CHAPTER TWELVE

LITTLE GOLD RING

I.

Balinor's eyes glimmered with happiness. He smiled at Merlin surprised and a bit happy by his response but it was Percival who was more excited he was attending. "Great! It would be...oh how you Americans put it…" He thought for a second, then continued, "Oh! Awesome!" Percival said enthusiastically putting both of his hands up in the air and landed on Merlin's shoulders.

It was Catrina who wasn't happy and was not looking forward to Merlin coming to the gala. She was more concerned what the others might do. She didn't really want the media knowing about him but she was worried the people might suspect and find the truth. She knew people from magazines would be there. Then, she'll end up with another Emrys in the house. She hoped Nimueh was by her side because she knew exactly what to do. Then, she realized there were more people for the cameras to ogle at so she Merlin might be safe. She hoped. She also didn't want him entering the palace and be a prince who preferred…men. That would be scandalous for the royal family and it would earn them a lot of scrutiny. She imagined what her conservative friends might say back home if they found out.

Vivian on the other hand, was all smiles. Catrina elbowed her on the shoulder earning a surprise look from the other girl. The others haven't noticed. "What was that for?" Vivian grimaced, massaging her shoulder where Catrina hit her.

"What are you smiling at?"

"I'm smiling that he's coming, mother. Ain't that obvious?" Vivian rolled her eyes and she started heading toward Merlin. Catrina tried to stop her but was too late. "Merlin, I'm glad you can come with us. It would be fun." She grinned brightly.

Merlin answered, "Thank you." Albeit, Catrina found it soft.

"So who's your date?" Vivian asked.

"Date?"

"Oh I forgot to tell you. People in these events usually bring in a date though it's optional. But if you bring one, the invitation has another ticket there." Balinor informed him.

"Yes. They do. Although some of the people who didn't bring one usually ended up in a corner."

Merlin couldn't think of anyone to bring in as a date. He definitely couldn't ask Maggie or Freya since they would certainly ask why he was in the event, which would reveal his royal identity. Plus, Freya went to Colorado for a relative's wedding so she's going to be gone for a couple of days. Maggie would be busy with the Prom committee since she's battling it with Sophia and he knew how those two usually butt heads in a global scale. He knew his mother might not come because she specifically stated last night that it was not her scene. Asking her now would be a waste of time.

It only led to one person and that would be none other than Will. Merlin wasn't really sure if a guy could bring another guy as a date to the event. And Will was his best friend so it's all cool and hopefully he could think of something Will owed him so that he'll blackmail him with it. People didn't know who he was so he could bring a date whether it's a gorilla or a chupacabra or something else and no one would notice. He was invisible behind the royalties in the grand hall. Although, it would take a lot of convincing to let Will join in. He's the only person who knew who he was anyway. He didn't want Vivian, who out of the blue started acting they're the best of friends in the whole wide world, to look at him and feel sorry he wasn't bringing anyone.

"I might bring someone." Merlin replied, flashing a grin.

"Great. I'd love to meet that person!" Percival threw his arm around his shoulders. "So, who's the lucky guy?"

"I know you might bring a guy to the party but…oh, never mind." She smiled coyly as she looked around trying to find if anyone has caught on what she's going to say. Everyone did.

"Don't worry. I'm not bringing a guy." He was so bringing Will.

"Oh, good." Vivian chuckled then stopped. "God has other ways, you know." She rested her palms on Merlin's shoulders like she was praying for his soul. Merlin thought she was just joking but the look on her eyes convinced him she was crazy. Oh good, I got a blonde hallelujah prophet I get to call family!

"Okay, great! Yay…God." Merlin mumbled.

"Can I speak to Merlin in private?" Balinor asked suddenly. He followed, "It won't take a while."

