A Marriage that Started a Legend

by IJustShowedUp

Follows canon but with my own arranged marriage spin on it. What happens when Hunith makes a mistake and is forced on the run with her infant son? What happens when Camelot knights find her twenty years later? What happens when Arthur learns he's betrothed to a peasant boy? Will Merlin be able to stand among royalty? Will these two different boys survive each other? Review!

107. Chapter 107

This chapter is dedicated to Jacquelyn, who messaged me a while back about wanting to see a more 'chill' sort of Bayard. I hope I characterized him well enough for his character. But anyway, they also wanted to see a Mercia that was more opened minded towards couples who are the same sex, so I thought I would up that and make the King himself gay as well. ;p

This chapter is also dedicated to Seiramallipop, because they wanted to see Bayard asking about where Merlin was living before he came to Camelot, and Arthur being all flustered when he realizes that he doesn't know ;p

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Merlin rolled what Bayard had just said around inside his head, again and again as he tried to understand what his brain was telling him. Him? Bayard had definitely spoken the word 'he', of that, Merlin was certain of. But he could not understand…had Bayard just confessed to them that he was gay? Just said that fact as if if was no big deal to be different than the majority of the population. Bayard could have been talking about the weather, with how he had casually spoken of his vices. A male…Bayard's been with a male before…the thought was strange and it had not fit in with the impression he had first made on King Bayard.

Merlin had always been the last person to try hiding his vices from the world. It wasn't something that was done in Ealdor, nobody really cared who was crushing on who unless it started interfering in their work. His mother had not said a single word about it when Merlin was ten, and had started talking about how he liked the way Bay's-an older boy who lived down the street-hair had grown long and started flopping in his face. And how he had started flipping it out of his eyes so he could see better what he was working on. And nobody said a word when he grew, his crush fading into childhood as he started to mature and others took its place. Oh, the other kids had plenty to say about him growing up, but with all the material on him they already had, there was no reason to bring up a thing like being gay. But Merlin had been in Camelot for three months now, and he knew very well how it was far more stricter then he was used too.

How many times had Merlin-for one reason or the other-had spit in Arthur's face that he was gay. Having not one problem with shouting it from the rooftops, and he was, so why should he have to hide it? And Arthur had looked promptly shocked and horrified each and every time he had. Glancing around anxiously, as if they hadn't already been married, and people assumed he was also gay. The consort had literally had to explain once that gay people aren't a disease, and Arthur wasn't going to catch it just by being near him. Nowadays, Merlin wished he had lied about it and told the prince that it was quite contagious, and he needed to stay as far away from Merlin as he was able too. Or he would probably catch it as well. Maybe it would be more believable if Merlin threw in some kind of sob story about how he had once been straight too, but an older boy-maybe Bay or some other-had turned him gay as well. Arthur would have probably never touched him again in their lives, and Merlin's skin wouldn't feel as if he was trying to peel it off strip by strip every time he thought somebody was getting too close to touch him.

But there had been other things as well, like that time where Arthur had tried shoving him in Gwen's direction, wanting Merlin to 'try' being straight. Merlin still wasn't for sure that Arthur believed him when he snapped that it didn't work that way. Merlin hadn't chosen to be gay anymore then he had chosen to be born with the magic swirling around in his veins. He couldn't just pick a girl and start imagining a proper marriage life with her. And it wasn't for some stupid reason like 'he just hasn't met the right girl yet'. Merlin hadn't been wired to like girls at all, there was absolutely no chance of it. Even if Arthur had a hard time understanding why somebody had been willing to spend their lives in the company of the exact same gender that they were. Because heaven forbid he like hard muscles instead of soft curves, or handsome features instead of delicate ones, or strong arms that could make him feel safe for once in his life rather then slim ladylike arms curling around his neck as he tried to hug her.

But there had been other little moments here and there that had told him exactly how Camelot citizens regarded the gay community. Like the woman at his wedding who had been drunk and spewing out 'radical' it was to be in a gay marriage. Looking at him as if he was some kind of odd animal, and she didn't know what to make of him. It had also been his once manservant, George, who spoke to him about how most people walked around as if it was an opened secret. Nobody was holding hands with the same gender on the street, nobody sharing sweet kisses as they separated to go on their way. It was kept behind closed doors for the most part, and even when people didn't try to hide it, nobody talked about their same sex lover either. Even when George had given him just a few examples of people who were like him-Derrick and that knight Markus, Merlin had never seen anything that had proved it true. No lingering looks, or official courting or…whatever else gay people would do together. The same as straight people, Merlin imagined. Only with a far more compatible match.

But anyway, even if it was an opened secret in Camelot, Merlin had never gone out of his way to try denying what he was when asked. Being gay wasn't something Merlin could be put on the execution's block for, it wasn't even against the law, even if some people were a bit prickly at the idea. But it was also the one aspect of his life Merlin felt as if he hadn't had to hide. So he had embraced it to himself, feeling his magic twitching inside of him with a similar longing to be free in a way it probably was never going to be.

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"Bayard! How could you, that…that's…" Uther shook his head in absolute horror, having heard the exact thing the consort himself had heard. The obvious 'Him' objective lingering in the air as if it was a giant elephant inside the room. What kind of alternative reality had Uther actually woken up in, a world in which a king freely admitted that he took part in having carnal relations with another man. Such a thing wasn't done in their circles. Arthur himself was the first royal to marry a man, and that was only for special circumstances. Somehow, it had escaped Uther that there might be other nobles who 'actually' liked the company of their own gender. Hiding among the decent nobles like leeches, pretending they were one of them and yet not actually being one of them. Why…Uther had removed the odd article of clothing during their time as teens. To think, Bayard could have been ogling him while Uther minded his own business. "I hope that you've only misspoken! You should know talking about such things like that…"

Uther could feel the veins in his neck throbbing, and his face was growing red with tensed rage. The king wanted to spew his rage at Bayard, shield his son away from him before the other king could put odd thoughts inside the heir's mind. Thoughts like…it was natural to have women with women and men with men, or that it was okay to be a man who wanted to be a girl or visa versa. To allow his son to think it was okay for a woman whose only duty in life was to help carry the next generation, to deny a man his right to marry her because she herself didn't like the idea of carnal relations at all. One thing would lead into another, and one 'it's okay' could grow into another, until the entire world was shaped differently then how Uther wanted to see it.

It was indecent, that Bayard had dared admit an activity, as if he was actively trying to ruin their peace meeting before it had even begun. It was one thing for the lowest of their society to engage in something like sodomizing themselves or others. Those creatures that lived down in the lower town were little better than animals, and the ones that engaged in such depravities, would fit in their society only by living in the whore houses. Somebody to give another pleasure, but only for a night when nobody would ever know it. Nobles though, they were supposed to be above such acts, should know better then to give into such experimentations. And it was like Bayard was spitting on all the traditions the five great kingdoms had been built upon.

"Oh yes, those horrific ideas that we all grew up with all those years ago," Bayard said, as if the same ideas were still not running rampant in richer circles. The veins that stretched up Uther's neck looked a bit more vivid now, as he turned a more dangerously puce color, thoughts firmly set on Arthur and what was best for his son. The prince had already been traumatized after being forced to lay with that boy, he should not have to hear another king talk about such filth as if it was nothing. But when Uther glanced at his heir to gauge his reaction, Arthur was looking at Bayard with an unreadable expression on his face. "Things were so different, but they've already started to change so much in the last few years alone. It is truly a wonder, and you have no idea how much it has pleases me to see this young couple together."

Bayard threw his arms out, gesturing towards the young warrior and his consort, looking as if he was so proud of the 'young couple' personally. Instead of the prince and the peasant being virtual strangers only the hour before. Uther followed his gaze back to the other two boys, and clenched his jaw tightly. This meeting was not going the way he thought it would. It should've been only a quick greeting before they moved on, intent on forgetting the other until the signing so nothing would break the fragile treaty. But now, hearing all these things, Uther cast one glance towards his guards, and wondered if they really needed this treaty. His kingdom had survived winters on their own before, and they would survive winters come the future. With or without the extra mountains of grain Bayard's kingdom would give them. It would be far too easy for Uther to order his men into throwing Bayard out of his castle, and banish him from the lands. But having an action that extreme…might do more harm then good, and may even ignite a war if he infuriated Bayard's own temper harshly enough.

"I've been impressing some serious changes during my ruling as king, it's taken nearly a decade but things have finally started to change. And it's great to know that the kingdom of Camelot is not nearly as closed minded as I have been thinking." Bayard continued to speak, Uther's jaw muscle twitching violently. It was an honest and had been a sincere complement, but Uther only say it as the other king insulting him. Closed minded…Uther was not closed minded! His kingdom had been thriving since he had struck his war out against magic, his people feeling safer than ever. Just because Uther preferred to stick to the same thing he's been doing for over a decade, didn't mean he was closed minded. "I wanted to stop what had happened to my lover and I from ever happening again, so Uther, you can see for yourself that Mercia is a vastly different kingdom then it was when you visited."

Bayard's voice had gone solemn, a degree in the room seemed to drop as he stared off into space, as if he had been thinking of what 'could have been'. Merlin watched all of this going on, and for the first time in weeks, Merlin was able to feel a stirring inside of his belly. The trait he knew always came back to bite him in the arse-his own curiosity. Merlin had thought that trait had died off when his depression had hit him the hardest. What had been the point in finding things out, and getting to the bottom of things happening in the castle, if nothing he did ever changed anything. But now…Merlin wanted to know far more about King Bayard. Like who was this lover of his, what had happened to them, what changes was Bayard talking about, and more importantly…what had put that far away look in Bayard's eyes.

