Chapter Twenty
Merlin stood outside the council chamber doors, trying to regulate his breathing. As soon as he opened those doors, he would see Arthur for the first time since before he had left. He wasn't sure how he would react, but he reminded himself again that he would need to be as polite as possible-Arthur was King now, and Merlin needed to remember his place.
Taking another deep breath, Merlin pushed open the large double doors and saw Arthur-his friend, his lover, his king-sitting on his throne.
Arthur looked up at the sound of the doors opening opposite him, his breath catching in his throat as he saw the man that mattered most to him in the world walking slowly towards him.
"M-Merlin," He stuttered, rising from his throne.
"My lord," Merlin said, bowing awkwardly.
"You're back, then." Arthur said, simply, trying to regain the authority in his voice as he lowered himself back down.
"Yes, my lord." Merlin was still looking at the ground.
"How was your… trip?" Arthur asked awkwardly, trying to look anywhere but at Merlin. The only sign of his distress were his hands, tightly gripping the arms of the throne, working to keep himself from running across the hall and embracing Merlin and never letting go.
"Long, my lord."
"Right. Well, I - Camelot is glad that you've returned." Looking directly at Merlin, his eyes stern, Arthur decided to take a chance. "I expect you'll be back at work tomorrow morning, Merlin."
"Work, my lord?" Merlin looked up, finally, into Arthur's eyes.
"Yes of course, don't be an idiot-although I suppose that would be too much to ask of you. Work, Merlin, as my manservant. I'll see you in the morning."
"As you wish, my lord." Merlin said shakily.
It wasn't until Merlin had crossed back to the double doors, and they were shut securely behind him, that both young men let out a long sigh, feeling the tension racing from their shoulders as they were overcome with the emotions they had both pretended no longer existed.