Disclaimer: I love Merlin, but that doesn't mean I own it. Pure fan love here.
Story: In a strange twist, Uther decided to have Merlin serve him as well. How does Merlin get around saving these two royal prats, when she's busy doing royal chores and getting exhausted saving them and doing their dirty laundry? She says nothing on how affectionate she oddly becomes of the King and the loyalty she develops for not only Arthur but Uther.
Set as an AU, genderbending fic.
Spoilers: All seasons.
Warnings: Age disparity, cursing and violence for now…hm, just in case since I'm usually writing it, bit of crazy humor, perverted humor, morbid or sarcastic humor, and maybe some sexual situations…
Pairings: Eventual Uther/Merlin, Lancelot/Gwen, others unknown for now… (I don't know what the hell I'm going to do with Arthur –I don't like him with anyone but Merlin, male or otherwise!)
Light Trigger Warning (but no graphic material)
The Lion and The Lamb
Chapter Six: Valiance, Thou Art a Lie
As Merlin finished the last touches of the King's bed, she began reciting quietly to herself all the things as part of his armor that she needed to dress Arthur properly later in the day when he went out to practice for the tournament that was to begin the next day.
"You forgot the most important thing," she heard the King say and she turned to face him, seeing him watching her from afar.
"What's that, Your Highness?" she asked, fretting inwardly and trying to figure out what slipped her mind.
"A sword," Uther told her wryly, smiling a bit. "I'm sure a sword will be helpful to fight with."
Merlin sighed. Of course. How could she forget that?
"You're fretting again," Uther noted. "When you fret, you become anxious and then you tend to forget. And, well, usually it's even things you already knew that you end up forgetting. Relax –you will do fine for when you dress Arthur later. It will be practice anyway and I'm sure tomorrow you will have gotten it perfectly."
"I don't want Arthur to get hurt," Merlin wrung her hands. "I don't see the point of these tournaments," she grumbled.
Hearing the King chuckle reminded her just who she was talking to and what she was saying, and she bit her lip and looked at him in worry. He came over to her and gently touched her shoulders.
"You do not need to worry about Arthur. My son is the best fighter in all the lands," Uther actually proudly boasted. "He will be fine and will defend his title to the very end and win. And I don't suppose you would see the point of the tournaments. Perhaps it's just a thing men like to posture about, yes?" he said, sounding almost teasing. Which was ridiculous. Really.
The King couldn't possibly be teasing Merlin. Would he?
Merlin cleared her throat awkwardly. "Be that as it may, it probably is just a men thing," she huffed. "Why else do women not participate?" she snarked.
Uther threw his head back and actually full out laughed, and Merlin found herself smiling.
"It is good to come here and feel so…" Uther trailed off, smiling himself in good humor. "I just am glad for you and your humor. After a trying morning, I am glad that something has turned my mood around."
"If I may ask, Sire," she started shyly. "What had you in a bad mood?"
A dark look briefly passed over Uther's face, making Merlin hesitant and wish she hadn't ask. Uther looked to her then, smile fading slowly.
"There was news of sorcery being performed in a village nearby. I had to send a squadron of men there to check it out," Uther's tone was cheerless. "I cannot allow such evil to exist in my lands, and for my people to be harmed by it."
Merlin flinched and drew away from the King. She always kept forgetting how he was a magic-hating King, and if he knew about her, she would be killed on the spot. It was hard though, especially since he'd been so oddly kind to her ever since she came to Camelot.
His hands were on her shoulders again and she looked up at him to see him looking worried.
"You mustn't worry," he told her seriously. "I wouldn't let magic anywhere near you and you will be safe here under my protection."
She gave a weak smile, not saying anything.
She hurried up in there, wanting to get away as fast as she could before she could mess up and accidentally show her magic to the King. When she was done, she mumbled a quick goodbye and a troubled bow, before she rushed off to retrieve and prepare Arthur's armor in the armory.
Merlin didn't forget a single thing, including his sword.
Morgana felt two things about the annual tournament. One, she thought it was idiotic and pointless. Two, part of it was because she couldn't compete in it herself so she was doubly against it.
She didn't even want to attend the feast that was held at the end of the first day of the tournament, but Uther had insisted she not be rude and dishonor their guests. Which, yes, it would be rude of her not to come, but she didn't really care. It wasn't like they were there to see her or would probably stare at her all night long.
