Arthur seriously should have stayed back at the house. Things heat up for the warlock and Goddess.


"God, this is painful to watch." Elyan peeks through his fingers cloaking his face.

"Ya think? Princess looks like he's trying to convince his coach a broken foot is a stubbed toe. I feel like I need to carry him off the field."

"Merlynn doesn't look much better. I don't think I've ever seen her look so... fake. Our people are so enamored with both of them, they don't even realize. Hunith and Bal know, though. So do Will and Freya. Look at 'em."

They locate the two couples and see that Merlynn's parents do, in fact, seem concerned, obviously having not been informed of Arthur's rejection of the proposed arrangement, and it appears like Will's ready to call time of death. Speaking of which...

"All right everyone let's thank our sister and King for tolerating our fanatical zeal and let them get back to a pleasant evening, eh? Give it up for Merlynn and Prince Arthur!"

It's obvious the groom purposefully did not say Emrys and King. It's his attempt to humanize them and axe all the militant hero worship. After he hands the mic back to the emcee and people resume dancing, he trots up to his lifelong friend. "Hey Merls. I'm really sorry. I don't know what's going on with you and the King, but you clearly did not want to be there. You looked like Uther just hugged you on live television. Serious cringe worthy stuff."

"It's okay, Will. You didn't know, and I didn't want to burden you. Besides you have a bride who's itchin' to dance more with her husband before she goes all prowly." She nudges him playfully.

"You know you're never a burden, Merlynn."

"I know, so don't make me feel like one, yeah? Go on. Go swing your woman around. Do one of those exaggerated dips."

"I don't mind if I do." He starts backing away. "See ya, Emrys." And soon he's doing just that. Will is the only person she likes addressing her by her title. His inflection is always mocking, as if the the label is an inside joke rather than a hallowed name. To him, she's always been Merlynn and her magic simply another talent like anyone else. There's someone else who always recognizes Merlynn, and he's waiting for her right now. With a genuine smile she grabs her warlock and whisks him to the dance floor.

--

"What the hell are you doing here, Arthur?!"

Arthur has found his way back to the table where his friends and sister sit. Apparently none have decided to resume their night of revelry, so they can lecture him about going somewhere he was invited and wanted. "Nice to see you too, sis. How is your evening?"

"You know damn well what I'm talking about. We talked about this. You agreed you should not come."

"Yeah, well. I changed my mind."

"Why? I mean, you're a grown man and can make your own choices... but we warned you... not that you have to do what we say. It's just... we care about you. We aren't trying to hurt you... not that you think we would. But..."

Lance covers his fiancee's hands with his, settling her burbling. "What Gwen is saying, Arthur, is that we have seen things and heard things and we know you. This is going to be difficult for you, and we don't want to see you suffer."

"I know, and I appreciate it, I do. But I am going to have to learn, and I can't do that burying my head in the sand. This woman is going to be around me for the rest of my life and so is this kid. I need to get over it."

"Baby steps, Arthur! We aren't sending you to war with a nerf gun! You aren't ready to fight this! You aren't prepared! You have to see reason! You need..."

"And what do I need Morgana?! What do I need, huh?! I am in love with this woman. What preparation is there to 'fight this'?! Lance, what would you need to let Gwen go and fuck a teenager?!"

"Arthur, you..."

"Or what about you, Gwaine? What would it take for you?! Watch Elena walk away and shack up with someone who's still waiting for their balls to drop?!"

"Arthur, he..."

"I don't want to hear it! You all have no clue what I'm going through, so if I want to come here and watch my practically nude soulmate grind against a pubescent, then so be it."

The Camelot Eleven are stunned into silence. They knew he was hurting, but this, this goes beyond unrequited love. He's suffering badly, and they have no inkling how to help him.

Except Morgana. She knows. She knows and she's going to. The plan is off. Fuck the Triple Goddess.

--

"Merlynn, are you sure? If he's struggling, then maybe..."

"No! We're doing it! I warned him. He didn't listen. Besides, this is for Will and Freya, and I'm not going to let some masochist King stop us or make all our work in vain, or..."

Mordred grips her shoulders stopping her tangent. "Hey? It's okay. We'll do it. That's fine. I just don't want you to regret anything, love. I'll do whatever you want."

