This chapter is dedicated to Jacquelyn, who wanted to see Arthur's thoughts on Merlin wearing the gold tunic. ;p

And Jacquelyn, also wanted to see Uther insisting Arthur take Merlin on a 'date' in the marketplace so they could be seen together, which will be included further down the page ;p

X

Arthur had been having a very rough twenty four hours since he had last seen his consort…he had even forgotten to warn his knights watching the boy to be more discreet so Merlin wouldn't realize they were there, and yes, he was fully expecting Merlin to kill him for that the next time they met…but Arthur was just as willing to throw Merlin under the carriage as well. It was entirely his fault for Arthur having this rare scatterbrained moment. It was entirely Merlin's fault he had to keep asking people to repeat themselves because he had zoned out in mid-conversation. Merlin was the reason he spent more time playing with his meals than actually eating them, staring off in a daze. And it was Merlin's fault Arthur had gotten little to no sleep the night before, staring blankly at the roof of his canopy with flashes of gold dancing before his eyes

Gold.

Gold.

Gold…

So much fucking gold.

It wasn't all that long ago, that Arthur had wanted to indulge in his fantasies of seeing Merlin decorated with gold. He wanted to see how Merlin's skin looked when it was washed in the golden reflection. He wanted to see Merlin parting his lips as he sat innocently on Arthur's bed, waiting for the prince to give him some proper attention, pale skin glowing under the decorative adornments the prince would have made from him. The golden collar only the first of the many trinkets, that would capture Arthur's attention as Merlin's Adam apple bobbed in his attempt to swallow past it. With a golden chain attached to the front and the heavy length falling somewhere between his naked thighs…gold, gold, and more gold.

It wouldn't be enough.

Arthur would want to decorate Merlin more, see which parts of him would glow under the shine of the gold…Arthur suspected there wasn't a single part of his consort that wouldn't be a sight to marvel at. Golden bangles would decorate his consort's slim wrists, little decorative gold bells making this most teasing and airy sound as Arthur took them in hand. Golden armbands around Merlin's biceps that would draw Arthur's eye…Arthur would spend many nights with his face pressed up against that armband trying to determine if he could smell the gold or if it was just Merlin's natural scent trying to taunt him. Fuck…there may even be a chance Arthur would hold Merlin's delicate little ankle in his hand to slide golden anklets around each one. Marking each limb as something Arthur knew belonged to him.

Fuck.

Arthur Pendragon had assumed he had put such horrendous thoughts out his mind…they weren't appropriate thoughts to have when his relationship with his consort was so fraught with tension. They weren't appropriate to have, since it was a distraction, that might screw him up if it lingered in his mind as he made his next attempt to fix things with Merlin. It was somehow even more horribly inappropriate considering the taste of Merlin still kept him up at night when he laid in bed. Somehow, the idea of Merlin sitting naked on his bed with gold on each of his limbs-perhaps with Arthur's name engraved on the insides-felt far stranger than it had now that he knew what Merlin tasted like…inappropriate or wrong or…strangely still appealing all the same.

Because damn it!

Merlin had to go and wear that stupid golden shirt in front of him…Arthur had not even known Merlin had such a tunic in his possession! And then he shows up and goes walking around the village in that thing! He may as well have been a steak dinner waving himself in front of a dozen starving dogs who was more than willing to jump on him the second he…second he…second he bloody went and flashed himself! Arthur was surprised, too stunned by what Merlin showed him, that he hadn't reacted in time to grab Merlin's jacket and jerk it back shut to prevent others from catching a glimpse of such a sight. Though Arthur was also surprised he wasn't one of the mangy dogs that would jump on Merlin the second he…offered himself up like that! To do…to do…Arthur didn't know what he would have done if he managed to snap out of it before Merlin had stormed away from him on the training fields. He just knew after Merlin had left and the opportunity was missed…god, he had wanted to TOUCH.

He had honest to god wanted to reach out and touch the gold barely covering his consort's top half…the gold that clung to him as if it meant to be a second skin…wanted to feel the silken smooth tunic that flowed between his fingers as he tugged on it. Watching it snap back into place when he let go of it. Leaving his consort twitching, making Arthur wish to tug it down just far enough to see if the snapping tunic had left a little red line against Merlin's skin. God, he had dreamed about how good Merlin's skin, with all his dark hair and dark eyes and pale coloring, would look in gold. For months on end he had thought of almost nothing else other than what Merlin's skin would look dressed in gold, and the results had been exactly what he had imagined it would be.

Absolutely, breathtakingly, beautiful.

But then one's eyes traveled to more…indecent areas, and Arthur just wanted to bash his skull into a rock to escape the image burned deeply in his retina's. Or better yet…have a portrait of Merlin's…indecent area made up just for him. Something Arthur could hang on his wall to gaze at whenever Merlin wanted space from him…swollen. Fucking hell. Merlin's nipples had looked as if they had been bloody swollen, poking up through the fabric as if they were trying to urge Arthur to drop his head against them. So he could feel the little bumps against his cheek, so he could feel the little peaks rising as Arthur got close enough to blow hot air against the fabric. And maybe…maybe if he laid himself close enough, his lips would just barely brush against the peak…such an innocent touch that could be passed off as accidental. At least until Arthur could resist the urge no longer and sucked the peak into his mouth, hearing a startled meow from Merlin as Arthur hungrily traced his tongue around it.

Fucking indecent Merlin would be.

Fucking delicious Merlin would be.

As if he could suck the gold from Merlin's tit straight through his tunic.

Like a babe sucking hungrily at his mother's…

Arthur had a feeling he could have lived there forever, his hands holding onto Merlin's hips to hold him still as Arthur laved at him through his tunic. Wetting the tunic until the cloth became sheer enough to see the swollen peeks trying to throb achingly under his ravenous attentions. He would alternate inbetween the two peaks, not wanting either one to feel as if he was neglecting it in favor of the other…fuck. He would feel his tongue catching along the nipple when it became too hard beneath, Merlin squirming as he cried sweet tears and kept begging for Arthur to stop as the over sensitivity started becoming far to much for him to handle. Though the way his body reacted, arching his back to press himself and his swollen nipples into Arthur's awaiting mouth, the gold bagels jingling as Merlin stretched his arms high above his head to claw desperately at the sheets looking for some kind of handhold, would tell Arthur a story that was far different from what he said he wanted.

Swollen peaks…

Swollen peaks…

Swollen, throbbing peaks…

More prominent and noticeable than a woman deciding not to wear the corset they were supposed too. Something so easy for Arthur to reach over and pinch at the nubby flesh whenever he wanted too. In the middle of a dinner he would convince Merlin to join him for, in the mornings when Arthur first came across him, in the afternoon when Merlin interrupted him during his training…perhaps Merlin would even get to the point where he opened his jacket and allowed the prince to take his fill. To rub those already hard peaks through his tunic, which would leave him wondering if they were a vibrant red color by the time he was done.

They would be so sore to the touch.

So painful to the slightest shift of his tunic.

