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!

178. Chapter 180

This chapter is dedicated to Jacquelyn, who wanted to see Lancelot talking to Merlin after being knighted, and Arthur interrupting because he's jealous. But Merlin's not having any of it ;p. So I hope they enjoy how I wrote it out!

X

Arthur Pendragon shifted from one foot to the other, feeling strangely restless as the minutes drug by him. Though perhaps 'strangely reckless' wouldn't be entirely accurate, Arthur knew exactly why he was unable to keep still. Having Merlin stationed by his side was always going to be a recipe for disaster, and it left him unable to control his own limbs. Not that Merlin seemed to be having the same problem, the prince noted as he shot a rueful glare towards the other boy, who had his head bowed low and whispering happily to Morgana, thick as thieves those two were. With Guinevere included, standing right behind, where a servant should be standing. How Merlin could just ignore the elephant in the room was a mystery to Arthur, or maybe Arthur was the only one that knew the elephant was in the room at all. He was the one with the issues, after all, as he was the one that had failed Merlin. Time and time again, even when he put the best he could into what he was doing, he still somehow managed to fail him.

Maybe Arthur should have given the men on the field a stronger punishment…had them jailed and executed for treating Merlin like their servant. Maybe the prince should have just accepted Lancelot was now going to be in Merlin's life for the foreseeable future, instead of fighting it each and every step of the way like he has been. Maybe Arthur should've killed Knight Bryon and Knight Julian on the spot, instead of putting an impending trial on Merlin's shoulders. Maybe he shouldn't have had that bloody dream about Merlin in the first place, maybe he could've thought more clearly without the distraction forcing the wedge the prince knew was between them, into a chasm of discord and distrust. Maybe if Arthur wasn't a failure, he would've asked Merlin just so he would be satisfied with him for once…Arthur shifted from one foot to the other once again. Nearly bumping shoulders with Merlin, the Consort glanced over at him with a steady frown, but that was nothing compared to the way Arthur jolted back from him.

Something shifted in Merlin's eyes…hatred, before he purposely turned away from him to continue whatever discussion he was having with Morgana. Arthur let his shoulders slump, disgust coiling within himself…he failed once again. To get Merlin's attention, to get away from him, to have a reasonable conversation with him, to never speak with him again…Arthur didn't know. He knew that the tension between them was a crushing blow but his body had reacted before he could stop it…now Merlin was probably thinking Arthur thought he was nothing more than a disgusting thing to be had. When it was the exact opposite…it was Arthur that was the disgusting one. The one that dreamed things that he could not unsee, the one who wanted to know if Merlin's real body matched the one in his dream, the one that couldn't stop staring at Merlin's dramatic outfit, the one that allowed his overdriven panic stop him from doing the 'one thing' that Merlin had wanted him to do…and now, it was too late for Arthur to go back to do it properly. He was doomed to languish here as a toxic social failure, Merlin being a constant reminder that he was twisted inside.

He had always known he was twisted for Merlin, one didn't react as strongly as Arthur did to the most innate things if one wasn't a bit twisted. Arthur had just always attributed that to being possessive, but the dream…it added an entirely new layer of twisted that Arthur didn't know how to deal with. And it appeared as if Merlin was going to pay the price for that, or was Arthur paying the price for it…he didn't even know anymore. He just knew that he couldn't speak with Merlin, for both of their sakes. He needed to calm down, and block the dream from his mind entirely…it was clearly the only way he was going to be able to get things done around here. And clearly the only way that Arthur's body was going to stop reacting as if Merlin was a threat, as if Merlin was going to try to 'touch him' in places he shouldn't. Which was stupid, Arthur knew, the consort didn't even want their shoulders brushing. He wasn't going to try to recreate a single thing that had happened in Arthur's dream. But his body didn't seem to get the same message as the mind…

…

…

…

Arthur's eyes connected with his father standing a few feet away from him and the Prince immediately stilled, he knew that his constant shifting and fidgeting was very unbecoming for a Prince. Being nervous at all was actually even less becoming for a Prince, but for the son of Uther…it was unacceptable. He went ramrod straight, forcing his face to go blank so Uther wouldn't see the failures that Merlin already saw in him. A trail of sweat slithered its way down the base of his spine the longer Uther glared at him sternly, and he didn't relax until his father looked away from him. A breath escaping from his lips…only sheer force of will stopped the shakiness in his hands. Arthur couldn't dare face his father for as long as he had such…wicked thoughts in his mind. Those thoughts needed to stay put, and Arthur hoped that what had happened that morning, and hoped what had happened in the hall, wasn't written all over his face. Arthur tried to look out at the crowd in front of them, trying to determine if any of them had also noticed Arthur's strange behavior.

There had to be dozens of people all crammed into the ceremonial hall, men and women of certain standards decorating the hall as if they were the same as the beautiful vases against the wall. Chattering and laughing amongst their groups as if they didn't have a care in the world, but they seemed completely empty and vapid…funny. How Arthur had never noticed before how absolutely meaningless and dull some of the snippets he was able to make out seemed to be. And it was clear…none of them were paying enough attention to know that Arthur wasn't in a right state of mind at the moment. Arthur, who glanced over at the dark angel at his side, before averting his gaze down to his feet before it could be noticed. His fingers twitched dangerously at his side, the one sign to indicate the turmoil in Arthur's soul, before he forced them still again. Hearing the sounds of the horn players thundering at the doors was almost like a relief, or a godsend, to the prince. He couldn't stand here for another minute, casting futile glimpses over at Merlin as if the consort would give him some sign that he was forgiven for his transgressions.

Arthur watched as the entire hall went more silent than he would've thought it was possible, everybody turning around in their seats towards the doors. And a lone knight stood there, waiting for the sounds of the horns to slowly die off as the announcers reached the ending of the song. And once the final notes of the music rang solidly throughout the air, the knight reached forward and took hold of the door handle, pulling it open and stepping aside to allow the newest member of Camelot's army to enter. And enter he did, Sir Lancelot strode into the room, looking around at all the people who had came here just to see him being knighted, as if he couldn't quite imagine that they were all only there for him. Arthur swallowed, resisting the urge to curl his lip up in disgust, a childish display it would've been, but one Arthur felt would be well deserved. Lancelot started walking down the empty pathway made for him, directly in the middle of the people. And perhaps Arthur only imagined this bit, but he almost could have sworn that Sir Lancelot looked nervous. Or at least, he looked nervous till he latched eyes onto Merlin Pendragon…

Arthur glanced between the two of them rapidly, Merlin had this encouraging grin on his face, practically egging Lancelot to continue his trek through the grand hall. And it was as if the nervousness faded from Lancelot, before it was slowly replaced with confidence. Each new step Lancelot made had meaning to it now, his shoulders pushing back with self-assurance…how had Merlin did that to Lancelot, the prince thought as he looked away. Mind reeling with what he had just seen…how had one look from his consort managed to change what Lancelot was feeling so easily? It was a conundrum, one that Arthur just could not fathom out. Merlin ALWAYS made the prince nervous, no matter what time of day it was or what was going on, there was always this hint of something in the air that made Arthur's belly swell with it. That made Arthur want to squash it like a bug because of how sick it made him, while simultaneously wishing he could bury himself in its warmth. So, how did Lancelot escape feeling the way that Arthur always did? Unless…unless that was a side effect of their feelings for each other…was that what being in love with somebody else did? It caused them comfort, rather than discord? Arthur didn't understand, was pretty sure he didn't want to dive down that road of thought without scratching away at his own skin…Arthur glanced over to his father, who was waiting for their new knight to kneel at his feet.

Uther didn't look as if he had noticed anything amiss, had probably not even noticed the way Lancelot had subtly been glancing towards his consort, if the prince hadn't been watching as closely as he had, then he probably would've missed it as well…Arthur didn't know if he was disappointed with the way his father missed such an important exchange between his consort and the other, strange man. Arthur didn't seem to know a lot, these days, but it'd probably be a lot easier for Arthur if his father was aware of the connection Merlin had with their newest member. Uther would know how to get rid of Lancelot and how to keep him away from his consort in a heartbeat, or maybe him knowing the true nature of their relationship really would cause disastrous results. But it did not matter, the prince supposed as he watched Lancelot settling down onto a knee in front of the king…this was his fight. His issues to deal with. His suffering as he watched the closeness between Merlin and Lancelot grow stronger. A burden he had to learn how to deal with.