"Okay, well I want this. This is my best friend's wedding, and I wanted to do something special, and I really think they'll love it, don't you?"

"Oh, I know they will."

"Good. Then let's do this. We first need to tell everyone to clear the floor." The two disperse to inform the guests.

"What's happening? Why is everyone leaving? Is it already time to go?" Elena was the first to see the mass exodus.

The group watches as the Ambrosians all leave the dance floor and go back to their tables. They also notice that Mordred and Merlynn are... not. Oh no. Arthur needs to leave, he needs to leave now! Everyone's thinking it.

Morgana's the only one brave enough to say it, especially after Arthur's melt down. "Arthur, something is happening."

"Yes, I can see that Morgana. I do have eyes."

"Princess, I can only guess what they are planning on doing out there, but it is a dance floor and they both have magic, so... You weren't there at Avalon. Merlynn can dance, Arthur, like really dance, and she isn't shy or prude with her moves."

"I'm well aware, Gwaine. I'll be fine." Arthur, what in the hell? Enemy, Pendragon. Enemy.

He stays.

--

The magic duo approach the bride and groom hand in hand. "Uh, Will... Freya... Mordred and I have a surprise for you." They lead their freshly married friends to two chairs already set at the border of the dance floor.

"What're you doin', Emrys?" The groom eyes her suspiciously.

"Can't I do something for my best friends? Now shut up, sit back and enjoy." She winks.

Goddess and priest center themselves in the now empty space. Merlynn forgoes the mic and magically amplifies her voice, "Will, Freya, our friends, our family... My betrothed and I have prepared some entertainment as a gift to you." She gestures to the featured couple.

Arthur, you need to run. Run and run quickly. Idiot.

"Now we all know our Merlynn has been absent from us for quite some time. We have not been together since she left us. Our only way to practice was mind melding and we have never done in person before what you are going to see. We admit we used magic to get some muscle memory going."

"However, we will not be doing so tonight. Mordred and I wanted to give an authentic performance from us, not the Goddess and High Priest. The only magic you will see is for wardrobe changes and..." She twinkles. "...something special." She waves her hand, and a large screen appears on the opposite wall of the newly made husband and wife.

The performance commences. Both Mordred and Merlynn start to spin as if they're on ice. When they eventually stop their apparel is modified to match the couple now visible on screen, varying only in color. Of course the two Ambrosians wear Pendragon red. Then they dance.

God, she's beautiful.

They begin with the ever elegant and graceful Viennese waltz. Merlynn's gown floats across the floor. She's still backless and has a low neckline, but somehow the dress is delicately charming.

Camelot is enchanted by their resident witch.

Then things heat up both in attire and movement with the rumba. Arthur drools over the silk chemise with a matching wrap attached at her wrists, and nearly faints when Merlynn executes a vertical split. He knew she was flexible, but it's a different story to see live proof.

Next they cool things off with the lively fifty's jive. The prince smiles at the adorable red polka dot dress and appreciates the breather from the previous dance.

Relief is short lived, however, when the Goddess and warlock twist into the duds for the very sexy salsa. It's two pieces, basically a sparkly bra and fringy skirt. It occurs to Arthur that this is one of the few times she's actually worn a bra. Perhaps he should consider it an improvement.

The next dance Merlynn is honestly wearing a ballgown, not sheer, not low cut, a dignified, classic ballgown. With the fox trot Merlynn glides across the floor like an angel flies amongst the clouds. She takes Arthur's breath away.

He should have caught it again, though. Arthur definitely needs it for the cha cha. Merlynn's dress is almost a tube top and skirt except for the strip of satin connecting them. The skirt is long, but's slits are cut so high between the legs it's practically cut in two. It's not the garment that has him gulping, though. It's her hips. He had no idea hips could sway like that! Fuck.

The mambo isn't too bad. It's red, obviously, as they all have been. It is one piece with strategic cutouts, and the skirt is short and poofy. The dance is fast, also has a lot of hip action, but is moving so quickly you barely notice. Overall it's fun and flirty.