Bayard himself hadn't been there the one time the other king and Ygraine had done their tour of all the five great kingdoms after they had married. He'd been called away to handle something that needed to be overseen by the prince himself on the far end of the kingdom, and it had been left up to his parents to entertain the new couple. But Bayard could imagine what had happened quite well, the kingdom had much stricter and more firm laws with everything back then. Where even a single step out of line resulted in the harshest of punishments. Bayard had loved his own parents, but they had taken to ruling over the kingdom with an iron fist in both hands. Bayard had always been more calm, and reflected that in his ruling, easing up on the restrictions that had done nothing but play into his parent's power play.

"In fact, there's a little secret you might want to know, my old friend." Bayard came back into himself, shaking the far away look from his eyes as if it had never been there, grinning proudly in Merlin's direction even as he talked to Uther. The Camelot King himself bristled, as a king did not have something as common as 'friends'. It was clear Bayard had misunderstood their relationship, and while Uther may have taken advantage of this and reworking their deal more in Camelot's favor, that was before Uther had learned Bayard was one of those…one of those disgusting beasts who partook in depravity and sodomy. "One of the reasons I was open to your offer of a treaty when you sent me that first letter, was because I recognized Camelot was starting to share the same idea that Mercia strives to uphold. A kingdom that is open to accepting people from all walks of life. If you have truly changed your old and outdated ideas Uther, then it'll be quite the honor to see if this simple treaty can extend to other things in the future. After our last meeting, I would probably have not answered your letter at all, if I hadn't already received your notice of your son's marriage with the young Merlin here."

Bayard gestured to the young consort in question, and Merlin stiffened when he saw both Uther and Arthur had turned to look at him, the king blistered red with Bayard confessing this, and Merlin was sure the king would take one of his men's sword and cut his head off himself right now if it would make a scene. (But the king swallowed all of his rage down, it was something he could address far later on and punish Merlin for once it was over. As much as Uther has been contemplating ruining the treaty just so he wouldn't be forced to work with a…deprived man …as an equal, he had already put too much work and far too much stress into it just to go throwing it away. Even if he hadn't liked a single thing King Bayard had said the moment he entered their domain.) Bayard didn't seem to notice he was causing quite a stir among the group.

Arthur on the other hand, had shifted into something a bit…different. The unreadable expression the prince had been wearing ever since King Bayard had first spoken of his previous male lover, went stiff around his shoulders. An almost frighteningly blank expression had fallen over his face…Prince Arthur did not like the way King Bayard was smiling at his consort. A completely innocent smile turned into something far more sleazy in Arthur's eye. It was only when Bayard opened his mouth, and clearly he was able to address the consort, did Arthur finally speak up.

"You mentioned your kingdom has undergone changes in the last few years. Why don't you tell us about some of that." Arthur spoke firmly, leaving no room for the king to argue with him. And he subconsciously eased himself over a few steps, making sure that his shoulder stood in between Bayard and Merlin. If the king wanted to look at his consort, and converse with him, then he would also have to do it with Arthur being present. Arthur didn't like the idea of his Bayard talking to his consort as if he was not in the room. This way, Bayard would also be forced to address Arthur as well…there was a hard glint shining in Arthur's eye that hadn't been there since, well…since Merlin had forced confessed Valiant's assault on him. As if the prince thought a second assault could be well into the works. Arthur's biceps bulged and he felt naked with his sword nowhere on his person. Arthur smiled at King Bayard, but one with a dangerous lilt curling the side of his lip up. "I'm sure as you can imagine, being a prince, I found myself absolutely fascinated with learning what I can about our allying kingdoms. But there's only so very much that I can learn from books. Especially if they are a bit more outdated then what is actually happening."

Arthur didn't bother to look back at Merlin, and check for himself rather or not the other boy was cautious or upset about Bayard's attention constantly returning onto him. Arthur had been expecting a degree of interest, this would have been expected considering Merlin's unique background among the other nobles who had been born into their roles. But the interest Bayard had shown also far exceeded what Arthur had been expecting. He would have dragged Merlin out of there himself, before he was going to allow another old creep to ogle at his brat. The consort might start accusing him of being controlling as well as abusive in their next fight-to-be, but it would be for Merlin's own good. And maybe one day, Merlin would be able to understand that, and cut it out with all of that 'abuse' nonsense.

Bayard didn't seem to notice any killing intent that would be coming off Arthur the second he saw something that was so inappropriate towards his naively stupid consort who could figure dangerous things out, but couldn't see danger right in front of his damn face, that it would give him the perfect reason to end this entire meeting, "Oh, I am sure that you will be pleased to hear all about these changes that I've made, having made the first strive into the next phase in a new world for Camelot." Bayard said, looking extremely pleased that Arthur wanted to 'know more' about his kingdom. "And perhaps you could even convince your father to make even more changes with the structure of how Camelot is run."

Bayard gestured towards Uther, laughing as if he'd only been joking. But Arthur glanced towards his father who had an unamused expression, lips thinning and his eyes sharp in disgust. Arthur thinned his own lips, the prince offended on his father's behalf. There was not one thing wrong with the ways Camelot had been ran since Uther had came into power. The kingdom had been thriving in his ruling, and Camelot had never been in a better place when it came to economics. There was a reason that the kingdom was considered one of the greater ones out of the five kingdoms, because his father cared for more in the world then lining his own pockets-though that could have been because their kingdom was wealthy and had no need for extra gold-like many kings did. The kingdom was as safe as it was ever going to be, and threats were swiftly taken care of before it could grow too far into any real problem. But unlike his stupid little consort who had need of his protection, even when he was in a mood and tried to deny it, his father didn't need his protection.

"Things were very chaotic among Mercia when I was just a young boy, my parents ruling was strict even among all the other kingdoms." Bayard said, that far away look had reappeared in his eyes as he told Arthur everything that was relevant to their conversation about Mercia. He was able to remember many nights where dozens of people had been put in the stocks one after the other because they had been out after curfew, even the ones that had worked in the castle that late and wanted to go home in the evening rather then staying within the quarters that housed the servants. He remembered days where they had forced people to stay arms length apart unless they could prove they were officially courting, even a simple hug among friends as they departed was considered to be inappropriate by his modest parents. And there were dozens and dozens of little rules and regulations people were expected to live by, rules popping up at every little opportunity to arrest somebody, when the rule had not existed moments before. His parents had seemed to not notice the misery of their people, and simply made any dismissive excuse they could when Bayard had tried to bring it to their attention. "And shall not get me started on the old King and Queen's stand on gay couplings, it was even as short as ten years ago when they still lived, that people found partaking in such activities were hung for it."

Arthur hadn't been interested in hearing the history of the other kingdom, he'd simply been distracting Bayard with the hopes that his attention would stay on him and off the stupid consort at his side. But Arthur had never heard anything like Bayard's words either. People were not hung in the streets for being gay in Camelot, but it also had an unwelcome tinge that came with it among the people. And Arthur's status as prince was the only thing that protected him from people making any wildly inappropriate remarks about it. The only 'education' the prince had gotten on the subject, was when his father was spewing filth about the 'homosexuals' if it came up somehow. Like seeing two women holding hands, or two men sitting a bit too close together but trying to be a bit inconspicuous about it.

But Arthur could feel himself getting drawn into what the other king was saying. And out the corner of his eye, the prince could see Merlin shifting, bringing up a hand and resting it on his throat. Arthur's shoulder's stiffened, he was sure that Merlin was imagining the feel of the noose going around his neck, imagining being lifted off his feet by somebody yanking on the rope, or falling through the floor and being caught by the rope with the executioner pulling the level. It was actually hard for Arthur to think about himself, leaving an unsettled churning inside his gut. As often as Arthur spewed wanting to send Merlin away or figure out how to get rid of their marriage, the noose had never been an answer for him. Seeing Merlin kicking wildly, the rope creating strangulation marks on his neck, his face turning blue and purple until his body finally gave into the lack of air. And that was only if the boy's neck did not break instantaneously…he had seen those deaths when Uther wanted to mix it up a bit with a sorcerer's execution. But Merlin was no sorcerer, there was no reason for him to go out like one.

"So, as I am sure that you could imagine, it was quite the rough upbringing when one is a young, gay prince trying to make his own way in the kingdom his family protected for generations." Bayard said, before giving a rueful sniff of his nose, his hands going down to adjust the belt that he wore around his waist. He continued to remain in this state of oblivious bliss at Uther's agitation, and Merlin's curiosity, and Arthur being turned up between learning a bit more of Mercia and keeping Merlin behind him. "Just as all royals know, there were certain duties and far too many expectations I was expected to keep up with, and would have been shut down if I couldn't keep up with all my family wanted from me. I couldn't very well take the time to give into my own proclivities, less I be caught by the wrong people."

Arthur rolled his shoulders, and he was insanely aware of Merlin standing right behind him. Of course, he knew Merlin was there already, he had been the one to stand in front of him after all. But he was positive he could feel the breath of Merlin on the back of his neck, making his spine grow stiff as well, even if he knew that would have been impossible. He wasn't standing nearly that close to Merlin. But the feeling of being watched was there, and he knew the other boy was staring at him-and was most likely coming up with more lies about how Arthur trying to keep him unnoticed by Bayard was 'abuse'. Still…the prince felt as if something in Bayard's story resonated in him.