What followed next had to be the most boring monologue Arthur had heard…it was the same every year when the passable new recruits were rounded up to be knighted. Uther would drone on for a good half hour about the honor and the responsibility that came with becoming a knight of Camelot, how important it was to lead with grace and dignity if one hoped to leave a lasting mark along the history pages of Camelot's books. Arthur was almost bitter about Lancelot listening with rapt attention, as if he couldn't get enough of what he was being told, while Arthur could barely even think straight. He wanted to close his eyes and go to sleep right there, but the idea of his dream returning to him seemed to be haunting him, and Arthur could feel the hair on his arms standing on end as if they sensed Merlin's presence so close to him. But so far away as well, the prince's stomach twisting sharply. The Knighting Ceremony, he decided, could not have ended fast enough, as Uther recited the vows that every knight would have to live by.

Do you swear to uphold the laws of Camelot?

Do you swear to do what is necessary for the protection of Camelot and all her citizens?

Do you swear to live by the knight's code?

Do you swear…blah, blah, blah, blah.

Arthur wanted to escape to some far off corner of the room, where he could see everybody but nobody would bother him. He wanted to think a few things over, like how he was meant to interact with Merlin now and what he is going to do next, but the proceedings drone on and on. Lancelot answered the king with a firm 'I do' each and every time, his head bowed as he vowed loyalty to the kingdom. Not just as a citizen, but as one of its protectors…an event the prince knew was something to be remembered as the beginning of each new knight's life. And it was something Lancelot would, as every other knight that had made the same vows before him, remember for the rest of his life. But the only thing the prince himself would remember, was the electricity and tension dancing down the length of his spine. The redness on the inside of Merlin's dark cloak. How Arthur's innermost thoughts could very well be seen on his face if he couldn't keep his mask contained for much longer, and then…it was over. Uther said the final vow, and Lancelot answered with his swears of fealty, and then Uther was placing the tip of his blade against Lancelot's chest, against the burnt orange tunic with his family crest on it…Lancelot would be given one of Camelot's red tunics in a few days time. Once he reported to his first day of duty. Trading one garment for the other.

"Arise, Sir Lancelot." Uther announced for the people, pressing the very tip of his sword harder into the soldier's chest, close to his heart…in the old days, it had been a test of faith. Whenever a new knight was created, the king would press a blade against the man's heart…the knight had just vowed his life and his fealty to the king, which needed to be put to the test. If the knight flinched at the cold press of steel that could end his life, then he had proven he would not make a worthy knight. Because the knight's life now belonged to the king, and if the king wanted him dead, then he had done something to deserve such a death. But if a man could kneel, knowing that the king could plunge his blade into his heart, without flinching, then it said something about the strength of his character. Nowadays, it was only ceremonial and another way of following the traditions of their ancestors. But Arthur was still only marginally bitter when he noticed Lancelot was a non-flincher, as if the blade poised against the beat of his heart didn't exist. "Knight of Camelot."

The King removed his blade, a true testament that he had noted the non-flinch as well, and Lancelot rose to his feet. With absolutely no grace that somebody who had been raised a noble should have, but the fumble seemed to go largely ignored as the man faced the people. The clapping and applause, welcoming a new knight into their kingdom, rung in Arthur's ears. Loud enough that it could cause him a splitting headache, but that was probably only because Arthur felt as if everything was starting to become…too much, for him. Yes, Arthur'd been the one to pass Lancelot, the only one out of this season's new recruits who'd managed it, but seeing him being marveled at by the people made Arthur sick to his stomach. Hearing the way Merlin clapped at his side as if he was trying to be louder than every other person here tonight, only made him want to slink off to a corner and lick his metaphorical wounds in peace. But then, right when Arthur thought the ceremony was coming to a close and the after party could begin, Uther was striding forward. Placing a hand on Lancelot's shoulder, and raising the other to quell the people into going quiet. It got Arthur's attention, as he couldn't remember the last time his father had stopped a ceremony for an announcement to the people…the last time it had been done had probably been at Arthur's own knighting ceremony years ago. Where his father'd simply remarked on Arthur becoming a man, devoting his life to the people, following a path laid out before him that he would carry on with him to kinghood.

"I am sure that many of you are not aware of the great service Knight Lancelot has already done for our kingdom, even before he became one of us. But he is the one we must offer our thanks to. I have been informed that many days ago, our own soldier, just a simple nobleman, came across the creature that's been plaguing our land." Uther announced, the hall going this almost eerie silence…all were aware of the creature and the danger it posed to them. The absolute devastation that it left behind in its wake…it was probably hard to believe that a man who wasn't even a soldier, had been able to survive the assault. Arthur went stiff though…he hadn't been aware that his father knew the exact details of how Lancelot had entered the city. But obviously, the king must've read the same report Arthur had, the one Knight Dorian had wrote out after the event in question. "And it's only because of the brave efforts of our newest knight, that we have our consort still standing with us today. Without Knight Lancelot, our Consort Merlin would have never escaped from the beast unharmed, if he had not jumped into the fray and valiantly scared off the creature. We should all be grateful, for the traits of a true knight shine strongly in this one."

Valiantly, sounded as if it was too strong a word for Arthur's taste, though the word also described the situation perfectly. Arthur remembered the night that he came across Dorion's report of the incident on his desk, he had spent hours cramped over the table and reading by candlelight until he had each and every word memorized into his skull. Needing, with this desperation he hadn't known he could possess, to know what the full extent of Merlin's damage was. He had barely taken notes of the wound Lancelot had received, too busy trying to see if there were any scrapes or nicks Merlin had hidden beneath his outfit, spots that he would never allow Arthur to check on his own. But Merlin hadn't been lying to him. As far as the report went, Merlin seemed largely undamaged from the struggle. Hell, Merlin had done more damage to Bryon and Julian than the beast had done to Merlin. And as his father had just said, the blond thought as an ugly twist of emotion roiled through his belly, it was Lancelot who needed to be thanked and acknowledged for Merlin's safe return to the city.

And now…now the people were aware of how tightly woven Lancelot would become to the royal family…forever known as the man that had saved the life of Consort Merlin. And it was clear that many of them didn't know how they were supposed to react, the nobles exchanging waspish stares that made the prince want to narrow his eyes at them all…clearly, they were wondering rather or not it was a good thing his consort's life had been spared. But it was luckily for them, few got their bearings back and started to clap in earnest, and that forced the others who had been less willing, to clap in earnest as well. Though the prince couldn't help but eye along the wall, where several servants stood in place awaiting their orders…they were clapping as well. Perhaps even more energetically than the stiff nobles, as if they were actually HAPPY his consort had made it back home in one piece. As…below him as the servants were, at least not all desired Merlin to be gone, the prince thought as he cast another nervous glance towards the consort…he couldn't even look at him without the spike of anxiety shooting through him. But Merlin's sole attention was on their new knight, and as soon as Uther gave the command for them to retire to the other hall, Merlin was off like a shot. Actually abandoning Morgana and Gwen in his haste to meet with Lancelot, leaving Arthur…

Desolate.

X

Lancelot was having so much trouble at the moment, struggling to take in what has became of him. Struggling to keep up with people he didn't know, wearing their fancy dresses and elaborate tunics, coming up to him on their way out of the door to congratulate him. There were people he would probably never see again shaking his hand, telling him they hoped to hear great things attached to his name in the coming future. How he was already up to a promising start after rescuing Consort Merlin…all these people were laying the praise on thick and hard. It was a lot of pressure, actually, knowing that so many people would be eyeing him during his career, the kind of pressure that could break a man if he wasn't prepared to take it.

But Lancelot wouldn't change it for the world.

This wasn't a bad place for a commoner man such as himself to end up, was a thought hovering in the back of his mind as he shook hands with a woman that had more rings on her hand than she had fingers. He had spent YEARS just so he could get here, and he was going to enjoy it for as long as he could. He had not ever had a party dedicated to him before, and he could hardly wait and see what the rest of the night would bring him. Perhaps if he was lucky, then there might be a dance waiting for him with a beautiful handmaiden, and he scanned the crowd as best as he could to find somebody familiar to him, somebody the warrior could share this special moment with. Having strangers coming to him was…nice and all…he supposed, but he wanted to celebrate his new victory in life with the people he cared about. With Gwen, or with Merlin…before his luck ran out.