So sensitive that Merlin would WANT Arthur to distract him with more touches.

Until Merlin would encourage Arthur to twist the little peaks as hard as he was able too, more meows dragging from his red lips as Arthur played him like one would play an instrument. He would tug them away from the flesh, pinch them into life as the blood flowed to them, flick and flick and flick under the two tiny peaks teasing him almost gave him something to live for. Curiosity would drive the prince into getting his answers…how loud would pinching Merlin's nipples make him? How frantic would he shift about? Would he seek Arthur out just to be relieved from the constant aching in his chest. And more importantly…

Was the silk cloth the reason for Merlin's predicament?

Or did Merlin's regular clothes cause the same effect, hidden from Arthur by the jacket he always wore.

Now THAT, was the question Arthur needed to know. If Merlin always walked around his kingdom with his nipples thick with blood and Arthur had been too dumb to see it. Or if it was the silk from the gold tunic that caused Merlin and his body to respond. The prince couldn't remember if the black tunic he had wore for the banquet last month did the same thing or not…he had gotten too distracted by Merlin's collarbones. And then the whole…poisoning had taken up much of his time. But god, Arthur would order Merlin a good fifty tops with fifty varying colors to decorate him with, made out of the same material, if it gave Arthur a show every time he saw him.

If only Merlin would allow Arthur to bite on them.

If Merlin would allow Arthur to make them raw.

If Merlin would allow Arthur to draw little beads of blood to form on the tips.

If Merlin allowed Arthur to ruck it up beneath his underarms for more tasting…

If Merlin would allow Arthur to train his body until his nipples couldn't go one single minute without something making them aching hard…fuck. Arthur didn't know if he wanted to weep or if he wanted to track Merlin down for something he knew wouldn't actually happen. Merlin was never going to let Arthur come near him, and Arthur was never going to have his curiosities satisfied…

But by god, he could just imagine how Merlin's body would react if Arthur got a proper chance to train it. Merlin wouldn't be able to change without crying as his tunic brushed raw nipples, pointy and hard and expecting Arthur's touch even if he wasn't there. Bathing would become torment as he tried washing his cloth over them, the stinging making him whimper and gasp as they violently throbbed beneath his hand, as if screaming because Merlin's hand wasn't the hand they had come to know. Reaching and stretching and walking and every other normal day to day activity would become something else entirely as his nipples rubbed against his tunic, still expecting to be played with…expecting Arthur to continue what he had started. He would make sure his nipples grew accustomed to sensitivity, where even the softest of breezes made his consort want to whimper as they reacted accordingly to how Arthur wanted them too.

"What creature could have done this?"

Arthur Pendragon felt as if he had just been jolted back into his body, stuck with the phantom touch of Merlin's nipple grazing hot and wonton against his tongue…it took far too long to realize his father was talking to him. And it took him far too long to realize he was thinking about…Merlin's nipples with his own father present. And it took even longer for him to realize now was probably the worst possible moment for Arthur to allow himself to get lost in the wondering that plagued him. Not when he was sitting astride his horse, standing on top of a cliff side edge that overlooked a village about an hour's ride from the actual city. An hour's ride away from Merlin and his stupid fucking swollen nipples he needed to get his lips on…Arthur swallowed hard and tightened his hands onto the reins of his horse, watching as the flames from some of those still burning huts left smoke billowing up towards the skies.

"Nobody was able to give a definite answer on exactly what kind of creature it was, though it also hasn't been the only village that's been attacked. But all of the villagers seem to agree that it was something with wings…" Arthur choked out, forcing himself to put Merlin out of mind so he could focus on the actual situation at hand. This was the second time his father and him had visited the village, the first being yesterday after the initial reports from Leon had came to their attention. But despite coming for a second look, it appeared as if not one thing had changed. There was still no physical evidence of the creature being there other than the damage it had left behind. No broken claws or feathers to prove this thing actually had wings and the villagers weren't just suffering due to some kind of post traumatic stress disorder. The same thing Merlin himself was probably suffering from…Arthur cleared his throat…stupid boy making the prince want to jump him even when he was hurting. How could that even be a real thing that happens to people? Or was it just Arthur suffering from what his golden muse liked to do to him…stupid dark angel… "Though the thing that did attack also took no actual livestock with it attacked. All of the cows and all the pigs have been accounted for. Though…several people had been deemed as a missing person's, and haven't been seen since the attack itself happened."

His father sucked in a breath at the news, but Arthur didn't take his eyes from the village beneath them. It was all too easy for Arthur to imagine Merlin being down in that village, getting his hands dirty as he talked to the peasants to get first hand accounts on what had happened. Too easy for Arthur to imagine his consort being down there with his flashy gold shirt, showing off his wealth and his status by his clothing alone…too easy for Arthur to imagine Merlin there as the creature attacked. Too easily to imagine the shine of the gold catching the creature's eye, and Merlin becoming another missing person that would never be found no matter how long they searched this entire forest for wherever the creature nested at.

"Whatever this thing is, it's developed a taste for human flesh."

Arthur sounded off to even his own ears, numb as his horse neighed between his thighs. He could just imagine Merlin being a target of this beast because 'Arthur' decided to make a rule that Merlin was only ever allowed to wear the purest of golds in his outfits. Could imagine Merlin being ripped apart as this beast dug into his stomach, ripping flesh and breaking bone as it made Merlin his dinner…and all because Arthur wanted to look at golden colored nipples all his life. How did he keep falling into these aged old problems, putting Merlin in situations that could hurt him for Arthur's own selfish desires…it wasn't going to occur to Arthur till hours later that he hadn't 'actually' put his consort's life in danger. Or at least, he hadn't put his consort's life in danger this week. But at least his father had his head in the mission when Arthur himself was clearly lacking the headspace needed to put their next actions into motion.

"We're going to have sentries placed in all the outlying villages and we need to inform the lookouts to be on full alert. If this thing is capable of causing such outrageous destruction in one village, we do not want to see the kind of awful damage it could leave if it comes across Camelot." Uther declared, and Arthur clenched his hands around the reins of his horse hard enough for his knuckles to turn a bloodless white…Merlin. Merlin back in Camelot, not defenseless as Arthur used to say but helpless against some kind of…animal! That would take advantage of a boy small enough to grab onto easily. "We need to be prepared to defend our people until we can figure out just how dangerous this thing can be, or how hard it will be to defeat. Not knowing what it is…has probably got to be the most disturbing thing about all this."

