin, looking at Merlin again.
"Yeah, thanks Gwaine," Merlin said, turning to Gwaine, when suddenly a wave of dizziness over took him and he fell towards the floor. At the last minute a pair of strong arms reached out and caught him as he fell into darkness.
The first thing Merlin heard was the sound of fire crackling, slowly opening his eyes Merlin felt the light pierce through his eyes making him squint.
Sitting up slightly Merlin looked around. He could see he was in a camp with his bedroll laid out under him. Glancing around Merlin couldn't see Gwaine.
Then he heard the sound of leaves rustling, snapping his head to the side just in time to see Gwaine walk out from between the tree carrying two rabbits and a trap slung over his shoulder.
"Merlin, you're awake. How do you feel?" Gwaine asked crouching down in front of Merlin dropping the rabbits next to him and raising his hand to Merlin's head. He realised Merlin felt warm and was still slightly pale.
Standing up Gwaine walked over to his pack and passed Merlin his water skin.
"Not too bad," Merlin replied. "What happened?"
"You fainted, Merlin. Have a drink," Gwaine insisted, encouraging Merlin to drink. Gulping down the water, Merlin realised they had moved. He didn't know what happened or why he fainted but he wanted to find out.
"How did I get here? Did you- did you carry me?" Merlin asked cautiously.
Looking sheepish, Gwaine thought back on when Merlin had fell into his arms like a swooning maiden, that beautiful body pressed against him as he carried him to a camp. The way his skin glowed in the dying afternoon sun.
"Yes, Merlin. I carried you. I caught you mid-air heroically and carried you to this camp like a maiden. Lit a manly fire and hunted us down some monstrous beasts for the little woman to cook," Gwaine joked, smirking at Merlins face.
Unable to control it Merlin burst out laughing.
"Gwaine, you're a riot, you know that," Merlin continued to giggle. He was glad he had Gwaine to travel with.
"Well, what you gonna do," Gwaine said shrugging, a smirk playing on his lips. "Now Merlin get cooking," he demanded, continuing to smirk.
"I don't really know how but I could give it a shot," Merlin replied, still giggling. Standing up Merlin started to gather the rabbits, preparing to skin them.
"I was only kidding Merlin. If you don't know how to cook then I can just do it. You're not actually the little woman you know," Gwaine said, going to take the rabbits out of Merlin's hands.
"I can skin rabbits you know," Merlin replied, dodging Gwaine's grabbing hands.
"Well okay then, I'll just leave you to it," Gwaine said, standing up and walking over to his own matt and lying down, closing his eyes.
Merlin continued to shuffle around preparing a stew with the veg and rabbits that he had with him. He wasn't sure if he was doing it right or if it would taste good but he'd do his best.
Within the hour, Merlin and Gwaine were sat around the fire, the last of the light travelling through the trees as they started to eat Merlin's dubious stew.
Taking a first mouthful, Gwaine was surprised by the taste. It wasn't that bad considering Merlin had never cooked before.
"It's not bad, Merlin. For your first try anyway," Gwaine said, gulping down a few more mouthfuls. "It could have been way worse, could still be raw," Gwaine said again, trying to contain his laughter.
"Yeah, but it could be way better. I mean it sort of looks like someone threw up in the pot," Merlin said, frowning at his bowl.
"Nice way to start a meal, Merlin," Gwaine replied, laughing at the thought.
The rest of the meal was done in a comfortable silence. Just the sound chewing and the rustle of the trees.
After the meal, Merlin and Gwaine settled down for the night. Both lying on their backs in their blankets.
"What do you think is going to happen tomorrow," Merlin asked quietly.
"What do you mean, Merlin," Gwaine asked, continuing to stare at the sky.
"Well, I'm going to a new place, with new people and I'm a little scared. I don't know what's going to happen with this new school and my magic can be a little... uncontrollable," Merlin said quietly, opening up to Gwaine, feeling comfortable talking to him. "And Arthur will be there. He confused me," Merlin confessed.
"Merlin, you have absolutely nothing to worry about in Camelot. It's a bit more magic-friendly than many places. Maybe not as much as it used to be, but still you have nothing to worry about," Gwaine answered. "And as for Arthur, you don't have to see him. Camelot is a big place and it would be easy to avoid him if you wanted to. You don't need to have anything to do with that jerk if you don't want to," Gwaine continued.
"Yeah, I know, I'm just frightened," Merlin whispered.