Everyone looked at each other for a moment, and a second later, they nodded their heads in unison. "Yes, father." Percival bowed his head and walked out of the room. Vivian trailed behind him. Catrina was the last one left in the room staring at the two contemplating whether to protest to stay or leave and follow the King's order. She smiled to both of them and bowed her head lightly and left the room. "I'll be at the hall of mirrors, love." She said before shuffling out the door. Silence found the room once again. Balinor walked his way back to the couch and sat at the middle, propping his palm beneath his chin, like the thinker man statue.

"Would you like some cup of tea? Maybe coffee or orange juice?"

"The juice would be nice. I'm a little bit thirsty."

Balinor poured a glass of orange juice and gave it to him. He accepted the offer with a smile and took a sip of the drink. He said, "No doubt you had a lot of questions. And I guessed you already talked to your mother about our past?"

"Yes, she did."

"What did she tell you?"

Merlin sat on the couch opposite of him. "How she met you. How you asked her out and the times you guys spend together. And the day you kicked her out of the country for something she hasn't even done…even without proof."

Balinor looked down on his own drink. "Never a day comes I regretted that moment. I should have stopped her. Let her explain. Maybe even thought that it was all a lie. But, it was an error of youth. I didn't know what to do."

"Then what happened? You didn't even run after her when youfound out."

Balinor could feel his intense gaze. It was seething and venomous. His son thought he was a bad man. He knew it was bound to happen to leave him without any explanation or closure to his son on why he and Hunith had to do it. Maybe that time was right now. "I did chase after her."

"Years after." Merlin muttered.

He heard it but he continued, "But I was too late. I found out she recently married someone." Balinor put down his tea on the coffee table. The tone in his voice was dreary. "And adopted you."

Merlin stared at him momentarily if what he said was true. His mother never mentioned him running after her. But there was sadness in his eyes the moment their eyes met. It was the truth.

"So, she moved on. I thought I should as well. So, I accepted my father's proposal, even the arranged marriage. I married Catrina like what my father wanted from the start. I accepted Vivian like my own daughter. I grew to become fond of her, like how Hunith grew fond of George."

"It wasn't an arranged marriage though. They're in love."

Balinor's eyes softened and he looked out of the window. "Yes. They are." He glanced at the door shut tight. "Look, if I'm honest, I cared for Hunith, I really do. There's no question of the love I gave her. But,"

"You don't feel the same way with her." Merlin pointed out the other woman behind the door.

"I've grown fond of her, but not as close as to where Hunith was in here." Balinor pointed at the spot on his chest, where his heart was. "We do what we do for the duty of our kingdom. It is in our blood. The Emrys blood runs deep within your veins just as it did with mine. I thought about taking you away from her, from whisking you back to Avalon, but I couldn't. You were only four or five the first time I saw you."

"You saw me? I didn't know we've met before, or else I would have recognized you."

"No, I was near but far. Out of sight but within arm's reach. I saw you were happy, Merlin, and that I couldn't take away from you. I realized that people like me didn't have a normal childhood like you do. It is something that connects you with the people and truly makes you a good leader, if you so choose."

"You really believe that? What makes you think that I would like to get back to the life that ruined my mother?"

Balinor sighed. "People have agendas, even my father. But my father is dead, and I have responsibilities now to enforce my kingdom out of petty intrigues. I am king now. You will be safe. I give you my word."

"The queen doesn't seem too happy about me being here. I mean, I understand why. I am the son of another woman after all."

"Catrina can be a handful but she's a good woman. She's been through a lot in life. Once you get to know her you'll understand."

Silence seeped into the walls. Merlin wanted to get out of the room and get back home, maybe sleep a little and calm his nerves down, but a small part of him wanted to stay. Balinor continued staring at him, and Merlin didn't dare shift his position, and the cup on his hand became more interesting than trying to steer their conversation away.

"She told me you are not going to be a royal, your mother. It was her deal the first time I saw you." Balinor started, "I accepted that request. But obviously, Percival didn't like that." He chuckled as he took another sip of his tea. "So we kept tabs on you. We tried to conceal your true identity, your blood. We gave you money for college. I did everything to make your life better even if that means you not knowing who I am. Hunith didn't want me to see you and I respected that decision."