Lancelot wasn't naive enough to think this was the end of the uphill battle he'd been facing for years…he still had to keep his real identity a secret. It would be a catastrophe if the nobles knew they had just welcomed a commoner as if he was one of their own…and he needed to keep Merlin safe as well. Something told Lancelot the king would not be so lenient if he knew Lancelot had only gotten this far because of Merlin's help. He was thankful nobody had caught the way he had fumbled over his vows…do you swear to live by the knight's code…that had been a vow that had made Lancelot pause for a moment too long. It's the code that Merlin had told him about, the one that said Lancelot wasn't a knight and could never be a knight because he didn't come from a long and powerful bloodline. It had felt like Lancelot was being clawed open, knowing that he was breaking his vows before he had even agreed to them, but he had got through it. And while it was dishonorable for him to lie…this had been the only way. And now it was done, and there wasn't any going back. He would be spending who knows how long as…Sir Lancelot, Fifth Son of Eldred from Northumbria, knight of Camelot.

Lancelot was almost relieved when the next person to shake his hand, less and less people were in the room now as they had started filing out for the party in the next room, stepped aside and another one took their place. Or if Lancelot wanted to be more accurate, a familiar friend took their place. Merlin standing in front of him was the only thing Lancelot got to see before he got an arm full of Merlin, the dark haired boy wrapping his arms around Lancelot's neck. One would have thought Merlin hadn't seen him in years, instead of just a few small hours, but Lancelot wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist anyway. Dragging him close even as he choked on small bits of Merlin's hair attempting to make its way down his throat. But the brief discomfort was worth it, to embrace the one man that had never given up on him. The one man who had TOLD Lancelot he would help him become a knight, and then saw it through. The one man the warrior owed…everything to. It was a debt he would never be able to repay but as he was now a knight…perhaps there would come a chance where he could offer Merlin more than what he had been able to as a commoner.

His blade…

His loyalty…

His fealty…

All given to the king, but all sworn with Merlin in mind.

"Oooh, I can't believe that this day has finally came! You know, I've practically been counting down the days until you finally got the recognition that you, of all people, deserve. It feels so weird, knowing that you've barely been here for a week and have already gotten so far!" Merlin exclaimed, squeezing Lancelot around the shoulders one more time before stepping back, with his hands still poised on Lancelot's shoulders. "So…how does it feel? Not just having a dream but actually living it! Don't leave anything out. Do you feel any different with a title attached to your name? I know it took me forever to start responding with people calling me 'Consort.' I still feel strange about it most of the time."

Merlin's ranting died down for long enough to give Lancelot the time to answer proper, and while Merlin smiled at him so brightly and honestly thrilled for the new change in Lancelot's life, the warrior took a moment to think about it…just how did he feel being a knight? How did he feel with a title, though nowhere as important as the title given to Merlin, attached to his name? It was…odd, that's for damn sure. Just this time last week, Lancelot had been camping out in the middle of the woods, eating whatever safe berries he could find clinging onto the bushes and hunting for his food. He had been wearing clothes he had for at least a year now, worn down to almost nothing, with nothing more exciting happening than taking out a small group of bandits trying to kill him after he got too close to their campsite for comfort. And now here he was…under the same glitz and glammer he's dreamed about since he was thirteen years old, wearing armor that he never would've gotten his hands on if it wasn't for the generosity and steady hand of his lady, being 'thanked' of all things, by King Uther of all people for simply doing something anybody else would've done if they were in his position. It almost felt like a dream he would never be able to wake up from, or a dream that he needed to wake up from before he allowed himself to stay inside it for the rest of his days.

And yet…Lancelot could only think how THANKFUL he was that it was Merlin he had met all those days ago.

"It's definitely…different. But it's something that I think I can get used to. It's just going to…take me a minute to realize…I'm finally here. That I've managed to do something with my life, something that I always felt was going to be out of my reach. It's surreal, having this moment finally being here." Lancelot said as he gave a gentle squeeze to Merlin's waist before finally letting the consort step back from him. And…oh, great, Lancelot thought as he felt a wet sheen in his eyes, he was going to start crying. Lancelot had never been one for crying, he always took things as they were and then sought to make it better. He was sure the last time he had cried in earnest, had been when he was just a boy, as he had just seen the brutal assault of his parents and his people. But Merlin's done so much for him, was even putting himself at risk, just because he could see something in Lancelot that Lancelot could hardly see himself. How could Lancelot NOT get a bit teary eyed by that? "I just…I do need to thank you, truly. Without you…without you, then none of this would've been possible. And if you ever need ANYTHING, Merlin. Just say the word and I'll be there-"

Lancelot cut himself off when Merlin brought his hand back to his shoulder to give it a firm squeeze, letting Lancelot know that Merlin understood just what he was saying. And Merlin was looking at him so gently, a little grin on his lips, and Lancelot hoped that Merlin TRULY understood the depth of loyalty he was feeling towards him. Lancelot would, he would…he would even go against the vows he had just made to the king if Merlin had asked him to. He would even forsake himself and welcome death with open arms if it meant keeping Merlin safe and sound. Lancelot obeyed the king, but his loyalty would always be with Merlin Pendragon. It was the bare MINIMUM of what Lancelot could offer him after everything that Merlin's done. And it was a bond that could not be broken by any oath Lancelot may have made to another. Merlin was more important, it was all there was to it. Even if Lancelot had to completely abandon Camelot to follow Merlin's orders…he would. Because Lancelot could feel his new dream starting to form, one that held Merlin's protection above anything else. With a life as dangerous as the one Merlin led…he would need somebody to stand in his corner and make sure he got out if things went from bad to worse. And this someone may as well have been Lancelot. He didn't trust anybody else to see to it.

"Lancelot, please, don't think anymore on the subject. I didn't do this because you're my friend or anything. I did it BECAUSE you deserve to have a spot, no matter what anybody else tries to say. You're going places Lancelot, I'm only happy I was there to see your beginning." Merlin said, with a wry grin that had Lancelot's heart softening…he wasn't the only one that was going to be going places. Merlin had made his mark as well, long before Lancelot had ever set a foot inside this city. "And besides, you didn't even really need me. You've been a knight always. Only now, you've got the armor and the sword to go with it. It will be fun seeing you wear the Camelot uniform, you're getting measured for a set tomorrow morning, aren't you? Then you can really strut around and then show all these other jerks how a real knight is supposed to look like."

Lancelot shook his head, lips stretching open in a fond smile…there he goes again. Merlin was being modest, acting as if he didn't lift a single finger to get Lancelot where he was right now. If it had been up to Lancelot, the second he had been told he could never advance forward because of his bloodline, then he would've given up right there. Perhaps he would've ended up at the stables one way or the other, even without Arthur's command that he spend a couple of days working there. Or maybe he would've left Camelot for good, trying to find a place where he belonged, trying to find a place where he could put all of the swords training he'd been doing to good use. Maybe he would've became desperate, and turned to other means just to make money…become some kind of mercenary now that he didn't have a dream to keep him steady. Wandering the countryside looking for jobs like some kind of demented ghost…Merlin had saved him from such a life. Even if it was by…less legal means. But by the time Lancelot was opening his mouth, perhaps to tell Merlin he didn't need to be so modest considering he had done far more for Lancelot than Lancelot had done for him, he was being interrupted as a new person joined their group of two.

And not the person either of them had been wanting to see.

"Yes, yes. I am sure he's going to look fabulous once he gets outfitted proper, but there's no reason to give him a big head over it by fawning about what his clothes are going to be. There's a lot more to being a knight than just wearing our colors." Arthur Pendragon butted in, most people had already left the room by now but there were a few stragglers still hanging about and talking in small groups. Arthur was eyeing the small space between Merlin and Lancelot with a frown…the two of them WERE standing pretty close together, but in a way that friends did when they were whispering conspiratorially together. And Lancelot squared his shoulders when he saw Merlin's happy expression had dropped to pure agitation, lips pursed as if the very sight of Arthur disgusted him. Arthur clearly noticed as well, clearing his throat and awkwardly speaking, "I simply mean it's going to be a lot of hard work. Just because he's past the test does not mean it's going to be fun and games from here on out. There will still be a training session every week in order to keep our skills sharp. And then we've got these long hours, and people's lives depending on us when a catastrophe hits, so you know…be prepared for that…"

Arthur trailed off, glancing between the two of them and clearly recognizing he had interrupted, but Lancelot was pretty sure he had wanted to interrupt, and that's why he hadn't wondered off yet when it was clear Merlin didn't welcome his presence. And it's not as if Lancelot needed to know what the next steps of this life was going to be, it wasn't like he was going into this blind. He'd known what went into a knight's daily life, and knew what he was getting himself into long before he dedicated his life to this goal. Arthur had just been making any excuse he could think of, and a piss poor one at that, to follow Merlin around as if he didn't want him out of his sight. Creepy stalking, that's what it was…he needed to get a clue that Merlin was much better off without him. Lancelot's not seen Merlin smile ONCE whenever Arthur shows up. And knowing what he knows, the circumstances of their relationship, Lancelot couldn't blame him a single bit. Lancelot may have sworn fealty to the royal family, but Merlin was a member of that family, and Lancelot would protect him from even one of their own. But Lancelot didn't have to, not yet at least, because Merlin could hold his own against a slime ball abuser like Arthur bloody Pendragon.