Duties and expectations…just as Bayard had said, royals knew them very well. They-Arthur-were taught from the moment they were born, that their lives did not belong to them. Princes and princesses didn't have any kind of freedom to go and do what they wanted. They needed to live up to the values of their kingdom, bring honor to their people, and be able to stand with pride in front of the family. There was no middle ground, no balance one was able to find where a royal could do as they pleased, and still follow along with the expectations of the family and kingdom. Arthur hadn't married Merlin because he wanted too, anybody with eyes would have been able to tell that much. But for the sake of his kingdom, he ended up swallowing his pride and going through with it.

"Now, for as long as my parents lived and I was only one simple prince in the court, there was very little I could do to change any of it. Very little I could have done to keep the streets safe for other people that…shared the exact same proclivities that I myself did." Bayard continued the explanation of how he had changed the Mercia kingdom for the better in his time as king. "One of the first things I did when my parents past, and the mantle passed onto me as the first born son-" Bayard didn't bother to speak of his older sister, who had not been allowed to done the crown due to her womanhood. "Was change all the laws that said sodomy was punishable by death."

Uther, on some vague level in the back of his mind, had been hoping this was all just some kind of very unfunny joke the other king was trying to pull on him. He could remember all the days of their youth, and knew that the other man had fancied him a bit of a jokester. Still kept restrained by his family's status, but had also been far looser with those constraints than King Uther would've ever allowed his own son. But King's never joked about their own countries, and would be dumb to do so during the fragile peace they had been working towards. Uther hearing what Bayard had to say now, changing laws that had probably been in effect since longer then their own grandparents had been alive and kicking.

But…Uther sardonically thought as he ground down his teeth, Bayard's hidden 'proclivities' would definitely be an explanation for why it had turned out that the other king hadn't liked Ygraine. Uther had never understood it, as Ygraine had been quite the beautiful woman. He had not met a single man who hadn't gotten a fancy for her in one way or the other. But if Bayard had no inclination towards woman…Uther shuddered at the mere thought of finishing that train of thought. He had always thought men who liked other men would were 'weak willed', and pathetic creatures. Men who would happily bend over to the first other man to show them attention, and allowing for themselves to be defiled in such a way. If Uther had known back then, what Bayard would grow into, then…it was very likely that the other king wouldn't have walked away from the fight they had gotten into over Ygraine.

"What does that word you used mean?" Merlin suddenly cut into the conversation, causing both kings to snatch their attention back towards him. Uther had this horrible glare on his face that would have threatened a man into volunteering to go straight to the pits just to escape the look. Bayard looked confused, as if he didn't understand the question, or what would he could have used that the consort had to make his presence remembered by trying to ask him. Merlin ducked his head down in a way Before Merlin probably wouldn't have, the red creeping up onto his cheeks. "Er…sorry…" the consort coughed, fidgeting with his hands, and feeling ashamed of himself-even if he had no reason too-for not having the education of a born noble. "But I don't know what the word means. I've never heard it before…"

If Bayard and Uther hadn't been paying so much of their attention on Merlin, then maybe they would have seen a startling expression on Arthur's face. The prince felt his heart drop straight into his stomach as if it was nothing but a stone, his mouth went achingly dry, his skin went a pasty white, and his palms grew sweaty. Unlike the other kings, Arthur had known exactly what Merlin was talking about. And he couldn't even bare the thought of looking Merlin in the eye while explaining to him 'exactly' what a word like that meant. It was probably the worse question Merlin could have asked in the entire world. And he did not even know it. It looked as if Arthur would once again have to save Merlin from himself…maybe this would get them even on the whole 'Merlin figured out what it was spreading the sickness'. But no, Arthur didn't have time to think about what he would get out of this, the image of a horrified and turning red Merlin burning it's way into his vision once somebody else-Bayard, tried explaining it to him…no, the prince decided. He didn't even like it when Bayard spoke to Merlin as if they were old friends and not new acquaintances, a conversation like that…it would not be happening on Arthur's watch.

Even though…technically…Arthur probably should have explained a few things about 'life' towards Merlin. Then maybe the idiot would have known just how horrific and inappropriate a question like that was. Especially in front of his own father…Arthur's eyes darted straight to Uther as the last thought struck him. Arthur was horrified with himself, when he realized his first thought was keeping his consort naive and not allowing some new man ride in town and ruin it. Rather than on what his father thought of the inappropriateness of this question.

Arthur could see out of this corner of his eye, Merlin was moving forward half an uncertain step-when did his own consort decide to act modest?-towards the two kings. It was catching Merlin's mouth moving, and the first single syllable starting to form, that spurned the prince into his sudden action. "I believe this is hardly the proper time to talk about this, is it? Right here in the entrance hall…that doesn't make for a good conversational spot, don't you think?" The prince's words had been quick and hurried in fast abandonment, but it was a success, when both of the kings turned to look at him, forgetting about Merlin's line of questioning. And before King Bayard could try to suggest they take this conversation down to one of the many tea rooms a castle usually had, Arthur continued, "It's actually not a proper line of topic at all. We are all here to make peace between our kingdoms, are we not? I don't believe my consort needs any of his questions to be answered at this exact moment."

Arthur probably sounded like a stick in the mud, and the kind of prince that only worked until he collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. A prince needed to be that, but to not show the exhaustion weighing on him…it was a really difficult balance to master, and Arthur found it troubling at times. But, he did not show it. And once again, out of the corner of his eye, he could see Merlin's expression dropping as if he had just remembered Arthur was right there, and had every right to stop him from partaking in the conversation. But Arthur could hardly spare focus on Merlin or his weird moods. His only concern, was for his father.

Now that Arthur had remembered his father, he was able to feel a droplet of anxiety induced sweat working a slow trail along the base of his spine. Arthur had somehow, as hard as it had been, tricked the king into thinking Arthur had stolen Merlin's virginity all those many months ago. If Merlin started asking questions following this topic, it would be like kicking a hornet's nest. His father's anger and rage would reach levels it should never reach, and Arthur would be forced to rip that innocence from the boy before the word got out. Arthur had been risking his entire kingdom's future, for as long as Merlin's innocent body remained intact, they weren't really married. And Arthur only had until his twenty first birthday to change his mind and do it. If Merlin still remained innocent, and was discovered innocent after the contract's deadline, it could cause them to forfeit their kingdom anyway. One more stipulation of the contract Arthur was bound by, it wasn't only cheating that could cause their kingdom to be transferred into Merlin's hands. And his father knew that contract backwards and forwards. Arthur being heir or not…Uther would rather have a dead heir, then an heir that would risk their kingdom's future by refusing rape.

"Ah!" It was as if a little torch went off inside of the other king's head, and Bayard clapped his hands together. The prince was round up like a spring, and the noise almost made him flinch, the tension coiling inside of him as his heart pounded in his chest. Arthur was sure this was it, he was sure the other king would say something, and it would be something that would finally give Uther a clue into what Arthur had been hiding from him. It would be all over, and…Arthur refused to look at Merlin. It was one thing to try denying all those horrid and odd thoughts of whipping the boy, but…pushing himself inside the other boy's body when he didn't even know what or why it was happening to him…it made Arthur's stomach churn as all the old worries he'd had when Uther first started asked him of Merlin's virginity status, returned when this harsh vengeance. "I know what's going on. Your boy still does not understand some terms quite yet, does he? Ah, it's no matter. I will leave that up to you to explain. You seem like the type to keep your affairs quiet. My Charles was also like that. You never could get him to say anything of what was going on between us, too sweet to speak any details. You remind me of him, somewhat."

Bayard had that far away look in his eyes again, making King Uther shift agitatedly. The King of Merica had only revealed his ex-lovers name, and Charles was distinctly a male name, uncomfortably reminding the king of how depraved the man who thought the two of them should be 'old friends'. But Arthur hunched his shoulders up to his ears, an uncomfortable heat trying to return towards his face. Though in retrospect, perhaps this would only be the lesser of two evils. Arthur could accept that King Bayard apparently saw similarities between himself and a gay man named Charles. He could even accept King Bayard thinking him a prude-though this train of talking wasn't exactly the norm for nobles, who were expected to be more modest in all aspects of their persons. What Arthur wouldn't have been able to accept was if Merlin got the word 'sodomy' added into his vocabulary.

Knowing Merlin as he did-and knowing Merlin had never had trouble demanding uncomfortable answers about all of this out of him-Arthur was already dreading what was going to happen the next time they had a moment alone together. Merlin demanding hotly to know what the word 'sodomy' meant, and why nobody allowed Bayard to try explaining it to him, and why both Arthur and Uther were looking distinctly uncomfortable by the mere mention of the word. Arthur could hardly explain it himself…how did one go about explaining the sin that was 'sodomy.' There was always going the simple route, and simply saying it was when people stuck foreign objects-and Arthur was counting both actual objects, and human body parts as 'foreign'-up the anus passageway.

Arthur probably shouldn't be thinking this, but…Merlin would probably like that, if he was as gay as he claimed to be. Wasn't that the whole point of being a gay man, to stick foreign objects up one's rear…Arthur shuddered at the thought. It sounded painful to him, and he could not have fathomed how anybody would find that experience …enjoyable. Arthur shook those thoughts out of mind as it hardly mattered rather or not Merlin would enjoy such an activity. The boy didn't know what it was, and he was never going to experience it if Arthur would've anything to say about it. Arthur's consort could hardly be seen as he ran around the city with whatever male happened to catch his eye. Or whatever made whose head would be soon attached to the end of Arthur's blade once he was able to catch them…

But this all led Arthur back to what his original question was…how would he even go about explaining 'sodomy' to Merlin. It would all end up tied into the deal he made with Gaius, and had yet to fulfill…where he had promised to explain to Merlin the facts of life in exchange for the cooperation of Gaius who would aid him in lying about Merlin's virginity status. To explain one, and knowing of Merlin's endless questions, would force him to explain all the rest. How could Arthur-a prince who found nothing of the male form pleasing-possibly explain things to his consort. Perhaps Arthur could put his own agenda into the mix…make it sound as if the act of a man pushing his genitalia inside of another man's anus was excruciating painful. Kill two birds with one stone, as the saying was prone to go. He could finally be free of his deal with the physician-and Arthur liked to think he was a man of his word, and knew he really should just get it over with so it would no longer be hanging over his head like some kind of shrouded cloud-and make sure Merlin didn't get any funny ideas about running off with strange men.

