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!

19. Chapter 19

The steward had his head down, feeling the heat of the sun on the back of his neck as mid-morning approached. He wiped at the sweat with a handkerchief he always kept on his person, before going on with his work. He'd been up to his elbows in it since the moment the sun breached the sky hours ago.

The steward was set up at a small table just on the edge of the courtyard. It was out of the way for the hustle and bustle of city life as the citizens of Camelot hurried by. Although it was close enough that he could check in all of the newcomers without them going out of their way to find him.

He had a large book set up in front of him. It was the same book they used every year as a record of sorts for the yearly tournament. It was a good way of keeping track of all of the competitors for this year and for the years passed.

The middle aged man in his fancy red robes carefully jotted down the name of the newest competitor that had just signed up. A man from the eastern isles who had traveled far just to be a part of this competition. That was what the steward loved the most about being given this assignment.

Dozens and dozens of young knights from all around the kingdom would travel to the inner city every year, with the hopes of making a name for themselves. It was pretty amazing when you thought about it, how far some of these men had traveled.

Plus, the yearly tournament was a good way to meet people. A way of making connections and forging new bonds or deals between families. One could never have to many allies, especially in this day and age.

And as the steward was the first to welcome these young competitors to the inner city, it was his job to be as welcoming and as helpful as he could be. He liked to call himself 'the face of the kingdom'.

The steward smiled to himself as he finished the name he was writing and pulled his quill away from the pages before the ink could smear or drip onto it. The page was already half full, it was filling up fast with knights that wanted to compete. And it was only mid-morning!

The steward jolted in surprise when another knight's shield suddenly landed on top of his book, almost ruining the fresh ink for the name he'd just written. And just as fast as it happened, a helmet polished to perfection was set down beside the book.

"Knight Valiant of the Western Isles." The young knight in front of him announced, making his presence known. "I'm here for the tournament."

The steward straightened up in his seat, already putting his smile on. As the 'face of Camelot', he had perfected his 'welcome' face.

He picked up the shield, noticing the authenticity as soon as he did. All knights carried one of these on them. It was a requirement to bring one so that they could enter the tournament

It was an easy way to prove what they were claiming, that they were related to a noble family. It kept the riff-raff out of a noble competition. With the material that shield's were made out of, only nobles could afford to have one. An ordinary peasant, even if he managed to get his hands on a sword, wouldn't have been able to fake a shield.

And the shield he held now, was no doubt authentic. The metal seemed to shine, it had obviously been polished quite recently.

The steward ran his thumb over it, looking at the venomous green snakes that decorated the yellow shield. It was quite a beautiful design, he wondered which family it could belong to. It wasn't from any noble family that he recognized. But he was just a steward, he can't be expected to know every royal family that resides inside of Camelot's boarders.

The steward finally set the shield in the box he had under the table, along with the dozens of other shield's that filled it. They would be returned to their rightful owner once they were finished in the tournament. So basically, their property would be returned once they lost, or the lucky champion won.

Picking up his quill, the steward wrote down the name the knight had given him, jotting it down in his book of records. "There we go," he looked up with his smile at the ready. "Welcome to Camelot."

Valiant let his lips curl up in the barest hint of a smirk. Without another word, he snatched up his helmet and headed towards the castle.

It was quite a beautiful place, more than beautiful actually. Valiant briefly wondered how in all of his travels, he had somehow never visited the inner city itself.

Valiant was met by a guard at the doors of the castle, he directed him to the hallway where the tournament's competitors would be staying.

Valiant hovered in the doorway for a minute, staring up at the vaulted ceilings.

Somewhere inside of here was Prince Arthur. From what Valiant had heard, the king's son would be the one to beat in this year's tournament. But he wasn't worried. After all, Valiant's hand drifted to where the three snaked shield rested on his back, he was more than prepared.

XXX

"You wait out here." Arthur said, stopping Morris from following him into the grand hall.

Morris straightened up, offended. He had been looking forward to this. It wasn't often that Uther called Arthur down to share a breakfast. The king usually only did that when there was something to be discussed and it couldn't wait.

"Are you certain, sire?" Morris asked, barely unable to hide the desperation in his voice. "I mean, who is going to pour your drink when your cup runs dry?"

Morris had to get in that room. What if the king was discussing Merlin? If Morris could just learn more about him, then he could get rid of him. Know your enemy and all that.

"You will find that I can pour my own drinks just fine. Doing it for one breakfast won't kill me." Arthur said annoyed. Morris had been doing that lately, practically clinging to him. It was like he couldn't go anywhere without Morris getting in the way. It was one thing for him to be doing his job. It was another thing entirely when the manservant refused to let him out of his sight.

"But sire," Morris protested. "I really think-"

Arthur walked into the grand hall, slamming the door shut on his way in, cutting off Morris' protest. The guards standing just outside would stop the manservant if he tried to enter. But he wouldn't. Or at least he better not ignore a direct order that Arthur had given him, or he would be finding another job.

Morris scowled at the door in his face. Irritated, he reached for the door handle anyway. He knew that Arthur would need him in there, Arthur just didn't realize how much Morris did for him.

There was a clearing of a throat, making Morris freeze. The two guards standing on either side of the door were glaring at him.

"I was just..." Morris trailed off sheepishly, an awkward laugh emitting from his throat. The guards kept glaring at him. And they did until Morris took several large steps away from the doors. Only then did they go blank face again.

Now standing against the far wall, Morris scowled. He had no choice but to stand here and wait until Arthur finished his meeting. The only constellation was that he knew Merlin wasn't in there as well.

This was the first time Arthur had been out of his sight all week. He'd made sure to go above and beyond with his duties. Morris anticipated everything, making sure that Arthur didn't even have to ask.

He'd done everything he could to make sure that Arthur wouldn't run into Merlin. He'd made dozens of lame excuses to distract Arthur with so that he and Merlin would never be in the same area.

He wasn't taking any chances. Any wrong move he made might give Merlin the opportunity to swoop in when he wasn't looking.

Morris had a theory though for why it was surprisingly easy for him to keep them apart. He was positive that Merlin was planning some way for Arthur to notice him. That Merlin was off somewhere preparing his next move.

But despite how easy it was to keep them apart, there was one thing that was absolutely killing Morris.

That he still didn't know what happened that night, when the two boys had gone upstairs together. Had Merlin been better than Morris had thought he'd be? Had Merlin been able to please Arthur?

Probably not. Or else Arthur and Merlin would still be in that room enjoying a week long honeymoon. Not avoiding each other, even without Morris' help.

But it was killing him not knowing!

Arthur had acted as if nothing had happened the next morning, when Morris had arrived to attend to him.

And Merlin had been long gone by that point.

XXX

"You requested that I join you for breakfast, father?" Arthur asked, smoothing out his shirt as he walked the length of the room to where the king was.

The man was sitting at the far end of the table, waiting for him. And that just made Arthur all the more nervous. The last time his father had requested they eat together was when he'd been informed of his marriage.

Uther cleared his throat, setting his goblet down beside his plate. "Yes, Arthur. Come, sit with me." He gestured towards his left where a second plate of food was waiting for him.

"Of course, father." Arthur said formally. He took his seat at the table, clearing his throat as he took his napkin and spread it over his lap before picking up his fork.

"Arthur," Uther started as soon as his son took his first bite. "How have things been?"

Arthur took his time chewing, going over his response. Only after he swallowed did he say stiffly, "Everything's fine, father."

Uther gave his son a doubtful look, "Everything's fine?" He repeated slowly, watching his son dig into his meal. The king himself had stopped eating when his son had arrived, even though his fork was still held loosely between his fingers.

Arthur glanced up from his plate to meet his father's eye's before averting his own away just as quick. He speared a piece of egg onto his fork, probably a little harder than he needed to. "Yes father, everything's been fine."

"Well it's been over a week and I haven't seen you or Merlin around. How's he been?" Uther said, getting to the point of this breakfast. He was fishing for details, trying to find out how Arthur was handling things now that he was a married man.

There was a bang somewhere under the table, a loud thump as Arthur's knee came up. It was a jerk reaction to the sound of Merlin's name. And now his knee was throbbing.

Uther gave no indication that he had noticed.

Arthur cleared his throat, acting as if he hadn't just rammed his knee up into the table. "He's fine father, absolutely fine."

He hoped his father wouldn't ask for details. The truth was that he had no idea how Merlin was doing. He'd been spending most of his time on the training grounds. At least he knew for sure that Merlin had no reason to be there.

Uther nodded, finally going back to his own meal. "So you've been getting acquainted after he saved your life last week?" He asked, spearing a piece of ham onto his fork.

Arthur winced at the reminder, a sour taste forming in his mouth. That was another reason he'd been training so much, forcing his already sharp skills sharper. He was not going to end up in that kind of situation again, depending on that moron to save him the next time someone tried to kill him.

