How to Stop a Rumour

"So, that is all very interesting!" Arthur shouted, clapping his hands together loudly.

Merlin was jolted awake by the sound, finding himself slouched on the floor of the conference hall with the young Regent's eyes focused directly upon him. He'd fallen asleep during the meeting and, as a result, his magic had stopped working, so that he was now perfectly visible to Arthur and anyone else that happened to look his way.

Thankfully, all the lords attending this meeting were only looking at Arthur, surprised at his sudden enthusiasm for a rather dull topic. Merlin traced his hand in a circular motion, hoping Arthur would get the hint and, as the Regent started to wrap the meeting up, in a slightly louder voice than was absolutely necessary, Merlin whispered his invisibility spell and disappeared from view. His sound shield had gone too but, considering the meeting had finished, he felt no need to cast it again and, as Arthur quickly strode out of the door, Merlin stayed behind as instructed, in case he heard any further gossip.

"Well?" Arthur asked as Merlin entered his chambers a little later. He shrugged in response and calmly chanted the words of the spell that would prevent anyone outside the room from overhearing their conversation. Arthur indicated he sat on the second chair on the side of the table, whilst the regent remained on his normal one, faced the window.

"To be honest, I learnt more this morning than I did from staying behind after that meeting," said Merlin with a huge yawn.

"I'm assuming that you were actually awake for some of it?" Arthur asked, a hint of a smile on his face.

"Look, it was a tiring day alright? Especially all that running around I had to do to cast all those spells for Gwaine's little quest."

"But you did manage all of that?"

"Yes. I think it's highly unlikely he'll sneak past me, even if he does manage to get past your guards."

"Well, we'll see. Gwaine is the type of person who could probably sneak past anyone's security. Perhaps we should have picked someone a little less ... formidable?"

"Perhaps but then, if he can't make it through, you know you've nothing to worry about." Merlin shrugged. "Honestly, you don't want to take the chance that there's even one other like him out there."

"That's true. Well? What did they say? What did you find out this morning? I must admit I'm surprised by just how much the lords were complaining about the Round Table and the knights. Surely they understand that those four were instrumental in taking back Camelot? Surely that must say something about their abilities?"

"It's not as simple as that, Arthur. They're commoners – and those lords follow your father's law. They believe that only the noble born should become knights."

"But I told them what I told Father. There aren't enough young noble men left after these recent troubles and, I know Aron's miffed that I turned his son down but … he'll get another chance in a year or two – he is still pretty young."

Merlin suddenly sat upright. "Now, that could be important, Arthur. Would the boy hold a grudge too?"

"I shouldn't think so – he tried out and failed. I've since given Gwaine, Elyan and Percival that very same test and they passed, so they can't even give that as an excuse. I know my father believed that only those from the houses allied to us could be trusted but surely, something like Morgana's takeover proves these men's loyalty? They were able to elude and defeat her when no-one else could. Doesn't that mean anything?"

"To you perhaps but, as I said, these men are of a different generation and it will take far more to persuade them. The problem is, Arthur, that they are so shocked by some of your recent decisions that they're starting to doubt your ability to lead and are now looking for excuses to undermine your authority."

"Why would they do that? What are you saying, Merlin?"

"The don't just see your decisions as lack of experience or a generous spirit. The lords worry that your actions will cause Camelot's downfall."

"What are you going on about?" Arthur's tone reminded Merlin of the way he used to speak to him before he knew he had magic. The idiot servant that had no idea about … anything.

"They don't trust your judgement, and their wives are even worse. The ladies can see only one reason why you would promote those particular commoners to knights."

"What reason?"

"Gwen."

"What!"

"There is talk; from the servants, but mostly from the ladies of the court that, the only reason you made Lancelot, Percival and Gwaine knights was so that you could make Elyan a knight which, in turn meant that ..."

"I could make Guinevere a lady, " Arthur finished. He sighed. "Honestly, Merlin, the thought never even occurred to me when I was talking around the Table that first time."

"I know that. Unfortunately …?" He shrugged.

"Yes, I see. It is rather convenient, isn't it?" Merlin nodded.

"Unfortunately, that isn't the worst of it."

"It isn't?"

"Aron has other reasons for suspecting you to be biased towards commoners."

"Such as?"

"Well, there's this whole idea that you're letting us influence you, control you. There is talk of a peasant revolt and that you are encouraging it."

"What!"

"I think that's what your father heard. To his credit, it seems he didn't believe it and, even in his weakened state, he believes you to be totally on his side and that any plot is against you not caused by you."

Arthur groaned and put his head in his hands.

"Arthur, there's more. There's worse."

"What can possibly be worse?" Merlin suddenly lost his courage and shook his head. "Merlin?"

"It's the reason why I didn't want to attend that meeting … visibly."