"You know, I don't think I wish to be in this room anymore. I don't know what it is, but there's something that just…smells? Do you smell that Lancelot? I think it's something absolutely…rotten." And Merlin made a big show out of waving a hand in front of his face, scrunching up his nose as if his husband was nothing but an unidentifiable smell of gunk that couldn't actually be seen. He smelt the air anyway, unable to smell a single thing that was out of place. But it seemed to get a reaction out of Arthur, the prince awkwardly pulling along the sweaty coating of his chainmail. Merlin pretended not to notice, turning back around and grabbing onto the crook of Lancelot's elbow, "Uncle Gaius told me that he wanted to escort me to the after celebrations. But if you come with me, we may be able to convince him that I'll be perfectly safe in your company. He seems to think something will happen to me if I'm…left alone for too long."

Lancelot was pretty sure that Gaius had said no such thing about Merlin being escorted around, as if he was a maiden that needed to be chaperoned in case a man tried to take advantage of her being alone. But he could see the obvious dig Merlin had given to Arthur…it was very likely that something would happen to the consort if left behind with Arthur. Something terrible, something horrid…another abuse situation like the one Gwen had told him about before the blond had attacked him in the marketplace. It looked as if Lancelot was going to have to start his knightly duties barely even five minutes after he was given the title. He silently held out his elbow for Merlin to take hold of, already scanning those left in the room to see if Gaius was still hanging around inside, or if he'd gone ahead to the other party already.

"Lancelot doesn't need to escort you anywhere! He's here to celebrate what his accomplishments are! It wouldn't be fair to make him work the last night he has the freedom to do what he wants!" Arthur exclaimed loudly, his voice was off-sounding, and it stopped the consort just a millimeter from grabbing onto the crook of Lancelot's elbow. Which was just an…ironic thing to say, since it was Arthur who had just been sprouting off about all the hard work Lancelot'll need to prepare himself for. It was as if Arthur couldn't make up his mind, and decide Lancelot needed to focus more on work or on partying at the drop of a hat. Merlin's expression only went tighter, giving Arthur this beady eye stare as the prince shifted from foot to foot before clearing his throat, "if you will allow me, I'll be more than happy to escort you to your uncle myself. Just to be sure you don't…run into any trouble on your way there. Or I can even escort you to the party itself, if that's more amendable."

Lancelot narrowed his eyes…he would, of course, step aside if Merlin actually desired being in Arthur's company for more than five minutes. But Lancelot did not trust Arthur, and wouldn't feel comfortable with leaving the two alone for any extended length of time. He wondered, if Merlin agreed, if he would have to follow at a distance…just to keep a watch over Merlin. So he would be able to step in if he saw any HINT of Arthur bloody Pendragon trying to go after the consort. Step in if Arthur took a swing at him, or got aggressive, or made the consort uncomfortable in any way, shape, or form. Behavior like that was going to be unacceptable…always. And he didn't intend to just stand back and watch as it happened right in front of him.

"No, that's not amendable at all. I fail to see what I would need you for, since I am not a fair maiden that needs you to watch over me or make any decisions for me. I can already tell, the only person who'll be anything untoward towards my character, tonight of all nights, would be you." Merlin hissed, eyes lighting up with unrestrained, brutal intent. Lancelot had to bite back a smile…this was good, seeing Merlin putting Arthur in his place. Knowing that Merlin would not back down for Arthur's commands…he was made of stronger stuff than most people. And Lancelot was PROUD to be the man Merlin chose to call a friend. "The only reason I would want my UNCLE to escort me to the party, is because I actually prefer his company. I know he's not going to hold my hand all night long and monitor who I'm talking to, and decide for me rather or not he allows me to speak to them. He actually gives me the free will to make my own choices, even if he doesn't always agree with it."

Lancelot's spine went stiff…had that actually happen? Did Arthur do far more than just 'put his hands' on Merlin? Was he so controlling, that he thought he could tell Merlin who and who he couldn't speak with…Lancelot could feel the bubble of rage in his chest rippling. Lancelot wasn't a man that got mad often, he was usually a pretty chill kind of guy. And it would take a lot just to set him off. But this…this was too much. He could hardly stand to look at Arthur being so close to Merlin now, and he hadn't even been there to witness the abuse as Gwen had. How could Merlin stand it without being physically ill himself? This fact alone made Lancelot want to bundle Merlin up and drag him as far away from Arthur as they could get…how could anybody even LOOK at somebody as giving as Merlin, and decide he was a target for hatred? Somebody demented, that was who.

"Well then, if it pleases my consort, I would be happy to walk you to Gaius, not because you need somebody to watch over you. But because it's only a proper thing for me to do. As a knight of Camelot, I believe one of my duties is seeing to your protection. It would be an honor seeing you to where you want to walk to." Lancelot said firmly, taking his cues from Merlin and holding his arm with a more determined air about him. He was going to get Merlin out of here while it was still feasible, before Arthur had a chance to try pulling anything that'll get them to stop what they were doing. Practically willing with his eyes for Merlin to take his arm so they could go ahead and get out of here, "And I'll even take a sacred vow that I won't monitor what you do or who you do it with. Because I believe who you associate with is sorely YOUR business, my Consort."

Perhaps Lancelot wasn't entirely immune from making a few digs at the prince himself, in his quest to show the man how Merlin SHOULD be treated. With all of the grace and dignity that any human being should be given. And it seemed he had done something right, because Merlin threw his head back, starting to laugh. A glorious and beautiful sound that made Lancelot grin…a laughing Merlin was not a broken Merlin. Perhaps Lancelot was playing this extremely dangerous game, he may as well have been playing with fire, when he saw the bloodless state of Arthur's face. Arthur, who couldn't stop staring at Merlin as if he had never seen him before. Arthur, who was starting to freak Lancelot out more and more…he didn't know what Arthur was thinking inside of that head of his. But he had a bad feeling that it had to do with Merlin, and Lancelot barely relaxed when the consort finally reached out and grabbed onto his elbow.

"Well, thank you, kind sir. At least SOME PEOPLE are able to understand what boundaries are, and how not to cross them. At least SOME PEOPLE have made themselves capable of understanding that." Merlin said, his voice exaggerated and playfully directed at Lancelot, though it was obvious the words had been meant for Arthur to hear. Though the consort DID finally turn and speak to the prince directly as Lancelot started pulling him away, "Don't you worry for one single second about me, Arthur. I'm sure you'll be very busy mingling with the other party guests…forgiving connections and all that, fostering the relations you'll be stuck with for the rest of your life. Funny, isn't it, how all that work is kinda like a marriage, ain't it? You can't expect something to succeed if you're willing to neglect it, and all that. I myself don't plan on neglecting anything, as I'm sure Lancelot will need all the practice he can get from escorting me, just in case he's the next knight you send my way to guard me without asking my permission."

Merlin's voice had been snide, and there was clearly a history there that the warrior wasn't privy too. Did Arthur often send knights to watch over Merlin…the same knights who could use that time to destroy Merlin while he's under their care? Fuck, what kind of sociopath was Arthur? Did he even check out the knights he was putting Merlin's life in the hands of, or did he just select at random and thought of it no more? And what about the other thing Merlin had said…was that common as well? Did Arthur often attend these parties and just ditch Merlin so he could go rub elbows with the elite? It was probably a good call politically, but not if it had left Merlin neglected. Lancelot found it hard to believe anybody would CHOSE to go the political route, instead of opting for keeping Merlin company. Merlin probably HATED these parties if he was often left to wade through them on his own, but…not tonight. Lancelot would make sure Merlin was kept in sight at all times, and make sure that before the night had ended, Merlin had laughed at least a dozen or more times. He wouldn't be able to enjoy the festivities if they left and Merlin had been miserable the entire time. Unlike Arthur, he actually WANTED his friends to have a good time.