"Morgana, where is your maidservant?" Uther asked her.
"I gave her the night off because I was in a horrid mood," Morgana scowled and pointedly looked away from Uther.
She heard Uther sighed heavily. "Well, at least Arthur and Merlin are here."
She perked up a little, trying to see the duo, and smirked when she saw Arthur which turned into a delighted smile when she saw Merlin hesitantly trailing behind him. Oh, she looks so pretty, even in her peasant clothing! If Morgana had known Merlin was coming, she would have dressed her up and not given Gwen the night off, so that the three of them could squirrel away somewhere and gossip the night away.
"Father," Arthur greeted Uther formally before turning to her and giving her an annoying smirk. "Morgana."
Behind him, Merlin awkwardly shifted before she slowly moved to a brief curtsey. "Your Highness, Lady Morgana."
Morgana beamed at her, ignoring Arthur. Uther looked to see his son and nodded at him.
"Arthur, good to see you here finally," Uther commented before looking to Merlin and smiling slightly, causing Morgana to raise an eyebrow faintly. "Merlin. Welcome to a feast of Camelot's. I don't believe you were ever properly in one, and the last was rather…disturbed."
"Y-yes, Sire. It's wonderful and very colorful," Merlin's eyes were wide and she was so adorable that Morgana wanted to reach over and embrace her tightly. She was still surprised at Uther though, talking so casually and kindly to a mere servant.
"That's good. If you would please pour me some more wine, perhaps after you could attend to Morgana and slip away elsewhere in the room and the two of you may enjoy the feast and eat heartily?"
Morgana became delighted again, pleased that she would be able to not have to endure the feast (or at least the people) entirely and that she would get to spend it with Merlin at that, even as her surprise was further mounting at Uther allowing a servant to slack off and enjoy themselves at a feast (and politely asking one for something!).
"You don't mind, do you Arthur?" Uther asked his son and Morgana stared intently at Arthur, daggers in her eyes while she kept her mouth prettily smiling.
Arthur frowned, looking at Merlin like a lost puppy before sighing. "No, Father. That is fine."
Morgana was so happy that she didn't even care that she had to meet Sir Valiant first.
"Morgana, this is Sir Valiant. He's done quite well for himself through the tournament, hasn't he?" Uther introduced the rather handsome man.
Morgana smiled, still in good cheer. She remembered him too, finding herself impressed at how easily he'd been dispatching his opponents. Maybe he'd be the one to finally put Arthur done a peg or two and win the tournament, snatching away Arthur's title. Served the blond right.
Valiant bowed, smiling back at her. "Milady, it is truly a pleasure. You are as beautiful as they say you are. I can only hope that I can win this tournament in order to escort you to the celebratory feast afterwards."
Arthur cut in, smiling dangerously. "Well, there's still me you'll have to go through, Sir Valiant. It'll be a tough fight."
A round of laughter sounded through them, and Morgana saw Merlin come back with a pitcher of wine. She came near Uther, who noticed her and held out his goblet, to which Arthur then asked to have some as well. Afterwards, she was hoping she would be able to leave with the maidservant, when –by luck –she noticed Valiant looking at Merlin.
There was a strange look to his eye and his smile sharpened just the slightest, and Morgana felt chills watching him. A part of her felt very deeply disturbed and went from liking the rather arrogant man, to wanting him as far away from Camelot as possible.
"Merlin," she said immediately, keeping her smile on her face. "Please come with me. I feel quite faint and would like to head to my room already. Please excuse me, Your Highness."
Merlin looked at her surprised, but nodded and went to her side after putting the pitcher elsewhere, and kindly coming to put a gentle hold on Morgana to support her. Oh, she was always so thoughtful, even though Morgana didn't really need to be supported. Merlin looked to her actual masters, who allowed her leave and watched Morgana worriedly.
She was sorry that she was taking Merlin away from her first chance at experiencing one of Camelot's feasts, but she felt it was much more prudent to take her away from there.
"Merlin," Morgana said firmly. "Be wary of the knights."
Merlin gave her a nonplus look, but Morgana carried on.
"Not of Camelot's. I know they adore you," which caused a cute blush that Morgana had to smile sadly at. "Just be careful, alright."
"O-of course, milady."