"You have absolutely nothing to be frightened about. You're gonna be perfect," Gwaine replied, with a warm feeling expanding in his chest.
"Thanks Gwaine," Merlin said. "Good night."
"Good night, love," Gwaine answered, smiling.
Gwaine awoke to bright lights shining in his eyes. He gradually woke up the sound of tree rustling and birds' twerping loudly. He opened his eyes slowly, yawning. Sitting up on his elbows, Gwaine looked toward the opposite side of the dead fire. Merlin was still fast asleep, the early morning sun illuminating his porcelain skin. Gwaine was once again hit with how utterly beautiful Merlin actually was, even his large ears gave him an elfin quality, adding to his loveliness.
Standing up Gwaine, walked up to Merlin, bending down to gently shake him awake.
Jolting awake from the shake, Merlin lashed out with his fist, smacking the hand away quite roughly.
Falling backwards, Gwaine was shocked by the aggression in Merlin.
Sitting up Merlin looked over at Gwaine with shocked eyes, still feeling the pull of sleep. "I'm so sorry Gwaine, I didn't realise it was you," Merlin apologised.
"It's okay Merlin. You do have one hell of a right hook though," Gwaine said, rubbing his arm. "Well then let get up and get ready to go," Gwaine said, ready to get started with the day.
Getting up Merlin started to pack away all of his gear, and putting on his shoes and making sure the fire was completely out.
Once they were ready to go Merlin and Gwaine turned to face each other.
"Ready?" Gwaine asked.
"Ready," Merlin confirmed, following Gwaine into the woods and towards Camelot.
Finally exiting the woods, Merlin and Gwaine walked towards the main gate of Camelot city.
"So where do you wanna go first, Merlin? Is there anywhere in particular you need to go?" Gwaine asked, as they entered the bustling city centre.
"First I need to find somewhere to stay tonight until I get settled," Merlin said. "How do you feel about staying together whilst you're in Camelot?" Merlin asked, not wanting to be alone on his first night in Camelot.
"Of course I will, Merlin." Gwaine answered. "I would be honoured to escort such a beauty," Gwaine replied, with a mock bow.
"Why thank you good sir," Merlin joked back, with his own mock bow. Gwaine offered his arm like a proper gentleman and raise his eyebrows at Merlin. Looking Gwaine in the eyes, Merlin giggled, linked his arm with Gwaine's and off they went in search of a place to stay.
Entering one of the hotels within the centre of Camelot, called the rising sum. It was dim and loud inside the atrium which many quite drunk men and women all laughing and joking. Walking up to the main desk, Gwaine tried to get the rough looking gentleman behind the counter.
"Excuse me good sir, I can we get a room with two singles bed please," Gwaine asked, trying to be heard over the noise in the room.
Turning around, this man was a tall man with a large gut, that Gwaine through was probably from too much beer and not enough exercise, and greying bearded with a receding hair line. The man glared at Gwaine for a few seconds then glanced behind Gwaine to see Merlin looking cautiously over Gwaine's shoulder. His expression then changed from anger to lust very quickly.
"I can certainly get you a room sweetheart. In my bed," he said, winking at Merlin. "Now be a good boy and come round here to sit on my lap," continuing to demean Merlin from over the counter.
Merlin feeling a jolt go through him and started to move around Gwaine.
"Merlin, stay behind me okay," he said to Merlin as he saw him start to move. He didn't know why but he felt that he had to keep Merlin save behind him.
Looking uncomfortable Merlin moved to hide behind Gwaine's back again. Melin hated that no matter where he went he always got this kind of horrible behaviour from men and there was nothing he could do about it.
"I don't think that's really appropriate now do you," Gwaine said, stepping more in front of Merlin, not liking what this man was saying to him.
"I don't think you really have any say in what this boy does or doesn't do. Now come on boy, I've got a lovely surprise for you darling," the man said, leaning forward to get closer to Merlin and seem more intimidating for Gwaine.
"Sir, I don't really want to. Can you please get us a room?" Merlin asked quietly, looking up at the large man with big blue eyes.
Shocked by the beauty of those eyes, the man simply had to listen to this lovely boy.
"Now how could I say no to such a lovely request," he said, smiling a crooked smile at Merlin. Turning around he reached to grab a key to a double single room.
"Here you go, beaut. It's room twenty two. Just take the lift to the second floor and the second room on the left. Just sign you name here and head on up," the man continued passing the clipboard onto Merlin along with a pen, whilst glaring at Gwaine.
Passing it back to the man, Merlin smiled at him, taking the key from him.