"I've been-" Arthur stopped to clear his throat. His father would know in an instant if he lied. "I haven't had the opportunity as of yet to," he trailed off, seeing his father's stern look. "Get to know him as I should." He finished weakly.

Uther nodded, not giving anything away on his face.

Arthur was anxious, wondering what Uther could be thinking. But the man was like a stone wall, Arthur couldn't see any indication as to what he was feeling.

"Well that will obviously have to change." Uther finally said, as if the decision was already made.

Arthur swallowed the bite he'd just put into his mouth. It went down roughly. "Of course, father." He said quietly. He felt tired, as if their conversation had been going on for hours instead of mere minutes.

"Maybe he can join you for something." Uther suggested, looking like he was already trying to think of something.

Arthur stiffened, already dreading the idea of actually having to do something with Merlin. It was one thing to just agree with his father but having something concrete was another thing all together. "Father, I don't really think he'll be interested in..." he went blank, not able to think of one thing that Merlin would be able to join him for.

"Of course he will." Uther said, not thinking on the decision for another moment. "I did promise him that he'll be more involved with the family. And Pendragon's always keep our word. Besides, it's his reward for saving your life."

"Right...my life," Arthur repeated blandly. Right now, he almost wished the dagger had killed him. At least he wouldn't be having this conversation right now.

"He's already having daily lunches with Morgana." Uther grumbled, half to himself, looking displeased by this. He still didn't approve of his ward spending so much alone time with the newest member of their family.

Arthur's head jolted up, "He's what?" He said surprised. It shouldn't have been as surprising as it was. He knew Morgana seemed to have taken some kind of shine to the boy. And Merlin would no doubt do it just to spite Arthur.

Uther waved him off, "I've already had a discussion with her. There's nothing inappropriate happening."

"Oh...good." Arthur said confused. He hadn't even thought of that. It had never even occurred to him although it probably should have been the first thing. He was not going to go around having people think Merlin had found him lacking in some way, so he'd found company somewhere else.

Arthur speared a piece of fruit onto his fork, bringing it up to his lips. He was lost in thought as he mechanically started to chew.

If there had been something going on between Merlin and Morgana, Arthur would have probably killed him. Or at least come damn near close to it. And then demand Merlin tell him why he was so dumb that he had thought it'd be okay to cheat on a prince.

Even if their marriage was an arrangement and there was no love between them, it would still be a bad look on Arthur to those on the outside.

"So, were you able to do what needed to be done that night?" Uther suddenly asked, not looking up from his plate.

There was another knock under the table as Arthur's knee jerked up, hitting the underside. Arthur didn't answer for the longest time, probably because he'd just snatched up his juice. He drowned it in one gulp, his throat feeling suddenly very dry. And had it always been so stuffy in here?

But putting his drink down was the worst thing that he could have done. Because the clink of metal on metal caught his attention, drawing his eyes down to his wedding ring pressed up against his goblet.

Arthur jerked his hand away, tucking his hand under the table as if he was trying to hide it. As if he didn't want any reminder of Merlin and the ring was the biggest one.

"Arthur." Uther said firmly, looking away from his meal to give his son a stern look. "Please tell me you consummated your marriage. That your marriage is binding."

Arthur felt himself pale because his father was really asking him this. There were many things he and his father could talk about, his sex life was not one of them. His sex life with another man wasn't even on the list of things they should talk about.

Arthur reached out to pick up his fork, "Yes father." He forced out, lying. What else could he do? He couldn't tell his father that he had thrown the boy out and hadn't even tried. Oh god, if his father knew the truth, he'd probably tell him to march upstairs and do it right now before word got out.

There was that sound again, the clinging of metal on metal. Arthur's eyes shot down to his plate where his fork was banging against it. He hadn't even noticed that his hand was shaking, how could it not?

If his father commanded he go up there and get it done...Arthur jerked his hand away from his plate, tucking it beneath the table as well in an effort to hide it. He winced when his fork fell loudly onto his plate.

Uther watched his son with narrowed eyes, a suspicious expression on his face. His eyes looked from his son's plate and then back to Arthur.

Arthur went stiff, just waiting for his father to announce that he knew he was lying. Then a long lecture about why it was never a good thing to lie to his king. And then to send him upstairs to do his duties as a husband.

But Uther didn't do any of that. He just have a short nod before turning back to his meal.

Arthur started to marginally relax. And when his father didn't say anything, Arthur cautiously reached for his fork again. His hand hovered over it for a minute, half expecting his father to say something. But when he didn't, he relaxed more and picked up his fork.

Maybe he had actually gotten away with the lie. He'd never gotten away with lying before and he couldn't even get excited. This conversation was way to anxiety inducing for him to risk being relieved.

And then his father finally said something just as Arthur was putting another bite into his mouth.

"I will be having his virginity checked, of course. Just to verify." He said dismissively, as if he were talking about something as simple as the weather.

Arthur choked, coughing and sputtering as he was forced to swallow. He looked at his father with nothing less than pure horror on his face. How could he have forgotten that?

It was a very old tradition that many people didn't use nowadays. Mainly only the old families, families like the Pendragon's. It was a way to verify that a marriage was legally binding. The wedding itself was to say to the public that they intended to be bound for life. It was the consummation afterward that made it binding.

Nobody would be able to contest the marriage or deny that it was real if they've consummated.

Which they hadn't.

Because Arthur couldn't bring himself to do it. He'd thrown Merlin out into the hall instead. Oh god, what if somebody had seen? Would they realize that Merlin hadn't been in there long enough to do the deed, or did they think Arthur couldn't control himself and had pretty much came right after they started...

Arthur wasn't sure which was worst.

They might have managed to get away with it if Merlin wasn't a virgin, they would just assume that Arthur had taken it, but he was. A clueless virgin who still had no idea what sex was even after he'd sent Morris to explain it. How could he have touched someone who didn't know what was about to happen?

Wouldn't that have been considered rape?

One thing was for certain. Arthur was not going to go upstairs and try and have a quickie just so Merlin would pass 'inspection'.

"Father, that's really not necessary." Arthur forced out, looking and sounding pained when he finally got his voice to work, trying to talk their way out of this. "It was very..." he trailed off, trying to think of a good word. "Traumatizing!" He spit out the first word he thought of. "For both of us. Merlin shouldn't have to go through the added stress." He finished in a rush.

Maybe mentioning how stressful it was would make his father see sense. Make his father realize that some things just needed to be left in the past. Like something as archaic as checking to see if it was done.

"I can assure you," Arthur said slowly, feeling his throat closing up on him. Was his collar to tight? Because he was finding it hard to breathe right now. "He was a virgin. And now he isn't since I...took him." He cleared his throat.

The awkwardness of this conversation seemed to be only affecting him. His father was acting as if this was something they discussed every other day.

Uther took another bite of his meal, waving Arthur off. "Then there is no problem with having Gaius confirm it. This way, nobody will be able to come forward and claim that your marriage isn't binding."

"Right, of course." Arthur agreed weakly. He had his hands under the table, digging his nails straight through his pants and into his knees.

People could claim that their marriage wasn't real if it wasn't consummated. And if they weren't married, that meant Arthur didn't hold up to his end of the deal. If it was discovered after he turned twenty one, then all of this would have been for nothing. This amount of stress and going through with the marriage would have been pointless. He could still be forced to forfeit his kingdom.

Fuck, what had he been thinking? He should have forced himself to go through with it last week. Then he wouldn't be stressing as he was right now.

Uther looked at his son and then went back to his meal.

Arthur couldn't take the silence. Obviously he couldn't change the fact that he hadn't taken Merlin that night. And he definitely wasn't about to do it now. "Father," Arthur tried again. "I don't think-"

"Enough Arthur," Uther interrupted, sounding more tired than Arthur could ever remember hearing him before. "It's been decided."

Arthur forced himself to swallow passed the lump in his throat. "Of course, father." He said quietly, looking down at the meal he'd barely taken a few bites of.

Uther took a few more bites of his meal, the minutes passing slowly. He never noticed that Arthur hadn't picked his fork back up.

Arthur had to think of something, anything, to get out of this. Preferably without informing Merlin that they would probably have to have sex to fix this situation. Of course, he would have to stop long enough to explain to Merlin exactly what sex entailed.

Fuck.

"Oh, I've got the perfect solution!" Uther suddenly said, looking up.

Arthur's head shot up hopeful, "You do?" He asked urgently. Had his father realized he'd lied? Did he know he didn't do it? Would he help Arthur get out of this without actually having him sleep with Merlin.

"You can bring Merlin with you when you train today." Uther said, looking pleased with himself.