But Morgana still wasn't sure Merlin understood how serious she was, and she wished she could outright tell her to stay the hell away from Valiant. Even if she was the King's Ward, there was no way she could just easily accuse a knight like Valiant and upset Merlin, who could just as easily accidentally do something against the man in her panicked and wary state, and get in trouble because Morgana had told her about him.
"Just be careful," she reiterated and Merlin smiled sweetly at her.
How she wanted to protect that smile.
Merlin disliked Valiant. In fact, she didn't like him at all. He was arrogant and thought he could beat Arthur, which was totally ridiculous. She could proudly say Arthur was the best, like Uther had said. She never said anything to the other man, but she would have liked to, if it wouldn't have gotten her into trouble.
And that was another thing! He'd taken to finding her and cornering her everywhere and distracting her from her duties. It was annoying and she hated hearing him brag and boast for as long as he could before she did her best to politely excuse herself from his presence. It was a good thing there was always others around too, as sometimes she was able to recruit help from them in escaping.
At the moment though, she was in the armory alone and was in the middle of gathering Arthur's armor so she could fix it, bang out the dents, and polish it before bringing it up to Arthur.
A light touch of someone's callused fingertip against the base of her neck made her freeze up, even as whoever it was trailed their finger upwards until they grasped a loose strand of her tied up hair and pulled it away from her.
"You know, I had my sights set on the beautiful Morgana," Valiant's voice sounded from behind her, sounding dark and husky and it made Merlin's skin crawl. "But then you popped up, sauntering towards us like an elusive nymph, carrying a jug of wine like you were ready to serve Dionysus."
Her breathing sped up, more so as she felt Valiant come closer. One of his hands roughly grasped at her hip and she instinctively moved to jerk away, which prompted him to wrap his other arm around her front and yank her against him.
"Now, now," he breathed into her ear. "Do not fear. I won't hurt you. I just want to touch a little."
She whimpered. "P-please don't!" She was tempted to use magic, but she knew she couldn't, especially not here with him.
"Sh, sh," he mumbled against her ear as his hand crept down, grasping for the hem of her dress and slipping his hand underneath it.
"Please, milord, don't do this. Please, please, please," Merlin started crying.
But her cries were ignored and all she could see through her tears, were the snakes on Valiant's shield blinking at her and the sound of hissing and panting in the air.
Arthur wasn't sure what was wrong with his maidservant, but Merlin hadn't been herself the entire morning. She was quiet and subdued, and there was a lack of her usual affection and fondness for him that made him inwardly worry and slightly pout. He missed her witty replies too, which hadn't made an appearance yet.
"How do I look?" he asked with a smile, posturing for her.
She smiled halfheartedly, gazing at him with eyes that weren't supposed to be dull.
"Like a prince," she said softly.
He didn't know what to do. He wasn't good with…feelings. He wasn't sure if he should say something, ask her what was wrong, or to leave it be and let her deal with it privately. It frustrated him, especially since he wanted to do something about it and get her back to normal.
"Are you ready to go?" she asked.
"Yes, let's go," Arthur said and began to lead the way.
They walked together in silence, which upset Arthur further because it wasn't one of their usual silences which were comfortable and calming, but stiff and awkward. He wished he knew how to be more sensitive, to know what to say to her. Even better if he could draw whatever it was out of her and find out what was troubling her.
They made it to the hall, where his father and Morgana already were dining and Merlin continued to walk behind him. He sat down and watched out of the corner of his eye as Merlin met up with Merek and the two of them began to get the plates of food ready and bring to the table. Afterwards, Merek stood back and Merlin stayed ready with the pitcher of water.
"Merlin! Are you alright?" Morgana burst out and startled Arthur, who looked at his maidservant closely.
Her eyes were red, like she'd been recently crying. There were tear tracks still drying on her face. Had she been crying on the way here and he hadn't noticed? What kind of friend was he?
Merlin sniffled. "I-I'm alright, Lady Morgana. Probably just tears from the onions."
Yeah right. He'd call her bullshit on that; it was an obvious lie.
"Sire, if it's alright, perhaps Merlin can take a rest for the rest of the day?" Merek stepped in and requested.
His father frowned, but then he nodded. "Yes, that sounds best. Come back to work tomorrow, Merlin."
Merlin stayed uncharacteristically quiet. "Yes, Sire. Thank you."