But of course, Uther Pendragon had to show up the moment Lancelot started to leave with Merlin. Showing up out of nowhere as if he was a ghost that had materialized out of the fog. Appearing behind Arthur and dropping his hands onto the prince's shoulders…not even Arthur had seemed to realize he'd been there, if the way he had jumped was any indication. But Uther appeared not to have noticed, giving Lancelot a smile that reminded him vaguely of a shark like creature, "Ah, Lancelot. I was hoping to speak to you before you headed off to the party. Just to tell you about the great honor it is having you join us. It was starting to worry me that nobody this season would pass my son's intense test to become a knight. The knighthood is the very foundation of Camelot, and it's pleasing to know there are still some in the world that will take the duty with all the seriousness that it deserves."

The pressure Lancelot had been feeling during his vows was back, returning to him with a vengeance that had been absent during Arthur's interruption. Like a compressed bubble inside of him just waiting to burst…he didn't know if he'd be able to do this. Could a commoner really do something like this? Lancelot's arm started going tight, Merlin's hand squeezing harder at the crook of his elbow as if he's trying to comfort him in some small way. This was the King, they couldn't get away with making snide comments or being unpleasant. It was still surprising to Lancelot that they could somewhat get away with doing it to Arthur, but he supposed that was one of the few perks Merlin had gotten from being married to the man. Though it seemed like a very poor trade off indeed, compared with all the pains Merlin had to live through with such a marriage.

"…The pleasure is all mine, sire."

Lancelot hated how weak his voice was sounding…he had sounded so much more confident when he had been speaking his vows, as clumsy as he's sure he was during it. But there was something about Uther's penetrating stare that made Lancelot feel as if the king could see right through him…Uther had done nothing to make Lancelot think he knew the truth of where he came from. But the feeling was still there, encasing his spine and warning him to tread with a far more careful step than he had been with Arthur. Something told Lancelot that the king was a whole other league from where Arthur stood, and wouldn't hesitate to have both him and Merlin placed in iron chains. The thought made him fumble even worse, doing his hardest to stare Uther in the eye, trying and failing to pretend as if he had nothing to hide.

"Well, I hope that I'm not interrupting anything. It seems as if you were going away with our…esteemed consort? Forgive me for mentioning it, it just seems like an odd thing to do on your big night." Uther said, his eyes dropping down to where Merlin and Lancelot's arms were linked…Merlin's arm twitched like he was about to jerk away before he settled himself…perhaps he had also realized how tense the situation had gotten. But also knew jerking his arm away would only bring more attention onto them both. Uther had sounded so casual when he had mentioned their leaving together, but there was a gut feeling that told Lancelot it hadn't been casual at all. A king was far more calculated than that, there was a glint of suspicion in his eyes that did not quell Lancelot's nerves. "I could've sworn that Arthur would have been the one you decided to cling onto, Consort Merlin. Not a stranger who, as far as I'm aware, you just met not that long ago. Isn't that right, Arthur?"

Lancelot's jaw tightened, though he did not dare say anything about the way the king was embarrassing Merlin, who had dark pink splotches appearing in the apples of his cheeks…Lancelot knew why. Uther had basically said Merlin should be 'clinging onto' Arthur…did that man not know what his son has done to Merlin? He was the bloody king! Surely he knew everything that was going on in his kingdom. And from what Lancelot had managed to gather, Arthur had often did things in the eyes of the public. So surely Uther would've heard the rumors or the gossip or somebody would have informed him…did the king not have spies that reported to him about what went on when he wasn't around? It was probably very likely that the king just didn't care about Merlin's treatment, not as long as he behaved in a manner befitting of a consort.

"Arthur did offer to walk with me, but I know how hard he has to work…there's so many people he has to talk to tonight before he can enjoy himself. He can't do that if he's worrying about me. Arthur was generous enough to leave me his new knight…" Merlin said to the king, his voice tight and restrained. Lancelot's only able to imagine what Merlin would have actually said, if he had the luxury of speaking to the king how he wanted to in this situation. It must've killed him to let Arthur come out as the gentlemen, but Merlin was smart as well…making it so Lancelot had every right to walk around with the consort on his arm. This wouldn't be any different than if Uther had one of his own men escorting Lady Morgana someplace. "At least until I get to my uncle. We are living in extremely dangerous times, you see. And Lancelot's one of the few people that I trust, so I'm sure I'll be safe under his charge until Arthur comes and gets me."

Uther hummed under his breath, giving Arthur another stern glare…Lancelot did not even want to know what that was about. But while the king was turned away, Lancelot could see Merlin shooting Arthur an identical glare, one that all but said he BETTER NOT try and retrieve Merlin from whatever he was doing at the party later on. It was as if Arthur was trapped between this rock and a hard place, glancing between both husband and father as if he didn't know which of the silent commands he should be following. Lancelot truly did not envy Arthur at that moment. Though really, most would think, considering the prince ended up married to Merlin, that Merlin would be the one he chose to stand behind. A royal marriage may not be something Lancelot was familiar with, but he knew a marriage meant standing by your partner through thick or thin. And if Arthur's father made Merlin uncomfortable as well, then it should've been Arthur's duty to control how these interactions went. Not just stand by while his own father had all but belittled his husband in front of him. Lancelot didn't think he would have been able to keep quiet if somebody diminished Gwen like that directly in front of him…he was barely keeping his lips contained with it being Merlin. And only because it was the king. Anybody else might not have been so lucky.

"Well, that was very generous of my son to allow that. He does work hard if he plans to spend the party speaking to our noble guests, but I would've thought Arthur would spend most of the evening with you. I know that he's barely able to keep his eyes off you at the best of times, and I know the two of you rarely get to, how do the young ones say it nowadays…cut loose?" Uther asked, but it clearly wasn't an actual question, as he waved his hand dismissively. Though it was enough to make Lancelot's eyes go wide, whipping his head around to see Merlin's face…was he missing something here? But Merlin's face was strangely blank, his nails digging a little deeper into Lancelot's skin from where he's still holding onto Lancelot's elbow. And Lancelot whipped around to look at Arthur, hoping to get some answers, but Arthur looked more horror struck than Merlin did. His entire face blistering red as he opened and closed his mouth though no words came out…was he embarrassed? Embarrassed that Uther had boldly said something like…can't keep his eyes off Merlin. Was this what Uther did…did he make comments like this to make the relationship between Arthur and Merlin seem more real? Lancelot knew Uther did things like this, Merlin already told him such when he'd been explaining the contract, but it was so…strange, to see it in real life. Did people actually buy that? Or were they just blinded by what they thought they knew, that they completely overlooked everything that said Merlin and Arthur WEREN'T happy together. "But I suppose that this will be an acceptable alternative solution for you to keep out of trouble. I'm sure it will be your uncle that can keep a steady eye on you while Arthur's absent. I've seen you've decided to claim the family name tonight…Whytt, I believe it is?"

It took Lancelot a minute to understand what the king was talking about, and it was only when he saw Merlin reaching up to grab onto the metal sigil hanging from his cloak did he. Whytt…it was an unfamiliar name to the warrior, one that he couldn't recall hearing in all his time in Camelot. But it wasn't exactly hard to put the pieces together, using the context clues Uther had given him. The sigil and the Whytt name combined with Uther mentioning Merlin's uncle…it's obvious that this was about Gaius. And for just a brief second…the warrior was stuck in wondering what it would be like if he had met Merlin under different circumstances. If Merlin had been raised under the Whytt name…would he had still been married off to Arthur? Would Merlin be the same Merlin that Lancelot had came to know? Or would he behave like all the other nobles seemed to, as if they were better than everybody else. Somehow, Lancelot couldn't picture a scenario quite like that. He believed, somehow…Merlin wouldn't have been too different from what he was today. It was hard to imagine Merlin being anything other than the strong badarse Lancelot knew him to be.