Arthur stared at him blankly. "...To train?" He asked slowly, trying to figure out what his father was going on about. Was that supposed to help him get out of his situation with Merlin?

"Of course, you could teach him a few of the basics." Uther said. "Nothing to big, he doesn't really have the build for a knight. But a few of the basics will do him some good."

"You want me to teach him how to use a sword?!" Arthur exploded. No way was that happening. He remembered how Merlin had treated the mace. He was not trusting that boy anywhere near a sword.

"It'll be a good way for you to get acquainted." Uther explained. "It'll do the two of you some good. You can get your training in and he can learn a few things."

"But teaching him! Me? I couldn't possibly!" Arthur protested. He didn't have the patience to deal with someone like Merlin. Especially not with a sword in his hand.

"Why not?" Uther demanded. "You already train the knights."

Arthur opened his mouth to say exactly why he couldn't, when he stopped short. Because he didn't have a reason, nothing more than an 'I don't want to'. No way in hell would his father accept that.

And his father did have a point. Arthur had been training the knights for over a year. Every year, they would get a fresh wave of recruits inducted into the training program. Arthur had literally seen every kind of knight there was, including some truly spectacular failures. Merlin couldn't possibly be any worse than some of those guys had been...right?

"He's royalty now." Uther started to talk again when his son gave no answer. "You out of anybody knows how dangerous that can be. Even Morgana was taught the basics. Merlin should be prepared in the event that he's ever attacked himself."

"I suppose that you...are correct, father. He should learn a thing or two." Arthur forced himself to agree. Because crap, that meant that Arthur would have to track Merlin down and get him onto the training field.

Arthur had pretty much claimed the training field as his. The one place that he wouldn't risk running into Merlin. It wasn't like he had any reason for going down there. Not unless he was interested in seeing the knight's training.

Peasant's sometimes walked by because they were curious enough to watch.

But seeing as Arthur hadn't seen Merlin venture down there, he could only guess that he wasn't interested.

Why did that thought annoy him so much?

"Good, good." His father was saying. "Even if you just teach him the bare minimum, that will be better than the nothing he knows now."

Arthur nodded, still caught up in his previous thought now that it was in his mind. Why hadn't Merlin gone down to the training grounds? That was usually the first place people stopped by when they first came to the city.

So why hadn't Merlin?

Was Merlin avoiding him?

It was perfectly alright when Arthur was the one doing the avoiding. But to think that Merlin may have also been doing the same thing?

His eye was twitching again.

Why did the thought of Merlin going out of his way to avoid him, piss him off? He should be happy! Let Merlin do all of the work while Arthur got back to his normal life.

Uther looked up when Arthur suddenly pushed himself away from the table, standing up. His chair made a rough sound at the sudden motion, scraping across the floor.

"May I be excused, father?" The prince asked just as sudden. He'd barely touched his food but he didn't care. How could he eat when he was so irritated?

Was it true? Had Merlin been the one trying to avoid him? Why else would he have never passed by the training grounds? And now that he was thinking about it, Arthur had only seen a glimpse or two of the boy since their marriage a week ago.

He had no idea what Merlin had been doing with his time. Apparently he was having lunches with Morgana, but what else had he been doing?

Uther set his fork down and leaned back in his chair. "Of course, Arthur. I'm sure you have things to do with the tournament coming up."

"Yes, father, the tournament will keep me quite busy this week." Arthur said, stepping away from the table. Crap. How'd he forgotten that the tournament was this week?

He blamed Merlin. He didn't care if the brat was avoiding him, he knew Merlin was at fault for him forgetting...somehow.

Arthur set off at a fast pace towards the doors.

"Oh, and Arthur." Uther called after his son. Arthur froze in the doorway. This entire conversation had been nothing less than a nightmare, what else could his father possibly have to tell him? "Do try and give Merlin some pointers on tournament etiquette. We don't want him embarrassing you."

Arthur didn't look back, hand on the handle of the door. "Of course, father. I will get right on that." And then he pushed open the door and stormed out of the room. It was just one more thing to add to his list of things to do.

1. Track down Merlin and drag him off for some basic training.

2. Give Merlin some pointers for how he should behave during the tournament.

3. Go to Gaius and somehow convince him to lie to his king about Merlin's virgin status.

Nothing to difficult...oh, who was he kidding?

He'd also have to get Merlin down to the training field without him causing a scene. Have to somehow make Merlin retain any pointers he gave him for the tournament. And he also needed Merlin to not find out what he was going to discuss with Gaius.

The last thing probably wouldn't be the most difficult thing he had to do. What reason would Merlin have to be around Gaius anyway?

"Sire! Sire!" Arthur finally registered the huffing man chasing after him. Arthur pulled to a stop, Morris nearly running straight into his back. Breathing hard, Morris bent over to catch his breath, putting his hands on his knees. He'd chased Arthur around three hallways, the agitated prince not even noticing. "Ar-are you alright?" Morris gasped, trying to force air down into his lungs. "What did the king have to say?"

Had it been something about Merlin? It probably had been. Morris had only ever seen the prince that agitated when it came to that boy.

Arthur stiffened at the question, Merlin. It always came around to Merlin nowadays, didn't it? How did he come out of nowhere and just seemed to be involved in every conversation?

"Never you mind!" Arthur snapped, eyes narrowed.

He was about to storm away again, already thinking about the extensively long, growing list of things that would have to be done today. But that was when it occurred to him that Morris might be useful after all. The manservant could move things along faster, help get this over with.

"Morris, I need you to do something."

Morris straightened up, an already simpering expression on his face. "Anything, sire. How can I be of service to you?" He asked demurely.

Arthur rolled his eyes in annoyance. Morris' simpering was constantly draining him. The only reason the blonde hadn't gotten rid of him yet was because he did such a good job in his other duties.

"I need you to run down to the armory." Arthur commanded. "I need you to grab the training gear. Merlin will be coming with me today."

Morris went stiff, jaw dropping. "W-what? He's coming?" He demanded, almost forgetting himself. Why now? Why was Arthur wanting Merlin to come with him now? The prince had never expressed an interest in having anything to do with him. Had his father said something? Was this why Arthur suddenly wanted Merlin?

Arthur ignored Morris' question, already moving on to something else. He started walking away, not noticing Morris' disgruntled face behind him. A sudden thought pulled him to a stop mid-step.

"Oh, and Morris?" He glanced over his shoulder.

Morris disgruntled face instantly shifted to his more adoring one. "Yes, sire?" He simpered.

"Get the smaller one." Arthur said bluntly. He vividly remembered Merlin's scrawnier form, the lack of defined muscles that Arthur and his other knights had. There was no way that the larger training gear would fit him right. And there was no point in this at all if Merlin couldn't even move straight.

Morris felt his jaw lock, "Yes, sire." He forced out, clenching a fist behind his back. Had he really been stressing himself out all week for nothing? He'd been so sure that Merlin and Arthur wanted nothing to do with each other. And now Arthur was what? Going to train that idiot!

Arthur didn't say another word. He turned around and left, heading upstairs to get prepared himself. He was already going over the list of things he needed to do again.

Morris was left fuming at the bottom.

On the other side of the castle, Merlin was storming down a hallway. His eyebrows were furrowed together and his lips turned into a downward frown.

"Sir Merlin, if there is anything that is bothering you, I will be more than happy to assist in making it better." George said, in the most professional voice he had. He'd apparently noticed his new 'master's' growing frustration.

How was Merlin supposed to let George know that it was the manservant that was causing his growing ire? George had done nothing but get in his way all morning. He was constantly trying to help when Merlin didn't need and or want it.

If this was what it was like just having a manservant for two hours, Merlin couldn't bare the thought of always having one.

He'd been hoping he'd get a break by leaving his room but no! Not even that had helped. Because George was still following him all over this damn castle. It was as if a baby duck (George) had lost his mother (Merlin) and was now refusing to let him leave his sight.

"Sir Merlin?" George started again.

Merlin jolted to a stop, spinning around to face George, hands clenched at his hips. He had to clench his jaw just to stop himself from screaming.

Merlin had wanted to scream that no, for the umpteenth time, he didn't need help. That he didn't want it, that he could do it himself if he needed something. That all he needed right now, was some space from George.

But he didn't, although it was a near thing.

Merlin swallowed back his annoyance, "You really don't have to come with me." He said, each word coming out more forceful than the last.

"Of course I do." George said immediately.

How was he still not getting it, that Merlin wanted to be alone. How was Merlin supposed to breathe, let alone do anything magical, if he had George clinging to him at all hours of the day.

"It's my job to be available for you at any time of the day. I'll get you whatever you desire at a moment's notice." George was rattling off, taking pride in his job.

Merlin stopped. Anything he desired? Now wasn't that an idea. If George wouldn't leave him alone then maybe there was another way to get rid of him. "...You'll get me what I want?" Merlin repeated slowly.