"Thank you very much," Merlin replied, glad to see a nice side to this man.
"You're very welcome, lovely," the man said. "And if you need anything else please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be happy to help a fine beauty such as yourself."
"I will, thanks again," Merlin replied, smiling at the man, before turning around and walking towards to lift.
Gwaine followed behind not quite knowing how such a horrid man could go from deep anger to super helpful. Merlin had a gift with his sweet face and innocent personality that can make even the coldest heart melt.
Entering the bedroom, Merlin and Gwaine threw their bags on the beds and had a look around. Gwaine fell onto the bed, putting his arms behind his head.
"Okay, I'm bored already," Gwaine signed from the bed. "And starved. Let's go get some food," Gwaine said, sitting up from the bed.
"Yeah, good idea," Merlin replied. "I could also use some other things," Merlin said, walking out the door with Gwaine.
Exiting the hotel after being ogled at by the man behind the counter again, Merlin and Gwaine walked through the busy streets of Camelot.
Finally arriving back at the castle, Arthur was still thinking about the beautiful boy from the forest. He can't wait to see him again and prove that he was a much better man than his first impression showed. He wanted to get to know Merlin better and spend more time around him.
Walking through the town, Arthur could hear shouting and as he turned a corner all he could see was a huge crowd with many people as gather around. Arthur really wanted to know what was happening so he pushed his way through the crowd.
He could see two men in the entire of the crowd obviously having a brawl and Arthur wasn't going to stand for that. Not in his kingdom.
Storming into the crowd, Arthur was stopped in his tracks when he realised who was standing in between the two large men trying to stop the fight. Standing there in between two large muscular scar covered men was a small pale lithe boy trying to stop them from fighting. Arthur was shocked.
Continuing forwards pushing his way through the rest of the crowd, Arthur ran forwards pushing the two tall men away from each other, accidentally knocking Merlin down at the same time.
"Okay boys, break it up. I will not be having this kind of behaviour," Arthur snapped, getting the attention of the angry men and Merlin who was picking himself up off the floor. "Now, what is the problem?" Arthur asked, not understanding how this situation came to be.
"He tried to take the boy from me," the blonde haired one of the two replied, grumpily defending himself. "I saw him first and was talking to him and this beast came over and tried to but in," the man continued. "Then he grabbed him and I tried to defend him," the man finished.
Merlin stood in off to the side, shifting uncomfortably, not knowing what to say about the situation.
The brunette jumped straight in, with a very angry look on his face. "That is not what happened. This Neanderthal was harassing this beaut here and I rushed over to help and this brute kept pushing this boy behind him. I just wanted to protect him and maybe get to know him better," the man said, glaring at the blonde.
Arthur couldn't believe what he was hearing. These two men had just seen Merlin in the street and decide they both wanted him and would fight each other to own him. Arthur was ashamed that these two citizens in his city. He was shocked that two people would act this way towards another human being let alone someone they liked.
"You are children. Squabbling over this boy like he's your favourite toy. You should be ashamed of yourselves and I think you should apologise right now," Arthur demanded, staring at the two men, waiting.
Both men looked shameful, like just realising they had acted out of turn towards Merlin horridly.
"I'm sorry, Merlin. I acted crudely towards you and I apologise for the roughness of how I treated you. You deserve better and I'll try to act that way in future," the brunette said, looking extremely apologetic.
The blonde continued to glare at the brunette but his eyes softened when he glanced back towards Merlin. Arthur knew then that both didn't mean to get so worked up or hurt Merlin, but like many others took one look at Merlin and were blinded by his beauty. Arthur could relate, glancing back towards Merlin.
"I'm also very sorry. I thought that this man was trying to hurt you and I wanted to protect you. I acted rashly and wasn't thinking. You are beautiful and I wasn't think straight. You deserve so much more and I want to do that for you," he answered, waning Merlin to feel much better, to wipe the sad look from his gorgeous sapphire eyes.
Merlin glanced between the two men. They had frightened him and he hadn't wanted to be near them but after hearing how apologetic they are and the lovely compliments that they had paid him, he could forgive. He didn't want anyone to be upset or hurt anyone's feelings.
"I forgive you both. You didn't mean to frighten or hurt me and you don't deserve to be punished for wanting to protect me," Merlin said.
Arthur was once again quite surprised. He knew Merlin was a nice person but he didn't realise just how kind-hearted Merlin actually was. He forgave these two hulking brutes, even after they frightened, bullied and victimized him. Oh how perfect Merlin actually was.
