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!

165. Chapter 167

For Arthur Pendragon's entire life, he had been told one thing by his father in regard to his knights…trust them. Uther had always held a knight's word in the highest esteem, their word meant more than any amount of evidence that may have been piled against them. This was because, as his father had always said to him, knights had a hard enough job as it was. There were always going to be complaints and people upset with something they'd done, people trying to say 'excessive force' had been used, or commoners wanting their fifteen minutes of fame by making up lies because they wanted to see a noble being as low as they were. There were so few nobles actually out there, probably about one to every twenty five commoners, so they needed to close ranks and foster trust amongst their men. How could Arthur's men ever come to him, if Arthur would show he didn't trust them? How could he lead his men, if he was also going to be seen sending them away? How was he meant to be a leader, if those who'd be sweating, bleeding, and crying for their country, were scared they'd only be dismissed without hesitation or question.

But that was exactly how Arthur had made Merlin feel…wasn't it? Dismissed…it was no wonder Arthur hadn't heard any of these lies coming from the pale pink lips of his consort. It was the simple truth of the matter…if the winged creature had attacked as little as a month ago, he would've had no trouble believing his knights now. If Merlin had walked up to him with a face full of bruises, and torn clothes, and had evidently been a part of a fight, Arthur would've came right to these men to get their side of the story. Arthur would've heard Bryon's own twisted version of events, decided Merlin had tried to deceive him to play him like a puppet on a string, and would have jumped down Merlin's throat…with no hesitation or question. Merlin would be the one to blame in his eyes, and there wouldn't have been one thing Merlin said or did to have convinced Arthur that his 'knights' had been the ones to lie to him.

Knights were meant to have honor, be the strength and pillar of the kingdom to which they lived. To carry civilians over their shoulders and away from the line of fire, to protect those who would never have been able to protect themself's, and be the guides and heroes for which allowed their people to rest easy down in their beds. But what was one meant to do when the knights you have known for years turn out to be neither honorable or brave…what was one meant to do when they turned out to be cowards? Filth lower than even a commoner, ready to lay blame on an innocent rather than admitting they were the ones who'd been at fault. There was nothing in the world, as far as Arthur was concerned, than a knight who had forgotten their vows. To protect and serve the kingdom and the Royal Family…vows they should have lived and breathed for until their dying day. Vows that were supposed to mean something…

Arthur was almost grateful, as it turned out, that such horrid events happened when they had…it stopped him from making another mistake. It allowed him to see things more clearly than he otherwise would have…and despite the horror of this whole situation, Arthur found he had a much easier time breathing than he had in a long time. He knew exactly what he was doing this time, and while whatever course of action he took today would hardly even begin to rebuild a bridge between him and Merlin since the damage was already far more than he could ever repair, as he was becoming increasingly aware of…it would at least be a start. Punishing those who had hurt Merlin…making sure the punishment would fit the crime…Gaius had been right about making an example out of the men in front of him now. Arthur would have taken their heads off if he'd came in here half cocked, but this…this would be better. As well as snuffing out any other mindsets who might feel there is…little consequences for attacking one of the Royal Family Members.

Arthur would be sure no travesty dared to happen within his boarders again.

And these two men would be the scapegoat upon which that was built.

"That's quite a funny thing to hear, honestly, because it wasn't my consort that told me any of this. In fact, he doesn't even know that I'm here today, and he'll probably be just as surprised as anybody when word gets out on what will be happening here today." Arthur said, his voice never wavering in tone…he was not their comrade today. He was not their friend or someone they worked with on occasion. He was not Arthur, a single man among the many that fueled the armies of Camelot. No. Today, he was Prince Arthur Pendragon, their ruler and prince. The next in line for the throne. Their Commander, General, Leader, and everything else mixed into one being. And a ruthless one at that. Knight Julian seemed to recognize this at least, Arthur noted as he watched the other man swallow with enough force that he could've been trying to force a grapefruit to go down his gullet. And even Knight Bryon looked as if he was starting to sweat a little, his generous farce starting to crack to show Arthur the real man that laid beneath the mask…the spineless coward that he was. "Hmmm…perhaps we should just move on to the next order of business for you to try lying your way out of…let's see. Knight Bryon, you seem to be quite the talkative one, spreading tales as if you've rehearsed what you were going to say beforehand…why don't you try to tell me what story lies behind the mark on your face?"

Bryon's jaw dropped open, and his hand was already flying up in order to try and cover up the vivid red scratches that had been left behind in the wake of his assault, but Arthur had already seen the marks for what they were. And he was much quicker. In one swift motion, Arthur's hand shot out faster than the eye could see, and he snatched Bryon by the jawline, his grip being tight and punishing, relentless as he dug his nails into the flesh of his face, jerking the knight so his head was twisted at an uncomfortable angle. Bryon released this gasp of pain as his neck jolted, but Arthur's only interest lied in the three very familiar lines across his jawline. Three very distinct shapes, the exact width of nails Arthur knew so well…

"My consort was the one that did this to you, didn't he?" Arthur asked bluntly, without waiting for an answer he already knew was going to be a lie, his lips thinning so tightly that they were turning white, Bryon's cheeks were starting to poke out between Arthur's fingers as his grip tightened. Arthur had gotten into more fights than he cared to remember with Merlin, could describe each and every one that had been engraved into his memory, and had gotten similar scratches…on his face, his wrists…Merlin attacked like a hellion wildcat. There wasn't anything Merlin was above using if it meant getting the upper hand in a fight that had already been set against him. It would've been bloody ridiculous if he hadn't recognized Merlin's handiwork when it was literally staring him in the face. A dull, thudding pulse of anger started to beat in time with his heart, though his voice continued being deceptively calm as he dropped it into a low murmur, "He left these marks on you because my consort is not the type of a man who would go down without giving one hell of a fight. And my consort…he only attacks whenever he's feeling threatened…"

Arthur thought back to several different instances in where Merlin had came at him in the hopes of drawing blood, with the hope of shaking Arthur down right to his core…the time where Gwen had given Merlin that flower back when the plague had been big…Arthur had tried to wrench it off his fool neck. And that was how he had gotten identical claw marks on his wrist…he was sure he still had a faint scarring from the incident if he looked close enough. Or the time in which Arthur tried…doing things…to Merlin behind that pillar while the council had been in discussion…Merlin had kneed him in the groin hard enough that he feared he might never have children once the day came where the Pendragon line would need to be continued. Or the time Arthur had…had…had pinned his consort down to his table with his arse in the air, dumbly convinced that Merlin only needed a good spanking in order to get him to behave, only for Merlin to slam his head back and nearly break his nose from the force in order to force him off. And not to mention…the biggest memory of them all…when Merlin had punched Arthur as hard as he could in his temple, hard enough to make stars burst in his vision, after Arthur had kissed him…yes. His Merlin was this lovely, violent creature, and that violent core to him was probably the only reason he was still alive after all the shit Arthur had put him through. To even think there had been a time where Arthur had wanted to snuff out that flame…that spark of Merlin that made him so…so…Merlin.

"So, that brings me back around to my question-" Arthur continued in his low murmur, scraping his thumb across those scars hard enough that it started to crack and little beads of blood was starting to leak out. Bryon had started to wince reflexively, but Arthur's eyes shot from the scarring and locked directly onto Bryon's eyes…the other knight froze in place. Not a single muscle dared to twitch under the force of Arthur's stare, and the prince could have hardly imagined what Bryon was seeing…a snake whose penetrating glare could've hypnotized a man into compliance? A predator that would attack if the knight gave him one damn reason to do so…an attack that would include lunging at the throat and clamping his jaw around the vulnerable area. "What exactly did you do to my consort?"

Nobody spoke for the longest time…Julian was literally shaking in his boots as he half hid himself behind Bryon's prone body for safety…safety that wouldn't come because Arthur hadn't forgotten about him. And Knight Bryon looked as if he wouldn't dare try breathing, lest that be enough to send Arthur right over the edge of his carefully contained control. But Arthur…he simply started this soft crooning under his breath, returning his attention back onto the marks of his consort, left behind on skin that shouldn't have been marked. His consort should've been able to relax, able to lay back and be calm…watch as Arthur did the dirty work of taking out the trash. His consort should've never been forced into a defensive position, should've never been forced to do what he had done …Arthur was very pleased with Merlin's odd habit of surviving. His dedication to getting out of the strange situations he always found himself in. But should there be a next time…Arthur wanted to be the one that stood between Merlin and whatever force sought to take him away from him. Whether it be deranged witches, barbaric magical beasts, or even his very own men…Arthur was going to be there.

