*Flashback to the night before the tournament*

"Merlin, you can't be serious. You don't love him." Merlin rolled his eyes as he snuggled closer to his big brother. He told Will that he loved Arthur, and he wasn't taking it lightly. "No, no, no. You can't love him. You're too young. I forbid you to be in love!"

"Will, I'm old enough to take care of myself."

"Not by my standers," There was a knock at the door. "If that's him-"

"Come in!" Gaius walked in and shut the door behind him. "Merlin Emrsy," Merlin winced at the use of his full name. "I told you: you can't skip your medicine." He place a bottle in Merlin's hand, who pulled a face. "Now, young man." Both, knight and prince, winced at the tone. Gaius could make Balinor feel guilty even though he was far from a young man. Merlin swallowed it in one glup. "Gross..."

"It's good for you."

"Yeah, but I don't have to like it."

"You're still doing to take it."

"Yes, Gaius."

Will shook his head at Merlin. "How many times have you skipped?" Merlin leaned on him. "Umm..."

"That's what I thought." Will touched the tattoo on Merlin's neck. The mouth of the dragon seemed to snap at him. He chuckled. "Time for bed, Merlin." Merlin sighed. "OK...night, Gaius."

"Goodnight, my boy." He left, taking the bottle with him. Merlin settled himself under the covers. The knight slipped in next to him and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "I feel weak, Will."

"I know. The medicine is working."

"Why do I have to take it?"

Will sighed. "We've been through this before. You don't have complete control over your magic yet."

"Do too."

"Do not."

"Do too."

"Merlin. Go. To. Sleep."

"No."

"What will make you go to sleep?'

"Tell me what you and my dad were talking about."

"No."

"Why not?"

Will sighed. "...Fine, but you promise you'll go to sleep?"

"Yes; cross my heart."

"...The king has given your hand, in marriage, to a knight...he took your...er, preference into consideration."

Merlin was silent. "I love Arthur."

Will pulled him closer. "You'll learn to love the man. Now, go to sleep."


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