George nodded, his face was professional but his nod had been just a tab bit to energetic. "Oh, yes, Sir Merlin. Anything you need, Sir Merlin."

If he had to hear 'Sir Merlin' one more time...

Merlin cleared his throat, maybe a bit more exaggerated than he needed to, "Well, I am feeling a little parched..." he trailed off.

"Would you like me to gather you some juice, Sir Merlin?" George asked immediately. He wasn't even blinking, acting as if he'd miss something, even if he glanced away for the briefest of seconds.

"That would be...lovely." Merlin smile was just a tad too forceful to be genuine. Did George really have to say 'Sir Merlin' in every sentence he said?

"Right away, Sir Merlin." George said immediately. Merlin wanted to pull his own ears off just so he wouldn't hear that dreaded title again. "I will be back as soon as possible."

And then George was gone, running down the hall as if he had caught fire and was trying to set it out. Merlin let out a sigh of relief and practically took off in the other direction. If he ran fast enough, maybe it would take a while before George could track him down again.

He couldn't even feel disgusted with himself for ordering someone around. All he could feel was the relief of finally being alone. He had space to breathe now. How could he feel guilty when George had literally been driving him up the wall?

About two floors up, Arthur was standing in the royal hallway. More specifically, he was standing in front of Merlin's door.

Arthur was already dressed in his armor, prepared to start training. It had been more difficult than he'd thought to get his armor on straight. He had to twist and turn at all angles to get all of the buckles right. At one point, he thought he'd broken something when he had to twist at the oddest angle to get a buckle on the back of his shoulder blade done.

But with Morris fetching Merlin's training gear, and Arthur not wanting to waste time calling for another servant, he'd basically been left to his own devices.

And now he was here, staring daggers at Merlin's door. Which he'd been doing for at least five minutes, trying to work himself up to knock.

It shouldn't be this hard to knock on a door. All he had to do was bring up his fist and bang on the door. It was that simple! Then when Merlin answered, Arthur will command Merlin to come down to the training ground with him for a practice session.

Merlin would be so excited that Arthur was showing him some attention, that he'd come without question.

...Arthur didn't think he'd be that lucky.

The brat would probably tell him no just to aggravate him. From what little he knew, it seemed like a Merlin thing to do. And if Merlin really was avoiding him by hiding out in his room, he had another thing coming if he thought Arthur wouldn't barge in there and drag him out by his stupidly large ears.

With that thought in mind, Arthur's irritation spiked. What was he doing just standing here? It wasn't like he was some sniveling girl! He was not going to stand in the hallway for one moment longer while his consort did, what? Sleep all day? Was that what he'd been doing this whole week?

Had he been sleeping while Arthur had been hard at work training?

Before he could change his mind, Arthur brought his fist up to the door and rapped his knuckles against the wood. Then he waited.

And waited.

And waited.

When another five minutes had passed and there was still no answer, Arthur emitted a low growl. He clenched his jaw and knocked on the door again, louder than before.

What was he doing in there?

Was Merlin a hard sleeper and that was why he hadn't answered yet? Was he hiding under the mountains of blankets that were provided for him, refusing to escape their warmth?

Or maybe Merlin knew it was him at his door. Was he in there right now with his ear pressed up against the door? Just waiting for Arthur to give up and storm away. Was he in there laughing at Arthur because he'd been standing at this damn door for nearly ten minutes, waiting on him?

Arthur didn't wait for anybody. And he was not going to be made a fool of inside his own home. Especially not by Merlin of all people.

Arthur had been generous enough to fetch Merlin himself instead of sending one of the servants. And he had the nerve to not even answer his door?

Another low growl emitted from Arthur and his eyes darkened, that fucking brat.

Arthur didn't hesitate this time. He brought a hand up to the door handle and practically threw it open, ignoring the bang it made when it hit the wall.

"Merlin!" He snapped loudly, swaggering in.

He was expecting several scenarios that ran threw his head as he stormed into the room.

Maybe Merlin really was in his bed, still sleeping his morning away. The curtains would be closed as to block out the sun, the room would be dark and it still wouldn't be enough for him. Because Merlin would be hiding under his blankets as to protect himself from the smallest bit of morning light.

A second scenario was Merlin sitting at his desk, eating breakfast. He'd look at Arthur with boredom on his face, having not even attempted to rise as he heard Arthur knocking.

A third scenario would have been Merlin standing by the door. He'd have that cheeky grin on his face, a mouthy comment already at the ready. Just the thought of that cheeky grin made Arthur want to throttle him before he even got the chance to say something.

What he wasn't expecting to see was the empty room. The curtains were wide open, letting sunlight stream through the windows. The light landed directly on the bed that looked as if it had been freshly made up.

But no matter how the room itself looked, it was obvious that nobody was inside. He even stopped to look behind the door, checking to see if Merlin was trying to hide from him.

When there was no reason for him to stand there any longer, Arthur angrily slammed the door shut on his way out. That fucking brat wasn't even in his room, which meant that Arthur had been standing outside his room for ten minutes for absolutely nothing.

How was it even possible for Merlin to annoy Arthur when he wasn't even in the same room?

"Just wait till I find him." Arthur hissed under his breath, storming down the hall.

"Merlin's not in his room, sire." The guard, Gregory, said as Arthur passed him by. He could clearly hear the severe death threats that the prince was muttering harshly under his breath.

Arthur jerked to a stop, having paid the guard no mind. He'd just been standing at the end of the hallway this whole time. Arthur brought his hands up to his hips, "Gregory? What are you doing here?" This hallway usually wasn't guarded. Not unless there was something going on and strangers were streaming in and out of the castle. Arthur would have thought that Gregory would have stopped guarding the hallway since his marriage was complete.

"Because of the tournament, sire." Gregory answered gruffly. "But your father has lessened the guard as this is something we do every year. I was only here for the night. I was just prepared to take my leave and go off duty."

"Right, right." Arthur said, impatiently, waving his hand. "And you said something about Merlin?" Did Gregory know where Merlin was? Because Arthur was frustrated, irritated, and mostly aggravated. He'd just wasted precious training time on that brat. And he had the nerve to not be in his room the one time that Arthur was looking for him.

"Yes, sire." Gregory said. "I was just pointing out that he's not in his room. He left about an hour ago."

Arthur stared at the guard blankly. Gregory stared back with no expression on his face. Arthur's eye started to twitch. Gregory still stared with no expression on his face.

Arthur couldn't take it anymore.

"And you couldn't have told me that earlier!" Arthur exploded, throwing his hands every which way.

Gregory smiled calmly. "You didn't ask."

Arthur let out a snarl, not wasting his time with this anymore. Throwing his frustrated arms into the air, Arthur stormed down the stairs.

Within moments, he'd forgotten all about the guard. He was already thinking about Merlin and where he could possibly be right now. That fucking brat, making Arthur waste even more time trying to track him down.

Why was Arthur always chasing after Merlin?

First, when they met and Merlin had tried to leave after calling him an arse. Then again when, how had Merlin put it at the party? When he'd 'chased' Merlin around the market place trying to 'get his attention.'

As if he would waste his time chasing somebody like Merlin! Somebody who was more mouthy than he was worth. Someone who didn't stay put so that Arthur knew exactly where he was. Someone who had no problem telling Arthur what he thought like-what had Merlin said at the party? That he couldn't get his head out of his arse long enough to realize that he had more people than just the ones with money.

What did the brat know about how his home worked?

And still, Arthur vehemently refused to admit that right now, he was chasing after Merlin again. Trying to track his consort down in this castle because who knows what he was doing right now.

Probably causing misery to some other poor soul. Just like he did to Arthur simply by existing.

Arthur found his feet taking him towards Gaius' chambers. If he didn't find his wayward consort on the way there, he'd just have his chat with Gaius. He was going over strategies in his head, trying to think of the best way to convince Gaius that it would be okay to lie to his father.

That Gaius didn't have to tell Uther that Merlin was still a virgin. After all, Arthur hadn't taken his virginity-stolen-was another word he could use. He hadn't stolen Merlin's virginity.

After all, if Merlin didn't know how to consummate a marriage, than he couldn't consent to giving it to Arthur.

Arthur felt the uncomfortable weight of that in his stomach. The thought of touching Merlin...it almost pained him to think about it.

He only hoped he wouldn't regret not doing it.

He would have had to force himself, if only to stop his father's disappointment if he ever found out.

He felt his stomach roil at the thought of having Merlin anywhere near his bed again, he'd had Morris change his sheets the very next morning. At least now he didn't have to sleep to the smell of Merlin that had clung to it that entire night.