"P-please…please sire. You really have to believe that all of this…it's nothing but a simple misunderstanding. And if you allow me to explain…Knight Bryon was simply lying in order to protect you. He didn't want you to think badly on your consort, or make you think you have chosen wrong to marry him…he was being thoughtful. Even if it was stupid." That, surprisingly, came from Knight Julian, in this very high and squeaky tone, half peaking out over the shoulder of the knight Arthur held in his grasp. Arthur turned his attention to the other man, throughly unimpressed by whatever lie was about to come his way this time, but Knight Julian had always been smarter than Bryon. More calculated, even if he often gave into pressure…he would know the right buttons to push in any given situation, as long as he wasn't the one in the fray. Like he's been right now… "Your Consort…he…he lured us out there into the woods! And he's gone and came up with this whole elaborate story you're on about, because he doesn't want to face another public incident like the first one!"

Arthur stayed silent, raising his eyebrow high above his forehead, though he also released Bryon at last. The other knight nearly sagged against Julian, as he took these large and horrifically grasping breaths…as if he had just been drowning and was taking his first breaths of fresh air. His display went largely ignored by Arthur though…a lure? Knight Julian thought Arthur would really be so easily convinced at the idea of Merlin 'luring' these two men out there into the woods? Oh, Arthur knew very well how alluring his consort could be, his natural charms and elfin features convincing enough to make even Arthur fall onto his knees, but…Knight Julian was lying it on just a bit too thickly for it to be a real possibility. And Knight Julian seemed to take his silence as this good sign…maybe not as smart as Arthur had thought he was…because he nodded his head in rapid succession.

"Yes, yes! Consort Merlin lured the two of us out there into the woods. While the creature interrupted what…was going to happen…it was quite obvious what your consort wanted from us. Forgive me for being indiscreet, since there's no delicate way of putting this in layman terms, but your consort propositioned us near the gates! You know what an absolute whore he is!" Knight Julian shouted this in his desperation to be believed, and Arthur could feel his heart freezing in mid-beat, a subtle roaring filling his eardrums until it was the only thing that he could hear. Making Arthur feel everything, and nothing all at once…dizzying and disorienting, and…completely untrue. "And the only reason he's neglected to tell you the whole truth, is because he doesn't want you to punish him again like you did when his whorish ways first got out. He doesn't want to face what punishment he'll get for choosing to bed somebody who's not you. He's most likely hoping you'll be distracted by us and won't ever discover him going back to his horrid, disgusting ways."

Horrid…disgusting…whorish…Knight Julian had called his Merlin 'a whore.' The only person who had ever done that to Arthur's face, had been Lady Clarissa's orange clad friend on the night of the banquet…the night Arthur had 'tested'-if one wanted to call it that-Merlin's 'whorish ways' by touching him between his thighs. Oh…how hard it had been to get them to open for him…as if Merlin was willing to open his legs easily for these two imbeciles…the very thought made Arthur's stomach churn relentlessly. Arthur had been forced to think of Merlin in all manner of compromising positions, but he didn't think he had imagined his consort being with 'two men' at the same time. What…did one plan to shove a cock down his consort's throat, while another one forced himself into Merlin's pliant hole from behind…Arthur should cut off both of their cocks. For thinking of such things…feed them their own cocks and shoving them as far down their throats as they could get. Make them bloody choke on it. Make them beg for a single breath of air…Arthur sucked in a ragged breath. The air roaring inside of his ears going startling silent in an instant, nearly knocking him off his feet had he not have these two to deal with…

"You absolute moron…absolute fucking idiot. Do you really think that I am that stupid…stupid enough to believe the two people who have everything inside of their own little worlds to lose if I don't believe them…" Arthur breathed out, his breath as hot as fire and scraping his throat raw, losing his temper as that one curse word escaped his lips…unbecoming of a prince. But perfectly normal for a husband coming to the defense of His…Julian had hit Arthur where it would hurt the most. And he had chosen that moment specifically…had chosen that horrid moment so many weeks ago where Arthur had publicly slapped Merlin after the truth had came out…he had been trying to PLAY Arthur. Manipulate him with something he knew would set him off. If Arthur hadn't decided to be different with Merlin, hadn't decided to make some hard changes to his life…then it would've worked. Back when Arthur had been ruled by his temper and refused to trust his gut that told him something was off. Arthur might've even tried killing Merlin in a jealous fit of rage, being this close up to what that boy did in his private time. And all because these two morons refused to take any proper responsibility….just like Arthur had refused to take responsibility for so long. "Did you already forget, Julian…I already said it wasn't Merlin that told me any of this. So using him doesn't work in your favor. Gaius is the one that told me, and do you really think he didn't bother to mention the only reason my consort had gone out there, was because he asked him to fetch him some herbs. Do you really believe me so foolish, to think my consort would rather bed you in the woods, than do what was asked of him?"

This was something Arthur felt wholly confident in…Merlin practically admired his uncle. Looked up to him. Studied after him. Wanted to even play at being a bloody physician just because it gave him and his uncle one more reason to be close to each other. There was no doubt in his mind that Merlin would've gone for those herbs, would've been singularly focused on getting the right ones to bring back…god, had Arthur been furious after learning that little tidbit. Gaius had been unapologetic though, giving Arthur a pointed look as he said having a bit of time outside the castle was meant to be good for Merlin…a bit of time away from Arthur, was what he had meant. But anyway, the point was…even if his consort enjoyed spreading his legs, and had an addiction for allowing any strange man to seek a sickening pleasure between his thighs, not even those strange desires would've been enough for Merlin to stray away from what his uncle wanted from him. And honestly…Knight Julian and Knight Bryon weren't exactly much to look at. Nothing in the world would've been able to convince Arthur that these two men were Merlin's type. Merlin probably went for a man that was…stronger and smarter than all three of them combined. And not even a man like that would've suppressed Merlin's inherit need to do what his uncle had bid him to do.

"And you dared to say…" Arthur could hardly get the words out, he was shaking so badly, but both Julian and Bryon seemed to get the hint that their situation was truly hopeless. Even if they had thought Arthur would fall for their lies, not one of them was stupid enough to believe they could convince Arthur of Gaius being deceptive. Gaius was a trusted member of the court, and had been for far longer than either of them had been alive…Arthur's temper seized control of him for a second, and his hand whipped out before he could think about it, grasping Julian by the collar. The knight who dared to call his consort out as a whore though he knew absolutely nothing about what went on between Merlin and his men. Julian nearly choked, sputtering as the harsh metal of his armor was pressed dangerously tight against his jugular…Arthur took a sadistic sense of pleasure out of watching the man squirm and choke. Choke as his consort may have choked if they had managed to finish the job…Arthur jerked the man until they were practically nose to nose. Space between them non-existent…and it was so very different from how it felt when there was no space between him or his consort. "If I ever…EVER…catch wind of you calling my consort that horrid word again, I can assure you that your trial to be won't be the worse thing you will see this week. I am quite certain, watching as I cut your tongue out to stop you from repeating such horrid filth, would be far more traumatizing than even the worse punishment I can sentence you too."

Arthur was positive that he got the message through to Julian, when the man started this disgusting display of crying. And it was that horrid crying…where there was tears streaming down his cheeks and snot coming out of his nose to leak down into his mouth…Arthur sneered. He could hardly stand to look at the man for a moment longer, or he might forget his promise to Gaius and put this pathetic excuse of a man out of his misery already. He practically threw Julian away from him, where he fell into Bryon and the both of them landed along the floor in a twist and tangled heap of limbs. How such horrible clouts ever got so far into his army…Arthur would never know. But he did know one thing…he was done with them.

Forever and always.

"Arrest them for treason, and the attempted murder of Consort Merlin."

Arthur didn't bother waiting around to watch as his chosen Knights Dorian and Tristian stepped forward. He didn't bother listening for long to the shrieks and cries as Julian and Bryon were roughly having their arms yanked behind their backs and cuffed by the iron shackles all knights were equipped with. Arthur left the armory completely, his head held high, face looking as if it had been carved into stone…the hardened mask of a leader having made a royal decree he knew would most likely be met with resistance. He had no regrets though…not about that at least.

There was one thing though, that made Arthur furrow his brows…if something as big as this wasn't enough for Merlin to bring to Arthur's attention, then just what else had been going on behind Arthur's back? What, exactly, had Arthur missed that Merlin didn't dare come to him with…? What else had Arthur been blinded too, that Merlin had decided to take care of on his own. And did it have anything to do with the ominous and strange comments Gaius had made about his knights all of those weeks ago, when Merlin had first started suffering from his poisoning? Arthur wasn't entirely sure what to think about that but he knew he was going to be watching…watching as if his very life depended on it.