But then there is the grande finale, a performance that shocks Camelot and stuns them motionless: the Argentine tango, a serious, angry dance that happens to be very sexualized, which Merlynn and Mordred don't abstain. The witch is wearing a lacey number with thicker weave in her 'special places'. It's off one shoulder, naturally backless, the skirt's line is diagonal covering only one leg leaving exposed lace boy shorts on the other. What really has the visitors' jaws dropping and eyes wide are the moves. Only about twenty seconds in Merlynn is straddling Mordred's face. What the fuck! Doesn't anyone remember this kid is fourteen, and they're both virgins?! Although, after this display, they may not be. Mordred has Merlynn in the air half the time, flipping her over his shoulder, winding her around his waist, in between his legs, you name it! Throughout the whole dance she's eventually been around every part of his body, but what seriously has Arthur nearly passing out is when they magically create rain and they spend the end of the whole production soaking wet. The Ambrosians don't question any of the moves or attire, accustomed to these displays apparently. Finally, the Goddess and warlock whirl back into their original DRY clothes, and Camelot feels they can breathe again.

"What'd you all think?" The whole room roars with applause.

"Actually, we aren't finished yet." Mordred announces. "We thought we'd switch gears a little bit." Everyone has gone silent wondering what could possibly be next, and the couple position themselves, once again centered.

Simultaneously the screen displays the dance scene of the 1977 classic, Staying Alive, and both dancers finish pivoting on their toes, wearing the same outfit as John Travolta. Even Merlynn! The guests break into thunderous laughter foreseeing the couple's intentions. As predicted, the scene plays and Mordred and Merlynn disco the same choreography. When they finish and begin another rotation people gawk in eager anticipation.

The screen transitions to Michael Jackson's Thriller and naturally, the two are dressed as Michael, not forgetting the iconic spacey red jacket. For extra fun, about midway through, they both magically zombify. Arthur maintains she's gorgeous even as the walking dead.

Then there is the hysterical Flashdance scene, that has surprisingly Mordred also dancing in Jennifer Beals' black leotard. Arthur was so focused on Merlynn through the ballroom dances, he didn't realize the boy was so naturally talented. He is especially impressed with his breakdancing.

You of course cannot do dance scenes without including Footloose, decking out the witch and warlock for Ren and Ariel's prom. They include some of the other characters dancing as the main actors honestly don't dance much.

Next they twirl into the garb of Dirty Dancing's very sexy 'Love Man' between Johnny and Penny. Johnny's tucked in shirt unbuttoned to the hem of his pants reveals a very fit Mordred. Damn. This song is nearly as difficult to watch as some of the ballroom dances, especially with Merlynn lifting her skirt so high and gyrating.

They follow the 'dirty dance' with yet another from the same film. The classic final stage scene between Johnny and Baby, 'Time of My Life'. The dance is similar to one of the Latin ones from the ballroom production, but is mercifully more tame. When they do the legendary lift Arthur's awestruck with hearts in his eyes.

Mordred and Merlynn finish off the evening's entertainment with the hilarious Beyonce's 'Single Ladies.' Yes, which has Mordred in another leotard. By the end people are wiping away tears. Once they have finished pirouetting into their original reception wear, the crowd booms with a standing ovation.

That's when the chanting begins. "Magic! Magic! Magic! Magic! "

Mordred and Merlynn's eyes lock. "Do you want to?"

"Whatever you want, babe."

Merlynn shrugs and with golden eyes brushes the ceiling away with a wave of her hand. Eventually everyone's staring at the stars as dragons fly overhead. The applause has been replaced with gasps, "wows," and "beautifuls."

Elena squeals, finally seeing magical creatures. Gwaine, barely notices, beguiled by his girlfriend's happiness.

The rest of Camelot is entranced with the picturesque evening sky. Lancelot and Gwen hold each other, caught up in the romance of the night. They aren't the only ones.

