Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin
Here is the new chapter. I hope it lives up to your expectations. Enjoy!
After yesterday's talk with Gwen, Arthur's mind was made up. He couldn't help the lingering doubts, even though the king had conviction he was doing the right thing. Young Pendragon knew prejudices of a lifetime couldn't be removed overnight. When the king and queen had been discussing everything the previous day, they realised how much Merlin had done for them, so while he trusted Merlin, he still was unsure about others.
Many times Arthur had regained consciousness to be greeted by his friend's huge grin and assurance that the threat was taken care of. He could also recall that whenever the whole city was endangered, Merlin would mysteriously disappear, and each time come back later with an explanation of being in tavern, despite having no hangover. Arthur was sure of that, because he was being exceptionally loud, of course only for the good of his servant, to stop him from drinking.
In the morning, the king was woken by his wife, who also helped him get dressed. Then she went to attend to her duties, leaving Arthur on his own.
The king anxiously paced the chamber. After realizing what he was doing, he tried to contain himself and look through some documents. Sitting at the table and attempting to work, the monarch found he couldn't focus for long.
What if I'm wrong? I'm about to destroy everything my father thrived to achieve.
Arthur couldn't ponder it any longer, because he heard footsteps outside and momentarily recognised them as Merlin's. He made the decision and would stick to it. However, he wasn't going to make it easy on the idiot, who lied to him for years.
The king quickly composed his face, and tried to look as if he was working. When the servant entered the chambers, he motioned for him to put the tray on the table, while he himself made space for it.
When breakfast was safely before Arthur, he said. "Oh, Merlin, just the man I wanted to see." He smirked waiting for the reaction to his next words. "Tell me, what do you know about magic?"
"What?!" Merlin paled and started sweating. Someone who didn't know him wouldn't notice a thing, but Arthur did. He wondered how he didn't see it sooner.
"Yes," the king was calmly eating breakfast.
"What?" Merlin's panic gave a little place to confusion.
"'What' was the question I asked you. I'm still waiting for an answer." Arthur impatiently tapped his finger.
"Well... I.. what was the question again?" Oh, so Merlin wanted to play dumb? Usually he would get away with it, but right now the king was determined and prepared.
"Sit," said Arthur pointing to the chair opposite to him. He noticed servant hesitating and glancing on the door. The king would have none of it. He stood up, took hold of Merlin and forced him to sit. "I said sit and don't you dare leave this room until I let you. Understood?" His deadly tone left no room for disobedience.
"Yes, Sire." The last word was said with sarcasm, but it didn't matter right now. His friend looked defeated and afraid, which made Arthur ashamed of himself, and he still hadn't even mentioned his decision. The king got back to his place.
"I asked you what you knew about magic," Merlin looked as if he was going to run through the door regardless, so Arthur quickly continued "because you live with Gaius and any time Camelot is under magical attack, you do research with him." Younger man visibly relaxed, when he realised that his secret was safe. He had no idea. "I thought that some information must have gotten even through that thick skull of yours. I know it isn't wise to openly talk about magic, but you can trust me. With anything."
The king really meant that. He saw strange expression go through his friend's face and for a moment hoped that he would come clean. However, the moment passed and Merlin said nothing. Finally, he answered carefully.
"I guess I learnt some things." The servant seemed to have made a decision when he added. "I probably know about it more than any other castle's resident, except for Gaius."
That was a confession almost as dangerous as admitting to having magic. Merlin made it intently observing his master.
"Good. That's what I hoped for," Arthur smiled seeing his friend's startled expression, "because I'm naming you my Advisor of Magic."
King couldn't help himself and started laughing seeing Merlin speechless in shock, with mouth agape and round eyes. Servant would have sat if he hadn't been sitting.
"What.. how.. why..I.. I don't understand." Merlin finally managed to put together a proper sentence.
"Nothing new here then." Merlin's indignant expression only added to Arthur's mirth. The fact that anger was replacing astonishment on his friend's face didn't help either. Despite lately revelations, the king knew that Merlin would have never hurt him. However, he had a knack to come up with ideas for payback, Gwaine for help, and now Arthur knew that magic too. Donkey's ears came to his mind and the king momentarily stopped laughing.