Feeling as if he would truly be ill, Arthur had no choice but to push all thoughts of Merlin out of his mind as he trudged through the castle. What were the other things that he was supposed to do today? He started going over his list again.

1. Track down Merlin and drag him off for some basic training.

Fuck, Merlin again, getting in his head. How was it that he was trying to forget Merlin and the first thing on his list involved the brat?

He pushed task one to the far side of his mind for when he finally found him and went down to task 2.

2. Give Merlin some pointers for how he should behave during the tour...shit.

Why did no matter what he had to do, Merlin ended up in his mind anyway? Couldn't he find anything better to do than creep around on the edges of Arthur's mind?

And with him thinking about task number 2, it had been a reminder that he needed to grab something from the library for Merlin. It'll be the easiest way for Merlin to learn what he needed to. And Arthur could reasonably tell his father he'd given Merlin the tools he needed to know all about the tournament. While not having to interact with Merlin more than he needed to.

And if he screwed up? Well that was all his fault.

At that moment, Arthur saw one of the serving boy's rushing passed, a large pitcher carried between his hands.

"Hey!" Arthur barked after him. The library was on the other side of the castle and Arthur still had to talk to Gaius. The one good thing about being a prince? He could delegate his less important duties onto others.

George quickly turned and bowed lowly when he realized that it was his prince. "Sire." He said in an even tone. He was careful not to turn over the pitcher of juice he was bringing back to his new master.

Arthur walked up to him, already giving his order. "I need you to run down to the library and grab The Right's and Wrong's of Tournament Etiquette." Arthur knew that book well. He'd tried to burn it when he had to read it as a small child because of how much he hated it. His nursemaid had caught him though before the book was ruined.

It would be the perfect reading material for Merlin. It was so hard to trudge through, it'll give the brat something to do with his time. At least if Arthur had to think about him, he could think that Merlin was as miserable as he was.

"My...consort's," Arthur continued talking, his tongue twisted oddly around the word. "Upbringing did him no favors. His education needs to be updated."

If the brat had even had any education at all. What did peasant's teach their children anyway? It couldn't be much more than how to toil away in the fields.

George quickly bowed to his prince upon hearing his request, "Of course sire, right away sire."

Still holding tightly onto the juice, George hurried away as fast as he could towards the library. He needed to track down that book in a timely manner before he could bring his master his juice.

George had known all about Merlin being a commoner, of course. It wasn't exactly a secret. He had done his due diligence in learning what little he could about their mysterious consort. But it had somehow slipped his notice that Sir Merlin may have had a similar education that he had himself.

Which was basically nothing outside of what would help him in his duties.

He had no idea that Merlin didn't know the basics! If he didn't know about Tournament Etiquette, than what else didn't he know?

Seeing George hurrying away, Arthur wasted no time himself walking in the opposite direction, back towards Gaius'. With George going to grab the book, that was one thing he could mark off his list. Then he could give the book to Merlin and let the boy flounder on his own trying to decipher the out of date text.

Arthur went back to mentally going over his list of things he had to do. Just to get the brat off of his mind so that he could think of more important things.

2. Give Merlin some pointers for how he should behave during the tournament.

That one was basically almost done now.

3. Go to Gaius and somehow convince him to lie to his king about Merlin's virgin status.

...Merlin wasn't going to leave his mind anytime soon, was he?

Arthur's steps became heavier, although he refused to call it stomping. His fists were clenched and he was glaring down at the floor in front of him.

That fucking brat! Why did everything Arthur have to do revolve around Merlin, or had something to do with him? Couldn't things just go back to normal? He had thought that they would after their marriage, that he could just act as if he didn't even exist.

That was proving harder than he'd thought it would be.

Arthur had just made it to the hallway that led to Gaius' chambers when he caught sight of the boy in question just ahead of him. Merlin was down the hall, bringing his hand up to the door handle that led to the physician's chambers.

Arthur clenched his jaw at the sight, not even attempting to hide the low growl in his throat. He'd come to talk to Gaius, and he had found Merlin instead. The one person he'd been hoping to avoid while he had that conversation.

Well he definitely couldn't have it now, not with Merlin so close. No doubt he'd just get in the way and make that upcoming conversation so much harder than it had to be.

Instead of going in the opposite direction as he'd had this entire week, Arthur started stomping, practically storming down the hallway. The irritation was literally written all over his face. That brat just had to ruin his plans. Had he known that Arthur was coming here? Was that why he was here now?

"Merlin!" He snapped harshly as he got closer, practically coming right up on top of him.

Merlin nearly jumped out of his skin, spinning around and falling against the door in his surprise. He hadn't even heard Arthur coming down the hall until the prince started yelling for him.

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" Arthur snapped, furiously. He was vividly aware of the several minutes he'd stood outside Merlin's door. To think, he'd allowed the boy some mediocre of privacy when he should have barged straight in right from the beginning.

Merlin huffed, crossing his arms. "Is that right?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at the just slightly shorter blonde.

He was fully aware that this was the first time he'd seen Arthur since their wedding. Well the first time they've been face to face because he'd seen Arthur's back several times as he disappeared around a corner.

And crap, Merlin looked away. But only for a second because his eyes were drawn back to Arthur's, almost like a magnet. Did the blonde have to look good in armor to? Why couldn't Arthur look clumsy and awkward? Kind of like how Merlin always felt.

It was an unfair advantage for Arthur to always look so put together.

Merlin cleared his dry throat, why was his throat so dry? It hadn't felt like that a minute ago. "So, have you finally decided to stop avoiding me?"

Arthur stiffened, eyes darkening a shade as he shot a look at Merlin. "I haven't been avoiding you!" He ball faced lied, it hadn't occurred to him that Merlin could figure out that he had been. He tilted his chin up a little, keeping his eyes locked with Merlin's. "I have more pressing matters than keeping you entertained."

There was silence between each other as they stood there outside Gaius' chambers.

Then Merlin snorted, not believing the lie for one minute. Arthur flushed, feeling the heat brimming under his skin.

"Well," Merlin said slowly. "You will find that I don't need much to be entertained." At least now he had been vividly reminded why he didn't like Arthur again. As if he needed Arthur around to be entertained.

"Kind of like a child in that way, aren't you." Arthur said mockingly.

Merlin smirked, a cheeky one that made Arthur straighten up. He had a feeling that he was not going to like what Merlin said next in the least.

And true enough, "At least I don't lie just to avoid admitting that you have been avoiding me all week."

"I haven't lied!" Arthur blurted out in protest. But still, he could feel the heat growing deeper on his cheekbones. He shifted on his feet uncomfortably because this was not how he had thought his next conversation with Merlin would go.

"Is that right?" Merlin asked amused. And was it him or was Arthur blushing right now. It was almost ador-nope, not going there. Especially with how Arthur had so rudely approached him. What was so hard about knocking on his door and asking for his time? "Well," Merlin continued, pushing away from the door. "If you didn't lie, then maybe I can help you with your...pressing matters?"

Arthur went stiff, what had he just said? Was Merlin making a pass at him? Was Merlin offering to...touch him? It sure sounded like he had, didn't Arthur tell Merlin he wasn't interested in men at the party? Was Merlin not as innocent as he was led to believe?

Now Merlin was what...trying to get him into bed...no.

One look into Merlin's eyes was all he needed to know that wasn't true. His eyes weren't hooded, they weren't lingering on his body. In fact, Merlin's eyes hadn't even left his own.

Merlin didn't even seem to realize what his words could have been misconstructed as.

Arthur felt himself relax some. He was just being stupid, finding things that weren't there. Merlin wasn't flirting or being out of line. He was just a moron who had somehow made it to adulthood.

In fact, he seemed more childlike, with that teasing grin playing on the corner of his lips. Right, Merlin was trying to make him admit that he had lied about his...pressing matters.

The response slid easily from Arthur's mouth, "I don't believe your brain is big enough to contemplate the things that I have to do."

He wasn't even surprised when a comeback came easily from Merlin's lips, "And yet, mine is bigger than yours."

Arthur nearly choked on his own salvia at those words. Had Merlin just claimed to have a bigger dic...no, he was being ridiculous again. Seeing things in an innocent, albeit, witty, conversation. Things that Merlin obviously didn't notice.

Merlin's eyes were clear, not darkening like they should have been if he was thinking dirty thoughts.

Arthur swallowed hard, feeling the dry scrape of his throat. Merlin hadn't been talking about his cock. When would Merlin had even had the opportunity to see him to know who was bigger? It wasn't like Arthur was walking around naked in front of him, not now, not ever. Especially now in the short week or two that they've known each other.

Arthur had to scramble in his mind to remember what Merlin was talking about. Right, it wasn't his cock. It was his brain, Merlin was claiming his brain was bigger than his.

Fuck, thank god Merlin was talking about brain's and not...he didn't even want to think about it anymore.