Mordred moves as everyone awes at his sultry fiance's masterpiece. He positions himself behind, back to chest, enveloping her in his arms. She tightens them around her, melting into his embrace. Once everyone has stilled and eyes are centered on the floor, the two begin a romantic, intimate display of magic. Mordred slides his hands from under her shoulders to her palms, raising her limbs, fully extended to the sky, intertwining their fingers in a lovers grasp. He pivots Merlynn on her toes until they're face to face, trapped in each other's gaze, and the outside world no longer exists, then the couple spin as one. They rise, continuing their ascension, soon hovering over the presently vanished roof. As they twirl each lift one leg in opposing directions, forming a four pointed star. Strands of gold emanate from the tips soaring through the air. At first it's seemingly a mere light show, but as everyone watches, the tendrils start to curl into letters. The couple then transition from a vertical rotation to a horizontal pinwheel as the script begins to form words. In moments 'Congratulations Will and Freya. We love you!' is scrawled in the heavens.

While guests cheer, Mordred and Merlynn reverse their progression until their feet once more touch the floor. With their hands palm to palm still aimed at the stars, they weave their fingers together, and the warlock slowly guides his betrothed's arms to her sides. Their connection doesn't falter, and their eyes remain locked, the only sound between them is the waves of their breath whispering through the air.

Mordred studies the flecks of amber in the otherwise ethereal blue orbs of his very sensuous beloved, as the heat radiates between them and her heart beats in time with his own. The tantalizing tease of her lips draws him in, and he succumbs, letting the passion of the moment triumph. He surrenders to temptation and the warlock presses his soft flesh to hers. They're a velvety smooth texture and silky, pillowy against his. He delicately licks the tender skin and they part, welcoming his kiss. He breathes his Goddess in as his tongue carresses hers. The two muscles move in tandem while the buds massage and taste the sweetness of their earlier dessert. As the kiss deepens their hands release. They slide along her satin skin over her shoulders, around his love's irresistible neck, cupping her rose-tinted cheeks. Her own explore his defined chest, broad-shoulders, and taut muscles, until they settle in his hair pulling him into her. His arm eventually wraps around her waist while his other grasps her luscious locks from under her shoulders.

Arthur collapses in his chair at the sight. "I thought they had to wait until he was sixteen," he mutters, not really speaking to anyone, just commenting to the ether.

His sister notices his confusion, and Mordred's true age is finally explained. By the time the princess finishes expounding on the Goddess' intervention, Arthur is defeated and broken. Brushing a single tear from his cheek, he springs to his feet, and without a second glance, bolts for the door. Morgana follows.

The Camelot women can't help but revel at the raven's passionate kiss. The way Merlynn has wilted into him and both have one another swaddled in each other's arms, they blissfully sigh at the surreal dream of it all. The romantic scene with starry night backdrop... Yes, this is one first kiss for the history books.

Neither Merlynn or Mordred acknowledge anyone else, in a world of their own making. Alas that isn't a metaphor, but magic. Both eyes glowing like the sun the two have unknowingly created a separate dimension with a population of two.

The reception occupants witness the two lovers practically ravishing the other in the center of the dance floor, completely oblivious to their surroundings, while flames of golden light whip around them.

"What's happening?! What's going on?!" Freya is frantic. Her friends appear as if they are literally trapped in a kiss.

"We have to separate them. They've lost concept of reality, and are incapable of disengaging on their own," the couple's celebrant explains.

"Why? What is this?" Iseldir isn't panicking so neither will Will.

Camelot notices commotion regarding their witch and warlock. They join the elder and bride and groom just as the Ambrosian leader clarifies the situation.

"It's like your other dimension contrived during the handfasting. The variance is yours was a controlled spell and we could restore you to reality with a few words. Mordred and Merlynn's magic have constructed their own space to give them privacy. The problem is they're unaware of its creation, and therefore can't cease its progression."

"That's not the only thing they can't stop." Freya swats Will in his chest. "What? Seriously, look at 'em. We better stop this soon or we're going to get a whole other kind of show."

"Are you saying they could end up having sex?"

"What do you think, Elena? I'd give them seconds before they hit second base," Mithian says.

"Ahem... Yes, I have to agree. Time is of the essence. Will, you behind Mordred. Freya, behind Merlynn. I will speak the spell. When I give the signal, pull."

The husband and wife position themselves accordingly and Iseldir begins chanting. As the words flow the flames start to subside and absorb into the two lovers, then the service's officiant cues the wedded couple.