Yeah, Arthur thought grudgingly as he tugged on his horse's reins to get it to follow Uther back down the cliff side and onto the pathway towards Camelot…because the half dozen women, men, and children who had disappeared were not as 'disturbing' as the mystery of this creature. Though he supposed…the one thing Arthur needed to worry about right now was getting back to Camelot and finding a way to escape his father. As much as he…enjoyed…Merlin in his golden tunic, it might be prudent to try convincing him to wear something else if he tried to wear it today, just in case. Though Arthur would need a better game plan than racing up to Merlin and demanding he take his shirt off…Merlin would probably hit him if he thought the prince was…being inappropriate with him again. Maybe Merlin will be more willing to indulge him in this one ask-at least until this creature's been contained-if he simply…explained his reasonings. Arthur wasn't entirely sure if Merlin was…particularly attached to that one tunic…

God. The very first time Merlin actually wore something noble of his own free will, and it had to be ruined by some random creature that decided to enter in their boarders! Arthur didn't even get to see it on Merlin for long enough, and he didn't get to follow Merlin around to see more of the way it clung onto his nipples and…good god. Arthur wanted to rub the headache forming behind his temples, he sounded like an absolute loon. Even worse, he was sounded as if he was a complete stalker. Wanting to follow Merlin around the village just for a single glimpse of his boy…stalking Merlin wasn't going to endure Merlin back to him anytime soon.

"-To Gaius, yet?" Uther was saying sometime after the two of them had lapsed into silence on the slow trot back to the village. It took Arthur by surprise and he turned back to his father confused, now see…this was what Merlin did to him, keeping him distracted and out of touch with reality, through it was no fault of Merlin's own for once. Arthur was trying to 'get away' from throwing the blame onto Merlin for simply existing….it didn't always work though. The other boy was very…conflicting, for the prince. Even when he was trying to see some things differently than he had been, Merlin just had this way about him that sucked Arthur back down his dark path…though his father must have seen the confusion on his face. And thankfully clarified himself instead of crucifying Arthur for not paying attention when being spoke too, "Gaius? I thought we discussed this when we were out here checking this village yesterday. You agreed for the best course of action to be apologizing to the man for what you did to the boy. Need I remind you 'again' how important it is for Gaius to be pleased?"

Arthur's spine went ramrod straight as he recalled the very conversation that had occurred yesterday, or at least…the bits and pieces he could recall…if the prince was this badly distracted by Merlin's new wardrobe TODAY. Then Arthur had been even worse yesterday when it had first happened…Arthur had simply agreed with pretty much everything his father had been saying without taking in most of what he was saying. Something about the village reports, and then something about the creature moving through different towns, and then there was the whole…Gaius conversation. Honestly, Arthur had spent most of Uther talking completely freaking out. His…thoughts…on Merlin today were actually tame compared to what he had been thinking yesterday. He had half thought Gaius would come racing out of nowhere trying to stab him for thinking such…colorful…things about his nephew. What could Arthur say! The guy was clearly overprotective and hated Arthur. It was only right for a man to hold a…modest amount of fear towards his husband's male relative. Who had a clear influence over his consort…it hadn't been the most pleasant of times for Arthur. Almost wondering if Gaius would try and…and…what was the worst thing the man was able to do to him if Arthur ever tried acting on his impulses…castrate him?

Yeah, Gaius would probably castrate him and Arthur wouldn't even try to stop him.

"Yes, yes, father! Of course I…of course I remember our conversation about…me apologizing to Gaius. It's just that I've been…really busy. Getting my men back into their regular training sessions!" Arthur blustered out quickly, making his excuses on the spot for why he hadn't done it yet. It wasn't like he could've just 'told' his father he was scared of what Gaius would do if he approached or what he would do if 'Merlin' had been there wearing his stupid golden tunic in front of him again…it was better for Arthur to take the coward's way out which might or might not have included…hiding in his room and rereading the reports on the creature attacks fifty times in a row. Which could actually make a good excuse at the moment, now that Arthur was thinking about it. "And with all this business with the creature and not knowing where it is, I just thought that this would be our top priority. Our men has to be at their very best if this creature does continue making a trail west towards the city. We wouldn't want to lose a man or a dozen men, just because they weren't prepared enough."

Uther made a non-communal hum beneath his breath, and Arthur wasn't sure if that was a good hum and he approves, or a bad hum and do what his father ordered him to do and go apologize. But it left Arthur feeling pretty scummy to the whole thing. It wasn't as if he didn't want to apologize to Gaius, he did. He had done an awful and terrible disservice to that entire family and the one and only honorable thing Arthur actually could do was make amends. But…he had already gotten his apologies rejected by Merlin. And he doubted Gaius would go against Merlin and accept his apology, even if only to extend the peace in-between their families. And Gaius was…actually as terrifying as Arthur learned Merlin could be, if not even MORE terrifying because of how important he was to Merlin. If Arthur screwed up apologizing to Gaius, then Merlin would never forgive him! He would be alone! Spending the rest of his days dreaming about Merlin in that stupid gold tunic while Merlin made a proper life for himself and Arthur wouldn't be involved and…he was starting to spiral down a deep, dark rabbit hole again.

Fuck.

"As important as the training for our men is, Arthur. You mustn't forget these other duties that should take just as much priority as training does. I've even done my own part to clean up your mess by inviting Gaius to join me for dinner at least once a week, families should get to know one another more when their children marry, yes? And he's somehow managed to find a clever excuse to avoid me without making it sound like an insult. I can hardly fault him when he needs to help deliver a baby the one night I had free for him to join." Uther grumbled agitatedly beneath his breath, and Arthur was almost positive that yes, his father was fully prepared to blame both mother and baby for refusing to 'hold out' on giving birth until after this makeshift dinner Uther wanted to have without Merlin and Arthur present. "Gaius is quite a hard nut to crack if he wants to be, which might mean we need to redouble our efforts onto Merlin instead. He's just a boy, willful and prideful as he is. I'm sure he will be easier to handle. You simply need to have a talk with him about how important it will be for him to leave the past in the dust and forget what transgressions you've caused him!"

The muscles within Arthur's forearm went tight and bunched up beneath his skin…that wasn't right, though he would hardly make an effort to argue against his father's apparent fool-proof idea. Uther could claim all he wanted that the problem was Gaius and him being unwilling to give an inch to the king, but the Prince himself knew the real power rested within Merlin's delicate palms. But while willful and prideful were all two words that might describe Merlin, they also felt too small to properly explain 'how' defiant the consort was…throwing open his jacket to shove his golden tunic and pebbled nipples poking out at him was only one example of his defiance. And there was no amount of 'wishful training him' that would make Merlin easier to handle. Words and begging didn't make any effort against him, as they shouldn't. Merlin needed something much more …more…if Arthur wanted to show him things were going to be different. Arthur could think of something…as long as Merlin didn't decide distracting him with his golden nipples would allow for him to escape.

"Father, I have already talked to Merlin several times in order to make things right with him. And every attempt has been met with failure or making him far more upset with me than he already was." Arthur murmured slowly underneath his breath, trying to choose his words very carefully. Lest he realize Arthur was weak enough to be distracted by a pretty sight…nipples that pretty really had no business being on a man in the first place. And Arthur really shouldn't be as upset as he was for not getting to see said nipples in their naked glory, instead of just a tunic that Arthur could have so easily ripped down the middle, frail as the fabric was, if he had wanted too. "At this point though, I…I don't know what I could do in order to gain Merlin's forgiveness. He has to be the most-" Arthur stopped and allowed a bittersweet smile grace his lips for only a second so his father wouldn't see it. "Stubborn man I have ever met in my entire life. And he will make this situation extremely…difficult."