She curtseyed before leaving and the room was left in silence.
Uther was getting ready for bed, his frown seemingly stuck on his face. It had been there since Merlin's leave that morning and he'd been moody all day. Her presence seemed to calm him and without her, he could feel the agitation and annoyance rise easier in her absence. His patience seemed less tethered and the fact she had seemed so upset had bothered him and contributed to his agitated state.
A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts and he called out for whoever they were to come in, and he was surprised to see Merlin come inside his chambers.
"Gaius is still out on his rounds," she explained quietly (no, this wasn't like her at all; he didn't like it). "He bid me to come give you your potion and ointment."
He forced his frown into a smile for her and reached out a hand for the potion. Like déjà vu, he felt a cold touch on his shoulder and realized that she was again rubbing in the ointment as he took his regular potion.
"You know, you do not have to do that," he reluctantly said, even though he had quite enjoyed it and his shoulder felt much better.
She blinked at him. "Oh."
She turned slightly red and sort of hovered there, not sure what to do, so he took mercy on her.
"But I thank you," he said, wanting to let her know it was much appreciated. "My shoulder has felt much better each time that you had taken the time to help me."
She swallowed thickly and gave him a small smile, but she still looked too miserable.
"Merlin," he continued. "As your King, I bid you to honestly tell me what is wrong."
It was a dirty ploy, but he didn't really regret using that tactic to get her to talk. She was obviously hurting and not saying anything was just hurting her more. If he could hear her out, perhaps he could do something about it and help her.
She hesitated before she burst into sobs and blurted out what happened to him. Each word out of her mouth caused his face to become stony, while he hid his clenching fists.
His blood was absolutely boiling by the end.
"I'm sorry, Sire. I swear I'm not lying and I know I'm just a servant and I know it's not a big deal and I'm just a servant –"
"Silence," he cut her off, staring her down. She flinched and he softened his look. "I don't care that you are a servant. I believe you. And it is a very big deal and I will not tolerate such a thing happening in my castle, especially to my maidservant."
The fact that that vile man had touched Merlin, had hurt her and violated her in such a way –it was unforgivable and made him itch to rush out of there and find Valiant now.
"Y-you believe me then?" she asked hesitantly and he didn't like the look on her face that said she was shocked about that. Worse that, aside from believing her, it looked like she didn't think he'd care.
No, it was Merlin. He couldn't bear to see her cry and be hurt like this. It was like his very fears and thoughts had come to life. Her fragile being shattering in front of him and he could do nothing.
But he watched her wring her hands and nervously look about, and he felt as if there was something more, which he couldn't believe was true given however upsetting the news she had already delivered.
"I think…I think Sir Valiant is cheating. W-with magic, Sire," she admitted slowly and she nervously watched him. "His shield –the snakes are enchanted somehow."
Uther inhaled sharply. He felt enraged at this knowledge, and though one would question a servant over a knight, he would never doubt Merlin. He found himself always listening to her and she had a habit of being such a bad liar anyway, that it was hard to see her lying.
But a part of him was still more furious over Valiant's molestation of Merlin over even his use of magic to cheat.
Now he had an excuse to do something about Valiant though. If he was honest, he knew before Merlin that he and that everyone else would not care over a simple servant being fondled and her chastity being compromised. Well, that wasn't completely true –everyone would gossip and be upset on the afterwards, and he himself would be disgusted and furious over such a thing happening, but to believe a servant over a knight was unheard of. Even with Merlin's ennobled status, it would be hard-pressed to believe her word over Valiant's. But still…since she was ennobled and was specifically his and Arthur's maidservant, if Valiant was caught in the act…
It would be hard to prove the accusations of sorcery with Valiant, but to show his disgrace and willingness to dishonor an ennobled young woman like Merlin and be caught personally by the King…
Uther tentatively explained this to Merlin, watching her face closely. She looked torn and he hated that he had asked her of this. But if he were to be able to do something about Valiant, this seemed the only way.
"I'll do it," she said determinedly. "I-if he's caught, what will happen to him?"
Uther scowled. "He will be stripped of his title and banished. Unfortunately, if he cannot be caught using magic, then I cannot have a knight be executed." Seeing her shudder though, he found himself saying, "But if you wish it, I will make an exception."