As one the Goddess and warlock are yanked apart. Both are in a daze and slowly regain focus. All eyes are on them.

"Welcome back, Emrys," Will baits her with one arm around her shoulder.

"Yeah Mordy! How you gonna wait two years for that?!" Someone shouts amongst the guests, friendly ragging on their high priest.

He responds in kind with a two fingered salute. The crowd laughs and suddenly both Merlynn and Mordred are swarmed with friends and family, Freya and Will especially. Hugs, pats on the back, and a few headlocks flood the entertainers and 'entertainers' in appreciation for the night. Eventually the crowd recedes. While some resume dancing, the witch and warlock exhaustedly retreat to the Camelot table.

"You guys were amazing!" Elena hugs her roommate, extolling the couple for their incredible dance performance, with the finale kiss. Hot! She envelops Mordred just the same.

"Seriously, you really were. And you did that all without magic? Not that you couldn't be good without magic... Of course you're talented naturally... Not that magic is unnatural! No, it is natural, the most natural thing in the world, just..."

"Gwen, it's all right. Neither Merlynn or I are offended. Yes, we did not use magic outside of wardrobe changes, the screen, and the rain."

"Yeah, I heard you say you practiced, but I still don't understand how you would practice THAT..." Elyan gestures to the dance floor. "...without being in person."

"It was a mind meld. Mordred and I talk every night and basically we met in thought and rehearsed. We don't know anything about cinema, so I researched known cinematic dances and we parodied them. We thought it would be more entertaining than choreographing our own. Neither one of us could put anything decent together, and this was funny."

"Not the ballroom stuff. That was definitely not funny." Mithian assesses.

"No. That wasn't meant to be. We wanted to learn ballroom dancing, and Merlynn found specific forms from a dance show on YouTube. Like I said, we did have to magically download some. There wasn't time to learn from scratch, but once we had we only practiced the mundane way. Well, as mundane as you can through a mind meld. How'd you think we did?"

"Are you kidding?! You were just as good as the pros on screen!" Gwen exclaims.

"Yeah, it was hot!" Elena voiced everyone's thoughts eloquently.

"Speaking of hot, our resident witch seemed to have a doozy of a first kiss," Gwaine ribs.

Both Goddess and priest smile bashfully, the table eyeing them smugly.

Lance glances Leon and gestures to the entrance, who discreetly nods in understanding. "Well, I think the bride and groom look to be heading out. Maybe we should join your parents and go back to the house."

"Yes. You both can stay and we'll meet you back there, yeah?"

Merlynn grins at her boss appreciatively, but glimpses two people missing from the crew. "Where are the royals?"

The group look at each other uncomfortably shuffling their feet.

Percival answers with as little truth as possible. "Uh, they had to leave a little early."

Merlynn and Mordred both frown realizing the cause. Either the dancing or kiss became too much. The raven warned him, several times in fact. The couple having triggered his heartache pains them greatly, but they could not have sacrificed all their efforts for the King. This was a gift they wanted for all of Ambrosia, not just their now handfasted friends. Merlynn cannot regret their decision to proceed with their plans, but it hurts to have prompted such torment in Arthur. She feels as if her own heart is breaking. Being soulmates, that may not be far from the truth.

The brunette is sympathetic to her roommate and squeezes her shoulder, smiling tenderly. "We'll see you back at the house, Merlynn."

--

Mordred examines his now crestfallen fiance. The news of their King's suffering has fractured her spirit, but something had occurred to him earlier that just might cheer her up. "Hey?"

"Hmm?"

"Come on. I want to take you somewhere, only for a few minutes. I know you need to head back." He clutches her hand and starts leading her from the table. "Let's say goodbye to Will and Freya before they go, though."

They catch the bride and groom walking out the door. "Hey guys, we just wanted to say congratulations and we love you."

"We know, Merls. You literally wrote it in the sky. Speaking of that, you might want to fix the roof before you go."

"Oh. Yeah, right." The witch sheepishly waves her hand and the ceiling is restored. Will shakes his head fondly.

"Well, we want to thank you both for everything. Really, what you did... amazing, and aside from my wife you guys were easily the highlight of the evening." He stage whispers, "I think you beat Camelot," then returns to normal volume. "Especially that kiss. Woah, I took notes for later." The groom leers at his bride, who returns the flattery.