"Sorry. As for your question, lately I realised that my father wasn't totally right. I promised the ghost of a Druid boy freedom, whereas I've done nothing to fulfil my obligation. Druids are peaceful people and so far haven't troubled Camelot, so perhaps they deserve the benefit of the doubt. Besides, I'm a man of my word."
"Are you going to repeal the ban?" Merlin seemed a little too eager to hear the answer, but now Arthur knew the reason for it. Servant kept his breath waiting.
"No," Merlin's heart sunk having heard it "at least not now. I concede that the Druids use magic and seem to have somehow avoided it's corruption. However," he stressed his point by raising a finger, "I can't be sure about the rest. All I, all my people have seen of it was meant to hurt. I'm going to give magic a chance, but I need time."
Merlin looked as if he was going to faint or hug his master. Finally, he asked. "Why me then, why not Gaius?".
Because you understand other magical users, since you have magic too and seem to have respect of the Druids. Because I trust you despite the years of deception. He couldn't say that, so he answered with a half-truth. "Because Gaius has already his duties as a Court Physician, whereas you are lazing about whole days and spending them in the tavern." the king tried to levy the atmosphere.
Merlin didn't take the bait, the matter was too important to him. "What do you want me to do?"
Arthur stood up, walked around the table, sat on it close to Merlin, put a hand on his shoulder and then said. "I want you to write the new law"
"Me?!" Merlin exclaimed in disbelief.
"No, the other idiot around. Of course I mean you, who else? I'm naming you my Magic Advisor, remember?" Arthur answered exasperated. "Besides I'm not telling you to do it alone. Geoffrey will help you and I'm sure that Gaius too, when you ask him. You can also come to me anytime you will have any doubts. Better?"
"Yes" uttered Merlin.
"Good. Now that we've got it sorted, let's talk more about the law." Arthur took his hand from servant's shoulder and leaned backwards. "As I was saying before, people need time to adjust, so first I'm going to allow only healing magic. Think about something to make Druids and townsfolk as much at ease as possible. Are you following so far?"
Merlin nodded, still stunned at the turn of the events.
"Good. For our plan to work we need Druids, so finding them is another of your tasks."
"And how am I going to do it?" Merlin asked sarcastically.
"I'm sure you will think of something" said the king with a smirk.
"Great. Anything else, Sire?" now irony was evident in servant's tone.
"No, except you've got a week."
"What?! How do you expect me to perform my duties as you manservant and write the law in a week?" he asked incredulous.
"Didn't I mention it? You won't be my manservant any longer." Seeing his friend worried expression, Arthur quickly added. "Don't worry, you won't miss me. I will still take you on patrols and hunting trips. Can you imagine George carrying carcass or tanning?" he asked with a smile.
Corners of Merlin's lips rose a little, when he answered. "No, but I still haven't got the slightest idea why would I miss you. Ouch!" he finished with a yelp and was massaging his arm, because Arthur playfully punched him there. "What was that for?"
"For being your idiotic self."
"Prat."
"Idiot."
"Dollophead."
"Clotpole."
"Hey! That's my word!"
"And it suits you perfectly."
They looked at each other with mirth in their eyes, and Arthur hadn't realised how much he missed this simple camaraderie with Merlin. His mistrust was eating away at their friendship. And now, when he finally made up his mind, it was a real relief.
Finally Merlin asked. "Did you come up with the whole thing by yourself? You know, me being advisor and the rest?"
The king shrugged. "Guinevere helped me."
"Ah! Now everything makes sense. I knew it was too wise and well thought to be your idea!"
"Hey!" Arthur exclaimed and tried to grab his friend, who leaned backwards too much and fell off his chair yelping. Then Merlin quickly scrambled up and run for the door, barely missed by a flying goblet.
"Sorry Sire, but I've got work to do," he shouted leaving chambers.
"MERLIN!"
So, how do you like it? :)