"A few people have mentioned the crest to me before I came over here. It has seemed to have caused a brief stir, people are starting to wonder where it has came from and who could've given it to you. I've obviously told them it's just a trinket from your family that you're holding onto. Some people were starting to think it was from a former lover, as if you would ever be dumb enough to wear something like that to an event such as this." Uther said, with a heavy sniff of his nose, and Lancelot wasn't exactly sure if that was supposed to be seen as a compliment or not. On one hand, the king had just said Merlin wasn't dumb, but…Lancelot had a feeling Uther was more interested in saving face instead of admitting how crass Merlin would have to be to wear something from an ex-lover when he was married. "Perhaps you should try wearing a crest that's got the Pendragon sigil on it for the next event, yes? I'm sure Arthur will be able to find something suitable. Though I suppose claiming your heritage isn't exactly the worse scene you've caused this family."

And Merlin still didn't say a word, only offering the king a tight lipped smile as the man chortled as if he had said something particularly funny. But Lancelot could see the way Merlin clung onto his family's sigil just a little bit tighter, his knuckles going bone white as if he thought Uther would try and take away the item, something that clearly meant so much to Merlin. What other things were taken from Merlin because of the king? Did Merlin have an entire list hidden off somewhere, detailing everything-his dignity, mainly-that Uther had stolen from his grasp? Lancelot was almost grateful when the king turned back to him, just because that meant it would take away some of the heat from Merlin. Lancelot, unlike Arthur, was more than willing to stand up and allow himself to be burned for Merlin's sake.

"Now, Sir Lancelot. I'm sorry to say that your father couldn't be here to watch your ceremony. I'm sure he would've been very proud if he could see you just standing here today. But then again, what father isn't proud of their son being able to make something out of themselves." Uther said, his eye scrutinizing his newest warrior up and down, but for a second…Lancelot stumbled. He thought of his own father…his REAL father..the one that had raised him until he became eight years old and was then stolen from him not long after. What WOULD his father say if he could see Lancelot now? If he saw Lancelot standing right next to the Royal Consort of Camelot, speaking with princes and kings as if he was on equal footing with them. Would his father actually be proud of what he has managed to do, or would he be worried about the danger he might be putting himself in…it pained Lancelot to not know. He had been so young when those raiders had invaded his village…he wasn't sure which way his father would've leaned. If he would tell Lancelot to keep following his heart and do what it was he thought was right, which from this moment on would entail being a shadow in Merlin's court. Or if he would want him to run before he found himself going too deep into court life, unable to escape until he was found out for being the phony that he was. "I must admit, I haven't seen Lord Eldred myself for many, many years. But I hadn't realized it's been as long as it has been. The last time I saw Lord Eldred, he only had four sons bearing his name."

Lancelot almost crumbled to his knees when the pressure inside of his elbow became too much, Merlin's nails digging into his arm so tightly that he felt like he was stopping the blood circulation. But it was absolutely nothing compared to the feeling of being doused in the coldest water imaginable, as if somebody had fetched a bucket from the deepest and iciest parts of the ocean and threw it on him. Uther was talking about his father…his fake father…the noble whose name Merlin had stolen for his fake records. Lancelot had known that, clearly, but…this was too close. They were treading further into dangerous territory…Uther knew something. He had to know something. That was why he brought up Sir Eldred only having four sons. Why would he mention that if he wasn't suspicious about Lancelot's origins? He could feel the panic trying to get to him, but no…no. He couldn't let the panic win and give him away. He couldn't or else, or else…Lancelot glanced over at Merlin and his bloodless face…or it'd be Merlin left alone once Lancelot was jailed for impersonating a noble. God…why had he allowed Merlin to talk him into this? Lancelot couldn't protect him if he was in a jail cell…

"Well…here I am…"

It was perhaps, the worse thing Lancelot could have said to ease away any of the suspicions Uther had, and the awkward laugh he did after only made him feel as if he was talking himself into a hole. He felt like a bloody idiot after the display, and there was absolutely no way Uther, with his penetrating stare, was going to believe it. He might as well just get down on his knees right now and hold his wrists up so he could be handcuffed. He was breaking the law, even if it was a law that was unjust, and he would have to pay the price for it. Though, to Lancelot's astonishment, Uther grinned widely. As if he thought Lancelot's poor joke had actually been, dare he say it…funny. Barking out a laughter that seemed to break the tension as if somebody had shattered it like one would a window.

"Of course, you're here, right where you are supposed to be. But I fear that I've kept all of you for too long. Please, go and enjoy the party. It'll probably be the last one you'll get to go to for…quite some time. Considering all our recent problems will probably leave…very little time for celebrations." Uther said, and gave Arthur a good pat on the shoulder that seemed to be a little too hard for it to be considered fatherly affection. Lancelot didn't know if he wanted to be laughing-had he really gotten away with this? Was Uther really going to let him walk out of here without an issue?-or start crying over how absolutely…close…he had came to being jailed. Lancelot hardly knew what to do next, but at least Merlin's nails had pulled themselves out of his skin, leaving only small indents in the tunic. "But please, I do employ that you keep close watch over Consort Merlin until he reaches his uncle. He does tend to draw the attention to himself during big events such as this. I'm sure we all remember what happened when we had our LAST celebrations."

Uther laughed brightly, as if he had just made another particularly funny joke, and maybe he was used to his subjects automatically laughing whether or not the joke was actually funny. Because he didn't seem to notice that nobody was laughing with him. Arthur was eyeing his father with a tight expression, Merlin had closed himself off again, and even Lancelot, a stranger who hadn't been in the city during that time, had realized what the king was referring to. The night Merlin had drunk poison, the night that had spread across the kingdom faster than a wildfire. Uther was making a joke about the night Merlin almost died…it was so crass, and so horrible, that Lancelot didn't know how he managed not to punch Uther in the face. Perhaps because he knew Merlin would be left by himself, vulnerable, if he did something as stupid as attacking the king. Which was why Lancelot forced himself to swallow his pride, and bowed his head for the briefest of seconds, a low murmur escaping his lips.

"Sire."

That seemed to appease the king at least, because still in a jovial mood, King Uther clasped his son on the shoulder once more before leaving the three of them alone. There was a moment of endless silence where neither Arthur, or Merlin, or Lancelot, seemed to know what to say. So in the end, they didn't say anything. Merlin was the one that tugged on Lancelot's arm, and the warrior followed without question. Leaving Arthur behind to watch them go. Each step feeling heavier than the last…he should be happy. He had made it this far, the king did not seem to suspect anything was amiss. And yet…Merlin's situation, his lack of respect, was far more dire than Lancelot knew what to do with. He didn't know what the next steps were going to be, but he did know…he would stand by Merlin's side for as long as the fates allowed him.

He was in this for the long haul.

X

On the other side of the great hall, King Uther Pendragon watched as the new knight escorted their consort out of the hall. He watched as they disappeared through the doorway, completely unaware of their silent voyeur. It wasn't any surprise to the king that Consort Merlin hadn't noticed what Uther had, since the boy's education was severely lacking. But he would have thought his heir to the throne would've noticed something that was so…obvious. The newest knight practically REEKED. It was a scent that Uther knew all too well, a scent only carried by peasants. Somebody of true noble blood wouldn't smell as if they've been rolling around with the pigs all day. But then again, it was a very faint smell that not even the king really picked up. He just knew that this boy…this new knight…didn't behave with the same confidence that all new knights carried with them. And that right there…was very suspicious. And Uther knew better than to ignore his suspicions. It was better to confirm the truth, instead of living with ignorance.

"I want you to take this seal to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the court record keeper. He is most likely hold up in the library at this hour. Speak to nobody and don't say a word to anybody. This is of the upmost importance. Geoffrey has to do a full check on this boy's credentials." Uther hissed under his breath, barely even glancing at the courtier girl he was passing Lancelot's noble seal to. It'd been given to him once Arthur made the decision to pass Lancelot, as each nobility seal was, so they could be processed and placed in the court records. But Uther wasn't interested in starting a file on what the boy would do in his career as a knight. He was much more interested in what he had done before he came to the city. He didn't care if Geoffrey found nothing more than a birth record, or a coming-of-age notice. Or if it was only a leaflet that said Lancelot had saved a man when he was fucking ten years old. Any little scrap of record that proved Lancelot existed before he walked into their kingdom…that was what he had to see before he was willing to put his suspicions at rest. "Let him know that this is to take priority before anything else. I want to know what his findings are by morning's light. Do you understand me?"