The warlock looks between them and thinks they're probably intruding. Besides, he has his own plans. "Ahem... yes. Okay then. You all enjoy the evening. Merlynn and I are headed out as well." Mordred's trying to shove his betrothed out the door, but is curtailed by the groom.

"Hang on, hang on. The dynamic duo needs to show us some love, first."

The high priest is a little annoyed at the delay, but he does want to properly bid the couple their adieu.

The four all exchange hugs and more goodbyes, promising to meet up again soon.

After Will and Freya have left, the warlock leads his Goddess to the lobby for some privacy. Once they are standing together in a secluded corner Mordred cocoons Merlynn within his arms. "Hold on." His own eyes flare.

A moment later the couple are embracing at a well known Ambrosian location.

"You brought me to the Cliffs?" She peers the scene.

"I brought you to the Cliffs." He can't stop beholding his love, however.

"It's breathtaking." Her gaze drifts around at the sight of lush grass and white foam waterfalls, the sky speckled with a thousand suns.

"I brought you here for a reason, Merlynn." She turns her eyes back to her fiance, and he pauses to ensure he has her full attention. "Something occurred to me earlier on the... dance floor." He clears his throat. "Because of my new age and everything... uh, maybe we can start seeing each other in person... if you want. Even with you being in Camelot... I mean I know we said to separate for a while, but maybe now that I'm of age we can, uh... start... dating? You know through teleporting. Um, yeah... so... what do you think?"

It takes a moment for the notion to register. Dating? Dating Mordred? Oh goddess! She can date Mordred now! Once it has reached consciousness, a dazzling smile adorns her face at the prospect of future evenings spent with her warlock.

In seconds, her arms envelop her betrothed and she seizes his lips. Merlynn climbs his body, legs wrapped around his waist, supporting the witch under her thighs. This time the kiss is all power, a force where she's master, dominating his mouth. Mordred yields to her gladly, a submission to her firey assault. Burning his core, a savage heat consumes him. The torrid storm his future bride is generating inside the warlock will have to be quelled before he boils with primal lust. He. Needs. To. STOP! "Merlynn... Love... I'm afraid we need to allay this. I... I'm going to break soon, sweetheart. You might be on suppresants, but I am not."

She recalls the same utterance spoken by their King. Immediately her intensity ebbs away, and she relaxes her limbs. "Sorry. I got a little excited.".

"Don't apologize. The feeling is mutual, I assure you. I foresee a great deal of... ahem... enthusiasm... in our future... but distant future, love."

Merlynn coyly dips her head and crosses her arms in slight chagrin. Mordred lifts her chin with a crooked finger, then leans and bestows her a gentle kiss, barely brushing the tender skin.

"Trust me, my Goddess. I am thrilled with your reaction." Still grasping her hands in his, the warlock steps back. "Makes me feel like I can let you go..." Almost symbolically he releases his grip, then while yet facing her, slowly retreats. "...for now." He winks. "It's time for me to take my leave, let you get back to your friends." From a mild distance he blows her a two handed kiss... "Goodbye my love." ...and he vanishes with his spirit still lingering in the air.

Merlynn can't believe the whole evening. It was like a dream, a dream of pure heart and a passion she never experienced before. The witch is sorry for her King's pain, but she can't bring herself to regret anything. It was the most marvelous, wonderful night, a night she'll never forget.

Merlynn's eyes glow and she's instantly standing in her parents' living room, all her friends sitting around awaiting their supernatural transport.

They note the Goddess' smudged lipstick and disheveled appearance and smugly look between each other.

"Let's go home." The two missing royals are completely unnoticed.

--

Mordred arrives back at the reception, equally enamored with his Goddess, his gorgeous, raven beauty, beloved fiance as she is with him. He is so in love his heart could burst, and that means her happiness is everything. He immediately knows what he must do.

--

"Why Morgana?! Why?! I can't do this! No amount of mantras or distraction or words I tell myself are working. I'm not who these people think I am. " Arthur slinks to the ground aslant against the building, burying his head in his arms slumped over his knees. "I'm not Morgana..." He raises his head to glimpse his sister, barely restraining more tears. "...and I want to go home." He peers at her with sad droopy eyes and pleads. "Can you take me home? They said you're powerful. Doesn't that mean you only need to know the spell?"