Merlin fell silent. His defiant stance against his father has turned rather cold and uncomfortable. He couldn't look at him on the eye. He felt guilty accusing him of cowardice and not running after him or why he thought he abandoned him or didn't even cared about him when all along he did. Or was he just saying this?

"That was the deal we both made for you. I admit I am mad at Percy for telling you about it. I know he's still young. That wasn't my intention and I'm sorry for offering you this choice. I know this is hard for you." Balinor calmly got up from his seat and moved toward him. Merlin shifted from his seat as Balinor knelt in front of him, his brown eyes full of apologies as he stared at him. "I want you to have a normal life far away from this. But now that you know who you are, maybe it is time to see what life could have been with me."

He delved into his right pocket and pulled out a rather small round object. Merlin realized it was a ring. Balinor gently grabbed Merlin's hand and opened his palm and he put the object in his grasp. "I want to give you this."

Merlin looked at the gold ring curiously on his hand. He noticed the crest, an elephant symbol on it with an intricate rug on its back. "What is this?" He asked.

"That is our family ring given to the heirs of the throne for many, many generations. When Hunith got pregnant I made that myself for you so that when you turn seventeen that is my present for you. Everyone in the family wears one made by their father or inherited from it. Since you're going to be a royal for six months, I think it would be appropriate for you to wear one."

"An heir?" Merlin still felt uncomfortable saying it. "But you and mom did not get married. I am not an heir."

"Even if we didn't, after six months, when you choose to be a prince, I will legitimize you under Avalon law. But between us, that's a formality because you will always be my son, legitimization be damned. In fact, that will make you the second in line to the throne, if ever something happens to your brother."

Merlin gaped and almost tipped his cup over the rather expensive looking carpet but Balinor caught him. "Next in line?" He felt the room slowly come crashing down, suffocating, hissing. He tried to get up but Balinor caught him by the arm.

"Hey, hey, don't worry, my son, nothing will happen to Percival. I know all of this can be daunting."

"Daunting's such a soft word for what I'm feeling."

"I know and I've been in your shoes. But, hopefully, this will remind you your responsibilities." He pointed at the ring on his palm. "Go on. Put it on."

Merlin hesitated for a moment. He tried to decide whether he deserved to put this ring on after he just accused his father of something horrible. That and he was really set on rejecting the throne when this was all over. After a while, he slipped the gold ring on his ring finger but it was a bit loose. He transferred and put it on his middle finger and it fitted perfectly.

"What's with the elephant?" He stared again at the crest.

"That is our family crest pertaining to one of Avalon's most famous epics." Balinor raised his hand and showed his own ring. "A saga we called Elephant Royale. History books dated it thousands of years ago from the beginnings of our kingdom."

"I promise I won't lose this. It will return to you like you've seen it six months later."

"No need, my son. That is yours to keep." Balinor assured him. "You're family and a son to me."

II.

The doors to the sitting room opened softly and the two royals walked out of there smiling at each other and seemed to be getting along. Catrina swiftly walked toward the two and flashed her biggest smile and sidled her way beside her husband, kissing him on the cheek.

"So, how was it?"

"Well, for beginners, we're getting along. I'm just showing him our family hospitality." Balinor turned his head to Merlin patted him at the back. "A welcome home."

Catrina regretted it later looking down on the floor. Because if she hasn't, she wouldn't notice the big shiny thing wrapped around one of Merlin's fingers, and she wouldn't have an almost major heart attack when she later realized that it was an Emrys family ring. But she did looked down and saw the fucking thing. And she didn't only have a heart attack, her eyes widened in shock and she opened her mouth like she was going to swallow the boy whole, was about to howl but only a maniac laugh came out of her mouth. Everyone in the room froze as her high pitched laughter echoed throughout the hall and it might have entered into the maid's chambers. Everyone was confused. They thought something's wrong with her head.

