Hey! I hope you enjoy! Remember, I don't own Merlin.
Morgana was at her wit's end.
Each day that passed where Arthur Pendragon sat upon her throne was only another day for her people to be enslaved. Every day he lived was only another day she truly could not.
It was while she was pacing the small, decrepit hut the so-called "King of Camelot" had all but banished her to and thinking on that very matter, that there was a knock on the door.
She froze, narrowing her eyes at the wood. "Answer it," she snapped at Isamar, her handmaiden of sorts and sorceress-in-training. She was no Guinevere, and she was hopelessly useless in most areas, but she was surprisingly well adept at magic.
The young woman scuttled over to the door and hurriedly opened it. A figure slipped inside.
"Agravaine," Morgana growled. "I do hope you bring news from Camelot. I'm getting rather impatient with your constant failures." She reached out towards the noble, and her eyes glowed gold, pulling the man towards her with magic. His eyes widened in panic as he suddenly found himself only mere inches from her face. "I have no use for failures."
He visibly gulped. He straightened his clothing with what little dignity he had left and eyed up the high priestess. "Well, then you'll be delighted to know I do, in fact, bring news from the kingdom, milady. As you know, there is only one thing standing between you and killing Arthur."
Morgana sneered, "The serving boy, Merlin."
"Yes, it's his magic that has kept Arthur alive all this time. Without the bastard to protect him, he wouldn't last a week."
"Are you going to keep telling me things I already know, Agravaine, or are you going to actually be of some use and tell me what you've found?"
"Yes, of course, sorry, milady. As I was saying, Merlin is the only thing keeping Arthur alive. If we get rid of Merlin, we can have Arthur dead in less than a day."
"Do you not think I haven't thought of that? The boy's too loyal; he won't leave Arthur's side for anything."
A slow smile spread across Agravaine's face. "Ah, but that's where the information I bring to you today comes in. Since Uther's death, it seems the King and his manservant have grown quite…close. I've noticed many a night where Merlin does not emerge from the royal chambers. I believe the two have entered a secret courtship."
It was plausible. Actually, it was more than plausible. It was predictable. The two had been in love nearly since the day they had met. There was a time when Morgana would have thought it adorable and would have been collecting money from a betting pool with the knights over the two finally getting together. But now, all she saw was an opportunity to take back what was rightfully hers.
"Nothing hurts like a broken heart…" she murmured to herself.
"Exactly. If we somehow break Merlin's heart, convince him that Arthur does not truly love him or want him around, he will leave of his own free will. Then, when Arthur's pet sorcerer has been released from his leash, we'll strike. The King will be dead by daybreak." Agravaine's eyes drifted around, finally settling on Isamar who had been trying to make herself as unnoticeable as possible in the corner. A dark grin split across his face. "And I think I know just the way to do it."
0000
Merlin woke to the feeling of warm sun on his face.
It wasn't unpleasant, but it wasn't the feeling itself which had Merlin blearily blinking his eyes open either; it was the fact that the feeling should have never been there in the first place. The drapes in Arthur's chambers were much too thick to allow any wayward rays to escape into the room.
Once he had managed to get his bearings, he found that low and behold, someone had forgotten to shut the curtains the night before.
That someone was him.
He couldn't bring himself to care.
And honestly, how could anyone have expected him to remember something so trivial after his and Arthur's chaste kisses had turned much more heated and led to their current position tangled amongst the King's bedsheets?
He sighed softly, allowing his eyes to drift shut once more. He really needed to get up. There was breakfast to be fetched, laundry to be done, armor to be polished. He had enough chores to keep him busy for the next sennight. Yet, there was just something so wonderfully intoxicating about his current position, Arthur's arms wrapped around him. He couldn't help but snuggle closer to his king.
"Mmm, morning," Arthur mumbled into his shoulder. His voice was still thick with sleep in a way Merlin greedily kept all to himself. Only he got to experience the great King of Camelot in his early waking moments, all sleepy-eyed and tousled blonde hair.
Merlin hummed happily to himself in reply. Arthur chuckled lightly and kissed his temple, then his cheek while the warlock rolled out of Arthur's arms and on to his back. The King took the chance to press a kiss to his lips softly, followed by another and another, each with increasing passion. Merlin's hands snaked their way up Arthur's chest, reveling in the feeling of his powerful muscles flexing beneath his fingertips before finally landing on his head and tangling themselves in golden locks.