"My son is correct, Bayard." Uther's voice came out with a sharpness to it, breaking the tension that had built up in Arthur. If there was one thing he could count on when it came to his father, the prince knew Uther wasn't one to stand for any slights. And a man talking openly of his once relationship with this 'Charles' character, had been the last straw for the king of Camelot. "I daresay any of your…personal…relationships should not be discussed in the castle. Despite my…son…marrying his male lover, I'll admit my blessings was only to make my son happy. I do not care for it, myself."

Leave it to Uther Pendragon, Arthur thought as he hung his he'd, his eye twitching, to somehow turn this around on him. The King had skillfully managed to delude King Bayard into thinking his love for his son-when Arthur had already known all his life that this love only stretched so long as the prince could complete everything that Uther expected him too-was stronger than his hatred for any little thing he considered 'abnormal'. A woman working outside of normal woman's work was just as 'abnormal' to the king, as another king confessing he was gay, was.

And the king still managed to preserve his harsh exterior by asserting his homophobia into said gay king's face in the hopes that the other king would drop the subject.

The other king, did not…in fact, stop talking about it.

"Oh, so you're really admitting you're still the old fuddy duddy you were back then." Bayard quipped, smirking as he adjusted his pants once again along his hips, and he clearly took pleasure in listening to Uther sputtering out his shock at being called an old 'fuddy duddy'-which he most definitely was not back when they were teens. For one, it was Bayard that was always causing trouble, and it was Uther who had a tunnel vision focus on being able to win the tourney with the hopes of impressing the fair Lady Ygraine. "But don't worry. The Prince I knew back then would have never accepted a gay son, so I can see that you have still changed somewhat, even if you have not seen it in yourself. Maybe I can beat some fun back into you before I go, a little tourney between the two of us to see if we still got it."

As fun as it would have been for Arthur to see his father taking up a sword again-something he hadn't done in at least several years, too busy with managing the weight of the kingdom and no longer having the time-he knew his father hadn't 'changed.' Arthur knew it was killing his father to see his son in the position he was in. Married to a man as if it was normal. Arthur was more grateful then ever that he didn't share the same…oddness, that Merlin did. His father would sooner disinherit him if he ever…so let's just say it was a good thing Arthur had never found his eye lingering on the male form. Had never once tried to entertain the thought of being the one to…sodomize…another. Had never once found himself glancing down at Merlin's lips as the boy rambled on and fussed angrily at him…none of that was for him. But really, Arthur knew he would rather sit here and listen to Bayard ramble on with stories of his father's youth (Arthur knew precious little when it came to events before his father became a king to their sector of the five great kingdoms), then for their topic to linger on 'sodomizing'.

The word alone made something inside of Arthur's gut feel unsettled, and he could just imagine how all of that would spread out among the rest of his body if the boy at his back had managed to say the word. Within the eye of his mind, Arthur could imagine Merlin's pink lips when they formed the word, slow and awkward when he tried to feel out the word, practically tasting it on his tongue as it filled up his mouth. This full body shudder erupted down the length of Arthur's spine…if Arthur ever caught Merlin trying to say that word again, or any other word in the entire world that Arthur deemed inappropriate, well…he would not discipline the boy. He had obviously put all of those horrid thoughts he'd been having aside. But…it would not be a pleasant time for Merlin, whatever Arthur did decide was appropriate to punish him with. And any of that warmth thrusting itself around inside of his belly, was clearly anger at Merlin for trying to continue such an inappropriate conversation topic with King Bayard, of all people.

Bayard seemed unconcerned with Uther's agitation, and he turned back to Arthur. The prince in question rose up so that he was standing at his full height, dismissing any thought of Merlin from his mind, there was no reason for him to think of the boy when Arthur had skillfully already avoided the issue, "Arthur, I invite you to come and visit Mercia anytime you want. If things go good tonight, then our kingdoms will be friends. It's only fair that you'll get to see a kingdom where acceptance and tolerance has become the norm. Maybe your consort would like to see this as a second honeymoon, of sorts, perhaps. I know the life of a prince is busy, but surely you can take a few weeks off to romance your consort with tours of a place he has yet to see. Merlin, would you be interested with seeing Mercia? I think that you would quite enjoy it."

Arthur tilted his head just enough to catch Merlin out of the corner of his eye, and wished he had not given into the temptation to look almost immediately. The boy was looking hesitant to answer, unsure what to say, and…he was chewing on his damn lip. Biting on the pink flesh as if it was his dinner, sucking the bottom lip straight under his row of white teeth that stood out against the pink of it. Motherfuc…Arthur did not desire the male form, but it sent a wave of agonizing paranoia through him when the prince saw the action. He was not nearly as naive as the consort was, and while he did not understand it, Arthur knew how the male mind worked-at least every male in the world other then Merlin apparently. Arthur was only able to imagine the mind of a gay male worked within a similar beat to a straight one. Where one biting on their lip and looking somebody in the eye could often be seen as an invitation to show interest…

Arthur slid fully in front of Merlin to block Bayard's view, protecting his stupid consort from being thought of in a gross pervert's mind, god…if Merlin went around doing those things all the time, how had he managed to make it to Arthur's side untouched? He was going to have to start carrying his sword around everywhere, and put on a thunderous expression to anyone he caught looking at the consort twice. If Arthur didn't already know for a fact that Merlin was stupidly naive, he would have thought he was doing it on purpose. But Arthur had seen enough to know Merlin's stupidity in manners of the flesh, was not any act.

"Thank you for your kind invitation, King Bayard." Arthur said, smiling disarmingly at the other king. But his voice had came out clipped, proving that Arthur was anything but thankful for being invited to the other kingdom. Like hell Arthur was going to go there, where he would have been practically gift wrapping his stupid consort into the hands of a pervert. One who liked to try talking to Merlin instead of the 'real' members of the royal family. And his consort may be able to figure out things like monsters in the water supply, but Merlin didn't know when anything about people who liked to speak in awful word plays that turned out to be euphemisms for something the prince would deem inappropriate. "I will have to converse with my consort on the subject matter. But as you said, life as a prince leave me with much to do. I do not know if we'll find the proper time to get away.

Because, Arthur thought grudgingly, the two of them were now a 'we.' There was nowhere Merlin could go that Arthur would not be able to get too. There was not a place Arthur could go, without dragging the reluctant Merlin around behind him. There was no 'I'. If Bayard was thinking they would visit his 'kingdom', so that the prince could 'romance' Merlin-he could do that right here in the boarders of Camelot, if he felt any desire to do so-so he could wonder away somewhere alone with Merlin…then he would find himself sorely disappointed with the blond keeping himself attached to Merlin's side. Arthur wasn't going to leave anything to chance, or give the other king any opportunity to find himself alone with Merlin.

Bayard's smile faltered under Arthur's stern glare, Prince Arthur almost forgetting this was supposed to be a time to be orchestrating peace. It was so easy to forget such a crucial thing, when he was stuck preserving Merlin and his nativity from old men who had no business smiling at him, or offering to show him his 'kingdom', or being nice to him in general. Uther cleared his throat harshly, while keeping a heavy and much harsher stony glare directed towards his son for his behavior. Arthur ducked his head in submission to his kingly father, but he did not step out of his spot. Not revealing Merlin's form onto the eyes of the greedy and depraved. Besides, Arthur thought with almost rueful, if Bayard knew they were still not on what was considered an appropriate topic, Arthur wouldn't go accidentally revealing that he and Merlin had never even had a first honeymoon. Yet along would travel together to Bayard's kingdom for a second.

"What my son means is…it's very hard to imagine such a kingdom being as liberating as you make it seems." King Uther growled out, smoothing things over with the other king. Though each word spoken by Uther sounded like it was grating, each word being forced out of Uther as if it was the most painful thing in the world. "Think of it just like this, you are a king. How often is a king seen walking through the streets of his people. I'm sure the…laws that have been changed might not reflect the same thoughts you want them to when out in practice. I mean, I'm sure there has to have been some kind of kickback from the others in Mercia's council. Surely they had to have said something when you started changing things. I can think of several things wrong with encouraging people to try…behaving in such a way. For instance…imagine all of the bloodlines-powerful, rich, and old bloodlines-that will be ceasing to exist because of this…openness…you seem to be quite proud of."

Uther couldn't resist the subtle dig at Bayard, even as he attempted to salvage things. Of course, if Uther had known any of this, he wouldn't have bothered to send that first letter to the other king offering the treaty. But Bayard was already here, and there was no turning back without risking war if Bayard's offense would became far higher then he would tolerate. But the thought of ruining bloodlines, having whole families disappear because the children decided pairing off with matches that were not suitable for them. There was a reason a man being with a woman granted them a child. Because women would always belong with a man. No woman was complete if they did not have a child attached to their hips. And how could they have a child if the men were too busy trying to touch each other inappropriately.