"Catrina, are you alright?" Balinor asked, concerned.

Catrina shuts her mouth and smiled forcibly, nodding her head like a bobble head. "I am fine, more than fine! I am just so excited that Merlin is part of the family!" She extended her hand and pinched Merlin's cheek until it turned red. "I am so happy for you, my love." She kissed Balinor on the lips. Deep inside she wanted to bash the kid to death because he's now wearing the ring that many years ago she has worked hard to get and put on her damn finger. The boy just got it in three days. This was madness.

"Yes! I'm so happy! Merlin now has the ring you've kept for him these many years!" She said enthusiastically while at the same time glared at the boy throwing daggers at him. She even imagined pulling all of his hair off. She lightly clapped. "Welcome to the family!"

Catrina opened her arms and moved closer to him. Merlin shifted and panicked as the approaching woman grabbed him into a tight hug. Merlin hugged back and tried to wiggle out of her breasts. Merlin couldn't breathe the moment her arms wrapped around him. It became tighter second by second. A part of him was really telling him the woman was trying to break his bones and lungs, or even kill him. A moment later, the woman unwrapped her arms around his and kissed him on the cheek.

"You are Balinor's son, and I will treat you like my own son as well." She remarked. Balinor was happy to see the two getting along.

Merlin was utterly confused. A while ago, the queen was totally antagonistic the moment they met in the sitting room and now she has welcomed him with a killer hug and huge smile that supposed to be genuine but turned intimidating. She was all moody and catty, and now she's full of smiles, like how Vivian changed her attitude when she found out who he was. Well, like mother like daughter I guess, Merlin thought.

"Well, thank you." Merlin said politely and even flashed a smile. Percival on the other hand, was trying to hold his laughter behind them.

The awkward moment seeped into silence. Everyone was staring at each other smiling creepily and awkwardly bobbing their heads up and down. Percival decided it's time to speak.

"Well, Merlin has to get along. He needed a suit for the event tonight. And I guess he wanted to go home and rest."

Merlin looked at him and confusion and a second later, he realized the man was giving him an excuse. "Oh yes! Exactly. I have a lot to do at home. I have to help my mother in the flower shop."

"Oh, Hunith still does those things…" Catrina commented under her breath. Merlin heard her clearly.

"Yes. Dirt is fun! So I better go." He turned to Balinor. "I…I…" Merlin lost his train of thought. No words came out of his mouth and he panicked. Suddenly, Balinor interrupted him.

"I appreciate you not walking out of the room, Merlin. It's been nice giving me a chance to explain the past." Balinor started to lead him toward the elevator where a man in black waited patiently. "Have a safe drive back home."

Merlin just nodded and uttered a soft 'thank you' before the man in black entered the elevator with him.

When the elevator doors closed and the raven haired boy now descending to the lobby, Catrina sighed and her smile turned into a scowl. She turned her heels around and started to climb the stairs.

"Well, I have work to do." Balinor said before he continued walking down the hall where his office was located. Isolde trailed behind him.

Percival slowly sauntered his way across the hall to where Vivian was standing, both hands in his pockets. "So, I heard from Gwen that you said some…inappropriate things to Merlin?" He said slyly.

Vivian turned her head around so quick and gave him a death glare. "It's not my fault that I don't know who he was. If I did, I might've watched my tongue." She put her hands on her hips and she turned around in an insolent way, her chin held high and she started to climb the stairs.

"You know Vivian, to avoid such a situation, why don't you just start watching that tongue of yours to everyone?" Percival tried to hide his laughter as Vivian's face turned red.

"I hate you." She stomped her feet and continued ascending up the stairs.

Percival laughed loudly. "Isn't that every day, mademoiselle?"

But the princess ignored him. She slammed the door behind him so loud Percival was sure it rocked the entire building.

"Your highness, I have some news to tell you." Elyan suddenly came up behind him. Percival almost jumped, his heart bursting out of his chest.