"If you are done insulting me-" Arthur cut himself off, his voice coming out rougher than he thought it should. And had he been standing this close to Merlin the entire time? There was this strange tension in the air, was he seriously the only one that noticed.

Arthur took a large step back, breathing in a bit of fresh air. Whatever tension he'd been feeling seemed to dissipate the further away he got.

"I wouldn't say done." Merlin said amused, watching Arthur with a curiously raised eyebrow as the prince took a few steps backwards.

Was the blonde looking nervous? Anxious? Merlin didn't know but it was confusing. He'd been having fun, doing a little witty sparring with the prat. Arthur had actually had a few comebacks that made Merlin want to laugh.

Merlin would still claim that he won though. Simply for saying the last comeback.

But hadn't Arthur been having fun to?

"My father-" Arthur stopped to clear his throat, straightening up. He would just have to put this whole conversation to the back of his mind and force himself to forget it. "My father," he tried again. "Has ordered me to bring you with me to the training grounds."

Merlin looked at Arthur blankly. Arthur wanted Merlin to come with him to the training ground? Why? It seemed kind of out there since Arthur hadn't talked to him at all. And what had he said about his father...

"Oooh, I get it!" Merlin suddenly exclaimed, making Arthur flinch, surprised by the sudden noise. "You only stopped avoiding me because your father ordered it!"

"I was not avoiding you!" Arthur exclaimed, even louder than Merlin had. His voice cracked somewhere in the middle. He had to force himself to calm down and clear his voice. Speaking as someone of his station would, he said, "My father has decided we needed to spend some time getting acquainted. Something about your...reward for what you did last week." He finished off, his face scrunching up in distaste. He didn't want to say anything that eluded to how Merlin had saved his life.

Upon hearing this, Merlin let out a massive groan. He tilted his head back as if to say, 'why me'. "Not this again." Merlin was actually saying, finally bringing his head down to rub at his throbbing forehead.

He'd been hoping that the king would have forgotten all about his 'generous gift' as the days passed. But that didn't seem to be the case with Arthur now in front of him.

Arthur narrowed his eyes, seeing Merlin's reaction. "You shouldn't disregard my father's gift to you." The blond said, offended on his father's behalf.

Merlin couldn't stop the laughter from emerging from his throat if he'd tried. But then it slowly died down when he realized Arthur didn't look the least bit amused.

"Oh?" Merlin stared confused. "You're being serious."

"Of course I was serious!" Arthur exclaimed, sounding just as confused. "My father gave you a gift. You should accept it with grace."

This was almost to much for Merlin, who allowed a snort of amusement to escape him. "Does your father know what a gift is? I'm not sure he understands the concept." He said pointedly.

Arthur bristled on his father's behalf, "And what exactly does that mean?" He demanded.

Merlin raised an eyebrow at the blonde, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, you're telling me that you want to spend time with me."

Arthur swallowed back the sharp retort that had already been building on his tongue. He wasn't here for himself, he was here due to his father. "Of course I do." But it oddly sounded both forceful and weak at the same time. Then he let out a sigh of relief, looking quite proud of himself for being able to say it.

He froze when Merlin stepped closer, almost putting their faces together. And when Merlin took another step closer, he actually flinched back, putting space between them.

"What are you doing?" Arthur demanded, glaring daggers at him.

Merlin finally leaned back. "I was just wandering if it hurt you."

"If what hurt?" Arthur demanded, feeling as if he was missing something. And he didn't like it.

"When you lied." Merlin smirked, feeling proud of himself. It had been almost ridiculously easy to see that Arthur had been lying, a blind person could have seen it.

Arthur turned his head, tilting his chin up even as he felt the uncomfortable flush under his skin. "I was not lying, a prince does not lie." He said with an air of pompousness to his voice.

Merlin didn't stop the loud snort from escaping him, "Whatever you say." Then he turned away as if he were leaving, even taking a few steps away.

"And where exactly are you going?" Arthur demanded.

Merlin had only taken a few steps away at this point. But he turned back around at the sound of Arthur's voice. "I was going-" he trailed off, casting a look over his shoulder to the closed door that led to Gaius' chambers.

Arthur didn't seem to notice before he interrupted, "My father has decided we need to get acquainted! So no, you are not just going to leave."

Merlin bristled at the sharp tone that Arthur had used, "And do you always do what your father tells you to?"

Arthur's eyes flashed, "Excuse me? He is my king, of course I do what my king has instructed me to!"

"So that's a yes." Merlin said dismissively.

Arthur bristled, feeling as if he'd just been dismissed himself. As if he wasn't important enough for Merlin to acknowledge. And boy, did that piss him off even more than having to waste his time tracking Merlin down did.

Before he could give Merlin a piece of his mind though, the slimmer boy started to speak again. "Why don't we just do this? We go our separate ways and just tell your father we spent time together."

Arthur opened his mouth to tell Merlin just how stupid that idea was. But he paused and actually considered it for a minute. It would be so easy just to tell his father he had, it would be even easier with Merlin backing him up. But, he let out a heavy sigh, he was passed his early teenage years where he constantly tried to get away with things right under his father's nose.

"That wouldn't work." Arthur said, as if he hadn't actually been considering it. "Trust me, my father would know it was a lie anyway."

Merlin scoffed, "What, does he have spies around the castle or something." Arthur just stared at him. "Oh my god, he actually has spies around the castle!"

"He's the king!" Arthur said as if it should have been obvious. "Of course he's got his informants." Arthur didn't know who they were of course. That was the kind of information nobody but the king himself was privileged to know.

Merlin stared at Arthur as if he didn't know rather to believe him or not. This had to be some kind of joke that the prince had come up with. Maybe Arthur was just a really bad liar and his father could tell easily.

"Alright then," Merlin started again. "If lying is out of the question, then what exactly do you have in mind for?"

Arthur answered immediately, tone just a tad to forceful than it needed to be, "I need to do some training today and you need to learn the basics as well, so you'll be coming with me."

He wasn't asking Merlin to come with him, he was telling him what was going to happen.

Merlin stared at him blankly for so long that Arthur started to get uncomfortable. The prince shifted from foot to foot, feeling his frustrations building. Before he could just grab the other boy by his wrist and drag him to the training grounds, Merlin finally spoke up.

"The basics in what?"

Arthur felt his eye twitching. Hadn't he just said that they were going to the training grounds. Did Merlin really need him to spell it out.

"Sword fighting." Arthur said in the most obvious tone that he could. "To defend yourself."

Merlin's response time was a lot quicker this time around. "Defend myself?!" He exclaimed loudly. It was surprising that Gaius hadn't appeared at the door by that point, from the loud exclamation alone. "From what!"

Arthur wondered not for the first time, just how stupid was his consort, "From attackers!" He snapped.

Merlin brought his hands up to his hips. "Attackers?" He demanded. "Who would attack me?" Maybe if they knew he had magic, there would probably be a lot of people who would want to attack him. But nobody knew about him, he was safe, as long as nobody found out.

Arthur wanted to reach out and grab him by the shoulders. Then he wanted to shake him so that his brain started working again, if it ever had in the first place. "Are you really that naive?" He demanded harshly.

Merlin straightened, an offended scowl etched onto his face. "I am not naive!" He snapped.

Arthur scoffed, naive was the perfect word to describe Merlin. It was hard enough for Arthur to wrap his mind over Merlin being so innocent that he knew nothing about what was supposed to happen that night. But surely even Merlin should have realized that the anonymous life he'd had as a peasant, was completely over now that he was a consort.

"If you expect Camelot to waste our resources on assigning you around the clock protection-" Arthur started furiously.

It wouldn't have been a big deal. When something was going on in the castle, Morgana usually had a knight or two to watch her specifically. And there were always guards roaming the grounds, looking for threats against the royal family. It wouldn't have been to hard to get Merlin included in that protection. Not that he needed to know that.

"I don't need protection!" Merlin had interrupted him. It was almost ridiculous, to think he needed protection from anything. He didn't need a sword or armed guards to keep him safe. He'd just do it himself.

Arthur looked at Merlin as if he truly thought he was stupid. "And what are you going to do if someone attacks you? Try to punch them?" He asked mockingly.

Merlin stiffened, remembering how they met. "Maybe I will." He said defensively. He kind of wanted to do it again right now. But he remembered all to well what had happened last time.

As did Arthur apparently. "In which, they will catch your weak fist and then you're their prisoner. Or hostage. Or victim. Or whatever else they want you for."

Merlin only caught onto one thing he'd said. "My punch was not weak!" He exclaimed, insulted.

Arthur couldn't stop the short laugh that broke from his throat. Merlin felt himself flush, it wasn't his fault nobody had taught him how to throw a real punch before.