Camelot was made out of dozens of very powerful, and strong families that have been grown and raised within the area for generations. Uther would perish the thought of losing even one of them due to an heir decided he did not 'want to' pass on the family bloodline because there was no woman he could bare to be with for even a single night. That was what 'openness' brought. The kingdom doomed to fall to ruin as the families died off one slow generation to the next. Until there would be nothing left of the greatness the kingdom had once stood for.

Bayard bristled, shaking out his shoulders as he turned his ire onto the king, "I am sure you've already thought of several different ways you will go about with keeping your bloodline strong and going, and I am man enough to admit I fear knowing what your answers to fix a thing like that would be." He gave a pointed look towards the young couple in question, already knowing there had to be some sort of contingency plan in place for this. But it was disgusting in Bayard's book, and not something that he would personally allow within his own kingdom unless both members of the coupling agreed to it. "Back within my kingdom, a couple has ways of going about having a child that does not include soiling themselves or ruining who they are just to conceive. If preserving someone's bloodline really matters, then my own royal physical has came up with several different methods that does not involve the joining of a male and female body. And just because I know it's a touchy subject for you, Uther, it is done with science and not with sorcery. My physician has already tested it on several subjects, and has had a few pregnancies come through. One where a couple will only need a woman to agree to the procedure."

Bayard once again didn't seem to notice the horrified and dumbstruck looks that were being given to him by the king and the prince. Merlin was the only one in the group that was starting to look more and more intrigued by this new figure in the castle-or at least he might have been starting to actually like what little he could see as he tried to peek around Arthur's broad shoulder. King Bayard probably hadn't explained exactly what he meant by his stories of impregnating a woman without having to bed her. Such a thing sure sounded like sorcery, but if what Bayard had said was true-could a physician really use his skills with potions to get a woman pregnant-then it would be the next huge medical discovery. And maybe something Gaius would have been interested in looking into for himself.

"Sadly, such a thing wasn't possible when my Charles was around. But I like to think he'll be happy to hear of it should word ever reach wherever he is now." Bayard was once again bringing up the name of his lover, and Merlin perked up a bit. The consort was playing with his fingers and torn between rather or not he should bother asking about this…Charles. Bayard…had not been what Merlin had been expecting, and the consort found that he was leaning more and more towards the risk. Either the King would prove to be just as Arthur and Uther were, and he would yell at him for asking questions. Or he might just answer them. "I don't know where he is, of course. But I have had a few trusted guards bring me news of him, I'd probably not be able to stop myself from going to him if they gave me that information. And Mercia needs me on the throne. It was either me or my younger brother who would take the throne, but he's long dead now. And was far more strict then even our parents. He would've made Mercia fall into the ground under his rule."

For a king, Bayard was remarkable open about what had been his past. Both Uther and Arthur were showing sign of being visibly uncomfortable again when this lover was brought up. But they both knew the story of his brother, it was apart of Mercia's history. How the younger of the two brothers had tried to petition the former rules to be given the crown, and his older brother passed up. Not a person had thought the calmer Bayard would be fit with ruling, but the king and queen were determined to make Bayard fit into the mold and become the king he would need to be, as the first born son. The younger brother in a fit of rage had set out to prove they were wrong about Bayard, and convinced the now king to go with him into the woods.

The younger brother had some misguided plan on how he was going to prove who was a better fit as ruler. The two had been found three weeks later by armed guards, who had been searching for them since neither returned to the palace by that first nightfall. It had been rumored that the younger prince had tried to talk Prince Bayard into giving up his seat on the throne, and when the first born prince had refused, the younger had attacked him in a fit of rage, trying to kill him so that he would be the only option for the throne. Prince Bayard had been seen by the guards standing over his brother's beaten down body with a large stone, looking inconsolable. But not a soul knew what really happened out there between the two brothers, and Bayard had spoken only the barest of minimum when it came to the topic. Only a brief mention of the younger prince, here and there, when he was in a certain mood.

"Why aren't you married to Charles?" Merlin's voice was just loud enough to be heard, and Arthur's shoulders fell when he heard the voice. When he saw his father scowl at mentioning that swine, a stain on society just as King Bayard was. When he saw Bayard immediately whip his head around to try and spy Merlin over Arthur's shoulder blade. The prince should have known Merlin was being exceptionally quiet by this point, and it would only be a matter of time before the consort once again made his presence known with another useless question. "I mean …you've mentioned him several times already. So…does it mean…do you still love him? And why are you married to somebody else if you loved him…"

Merlin wanted to fidget, and play with his clothes or try yanking on his short hair. He was already regretting the urge to open his big mouth. He hadn't been able to fight it once he had decided it was worth the risk, though if it was going to be worth the risk still remained to be seen. Merlin just wanted to understand some things so badly, he wanted to be able to get some perspective that he'd never be able to get from the other people in his life. As far as Merlin could tell, Bayard was the only gay man he had met that was apparently opened about it, maybe as much as Merlin himself was. Maybe Bayard was the one chance Merlin would get to understanding a bit more of the royal world he had fallen into, would help teach the consort why Arthur was angry all the time…make Merlin understand a world where one could be forced to marry when one wasn't in love. There was a lot of things Merlin wanted to understand, but he doubted even Bayard was going to give him all of his answers. But…surely the king could give him some kind of insight on his life. Or maybe the consort was just desperate enough with his situation that he would look for answers from the first man he saw that wasn't outright trying to threaten him.

Bayard looked anything but threatening, even when he was wearing a cape of blue fabric tied together beneath his neck with what Merlin could only assume would be the insignia for Mercia, a silver piece of this iron looking jewel, and a crown upon his brow that looked almost as expensive as the wedding clothes Merlin had left behind in the wardrobe inside his Royal suite. On contrary, while Merlin fidgeted with his fingers half hidden underneath the folds of his too long jacket, Bayard's expression had softened up towards him. Smiling, despite the obviously difficult topic an ex-lover could bring to someone.

"Well, what you have to understand if that I haven't seen or heard from my beloved in twenty years. And the times we lived in twenty years ago were much different when it is compared to today's time. Why, twenty years ago, you could have never married your fella here. Not without at least being stoned to death first." Bayard laughed, as he gestured towards Arthur, who looked discontented to be brought into the conversation as a mere 'afterthought'. It was not a place Arthur had ever been in before. But King Bayard wasn't laughing because he found being stoned to death a funny way to die. But more along the lines of …being able to enjoy a new generation being allowed to be themselves openly. "And I was in a very different kind of place in my life. Charles and I knew that our love was going to be short lived, but boy, did we live while we had our chance."

Bayard gave no details on what exactly he had done with the other man, but the grin on the king's face could have made stars appear in Merlin's eyes. Before Merlin would have definitely been swooning, imagining a faceless man who would smile just because he was thinking only with him in mind. But After Merlin simply tilted his head, and watched silently as he tried to decipher any answers to his unsaid questions out of the king's words. He couldn't find any, but…it was nice to hear stories of people being in love. At least Bayard had that at one point. While the consort never would.

"But anyway," Bayard continued, his hand going down to his hand where his own wedding ring was resting. Merlin could feel his own burning like a hot iron poker along his skin, and he wanted to rip the offending thing off of him to protect the fire from ruining him. But unlike Merlin, he could see Bayard had a fond smile returning to him. Not a loving one like when he talked about Charles, but fond nonetheless. "Things end as they are wrought to do. My Charles had to leave Mercia once my parents found out, or suffer the pain of death. A few years passed by, and I did end up marrying my wife, but only because that was the best move for the both of us. As per the instructions of my family, I needed to marry. And let's just say, Queen Ariel says a similar inclination as I do, and also had need to get her own family off her back."

Bayard winked at Merlin as if he was telling him a secret to be taken to his grave, but it was far too playful to be a serious one. The consort's eyes widened in wonder, and he tried to figure out that unconventional arrange. Merlin had learned through personal experience that there was people who would marry without being in love, a fact he would never get behind because it would only lead to an awful marriage like his and Arthur's. But…how did a man who loved other men, end up married to a woman who loved other women, if he had put the context clues right. Though, it seemed…both King Bayard and Queen Ariel-a first he had heard of the queen's name-had agreed with the marriage, and did it to help each other. What had the sorcerer gotten out of his relationship? Everything in the world, as far as anybody else was concerned when they saw Merlin surrounded by gold artifacts. But nothing, as far as Merlin was concerned, when he couldn't even see his mother anymore.

"We stayed married after both of our parents passed on, and I started changing the laws only because it seemed the most convenient. She's a good queen, and a decent lady who the people love and respect. In fact, my queen was quite disappointed that she couldn't come to meet you as well. You see," Bayard glanced around to see who all was listening, but the only ones in the room would be the royal families, and their five knights each who hadn't made a single sound during this conversation, keeping their gazes respectfully on the floor until their skills were needed in the case of an attack from either party. "Ariel has fallen pregnant, and the physician says this isn't the best time for her to travel long distances in her delicate state."

Merlin's eyes widened, startled, because that had been the last news he had expected for the king to share with little old him. The news of the queen's pregnancy-a lady who wanted to meet with him? He hoped it wasn't just to gawk at the freak that was consort, and maybe she was a bit kind like her gay husband was-stumped him. There was always the possibility that she wasn't the lesbian he had been thinking she was. Unless…Merlin put a hand to his belly as it lurched. Was it possible that the Lady had been raped? Merlin had heard stories before of ladies in love with other ladies being raped by brutal men as they tried to 'fuck the straight' back into them. He could only be thankful that he was male, and a horrid event like that was biologically impossible to happen to him. He didn't exactly have the right parts for an entrance.