"Elyan! You shouldn't sneak up on someone like that! You know full well I am trained in Jiu Jitsu!"

"I'm sorry your highness, I won't do it again."

"What is it you wanted to tell me?" Percival walked toward the sitting room and headed toward the alcohol cabinet. He pulled out a bottle of whiskey out of the shelf and poured himself a glass.

"It's about Merlin." He paused, and then said, "And Prince Arthur."

Percival stopped pouring and shot a glance at him. "What about them?"

"Well since you told us to follow Merlin around wherever he goes and he escaped out of our hands…"

Percival glowered at him. "Yes, I know." He took a sip of his drink.

"Well, we followed him. And he was with Prince Arthur."

Percival almost choked on his drink, spilling out of his mouth and nose. "All the time? What's this about?"

"Yes, all the time."

Percival was speechless and more confused on what was going on. "So, you're telling me Merlin is with Prince Arthur? The time he ran out of our breakfast meeting to meet him?"

Elyan nodded although he didn't know anything about the breakfast thing. "And it appears sire, that Merlin doesn't recognize the prince."

"Well, how can you say that?"

"He…addresses him in a different name, your highness." He answered.

"What did they do all day?"

"Merlin was practically showing him around the city. They appear to be friends. They went to lunch, watched a play, and did some touring."

Percival didn't respond for a while. He took a sip from his glass of whiskey and sat on the sofa. "Is there anything else?"

Well, there was the kiss, Elyan thought. But Elyan wasn't going to ask for more trouble for the royal family since his job was to serve and protect them. That included family problems as well. Even if he's going to tell Percival that Arthur kissed Merlin, it would put a strain between the two royal families since Arthur was to be wed with Vivian, per his sister's gossip. And he knew how exactly bitter the two countries were at each other. This might be a wedding to signify peace between both nations and he wasn't going to be the cause of all that trouble when he broke them apart. That was just a kiss. Merlin probably hasn't think of anything to it anyway.

"None. Just that."

"Well, thank you Elyan for informing me."

"Are you going to tell Merlin about Arthur's identity?" He asked.

Percival was sure Arthur has a perfectly good explanation on why he masqueraded as someone else. It could be to escape the paparazzi. He knew Arthur for a while now and he knew exactly how adventurous (and promiscuous) the other boy was. Merlin was probably just showing him around New York because he asked for it. Percival knew it was Arthur's first time in the city. In fact, he has done what Arthur has done three years ago in Istanbul where he disguised himself as someone else and he was toured around the magnificent city by two other citizens and even helped him evade the paparazzi. He laughed at the matter. The coincidence was Arthur found Merlin out of all people.

Arthur and Merlin.

That's when everything came into a halt. His mind blinked profusely to signal him a warning. All the walls had been obliterated into oblivion as he put two and two together. Arthur was coming to the gala tonight. Merlin was coming to the gala tonight. Arthur knew Merlin…and they were going to meet each other tonight.

"They're both coming to the gala! We must not let them see each other. Arthur will know who he is!" He ordered Elyan.

"And Merlin?"

"We must tell him who Arthur is. That way, we can work together and it's easier for all of us to avoid him."

III.

"You what?" Morgause raged.

Valiant almost pissed his pants the moment he entered the hotel room where the evil queen resided. It was probably the most nerve racking and scariest thing he ever experienced. He found himself kneeling in front of her, who totally wanted his head on the chopping block.

"I…I'm sorry. One moment I turned my head around and then it was gone!"

"So you're telling me someone stole your photographs of the two kissing?" Valiant nodded his head. Morgause pursed her lips and slapped Valiant on the face. He fell to the ground instantly. Gary could hear how loud it was by how strong its echoes was and he moved forward to help him but Morgause lifted a finger to stop him. "Do you want to be fired Valiant?" Morgause glowered at him.

"No Morgause! Don't! I can make up for it!" He begged. He can feel his execution coming.

