Monday morning saw the siblings travelling back to Buckingham Palace once more. The first thing on Merlin's agenda after his session with Gwen was his first fitting for his ceremonial clothes and new suits that Arthur wanted him to have. All his previous cloths had been off the page as Merlin had needed to put on weight. He was still slender but it was felt he was unlikely to put on much more bulk. Gwaine stayed with him and explained the need to all the measurements. He had half expected Merlin to be more nervous as measurements were taken, bearing in mind his experiences with his uncle. But he was surprisingly relaxed about it, even if he did get bored and fidgety. He only looked uncomfortable once and that was as his inside leg measurement was taken. The robes didn't need close fitting it was the suits that the measurements were mainly for.
Merlin had watched the last coronation tape with Morgana and Arthur and knew his brother wanted him to attend. The thought of all those people scared Merlin, but he didn't want to let his brother down. Morgana was going to take him to Westminster Abbey that afternoon to look around as part of the preparation. The coronation was now less than a month away.
As the car come round and Merlin got in he watched as they went through London. His sister pointed out different things as they drove through the busy streets. When they arrived at the Abbey the car went to one of the side entrances. The Abbey had been closed to tourists for the visit and the Dean welcomed them and showed them around. Merlin was flabbergasted at the size and scale of the building. He touched the carvings and marvelled to think that the building was eight hundred years old.
Merlin was shown the Coronation chair and it was explained what would happen and where. He was also shown the place he would sit if he attended. Merlin was overwhelmed by it all. But he did ask if Aithusa and Gwaine could come with him if he went and was happy to hear they could. As Aithusa was considered a therapy dog there would be no problem. As they left Morgana was spotted by some of the tourist and several of them tried to approach but were kept back by Lancelot, Elyan and the other security present. They were soon on their way back to the Palace.
That evening some of the photos taken by the tourists showing Morgana and Merlin were shown on the news, and speculation started that Merlin would be making an appearance at the coronation. The next trip out was on the Friday and as arranged Mordred arrived on Thursday evening. The young man did his best to do as his father asked but the conversation was often stilted as he struggled to find common ground to talk about.
The next morning they left for Merlin's first Royal engagement, albeit and quiet one. In the end Arthur couldn't go but Morgana, Merlin and Mordred went and of course Aithusa. Once there, there was a small welcoming committee and they all bowed to the Royals and Merlin shock hands with everyone, he found it difficult to look up and often looked at people's feet and not their faces. But once he was introduced to some of the dogs and their owners he came alive. A small film crew was present who would distribute the film to the news agencies. Morgana to some extent took a back seat letting her brother be the focus of attention. Then as Merlin stood up to give the small speech he had practiced Morgana stood with him. Arthur had suggested he use the visit to thank people for their letters and gifts.
Merlin clasped his sisters hand and she could feel him shaking "I can do this if you don't want to Merlin" she told him
Merlin looked at her pale and anxious "I will, I want to" he told her.
Morgana was anxious that his nerves would cause him to have a seizure. But she knew if he did the cameras would stop rolling and no photos would be taken. There had been strict instructions on that. There was some thirty people present as Merlin and Morgana stood on the dais, he had a microphone to amplify his whispered words. He had his small speech written out but he tried to look up as he spoke. Gwaine had positioned himself so Merlin could look at him as he spoke.
Clearing his throat he started "Ladies and Gentlemen and children thank you for letting me visit Aithusa old home and meeting you all today. My dog has helped me and I know that others have been helped by other dogs trained here." He paused and took a deep breath was Gwaine winked at him he continued "I want to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has given the King and Princess Cards and presents for me in the past months. I wanted to write but there was too many of you." Merlin dried up and couldn't say any more so Morgana smiled and took the paper off of her brother and continued.
"It is wonderful and strange to think so many people have taken such an interest in me and care enough to write. Thank you" She smiled at her brother then looked at the camera. "Now for my speech….It has been a pleasure to visit here today and see all the work the charity does, and my brother and I have found it an eye opener. The king and I have as you can imagine have learnt so much in the past months about the work that is done here, by so many wonderful and dedicated staff. The difference Aithusa has made to Prince Merlin has been magnificent to see. This has been Prince Merlin's first public engagement and one he was keen to do." Morgana took her brother hand and turned to the small curtain behind them "We hereby unveil this plaque that commemorates the visit" Merlin took the cord and pulled it and then the Royals stood as some photos were taken. Not the normal barrage that normally occurred but only a couple of flashes as once more Merlin was protected. The last thing anyone wanted was to trigger a seizure.
They group left Merlin having been given a plush toy that looked like Aithusa and Morgana a large bunch of flowers. When Merlin got in the car he was shaking like a leaf but at the same time smiling. Mordred was please he knew he had managed to be in most of the shots with Merlin and Morgana, which would please his father as well as give him bragging rights. Being on the first public appearance as the enigmatic Prince Merlin could do him nothing but good.
Merlin fell asleep on Gwaine's shoulder on the way back to Windsor. Leaving Morgana to talk to Mordred. He confessed to finding it difficult to know what to talk about with Merlin as he didn't want to drag up bad memories. "Well he loves reading and he is a very good artist." Morgana told him "Not to mention Aithusa, but most of all just chat, tell him about your life. He will ask questions after all he has so much he doesn't know a bout, things we take for granted"
Mordred agree to try that. At the same time as privately thinking that he didn't think his pastimes of women and drinking, with the occasional drug taking would be of much interest. Mordred hadn't been that keen on books or art when he was at Eton or Cambridge let alone now, barely scrapping though his education. Perhaps he could interest Merlin in Rugby and Polo, although again Mordred only actually went to pick up a lay.