"Yes?"

"I overheard. That is, people are talking …"

"Merlin!"

"They don't understand why you're suddenly so keen to have me attend all these meetings."

"Well, I ..." Arthur pulled a face, as if reluctant to continue. "I suppose that … I trust your judgement." He pulled another face, obviously uncomfortable at admitting it. Merlin tried to hide a grin.

"I know, I understand but … the truth is that the nobles can't see it, Arthur. They can't even comprehend that you might promote me to your advisor simply because you trust me. They suspect … some other … reason."

"Merlin, what are you going on about?"

"They think … you like me."

"Well – as I just said … sometimes you're almost ..."

"No Arthur, you're not getting it," Merlin interrupted him impatiently. "They think you really like me." Arthur looked at him blankly and Merlin inwardly groaned. "They think you like me in the same way that you actually like Gwen?" He winced and waited.

It was almost comical the way Arthur's features changed from total lack of understanding, to confusion to suspicion to sudden realisation.

"You don't mean ..?" he stared at Merlin who winced. "You do mean? They honestly think …?" Merlin nodded. "That's ridiculous. How could they? I mean, even if I was that way inclined ... I mean … you?"

"Ah … thanks?"

"Merlin!"

"Yes, I know. Came as a bit of a shock to me too but … apparently the rumour's been out there for a while and, you allowing me into meetings has just added fuel to the fire."

"But … how can I counter that? The more I deny it the more I will appear to confirm it." Arthur groaned again and put his head back in his hands.

"Aron believes the rumours to be true," Merlin continue remorselessly. "He has expressed his concerns to Uther and the other lords and he worries that your … preferences will mean that there will be no heir to the throne of Camelot and so ..."

"What!" Arthur shouted. Merlin just shrugged. "That's ridiculous."

"Although, not everyone believes the gossip about us, some just worry about your desire to marry a commoner girl – Gwen. Either way, your apparent love life is causing you a lot of problems.

"Merlin, this is a disaster. Is there anything I can do to counter these rumours?"

"I suppose … I've been thinking about this and, I think that the whole 'Gwen' thing is the lesser of two evils. I think you need to openly court her and… perhaps even announce your engagement."

"But … my father? And the business with the knights?"

"I know but … would you rather him believe the other rumours? About us?"

"Do you have to look quite so gleeful when you say that?" Merlin just grinned. "Hm, it's mostly the ladies that worry about that one you say?" Arthur continued. "It will still cause problems but, you're right, I do need to encourage that gossip to counter the other. We really need to get you fixed up with a girlfriend too."

"What?"

"Preferably one that's not my evil, half-sister sorceress."

"Hey!"

"So, what's your type then? Brunette, pale skin … the magical type? Might not be that easy to find in Camelot."

"Arthur there really is no need ..."

"Of course there is, if we both have girlfriends, that might help steer people away from other ideas and I'm sure Guinevere can fix you up with someone."

Merlin winced but decided not to argue the point - for the moment.

"That still doesn't solve the problem of … 'me'. What excuse can you give as to why I'm suddenly a part of the Round Table and your confidant?"

"Only one. I'll have to admit the truth."

"What? No! You're not serious. Announce me as your Court Sorcerer to the lords? Now? Whilst Uther's still king?"

"Yes, that is a little extreme, isn't it? Especially when the whole point of this is to gain back the lords' trust." He paused. "Magical advisor perhaps - allow Gaius' to retire from that job – imply that ill health prevents him from serving me and that … you are now the only one capable of supplying me with the information to defeat the numerous sorcerers that come knocking at our gate."

"I-I don't know, Arthur … it all seems a bit sudden to me."

"So, would you prefer to be known as my magical advisor or as my …?"

"Yes, alright, I get it …" This time it was Arthur's turn to grin at his discomfort. "Aah!" Merlin said suddenly, swaying slightly in his chair.

"What?" Arthur asked.

"Looks like Gwaine's back in," said Merlin with a grin.

"He's beaten the guards?"

"Possibly, or they could have caught him and dragged him through my shield. Either way, the bottle I enchanted has moved into the grounds and I can sense it." He grinned, delighted at his success.

Arthur was standing quietly listening.

"I don't hear the warning bell," he said after a few moments.

"No."

"What else did you hear today, Merlin?"

"Something about Morgana. Something about her being able to claim the throne by a different route."

"What route?"

"I'm not sure. Something about her being betrothed to one of your cousins? Oh, I think I get the connection now."

"What?"

"It's Lord Aron again, isn't it?"

"Well, he is my father's cousin and his son Robert was set to marry Morgana once, but he's a couple of years younger than her and she certainly wasn't impressed when the idea was first put to her."

"This is the same son that you turned down as a knight?"

"Oh, I see where you're going with this."