Morgana's heart breaks for her brother. She can't do this! Not for her sister! Not for magic! And not for the Goddess! No! And she's not going to. "I think I could. I need directions first. We teleported here, so I have to learn the route, but then I should be able to."

Arthur is grateful for his sister and doesn't know where he would be without her. He wishes he could leave and forget the whole day. Yes, the whole thing has been an evil dream. This is an enchantment. That's what it is. All he needs is a cure and he'll be better again... Who is he kidding?

They hear the creak of the reception hall's door. A muted sound reigns indicating a lone person will soon be upon them.

"Sire?"

And that's when his nightmare finds him.

"Mordred."

The warlock views the princess accompanying her brother, but this is a private conversation. "Hi Morgana." She nods with a slight forced grin in acknowledgement. "Would you mind giving me and his highness a moment?"

She looks to Arthur who nods in consent. "I'lljust be over here if you need me." She squeezes the prince's arm in succor. She turns to leave but recalls a request for the warlock. "Mordred, do you perchance know the teleportation spell?" She of course remembers it, but she can't let them know that. Gotta make it look good.

"Yes, yes I do. I can tell you after I talk to the King, if that's okay."

"Certainly. Take your time." She eyes her brother, silently reiterating her support, then creeps away.

Mordred regards Arthur, suddenly unsure of where to begin. "Thank you for letting me talk to you. I wasn't sure you were going to." Mordred leans against a neighboring building so he now faces his King. "It's just... I needed you to know some things... for Merlynn's sake." Arthur gestures for the man to continue. "I know you aren't comfortable with the proposal Merlynn and I gave you, but what I have to say may or may not change your mind. May I speak? Is that okay? Or I can leave? I don't wish to cause you more pain."

"You don't need to leave. I'll hear you out." Arthur's not sure why he's willing to listen. Maybe he is a masochist.

Mordred slides to the ground across from the prince. He wants them on the same level, rather than him towering over Arthur. "Okay. Here it goes. One thing is that you are my King and prophesied savior. To me and Merlynn you are the first priority. You would be first in our whole triangle should you so choose."

He's heard this before, but still doesn't quite understand how it works.

"Another is that you might be so uncomfortable with it, because you and I barely know each other. I was hoping we could eventually be friends. I know neither one of us wants a polyamorous relationship, but I thought there could be a love between all of us. Just you and I would be brotherly."

Could that be it? Could he share Merlynn if he knew Mordred?

"I also think you might be thinking I'm going to be around all the time. That is not the case. I don't know if you are aware, but I am a high priest of the Old Religion. I'm equal to Morgana and under only Nimueh in power. What that means is that I am the strongest warlock on Earth. I'm not telling you this to boast. I'm telling you because as the High, High Priest I have a tremendous amount of responsibility to my people. ALL my people, Your Highness, not just the UK, but the planet. I am not going to be around very often at all and will be frequently traveling. Merlynn would be with you far and away more than me, and if I happen to be home at one of those rare times and you have some sort of function you need her for, you are the priority. You will always take precedence."

Arthur didn't know that. All he ever pictured was the three of them together or passing Merlynn between their beds. If Mordred is hardly ever there then she would be mainly Arthur's.

"I understand Merlynn also told you she couldn't be your queen, because she would be my wife. That's not exactly true either. You see, she and I are to be handfasted here under the Old Religion. The Old Religion would call us husband and wife, but the United Kingdom would not. They do not recognize handfasting as a proper wedding ceremony. Therefore, under UK law, Merlynn could be handfasted to me and legally married to you."

What?! She could still be his queen?!

"I know you think this whole situation would bother me or cause problems in the future. For me it wouldn't. I've been raised my whole life believing this was my future. Yes, I would be married, but my wife would always be first my King's. It actually gives me comfort that she won't be alone when I'm not around. My priority will always be my position as High Priest. I have to be. I'm sure you understand duty to your people, and Merlynn understands that. Even when she didn't realize romance was possible between both of you, she always knew I would rarely be home, and she would always be with you. If we were the three of us then I would know while I'm away she's not lonely, pining for me. She will have her King, our King."