"Okay then now that that's settled, I think you should all go about your business," Arthur said, trying to distribute the crowd and the two men still hovering around Merlin. As Arthur scattered the crowd, he glanced back to see Merlin being handed two separate pieces of paper from the two men who insulted him. Both obviously apologetic yet still wanting a piece of Merlin.
As the men moved away, Arthur walked over to him.
"Well needing to be rescued once again, ay Merlin," Arthur joked.
"No. I was doing just fine on my own, until you butted your big nose in," Merlin argued back, bristling at the thought that he couldn't look after himself.
"Yeah sure you were," Arthur replied sarcastically. "Now just where is your rough bearded friend?" Asther asked, wondering why Merlin had been left alone.
"I don't really think it's any of your business but if you must know he saw some friends outside the casino and said he'd meet me back at the hotel," Merlin replied, not wanting anything to do with Arthur right now.
"Well he probably shouldn't have left you alone considering you're like a magnet for trouble. You attract it wherever you go," Arthur said, trying to contain his laughter.
"Yeah, well I can't help it if people want to be around me," Merlin said, getting more annoyed by Arthur attitude. "Quite frankly Arthur, you can be just as bad as the men harassing me before and I would much rather you left me alone." Merlin answer angrily, spinning around and storming off back towards the hotel him and Gwaine were staying at. He was just passing a small park like area in the town when he heard a voice call him back.
"Now just you wait one minute Merr-lin," Arthur demanded.
Merlin felt a jolt travel through him at the command, locking him in place.
"Come back here," Arthur asked. Spinning around Merlin rolled his eyes walking back towards Arthur. Stopping in front of him, Merlin placed his hand on his hips, giving Arthur a look that said he better have had a good reason for calling him back and demanding his time.
"You're the first beauty not to swoon at the sight of me," Arthur commented quietly. Looking into Merlin's eyes, Arthur could see them sparkle with mirth.
"Then maybe I've done you some good," Merlin commented back, smirking at Arthurs expression, spinning around and walking away. He didn't have time to deal with Arthur right now. He had to get back to Gwaine, hoping that he had finished his chat with his shady looking friends, form outside the casino.
It took Arthur a few seconds to realise he was watch Merlin walk away from him. With a confused expression, Arthur stormed after Merlin.
"Look I have never stolen anyone land or livelihood, and you as a peasant have no right to me even if I did," Arthur said haughtily, chasing after Merlin.
Spinning around in anger, Merlin stopped and stared at the prince. "So your pratliness, you have a new plan once you take the throne," Merlin asked, placing his hands on his hips.
"Well..., I…, sort of," Arthur stuttered, suddenly straightening his back, "I couldn't reveal it to a subject," Arthur replied snootily. "Not even one as lovely as you."
Merlin scoffed, "That's just what I thought, you're all just the same," Merlin snorted. "All you care about is swooning ladies and your next tournament," Merlin replied, angrily, knowing what type of person this prince of was.
"Well, as much as I might enjoy such beautiful people falling at my feet, it kind of makes me uncomfortable." Arthur confessed, then he smirked. "That's why I find your obvious distain for me so refreshing," Arthur continued.
"Obvious!" Merlin asked, faking shock. "And I was trying so hard to hide it," Merlin said, pouting.
Arthur was so distracted by those pink, plump lips pointing towards him, that he didn't realise that Merlin had spun around and stormed off.
Once again following after this beautiful boy, Arthur realised that he had never had to put this much effort into getting a lover. Most of the people he has ever wanted, just fell into his arms. All he had to do was fling them a charming smiling, a few compliments and they just fell into his bed. If he was honest with himself, it has gotten boring. He wanted some with some base, some substance and a bit of a challenge.
Merlin stormed back down the road towards his hotel, stopping suddenly in the middle of the road.
"Where is my shopping? Oh it's back there," Merlin said sarcastically, turning around.
Arthur, seeing this as a time to prove himself a gentleman, Arthur quickly interrupted Merlin. "You wait right there and I will get it," he answered proudly, running back the way he came.
Rolling his eyes as he felt a jolt travel through his body locking him to the floor, Merlin crossed his arms over his chest huffing impatiently. A rumbling noise could be heard in the distance that went unnoticed by a preoccupied Merlin.
Merlin was still considering his pratty prince that had run off in search of his shopping. He didn't understand him at all. One minute he was kind and thoughtful and the next he was rude and hurtful. It was like he didn't know what to do or how to act. Like he was two different people.