"And how? You god damn miss the whole thing! The pictures fucking lost and other magazines would probably put it in their shitty articles by tomorrow! How do you expect me to show you some fucking mercy?"

"There…There was a man. I…he was French –"he started but Morgause cut him off.

"French? That's worse. If ever a French magazine has those pictures, I'll make sure I'm the one who'll poke your eyes out." Morgause calmly picked up a butter knife from the coffee table.

"No, He was Avalonian! And I think he tried to destroy the pictures!"

"Well how can you say he tried to destroy it?"

"I haven't realized it before, but he was clearly trying to get me drunk! He even tried to break my camera but I really thought it was just an accident." Valiant reminisced from last night.

Morgause rolled his eyes. "You old fool. That was Arthur's fucking bodyguard. He found you out!" Morgause got up and crossed her arms. "These blackouts from the press are giving me hard and painful headaches. Now Arthur knew we were following him."

"We could still post an article about the thing." Valiant suggested dumbly.

"You dumb twat. The royal family could easily dismiss such a claim. We need pictures! Proof! And you messed it up!" Morgause sighed. She took a deep breath and exhaled. "I need to get ready for the gala tonight."

"So you won't fire me?"

Morgause stared at him for a moment. Suddenly, a light bulb lit up above her head and it shined so brightly the people of U.K. could see it across the Atlantic. She smiled wickedly.

"No, I won't fire you. But I have a plan. I want you to tell Arthur we have those photographs."

"But we don't!"

"I know. I know." Morgause caressed his cheek and chin seductively. "I want you to record the conversation you had with him. If you tell him you saw him with that boy, he'll deny it. Say you have a picture," She smirked, "He would threaten you not to show it."

"In that sense…" Valiant added. "But, that would get me killed! If it was me…"

"Power of the internet, my dear Valiant. Easy to be anonymous there. The truth comes out from the prince himself threatening a reporter not to show the pictures of him kissing another boy." Morgause smiled and touched her nose. "Checkmate. Once the public hears it with our article's little help, that small voice clip of him would give a whole light to the whole story. It would go viral."

"His voice would give it authenticity. I like that."

"Not just his voice. Maybe a video would go along with that. And Valiant, we just outed the crown prince."

Morgause walked back to her couch and sat comfortably, taking a sip of her wine. "And if it helps your career under my wings, I still want you to have a photo of that boy. A bonus if it's with Arthur. And I want you with me to the gala tonight. You're my date."

"I will do as you ask."

"Well, go now. I need to prepare. I can't wait to see Prince Arthur tonight."

IV.

Phillips Residence

Merlin sat comfortably on his bed wrapped around by his blanket as he watched another episode of Frasier. Two boxes of pepperoni and cheese pizza were lying in front of him half empty. A clean white shoe box lay on his study table and a hanged black suit cover hanging by the door. His phone lay beside him awaiting a call he really suspected would never come. Prince won't call after what happened last night. Now he was drowning himself with meat and fats. The past three days has been crazy with knowing about royalty and kissing a stranger. Pizzas always helped him deal with problems. Right now, the two boxes weren't helping him at all. He was about to grab his seventh piece when Will tapped on his window.

Finally. Merlin grumbled. Merlin got up from the bed and opened the window. "About time you arrive. I called you like two hours ago!"

"Stuck with uncle. He was talking to me about something. I think he was talking about you." Will pointed at him as he grabbed a piece of pizza from the box on the bed.

"Why is your uncle talking about me?" Merlin asked curiously.

"It has something to do about Prince Arthur and you, the theatre, and…I don't know. He mentioned Lion King too. I wasn't really listening. Once you got him talking he never stopped. So I just put on my earphones and listened to music pretending I was still listening to whatever things he said! Anyway, what do you want me here for?" He sat on the bed as he tried to find the remote lost under the covers.

"Will, I have a favor to ask you." Merlin said slowly trying to get Will's attention to no success.

"Go on. What is it?"