If Mordred really is High Priest of magic globally, then he will hardly ever be there. Plus, if he doesn't agree to this arrangement, Merlynn will be alone most of the time. Could he bear to see his soulmate so unhappy, especially since she would have to see him with his queen regularly? He doesn't want to cause her pain either.

"The last thing I wanted to say was what you saw in there between her and I, that was pure love. It had nothing to do with attraction or sexual arousal. Merlynn is not attracted to me. She can't be attracted to anyone because of her suppresants. My point is, that intensity, that passion you saw in there was nothing but love. If she is capable of that on suppresants, how much more so off? Don't you think she's capable of loving both of us?"

She is, isn't she? That whole sexual display between the dancing and the kiss wasn't sex, not for her. She was expressing her heart in an intimate way.

"Anyway, that's all I had to say. I know Merlynn would like a relationship with you. Im in love with her, and that means I want her to be happy. Her happiness also wants you." Mordred pauses for Arthur to process the meaning of his words. "So just consider it, yeah?" All for you my love, anything for you. "Well, I probably won't see you again before you leave, so..." Mordred bows to his King. "Sire, it has been an honor."

Arthur rises to his feet and reaches to shake the boy's, no man's, hand. "Thank you Mordred, really."

The warlock warmly smiles and nods.

Morgana steps around the corner and witnesses the exchange. "I take it you boys are finished?"

"Yes, it was a good conversation. Hopefully... influential." Mordred glimpses the King with the purposeful term. "Well, you all have a pleasant rest of your evening. Cheers." He smiles and waves as he moseys away to privately teleport home.

"Well, how was your... Oh shit! Be right back!" Morgana yells while scurrying in the direction of the warlock.

Arthur ponders everything Mordred said. He would always come first. Get to know Mordred and become friends. He's a high priest and will hardly be around. He can still marry her and she'll be his queen. It would make Merlynn happy. Maybe he can do this. He would have his queen, his soulmate and love of his life. She would only be with the warlock what? A couple times a month? Maybe. All he knows is the idea of it being never has made him so miserable he can barely stand his heart beating, and the thought of having her at least some of the time... no, not some of the time; she will be Arthur's ninety percent of the time, and Mordred is fine with all of it. That thought...That thought gives him back his smile. Maybe he can. He glances north at the sound of footsteps and sees his sister returning.

"I got it!" Morgana's feet come to a halt when she sees her brother's face. "Woah, what has you all smiles?"

"I guess that's it then. You gave me my answer."

She looks at him perplexed. "What? What do you mean? What answer?"

"What gave me my smile back." He notices the curious expression. "Later, I promise. I'm exhausted, and I want to go home."

"Okay, I'm holding you to that Pendragon."

"I give you my word. Now come on. Let's go."

Morgana eyes him dubiously but then reaches for his hand. "Ready?" He dips his and her eyes flare while whispering the spell.

When Arthur feels the soft plush carpet under his feet he thinks... finally!

He's home.


10. I needed a Merlynn that is recognized for how incredible she/he is. It bothers me when Merlin's magic is revealed, in most stories the focus is on how he lied to Arthur and everyone. It's like nobody recognizes that the man risked his life everyday for his entire existence, sacrificed himself for Arthur over and over, lost his two best friends, his father, and the love of his life. Constantly ridiculed and treated the fool, yet yes he should be apologizing for lying. Seriously? And worse yet, he does it. Even though the only reason he didn't say anything was fear of his life or risking the most important relationship that was his reason for living. Or maybe because anyone who knew were in danger for their own lives. So he suffered in silence, alone and in pain, but he should be getting on his knees begging for forgiveness? Anyway, that's my tangent. I'll shut up now. Needless to say this element was an absolute must. Fun fact: I was obsessed with this story. It's not an exaggeration that I craved a fic with all these elements to the point that as someone who is not a writer, I decided to finally create one myself. I apparently was so desperate that after I lost all of it after four chapters, I couldn't let it go, and wrote it twice. If you read my fact from the last chapter you'll understand the significance.