The rumbling noise was getting louder and was still lost in his own head.
Arthur was an enigma.
Arthur was a mystery.
Arthur was handsome
And Merlin was getting of track.
He needed to get off this track.
Suddenly noticing a rumbling sound, Merlin looked over his shoulder to see a large group of large black cars led by a tall greying man. And they didn't seem to be slowing down.
Merlin began to panic trying to move his feet and get out of the way. He tugged and pulled but he couldn't disobey an order. He panicked even more and began to shout.
"Arthur, Prince Arthur!" he called, a note of utter fright in his voice as the cars got closer. It seemed they had noticed him but were refusing to top. The man in front had a dark look in his eyes. A look that spoke of cruelty and superiority. He saw Merlin and his fright but didn't seem to care.
Merlin continued to call Arthurs name, hoping the pompous idiot could hear him.
"ARTHUR!" Merlin screamed, panic and terror taking over his entire body and the cars were but feet away from him.
When suddenly strong arms circled his waist, dragging him out of the way just in time, knocking him to the ground.
Merlin hit the ground and a hard body landed on top of him.
Arthur couldn't quite find the shopping. He knew Merlin had put it down somewhere around here. That idiot!
But oh of course it was all his fault and Arthur could do nothing right. But then again that boy, Oh that boy was beautiful.
Arthur would do anything for a chance to impress him. Even if that meant demeaning himself but rummaging through the woods looking for a few loafs of bread.
"Prince Arthur," was a muffled shout. Arthur looked up from where he had his head in a hedgerow.
"Arthur!" was heard again, panic laced into the voice. Merlin's voice.
Jumping to his feet, not caring that twigs were still lodged in his hair, and taking off back towards Merlin. He sounded in trouble and Arthur wasn't going to let him down.
Leaping over the wall, near the road Arthur speed up when he saw Merlin about to be crushed.
"ARTHUR!" Merlin shouted, Arthur heart twisting at the pure terror in his voice.
Knowing that he was risking his life but not caring one bit, Arthur leaped out in front of the cars. Wrapping his arms around Merlin's waist, Arthur dragged him out of the way, landing in a large heap by the side of the road.
On top of Merlin, Arthur could feel every inch of Merlin's lovely body pressed again him. Staring down at him, Arthur looked into the boys confused ocean eyes.
With the adrenaline pumping through his body, Arthur could feel a semi hardness in his trousers. All he wanted to do was rip all of the boy clothes off and ravage him right here.
Suddenly realising that Merlin has just stood there staring as the cars as they came towards him, Arthur felt anger replace his lust.
"Are you crazy, Merlin?! Why didn't you move?" Arthur shouted angrily, not understanding Merlin's sudden fascination with being hit by a car travelling at 80 miles an hour.
Merlin just continued to stare up at Arthur, not yet back to himself.
"I would have," Merlin stuttered. "Were it not for your apparent fascination with knocking me to the ground," Merlin continued, pushing Arthur off him and to the side. He felt uncomfortable. He knew what Arthur had been feeling just before he started shouting. It made him want to shy away from him. "That's the second time today you realise," Merlin said, wanting to move away from the subject.
Sitting up, Arthur scoffed.
"Well, I'll try to be more considerate next time I'm saving you," Arthur replied haughtily, feeling let by down the lack of recognition from merlin for him saving his life. Most people would have jump him by now.
"Next time?" Merlin scoffed back. "What makes you think we'll see each other again?" Merlin said, looking back at Arthur.
Arthur was shocked. Of course they would see each other again. They had too.
"Won't we?" Arthur asked, quietly.
"No," Merlin said after a moment of consideration.
It was Arthur turn to be confused.
"Merlin you are unlike anyone I have ever met," Arthur signed.
Signing back Merlin whispered, "You have no idea."
Looking into Merlin's eyes, Arthur felt a spark and leant forward to seal their lips in a kiss.
"ARTHUR,"
A deep voice shouted before he could connect their lips.
Merlin looked towards the voice that was calling Arthur's name loudly.
A tall man, with greying hair and hard steel eyes stormed towards them. It was the same man from before. Eyes still cold and dark. He was surrounded by the same black cars that almost crushed him. Many men in black suits were getting out of the cars, flanking the leaders strides.
"What on earth do you think you are doing, Arthur?" he asked, eyes now focused on Arthur.
Merlin could feel Arthur shifting beside him, standing up and facing this man.