Arthur's tongue traced the outline of Merlin's lips, the raven opening them with a breathy sound and allowing Arthur inside. After a few moments, he pulled away, lazily nipping at Merlin's bottom lip.
"Good morning to you, too," Merlin gasped, slightly dazed. The simple feeling of Arthur touching him in such a way gave him a buzz like no mead ever could, despite what Gwaine said. Arthur kissed the sensitive spot right behind his ear, causing a sound to escape his lips that he would never admit to. The King smiled against his neck where he placed a gentle kiss over a dark love mark he himself had left there the evening earlier. The servant would have to tie his neckerchief extra securely.
Sudden lips on his collarbone wiped the near-drunk smile off his face, replacing it with a soft moan as he grabbed at Arthur's bare shoulders, flexing his fingers while the royal left yet another mark that was sure to darken. Damn Arthur Pendragon, and his damn irresistible charm.
It was all Merlin could do to keep quiet as Arthur worked downwards to his chest and finally to his stomach, stopping to place a soft kiss of reverence and whisper "beautiful" into the scarred skin left there by Nimueh's fireball.
Ever since the fateful night of Arthur's coronation when Merlin had revealed everything to him, and they had been intimate for the first time, Arthur had taken extra care to kiss and love every one of Merlin's scars each chance he got, knowing how horribly insecure Merlin was about them.
It was just one more reason Arthur owned Merlin's heart.
Arthur stroked Merlin's exposed hip bones, kissing each one. Before he could go any further, Merlin reached down and gripped his cheek.
"Ar-arthur," he stuttered out. Arthur looked up at him innocently with those cerulean eyes Merlin adored.
"We have to get up. I've got work to do, and you've got an audience with some of the townsfolk."
"Screw work," Arthur grumbled. He buried his face in Merlin's stomach. The warlock smiled softly and stroked his beloved's hair with nimble fingers.
"As much as I would love to stay in bed snogging you all day, the people need their king."
"And I need you," Arthur all but whined.
"I need to leave before Gaius realizes I never came back last night."
"Oh, please. As if he couldn't have noticed your absence nearly every night for the last year. I'm no fool; half of Camelot knows about us. I hate to tell you, but you're not exactly subtle with your ogling me during training, my love."
Merlin scoffed. "I'm not subtle? I do believe I remember you enjoying me putting on your armor for you just a little too much."
"Don't give yourself so much credit, Merlin. I'm simply in utter shock that you can finally manage to put all the pieces in the right places now," Arthur said with a cheeky grin. Merlin lightly swatted him on top of the head.
"Prat," he grumbled.
Slowly, Arthur crawled his way back up the bed until his nose was touching Merlin's. He pressed his lips to the warlock's. "But I'm your prat, and you love me," he murmured.
"Yes, for some unfathomable reason, I do, more than you could ever know."
They continued their easy banter and lazy kisses for some time before a knock on the chamber doors broke their little bubble of paradise.
Arthur groaned quietly into Merlin's mouth. Merlin grinned and put a finger to the King's lips. With no small amount of grumbling, Arthur flopped on to the mattress, allowing Merlin to slip out of bed and quickly gather up his clothes from where they were scattered on the floor before disappearing behind the dressing screen.
"Enter," Arthur called grouchily.
The door swung open with a clang, and Agravaine entered. Fantastic: it was the absolute last person Arthur wanted to see.
"Good morning, sire," he said curtly with a small bow of respect.
"Is it? I don't remember ordering a wake-up call, Uncle."
Agravaine glanced around his chambers. Arthur eyed him warily. "Where is that servant of yours? Shouldn't he have gotten you out of bed already? The lazy boy slept in again, I imagine."
Arthur bristled and sat up straighter in bed. "His name is Merlin, and I don't see who gave you the right to speak about my manservant that way."
Agravaine quickly bowed. "My sincere apologies, my lord. I spoke out of line."
"Yes, it would seem you did. Is there a reason for your bothering me so early in the morning?"
"Actually, yes. Lady Isamar and her party from Mercia are passing through the kingdom. They've asked if we would be so kind as to play host for a day until an incoming storm passes. They should be arriving within the hour."
Arthur narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Mercia? That's Bayard's kingdom. We're strong allies, and I was under the impression that I had met all the lords and ladies from his land. I don't recall ever meeting a Lady Isamar."