"Well, I met my father…" He started but Will cut him off.

"The King? What did he said? Was he angry? Was he menacing or was he just cool?" Will asked all at once. "Was that the reason why you never came to Tango class this morning? Dude, you miss a lot of things!"

"Well none of the above except he's cool." He answered. "And yes I missed that thing. Did I miss anything important?"

"Only one cool move and I face-planted. Anyway, so what happened? Tell me!" Will asked, jumping on his bed.

Merlin took a deep breath and sat next to him. He spitted out all the details on how he got there. How he met Balinor and how he tried to convince the whole crowd that he was not right to be called a prince of a nation and that he utterly failed in his mission to convince them and instead, he accepted the offer on being a royal, unofficial of course, for six months. He also told him his moment with his dad and giving him a family ring, which Will was impressed by the glittering jewel Merlin was wearing. He also revealed to him he was going to the gala tonight.

"The gala?" Will asked, shocked.

"They offered. I accepted. As my first task to this awful six months, I have to come to this thing. It would be a start." He sighed. "Mom already allowed me to come anyway. I really hoped she said no. The fact that she agrees and supports the whole six months thing pains me even more."

"Dude, that's awesome!" Will enthusiastically got up from the bed. "Is this your suit?" He pointed at the suit cover hanging by the door.

"Yes. Elyan just delivered it a while ago."

Will walked toward it and opened it to reveal a slick black suit with a bow tie. "Merlin, this really looks expensive." He pursed his lips like he was trying to hold a word in. But Will succumbed to his curiousness. "How much is it?"

Merlin laughed and rolled his eyes. "Don't ask. I made that mistake when I tortured Elyan to tell me the price tag. I regretted it." He got up and walked toward him.

"I can handle it." Will smirked at him confidently. "I'm a man."

"Okay." He started and smiled wickedly. "Price tag, Fifteen…thousand." He paused as he took in the shock and astonished look from Will. "Oh, it's in Euros." He added.

"Euros? Damn." He zipped the cover closed cautiously, afraid he might ruin it. "I don't even know what made it expensive."

"Oh, just nothing. It's just the added black pure wool, the satin shawl lapel on the suit, a pure silk shirt, and two yellow diamond cufflinks and trust me they are real diamonds, and the black leather shoes over there. And the fact that it's handmade, and one of the only ten shoes made in the entire world, makes everything grandeur." He pointed at the shoe box from the table. "And the fact that they're all designed by Paul Smith."

"Paul Smith! This is crazy! How did you know all this?"

"I simply asked." Will twisted his eyebrows as if not believing the story. "Okay I googled it. Seriously, the moment I heard Paul Smith I choked. I don't even know if I'm coming. Before I left, Balinor…er, I mean father, told me I could change my mind. There's no need to rush."

Will's eyes widened and he burst out into a fit. "Are you kidding me? You would throw away an opportunity to mingle along with the most powerful people of the whole world?" He sighed. "Celebrities, politicians, other famous figures in our time, Kings and Queens and even the president of our nation is coming to that event. It would be a dream just to meet Tom Hanks or Christian Bale in it too." He paused. "I would do anything just to shake a king's hands."

"Great! Then it's settled! You're coming with me!" Merlin smiled as he strode across the room to his closet and pulled out another suit.

"Wait, what?" Will asked, obviously confused as Merlin gave him the suit and a pair of dress shoes. "What is this?"

"Oh. That came along with the suit Elyan gave me and you are going to wear that to the gala tonight. And believe me; it's not as expensive as mine so you don't have to fear you might destroy an expensive thing!" He paused. "Actually, I planned on returning both of these to get the refund."

"Wait, I'm coming? Merlin, I need to do a lot of stuff. I mean, I have a project due on Wednesday and an essay. And why am I coming?" Will was puzzled.

"You have Monday and Tuesday for that. And I'll do you're essay. It's easy." He responded. "Plus, I need a date for tonight."