And god help those that tried next…

X

Arthur Pendragon, barely an hour after having his men arrested, was standing on the training ground amongst his men. There were twenty men standing on the field in row's of five, each one holding onto a blade as they ran through the drills Arthur had instructed them too. He walked through each row and column to make sure stances were correct and nobody was slacking off by the familiar movements, though he paid close attention to the five people at the end who'd need to be tested within the next few days. They were the only ones he hadn't tested yet, who might have a chance at becoming full fledged knights before the week is up. Though to be honest, Arthur didn't exactly have high hopes for any of them either…he had truly had a pathetic lot this time around. And as he was now down another two unexpected knights…he really needed to get some fresh blood into his army. Blood that wouldn't allow their emotions to run wild enough to neglect their duties…

"One."

It was ironic, Arthur thought as he restarted his count and watched as his men raised their swords just as they were trained to do, that he was the one trying to complain about emotions running wild. After all, Arthur might not be a king yet, but he was definitely the King of Emotional Outbursts. Something that he knew would shame his father…how could a king lead if he was ruled by nothing more than his emotions? Or maybe the King of Fools, would have been a more adequate description. A fool for Merlin, a fool for vengeance, a fool for doing just about anything that could get Merlin to look at him without all that disgust lingering in his eyes…

"Two."

Arthur called out just as dull as before, watching as his men dropped into low crouches with their swords poised above their heads…he tutted at one knight and watched as the man readjusted his grip onto the sword so that it was held properly. And as Arthur walked down the next row of knights, he couldn't help but wonder what Merlin would say once he knew Arthur had finally managed to do something good in his name. He couldn't imagine a Merlin that was pleased with him, but maybe…maybe Merlin would reward him with a tight smile? Just a little twitch of the flesh to show he approved of Arthur's choice. And true, he hadn't arrested those men with the hope of it bringing Merlin back in his orbit, but…even the smallest 'hint' of approval would give Arthur something to latch onto. A nod in his direction, an arched eyebrow, a lingering look…something he could hold onto until their next meeting, would do wonders with improving his mood.

"Three."

Arthur watched, bored, as his men pulled back onto their hunches and jabbing out the blade for a swift attack into an invisible enemy's gut…what would even be the point in improving his mood? Trying to make himself feel better for not noticing some of his men-and who knew who else-were holding grudges like this against his consort. What was the point in fixing his mood…when Merlin's mood was tattered and torn into ribbons. What could Arthur do that would be enough to…brighten Merlin's day? If knowing his tormentors were rotting away in a jail cell right now wouldn't do it, then what would? Arthur feared he didn't have a clue, but then again…did he ever really know Merlin at all?

"Four."

Arthur called out, and his knights reacted as one as they sliced their swords in the air until they were perpendicular with the ground, and he walked down one more row…what did he know about Merlin was the big question. He knew that he practically worshipped the ground his uncle walked on…often attached to Gwen at the hip…liked spending time with Morgana…but none of that actually made Arthur feel like he 'knew' Merlin. Those were just people in Merlin's life that had a place there when Arthur didn't. None of that told him anything that was 'about' Merlin. And there were so many misconceptions Arthur had about Merlin, it was really hard to figure out what was true and what wasn't. Merlin's a violent thing, but was that something Arthur had brought out in him? Or was he always like that? Did he always have a vague interest in learning about all of the ways of a physician, or again, did he just decide to delve into it after Arthur expressed his original displeasure? Or perhaps Arthur had not one thing to do with any of Merlin's decisions…

"Five."

Arthur repeated the final number, and watched as his men fell back into their proper lines, swords at their sides as if they were about to storm into territory belonging to the enemy…it was absolutely perfect. But so incredibly dull, like the entire world was lacking the proper color. This was nothing he didn't do all day long every day, nothing he didn't know like the back of his hand. He could have done this with both eyes closed, sleeping…and his men would still obey his orders without question. At least some of them were, but…there was really no telling if somebody amongst this group of twenty would be the next to try betraying his trust. Was Arthur going to end up passing one of these five men, if any proved skilled enough, only to see them arrested and sharing a cell with Julian and Bryon? Arthur had thought they were good knights, and look where they were now…how could he pass another man when he couldn't even trust his judgment? Arthur wasn't just passing knights who were strong enough for their kingdom. He needed to think about Merlin as well, and whether or not the next Knight of Camelot would treat their Consort with the same respect they'd treat their Prince or King…

"One."

Arthur started the training all over again, watching as his men did the very first sequence of their drill once again, but this time, his eyes wondered away from his men. He started scanning the ground that stood on the outskirts of the big training field, it mostly seemed to be filled with peasants today. Standing back behind the tiny fence that separated them. Nothing special, nothing that would catch his attention. Nothing even worth him bothering to look at and he let out a mighty sigh. The dangerous anger he'd been struck with when he had been facing Julian and Bryon seemed to be gone now, leaving him empty and hollow and just…sad. There really wasn't any light in his life…

"Two."

Arthur called out again, watching as his men fell back into the second position of their sequence. And it was as Arthur was turning back around to make sure the knight in front of him had a steady hold of his sword, he caught something out the corner of his eye. Something that had Arthur whipping his head around just as fast, eyes jumping from one person onto the next, almost positive he'd been seeing things but…no. There she was. Handmaiden to the King's ward, all her wild curls tucked messily out of her face, the bright yellow dress catching in the sun's light…Arthur's eye twitched. Arthur hadn't been able to see Gwen, ever since that dreaded night all those weeks ago, without seeing her pressing her dry lips onto his sickly consort, taking advantage of him in his weak state…though Arthur was no better in that regard either. But speaking of his consort, if Gwen's here to stay-she didn't usually stay around to watch, having seen their training too many times over the years to be as enthralled as the newcomers were-then he figured it stood to reason that…He…would be here as well.

"Three!"

Arthur called out a little louder, ducking down another row of men and almost ending with the edge of his ear cut off as the knights fell into the third position of the sequence. But Arthur hardly noticed, his eyes traveling to the man Gwen was standing next too…his hair was as dark as Merlin's was but that seemed to be where the similarities ended. The man was broader, wearing a private armor rather than the standard Camelot one all knights were given upon enlistment in their forces. It probably belonged to his family, with the cloth that covered his chest being this ghastly orange color, but to be honest…that was all he really noticed about the man. He hardly thought about him at all, as his eyes fell onto a slimmer form standing on the other side of him…just as Arthur had expected. Where Gwen was, Merlin would surely be nearby…

"Four!"

Arthur shouted this louder than he had the rest of the numbers, his eyes going up and down Merlin's form with an almost hungry expression. It didn't look like Merlin had realized Arthur had seen him yet, he had his head turned off to the side and he was talking about something to Gwen, talking around the stranger that stood between them. And Arthur felt the familiar lurch in his stomach that came when Merlin was near, always when he would catch sight of that stupid curl of hair that wrapped around the underside of Merlin's ear…he just wanted to be over there all of a sudden. Finding out what Merlin and Gwen were being so deep in conversation about, finding out why they were even here if they did not plan on watching the actual training…Merlin had came here for a reason he was sure of it. But he was having trouble remembering at this precise moment exactly what that was. But…Arthur's throat closed up tight as he saw just what Merlin was doing, or precisely, where his hands were…

"Five!"

Arthur just barely remembered to call out the final number, his voice sounding so choked that it had some nearby knights turning to look at him before they followed their lead. But Arthur's eyes refused to leave from Merlin, and those long nimbly fingers of his that was currently readjusting the buckle along the shoulder plate of the man's makeshift armor…why the bloody hell was Merlin helping fix the makeshift armor of some stranger?! That was…that was…that's something that goes completely against tradition. When Merlin and him were first married, one of the very first traditions they had followed, was having his consort helping Arthur get into his armor. It was this whole big deal, this awful and horrid mess where Arthur had been sure Merlin had been trying to actually do something inappropriate with him. Arthur had been humiliated doing it way more times than he wasn't, embarrassed himself more than Merlin had been embarrassed. But then things had taken a turn for the worse between the two of them, and Merlin had stopped showing up, and Arthur had been forced into resorting back to Morris-or any other servant nowadays-to help him get in his armor. Arthur supposed he hadn't really realized how…special…that time had been, that little tradition between a married couple…that short span of time in which he and Merlin had been able to talk without interruption. Until he ended up seeing Merlin doing that same tradition with somebody else…Arthur nearly shouted the first number in his sudden agitation…

"ONE!"