Uther hardly noted the courtier girl curtsying before hurrying off with the seal clenched in her hand, he was already considering his options should he prove to be right. There were many things to consider if the boy's lineage proved to be false, Sir Eldred himself might even want to weigh in on the punishment for using his family name. But…at least he didn't have to worry about what a man like Lancelot was doing in his kingdom and going under an assumed name for the moment. Lancelot wouldn't try anything if he didn't suspect the king knew he was an imposter. Suspected, he was an imposter, at least. He wouldn't try to run and escape justice if he didn't know there was something to run from…he had laughed and been pleasant to the man for a reason…so he would know exactly where he was. So he could relax until he got his confirmation, knowing Lancelot was partying the night away.

The boy would regret wasting away his final night on this earth, if he proved to be anything more than what he said he was.

X

Arthur Pendragon was standing against the far wall of the celebrations, he had a goblet of honeyed wine in his hand. One he only occasionally sipped from to keep himself busy, his eyes burning with intensity as he gazed back and forth along the crowd. Arthur had finally gotten his wish to be alone, but he found it still didn't make him happy, the cold chill of stale sweat clinging onto him is just enough to make him uncomfortable. But the dozens of people milling around as if they didn't have a care in the world made him even more uncomfortable…he had a perfect view though from where he was standing. Which is the only reason he didn't leave when the odd person bumped into him…he could finally see where the two other boys were in this position. Luckily, the two had finally separated, no longer attached at the hip as if it would fucking kill them to be a part from each other for five bloody minutes.

Lancelot had done exactly what he had said he would, and had done delivered Merlin to his uncle's side the second they entered the party. The three of them had talked for a few minutes, probably more congratulations for Lancelot, as if he didn't have enough people congratulating him, the prince thought with this disgusted curl of his lip. But eventually, some of the other knights, men who'd been knights for only a year now after having passed last year's training, had interrupted and dragged Lancelot away. Probably to give the new guy pointers and advice on what he needed to look out for once the real work begin…it was a tradition at this point. For the previous new guys to take on the latest man to join the royal guard. He just hadn't expected for last year's recruits to end up…overzealous enough to start while the celebrations were going on. But Arthur's not complaining about it…this left Merlin without Lancelot's company. Though Merlin still wasn't going unwatched…Arthur could see Lancelot glancing to the consort several times during the last few minutes. Making sure Merlin had not disappeared on him, Arthur clenched his hand around his goblet so tight that it made his knuckles turn white.

This wasn't right.

Arthur should be staying as far away from Merlin as he could possibly get right now, he shouldn't be watching him more intensely than a hawk would watch as his prey tried to flee him. He should be drinking himself into an oblivion just to try and forget what he had seen in his dreams for a few hours, not making sure he stayed sober just so he could watch Merlin do his perfectly innocent, Merlin -like things. There was nothing wrong with the way Merlin was smiling at Gaius as the man handed him a small plate with fresh fruits on it, clearly encouraging the other boy to eat a proper meal. Arthur nodded once in approval…that's one thing Arthur could get behind right now. It made his chest feel a little less tight when he saw Merlin taking one of the peach slices and sliding it between pale pink lips and start to chew. A burst of liquid escaping out the side of his mouth just for Merlin to wipe it away with the back of his hand like some kind of awful uncivilized caveman…Arthur cleared his throat roughly and clenched his goblet even tighter than before. Feeling the indents of the cup digging into his hand…

So much could go wrong tonight…

So much already had…

Arthur could remember standing in front of the crowd while Lancelot had been knighted by his father. He could remember waiting desperately, full of anxiety he couldn't escape from, during the entire ceremony. He could remember the relief when it was finally over, remembering thanking god that he could finally escape and take a moment to himself. And he could remember Merlin running off to greet Lancelot…remembered the way his feet had been frozen in place as the boy had gleefully thrown himself into Lancelot's arms as if they had not seen each other in years. Remembered the way it felt as if his heart was being slowly crushed into nothingness at the sight…and he remembered walking up to them, having absolutely no control of his feet. Just knowing he couldn't run off when Merlin was…when he was…was being inappropriate. He had been so bloody scared to death that Merlin would know all about his dream once they got to talking, but he hadn't been able to stop himself…hadn't been able to will himself to walk away. Not even his blasted dream was enough to scare him off when something so…horrid…had been happening in front of his very eyes.

Merlin had been HUGGING Lancelot.

He had been SMILING at him.

Had been TALKING to him.

Had been standing so close, that Arthur thought he would need to find himself a bloody crowbar just to get them apart from each other! And yes…Arthur was aware enough to know how deranged he sounded. Merlin and Lancelot had to be used to these things, probably did it all the time when Arthur wasn't there to witness it. Arthur already KNEW they did much worse in the privacy Merlin had in his chambers. But he still couldn't bloody well walk away! Not even as his dream resurfaced and reminded him what Merlin looked like spread across his sheets and withering in reckless pleasure…Arthur blade the red in Merlin's cloak for that one. It was practically identical to the color of his bed, and it had Arthur questioning rather or not he should ask for a different color bedding the next time the servants made up his bed. He was sure he'd never be able to get a good night's sleep on those sheets again. And he was sure, if he had noticed how…different Merlin looked tonight, then obviously Lancelot would've noticed as well.

It was why Arthur had tried so hard to convince Merlin to let him escort him to his destination…the prince's jaw clenched hard. He had known it was going to be a bad idea, but he had still bloody well done it! Because Lancelot was well in love with Merlin, and had seen him naked and in various states of undress…celebrations usually made a person high on life itself. Arthur could've hardly imagined what the two would get up to if Arthur allowed them to leave from his sight for even a moment! Merlin would probably do something…insane and far out of Arthur's realm of imagination to mark the occasion for Lancelot. As the prince doubted the two lovebirds would be stuck doing simple, innocent things like fingering Merlin…like Arthur had done in his dream…a twisted shudder just rolled down Arthur's spine at the memory. Yes…it was horrid to imagine seeing the two escaping for the night. But for all Arthur knew, Lancelot liked to finger Merlin. The consort probably screamed and shook and held himself open while Lancelot tormented him…down there…Arthur took this extra large swig out of his goblet. Maybe it wasn't a good idea for him to be sober…getting drunk was starting to sound like a better and better idea the more he continued thinking.

He almost relished in the burn of liquid sliding down his throat.

He absolutely couldn't STAND Merlin's image burning away in his skull as if it was making itself a home. Couldn't stand the thought of Merlin's open thighs trembling because ARTHUR had pleased him…sexually. Couldn't stand to see Merlin standing across the room, shoving another slice of fruit into his mouth as if Arthur's tongue hadn't once, both in dream and reality, been shoved deep inside of it. He couldn't stand the idea of standing here and suffering with this by himself, but being unable to tell anybody about the thoughts that started to haunt him…the way he would be stared at if he even TRIED explaining how the dream had came to be. Fuck…he was being a bloody creep right now, staring at Merlin as if there was nothing else in the entire room. But fuck if Arthur had the will power to look away. He didn't, not anymore…especially not after Uther had jumped into their conversation in the great hall. Ruining what little, tiny bit of Arthur's sanity he had been holding onto.

Arthur had been dealing with so much, that his father couldn't have shown up at a worse time than he had. Merlin had just told him that he could smell all of the sweat Arthur had been trying to cover up…perhaps he'd just been fucking around with Arthur. But it had been horribly embarrassing, and made him want to take another ten baths just so he wouldn't disturb Merlin's sensitive nose. It hadn't been much longer before Lancelot had dared to say 'my consort' to his Merlin, letting Merlin latch onto his arm like the needy little fucker he was. The phrase was nothing new, it was perfectly reasonable and acceptable for a man to say 'my consort' when speaking to Merlin. It was no difference than people saying 'my highness' or 'my prince' when talking about Arthur. But having that stupid fucking Lancelot say it…it had left Arthur seething. There was a tone of familiarity to how Lancelot had said it…as if he was more intimately acquainted with Merlin than he should be. Doing absolutely nothing to hide the dalliance it had been having with HIS consort. God, he had wanted to start another fight in the great hall right then and there… Lancelot already got the privilege of being able to touch a royal whenever he bloody well wanted. He couldn't try to claim Merlin as HIS as well. Just because Merlin didn't wear his bloody wedding ring anymore, didn't mean he still wasn't tied to Arthur!