Where once, Arthur calling Merlin stubborn would have invoked his indignation and agitation and make him furious, it now invoked something different. There was a certain…fondness, though Arthur detested such a fluffy word now being in his disposal, towards the boy and his stubbornness. Arthur had simply been kidding himself to think the gifts he sent to Merlin all these weeks was enough after the 'transgressions' Arthur had caused him. The prince felt his lip curling in disgust at the word, Uther seemed to think Arthur's actions weren't nearly as serious as they were. When Arthur himself would get down on his bloody knees and allow Merlin to beat the crap out of him if that was what he needed to earn said forgiveness. But his father would have a heart attack if Arthur had made such a suggestion…a prince got down on their knees for nobody. Then again, Arthur smirked to himself at the brief flutter of his own self defiance to his father echoed somewhere deep in his gut, he had already gotten down on his knees for Merlin. The one man Arthur would allow himself to get down onto his knees for…back when Merlin had first woken from the poison and all of his screaming had finally penetrated through Arthur's soul. But not even getting to his knees had been enough to sway Merlin's anger…what else could he do if his knees hitting the ground and gifts carefully-stupidly, if one remembered a certain red undergarment-chosen for Merlin's pleasure wasn't enough to even get his attention.

"Then you simply aren't trying hard enough, Arthur. Or Merlin would've been eating out of your palm by now just to please you. You're a prince, Arthur, so remember that. No man is more stubborn than a Pendragon is." Said Uther viciously, as if their stubbornness should be a mark of pride for their families despite the trouble Arthur's own stubbornness had gotten him into. The king though, Arthur thought as his lips pressed tightly together, feeling his father's disappointment washing over him, clearly didn't know that Merlin was nothing less than a match to Arthur. Stubbornness meeting stubbornness, the prince willing to wilt in order for Merlin to shine…a match that could stroke a flame to glory if given a chance. Arthur would give Merlin that chance, and only hope to be allowed to stand by Merlin's side as he grew into something much greater than Arthur himself had ever been. "Be happy we are even having a chance to make this right, instead of complaining of your failure. And keep pressing onto the boy on how important his cooperation is. And don't be afraid to be heavy with your delivery if the boy needs the added assentive."

Arthur's entire throat convulsed and spasmed, his ears ringing in tandem to the things he had just heard, had his father really just suggested that…Arthur get 'heavy handed' to make his consort fall back into line? Such a difference in behavior compared to when Uther had been trying to convince Arthur to make Merlin fall in love with him just a few months ago, and unbidden…the mark that once graced Merlin's face returned to mind. The beautiful array of purples and yellows stretching out across Merlin's eye like a mask, hiding the beauty even as his blue eyes turned vibrant against the shades of color…no. Arthur's chest went tight, as beautiful as the sight had been…it was disrupted by Merlin and his clear hatred of it. It would be a dream if, one day, Merlin asked for Arthur to bruise him in such a way, because he liked the marks of ownership just as the prince did. But that wasn't something likely to happen. And the only thing the prince would want to see is…himself perhaps pouring slow intricate designs on Merlin's nipples using gold that had been melted down for his creation. Seeing it harden like clay against red pebbles and Merlin hissing at the sting, but eyes bright with curiosity as he watched the little lines of gold pooling in circles to mark the flesh belonging to Arthur. There was nothing 'heavy handed' about it, a simple activity that would give and take from them both…Merlin trusting the prince to make him more beautiful than he already was. If Merlin was going to re-wake his interest in gold, then it was only right for him to allow Arthur that one thing…

"Ah, yes. Of course, you're right. Gaius will surely realize what's happened if it comes to that. And will only alienate the family even more from where we want them to be. Clearly disciplining the boy won't be an answer, though there has got to be another way" Uther grunted beneath his breath, having caught what could only be described as the ghastly expression on the prince's face to his suggestion. And Arthur felt the tightness in his chest easing up as his father dismissed his 'heavy handed' suggestion. Because as Arthur knew, giving his consort 'discipline' was never the answer. Especially when he had done not a single thing to deserve said discipline. Arthur had only wanted to for the fun of making his dominance known to the other boy, but it wasn't nearly as fun if the other boy didn't 'allow' him to do it. Making Merlin know how much stronger he was compared to himself didn't give Arthur the same…excitement, that it once had. Not when Merlin had no means of stopping it, nor enjoying Arthur taking care of everything for him. "But also, we need to be aware of the people and their perception towards all of this. How long has it been since you and Merlin got out in the same room together? People will start talking, especially now as he's up and about. So perhaps a more subtle approach would be needed if we want Merlin to start working with us instead of against you,"

Arthur didn't say a word, allowing Uther to think up possible plans that Arthur already knew he probably wouldn't be going through with. Subtly wasn't what worked on Merlin. Arthur had tried that approach a few times, and Arthur was a man of action. He needed to be able to do 'something', but not something he knew Merlin might mistake as anything else. His father wanted subtlety for the people's attention, just big enough to throw Arthur and Merlin's own apparent relationship back into their faces. But Arthur wanted to do something major or big, even bigger than gifts that ended up rejected. Something that could only enrapture Merlin's attention and make him realize there wasn't any mistaking what Arthur was trying to do…apologize. Uther could suggest whatever it was he wanted for the people, but Arthur…Arthur would need to do something that was sorely for Merlin's sake…

"How about a date?"

Uther's sudden suggestion was startling enough that Arthur almost flipped off his still trotting horse, only his quick grip on the reins was enough to stop him from toppling over. And as surely as Merlin would have found the sight of this fumble amusing, Arthur was gaping at his father…he was sure he had heard his king wrong. Pulling out chairs for Merlin and attending banquets with him…and having sex on their wedding night, as far as his father was concerned…was the extent of his romantic entanglements with Merlin. It had been only what Uther had demanded of him, to make their witnesses believe the young couple was in love. But a date was something else, a date was something Arthur couldn't pretend to do or fake to make his father pleased. It was something intimate for him and Merlin. Something more…romantic and gentle…an image appeared in the prince's mind. Of him and Merlin dressed in his stupid gold tunic, sitting at a fancy tavern across from each other. Their hands stretched out along the table to hold onto the other's, speaking in low tones of interest as their heads bowed together. The dim light of a candle perched on the edge being enough to transform the atmosphere into something…mysterious. Removed from almost the entire world, leaving nothing but the two of them in the center, unable and unwilling to take their eyes off the other even if the entire world was burning all around them…

"I've already made my mind up, Arthur, so don't you go trying to convince me it is the wrong call! People like seeing couples together, they find it…sweet…and some other nonsensical word such as that." Uther decided with this firm nod of his head to emphasize his point, and Arthur was thankful his father was no longer looking at him. He wasn't sure what his father would see on his face if he had. Dilated pupils…interest showing in the color of his eyes…he knew he'd be a right fool if he had Merlin sitting across the table from him instead of just storming away whenever he saw him coming. But Merlin across from him and not running…ample time to look at him without seeming like a creep or some kind of stalker…was almost too good a chance to pass up. Even as his stomach twisted with nerves and the constant question on 'how' he was going to insist Merlin dine with him. An apology dinner had to mean more than words, though how could he convince Merlin to sit down with him and enjoy his company for long enough to get through the main course. And Arthur couldn't just say that it was his father's idea, Merlin would think his attendance was mandatory and only him doing his duty as consort, and not Arthur actually trying something new to get on his good side. "And it doesn't even have to be anything insane that would put you into any…compromising positions. Perhaps a simple walk in the marketplace would be enough to get the people talking…make sure you are seen buying him lots of nonsense trinkets for him to decorate…himself or his room with. Maybe like the pretty little baubles Morgana favors when she goes looking?"