X

Merlin Pendragon was giving Gwen a harsh expression, probably the harshest he had ever given her, as he defiantly latched the buckle of Lancelot's metal shoulder plate into place. But really…there was only so many times that Gwen could ask him, in quiet whispers behind Lancelot's back since the man seemed unable to take his eyes off the training field, his hands all but shaking around his fake paperwork, if he really wanted to be caught doing Lancelot's armor in public like this. And Merlin had answered 'hell yeah' every time. He knew that he was probably refreshing the painted target on his back, but Merlin felt as if he was in a pretty defiant mood at the moment. This was such a huge, major time for Lancelot, his first real step into knighthood…Merlin didn't want to hold himself back or not be included just because of some silly, ancient tradition he didn't follow told him it was wrong. He wasn't going to stop just because it was that same tradition that told him he should be doing this to Arthur…that bloody ape of a man didn't need him! Not like Lancelot did, who was unaccustomed to all of the unfamiliar buckles and buttons and straps…Merlin was just grateful it was all information that was coming back to him from that stupid time he had gone out of his way to have Gwen teach him to do it…

Because he'd wanted to impress…Arthur…well, at least he knew the skill wasn't going to go to waste. And it wasn't as if Arthur was going to bloody well ask if Merlin would help him do his, when he could just use the million of servants he had at his disposal. So why shouldn't he use this knowledge, instead of letting it go to waste? Forgive Merlin for wanting to feel bloody useful, when he knew the alternative was listening to Arthur complaining because Merlin would do it differently from his trained manservant…besides, Merlin thought Gwen's worry was pointless. It wasn't as if Arthur was going to CARE, other than how it may make him look to other people, but Arthur should be bloody used to having his 'advances' snubbed by Merlin. And he had never cared about how bad he was making Merlin look, so…Merlin was going to keep doing what he was doing. If if Arthur wanted to suck a lemon while he did it, then so be it.

"I for one, think you did excellent work on Lancelot's outfit, Gwen. Just like I knew you would, being the best seamstress in the kingdom and all that. You definitely didn't hold back." Merlin said through clenched teeth, readjusting a second buckle on Lancelot's side, giving her a pointed look as if to tell her to move on from this conversation. One wrongly caught whisper, and Lancelot'd be asking questions for sure. It would be pretty hard explaining why the very prince of Camelot himself, might be put off by Merlin helping Lancelot…since an ordinary prince would have no reason to get in the business of commoners or their daily lives. "And I am sure PRINCE Arthur, won't be able to even tell the difference between this outfit, and any other noble families. He certainly looks the part."

Merlin made sure to enunciate the PRINCE part, because a commoner who has only had brief interactions with the prince due to his uncle's work, would treat a hideous human being with the upmost respect in the world. A husband would not treat their husband with the same respect, going for a more familiar kind of approach. But Merlin could, as he ran his hand down Lancelot's orange clad side in order to check everything was tucked into its proper place, hardly start screeching about the horrors that was Arthur. Such a thing would probably get more questions invited, and more inquiries, and Lancelot getting a little more invested in Merlin than Merlin wanted him to be. Crap though, was it extremely hard to keep holding his tongue and watching what he was going to say when he wanted to start cursing about Arthur. His time with Lancelot was starting to really test the constraint of what Merlin could take, and Gwen wasn't helping matters. Even if she was probably right.

"Thank you, Merlin. I always appreciate the compliments that you give me. I modeled these clothes from what I've seen from other knights when they first arrived so I'm sure not even Arthur will find reason to suspect what's going on." Said the handmaiden, with the ever sweet smile on her face that had Merlin wondering just how she could do that. Keeping a sweet smile for Lancelot's sake, as she gave Merlin another pointed look that told him there was probably going to be hell to pay if Arthur saw what he was doing. But Merlin had a spark of pride as well. He might not be as prideful as Arthur, who refused to admit when he had made a mistake unless he had no choice and the truth was staring him right in the face, but he still had some. And considering Lancelot was only here due to Merlin's brilliant-probably stupid-plan, he would help get him prepared. Unless Gwen wished to do it herself, of course, then he would…graciously step aside so the future couple could acquaint themselves with the other. "You would be amazed by how a little color, some eloquent designs thrown into place, and a few metal armor pieces can transform any man into a knight. I bet even you'd look like a knight if I had the chance to do the same to you."

X

Lancelot was only vaguely listening to the conversation going about on either side of him…but his hands were sweaty and it kept distracting him. Gwen had managed to somehow get her hands on the most beautiful leather gloves that Lancelot had ever seen before, the kind that was usually worn for activities like this, but he was unused to them and they were making his hands hot. But the gloves at least kept the sweat inside of them…he could hardly handle what the embarrassment would be like if he handed over his royal sigil, wet with sweat stains, all over it to the prince. Even now, Lancelot's hands twisted the seal in them nervously, anxiously…he had to remind himself to be careful in order to not rip the paper and ruin everything before he got his shot. Merlin had worked hard, was risking a lot, in order to get him here…he couldn't disappoint him.

Or he couldn't disappoint himself…

Everything was going to be riding on his performance here today. Everything was going to…show Merlin he had been right to believe in him, and show Gwen he had a real future, and even show himself that the last decade of his life had not been as wasted as he thought it was. But…he still found it hard to breathe just because he was standing here, standing on the training field right outside of Camelot castle, watching the ending of the training session THE Prince was running. He watched the dozen or so men doing as they were told, looking so graceful and skilled, looking as if they could take out any enemy that may try and cross their paths. And then Lancelot tried to imagine himself being on the field as well, raising the sword Gwen had let him borrow from her father's work -he was a blacksmith! He had learned-and looking just as graceful and skilled as the rest of them were. And not like the bumbling oaf he thought he may be instead.

This was all very intimidating.

And Arthur Pendragon had to be the most intimidating man on the field…with the way he walked in and out between the rows of his men with the practiced ease of somebody who'd done this for many years. The way he rose his voice loud enough for it to echo across the entire field so all his men would be able to hear him over the sounds of their chainmail clattering. And then there was a few times where…Lancelot had been almost positive that Prince Arthur would look in their direction…but he was sure he was just imagining that. Arthur was not looking at 'him' specifically, that was just too preposterous considering the many other people that had congregated around the fence line. Unless it was not as preposterous as he thought it was…Lancelot swallowed hard, and then he reached up to tug at the chainmail Gwen had fitted around his neck in order to protect his throat…he wasn't used to such clothing. Wasn't used to being so tightly restrained…how was he meant to impress Arthur if the outfit, amazing as it was, made him feel slowed down?

"I don't feel very much like a knight."

Lancelot said this in a very low murmur, tugging a little more at the chainmail on his throat so he could swallow-his throat was achingly dry-without it being pressed against his jugular. He felt almost like a child playing dress up, a man wearing clothes that had not been meant for him, or using a stranger's in order to pass as something he wasn't. And with the way Arthur kept glancing over to them-he really was being ridiculous, he knew he was. He just couldn't stop the ridiculousness though-he was positive that Arthur was seeing right through his little charade. Looking right past the armor and the embellishments and even the crest Gwen had painstakingly sewed onto the front, and seeing the normal peasant man that rested beneath it. Just because Merlin and Gwen had found a way to 'dress him up', it didn't make him a knight. He was positive that none of the other knights had pit stains forming under their arms before their major testing…and just because nobody else had looked twice at him, didn't mean he would be able to trick Arthur like this. Arthur was a bloody prince, surely he'd be able to sniff Lancelot out as the imposter that he was, and considering the amount of weight he was losing by the sweat alone, Lancelot was making this way too easy for him.

"You're going to be fine."

Merlin said to him, and swatted away Lancelot's hands for himself before he was going back around and readjusting the chain mail so that it rested just a bit more easier on his neck…Lancelot released a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. Okay, yeah. Merlin was surprisingly good at making all the little readjustments that had been needed to be made here and there. Lancelot may have even wanted to ask him where he learned how to work with armor, as it didn't seem like the kind of task a physician's nephew would've been given at some point. If his eyes wasn't already scanning the crowd that stood behind a second fence on the opposite side of the field. There were less people that stood on that side, but from the long gowns and fancy tunics, Lancelot could easily tell that was where the more 'noble people' had decided to stand. Which was exactly why Lancelot was watching them…maybe he could try to emulate one of them when he went before Arthur after his training was done…if he did not throw up all over the field and get kicked out for being unable to handle his own intestines.

