Chapter 43 [A Turn of the Hourglass Later]
[A/N: For those who wish to see a Merlin coronation as Prince, there are a few versions floating around in my other stories.]
Merlin lingered by the citadel's top stair. His new robes weighed on him. The Prince's Crown sat heavily on his head. Oath's and Issues' Implications spun about in his mind. Leadership and yet Learning seemed onerous. Is this how people feel about Arthur? How does Mithian deal with this? His eyes surveyed the now-empty plaza.
"Now you know what it feels like."
Merlin turned to find Arthur watching him in turn. "Prince Arthur." Instinct started his bow.
Arthur frowned. "Merlin…." His eyes rolled. "Stop already! I cannot believe I am about to say this." His gloved hand stifled a cough. "Merlin, we are both royals now. A nod will suffice. You must keep appearances up at all times. I am sure King Rodor and Princess Mithian will be working with you on those things."
"Just as Gwen and your father worked with you?" Merlin assessed his former liege. Granted, he knew Arthur's itinerary well. He understood Obligations' and Expectations' load on the latter's shoulders. Despite watching said things, bearing them granted him understanding. Only then did Merlin truly grasp the situation at hand.
"Aye. As we work with each other." Arthur sucked in a deep breath. "As we all will." He set his jaw. "There is a great deal to ruling a kingdom. Let us find out if you are the worst Prince ever as you were the worst servant ever." He cleared his throat. "You used your magic. Did you not?" His eyebrow raised.
"Sometimes. You'd get wine on your tunic or surcoat. I got out those mud stains every time. Right? There were a few times on the battlefield too." Merlin folded his arms across his chest.
"Aye. I can imagine." Arthur shook his head. "That is just…just…" He threw his hands up in the air. "How does someone fight that?" He ground his teeth. "A sword, mace or a pike—fine. But magic? That is just not fair!"
"And overwhelming women and children is? Magic is a weapon just like those other ones are." Merlin rubbed his forehead. "You have used magical weapons. King Uther did too. I served Camelot with my magic. I saved your life to get that servant job. I helped you to stop Valiant. I put the flames in that lance to stop the griffin. Where do you think that flare up from the torch came from against the cistern creature and in Hengst's castle? How do you think the earthquake happened at Shalott?"
"All right! All right!" Arthur conceded those facts. Still, Merlin's revelation blew him away. Strange and Unexpected Events always seemed to occur around them. Victory had swept away his questions and concerns. Luck, Prince and Knights figured, remained with them. Uther's tide maintained Camelot's fortunes. Threats disappeared or retreated….
…but magic?...
"At least I do not have to hide anymore." Merlin leaned against the post. "Speaking of King Uther, I'm sorry about his death. I wish he could have faced his magic. Maybe he could have changed his laws?"
Skepticism pushed a snort through Arthur's nostrils. He shook his head. "Father would never let anyone much less himself deal with magic. He went by the law. Aredian did not help matters." His eyes narrowed at the Witch Finder's name. "He had best hope he never crosses Camelot's borders again."
"King Rodor agrees with you. I hope for peace. I know that sounds like a girl to you but…" Merlin frowned. His heart tired of war and fighting. Strife along borders and internal matters wore at him. "We have enough internal issues as is. King Accolon and Morgana do too. I do not know the details. I saw you listening to King Uther to know…"
"For once, Merlin, you are actually talking sense. King Rodor and Princess Mithian are already teaching you. Take advantage of that. Learn all you can. Do not fight unless you absolutely have to." Arthur looked Merlin over. "At least you are sounding. Oh…you sound wise." Admission left a bad taste in his mouth…gibe or not….
"Think we are both learning something. Gwen's got a lot of experience and sees things. Guess it's like what the King and Princess here see in me." A shrug deflected Arthur's reaction even as the notion soaked into his own brain.
Among other things, my Prince. Aye. We value you for everything…even those rough edges, Mithian teased over their link.
She is listening. Of course, she is. Merlin somehow kept a straight face. A slight smile broke out on his face. "At least I can help without having to remain disguised."
"Aye. There is that." Arthur bowed his head. "Merlin, I have to ask. In Ealdor, was that William or you? Who used that magic?" He folded his arms across his chest. Expectation flicked an eyebrow. "Really?" Suspicion reared its ugly head within his mind. Still, he wanted to hear Merlin come out with it.
Merlin rubbed the back of his neck. "Remember when we were putting on our chain mail that morning?"