Uther made some kind of choking noise-apparently the news of the Mercia's queen's condition had not spread to the other kingdoms quite yet, most people tended to wait until the woman had made it through the first three months of her pregnancy. Just to make sure the child is strong enough to pass through the first trimester-as all of these many revelations were too much for him. First, a man he knew as a teenager was apparently one of those gay freaks. And he had fallen in love with another man at some point after he'd left Camelot city the one time he'd visited during that tourney. The 'gay man'-which may be proof that Bayard wasn't gay at all, and was just doing it all to see how much of a rise he could get out of the king before the 'peace meeting', if it could even be called that anymore, could commence. And now she was pregnant? The Queen that apparently liked other women…that was once again, something Uther had never known. But then again, Uther never met Queen Ariel face to face before.

"No, no, no, no! That is absolutely enough! I refuse to be hearing one more word of that nonsense!" It seemed as if Uther had finally reached his breaking point, treaty he had tried to preserve after all his hard work be damned, if he had to work for one second alongside a man Uther knew to be insufferable. "You cannot just come into my kingdom, start spraying all of this nonsense as if any of it is a good thing. Does your Queen know you talk about her this way? Claiming she's…shes…" Uther had the face of a beat, going red as he shook his clenched fists out in front of him like a mad man as he stuttered over the very term 'lesbian'. "And now you say she's pregnant! Explain how you got her pregnant, if this whole story of your lost love is true!"

A lesser man would have been shaking in his boots after being confronted with Uther's rage like this. But Bayard was a king in his own right, and Merlin actually found he was impressed by the way the other king kept his cool. He even smirked, almost as if he had been expecting the strong reaction to burst out of Uther. Apparently, it was not only the people inside of Camelot, who knew of the king's vile temper. Neither Merlin or Arthur were able to say something to stop this-the fragile peace treaty was most likely crumbling to dust right before their eyes. But it wasn't as if Uther revealed any of their own secrets to the king, unlike Bayard who seemed to like sprouting out his whole life story as if his struggles were these proud achievements. As far as Bayard knew, Uther believed his story to be nothing but lies. If Uther had started a tirade about Bayard's lesbian wife, as he had almost done, just maybe Bayard would have gotten the hint that Uther was not as 'okay' with having a 'gay son' as he would believe himself to be.

"Who said the child is mine?" Bayard asked, with a smirk that grew as Uther's mouth dropped open with all of this silent horror at the implications of that statement. It was a statement that caused even Arthur's eyes to pop wide, almost out of his head, but Merlin only tilted his head as he clenched at one of his sleeves with his fist. It looked more and more like Merlin's theory had been right, and maybe Lady Ariel really had been raped by some kind of madman looking to 'fix her'. As if there was anything that needed to be fixed. "Maybe I am just giving the babe my name, and the future of my kingdom should they live to be my successor, as I intend on not having a single child of my own blood."

Arthur…was stumped. Here he was, trying his hardest to subtly protect his consort's innocence, and then Bayard starts talking about pregnancies that weren't his…telling people his wife was cheating on him? That was usually a story that men liked to keep hushed, often being forced to raise the baby as their own to avoid the scandal that came with everybody knowing you weren't good enough for your wife, and she went searching for something that was much better. And must have found it, if she showed up with a child growing in her womb. The biggest slap a woman could give her husband, another man's baby. But maybe…this was some kind of ploy? Some odd and new kind of trick used to get certain naive people to come to their bed? Make his consort think he was lonely and was unhappy and needed some comfort-Arthur knew he had a few less honorable knights that tried a tactic similar to it on women whenever they were traveling through one of the many villages that liked Camelot's outer districts, and they needed to stop at a tavern for a night. But King Bayard would only be disappointed if he thought he was going to use such a trick on Merlin. Arthur would not be taking his eyes off of the consort-for safety reasons, of course-for as long as the other king was here.

Bayard ignored Uther's-the stick in the mud-as far as the Mercia king was concerned-sputtering and choking and turned back to look at Merlin over Arthur's shoulder, "My wife and I have an understanding, and it's not a secret back home. She has her own lover that is much suited towards her own taste and they wanted a child. Remember when I spoke of the physician finding a scientific way to help a woman be given a child of her own? My queen was one of his test subjects, and she's been glowing about it all, ever since. It's really quite a happy event, and my home has never been stronger for it."

Merlin slowly nodded, but still found he didn't have any answers to the things he had wanted to know. Bayard's marriage seemed to be as unconventional as Merlin's own was. The only difference was, Bayard and his queen have clearly talked and set their own ground rules to the marriage-Arthur had once tried insisting on ground rules for them, but none that Merlin would have agreed with. It seemed as if Bayard was…happy?…with the choices he'd made…but perhaps he was pleased he would never have to force himself to lay with his wife to impregnate her? It was still a little fuzzy to Merlin how a child could be born without the parents becoming joined together, but what did he know about the 'science' of it?

Merlin wondered…Arthur had already insisted that one of these days, the next Pendragon heir would be needed for the court. And Merlin had felt as if he would only be reduced to a shadow, forced to watch the happy family play pretend together, as if Arthur hadn't already gotten married to somebody else…would Merlin still be upset if Arthur and 'possibly Lady Clarissa' had their future baby with whatever 'science' Mercia's physician was working on? It would mean that Arthur and his Lady would never have to lay together, bare their bodies and their souls to one another, to have that next child. Would he be okay if that was the scenario that happened?

Merlin glanced at Arthur out the corner of his eye, and he remembered how he had felt when he saw Clarissa as she tried to climb onto Arthur like a tree, her dainty hand trying to work it's way down his pants. And with a sour taste in his mouth, feeling like he'd gotten punched in the stomach over his failure of a marriage, he decided no. He would not be okay with Arthur having children at all, even if he knew that was an impossible notion. That it would happen someday, but for now…Merlin was being forced to deal with too much right now. He couldn't bare to deal with that as well. Besides, even if Arthur had that mystery child that way, there was no guarantee he would not prefer doing it the more natural way. And even if the 'lady' was not to Arthur's liking, the mother of the baby would most likely live in the castle as well. Merlin would still be forced to watch the happy family as he was being withered away by time and circumstances. With nothing to hold him anchored to the ground for support.

"But, I think that is enough about me. I feel as if I haven't done anything but talk about myself. This is the time of a peace meeting, and we should all be getting to know the other if this is going to work out." Bayard said proudly as he turned away from the sputtering King Uther. The King of Camelot had been shocked and horrified enough for a single day, and while it amused Bayard greatly to see not even twenty years and raising an heir who would grow to be a homosexual-not exactly something people like King Uther would have bragged about-had not changed a few things about him…it was also enough for the day. Bayard was going to be here for a good four days before making the trip back home, he would have plenty of time to start what he had started, and mess with Uther more. Exactly as he did back in the old days. "But what about you, my young Merlin. I have heard only brief murmurs from my kingdom of who you are. Word of mouth doesn't travel as far as Mercia from Camelot, I'm afraid. But one of the things I found myself fascinated about that did make it to us was that you're a foreigner. Essetir, if what I have heard is correct. Pray tell me, what part of the kingdom are you from? And how did you two lovebirds manage to meet from way out there?"

Merlin had stiffened slightly when Bayard started talking about him? And it was almost a relief when the king had started him with a simple question-where was he from? Merlin could answer that one far better then he could've answered if Bayard had asked him anything else, like the rumors and events he'd been apart of that had spread in the entire kingdom like a wildfire, always putting him in a more negative light then the last. Bayard did say he had only heard of a few murmurs about him, so maybe it also meant the entire world hadn't learned about Merlin and his complete failures? It was only a little comforting, but it was also one Merlin desperately needed. It sure felt as if the whole world was ganging up on him when he was trapped within Camelot's boarders, and couldn't see any of what was going on in the outside word.

But that last question…perhaps Bayard wouldn't notice if Merlin ignored it entirely. As far as Merlin knew, the king had never given anybody a definite answer on how the two of them could have met. Perhaps there was rumors about how it had happened…maybe Arthur had been on some kind of mission on the boarder of the kingdom and had stumbled across Merlin? And it became love at first sight, with Arthur feeling he had no choice but to bring Merlin back to his castle, after seeing the way the sun had shone across the peasant boy's skin as it peeked at them through the tree tops…no. That was nothing but a bunch of romanticized bullshit, nobody would believe it if they knew one thing about Arthur. The man would not ever be the 'I fell in love when I first saw them' type of guy. Not like Merlin had been when he had first arrived in the city.

Merlin opened his mouth to tell Bayard the name of his hometown, encouraged enough to try stepping around the prince in his way because of how open the blue king had been when compared to the red. Merlin had almost forgotten what it felt like to have an opened and honest conversation, one where hidden agenda's weren't trying to hide themselves in every word spoken. If Merlin had anymore reservations about Bayard, they seemed to be almost non-existent at this point, eager to talk to a man who had no reasons to try and manipulate him. Or force him into things he didn't want. With someone who asked him simple questions like where he was fun, rather then what he could do for him. He had no reason to be angry with the other king, now that he knew the gay man was not stringing along some helpless wife.

Arthur's arm shot out, looking as sharp as a blade as he threw it out in front of Merlin. The consort jolted straight to a stop, eyes darting down to the long length of arm in front of him, his mouth snapping shut with a sharp click of his teeth. Looking down at the offending limb as if he thought it was going to cut through him as sharply as a real blade would have. Arthur didn't even bother to look back at Merlin, having eyes sorely focused on the other king who was trying to make his way onto the territory Arthur had already marked.