"She's rather new to nobility. She gained the title as a gift from King Bayard as payment for a debt he owed her father."
"And why is it I am just now hearing of this?"
"It is not common practice to make peasants nobility as payment for a debt. Bayard wished to keep it quiet in fear of backlash."
Arthur could detect nothing off about the explanation. Bayard was a good man who cared for his people much like Arthur. It was no wonder he wanted to keep the matter quiet in fear of losing his people's respect.
Agravaine glanced around conspiratorially. "I hear she is very beautiful, sire."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"Well, you are getting older and now that you have been crowned king, you're going to need a queen. The people will soon get restless if you go much longer without a wife."
"I am perfectly content the way I am. Whenever I choose to marry, it will be for love, not just based off looks and diplomacy. You really should keep out of matters that don't concern you, Uncle," Arthur snapped.
"Sire, if I may…"
Arthur held up a hand. "That's enough. I will not be swayed, and that's final. I will be ready in a few moments. Have the servants begin preparing the guest chambers and inform the kitchens we will be hosting a banquet for our guests this evening. Thank you for informing me."
Once again, Agravaine bowed, though looking thoroughly more irritated. "Of course, sire. Would you like me to send one of the maids in search of your manservant?"
"Worry about yourself. I'll worry about those under my employ."
Agravaine smiled in a way that made Arthur's stomach twist oddly. "Very well." With one last bow, Agravaine left. The moment the doors were shut, Merlin emerged from behind the dressing screen, now fully clothed.
He immediately went to the wardrobe and began to dig through Arthur's clothes.
"What are you doing?" Arthur wondered, deciding it was worth his effort to get out of bed and make his way over to his manservant.
"I need to pick out an outfit for you. Can't have you looking like a complete prat in front of the new lady."
There was something in the way Merlin spoke, something sad, something hesitant and nervous. Arthur's forehead creased with worry. He wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist from behind and rested his chin on the raven's shoulder.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
Merlin wrung his hands around a red tunic he had pulled out. "It's nothing, Arthur. Now, let's get you dressed before you miss her arrival."
"Merlin, stop." Arthur reached up and pried the tunic from Merlin's hands and spun the man in his arms, so they were facing each other. He searched the warlock's face. "If something's bothering you, I want to know. I don't like seeing you upset."
Merlin dropped his gaze. When Arthur reached out and lifted his chin back up, Merlin's eyes were shiny with unshed tears. "There's a beautiful lady coming to visit. Everyone's expecting you to take a wife. I know I'm not what the kingdom needs. I just…I just don't want to lose you."
"Oh, darling," Arthur whispered sadly. He pulled Merlin tightly against his chest. He whispered in his ear, "This lady will be no different than all the ones who have visited in the past. No matter how good-looking she is, you will always be more beautiful to me. I've only had eyes for you, Merlin, and I will only ever want you. No one can take me from you. As soon as I can prove Agravaine guilty of something and get him to leave, I will court you out in the open and pamper you the proper way. I don't trust him, and I just want you to be safe. When I get married, it will be you I am exchanging vowels with, or no one at all."
He pulled back and kissed the warlock warmly. "Come now, I'm the King of Camelot, and I can do what I please. I think we have time for a bath before she arrives," Arthur murmured, a small smile pulling at his lips.
All Merlin could do was kiss it away.
0000
Arthur knew he had made the right choice in sending Merlin away to assist Gaius in the lower town for the day as soon as he saw the lady.
She was stunning. Arthur would have to be blind not to admit it.
Yet, her beauty still was no match for Merlin. She didn't take his breath away the moment she walked into the room. It wasn't all-encompassing to the point where he couldn't focus on anything else, but he knew how Merlin's mind worked, how insecure he was about their whole relationship. One look at the Lady Isamar would have sent Merlin into a spiral all over again.
She had dark skin and the longest, straightest brown hair Arthur had ever seen. She wore a deep purple, floor-length gown with silver stitching and a jeweled headpiece that made her positively sparkle.
Somehow, her posture was still stiff and uncomfortable. She kept fidgeting with the cuffs of her sleeves and the high collar of her dress like she wasn't used to wearing them. Seeing as she was fairly new to nobility in general however, Arthur thought it was unfair of him to judge.
"So, what brings you this far south into Camelot?" Arthur asked casually as he sat across from her at lunch. It was just the two of them.
