Arthur's anger turned into amusement as soon as the lanky boy in front of him swung his fist. As soon as they made contact a shiver was sent through Arthur's body. He felt as if he and the boy were meant to meet. To keep up appearances, Arthur had the boy arrested. He had no intent of keeping him in jail for more than the night. He was impressed that such a small figure had such a big voice. Standing up to someone larger than you is very noble, especially if said person was a little hot tempered and foolish at times. He thought of the look Merlin had given him and then remembered how blue his eyes were. Arthur spent the rest of his day trying to think of other things.
It wasn't long before the two had run into each other again. Arthur calling out to him as he walked by. Merlin turned around with the most furious yet cutest expression on his face Arthur had seen from anyone, not even Morgana. He immediately tried to spew insults and the prince, but he just smiled. Merlin tore off his jacket and Arthur couldn't help but laugh and the small, furious Merlin. He threw a spiked ball and chain into the boy's arms. "Here you go, big man." Arthur teased. Merlin predictably fumbled and dropped the weapon.
Arthur came towards Merlin swinging his own weapon above his head. "I warn you; I've been trained to kill since birth."
Merlin opened his big mouth and without missing a beat he said, "Wow, and how long have you been training to be a prat?"
Arthur had to stop himself from laughing. "You can't address me like that."
"Sorry. How long have you been training to be a prat, my lord?" Merlin let out a cheeky smile and Arthur swung at his head. Thankfully Merlin had ducked and was now expertly dodging Arthur's blows. The foolish boy had gotten his weapon stuck in a hanging basket and was now left defenseless, or so Arthur thought.
Arthur was ready to swing again when he saw a flash of gold in Merlin's eyes. He knew immediately. This boy was a sorcerer. Arthur's own weapon was now stuck on some hanging hooks. Arthur thought about alerting everyone to the magic tricks his opponent was using, but decided he wasn't done having fun. Besides, what harm can this twink do? Soon enough Arthur was on the ground while onlookers laughed. Merlin, who thought he had won, turned his back on the prince and that's when he made his move.
The guards grabbed him by the shoulders, but Arthur was quick to intervene. "He may be an idiot, but he's a brave one." Arthur said studying the boy's pouty face. "There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it." And with that he walked away.
The next time the two met they locked eyes with each other from across the room. Merlin was quick to look away. He was still shaken from when he had visited The Great Dragon and learned of the prophecy. He was meant to protect the prince, stand by his side. Of course, it was Merlin's luck that he was made to protect such a prick. He was beautiful, that Merlin could not deny, but he was so rude.
The Lady Morgana had walked into the room, and many stopped and stared. She was without a doubt beautiful, even Merlin can admit that. Gaius turned to him "Remember, you're here to work." He said, noticing Merlin's gaze.
Merlin just let out a huff of amusement and whispered to himself "That's not going to be a problem."
The Lady Helen started to sing and before Merlin knew it everyone was falling asleep, obviously the work of magic. He quickly covered his ears so the spell would not affect him. He watched as she walked towards the royal family. She pulled out a plain looking dagger, and thinking fast Merlin made the candelabra fall onto the woman. As soon as her singing stopped, everyone started to wake up. Instead of the Lady, there was an old woman in her place, under all the metal. Merlin quickly recognized her as the grieving mother from the other day. She threw her dagger at the prince and Merlin without thinking pulled Arthur out of his chair. The dagger pierced the chair behind where the Prince's chest was moments before. With a groan the old woman was dead.
Merlin stood up and dusted off his pants when he realized what was happening. The King walked towards him "You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." Merlin opened his mouth to protest but wasn't given the chance. "You shall be awarded with a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant." He declared before walking away.
One moment Arthur was sitting in his chair, drinking wine, and listening to the enchanting voice of The Lady Helen. The next there was an old woman on the ground throwing a knife at him. He knew he had no time to move, and thought he was a goner for sure. He suddenly felt hands grip him and pull him onto the floor. He looked under him and there was Merlin, the rebellious fool. Arthur had actually thought he was quite brave, smack talking a prince. He stared down at the boy under him for a few seconds too long before Merlin moved, bringing him back to reality. He quickly hopped off him and they both rose to their feet. Merlin had just saved his life.