Hey! I hope you enjoy! Remember, I don't own Merlin!
Arthur's head snapped up from where he had been staring out over the courtyard as Guinevere entered his chambers, lightly knocking on the doorframe as she did so.
"Ah, Guinevere, just the person I need."
A fond smirk broke over Gwen's lips. "What is it, my lord?"
"I need your help planning something for Merlin," he said matter-of-factly. He smiled softly. "It's our one-year anniversary today, and I want to do something nice for him."
"It's a bit late now, don't you think?" Gwen said as she laid Arthur's clean washing out on his bed for Merlin to put away later.
Arthur groaned and allowed his head to fall into his hands. "Yes, yes, I'm quite aware, thank you. I didn't forget, mind you, I've just been so busy with the peace meetings with Bayard that today snuck up on me. I already have a gift for him, but I wanted to do something special."
Gwen suppressed a full-blown smile. "I'm sure Merlin doesn't expect anything from you, Arthur. He cares about you more than anything; the fact that you even remembered and took time just for him will be more than enough."
Arthur's features softened, just as they always did whenever someone brought up Merlin's infinite love for him, not matter the situation. "The idiot's too loyal for his own good. He does everything for me; I just wanted to return the favor, if only for a while."
Gwen gave him a sympathetic look, making her way from her laundry to where Arthur was leaning against the wall. She knew what was going on here. His father was sickly. Everyone knew Uther would soon be gone and Arthur would ascend the throne. Arthur had knighted commoners, some being men he had known for only a matter of days. Yet, he couldn't help Merlin. He couldn't take the daily stress of serving him, working as Gaius' apprentice, and saving all of Camelot off the raven's shoulders. He couldn't make Merlin's constant fear of burning on the pyre, of failing those he loved, any less. He couldn't even give the man he loved a higher position within the court while his father still ruled, and it was killing him.
"Arthur," she began, laying her hand on his arm, "Between you and me, Merlin wasn't raised with all this glamor and money, and he sometimes still feels very overwhelmed. He will appreciate anything you do, but just keep that in mind. He just wants to spend time with you. So, if you really want to do something, try keeping it private. Maybe dote on him a little. Just something between the two of you, intimate, and romantic. Trust me."
"I don't know what I'd do without you, Guinevere. Thank you." She gave him one more smile as she left the room, taking her basket with her and closing the door with a soft click.
Arthur could barely contain his grin as he sent for George.
0000
That evening, Merlin entered Arthur's chambers, exhausted. He had spent the entire morning collecting herbs for Gaius, and upon getting back, Arthur the Prat had set him with one seemingly random and useless chore after another. Since when did Arthur need his bloody drapes laundered?
Just as Merlin was about to leave, because of course the bloody clotpole would summon him and then not even be there, a pair of arms snaked around his waist from behind.
"You're lucky I didn't turn you into the ass you are. You scared me," Merlin said and absolutely did not whine.
Arthur chuckled softly, leaving a trail of kisses up Merlin's jawline. "Sorry, love."
Merlin crossed his arms with a scowl, but a small smile began to take over as Arthur's hands traveled down his sides to his hips and pulled his waist closer from behind.
"What're you up to?" Merlin asked playfully.
"Today's our anniversary."
"Yes, I'm well aware."
"And I have some things planned. Just the two of us. I'm going to take care of you tonight, just like you've taking care of me all these years," Arthur whispered, right next to his ear.
"Arthur…"
"Shh," the Crowned Prince said, beginning a trail of kisses down Merlin's neck. The warlock angled his head to the side on instinct to give Arthur more room. "I don't want you to think. I don't want you to worry. I don't want you to feel guilty or embarrassed or sad or any of the other horrid emotions you feel every day. Right now, I just want you to be here, to relish in being treated the way you should be treated every day. You do so much for me and for all of Camelot without asking for anything in return; well tonight, I'm going to make sure you are treated like the prince you should be."
Merlin had tears gathering in his eyes. Arthur's face softened when he caught the sight in the mirror. "Oh, Merlin. Don't cry, my love," he murmured, reaching up to wipe away a stray tear.
"I-I love you, Arthur," Merlin said, voice cracking with emotion. Arthur kissed him softly.
"And I love you, Merlin, with all my heart. Now, let's get ready before the bath goes cold. I've had dinner brought up for afterwards and then we can do whatever you want."
When Merlin reached up to take off his neckerchief, Arthur softly batted away his hands and worked to undo it himself. "I meant it when I said I was spoiling you. You will not be lifting a finger tonight."
Merlin sighed and leaned into Arthur, knowing there would be no dissuading his lover. As Arthur pulled Merlin into the water and gently began to rub his shoulders, Merlin going completely lax against him and humming sleepily in a rare display of vulnerability, Arthur made a vow: he was going to marry Merlin one day, no matter what.
I hope you enjoyed!