The Lady swallowed a sip of her wine, toying with her utensils. "We are on our way back to Mercia from Odin's Kingdom. I was sent there to marry an eligible lord of his in the hopes of coming to a better trade agreement, but alas, he was killed by some spice smugglers trying to get out of the citadel just before we arrived."
"I'm truly sorry to hear that. I'll have to send my condolences to Odin."
She offered him a weak smile. "Yes, well, it is hard to grieve for a man you never met, isn't it? Even if he was to be your husband."
"Yes, I suppose it is."
"Anyhow, we chose to take the long way directly through your city to avoid having to travel over the Mountains of Asgard, but it would seem luck was not on our side. A page found us with reports of a storm too dangerous for travel near the border of our kingdoms."
She rose from her seat and slowly made her way towards Arthur. She said seductively, "I'd like to personally thank you for your hospitality in hosting us."
She finally made it to the King and perched herself on his knee. His heart seized in his chest as he tried to push himself back. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Yes, w-well, it was the least I could do."
"I know something else you could do for me," she whispered in his ear. She kissed his cheek and jaw, over and over again.
As gently as he could in his panic, he grabbed her arms and pushed her back. "Please, stop. I understand you're grieving the loss of your betrothed, but I refuse to be a replacement for your desires. Besides, I already have…" He snapped his mouth shut, mentally beating himself for even letting that much slip.
"Already, have what?" She nipped his earlobe. He went ramrod straight in his chair.
"I order you to stop this!" Now, he wasn't worried about being so nice. All he could think about was how his current situation would look to an outsider. If Merlin were to walk in and see, it would break him.
"Well, if you're going to be so rude…Túce hwón frec ðu, Arthur. Þec feoh nom gyse. Cume, ic pro ofmyrðrian êow tîd êow friccea ðêoden. Túce hwón frec ðu, Arthur." Her eyes glowed yellow, and she turned his head to gaze at her.
The King's deep blue eyes were glazed, the pupil's dilated. He gazed at her with an empty expression. She kissed him softly.
"Who do you love, my king?"
He blinked once, twice, three times. "I love…" he seemed to hesitate, and for the briefest moment, it appeared he was fighting against the enchantment, but then his eyes flashed red. "I love you."
"Oh, the mistress is going to be very pleased."
0000
Merlin was surprised he hadn't yet sliced his hand off with how quickly he was sharpening Arthur's sword on the whetstone.
If he were being completely honest, he wouldn't have cared. Maybe if he was bleeding out, Arthur would leave his perfect little lady alone.
All afternoon, Arthur had spent every moment with the Lady Isamar. He tried to be patient. He knew Arthur couldn't just ignore the new noblewoman because of his secret lover's stupid jealousy. He knew Arthur had obligations to diplomacy. But none of that made it hurt any less whenever Arthur had all but sent him away so he could spend time alone with Isamar, especially after the raw tenderness the King had showed him just that morning.
He dropped the sword to the floor with a sharp clang when the door to the armory suddenly swung open. Arthur had cancelled training for the day due to the Lady's visit and all the patrols that were scheduled had already left. There was no reason for someone else to be there.
He turned with a glare to tell whichever knight it was that had come in search of him to go away but was met with someone much worse.
Agravaine.
Merlin hurried to get off the floor. "Sire, what brings you to the armory?"
Agravaine smiled. It looked grotesque and all wrong on his features. "I'm a lord. You have no right to question me, bastard."
What he wouldn't give to be able to turn the snake of a man into a toad. Alas, he was too afraid of being separated from Arthur to revolt against Agravaine more than a snide comment here and there.
"My apologies, sire, but I feel it is my right when suspicious gits like yourself sneak about the castle."
"There's that word again: sire. Tell me, do you call my nephew that? Does he get off on you calling him by his titles while he screws you every other night?"
Merlin glowered at the nobleman, even as he felt his breath freeze in his lungs with terror. "You have no idea what you're talking about, Agravaine."
"Don't I? Then pray tell: what are you doing when you don't leave his chambers in the evening? Having a friendly sleepover, are we?"
Merlin barely managed to rein in his magic before it snapped out at Agravaine like a whip. He was so angry he could barely see straight. He could feel his magic buzzing just below his skin like a thousand hornets, ready to attack with only a thought from him. In his state, he was pretty sure releasing his magic would blow up the entire east wing, let alone just the armory.