"So you picked me without even asking me? How much is this anyway?"

"You are seriously going to ask?"

"Well, I can't wear it if I don't know how much I have to look out for it."

"Since you insist," Merlin paused. "Five thousand."

"Holy shit!" Will dropped the suit to the ground. "Oh fuck! I just ruined it!" He swiftly pulled it up. "Oh my god! I just ruined it!"

"Oh, boo hoo, you cry baby. It's perfectly safe. Just don't drip any sauce on the shirt."

"But without asking me?"

"Well, you said it yourself. You wanted to come. Plus you get to mingle with them. So I don't need to ask since you already said yes…Well, kind of yes." He crossed his arms. "Will, I can't ask Freya or Maggie tonight. You know why."

"Well, I don't know Merlin. It's a lot to ask."

Merlin desperately wanted to come up with a debt that Will owed him fast. He certainly was not going to give up on not showing up to the gala without a date beside him and to see the reaction on that girl's face once she realized he brought a man along with him. He'd probably laugh and he was not going to sit on a corner like a loner. He didn't want to be alone tonight. He needed a friend. Will better come or else Merlin has to pull some drastic measures to make the boy come with him.

"Will, think about the president." Merlin reasoned. "President Gareth David. Shaking your hand, taking a picture with him."

Will's eyes suddenly lit up. Merlin knew he just hit the jackpot. "Okay, Merlin, I know what you're doing and it wouldn't work."

"Oh, Will, didn't I tell you my father and the royal family is introducing me as a cousin of Percy. That would make me a relative to the royal family. I get to mingle with the others. I could introduce you to the president. Maybe dance along with princesses."

"It sounds tempting…"

"And that you could, I don't know…have a conversation with Oprah? That would certainly be a good Kodak moment." Merlin patted on his friend's shoulder. "And have you forgotten you owe me a lot of lunch money since third grade? I think it totals to five hundred dollars by now."

"Merlin…" Will started, glaring at him.

"This would certainly pay that debt." Merlin smirked and crossed his arms. "Plus, you're going along with me as a friend and we get to eat awesome food and have a good time together! We could even make fun with the Kardashians…if they're coming." He pointed out. "Cross that out, they're definitely coming."

"I would certainly love that." A smile crept on Will's lips.

"And we could finally meet that Prince Arthur Maggie and Freya are obsessing about and we could finally judge by ourselves how worth it he is." He joked earning a small chuckle from the other boy. "Remember when Freya and Maggie guessed he might be a good kisser…well I think not. He probably isn't. Come on Will! It would be fun!" He encouraged enthusiastically. "And Aaron Rodgers is coming. At least that's what I heard from Elyan."

Will swiftly turned his head around to his direction. "Aaron Rodgers? Okay, on just one tiny condition." Will offered instantly. Merlin paused and waited for him to continue. "We're going home early if I…or we felt uncomfortable like we don't belong there, and I've taken one photo with Aaron Rodgers."

Merlin smiled. He finally convinced the other boy to come. He no doubt felt that Will was going to enjoy the gala. He knew Will since kindergarten and he knew very well how he parties. He's crazy and very, very unpredictable on the things he would do once you get him started. The next step would be how to control Will once he was inside the building. That would be an extremely difficult challenge.

"That is actually a good plan. We'll leave if it's bad. And Will, keep it under control." He requested. But it sounded more like a demand.

Will just rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I'm probably going to get bored easily there anyway." Merlin tried to hide a smile because he knew it wasn't true. Will enjoyed every party whether bad or not. This event was not going to be an exception. "But we must not stay there till midnight. My mom would kill me."

"Okay. Agreed." Merlin offered his hand and Will took it with his. They shook it. "Quarter to twelve, we'll leave. And I'm glad you're coming with me."

"I'm starting to have cold feet right now. I mean, meeting the president?" Will said excitedly. "Wait, when is this gala thing going to start?"

Merlin glanced at his watch. "Shit. It's going to start in three hours!"