But there was also another reason that Lancelot was watching the field's…

"The Consort isn't here, is he?" Lancelot asked, barely noticing the way Gwen had caught her breath, and the way Merlin's fingers had frozen on his nape, or the way Arthur was sending those same fingers a heated glare that could have melted straight through his armor if given a chance. Perhaps he would've seen all the signs that something was wrong, if he hadn't been over analyzing all of the nobles, craning his neck around in order to find one of the men that might stand out to him. Somebody who stood as if the entire world belonged to him, a confidence that betrayed how important his role was to the entire city. There was one man Lancelot thought might've been him, but considering there was a noble girl hanging off his arm, he figured it probably wasn't. Would the consort be wearing a crown, or something more fancy than the rest to indicate the far higher status he had? Or would he be dressed down…it was impossible for him to pick out the consort, if he was even there in the first place. Everybody over there seemed to be wearing the latest of styles, each more elaborate than the last of them. "I've never actually seen him in person, and nobody that I talked to seems able to tell me what he looks like. Some have told me he's as blond as the prince was, but another told me he's a darker creature. Another person told me he's tall, but another told me he's smaller and delicate. And one even told me he's as ordinary as they come! But I don't know myself…I really hoped he would be here. So I can make a good first impression…"

Though really, Lancelot thought as he tightened his hands around the piece of parchment hard enough for him to hear it starting to crumble, missing the way Gwen sent Merlin a concerned look behind his back, perhaps it was actually a good thing that the consort wouldn't be here to witness this. He already felt as if he was going to make a fool out of himself in front of the prince, felt as if he was going to be laughed out of here in front of Guinevere…what if he ended up dropping his sword when Prince Arthur came at him during their spar? What if he forgot how to do something as simple as blocking his opponent's attack, so it opened up the nearly healed wound on his side? Merlin hadn't patched him up just to watch Lancelot die on the battle field…perhaps that was also only the worse case scenarios' coming at him. He wasn't going to die during a simple training test…maybe if he got caught in his lies, but not from the test itself. God, all of that though…it would've been humiliating if the consort saw that and scoffed at him. Lancelot had always been told that it was never a wise thing to actually meet the one you admire, because they have a way of ruining that admiration for them. But Lancelot had a feeling, if anything, it would be the Consort who'd find him lackluster in his delivery…

"Don't worry, Lancelot." Merlin suddenly said near his ear…the very same man who was a darker creature, and tall while being slim and delicate, and looked as ordinary as any commoner had any right to be…placing a hand somewhere on the square of Lancelot's back in order to keep his balance. The weight that came with Merlin's hand was grounding, easing some of the muscles that kept going tense…comforting in a way Lancelot didn't know he could be with a man he'd just met. "I'm sure you've make a great first impression with the consort. And no matter what actually happens out there on the field, I'm sure that the consort won't think any less of you, and will be very pleased to know that you went out there and gave it your all. And if you do fail, then that's probably because Arthur's a terrible judge of character and doesn't know what he's talking about."

Lancelot released a surprising bark of laughter at that quip about the prince, but he supposed a royal concubine could get away with such talk…but it was also easy for Merlin to talk about such things. He wasn't about to go out there and be tested in front of a dozen strangers who would take any excuse to take him apart where he stood. He wasn't about to stride up to the very Prince and speak to him as if Lancelot, a simple commoner, had every right in the world to talk to such an elite member of society. He wasn't possibly going to meet the consort for the first time at some point, if by some miracle Lancelot managed to pull this off, after spending months scouring for any newly spoken story or tale on what the consort had done in order to secure the safety of the kingdom itself. He wasn't about to…go into cardiac arrest if the slightest thing would go wrong today…Lancelot, with the way he was feeling, would be lucky to say one word to the prince. His tongue felt so heavy and swollen and thick, it would be a miracle of itself if he could say 'hey' let alone the whole speech he'd talked himself through when he'd been getting dressed.

"Don't mind Merlin, you're really going to do a great job. And sure, I may not have seen you fighting, but Merlin doesn't say someone's good when they are not. I'm sure you'll be just fine." Gwen's soft voice tickled his ears, and her soft hand landed on his forearm, giving him a reassuring squeeze. Lancelot looked down at her dark skin contrasting with the silver of the armor…Gwen was slim and soft all over. And her faith in Lancelot was almost too much, as had Merlin been. Lancelot bit back an ever worrying sigh…Merlin had seen him fighting a strange creature. That had been a life and death situation, and he didn't know how Merlin could keep encouraging him considering he had been injured while doing it. A whole testing thing…was completely different. It forced Lancelot to think before, instead of relying on instinct and intuition…made him feel as if he was about to psych himself out. "I wasn't kidding when I said Camelot Knights could use somebody like you on their side. They get so in their heads, that it'll be comforting to know somebody more…down to earth will be looking after the rest of us…"

A pretty blush erupted down Gwen's face, bringing out the caramel coloring of her eyes as she looked away, as if embarrassed by her sweet words. Lancelot could feel himself blushing as well, glancing down at his feet with a small and shy grin…how had he managed to do this? To meet not one, but two people in only a couple or days within the city, who could make him feel so much. With Merlin and his never wavering faith that everything was going to work out, and with Gwen being the sweetness that soothed some of Merlin's exuberance…he might feel like he was about to kneel over any minute now. But he knew exactly how lucky he had been to have met Merlin and Gwen…he would have never got this far without them. Wouldn't be about two seconds away from living out his life long dream. Wouldn't be two seconds away from making something out of himself…making his long dead parents proud of the man he'd become…being a red clad figure on horseback that people looked too for help and guidance as their entire worlds were coming crashing down around them.

He could do this…

He knew he could…

He hoped he could…

Lancelot felt some of his nerve returning, and he wanted to do something that was meaningful before he lost it, as he turned back to Gwen. Maybe he could ask her this time…permission for him to kiss the delicate bones of her knuckle. For luck before his big fight. He had just done it the last time, had practically thrown himself at her actually, and possibly stolen something she might've not wanted him to have. But he could rectify that situation by asking her now…the warrior did not believe he could be rewarded with anything that would be more worthy than a simple kiss…it would be bold of him, yes. But at least Gwen may have an inkling of what his intentions were…Lancelot opened his mouth just as something caught the corner of his eye, and something else entirely came out instead.

"Who is that?"

Lancelot's question seemed to have caught both Gwen and Merlin by surprise, as they followed his gaze out across the field to where the dozen or so nobles watching were still standing. Lancelot didn't even know how this one woman had stood out amongst all the other nobles, but she was certainly a sight. But maybe it was her choice of clothing that had caught his eye…most of the other ladies were wearing thick gowns that draped over every inch of their skin, and were mostly in various shades of red. But this woman's dress was a light shade of purple…lilac? Perhaps…and it was clearly cut to form against her body in a way that was surprisingly daring for a noble woman. Lancelot wouldn't say she had caught his eye for that reason though…her clothing left very little for one to imagine. And honestly…Lancelot thought he preferred Gwen's sweet, caring demeanor compared to any flash of skin that might've been shown close to his direction. Or maybe that was what had caught his attention…how rude the girl in lilac was being. She was the only one amongst the crowd of nobles that was not bothering to look at the hard work the knights were clearly putting into the training. She was hanging off to the side, looking as if she was gossiping, the way she was grinning proudly of herself was a pretty strong indicator, to one of the older noble ladies, who looked as if she wasn't actually paying attention to what the lilac girl was saying. What was the girl even doing here? If she was going to show such blatant disrespect for the soldiers that kept her safe? If all she wanted to do was gossip, surely she could've found another place, a place that wouldn't desecrate the training lands.

"Ugh, don't even get me started on her. That's Lady Clarissa Beckett, the first born daughter of the Beckett family, and somebody you should probably look out for. Her uncle was some kind of important general back in the day, so she isn't somebody you want to piss off. Even if she's making googly eyes at you when you're with somebody else, it's best to just do what she says. And while she apparently does have an estate she can return too, she has decided she's happy to stay in Camelot for some length of extended time, though it looks as if she doesn't plan to leave for quite some time." Merlin ranted off with a quick succession that completely stumped Lancelot, as he looked at Merlin with the surprise etched onto his features. Merlin had spoken as if he knew the woman quite well, and she had clearly not left a good impression…what could a noble woman have done to upset somebody as kind and as earnest as his new friend Merlin was…Lancelot even glanced over to Gwen as if she'd be able to shed a little bit of insight onto this. But Gwen had covered her face with her hands, as if she wasn't even the least bit surprised by Merlin's ranting, and maybe just a little bit exasperated with it all. "She's also Arthur's little girlfriend, so that is a reason by itself not to piss her off. Will probably feed him all kinds of crap that will make you look bad if you step on her toes. Heaven forbid somebody who is actually meant to be 'with Arthur' do what he's supposed to without her going and getting in the way."