She stared at him in shock and he looked back steadily, while inwardly he was surprised at himself. But he didn't take it back nor did he want to. He waited for her answer, watching her struggling with herself. She was always so open and easy to read.
"I don't want anything to do with him, Sire," Merlin finally said. "So after this, I'd like to not think or talk about him ever again."
Uther understood, but a part of him wished she'd said yes. It would only serve Valiant right.
The next night, he found his son and had him accompany him. He ignored his son's questions and found Sirs Leon and Brom as well, having them come with them.
"I want to inspect the armory," he announced to them, causing strange looks to head his way.
"This late, Father?" Arthur questioned.
"Yes," Uther said shortly, trying not to look like he was hurrying. He didn't want to end up too late and having Merlin go through this futilely.
"Sire, is there something wrong? Something particularly damaged there that you found?" Leon asked, but Uther said nothing and when they neared the armory, he held a fist up to signal silence.
He peered around the opening and saw Merlin inside with Valiant, pressed against the wall and crying as the knight held her wrists together and mouthed her neck and moved downwards, all the while holding up his shield where three snakes were threateningly hovering about Merlin's head.
Uther was split between absolute rage at the sight of Merlin being taken advantage of, and crowing in triumph at getting to catch Valiant in the act of not only this vile act against his maidservant but of sorcery.
"What is this?" he stepped into the room, roaring in rage. Merlin thankfully pushed away from the shocked Valiant and rushed over to them, hiding behind Brom and sniffling quietly, while Brom held her securely and comforted her.
Arthur looked infuriated and stomped over to Valiant, with an equally incensed Leon accompanying him. Valiant tried to fight his way out of this, but both Leon and Arthur worked together to overcome him and shoved him against the wall, his shield dropping uselessly to the ground.
"You are hereby stripped of your title for daring to touch the ennobled maidservant of the Prince and myself," Uther hissed dangerously. "But consorting to sorcery and cheating with it through the tournament, you are sentenced to execution! Tomorrow at dawn, you are to be publicly executed for your crimes of sorcery and treason!"
"W-wait! Please, Your Highness!"
He ignored Valiant's begging. "Take him to the dungeons," Uther spat out and watched his son and Leon drag the struggling knight out of there. He turned to Brom and Merlin then, softening at the sight of the shaken Merlin with the knight. "Sir Brom, please escort her to the kitchens and get Merlin something to eat and drink to settle her. And then escort her to Gaius', and inform him of what happened."
"Yes, Sire," Brom replied and gently directed Merlin out of there.
Uther sighed. Hopefully this ordeal was finally over and Merlin wouldn't be haunted and continually distressed by this.
He went to head back to his chambers and decided that a good sleep was needed.
Uther was slowly drawn to consciousness, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, and sat up in his bed. He saw Merlin already there, getting his clothes ready and was to bid her morning when there was a knock on his doors that startled both of them.
"Come in," he called out and Merlin turned to him in surprise having not known he was awake, leaving him to smile sleepily at her.
"Father," Arthur rushed inside and his smile died out at the upset look on his son's face. "Valiant's gone missing. Somehow he'd escaped the dungeons and isn't to be found."
"Gather your men," Uther ordered. "Have them search Valiant in and out the castle and spread out to the city! He must be found!"
Arthur nodded surely, glancing worriedly at Merlin, before he left in a hurry. Uther watched Merlin hunch in on herself, feeling utterly helpless.
He should have lopped off the man's head right on the spot.
Started 12/5/16 – Completed 12/5/16
A/n: So things have really gone different from the episode, eh? From this point onwards, don't expect anything to be the same~ Fun times. Anyway, thanks to everyone for their birthday greetings and I hope they enjoyed this chapter! Please remember to leave a review as they keep me inspired and motivated! Otherwise I become like Tamaki from OHSHC XD
Anon Reviews:
1. Dark Yugi: Thanks! I had a good birthday. I'm hoping to continue on and keep writing well!
2. david leca: Thank you –I really want to change things up, so you can bet there's lots of changes in store. Hope you stick around.
3. Guest: I'm glad you think Merlin is adorable~ I just want to huggle her. As for Brom's family, that's not the last of them. There's more of them to come! And you know Merlin, she wouldn't just leave it at that either.
Quick Points:
1. Pandora Pairings Forum: Rare pair forum I created that has lots of challenges, so check it and subscribe please!
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