"I heard some gossip about Aron being next in line to the throne if you weren't considered a suitable king."

"What? Aron's is suggesting that my father makes him, or Robert heir over me?"

"If he believes the rumours about us and truly believes that you could do harm to Camelot ... perhaps?"

"But … it is just a rumour. I mean the very thought of you and me is ..." He pulled a face.

"As I said before … thanks!"

"What, that offends you?"

"Well, I'm not that unappealing, am I?"

"Merlin, this is no time for jokes."

"Of course not, Sire." Although a little grin still remained.

"So, do you think Morgana is in on this?" Arthur asked but, just as quickly he shook his head, answering his own question. "No, despite everything, there's no way that Aron would side with a sorcerer?"

"Robert?" asked Merlin.

"No, he's a loyal member of the court and, as I said before, I'm sure he wasn't offended about missing out."

"All the same, perhaps Morgana was coming in to talk to him? Try to persuade him to take a part in any new scheme she had?"

"Or try to seduce him?" Arthur asked looking slyly at Merlin.

"Well, I wouldn't put it past her," he replied, turning pink.

"It is certainly possible, but I'm still not convinced." Arthur sighed. "Either way, it's irrelevant now that you've got the security fixed so that she can't come back in."

"Yes, and it seems that I should now be able to sense it if she just walks past the guards or knocks them out. I suppose, If she's out of the picture now, then it is only these rumours we have to worry about."

"You think I should really go public with my feelings for Guinevere? You don't think that will just fuel the gossip about the knights?"

"Perhaps but, as you said, every day they're proving their worth anyway. Why don't you put on some public display with those four against … eight others or something? Prove to the lords just how good they really are."

"That's actually not a bad idea," he said thoughtfully.

"Yes, and afterwards you should announce that, for the safety of Camelot, you are judging every one of your people on the skills they have and not by which family they were born into. After that people shouldn't be so worried about you wanting to marry Gwen. I know you're naturally reserved – like to keep your feelings to yourself but, you need to prove to the court that you're totally in love with the girl and banish any notion of any other attraction. Perhaps you should even become officially betrothed?"

"Already?"

"Why not?" Both of them had their backs to the door, but Merlin suddenly sensed a magical push from behind him. He tipped his head curiously but didn't respond in any other way.

"And then I'll have you announced as Gaius' official replacement - with his approval, of course – that might help with the other rumour," Arthur continued.

"I also think I should continue to stay invisible during your meetings with that council, at least for a while." The push was getting closer, although Merlin couldn't hear or sense anything else. The presence was moving quietly up behind Arthur and the regent suddenly noticed his distraction.

"What?"

Without looking, Merlin suddenly moved a hand towards the presence and uttered a couple of words. He and Arthur then turned to see Gwaine, hanging upside down in mid air with a very surprised look on his face.

"Hey! Let me down, Merlin."

"What were you trying to do, Gwaine?" Arthur laughed, once the knight was back on the floor.

"I wanted to see just how good your security really is," he said straightening his hair and clothes. "See how close I could get to the future king. Had my hands almost around your neck, but it seems Merlin's constant bragging about always saving your royal backside is no idle boast."

"Actually, I only sensed you because of the package you're carrying," said Merlin holding out his hand. Gwaine frowned, rummaged in his jacket and brought out the small wrapped bundle.

"Magic?"

"Yes, I wanted to see if I could sense something magical coming through our gates. Now I just need to get Gaius to try it and check that it works on a person."

"Well, I'm glad that part was successful, Merlin, but it does confirm our worst fears about general security. How clever were you being Gwaine?"

"Oh, I had all sorts of wonderful plans and ideas about how to sneak in but, in the end, I didn't need any clever tricks in the end. In fact, just as you said, I waited until they were getting a bit dozy and then sneaked in the main gate, right past them. All a bit boring really – except that last bit." He gave Merlin a broad grin. "That bit definitely got my heart racing." Merlin grinned back.

"So, are we finished here?" he asked. Arthur nodded and the pair stood up.

"Gwaine, thanks for that. You can go back and do whatever you need to do now."

"Thanks, Arthur," he said casually as he left the room. Merlin tried to remember if he'd ever heard Gwaine address him as Sire.

"You can go too, Merlin. I suppose I'd better make those announcements quickly then. I'll start with that tourney idea … put out that announcement about judging people on their skills and then … well, I'll leave your promotion for a while, just to see if we can quash that rumour first." He paused, thinking hard. "Do you think I should just go ahead and announce my engagement to Guinevere tomorrow?"

"Ah, Arthur..."

"What?"

Merlin pointed to the still open door and Arthur turned to see Gwen standing there, one hand over her mouth in shock. Her look then quickly turned to one of hurt before she turned tail and ran back out of the room.

"Oh dear ..." Merlin muttered.

Edited 30/12/14