Lancelot did a full double take on Merlin, his eyes blown wide at his attention was finally taken from the men on the field, but Merlin looked as if he's being nothing but completely serious. He wasn't even looking at Lancelot, too busy glowering at Lady Clarissa as if she had done something that was offensive to him…but perhaps maybe she had. Maybe Merlin had been the first concubine to be chosen by Arthur, maybe Arthur had made Merlin feel as if he was really special for being that one, and then Arthur went and…choose to fraternize with a second partner. Perhaps not a concubine as well, a noble woman would have clutched at her chest for the mere suggestion that SHE remove her clothing to get the luxuries she should be given by the designs of her birth, but definitely somebody who had gotten Arthur's attention…attention…wait a minute…

"He's got a husband AND two-" Lancelot nearly screamed this in his shock and it garnered the attention of several people who were standing too close to the little group of three for comfort, but Lancelot clamped his mouth shut when he received strange looks from both Merlin and Gwen. He darted his eyes away a little in his embarrassment…he knew very little on the…etiquette…that must've came with talking to a royal concubine. But he knew enough to know shouting out Merlin's profession like that, something he seemed as if he wanted to keep quiet about, was probably a stupid move. He couldn't know if the people that may overhear him might react badly…it could cause a riot if they were as loyal to the consort as Lancelot wanted to be. But…he also didn't want to betray his new friend like that. Merlin didn't even KNOW Lancelot knew what he was, he didn't want 'this' to be the time he admitted to knowing…Lancelot cleared his throat roughly. "I mean…Prince Arthur is married to the consort, so I suppose I find it a bit strange to know he also has a girlfriend. I mean, I understand that it isn't exactly a surprise if a noble strays from their intended, but I also didn't expect Arthur to be so…public…about having a woman on the side. Camelot is …perhaps, far stranger than I imagined it to be. I suppose I simply feel bad for the consort, having to put up with…such things from his husband."

Lancelot made sure to speak in a slow and careful tone, trying to choose more careful words than he otherwise would've, looking out the corner of his eye to try and gauge Merlin's reaction…did Merlin feel bad for basically doing just the same as the woman? Did he often talk to the consort with the same smile that spread across his face when he talked to Lancelot, and then walked straight to Arthur's bedchambers in order to tempt him into sin and adultery for the single night. It was clear that while Arthur might be an admirable leader, Lancelot felt as if he was starting to wonder more about the man behind the leader…the one that could pull Merlin into his bed and then return to the Consort as if he'd did nothing wrong. Who could turn to that woman when he was in the mood to get something else that neither man could bodily give him, and then return to the separate beds at his leisure and discretion. Merlin wasn't looking at him once again, but Lancelot could see from Merlin's profile that he seemed…incredibly sad, staring off ahead as if he was in a world entirely his own.

Lancelot bit down on his lip…he hadn't meant to upset Merlin. He just hadn't thought it was right for Arthur to be wedded to an amazing man, and then be also stringing Merlin along, while having some random woman waiting around in the wings for him. Perhaps that was why the woman was even here to begin with…Arthur was planning on disappearing with her after everything was said and done with Lancelot's testing. Leaving Merlin behind to watch…had Merlin thought his relationship with Arthur was something more than the typical kind a concubine and his master had? Did he think they had something truly more special than what Arthur was meant to have with the consort…and now he was coming to terms with Arthur being a man driven by lust rather than any kind of integrity and honor. A real man would've told somebody from the beginning it was never going to be anything more than a tumble between the sheets…the warrior shook his head. If his theories were true…then he wished he could do something to help Merlin…perhaps convince Arthur to relinquish whatever kind of hold he had on Merlin. Let him know that it wasn't nice to keep Merlin tied to him like this, while watching his other lovers prancing about in front of him…

"Don't bother feeling bad for the Consort. He's…made of stronger stuff than all of this. He really doesn't care much about what Arthur wants to do with his spare time. He just…he's moved on. Has more important things to worry about than something that was never meant to be." Merlin said quietly, pushing back his shoulders as some kind of resolve fell over his face…making himself look a bit taller. Lancelot frowned, his brows furrowing in the middle of his forehead…he was sure he was missing something. Especially when he saw Gwen nodding her head encouragingly, an equally sad smile on her face…he was clearly out of the loop here. But Lancelot supposed that happens when one is the newest guy in town…he missed what other people already knew. And Merlin and Gwen probably had first row seats to whatever drama had been happening between Arthur and his…extremely large sexual appetite that had him keeping three-he hoped it ended with three-people waiting to be the one chosen for the night. It was good though, Lancelot supposed…that the consort was strong enough to deal with something like that. Lancelot knew he would be devastated should he be lucky enough to find somebody-Gwen-dumb enough to marry him only to find them in the arms of another later on. And while Consort shouldn't have to deal with such things…it only made Lancelot even more impressed by this mystery creature hiding somewhere in the castle. The way he could do all the things the stories had talked about, and not be taken down by what Arthur was doing to him…to him and Merlin both…and that woman, he supposed… "Gwen, could I see you for a second? Over here in privacy…it won't take a moment. We will be back before Lancelot steps out onto the field."

Lancelot felt a sudden stab of panic, hot and heavy, being buried deep into his chest as Merlin grabbed onto the bewildered Gwen's wrist and dragged her off to the side so they could talk in privacy. He watched them, seeing that neither of them had gone very far, just far enough to where Lancelot wouldn't be able to hear what they were saying. Lancelot's heart kicked into overdrive, realizing with startling clarity all over again where he was, and how alone he was with neither Guinevere nor Merlin by his side. He could hardly worry about matters that shouldn't concern him, when his testing was coming closer by the passing of minutes…his heart leaped into his throat when he looked back onto the field and saw Arthur standing in the center of his men. And this time, as a bead of sweat slid down Lancelot's hairline, there was no mistaking it…

Arthur was glaring directly at him.

X

"I really hope that everything is alright, Merlin. I mean, I know what Lancelot is saying has to be pretty upsetting, but we've got to remember he doesn't know that he's talking about you. He probably wouldn't be nearly as insensitive if he knew why you wouldn't want to talk for an extended amount of time due to the topic." His best friend Gwen started telling Merlin Pendragon the second they got out of hearing range and Merlin released her wrist. Merlin had just started to speak, but Gwen had started first and it had caught him off guard, with his voice dying in his throat…insensitive? Lancelot was a lot of things, but Merlin would have never used the word…insensitive, to describe him. Why, the other man seemed to be more attuned to what was going on around him, and all the feelings of others, than any other man Merlin had known. Which was why his brows started furrowing together in the center of his forehead, and it left his confusion apparent on his face. Gwen's comforting smile stuttered to a halt as she awkwardly said, "…About Lady Clarissa. I'm sure he would've hardly dared to mention her in your presence if he knew about the…complicated history that the two of you share."

Oooh, Merlin's mouth opened in a 'O' shape, as he finally understood where the other girl was coming from, and it was just like Gwen to worry about him over stuff like this. He honestly should've seen it coming, though 'complicated history' was probably the easiest way to put his relationship-if one could even call it that-with Clarissa. Merlin hadn't exactly liked her from the start, the way she had passed her own favor along to a married man all those months ago…it was still Arthur's fault though, considering he was the one that accepted it and tossed Merlin's neckerchief only god knows where. And then there was all the slide comments she had cooed at him, acting as if he was the one that'd been somehow bothering her when Merlin had walked in to find her hand sliding its way down the front of Arthur's pants…the way she had flawlessly slid herself in Arthur's life by having the boy dance with her in front of everybody. And don't even get him started on the way she'd smirked and laughed when Merlin had been clearly struggling to pick things like plates and silverware and the drapes and the tablecloths…the way she hadn't said a word as her friend screamed at Merlin for being a whore while she tried convincing Arthur to let her take place of Merlin in the banquet…yes. Complicated history was honestly putting it very mildly. But Merlin wouldn't exactly call himself sensitive about it…Clarissa had just always grated on his nerves. And Merlin was still waiting for the day Arthur demanded his marriage ring back so he could gift it to Clarissa…

"Gwen, to be honest, I have very little concerns about Clarissa. It's honestly just been a while since I've seen her, and I'm simply surprised she is wasting her time still sniffing around Arthur. I'm just surprised she didn't make a real move when I was still recovering from my poisoning." Merlin said, sounding as dismissively as he could, while glancing out onto the field to make sure Arthur was still occupied with his men. And yep, he was, now barking more numbers and orders at them…he was really getting rough out there. Shouting louder as he moved through the sequence faster…Merlin would've already dropped if he had to do some of those moves. "The only reason I wanted to come over here is because I've gotten you a little something. Well…I got you something that is meant for you to give to Lancelot. And you've got to give it to him now before he goes out there because I don't know when you'll get another chance to do so."