"I believe this conversation has gone off course, and my consort is not used to such long meetings. He is tired so I know he'll need his rest before we do the signing at the grand feast tonight." Arthur said, voice coming out in the practiced smoothness of a prince. Playing the role of the doting husband who may have noticed his partner would be starting to weary after such a long time standing on a single spot. But Arthur's blue eyes were sharper, almost a hint of something dangerous trying to peek its way out of the calm demeanor he was playing. Where his father had once prided Arthur on showing 'protectiveness' to the consort in front of others, selling the false story of their love, the same might not extend when it was being directed at the king. The only reason for Arthur's calm demeanor being as stiffly done as it was, "Perhaps we can pick this up another time. Tonight, perhaps? During the feast?"

Arthur's tone left no room to be argued with, being both stern and steady, content Bayard would never have the chance to talk to Merlin at the feast tonight. There was going to be too much going on, too many people trying to get the attention of the new king in their midst, and there was plenty of procedures and protocols that had to be followed. Bayard wouldn't have the time, and then maybe Arthur could finally relax. Though really, the man doubted he would be able to relax for one minute. Not if Bayard really did have his eyes set on Merlin…what man would not try his luck with a young, gay teenager. It was just far too easy for some people to resist, the chance to manipulate a stupid Merlin into giving them whatever the dirty old man wanted.

Maybe, Arthur considered, he needed to do something to make people aware of how completely unavailable his consort was. Some people just didn't respect when one was married, and needed a bit of reinforcement to let it be known that they were barking up the wrong tree. So, if Merlin's wedding ring wasn't a sign to back off, on the rare occasion Arthur might not be around to enforce the rules of their conduct in person, there had to be another thing he could do. Perhaps he could make Merlin wear a necklace around? A golden choker locked snugly around the boy's throat would surely do the trick, something the prince could only take off, carrying around the small key on his person always. Nobody would have been able to say they were not warned if Arthur found out the symbol of who Merlin belonged too was not enough to stop the greedy hands from touching him. Maybe he should go a step further, and have ARTHUR PENDRAGON carved in the metal plate on the front.

And, this was perfectly okay for Arthur to think about, the prince decided firmly. He wasn't thinking about the weird things he could do to discipline Merlin, though the collar was certainly verging on it. But this would only be for Merlin's protection, so it was completely different, as far as Arthur was concerned. Not even a noble as high as Bayard's caliber would be dumb enough to touch the boy with such a clear sign practically saying 'do not dare to touch' being waved in front of his face. It would be a perfect solution, even if Merlin threw a fit about it. That boy could hardly put up much protest after Arthur had it forced and fitted around the thin column of his throat. It would be locked in place before Merlin could wiggle out of it.

"Oh, already? I feel as if I had not have nearly adequate enough time to get to know your consort before we are all tied down with the work that will come with the feast tonight." King Bayard said in an innocent tone, but it only caused Arthur to seethe more internally. He was almost sure that Bayard was only trying to get on his good side so that he could have free access to Merlin whenever he wanted it. Well, it wasn't going to happen. Even if Arthur had to handcuff his wrist to Merlin's to make sure he did not wonder anywhere Arthur didn't approve of. "Are you sure your consort can not spare a single moment just to entertain an old man. I'm quite curious to know exactly what village it was that raised a consort such as Merlin."

Arthur made a clicking sound with his teeth disgusted at Bayard for not arguing then leaving any further. But of course, a king was not going to be intimidated by only a prince, "My consort lived in a small village down against the boarder of his kingdom's limits-" he hissed slowly, as his teeth clenched down sharply. He refused to allow the consort a chance to answer for himself. If Bayard felt he needed so know where Merlin had lived before he ended up in Arthur's possession, then Arthur would be the one to tell him. "I doubt you've ever heard of the place as it's so small-" but then again, every city outside of Camelot had looked small to Arthur, who had grown up with a tall citadel just outside his window, and a dozen or so other buildings scattered about just as tall. "But if you insist, it is called-"

Arthur froze, his tongue stopping just before he could twist it into saying the words, his eyes widening just the slightest bit when no word came to mind. He…surely he knew where Merlin was from, right? Merlin had said the name at one point, had he not? Or maybe he hadn't said it at all…Arthur scrambled his brain for a name-any kind of name-to come to mind. And come they did. The blond prince shifted through dozens of names, each one was a prominent city in Cenred's-the king of the kingdom that Merlin was raised in-kingdom. But none of the sounded like a name where Merlin could have came from.

Being prince, Arthur had gotten the finest education one could have. And that included being taught and learning what he could about the other kingdoms. True, Mercia is not high on the list since it's further away, and what little information they did have had seemed to be outdated if what Bayard had been telling them was true. But Cenred was only right next door, a few days of heavy horseback riding through the forests. Arthur knew everything about the important landmarks, the bigger cities that littered in the kingdom. But not even a prince could know all there was about a foreign kingdom, which meant some things fell between the cracks. Like the thousands of far more smaller villagers that filled out the entire kingdom.

…Arthur wanted to curse, he was almost positive that Merlin had mentioned it once before, the name of it was lingering on the tip of his tongue. But still…it refused to come to mind. He was sure he and Merlin had gotten in one of their spats, and Arthur had said something and it had pissed Merlin off, something derogatory about what little place Merlin must have came from. And Merlin had spit the name out of him in a rage. It was…Arthur could see the consort out or the corner of his eye, letting his head fall so that his hair hung in front of his face. As if it finally occurred to him that Arthur really didn't know this basic piece of information.

"Ealdor." Arthur's eyes snapped across from him to meet the stern blue of his father's eyes. Uther wasn't looking at Bayard, even as he answered his questions. He made sure to look directly at his son, staring directly inside of the prince's soul, warning him to tread carefully if they were still going to salvage what a mess this treaty was becoming. They could survive without the extra grain it would give them, Camelot had survived a much harsher condition then it was in now, and they would survive it all again. But they couldn't tempt a war if it would be given the chance to avoid it. Uther was one hot tempered man but not even he wanted to risk their men with a battle in which neither of them would win. Arthur silently nodded in grudging agreement, and Uther turned his head so he could lock eyes not with Bayard but with Merlin himself. "He lived in a small village against the western border of Canred's kingdom. With his mother."

Arthur nodded, relief flooding his system now that he was no longer floundering before the other king. But the prince never noticed Merlin going stiff behind him. How could Arthur have known, in that very moment, Merlin's entire body had just flooded with ice. How his heart had leaped directly into his throat, leaving him struggling to expand his lungs for air to fill them. How…Merlin felt as if he had fallen into a viper's nest, the cold and dark stare of the king penetrating him deeply. Like a hypnotic gaze meant to threaten him. Uther knew exactly where Merlin lived. And he knew where his mother lived. It wasn't only a mere afterthought, that had led the king to mentioning his mother.

The seconds seemed to drag on, each one feeling like an endless eternity to Merlin Pendragon, before the boy was able to drag his eyes away from Uther. His eyes fell straight to his hands, tucked directly in front of him with his nails pressing dangerously close in his skin. He knew a threat when he heard one, a single drop of sweat was making its way down along the shell of his ear…he knew he had been out of line when asking Bayard more about his lover Charles. It didn't matter how comfortable it was to talk to the other king. Uther had been standing there. Merlin needed to breathe, needed to be quiet and docile as long as he was in the king's presence. Merlin needed to be…whatever living doll the royals wanted him to be.

For his mother.

"Ealdor…Ealdor…" Bayard said out loud several times, as he tapped his finger on his chin. He rolled the name over and over again in his mind, trying to determine rather or not the he had ever heard of the place. A small village in Cenred's kingdom, near the western boarder…he would admit that he was not well versed in many of the smaller villagers, but…King Bayard snapped his fingers. A grin of pure excitement and elation spreading across his face, "I think I may have actually heard of that place before. You should correct me if I'm wrong," Bayard said, turning his head to look back at Arthur. "It's south of Himmelsmorth yes?"

Arthur felt himself pale a little, fluster returning with the attention back on him. At least Himmelsmorth was one name he actually recognized, though he had made sure to memorize 'Ealdor' just in case this question came up again in the future. Arthur wouldn't be caught unaware again, as what married couple didn't know where home had been for the other? Himnelsmorth was one of those lesser known cities, large enough that it was marked on but not so big that it was remembered for any one great reason. The only reason Arthur knew it, was because it paid to be a soldier and knowing the layout of possible territory's he may find himself in. It was purely only for tactical reasons, of course.

But Arthur could wager a guess, and say the village Ealdor, was most definitely not near Himnelsmorth. For one, Himnelsmorth was too far within the boards from where Arthur thought Ealdor would lay, snug within the boarders of the other kingdom. And two…nobody had actually heard of this…Ealdor. There was no chance the village was the same one that Bayard was thinking of. If there was anything remarkable about the village, then it would have been better known. Not something that one just happened to hear about. Unless of course, you met somebody like Merlin who was actually from there.

"Yes." Uther cleared his throat loudly, and composing himself as he turned his gaze away from Merlin. He was sure the boy had gotten the message, and the king felt more smugness than he felt hatred for Bayard and his…kind of people. Behind Arthur, Merlin hunched down his shoulders once again, trying to bury himself somewhere inside of his jacket where he would no longer be seen at all. He knew what Uther was once again doing, it would be so easy for Uther to reveal the exact location to the other king. Just like it would be so easy for Uther to go send a platoon of knights to Ealdor, and take his anger out on Merlin's mother. Merlin didn't know if the king would go so far as punish Hunith for Merlin's actions, but from what he had seen of the king…he knew he did not want to risk it. "That's exactly where it is. Just south of Himnelsmorth."