"Alright Merlin," Arthur said, stepping up to him. Merlin stiffened at the sudden closeness. He even took a step back before he could stop himself. Not that it helped any because now his back was pressed up against the wall of the hallway. "I want you to punch me again."

Merlin's eyes widened, looking startled. "W-what?" He stuttered. Arthur wanted him to punch him? Why? Just so he could try and have Merlin sent to the dungeons like he'd tried last time.

Arthur's lips quirked into an amused grin, showing off his slightly crooked teeth. "Yeah, go ahead!" He encouraged. Arthur gave an exaggerated look around them, reminding them both that they were entirely alone. Then he held his arms out, once again not even trying to shield or protect his body.

"I uh, don't think-" Merlin stuttered, completely thrown off by what was happening.

"I want you to!" Arthur insisted, looking far to smug for his own good. Merlin felt a muscle in his jaw twitch. "Go on!" The blonde kept going, his lips turning up into a smirk. "Show me what you got to defend yourself with!"

Merlin watched Arthur in a stunned silence. His fingers twitched at his side. Show him what he had to defend himself with? Arthur wouldn't like what he had to show him at all. Merlin literally had to force the magic brimming under his skin to stay below the surface.

Arthur didn't seem to notice Merlin's internal struggle. He reached out suddenly, giving Merlin a light shove on his shoulder. The only reason Merlin wasn't pushed back was because he was already up against the wall.

"Come on!" Arthur encouraged, looking so much like he did that first day they met. Like the arrogant toe rag that he was, as if he had complete confidence that he could do whatever he wanted and get away with it. "Are you just going to sit there and let me do whatever I want." Arthur reached out and gave him another light push. "Or are you going to punch me!"

Merlin felt his fingers curling into a fist, his eyes flashing. He was so caught up in his growing rage, that he didn't notice Arthur's cocky smirk slide into a more self satisfied one, having got exactly the reaction he'd been going for.

"With pleasure." Merlin hissed, bringing his arm up. Just like last time, he put as much force behind the punch as he could, just to wipe that smug look off of Arthur's face. Just to show the blonde that he couldn't go around doing whatever he wanted with no consequences at all.

And just like last time, Arthur easily caught him around his wrist. It didn't matter that they had less room to work with now that they were pressed up against one wall of the hallway instead of the open courtyard.

Merlin grunted when he still found himself turned around, his face now pressed up against the wall, smashing his cheek in. And Arthur, thicker and much heavier than Merlin, pressed up against him from behind.

Merlin tried to wiggle free, he tried to yank his wrist out of the firm grip holding him into place. He bucked as he tried to get free and let out a stream of curses, all aimed at Arthur.

The prince had honestly never heard such colorful language before, it actually made his ears ring.

But still, Arthur was like an unmovable object. He was unrelenting, pressing harder against Merlin's back with every move the scrawnier boy made to free himself.

"Okay, okay!" Merlin finally snapped, feeling his frustration growing. "Will you just let me go, you jackarse!" He wanted to wreck havoc down on Arthur for doing this to him, he wanted to have a throw down drag match. Just to show Arthur that he couldn't go around treating him like this.

Arthur finally let him go, the firm grip he had on Merlin's wrist relaxing until the slimmer boy was able to slip free.

Merlin growled, not leaving his position against the wall as Arthur finally stepped back. Merlin glared daggers at the wall in front of him, feeling not only the scape of the rough wall against his cheek, but also the phantom sensation of Arthur against his back, as if he were still holding him there.

His heart pounding in his chest, Merlin spun around, giving Arthur a harsh look. He cradled his wrist to his chest, the one Arthur had so crudely held behind his back. He could feel the rapid pace of his heartbeat against the burning feeling around his wrist.

As if Arthur had somehow imbedded himself into Merlin's skin.

"W-what the hell was that!" Merlin demanded, feeling flustered and pissed as hell. "You can't just go aroun-!"

"Your footwork needs some work." Arthur interrupted bluntly.

Merlin stared blankly, unable to comprehend what the prince had just said. "...Excuse me?" He finally asked, baffled.

"Your footwork needs some work." Arthur repeated as if it was obvious. "Your balanced on the toes of your feet when you need to be focused more on the balls of your feet. Leaning more on your toes makes you unbalanced, it's easier to knock you down. And your legs should have been spread wider apart, it'll keep your steady so you're unlikely to fall by yourself."

Merlin blinked, looking dumbstruck. Was Arthur...critiquing him? Lecturing him?

That was when Merlin realized something startling. That smug and arrogant look that he was so accustomed to on Arthur's face was completely gone. He actually looked serious, as if he'd taken notes on everything that Merlin had done wrong and was now intending to fix it.

Had Merlin just been played? Had Arthur actually acted like a prat on purpose? Because he knew it would get a reaction from Merlin?

And for what? Just so Merlin would punch him?

Arthur reached out suddenly. Merlin jumped, startled, when he felt those rough hands grabbing his wrist again, jerking it away from his chest.

"Hey!" Merlin protested, but it was more of a reflex than anything else. And he didn't put up much of a fight to get free again, or any fight really.

Arthur ignored his exclamation. Holding onto Merlin's wrist, Arthur kept his gaze trained firmly on the other boy's hand.

"Make a fist." Arthur commanded.

Merlin gave him a look, "Do what now?" He demanded, more confused than ever. He felt as if he was getting whiplash. Arthur going from the prat he knew to...to this!

"Make a fist." Arthur repeated, with a touch of impatience to his voice. He finally looked up and Merlin saw the briefest hint of annoyance in his eyes before it was gone again.

There was the Arthur he knew.

A little relieved that Arthur hadn't suddenly had a complete personality transplant, Merlin curled his hand into a fist as if he were going to punch somebody.

Arthur immediately made a sound in the back of his throat. Kind of like a huff, it sounded like disappointment.

Merlin felt his hackles raise. His heartbeat pulsed with the sudden race of anger and he had no doubt that Arthur felt it when his heart picked up. The way Arthur was holding his wrist firmly between them, his fingertips were pressed right up against Merlin's pulse.

"You're going to break your hand punching like this, that is if you actually hit what your aiming at." Arthur suddenly said, a slight smirk to his words at the end, breaking through the fog of anger that Merlin had fallen in.

"Huh?" Merlin asked, dazed. He looked down at his own fist between them, trying to figure out what was wrong with it. But he didn't see it, nor the amused smirk Arthur still had gracing his face.

Shaking his head, Arthur tugged Merlin's thumb out from where it was tucked inside his fist. "Your thumb should always be out. If it's inside, all your going to do is break it."

Merlin raised an eyebrow, "Really?" He asked curiously, having not known that. It wasn't like he went around picking fights all the time. At least he hadn't before he entered Camelot.

Arthur and Merlin were standing surprisingly close but neither boy noticed. They both had their eyes focused between them, sorely on Merlin's wrist being cradled in between Arthur's hands.

"You should also put more power into your throw." Arthur lectured. "Not just swing wildly as you did and hope you hit your target."

Merlin felt himself flush, finally looking up from his fist to glare at Arthur. "I wasn't swinging wildly!" He protested. "I was aiming for your face!"

Arthur looked up as well, raising an amused eyebrow at Merlin. "So we'll have to work on your aim as well." He drawled out, looking nothing like the smug boy from the courtyard that Merlin had met not so long ago.

Merlin felt his cheeks darkening, and he swallowed hard. He suddenly became acutely aware that he was alone in this darkening hallway with Arthur.

Why did that make him so nervous all of a sudden? Why did it feel as if his palms were starting to sweat? Could Arthur feel it, still holding his fist as he was? God, he hoped not.

Merlin looked away, his cheeks puffing out some as he huffed. "Why exactly are you telling me all this?" He had to clear his throat when his voice cracked somewhere in the middle.

"So you will stop fighting me on going to the training ground." Arthur said bluntly. "If you could defend yourself, I wouldn't have had to step in if Nobleman Hamilton from the party had actually attacked you."

Merlin immediately shot him a glare, "I did not need your help!" He exclaimed, jerking his wrist away from Arthur's grasp. Arthur let him go without trying to stop him.

Arthur raised an eyebrow, "Must we go through this again?" He asked dryly. "Because you wouldn't have been able to do much against a man twice your size."

Merlin scowled, feeling that familiar rush of anger mixed with annoyance that he seemed to get every time he was around the blonde.

"You didn't have to be such an arse about it." Merlin scowled. He would have gladly punched the prince if he'd taken the time to explain what he was doing. Instead, Arthur had riled him up till he felt as if he'd had no choice but to do it.

"You can complain later." Arthur said dismissively, waving Merlin's annoyance off. "Now, come on. I don't have all day unlike some people who can hang about all day." He gave Merlin an obvious look before turning his back to the slimmer boy and storming off down the hallway.

