The People's Prince was the title his brother had earned through his own actions, performed in the service of Camelot and her subjects. If the people had a choice in the matter, right now, between the both of them, at this very moment, there was no doubt in Arthur's mind that his younger twin would be favored in his stead as the next king, despite his long absence from the capital. Merlin through his simple yet significant gesture made absolutely certain that no one, in the gathered would ever question who the true future ruling monarch would be.
Arthur, at many times in the past, had been equal parts envious and amazed by his twin. While he went about enjoying his privilege as a prince, his brother spent his time understanding the responsibilities of his role. He would mingle with the people, much to their father's discontent would try to understand their needs and go to any lengths to make sure they were met. He never defended Camelot with a sword, but he strove to make sure her people were well cared for. It seems his brother's love for the people of their land had only grown stronger during his absence. Merlin had the knowledge and skill of a statesman and the heart of a king, yet he chose to differ to Arthur only to avoid strive among their subjects.
Camelot deserved a king like Merlin but through a mere accident of birth order, she was stuck with him. Then and there Arthur decided in his mind he would not disrespect Merlin's actions, he would strive to be the king their people deserved. Arthur smiled at his brother's face and sensing a change in his twin's demeanor the younger turned and responded with a similar gesture.
Later, as the excitement of the evening died down, Merlin was found in Gaius's spare room, a book in hand, his attention elsewhere as he rested on the bed, his back cushioned against the wall by a hard pillow. Mary Collins was dead, her assassination attempt on the Once and Future King thwarted, as would be any other threat against Arthur or Camelot. It hurt him to kill the old witch, she was, after all, a grieving mother in search of justice but nothing can interfere with the formation of Albion and the greater good of all magic and non-magic alike. Hopefully, she was now at peace. Merlin sighed, he hadn't even been able to dance with Morgana due to the evening's abrupt closure. As he turned his head back to the book in hand, he was interrupted by a knock at the door to his room.
Who could it be at this hour he knew Guias was asleep. "Come in" he called. The door opened to reveal his brother of all people in a nightshirt and trousers. "Arthur? Is all well"?
Arthur just nodded as he entered, he took a look around before taking a seat in the rooms only chair. He turned so he was facing Merlin. "I wanted to thank you" Merlin held up his hand to stop the older prince.
"You already thanked me for pulling you out of the way of that dagger, you don't need to again it was my du…"
"That's not what I'm referring to". Arthur interrupted, Merlin looked at his brother's solemn eyes curiously, "I wanted to thank you for the respect and honor you showed me in front of the guests this evening. Both of us know that the people favor you over me on the throne". Merlin moved to protest but his brother gestured for him to stop and let him finish. "They would be right to do so, you have earned their respect on more than one occasion and though they respect me they do not look at me as their next ruler yet, but I promise you, Merlin, today, at this very moment, I will return the honor you have given me. I will care for and defend Camelot and her people until I breathe my last".
It was Merlin's turn to be shocked, Arthur was serious, even a blind man could have seen it. Earlier, when he had watched his brother on the training field he would admit that he had lost a bit of faith in him and the bright future of Albion but here, before him, sat not the arrogant prince of Camelot but Arthur, the future King of Albion. Merlin took a deep breath before smiling to his brother and replying
"Thank you, Arthur, that really means a lot".
"I also wanted to apologize for my behavior on the training field today".
Merlin looked at him shrewdly and replied; "It is not I who you need to apologize to Arthur, I think we both know who does deserve your atonement though".
"Merlin as a prince I can't be seen going around apologizing to servants".
Merlin sighed, and there was the arrogant prat again, "Then everything you just said to me is for naught, Moras is first and foremost a citizen of Camelot, his station as your servant is secondary". He looked on as his brother tried to reconcile in his mind his birth status and his duty.
Arthur exhaled in exasperation before replying "you're right, as always". Merlin smirked at that to which Arthur chastised "Shut up Merlin". They both laughed at the old joke until Arthur sobered "Father told me you requested to join the knights and myself as my personal physician"?
"I didn't request, I simply asked if such a position was indeed available".
"Well, it seems now it is and you have it. I don't understand, why not join me as a knight"?
Merlin laughed and responded "I wouldn't want to show you up in battle. Plus I don't really fancy a good fight".
"Show me up"!? Arthur's voice rose in indignation. "Merlin, just because you caught me unawares one time does not mean you will in any way show me up". Arthur looked at his brother and found him looking back with a serene expression; usually the kind he always wore when he knew something you didn't and it was also the kind that never failed to bring a shiver to Arthur's spine. From experience, anyone faced with that look was usually left utterly humiliated. Arthur cleared his throat in discomfort.
"I should leave you to rest. Meet me tomorrow at the private training fields before sunrise". As he rose to open the door he turned once again to his brother, "sleep well Merlin, it's good to have you back". He smiled at the man on the bed which Merlin returned.
"sleep well Arthur, I'll see you at the morrow". His brother nodded and left closing the door behind him.
As Arthur entered his rooms he found Moras stroking the fire, at the sound of the door closing the servant stood and faced the prince "Sire, is there anything further you require before I retire for the night"? Arthur looked the boy in the eye, he had come to his prince's defense with Sir Leon earlier while his so-called friends had run away and he, Arthur had repaid that loyalty with humiliation. He is first and foremost a citizen of Camelot. Merlin's words echoed in his mind.
"I am sorry".
"Si-sire"?
"For this afternoon and for any other time I may have treated you unfairly".
The servant smiled back at him "Thank you, sire. We, servants, are used to being treated badly but you, sire, have been one of my better masters. Will there be anything further, my Lord"?
"No, you may retire for the evening". Moras bowed low before smiling at him and moving to the adjacent room.
Arthur felt better at the man's smile and words. not that he would admit it. He knew he had been unfair and harsh to his servants, they usually bore the brunt of all his frustrations. Not anymore, he promised his twin he would protect their people, all their people. Taking a deep breath, he got into bed, blew out the candle on his side table and drifted off to a peace-filled sleep.