We had intended on posting this almost immediately after the previous chapter. Obviously, that didn't happen. So, to make up for it, we're posting two chapters at once.
Merlin's head snapped out of his hand. "What?" Merlin asked, confused at Arthur's sudden outburst.
"The opening statement, Merlin," Arthur said as though it explained everything.
Of course, Merlin hadn't actually read the opening statement like he was supposed to. Arthur must be taking this more seriously than Merlin thought he would. Well, Merlin would read a bit more thoroughly in order to appease the prat. But not much more thoroughly. Sighing, Merlin flipped back to the first page. He read the beginning:
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.
"I don't see what you're getting excited about. I'm just as much in want of a wife as you are," Merlin pointed out.
"Keep reading," Arthur prodded.
However little known the feelings or views of such a man be on first entering a neighborhood, this is so fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of someone or other of their daughters.
Merlin looked at Arthur. Was Arthur serious? The servant shook his head as he turned back away.
Arthur rolled his eyes in retaliation. "You wouldn't understand, Merlin. You've never had anyone try to thrust their daughter on you."
"Doesn't sound so bad."
"Merlin," Arthur sounded clearly unamused.
"Yes?" Merlin smiled, awaiting the inevitable rude shushing.
"Shut up."
Arthur flopped back onto his bed. The prince resumed reading; the servant resumed skimming. Hour after tedious hour passed.
Occasionally, Arthur would make some comment defending some "Mr. Darcy." Merlin had noticed the name while scanning, but he didn't care. Frankly, Merlin wished Arthur would quit pretending to like the book. It was disturbing. The prince doing way too good of a job. If Arthur thought he could fool Merlin into thinking he genuinely enjoyed this book... Well, he had another thing coming. Why didn't he just save all the acting for Gwen?
After several hours, Merlin finally decided he had had enough of this nonsense. The event of staring at that book and listening to Arthur's random comments had to end. Now. Merlin pushed his seat backward to escape the table. As he tried to creep away, Arthur's voice rang out.
"Merlin! Get back in that chair. I know you're not done reading."
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