Oh…

Ohh…

Ohhhhhhh…

Arthur could almost feel the blush staining his cheeks when he realized Uther and him had two different versions of what this 'date' entailed. Arthur's been thinking of it as a way of getting Merlin in one place where he couldn't run off at a moment's notice, hardly considering the people who might see the two of them there together. And Uther had been thinking of it as a way of getting the maximum amount of people to see them spending time together as possible…the marketplace was the most overcrowded place in the entire kingdom, where many eyes would be on them all at once, and…as Arthur mused that over in his head, he realized it wasn't an entirely bad idea. How many times had his young consort gotten upset with him over their months together because he thought Arthur was hiding him? How many times had Merlin gotten agitated when he'd seen Arthur glancing around for fear that somebody might see them together and think-gasp-the married couple was doing these married couple things like talking to each other. And how many times had Arthur failed to give reason to Merlin for this behavior, something more substantial than 'I'm scared that the other people will think I'm gay for talking to my gay husband.'

Perhaps this was the chance Arthur needed to correct that behavior. If he was going to make things right with Merlin, than he needed to get over that petty fear and stop being scared of people thinking he's gay if he just 'walks' close enough by Merlin's side for their shoulders to brush. Or think him gay for just talking to him, for whispering poor jokes into Merlin's ear in an attempt to get a laugh from him. Think him gay if he guided Merlin over to the stall where all of those nonsense baubles and shiny objects were sold so Merlin could pick out his own apology gift, even if that included buying out the entire stall in order to catch a rare smile. Yes, Arthur was thinking as he turned to his father with an almost shark like smile, this was probably the one suggestion his father had made that wouldn't wrong him.

"I'll do it."

And that was that. The king nodded his head, as if Arthur not cooperating with what he wanted was any question at all. The two of them lapsed into silence as their horses picked up the pace…Arthur found himself quite eager to return to the city in order to try his latest endeavor on Merlin. How he was going to pull it off was still up for a debate, but Arthur would still make his attempt. Though as they got closer and closer to Camelot, as Arthur felt his stomach tighten to knots so securely he thought he might be sick…he couldn't help but recall the words Merlin had thrown at him over his shoulder when he had stormed away from Arthur in a swirl of golden silks.

"You wanted a Merlin you hated? Well, I'm going to give you one to hate.'

X

Merlin Pendragon was flushed with excitement, giddy in a way he hadn't been in quite some time. His knee, all wrapped up properly and securely hidden just beneath his pants leg, was even bouncing up and down in his excitement. This whole…experience…was so new to him, and Merlin wanted nothing more than to know everything there was about the fascinating stranger that had walked into their home. Lancelot, having woken up barely the hour before, was more interesting than he could have hoped for. The stranger, could he actually still be called a stranger?, had already been awake and moving about when Merlin had jumped down the stairs as if he was a hoard of elephants. Sitting down at the table and thanking Gaius for the early lunch…they'd both apparently ended up sleeping in that day, albeit for different reasons. Lancelot was still moving a bit more gingerly due to his injury, speaking of how grateful he was to get help for his wound and even offering to do the dishes when they were finished as a small token of his thanks. And Merlin, well…he only ate his meal whenever the aged uncle at his side pressed an elbow against him as a reminder, though at least Merlin's lack of eating was due to the handsome stranger being a major distraction.

"Now, Merlin. Are you sure you don't wish for me to stay here with you today? I know Mrs. McCau needs me now, but I'm more than willing to send her on her way if you aren't comfortable staying here by yourself." Gaius was telling him, looking displeased about having to leave Merlin alone with a man that HE still considered a stranger, even as he gathered his physician's bag. And the elder peasant woman who had came seeking Gaius' aide for a cold her husband had that she was 'terrified' would start the next plague, kept giving Merlin all these odd looks. They weren't any different from the looks many of the peasants the consort had passed by during his first venture out into the world, but the little consort was pretty sure Lancelot didn't notice it. Or at least, he hoped that the other man hadn't noticed it and realized something was off about the situation he had gotten thrown into. "A simple cold is nothing that can't be dealt with by a simple tonic I have on hand. It will even probably dissipate on its own within the next few days as long as he stays on bed rest."

Merlin wasn't nearly as concern as his uncle was, eyeing Lancelot as if he was thinking the man would jump his nephew as soon as he was out of sight. And to be honest…he kinda wanted Gaius to leave at the moment. The longer that woman stood there eyeing him, the longer she might accidentally say the one thing that might tell Lancelot who he was to this city. He was just lucky that his uncle hadn't made any references to his title as of yet. No…a strong consort is going to need a healthy breakfast. Or…a smart consort knows when to take his break from studying so he doesn't get burned out. And…maybe Merlin had this second reason for wanting Gaius to leave….he wanted to be alone. He wanted to be 'alone' with Lancelot. It wasn't something Merlin usually wanted, but the consort was also fairly certain Lancelot wasn't going to turn on him within the second and try to hit him like another knight would've tried.

"Colds are very tricky things, Uncle Gaius. I wouldn't want to be responsible if a plague really could start because of this one man. We've already had enough trouble when the last one happened." Merlin waved off his uncle quickly, trying to not look as if he was trying to throw his uncle out of his own house. But the consort would also be perfectly happy if his uncle decided to take a walk…long walk…around the village after he was done giving this man his tonic. If only so Merlin could have longer time getting to know this fascinating stranger. "Trust me, I'll be fine. And besides, I'm almost positive Derrick is still hanging around out there somewhere."

Merlin was very…disgruntled about Derrick having resumed his post outside of Merlin's window sometime early that morning. But it appeared as if Gaius was thinking this was adequate enough protection for Merlin should Lancelot prove himself to be an assassin who was really here to kill Camelot's consort. Merlin wouldn't have to use magic to escape if that was the case, and Derrick would probably come running if he heard the sounds of a struggle. His uncle vacated the home after that, with a stiff 'be back as soon as I can' but the woman just hovered there for a moment. As if she wasn't entirely sure what she was meant to do with herself, before giving Merlin a quick tilt of the head. It wasn't quite a bow but it was more startling than the glares or dismissive attitude Merlin was usually given by the servants.