Gwen tilted her head to the side, clearly baffled by what Merlin could possibly be giving her, but Merlin stopped just long enough to spare another glance to Lancelot this time, not wanting to risk him catching on and ruining the surprise he had in-stored for them. But Lancelot's entire focus was on the field, it made a little pang of discontent go off in his chest…maybe Gwen actually had a real point about worrying for him. He always felt so uncomfortable when Lancelot started talking about 'consort this' and 'consort that' and he just knew that he was falling deeper and deeper into the pit he was digging for himself as long as Lancelot didn't know who he really was. But whenever Lancelot finally did learn his truth…he wasn't going to see 'Consort Merlin' the conquering hero he adored. He was going to see just plain, simple Merlin…a man whose very own husband disrespected him, and the sanctity of what marriage was supposed to be, everyday. A Merlin who had to live with Arthur's side piece walking out and about the castle as if she already owned the place, ready to sweep in and knock Merlin out the door just because she thought it was funny to 'take' what she thought Merlin had…fuck, was his life screwed up. But it wasn't going to be today, even with Clarissa's presence stinking up the entire field. No, it was a happy occasion and Merlin was going to fight tooth and nail to make sure it was an even happier occasion.

Which is exactly why Merlin started digging around in his pocket, and his hand curled around the silk fabric, tugging it out and holding it up for Gwen to see it properly. Gwen released a loud and shocked gasp, her eyes going wide as she brought a hand up to her mouth…Merlin grinned wildly at seeing what her face looked like. It was clear, whatever Gwen had been expecting, it wasn't for her to be presented with a favor. Because honestly, what else could the silk fabric have been other than a favor? And not just a scrap of cloth, but one that had actually been handmade, with sewn embellishments to spruce it up. The silk blue was completely translucent, and Merlin could even see his hand through the fabric…it had golden threads making swoops and swirls along the edges of it and ending on one corner with a bright yellow butterfly that looked as the wings were in mid-flap. Madame Teresa had truly outdone herself with having done this one, and Merlin couldn't have been more pleased with the results. It was feminine and beautiful, and much better than the ratty neckerchief he had once given to Arthur. Hell, if Merlin had just bitten the arrow and gone to Lady Teresa in the first place, maybe Arthur wouldn't have bothered trading his out for something that was more…girly and delicate. Instead of boisterous or loud.

At least he would've still had his red neckerchief…

"Do you really think I didn't notice the looks you and Lancelot have shared the moment I've brought him to your house…I don't think I have seen you smile at anybody as much as you've smiled at Lancelot. And if I know anything, it's that he's just as smitten with you as you are with him." Merlin said boldly, grinning wider as he watched the blush spreading along Gwen's face to make her look like a heated tomato. But Gwen continued staring down at the favor, and made no move to actually take it from him…Merlin's hand started to waver between them and his smile started to dim…he hadn't done something wrong, had he? Merlin licked his lips, sounding a bit more uncertain when he said, "I just…I do not want to see the two of you playing around with each other when you've got the makings for something great. If Lancelot makes you happy, and he treats you well…I just thought you might want to go for it. And what better time would it be to make a declaration than giving him one of these, I mean…knights think favors are very important, right? A way of giving luck…and it's romantic too…is it not?"

Merlin continued to sound uncertain, scrambling his mind for everything that he knew about favors, which…was very little in the long run. What information he did have, came from George, back when the man had first became his own manservant, before he had fired him in a spark of rebellion against Arthur and his royal stuffiness. But from what Merlin understood, favors always carried a sort of…romantic sense to it. Given from one lover to another…it had been the impression Merlin had gotten when George had been explaining it to him. The whole reason he had tried passing his neckerchief off to Arthur to begin with…but perhaps he had also simply overstepped his bounds here. Maybe his best friend hadn't liked Lancelot as much as Merlin thought she did…no. That could not be right. Merlin wasn't blind. He knew when two people started liking each other, it wasn't exactly something either of the two have tried to hide. Maybe it was because Gwen…didn't feel ready to start something like courting? After all her misery when she'd been locked down in the cells for witchcraft…maybe he had pushed her too hard and too fast. And that…that made Merlin so incredibly sad, thinking about Gwen holding herself back like this when there was a really awesome guy right in front of her, who might not wait around if he didn't know there was something there…

"No…no…I mean, yes. Favors usually are romantic, how a woman can express their intentions with a knight of their choosing. And it's very beautiful, really. I do not recall seeing one of such beauty before, but…" Gwen's hand reached out and hovered over Merlin's, as if she was contemplating just how bad she wanted to pick it up and claim it for herself, just as Merlin intended. But then she apparently made her decision, and shook her head before taking Merlin's hand and folding his fingers over the cloth, making him keep it in hand. "I'm so sorry, Merlin. I simply cannot accept this. It's too much…I would never be able to pay you back. A simple peasant girl like me…nobody would believe that I'd be able to afford something so beautiful, let alone actually meet a knight that would accept something like this from someone like me…"

Merlin had been feeling discontented at first…confused…lost in a way he could honestly say he hadn't been in a while…but Gwen's insecurities played vividly on her face, as she was unable to hide or mask them when faced with Merlin. And Gwen glanced back over her shoulder to where Lancelot was, looking so sad, as if she truly thought Lancelot would turn her favor down if she tried to give him one. It didn't take Merlin long though, before the similarities between Merlin and Arthur started aligning themselves with Gwen and Lancelot, and he almost wanted to let loose a bark of laughter…money. That was all this was. It was about money. Just how many times had Merlin turned Arthur down as the prince offered him luxuries he never would've had before, because Merlin and his pride refused to allow Arthur to take care of him as if he was a gold digger who was only after his money. And while Gwen was the last person anybody in the world would see as a gold digger, it didn't mean she didn't have the same hang ups about money that Merlin did. They were the same, in that regard. As they both were used to working for every coin they made, used to scrubbing or planting or washing to make ends meet…things didn't just get handed down to people like Merlin and Gwen. But…while Merlin might not like admitting this, he WAS in a unique position to help Gwen out. And…why shouldn't he? Arthur may have paid for the favor, but as far as Merlin was concerned…he would like to see it being considered monetary compensation for Arthur not listening to Merlin and locking Gwen up in the first place.

"Gwen, I want you to take this. I want you to take this in your hand, march up to Lancelot, and tell him you wish him luck. If he's got any brains, he'll know exactly what you are trying to say when you hold up this favor. And I won't be expecting you to pay me back for this. It's a gift, from the…Royal Consort of Camelot, to the royal handmaiden of the king's ward" Merlin said firmly, trying to sound as if he was somebody actually important, pushing back both of his shoulders in an effort to play the part. Leaving no room for argument. After all the things Gwen had done for him, after all the pain she'd unknowingly suffer from because of him…a single gifted favor was really the least that Merlin was able to do. Arthur had been begging Merlin to use his money on something, so he couldn't possibly throw a fit after he got the bill for it…right? But with Gwen still hesitating, Merlin released a mighty sigh before turning serious, "Look, I don't think you should think too much about this one. It's simply a gift, and it'll probably look really good on Lancelot. But he'll probably be extremely happy if it came from you. But if it makes you feel better…I didn't pay for it. Arthur did, and can you imagine the look on his face once he realizes his money has been spent on a peasant girl? I bet it's something I'd wish I had a portrait taken of…"

Merlin's final joke there at the end seemed to have the desired effect, as Gwen released a small and shy giggle, the first of what Merlin hoped would be many more to come. He didn't hear Gwen laughing nearly as often as he thought she should be. And besides…this was a moment for the record books…the day that Merlin Fucking Pendragon, Consort of Camelot, finally gave in and allowed him self to use Arthur's money. All for the greater good, of course. Somebody had to kick Gwen and Lancelot's butt's into shape…how else was Merlin going to live vicariously through them and their romantic relationship, if they were still dancing around each other a year from now. No…not on his watch. If there was anybody that could help Gwen leave the tight shell she had cocooned herself in after her tragic week, it would be a man that would jump into the fray for a total stranger. Just what would Lancelot do if it had been somebody he liked, or maybe even loved, about to end up the chew toy for that monstrous being…