That same sick, twisted smile grew. "Well, never fear, Arthur won't be requiring your services in bed much longer. I suspect he'll be married before the leaves fall. Him and the Lady Isamar have grown quite close today, and she's beautiful, too. Just now he's taking her for a stroll in the forest." Agravaine pointed out the window, and though his heart ached, Merlin couldn't help but look.
In the courtyard below, Arthur was walking alongside the lady Merlin had heard so much about in such a short span of time in the direction of the forest. She said something to the royal that had him throwing back his head and laughing in a way Merlin thought only he could make his king laugh.
Merlin swallowed hard. Strolls in the forest were supposed to be their special thing. No hunting, no horses, no titles, no obligations. Just Merlin and Arthur. They laughed and talked freely, holding hands and kissing whenever they pleased without fear of repercussions. Time spent on those strolls were some of Merlin's absolute most cherished memories with Arthur.
He tried to tell himself Arthur was just trying to be friendly. He had to keep up appearances after all.
He didn't even believe himself.
"See, you won't have to be bothered with keeping your master entertained much longer. He'll have a bed partner actually worthy of him soon." Agravaine paused. "Oh dear, you thought he actually loved you? I'm sure whatever he's told you were words only said in a lusty haze. I hate to tell you, but he doesn't really care. You were nothing but easy release for him until he found a wife."
Merlin didn't even realize he was crying until he tasted the salt on his lips.
Agravaine sneered. "Pathetic. A peasant boy crying over being used by the King of Camelot. What some people wouldn't give to experience what you have. Get over yourself." Agravaine looked him up and down. "And take a bath. The banquet will commence as soon as Arthur comes back with his lady."
Merlin didn't even hear him leave over the sound of his own heart cracking.
0000
"Arthur!" Isamar exclaimed with a blush as he pushed her on to his bed. He pinned her down under his arms and grinned down at her.
"What is it, darling?" He asked innocently. His eyes shone red in the reflection from the candlelight.
"Nothing at all." She leaned up and captured his lips in a kiss, trailing her hand up his cheek and tracing his jawline.
Deep down, she felt beyond guilty. She had only ever started working as Morgana's apprentice because the priestess had offered her a shelter and food. Bewitching a kind man and causing him to be unfaithful to his actual true love was not something she had planned on.
She had seen the way Arthur had reacted to her advances, felt how his touch was tainted with remorse, like even under the enchantment he didn't want to be untrue to Merlin. He had tried to stop her, but in her fear of Morgana, she had put him under her spell and forced him to love her in a way she knew he never could.
She was too afraid of her mistress to do otherwise.
Arthur's hands roamed her lithe figure, but they felt unsure, like he had done the same things to another person over and over again, had mapped out every inch of their flesh, and hers wasn't matching up.
For a fleeting moment, she thought about pushing him away. It was so clear that even under the influence of magic his heart truly belonged to Merlin. Who was she to come in between their love?
It was at that moment, the doors to Arthur's chambers opened, followed by the sounds of hesitant footsteps across the stone.
In hindsight, she should have locked the door.
"Arthur," Merlin's soft voice called out, hoarse and quivering like he had been crying. "I'm sorry I wasn't at the banquet. I just thought you maybe could use some space. You've been off all day. I understand if you need to act more formal with me since we have guests but…well, you know how I am. I just brought you some flowers. They're roses; your favorite. I won't even spend the night-"
Merlin cut himself off with a sharp gasp, the sound of a vase shattering echoing throughout the room. Isamar jerked away from Arthur, getting a good look at Merlin for the very first time.
Emrys, the supposedly greatest sorcerer to ever walk the earth, looked devastated. He sobbed, stumbling away from the mess of porcelain on the floor, away from them. Oddly, Isamar felt compelled to reach out to him. He looked so heartbroken she could barely stand it.
He was gone before she could even rise from the bed.
0000
From the shadows of an alcove in the outer wall, Agravaine watched Merlin flee the citadel, directly into the woods. He touched a softly glowing pendant around his neck.
"Emrys is gone. It's time to make your move, my queen."
Haha! Cliffhanger! But I promise I won't leave you there long. It's only going to be another chapter. I really hope you enjoyed and come back for the second part!
Also, the spell used in this is the same one Sofia uses to put Arthur under an enchantment in "The Gates of Avalon" except I changed one part to say "I murder you while you are king" instead of "I murder you before you are king".