Merlin held back a flinch when the door slammed shut behind them, and not entirely certain what that whole thing was about…probably more nonsense about what Leon had told him earlier. About him getting the servants attention after nearly dying for their prince…or something like that. Though Merlin was more interested in Lancelot than trying to discern why a servant-or anybody, for this matter-would want to give him attention. But when Merlin turned back to look at Lancelot, he could see the other man staring at where the woman had just stood. And the consort felt his stomach twisting in panic…maybe Lancelot was far more observant than Arthur was. Because he had clearly seen the woman's motion and didn't know what to make of it. Merlin's mind went wild in order to start a conversation that would drag Lancelot's attention away before he could think about it too much, but the warrior spoke before he could.

"Who's Derrick?"

Merlin almost jumped at the unexpected question…it had been a long time since he had talked to somebody other than Gwen, or Morgana, or Gaius and he felt almost out of practice with how conversations worked…it took him this long minute to realize how Lancelot knew that name. And he almost wanted to bash his own skull against the kitchen table…stupid, stupid, stupid Merlin had been. He had wanted the woman to leave before she said anything that could be incriminating to his own secrets, and then he had gone and may have just given it away himself! What was he supposed to tell Lancelot? That Knight Derrick was the knight assigned to be his bodyguard today because he had a husband who could afford to sick Knight's on him whenever he was struck by the urge? That he had a husband obsessed with him who didn't know when to back the fuck off? No…he couldn't say that. As far as Lancelot would need to know, Merlin thought as his hand absentmindedly went to where his wedding ring would have been, he wasn't even married…Merlin was sure Arthur would be thrilled about that. But that only gave Merlin more reason to lie to Lancelot via omission.

"Oh, he's just an old friend." Merlin said quickly, voice rushed and hurried as he flippantly waved his hand, wrenching it away from where his wedding ring once sat just in case Lancelot might realize why Merlin was tracing around the one finger. Even now, after all these weeks of not wearing it, if he looked close enough, he could see a very slim line around his finger. A difference in the skin color after the spot got no sun at all for three months. As smart as this warrior already seems to be…Merlin didn't want to give him any reason to suspect that Merlin might not just be the friendly nephew of the kingdom's physician. He'd like to keep his identity secret for as long as he could, wanted to enjoy any kind of conversation that wasn't stifled or snarled at him because of his status, "He is kinda a freak. Likes to stand around and stare at places for these very long periods of time. He's not all quite there in the head. Today it seems as if he's chosen Uncle Gaius' home."

Merlin feels a little pang over the clear lie, knowing he's blabbering a bit while hoping Lancelot didn't catch on, but there's very little he can do other then tell the truth over why there's a guard standing outside. Lancelot was unconscious when Derrick had helped them get him inside, so as long as he didn't look out of Merlin's window, which he shouldn't because what reason would the warrior have to be in his room, then he also didn't need to know Derrick was a knight of this kingdom. As long as Lancelot didn't see Derrick in his armor and his red cape and his weapons then…he need never know…and this all suddenly felt as if Merlin was hiding too many secrets from his new friend. Hiding that he was a consort, hiding that he was married, hiding that he was being watched…so far, it seemed as if the only thing Merlin had been honest about seemed to be his own name! It…wasn't much of a basis considering the friendship Merlin hoped to cultivate with Lancelot…

"And you're alright? After everything that happened when the creature tried to attack you?" Lancelot asked, moving on from Derrick with this relative ease, as if he didn't recognize Merlin's lies for what it was. Merlin wasn't exactly sure if that was a good thing or not, but he was more than happy to move on with the conversation change, the creature attacking had more to do with Merlin's bad luck and not because of who he was. Unless the beast was going around with the intent of attacking nobles… "And with those men who attacked you. I have not, I mean…they were knights, right? They were dressed in the armor. But I've never seen a knight behave in such a…dishonorable way. Attacking somebody who couldn't attack back-"

Lancelot went deadly quiet when Merlin Pendragon sucked in a huge breath that seemed to fill his lungs with so much air, he thought that they might try to burst inside his chest. But Merlin was in a state of shock, blinking rapidly with the new information Lancelot had shared with him. Somehow, spending hours the night before as Lancelot rested in his healing bed, this one thought hadn't came to him. Merlin had just assumed Lancelot had heard the screams coming from the beast, the thing hadn't exactly been quiet and seemed as if it enjoyed roaring at people, and had came running like the brave warrior that he was. He HADN'T realize Lancelot had gotten there even before then, and had saw what had been going on before they were attacked.

"You…you were there?"

Merlin's entire face seemed to go a ghastly pale, his hands curling into fists in-between his thighs. There was embarrassment sparking somewhere inside him at the thought…the thought of Lancelot standing somewhere deep behind the bushes, peeking over the top and watching the show. How long had he stood there, and how much had he seen…had Lancelot heard what the two men had been saying about him? Merlin tried scrambling his mind in an effort to work it out in his head, trying to figure out if the two knights had said anything about him being linked to Camelot's throne in anyway, but everything before the man had shown up and saved him felt like it was one big blur in his mind. But…why had Lancelot waited until the beast attacked before he had done anything? Did he see the way Merlin had tried fighting with his life with nothing more than a simple tree branch fetched off the ground? Did he not hear Bryon and Julian in discussions about what they were going to do with him, refusing to take him to the village where they would have to explain themselves. Was he not…was the man that sat before him not the brave warrior Merlin had hyped himself up for all this time?

"I was." Lancelot told him, and the guilt in his voice was strong enough to get even Merlin's attention, and the consort watched as Lancelot gazed down at the table, looking as if he was a kicked puppy or something. The shame looked as if it was etched into every line of his face, and every tremble that came out of his shoulders. "And I saw what they were doing and I…I kinda just stopped for a moment. I couldn't understand what I was seeing. I saw them attack and I tried telling myself that there must've been a reason…maybe you were some kind of criminal that got banished and they were…roughing you up on the way to the boarder. But you didn't look like a criminal. And…I owe you an apology, I should have stepped in sooner and did something. It's just…I thought knights were meant to be something special. Heroes and protectors. I've never…those I've seen up close never behaved the way I saw those men behaving."

Lancelot bowed his head further down to the table, his longish dark hair falling into his face to shield it from view. And Merlin pressed his lips together almost uncertain…Lancelot was bowing to him not as a consort. But as a man who had recognized he'd done wrong and was seeking to correct it. So unlike Arthur, as the prince would have done nothing other than making endless excuses to him in order to justify his outrageous behavior until Merlin literally beat the facts in his head. And even then, Merlin had to almost die just to get any kind of weird apology from him…maybe Merlin shouldn't be thinking of Lancelot as just one more Arthur. Ready to selfishly take everything the world had to offer before spitting out anybody who tried getting in his way. That clearly wasn't Lancelot, and Arthur had clearly made him paranoid…even to the point where he was left doubting a man who had made a mistake. And didn't all people make mistakes, Merlin sure knew he had made thousands in the last few months alone.