Another large swig went sliding down Arthur's throat before he could note just how bad of an idea it was for him to get drunk tonight…he already screwed up when he was in full control of himself. But how much more could he make the consort detest him…he already waved his lover in Arthur's face as if it was just some kind of game to him. And Uther…Uther had already bloody well told the consort all about how Arthur couldn't…keep his eyes off of him…yeah. He took another swig of his drink just because he could, he bloody well deserved it to have made it through that little comment! Fuck! Arthur had been so humiliated with that comment, he didn't even know if his father knew that it was true. The king could have very well said it to impress onto Lancelot how 'in love' the two of them were, taking every opportunity that he could to press their love story onto people. But there was also every possible chance that Uther had noticed how difficult it was for Arthur to look away from his consort. Even now, even if his day could get no worse, he still couldn't stop himself. Every twitch of that smile on Merlin's lip, directed at Gaius, was a new facial expression that Arthur hadn't seen yet.

It was fascinating.

And addictive.

And fucking mad!

But he couldn't stop.

Even when Arthur had been standing in front of Lancelot and wanting to wrap his hands around his bloody throat hadn't been enough to stop him from being able to look. Especially when Merlin had…laughed. And not a sarcastic one that said Arthur was going to be in for a world of frustration. But a genuine and true born laugh…because of something LANCELOT had said at the expanse of Arthur. But god…for a long moment there, Arthur had thought he was stuck in a bloody trance. Merlin's laughter had been boisterous and loud and absolutely nothing like the polite chuckles given during formal events. Merlin had laughed as if he threw his entire heart and soul into it…laughed as if he didn't care if he was seen as a fool for being so loud. It had been…breathtaking, and the prince almost hadn't cared that it was Arthur he was laughing at. As long as he didn't have that moody frown anymore…Arthur sipped at his drink again, wondering if Gaius had ever made Merlin laugh like that. Wondering if there would ever be a day in which Arthur would make Merlin laugh like that..

Fuck.

"Hmmm, I see that our new knight has started making friends with the others. I suppose it's a good thing for him to be acquainted with our men, considering it will be them that he's working in close contact with. Good relations amongst a group of warriors bode well for our continued survival." Said the very king that Arthur didn't want to see right now, the prince nearly choking on his burning of alcohol trying to go down his throat right when his father had found him. It was horribly embarrassing, choking and sputtering as if he had no class. But Uther suddenly being present forced Arthur to straighten up, and he pried away eyes from Merlin. God, just how long had his father been watching him…did the king watch Arthur as much as Arthur watched Merlin? It was no wonder he'd known about Arthur's little…watching habit. Arthur was horrible at pretending he'd not been looking…his heartbeat nearly broke his eardrums. What would Uther say now that they weren't standing with company? What would Uther say now that he had Arthur all alone…would he condemn the prince for having such…impure thoughts about Merlin? Did Uther even know his habits had ventured far past a simple stare? "Perhaps you yourself should go over there as well. Have a little talk with our newest knight? I'm sure he could…learn from your experience. A little advice from the prince himself, he won't be able to refuse you."

Arthur's jaw dropped open in horror, whipping his head around to see that the warrior in question was now picking up a drink of his own from one of the trays being carried about by the servants. What…his father wanted him to…go over there? Right now? But…in the other room, Uther had been adamant about him spending time with Merlin. All those glares he had been given him, doing what he did best and punishing Arthur with a simple stare. Punishing him for failing to be a good husband, or at least failing at pretending to be a good husband in front of their new knight. And now he wanted Arthur to just abandon Merlin so he could go talk to him. What was…Arthur glanced over at Merlin, the ignorant boy completely unaware of Arthur's own private suffering as he waved around his hand at something Gaius had said…what was going on? Why was his father doing this to him? Making Merlin leave his sight…making him speak to the one man he never wanted to see again for as long as he lived. Was there no chance of Arthur coming out on top? Tonight, or any other night…

"Go on, Arthur. You can watch over your consort another time. He'll probably be here for quite a while. And there will be many more parties in which you can stare at him for years to come. But there is only one party that'll have Lancelot as the guest of honor. And we need to make him feel welcome." Uther said in a patronizing tone, waving his hand in Lancelot's direction as if he didn't notice the way Arthur's entire face turned ashen…so Uther hadn't been joking about earlier. He actually KNEW Arthur was always watching Merlin. But perhaps he didn't know WHY…maybe he thought Arthur was just making sure that Merlin wasn't doing something to embarrass him. GOD! Arthur hoped with every bit of his soul that this was what Uther thought. He couldn't imagine the brunt of Uther's punishment if he knew otherwise… "Go on, Arthur. You out of any man here knows how important these moments are. Knights don't always have the longest of life spans. You need to prepare Lancelot, to make sure he lasts for long enough to make a name for himself."

Arthur's face was incredibly tight, but he nodded his head when his king kept prompting him to go on. And he started the slow tread across the room to talk to Lancelot. Keeping his eyes low…focusing on other knights that he passed on by, seeing the red insignia of his family crest burned across their tunics. And it was in vain that Arthur tried to stop himself from imagining Merlin wearing the crest on his person. Wearing it as a broach on his collar for others to see…or it being burned into his inner thigh just for Arthur's sake, it didn't matter. Arthur just knew he was going to have one hell of a difficult time talking to Lancelot if he couldn't escape the…intense desire he had to see Merlin wearing anything that spoke of which family he belonged to.

X

Uther Pendragon watched his son going to Lancelot with reluctant steps, and he only stopped staring after he finally saw his heir making contact with their possible imposter. He couldn't wait all night doing nothing for Geoffrey to get the records checked. He could be an impatient man at times, and sending over Arthur had sounded like his best bet. Perhaps Arthur hadn't noticed anything that was 'off' or 'suspicious' about this stranger before, but surely there would be something to report later on. Any…discretion in his story that said Lancelot was lying. Any mention of something The…Fifth son of Eldred couldn't possibly have known. Any little HINT that there's something more behind that man than just being a good enough swordsmen. A few hours in Lancelot's company…had to be enough for Arthur to figure something out.

And if not, well then…Arthur would need more extensive training when it came to recognizing threats hiding in plain sight.

X

Merlin Pendragon had been having a very nice start to his evening. Yes, some of the knights had dragged Lancelot away for 'knight time' that Merlin wasn't privy too, but he was still having a good time. He could stand here and eat his food without worrying if he was going to throw it up now that his eating's been slowly going back to normal. He could catch up with Gaius on things that were NOT about his messed up situation. And he could still watch Lancelot, knowing he was with the very few knights that hadn't done anything to try messing with him in the four months he'd been there. Perhaps these knights were too 'fresh' to think they could get away with it, or perhaps they didn't care enough about him to bother. But Lancelot had still checked with him just to make sure before going anywhere…Merlin hid a private smile behind his little fruit platter. Sweet Lancelot, not wanting to associate himself for even a second if that somebody had hurt him.

At least Lancelot WAS associating with people who had never hurt him.

"What the bloody hell is he doing! I know Arthur Pendragon is not trying to talk to Lancelot right now! Didn't he talk to him enough before we came in here! I'd have thought he wouldn't bother coming within two yards of either of us! But it doesn't seem that way, does it?" Merlin immediately fell into a rapid rant, with his hands going tight around his little golden plate, already up in strings when he saw Arthur approaching Lancelot. He saw the two of them speak for all of a second, and it killed Merlin that he was standing too far away for him to hear what they were saying. It killed him even more when he saw Lancelot following Arthur to sit down at one of the benches stationed against the wall. Merlin had his lips thinning. "I should probably go over there and see what exactly what is going on, right? If Arthur wants to talk to Lancelot, then it can't be anything on the good side of things, right? God…Arthur is probably trying to scare Lancelot off right now, isn't he…you know what, that's it. I'm going to go over there and stop this before Arthur says anything stupid."

There was no bloody telling WHAT Arthur was doing with Lancelot, but his new friend shouldn't have to deal with Arthur alone. Arthur was largely Merlin's own problem, and Lancelot shouldn't be subjected to Arthur's issues or his fits any more than he had to be. God, Arthur was probably throwing another one of his hissy fits, trying to get Lancelot to stop 'dating Merlin,' or whatever Arthur was always going off about when it was just him and Merlin. Merlin all but flung his plate down onto one of the nearby tables, ready to roll up his sleeves and then show the prince some damn claws that could rip through human flesh if he had thought TONIGHT was the night to try separating Lancelot and him. But having a hand grabbing onto his wrist before he could take two steps away, stalled his motions. Merlin still whipped around with an agitated glare, his uncle matching the force of his glare with ease.

"Don't."