Sorry for the short chapter and the late update. I was sick all last weekend and swamped with homework. I'll try and update again tomorrow as compensation for the late update, but I can give no guarantee. Sorry again for the shortness of this chapter. Enjoy.
The council stood silently behind them as they stared up at Uther and Ygraine. Uther's face was starting to turn an interesting shade of red as he fought to stay calm. "What was it you just said?' He bit out through clenched teeth. Ygraine just sighed softly, patting her husband's hand and sent a sympathetic look towards the two men.
"I said, the Merlin and I have talked about it, and we are willing to accept the council's demands." All eyes turned from Uther to Merlin who fidgeted beside the prince, but kept his gaze up and level with the king.
"You so willingly accept it. I will not allow it; no son of mine will wed a Druid, even if he is only half." He roared, slamming his fist onto the arm of his throne.
"Well, seeing as how this demand does not concern you, father, you have no right in whether I accept or not." He replied coldly. "We will tell the council of our acceptance and you will just go along with it."
His face was starting to turn purple as he held his breath. Ygraine seeing this bent forward to whisper something into her husband's ear. Whatever it was she had said, it took all the wind out of the king's sail, staring at her in disbelief. She stared back just as determined as her son and gave a sharp nod as confirmation to what she had said.
His throat worked for a second as he fought for words. Finally he sighed, loudly and waved a dismissive hand. Bowing, the two men and the rest of the court left, knowing that the king and his queen needed to speak alone.
The next day, the council was informed of their acceptance. The treaty was soon finished after that. Uther stepped up and signed it with a flourish, hesitating only once as he glanced at the steely look in his wife's eyes.
The High Priest stepped forward, his eyes flashing gold momentarily. Slowly, the quill lifted and signed his name to the decorated parchment. This followed for the rest of the council, each shuffling forward and magically signing the parchment from such a distance.
As the last name dried, Geoffrey stepped forward, sealing wax in hand. Uther stepped forward and quickly pressed his ring to the cooling wax, impressing the Pendragon crest into the red wax. Standing. And still holding the spell in place, Merlin drew a heavy chain from around his neck, a ring swinging from it.
Quickly taking it off, he slid it onto his finger and pressed it into more wax, leaving the crest of Avalon impressed into the wax. The room rang with cheers as the half Druid stepped back. It was done, the treaty had been finished.
"We hope the union date will be settled quickly. We wish to send our own representatives to ensure that it is completed." Bowing, the image faded and disappeared altogether.
Arthur found Merlin later that day out on the wall, looking out east towards the distant forests of Avlin. "I guess I won't be going back now." He mused aloud.
Arthur leaned his hip against the wall ledge next to him. "You can always visit. I wouldn't mind visiting every now and again. Besides, there will be problems in the future. Problems where they'll need the Human and Druid Ambassador to sort it out."
"I guess you're right…for once." He smirked at the blonde. It faded and his expression turned serious again. "Arthur, do you think you will ever regret this? That you maybe could have led a more normal life if you hadn't been chosen as the Ambassador." He asked quietly.
"Normal, I don't there is such a thing. Regret it, definitely." Merlin flinched at his words. "I would regret the chance of never meeting you Merlin. Regret missing all the time we've spent together. I wouldn't change my life for all the power in the world. Ow, stop asking stupid things." He growled, tugging him forward to put him in a headlock, knuckling his head.
"Alright, alright, I get it. Stop." Arthur stopped, but didn't let his hold on his shoulders go. "Sorry for that. For some reason, talking with the council always makes me feel depressed."
"Well then, let's get you undepressed." He replied with a smirk. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to the Druid's, curling his fingers into his hair to keep him still as he pressed forward. Merlin sighed, letting him kiss him, a small smile curling the corner of his mouth.
"Better?" He asked as he pulled away.
Merlin's cheeks were red, but he just smiled. "I don't know, still feeling a little gloomy." Arthur returned the smile and kissed him again.
[A/N: Sorry it's so short, but this was like the perfect place to stop. Lol Can anyone guess what Ygraine threatened Uther with? I'm sure you all know *nudge nudge*]