"…I suppose you'll find that not all Camelot Knights are as noble as they like to pretend to be when they're in front of the fans. For the rest of us lesser people standing in their way, we're usually nothing more than cheap entertainment to be used for their own amusement." Merlin said bluntly, and Lancelot flinched with the cruel but no less honest words. Now, Merlin didn't know if this was true for a majority of people, especially those who had taught themselves to keep their heads down for their own protection, but he had been pushed around by these knights enough times that it almost felt like his solemn duty to warn Lancelot what he could be getting into if he was planning on sticking around Camelot for a good long while. Lancelot didn't look like the usual target, all muscly and big like the knights were. But he also looked as peasant as Merlin was. Most especially now since Merlin had managed to get his clothes clean and he was able to wear his regular orange tunic rather than the monstrosity that was the golden one. But there was…something about Lancelot's expression that kept bothering him. Something about the way he was biting his lip and darting eyes off to the side as if he was trying to avoid Merlin's eyes with far more purpose than he had been moments before. "…Lancelot? What reason did you have for coming to Camelot anyway? We get merchants coming through here from time to time but a single traveler seems like something rare to come by from what I have seen myself."

Merlin supposed, objectively, he could understand why somebody would have wanted to come to Camelot. Living away from the city and just hearing stories about the great land made it seem almost like a fairytale, at least for the ones who weren't expected to be burned upon their entry. But having actually lived in the city, Merlin found it difficult to understand why anybody would actually want to come here compared to the other lesser cities hanging around. They-or just about anywhere that wasn't Camelot-had to be a better alternative to the great kingdom itself. Whatever business Lancelot seemed hesitate to tell him about, might be better concluded somewhere else. Before he got sucked into the city somehow and unable to leave, if Lancelot wasn't stuck already, as his sword had been destroyed in the fight.

"…Ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of coming here. Or seeing those great walls and knowing I've found a place where I could settle down. Becoming one of the knights that belonged to this kingdom-" Merlin straightened up, blinking at Lancelot in almost wonderment…trying to imagine Lancelot wearing the very same armor that haunted his nightmares. Strutting around with pride, that red cloak fluttering in the breeze behind him. "Has been my life's ambition for just so long…it's practically the only thing I know. And then I get here and I see the way those knights were behaving and-" Lancelot brought a hand up to his hair and shook his head, looking as if his entire world had been turned completely upside down after witnessing one very unfortunate event. "I…I just don't know what I'm supposed to think now."

Merlin didn't say anything for the longest time, his eyes never wondering away from Lancelot's form as he took all of this in…his best friend, Will, used to tell stories about how he was going to be a knight one day…before his father had gotten killed by one. But even back then, those had only been stories and little jokes, both of them had known it was something that was never actually going to happen. But then there was Lancelot, a man who had clearly trained for this dream of his, a man who could fight against that beast just as good as Bloody Arthur Pendragon could have! And despite Lancelot's earlier admission of guilt and discontent at what he had seen with the knights…Merlin could see good in the man's heart. A goodness he didn't think he had seen in the heart of a man who wore those robes as if it somehow transformed them into gods…Lancelot must have seen his expression though. And mistook his silence for amusement at his expanse, because Lancelot was standing up from the table in an instant, though he wasn't mad nor did he come at Merlin for 'making fun' of his dream …Merlin 'wished' he had a dream other than ESCAPE CAMELOT.

"I know what you must be thinking." Lancelot blustered, looking as if he was as incapable of keeping still as Merlin usually was, before finding a place in front of one of the windows, gazing out to the city where luckily, Derrick was just a single man amongst the many walking to wherever they were going. "I…expect too much. Or I'm not good enough to join the ranks. I mean…who am I to think I have the skills necessary to actually become a knight. They have the pick of all the bravest and best men in the entire world so what chance could somebody like me have to join their ranks…"

Lancelot had only said a few sentences, but they felt as if they must have been something Lancelot had told himself many times before in the last few years…and Merlin could hardly imagine having those thoughts in his head. Training for the one dream you had, when there was every possibility that he would only be laughed right out the door. Merlin had seen brief glimpse of the men beginning their training sessions once or twice, and some of them looked as if they'd not held a sword a day in their life. But was only there because of the noble blood flowing through their veins. But Lancelot had came there already knowing the skills he needed to know to be inducted into the knights…Merlin wouldn't know one reason for why Lancelot would get turned away. Camelot would be fools to let a man as skilled as Lancelot to escape them, and Merlin couldn't go for one single second more with Lancelot thinking he didn't approve!

"That's a great idea!" Merlin exclaimed, probably with a bit more excitement in his voice than he had meant to, since it had clearly startled Lancelot. But that was a very small concern to Merlin, considering he was probably more excited about Lancelot becoming a knight than Lancelot himself was, the nerves being still etched on his face. As if he couldn't quite believe Merlin would actually be supporting his crazy idea. And Merlin had to wonder if Lancelot had ever went and told somebody about this dream before, or if Merlin was simply the first to know now that he was actually in Camelot. "You have absolutely no idea what having a knight like you around could be like. Somebody who's not a brute or somebody who won't use their skills to push around the weaker people. And with the skills I've seen you with…Camelot is absolutely going to love you!"

Merlin projected every ounce of honesty in those words, watching as Lancelot blinked in astonishment, the tension in his shoulders slowly abating whenever he realized Merlin was being honest and not just messing around with him. But Merlin could honestly see it now…could see Lancelot filling out his armor with all of the nobility and grace the knights were meant to have. Upholding honor and justice and protecting the weaker man…Lancelot could only be good for a city such as this. He could probably even bring something to the city that had been sorely lacking…people would be lining around the block just to get a look at the noble knight. To see his skills for themselves, see his kind demeanor as he didn't need to push people around just to prove he was stronger than they were. Merlin probably wouldn't get to see him much after he got to work, but…he could rest easy. Knowing Lancelot was in the city, making it a better place than it had been before he arrived.

"You really think so?" Lancelot asked urgently, his arms folded awkwardly over his chest as if he had been about to protect himself from Merlin's cruelty, but now he was returning to the table. Sitting back down across from Merlin as he got engaged with their conversation. "But…even after what those men tried to do to you? I would have thought you, of all people, would have turned me out. I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to associate yourself with me after that. Or want me, a simple wannabe knight, around when the men who are already part of the knights tried to torment you like they did."

Merlin Pendragon most definitely did not flinch when Lancelot brought up the unfortunate event that had brought them together, but it was a close call. The consort did not like remembering the racing of his heart as he swung that tree branch as hard as he could at Bryon's face. Nor did he like remembering a jolt of fear going through him as Julian tried coming up with what they could do to him since they couldn't just bring him back to the city. But Merlin also couldn't allow Lancelot to go around believing he was anything like those men. Maybe they would wear the same colors and play by the same rules but Lancelot was always going to be in a league entirely his own…Merlin reached out and took a tight hold over one of Lancelot's hand before he could think twice about doing it.