"I have plenty to do!" Merlin shouted after him. But when Arthur didn't say anything back, already leaving the hallway, Merlin cursed under his breath. And then he was hurrying down the hall, going after Arthur.

Fucking prat. He'd done all of this on purpose just to get Merlin to come with him. He hadn't realized that Arthur was smart enough to have a manipulative streak in him. He'd have to keep an eye out for that, lest this happen again.

With Merlin trailing after Arthur like a lost puppy.

The two walked across the castle. Arthur largely ignored the boy at his backside. He didn't bother checking to see if Merlin was still following him, the boy's presence was pretty hard to ignore no matter how much he tried. It was even a struggle just tuning out the sound of his footsteps behind him.

Merlin though, was all huffy, refusing to acknowledge Arthur even as he followed him. He kept his eyes focused on pretty much anything else they passed. Anything, as long as he didn't have to see Arthur's broad shoulders right in front of him.

The two made it out of the castle and down the grand steps that led into the courtyard. Merlin started to go right towards where the training grounds were. He only made it a few steps when he realized that Arthur had gone in the other direction, heading left.

Merlin looked towards where he thought the training grounds were and then back towards Arthur who had kept going, leaving Merlin behind.

"Hey!" Merlin called after him, hurrying across the cobblestone yard to catch up to Arthur's large strides. "I thought the training grounds were that way." He jutted a thumb over his shoulder.

Merlin nearly crashed straight into Arthur when the blonde suddenly jolted to a stop. Arthur turned around, looming over Merlin. The dark haired boy leaned back some, not liking the look in Arthur's eyes.

"So you do know where it is!" Arthur snapped, a pissed expression on his face. He remembered his thoughts from earlier, when he'd been having breakfast with his father. About how Merlin never seemed to visit the training grounds. And the million of questions he'd had seemed to resurface.

Why did Merlin never visit the training grounds? It was one of the biggest attraction for newcomers that Camelot had. Did Merlin not want to watch the knights practice? Why didn't he want to watch the knights? Wasn't he interested in seeing how Arthur took charge of his people?

Why wasn't he interested in seeing what Arthur could do?

And the most important question, why did Arthur feel so irritated over the fact that Merlin wasn't interested?

Merlin gave the prince a confused look, "Yeah." He said as if it were obvious. "It's not exactly hidden." The biggest question he had was why Arthur was glaring at him. What could he have possibly done this time?

Arthur stared at Merlin, feeling his eye start to twitch. How exactly was this boy so infuriating? Why did Arthur constantly want to throttle him?

"So why do you never go there?!" Arthur suddenly blurted out. And even as he felt the heat brimming under his cheeks, he raised his chin a little higher. He hadn't actually meant to say that but still, it didn't mean he didn't want to know the answer.

Merlin immediately scowled at the harsh way Arthur had spoken to him, bringing his hands up to his hips. "I don't think I want to answer that." He snapped, watching as Arthur's eyes flashed. It was almost amusing, watching as Arthur got riled up this time.

Truth was, Merlin had seen no reason to visit the training grounds. As if he wanted to see pompous nobles getting their fun out of beating up other pompous nobles. It seemed kind of dull to him.

But if it annoyed Arthur not to know any of this, Merlin didn't see a problem with keeping that his little secret.

Merlin tilted his chin up a little, raising his head before he marched straight passed Arthur in the direction the blonde had originally been going. He didn't know where he was going or why they were going this way but either way, he was leaving Arthur behind.

Arthur stomped after Merlin, a low growl of irritation building deep in his throat as he took the lead. He would not be seen chasing after the boy. He could already feel the headache building in his temples.

"Why are we going this way anyway?" Merlin demanded, still refusing to look at Arthur. "I know the training grounds are in the other direction."

Arthur rolled his eyes because really, Merlin always had to question him, didn't he? "There's a clearing on the other side of the castle we can go to. Nobody really uses it."

Most people preferred the training grounds, it gave people either the chance to show off or to perfect their skills. The empty clearing they were walking to though, it held more privacy. Nobody would bother with them over there.

"Is there a reason we can't just use the training grounds?" Merlin asked. There he goes again, questioning Arthur.

But for all Merlin knew, this was just a ploy of Arthur's to get him somewhere private. If Arthur was taking him to the middle of nowhere to kill him, he wanted to know. It would be just the thing to do. Take him somewhere nobody could hear him screaming.

Arthur scoffed at his question, as if Merlin should have already known the answer, "Well we're not going somewhere people can see us."

Merlin stiffened, finally looking at Arthur but only so he could give him a harsh glare. "Heaven forbid they do." He snapped.

Arthur seemed to notice the cold attitude he was getting from the boy at his side and shot him an annoyed look as they got closer to the clearing. The cobblestone courtyard was starting to meld into grass.

"I'm a prince, I can't be seen teaching a commoner anything. I have more important things that I could be seeing to." He said, as if Merlin would understand.

But Merlin didn't understand, not at all.

The dark-haired boy scoffed, "A prince can't help a commoner? What about a man helping out his husband?" As if their stations in life were irrelevant. What was so wrong about it? What, did Arthur think his people would rebel if he was seen anywhere near the man he'd married?

"Consort!" Arthur corrected in a snappish tone.

Consort sounded better than husband. Husband sounded as if he'd had a choice, as if he would have chosen Merlin. Husband was what commoners called their men as they married.

Arthur was far beyond a commoner.

Consort was the name that royalty used. It was what kings and warriors called their spouse's. It was exactly what they were, two people forced into an arrangement.

Merlin rolled his eyes, making Arthur grit his teeth at the blatant disregard for what he'd just said.

"Consort or husband," Merlin said dryly. "Either way, you should be more considerate."

Merlin kept walking, ignoring Arthur who had paused in his step. Seeing that Merlin wasn't stopping, Arthur hurried after him, "More considerate?" The blonde demanded. "More considerate of what!"

"That you should have told me we weren't going to the training grounds but this mysterious clearing of yours." Merlin said, like it should have been obvious.

Arthur scowled, "I don't see how it was relevant."

"It is," Merlin started, speaking slow, as if he were talking to a particularly difficult toddler. Arthur clenched his teeth, feeling a muscle twitch in his jaw. "Because I've almost got this place mapped out. You shouldn't tell me we're going to the training grounds and then not take me there."

The week that Merlin had been there had really helped him with learning how to get around. He pretty much had the castle itself figured out in his head. He still had to get used to it some but at least now, he could mostly get around by himself.

Arthur blinked, startled when he heard that. Somehow, he'd never considered it would be difficult for someone to get around his home. Even if they were new to the area.

But it's not like Arthur was going to let Merlin know he'd sympathized for the briefest of moments.

Instead, he said, "It's not that hard." With a dismissive wave of his hand.

Merlin didn't even attempt to stop the bark of laughter that escaped his lips. Arthur flinched, startled, having not expected that reaction.

Arthur looked at the boy at his side with a confused expression.

Merlin just shook his head, a small grin on his face. Of course Arthur wouldn't know what a struggle it was to fit yourself in such an unfamiliar place. To feel as if you didn't belong but was still trying to make it work anyway.

Arthur had grown up here, literally in the heart of Camelot. He was practically born to be the center of attention. He probably knew the place and his role in it better than he knew the back of his hand.

For some reason, he got a kick out of it. Imagining if things were reversed and it was Arthur who was floundering in the new role he never expected to have.

Merlin turned away but only for a moment before his eyes were brought back to meet with Arthur's.

"Not all of us grew up in a castle." He said quietly, the amusement still swirling in his blue eyes.

He wondered if things had been different and Arthur had to live with him in Ealdor, how would he had fared? He could vaguely see it now, Arthur in all his princely glory, toiling away in the fields. He'd be dressed in one of Merlin's outfits because they couldn't afford anything to Arthur's 'standards'. He'd even borrow a neckerchief to keep the sun off of his skin.

Arthur would definitely have had to get rid of the armor that he wore now. They could have sold the equipment for more food now that they had an extra mouth to feed. They might have kept the sword as a means of protection for whenever bandits passed through, but it probably would have ended up hanging on the wall at some point. There was really no use for the sword otherwise.

It almost brought another laugh out of his throat, imagining Arthur's reaction to becoming a simple farmer.

Arthur would probably kill him if he knew what he was thinking about. Hell, Arthur looked like he wanted to kill him now simply because he didn't know what Merlin was laughing at.

"Pray tell me, what is so amusing!" Arthur demanded in a snappish tone.

Merlin just shook his head, still chuckling some. "Nothing, nothing." He would keep the thoughts of Arthur in Ealdor to himself. It's not like the blonde would ever go there anyway. What reason would Arthur ever have to go to Merlin's hometown?