Arthur rubbed his chin. His mind went back to that hovel. Memoria reminded him of Merlin's attempt to help him with his chain mail. "Not this morning." "Aye. You had something on your mind. As usual, you could not quite get it out." Realization dawned on him. "Wait." He raised his hand. "Was that what you were going to tell me?"
Merlin nodded. "Yeah." His frown sagged on the sides of his mouth. "I just wanted you to know." He shook his head. "What you said at Will's funeral…that really hurt. It just made me keep more secrets. I had to go around your father and you even as I was protecting you."
An obnoxious snort escaped his lips. "I still cannot figure that out. I mean…I know you did those things. I just cannot believe it. You stumble over chamber pots. You fumble with my armor preparations and can barely pick up a sword. Yet you charge into battle against Meleagant of Cawdor? You go up against me in the marketplace for some churl? You do these things…and yet you prattle on." He scratched his head.
"All part of the act. Couldn't have King Uther or you figuring things out." Merlin shrugged again. "We had some close calls."
"I cannot believe I did not figure it out. Good thing for you. My father would have had you burned at the stake. Between us, I am sure Morgana or I would have helped you somehow. If you had told me in Ealdor, I would have sacked you. At least, you could have stayed and taken care of your Mother." Arthur motioned back toward the citadel. "I would have let you go, Merlin."
"You need me. At least Gwen can keep an eye out." Merlin allowed a small smile onto his face.
"Oh? So, Gwen can? Who's to say I'm not watching out for her?" Arthur shook his head. "Merlin, now you are acting like a girl."
"Maybe I am smart enough to know better?" Merlin noted Mithian and Gwen standing in the doorway. His fist stifled a wry cough. Amusement danced in his eyes. He cleared his throat.
The Once and Future Prat just caught himself in one of the Oldest Traps of All Time.
"I am a girl, Arthur. What does that make me?" Gwen shot Mithian a look. Then, she turned back toward Arthur. "Well, Arthur?"
Arthur stiffened. He ground his teeth. "Merlin! Why did you not tell me that…?" He slapped Merlin's right arm.
"Hey! You said it not me!" Merlin rubbed his arm. "Can I help it if I know better? Hi, Princess!"
"And he calls her Princess in spite of being crowned and two days away from their marriage." Arthur's eyes rolled (yet again). Merlin's apparent brown nosing and acting whipped (in his mind at least) nauseated him.
"Prince Merlin and I respect each other." Mithian walked toward them. "When we are in private, we drop the titles. Father likes some formality. Merlin is learning. So am I." She slipped her arm around Merlin's left one. "Some sensitivity can be a good thing."
"Whatever." Arthur turned and walked toward Gwen. "Breakfast ready?"
Gwen wanted to tell him to listen to Mithian's assessment. Still, she knew Arthur would never admit such things in a public way. "You are going to tell Merlin?" She motioned toward Merlin and Mithian.
"Tell me…what?" Merlin narrowed his eyes. He glanced at Mithian. "Do your father or you know about this?"
"Aye we do." Mithian nodded. "And it is a good thing. Let them tell you." She pointed toward Arthur and Gwen. "Father appreciates it."
"What's going on?" Merlin huffed a sharp breath. Foreboding ate at him. Still, Mithian's enthusiasm relaxed him slightly. "And it's a good thing?"
Arthur nodded. "We have decided that Camelot needs a new court physician. There is someone Morgana recommended to us. His name is Reginald of Kent. Gaius wants to be here with you. It all works out."
"Father and Master Wyngate want Master Gaius here. His experience will help us. Now, Master Wyngate can move himself to Riversmore. His family is there. Sir Percival and Lady Blancheflor will escort him back there. We are grateful for your grant, Arthur and Gwen. Thank you." Mithian nodded to Arthur and Gwen. "We have to bring your mother back here as well, Merlin."
"If you wish, you should stop in Camelot for a rest. Perhaps you can see our coronation? It will be in a couple of days. Then, maybe Accolon can help us get back here for your wedding?" Gwen glanced at Arthur. She noted Discomfort etched into his face over that notion. He needs to deal with this. I hope he can. I hope I can.
"We shall talk to Father. In the meantime, breakfast awaits." Mithian ushered them all back inside. Discussions remained to be held. Support given for friends and neighbors. Ties remained to be secured.
Meantime, Enjoyment remained to be had….