"Nothing Father, simply helping a citizen," Arthur replied stiffly, back straightening as he angled his body in front of Merlin's.
"You could have been killed," Arthur's father replied. "And for a commoner no less," he continued, glancing over Arthur shoulder at Merlin.
"A commoner! It shouldn't matter if he is a commoner or a high lord of Camelot. His lie still matters," Arthur replied angrily.
"Of course it matters. Matters less than yours," Arthur's father replied, just as angrily. "Now enough of this nonsense, who is the boy then?" He asked, looking once again at Merlin hiding behind Arthurs back.
Glancing back at Merlin, A look of worried briefly crossed Arthurs face. Turning to the side revealing a shy looking Merlin Arthur began formal introduction.
"Merlin, this is my father, King Uther of Camelot," Arthur spoke, with his back straight and arms behind his back.
Bowing low, Merlin nervously greeted the king.
"Father, this is Merlin, Son of-" Arthur stopped, looking back a Merlin, suddenly realising that he ye to find out Merlins father.
"It's Balinor," Merlin answered for him.
"Balinor?" Uther questioned, knowing he had heard that name before. "As in Balinor the dragon lord?" He asked curiously, staring at this boy.
Glancing up from where he was staring at his shoes, Merlin answered, not understanding how the king knew of his father. "Yes, my lord," Merlin answered formally.
Arthur was confused. How did his father know Merlin's father? Why was he interested? Why was his father looking at Merlin like that? Would Merlin get hurt?
Staring at Merlin, Uther realised what amazing luck this actually was. He had a dragon lord. What power this boy could be holding. What beauty this boy held. As he continued to stare at him, Uther realised how utterly gorgeous this boy was. He had glowing blue eyes and steel cutting cheekbones. Skin so white and perfect, and soft black hair that looked like the night. He looked so much fun.
Smirking Uther reached out his hand to shake Merlin's. He knew he wanted this boy with him.
"Well, it's nice to meet you Merlin. I met your father once. He was a strong man," Uther said, hand hovering between them
Knowing it was polite to do so, Meri reached out and shook the king's hand, feeling it tighten around his small smaller one, the bones grinding together.
Seeing his father shake Merlin's hand had Arthur even more confused. What on earth was going on in his father's head?
"Welcome to Camelot dear boy," Uther said, smiling with all of his teeth. "What are you doing whilst you're here," he asked.
Shifting from one foot to another, Merlin wondered whether he should tell this man the truth. Should he tell him about his magic? He didn't know about his feelings on magic or what he would do if he told him the truth.
"Well, your highness, I'm actually here for education," Merlin answer cautiously, deciding he would go with the truth. "A magical one."
Staring at Merlin, Uther realised that this could be used to his advantage. He could use a dragon lord in his court. It would be perfect.
"I see well you must be looking for Gaius and his school. He is also the court doctor and a very close friend of mine," Uther said, still looking into Merlin's eyes, feeling his son's confused eyes trained on him.
Feeling relived, Merlin nodded back. "Yes, my lord," Merlin replied. "Do you know where I could find him?" he asked.
"Of course my boy," Uther answered, making Merlin shiver. "But first you will join me and the court for a performance tonight. A special guest will be arriving tonight and I be honoured by your lovely company," Uther commanded, poorly disguised as a request.
Feeling the familiar jolt travel through him, Merlin sighed answering Uther's command. "Yes sir," he replied quietly.
Arthur could see Merlin didn't wat to do and didn't understand why his father couldn't.
"But father, he doesn't have anything to wear or act in a court such as ours," Arthur argued, defending Merlin.
Turning to his son Uther scowled, "So, he will come to the performance. Who wouldn't want to come?" she said angrily, smirking at his son. "Besides, I'm sure we can find something … suitable," he replied, still smirking.
"Yes father," Arthur replied, defeated.
"Now that that's settled, I think we should all be heading back, don't you agree Merlin?" Uther said, turning to face the boy once again.
"Yes, my lord," Merlin answered.
Spinning around, Uther strode back towards his beast, feeling the success of hooking such a lovely prize.
Come along boys, you can ride with me," Uther called back at the dazed men behind him.
Merlin and Arthur glanced at each other, a silence understanding passing between them. They both didn't know why Uther was so interesting in Merlin, but they wanted to find out.
Merlin had said before that they wouldn't meet again, but as it turned out they would be seeing each other again. A lot more.
To Be Continued!
P.S. Please feed the dragon. It needs them to keep the story fire ablaze :P