Arthur frowned heavily, feeling his eyebrows creasing in the center of his forehead. He didn't know why his king had just lied about Ealdor's location, but he also knew better then to say something to question the king right in front of Bayard. For some reason, Uther wanted the location kept secret…perhaps he wanted to protect the consort in some way. Yes, that could be it. If things did go sideways before the treaty was signed, it would be entirely possible that Bayard would try to get revenge. A revenge that could somehow include some kind of raid on Merlin's hometown? It was a stretch, and Arthur had his doubts that something like that would happen, but a king did not become as great as his father by not being paranoid.

"Ah!" Bayard said, looked pleased with himself. Maybe a little too pleased, Arthur thought agitatedly. He thought there was absolutely no reason for Bayard to be excited because he 'thought' he knew where Merlin lived. There was no reason for Bayard to ever travel to what the man thought had to be a very desolate place. Bayard's eyes were practically twinkling like diamonds when he moved his gaze back onto Merlin, the top of the boy's dark hair just barely peeking out over Arthur's broad shoulders. "I knew it!"

Merlin would have said something, corrected the notion of where his hometown was. But he didn't. The consort ducked his head down so tightly, his chin could've been brushing against the center of his chest. He knew better then to say another word to Bayard, not after Uther had so casually mentioned his mother. The consort bit down on his lip…hard…and dug his nails deeper into the back of his hand as the sting eased the ache in his chest. The unshed tears in his eyes made the blue in them glisten in the light, but with his head so far down…maybe he had a bit of hope that nobody would notice.

"…Okay, I really think that's enough for one meeting." the prince cut in sharply for the umpteenth time. He turned so his shoulder was blocking Merlin more clearly, smiling at the other king even when he wanted to carve up that stupid face. Who the hell did Bayard think he was, trying to smile at his consort. And ask him questions. And act as if they were friends instead of simply doing business that would benefit both of their kingdoms. "I know that you're not tired from your ride here, but perhaps a walk around the castle would be better suited for your needs? My consort often needs a nap to rest up before we can do any big events, like the feast tonight."

Arthur started guiding Merlin towards the door before the other king could try to stop them again, but there was something he couldn't help but notice. Merlin was all jittery, hands moving quickly as he twisted his fingers around and around. His head going back and forth as he tried looking over his shoulder towards the other kings-though Arthur couldn't tell if he was looking back at the King Of Camelot…or the King of Mercia. Merlin was also all stiff and awkward, stumbling towards the door with a prince like him nearly walking on his heels to force him to get moving forward.

Arthur rolled his stiff jaw around, a new flood of red hot agitation flooding through him. He…Merlin had better be not trying to 'ogle' Bayard as they left. Arthur could feel the back of his neck prickling, the idea of Merlin trying to ogle another when Arthur was right in front of him…it was clearly because Arthur had enough of this 'gay stuff for a day'. It had been bad and awkward enough listening to King Bayard talking about his lover, but now the blond was being forced to see it from his own consort? He did not care if Merlin was gay, the stupid boy should be able to leave all of his ogling behind closed doors. Alone. In a room where nobody else would be able to see all of that disgusting behavior.

But, a dark voice whispered in the back of Arthur's mind as they were reaching the doors that would lead them to the halls again, what could Merlin have seen in Bayard of all people. The guy had to have been at least fifty years old, and he looked it too. With those grey streaks being prominent in his curly brown hair, and wrinkles lining his face to tell stories of a life well lived. So what if the other king had taken a moment to talk to Merlin, and answer a stupid question or two Merlin had been bold enough to ask. Was that all it took to get Merlin's attention? A bit of attention, even when it was some old perv? Merlin would always belong to Arthur since they were married, and he would never be able to have anything more then a brief wondering eye-and only because Arthur couldn't stop a eye from moving-but, even a boy like Merlin could do so much better than some old guy. Even if that old guy was also a king.

"Oh, of course, I completely understand." Bayard called after them, and Arthur rolled his shoulders back, in this agitated move. Bayard couldn't have just let them go on and leave, could he? He had to say one more thing, and causing Merlin's head to whip back around to try looking at the king one more time. Arthur gritted his teeth, and it was hard forcing himself not to do something drastic in front of company. Like grabbing Merlin's chin between two of his fingers, and jerking his head around so that he was looking ahead instead, harsh enough to leave a few fresh and purpling bruises along the paleness of his flesh. "Oh, and Merlin. Perhaps some time before I have to leave, we can discuss some more things together. I've found myself thinking you might enjoy hearing about all the differences Mercia has to offer when it comes to this city. Like how open we are. The different types of food I can get to grow within my kingdom that doesn't grow on the land around here. Our debate on magic. How we can do…"

Arthur stiffened as the use of the 'M', word, and the man could honestly say he was surprised when his father did not start yelling at using it so casually. Unlike the whole …ahem, gay…thing, they knew Mercia's stance on magic was different from Camelot. The Kingdom of Mercia was not nearly as strict on it's usage as they should be, and had been the cause of much frustration with Uther from it. People were not executed straight away because they had it, though it was heavily frowned on. One was more likely to be shunned by the entire community because it was known they had it, then they were to be executed for it. Not unless they had used that magic to commit a crime. They also allowed the druids to come into the city to sell their wares and buy their supplies, though Arthur did wonder how much they could get if they were just as shunned every time they entered the city.

Druids were a community of people that lived deep into the surrounding words-living like savages, his father had always told him. Dancing under the moon while praying to magical goddesses for a good year ahead of them for crops and freedom. They had magic, and taught all their children how to use it, giving them no chance at being able to assimilate to a more normal life, choosing rather to condemn them to the pits of hell as soon as they were old enough to start practicing. The only reason that they were still around and not executed on the spot, would be because they had some kind of enchantment that would hide their camps. It made them difficult to find, though it was not impossible if one knew where they were going.

One would never find a Druid shopping along the streets of Camelot without the horns being sounded, and also causing a huge manhunt to be started. With the dogs to sniff them out and everything, and brought straight onto the execution's chopping block for the mere crime they had committed by entering Camelot to begin with. This reason was why there was tension between Mercia and Camelot to begin with. But his father had thought it was something that could be discussed when Bayard was in the city. Utter was convinced he could get Bayard to be more aggressive with his punishments regarding magic. Trying to spread his crusade on magic to the many other kingdoms dotted along the world. But after this whole'I have secretly been gay this entire time' reveal, it didn't sound as if it would be as easy as Uther had told Arthur it would be.

Arthur opened his mouth, to tell Bayard something that was as diplomatically sound as he could make it when the other king was once again trying to get his consort on his own…Merlin's head popped around his shoulder so fast, Arthur was almost startled, "Magic?" The other boy asked, speaking louder and more excitedly then the prince had heard from him since he had first found him by the kitchens ordering himself a plate of chicken. The prince whipped his head around, to look at Merlin with a steady frown. Seriously, 'magic' was what got the boy's attention? Because of course such a dangerous topic is what got Merlin.

"Perhaps the topic of magic can be discussed sorely between the two of us for the time being. There is some things I wanted to talk to you concerning the topic." The King of Camelot cut in smoothly, before Bayard had the chance to start regaling Arthur's consort with false tales of how their way was better then Camelot's. Arthur had to resist the urge to cover Merlin's ears before he would start getting any ideas. Arthur already had to protect the consort from old men, protecting his soul from the damn allure that was magic couldn't be much harder than that one would be. "We don't want impressionable ears to be hearing things that they shouldn't. Remember, magic is always going to be considered a crime punishable with death, within the kingdom's boarders."

Uther spoke each word with deliberation, connecting his eyes to Merlin's once more. The piercing look Uther had was the same one he had looked at Merlin with when he had subtly been threatening the boy's mother. Though it was far more intense, the second warning clearer then a bell ringing in the distance. Uther would not allow Merlin to be tempted with the uses of magic. History would be doomed to repeat itself if the boy followed down a path his father had taken decades earlier. Camelot had felt as if it would fall when Uther had first started his war on the magic users of the city, he would not allow there to be a second wave of magic users because of Merlin.

"Of course, but I hope that you know I won't change my mind so easily. It will take much longer then one simple, frank discussion to get me to do an overhaul of the laws we already have set in please." Bayard spoke, following Camelot's King out one of the many other doors that led to the entrance hall. Bayard flashed a smirk over the top of his shoulder towards Merlin, before turning around to Uther, "Perhaps we can have some tea? I have dozens and dozens of questions I want to ask you about what's been going on along Camelot since I last visited here all those years ago." Bayard knew if there was something worse then Uther being forced to play nice with a simple gay man, it was listening to pointless gossip fodder. "I'll do like to know if Lady Marion from the House of Trians, ever revealed her delicate condition to her parents…"

The door closed shut behind them, Uther's unimpressed face being the last thing Merlin say before it did. It was a loud slam that echoed throughout the empty chambers, their ten guards altogether following them along to the tea room for further discussions caused Merlin to flinch in alarm. Because now he was stuck with Arthur, a gruff Arthur who glowered down at him, and gave Merlin this sharp nod of his head towards the doors. And the blond prince clearly expected Merlin to follow him through the second set of doors, walking ahead without him.

Merlin felt the dread pooling in his stomach, and he let his fingernails scratch along the back of his hand, bits of his skin turning stark white. The consort didn't have any choice other than to follow him through the doors. But…Merlin wished he could have talked to Bayard more, had almost wished it would never end. The only thing better would have been if Uther and Arthur hadn't been there, so Merlin could actually talk to him without having to try screening his words. Without thinking two or three times before saying something, trying to determine how much it would offend the delicate noble sensibilities of the two other nobles in the room.

Because for the first time…Bayard had made Merlin feel seen. And he wanted that feeling back.