"…You really think Lancelot would accept a favor from me? I mean…he's set to become a knight. I wouldn't want to hold him back or anything…knights are not really meant for peasant girls, you know…" Gwen stuttered and came to a stop as Merlin gave her a singular look that told her how stupid she was being with all of this. Yes, he knew very well that many of the knights would turn up their noses in disgust if a peasant girl ever approached them with a scrap of fabric meant to masquerade as a favor, but as Gwen had said earlier…Lancelot's very much a 'down to earth' type of man. And Merlin didn't see Lancelot changing his personality very much just because he was a knight. It was hard trying to imagine Lancelot being as brutish as the knights could be, hard imagining the warrior knocking him down a flight of stares or slapping books out of his hand as a means of 'asserting their dominance' over him. No…Lancelot was the type to probably say something, instead of standing back and watching as all of the crap happened right in front of him. "And…this isn't exactly something that I'll be able to just jump into and hope I land on my feet. You know that I've had a few…issues in the past being around people. Expecting them to drag me off as the knights once dragged me off…I can hardly expect Lancelot to not only be interested in courting me, but also interested in dealing with the stuff that I do fear would be included if he did…"

Merlin winced as Gwen threw out there the true elephant in the room, the real reason why she was so hesitant…just as Merlin had theorized. Gwen was still so very scared of allowing herself to get close to somebody, scared that she'll grow comfortable only for them to do to her exactly what Arthur had done with her. And Lancelot, who hadn't been in the city and therefore wasn't personally affected by the after effects that still lingered in the many people who'd done the impossible and survived the great plague, wouldn't have any idea what he was getting into. Or how to help Gwen…he might not understand what's going on, might not know what the signs were for when Gwen was spiraling…he may push her when she didn't feel like talking. Might try insisting they go out when Gwen locked herself away in her closet, trying to breathe through the panic as she reminded herself she could push open the door at any minute. She wasn't locked inside like she had been in her cell. And not to mention the stigma that still seemed to follow Gwen around…even being exonerated for her crimes by the king himself hadn't stopped the rumors from chasing after her. There were some people who liked conspiracy theories and insisted Gwen really was this witch, and she had used her magic from inside the dungeons in order to keep Uther from executing her. A simple…bend the mind spell, which wasn't actually as easy as it sounded. People's minds were complicated and always changing, from what Merlin understood from his magic book, somebody needed to have a real understanding on how somebody's mind worked in order to control it as easy as the conspiracy nut jobs thought it would be.

But anyway…things had been very isolating for Gwen during those first weeks of her release…people staring at her with suspect in her eyes. Making it harder for her to buy things or just denying her service altogether. Some people even asked Morgana at some point if she wanted to have another handmaiden given to her if she was uncomfortable with Gwen working for her…Morgana had said plenty of things on that one, ranting more wild than her curls were. Merlin was pretty sure he would've flown off the handle himself, if he had bore witness to any of this. But…that had been when Merlin's depression was really starting to set in. When Merlin had started spending more and more time within the walls of his home, where he knew he would be safe. Things weren't nearly as bad as it had been for Gwen nowadays, most people having moved on as the weeks went on and Merlin did something new to distract them with, but…there might be a problem or two Lancelot would end up facing if somebody took offense to him courting a 'witch'. It was truly disgusting, the way people jumped down other people's throats for something that didn't concern them, but…it was also a very much real possibility that Gwen was unfortunately living with.

"If you truly think that Lancelot would be scared off so easily just because a few people can't get their heads out of their arses and admit you were deem innocent of all charges, than by all means, don't bother giving it to him. There is no point if you don't think Lancelot's a strong enough man to stand by you when the going gets tough. But…don't not give it to him because you think it's the right thing to do. Lancelot…he's smart. I'm sure he'll understand if you do explain what happened to you to him, and can make his own decision on rather or not he's willing to endure whatever comes. But just for the record, I don't think he'll turn you down over something like this." Merlin said, casting another glance in Lancelot's direction. Yeah….maybe Lancelot was different than the other men around this city, but…who said different had to be bad? Just like a magic user who had been cast out of the kingdom by society, who was different and had to be destroyed because of it…he didn't know how he knew this, but he could feel it in his core. Lancelot wouldn't destroy Gwen. No…he might even help her to reach new lengths in her life…or at least make her happy. And that was the only thing that really mattered…that Gwen was happy…Merlin shook his head before turning back to Gwen. And he pressed the silk blue favor into the palm of her hand, "Here. You can decide to give it to Lancelot or not, but there isn't any reason for me to hang onto it. It was meant for you."

Gwen stared down at the blue cloth that contrasted starkly against the color of her skin, and Merlin had to wonder what she saw when she looked at it…a gift from Merlin, a reminder of the friend who still wondered about how he'd ended up failing her. Or a gift to a man of her choosing…a lovely cloth that was meant to be treated with care as Gwen tied it snugly around Lancelot's bicep where it was always meant to go. Merlin didn't know which one it was, and he probably would never know, but…he was surprisingly okay with that. It wouldn't matter if Gwen's favor reminded her of her friend or her lover…just that she kept it, and made her decision. To use it as intended, or to shove it into a box and hide the thing beneath her bed until she pulled it out many years later and imagined the way things 'could've gone' if she had simply taken the chance. Merlin had just done all that he could do…he had given her the means to make her intentions clear properly. It was up to Gwen to take that final step.

"…Thank you, Merlin. For this, and…for what you said. It's really hard for me to…open up sometimes. I talk too much or I talk too little. Not outgoing enough or too involved in things I probably shouldn't be. Not many people are open to relationships that might be a lot of work, especially in the beginning. So, guess I'm just trying to say…thank you. For reminding me that some people might be worth the risk of trying. And there's only one way for me to find out whether or not…Lancelot is worth that risk." Gwen said, in her normal rambling tone, only with a note of seriousness that Merlin didn't always hear from Gwen. Her dark hand curled protectively around the favor, as if she thought Merlin might try to snatch it from her if given the chance, or perhaps she just needed something to cling onto. To remind herself that this is real. To remind herself that, though she may not have sat through the painstaking work that came with designing a personal favor…she still had her hands on one. One that had to be way more impressive than whatever scrap of fabric she could rip off the bottom of one of her old dresses. Gwen took a few steps back, as if she was about to go and do it before Lancelot got called out onto the field, but at the last second, the girl stopped and turned back around to Merlin. "Oh, and…I think you should go on ahead and tell Lancelot who you really are soon. You know it's not going to go great if he finds out because somebody told him, instead of hearing that type of news from you first. If…if this works out, then…hopefully we'll see Lancelot more often than not. And I don't want any friction between…you and…well…you do know I would choose you if he decides he can't handle it, right? Because as my best friend…you are more important than any man. I just hope that we can …avoid any issues from coming up over this."

There were so many things Merlin could've unpacked with this statement…the consort knew that Gwen was absolutely right. It really had been a miracle that Lancelot hadn't found out who he was yet, but it was only going to be a matter of time before Lancelot was told the truth…before he fought somebody calling Merlin 'my consort.' Or before he saw one of the servants approaching Merlin to inform him the prince needed him in a 'consort' capacity. Or before Merlin got food delivered to his home right in front of him, courtesy of Arthur for the millionth time. Or before…any number of variables happened that caused him to put the dots together…he would need to speak the truth himself. And soon, if he had any hope of keeping how betrayed Lancelot would feel as low as he possibly could…but he wanted to at least wait until the training test was over and done with. It would've been selfish of Merlin to say something like this just before he went out there, knowing it was big enough news that it could cause him to fail to distraction…

But Merlin didn't say a word, he gave Gwen a grim sort of smile and sent her on her way. And he kept holding onto the warmth that spread across his core…he hadn't considered Gwen's soon to be relationship may be something that may upset his dynamic with Gwen. But it was still nice to know that adding another member to their group really wasn't going to change anything. Gwen would be his friend always, no matter what the future held or what they were going to be struck down with…Gwen would always be on his side. Just like she should be…

If only Merlin knew what was about to happen…

Perhaps he would've decided to tell Lancelot now, rather than allowing how he did find out to happen…