"You, Lancelot, are absolutely nothing like the ones that attacked me. You just proved that right now when you admitted to seeing what they were doing, and not hiding that from me even though I would've never suspected it if you didn't say anything. And then you made things right by saving me from that creature when the men whose 'duty' it was, ran away and left me behind. Many knights around here aren't fit to wear the colors they've been given, but I believe, you, Lancelot, do deserve it." Spoke the consort, putting every bit of honesty that he could into his voice, pushing onto Lancelot how different he was. If only so this man wouldn't try following through with dreams that had been ruined by a few clowns who wouldn't know what true nobility was if it had gone and bitten them on the arse. "And if you don't believe me, if you think you might actually be a thing like those men just because you want the same job that they have, I can prove you aren't. All you have to do is tell me why you didn't leave me to my fate with the creature, and ran away while it was distracted with me."

Merlin was pretty confident in himself that Lancelot would have a real answer to give him. Not something stupid like…I fought off a magical beast in order to get the glory and attention I rightfully deserve…gag. That was what lots of the knights Merlin knew would do, fight off the beast because they wanted the attention that came with having slayed such a glorious creature. They wouldn't fight the thing to save him, that would've only been a coincidence. Something they may even tried claiming, lugging Merlin around like some kind of prop or trophy to show everybody that he deserved 'twice the glory' for bringing back the crazy stupid consort that had gotten 'lost' somewhere in the woods. And true to the consort's assessment, Lancelot looked horrified at the mere thought of leaving Merlin like Bryon and Julian had.

"I would have never left you behind to be…to be…to be killed by that thing out there!" Lancelot blustered, looking as if Merlin might as well have taken out his heart with claws as sharp and as deadly as the creature's had been, and then stomped it into the dirty ground with his muddy boots. "I taught myself to use a blade so that I could help people! So that I could protect those who couldn't protect themselves! It would have been dishonorable to turn away from you in a time of need. And to run away…how could I ever call myself ready to join the ranks of knighthood, if I ran away at the very first incident I came across?"

Lancelot's spiral only made Merlin's grin grow wider, squeezing his hand tight around Lancelot's own…the man's hand was twice as thick as Merlin's was and could probably swallow his whole if they were holding hands properly. But the consort didn't linger, pulling his hand away with a graceful blush staining along his cheeks…he had been right, he thought relieved. Lancelot really was a great and amazing man. The best. Protecting people who couldn't protect themself …he liked that. It was a very…noble mission of Lancelot's. Knights had always been more concerned with the status of their ranks and the glory that came with their blood. The actual 'protecting people' part of their creed seemed to come in second to their own egos. An ego Lancelot didn't seem to have, even though he was clearly better than most of the knights around here.

"…Remind me later to introduce you to some of the knights that aren't nearly as terrible as the others are." Merlin said sheepishly, squirming around in his seat beneath the warrior's penetrating stare…it made him feel shy for an odd reason he couldn't understand. But it wasn't entirely unwelcome either. If the man was really going to join the ranks, then he would need some friends since he clearly couldn't spend all his time with Merlin…he would meet Derrick. And maybe Gregory, and Leon, and Dorian and Tristian…even Knight Justin was an alright knight. And might even be allies if the other knights tried to give him a hard time for being a 'common' knight among them. Though Merlin didn't think such a thing would last very long once they saw how nifty Lancelot was with a blade in his hand. "But, anyway, as long as you have those skills I saw you use the other day, I have no doubt that you'll fit in easily enough. Why…" the young consort stopped and a small smile started playing on the edges of his lips. "I'll bet you everything I own that you could probably beat the great Arthur himself on the battlefield!"

Arthur would probably try to kill Merlin if he spoke like this, if he dared to say there was somebody out there that was actually better than him at fighting but it was hardly the worse thing Merlin had said to Arthur straight to his face as of late. But Merlin would honestly…hell, he'd give up his left foot if he got the chance to see Lancelot taking out Arthur. He could just imagine the stumped expression on Arthur's face after Lancelot got him on the ground…the shock as Lancelot placed a foot on his chest to keep him there and a blade poised at the vulnerable skin of his neck…it would be a truly beautiful sight. Lancelot being lifted in victory while Arthur was forced to stay down in the mud with all the other pigs…with Merlin. Because men like Merlin and Arthur weren't meant for great things. But men like Lancelot…men with truly good hearts, well….they were the type that deserved everything they wanted and more.

"Oh no, you must be mistaken. I could not possibly be as good as the Prince himself is! I've traveled all over Camelot and everywhere I go, his skills with a blade is widely marveled over. I've heard he's managed to beat every single opponent that's faced him since he's turned eighteen. That's not me…I've lost my fair share of fights over the years. And I was nowhere near as good when I was eighteen." Lancelot babbled on, embarrassed to have his skills being put on the same level as somebody whose skills were actually legendary. Though Merlin had to blink…had Arthur really never lost a fight since he had reached his eighteenth summer? That had to be an exaggeration, right? Nobody could beat 'everybody' that came their way. Not even bloody Arthur, skilled as Merlin would grudgingly admit. "And besides, I'm mostly self taught. I've heard Prince Arthur has had the greatest swordsmen tutors on this side of the globe whose instructed him. There's no chance I'm even near his skillset!"

But Merlin was absolutely positive that Lancelot was just as good, if not better than bloody Arthur was. Merlin had learned, in his time here in the city, that all this sword fighting business wasn't actually just swinging a sword. There was a certain finesse to it, a beauty that Arthur had turned into something ugly for the consort. A grace that very few people could capture, as long as they knew what they were doing. Arthur carried that grace, even though Merlin wanted to stick that same sword into his gut and skewer him with it. And Lancelot carried that exact same grace…it seemed like a rare thing indeed. And Merlin refused to allow Lancelot skills go to waste or be ignored just because he didn't get all the proper attention he deserved.

"You being self taught can only be an asset!" Merlin exclaimed as he stood up, throwing his hands down on the table and startling Lancelot. "That means you have been in real battles, and know how to handle yourself in a fight. It means you must've learned how to think outside the box when fighting off against an opponent you've never seen before! Most of the knights here have not seen a real combat fight outside of their tourneys or controlled training matches. I'd bet many of them wouldn't last in a real fight to the death. You saw how those other knights ran! That's how useless they are! But not you, and you know…I'm gonna do something about this! I'll go talk to Arthur myself and make sure that he gives you a fair shot, or at least test your skills for himself so he'll see how great you ar-"

And Merlin cut himself off abruptly when he realized what he had just said…he said he would go and see Arthur himself to get Lancelot in, and what was good about being Consort if he couldn't even pull some strings to get in somebody he truly felt was a good fit. But he would actually have to…talk…to Arthur and get him to agree with this. Merlin had been deadset on ignoring Arthur for the rest of their days, especially after Arthur had basically called him stupid in the last discussion they had, refusing to believe Merlin could read. And then with the way Arthur had practically tried stripping him…the consort took a deep and controlled breath in order to temper his nerves. This was probably going to go really, really bad. Merlin remembered the last time Arthur had seen him around a guy…his face still remembered the sting from Arthur hitting him. And here he was now, practically trying to throw one in Arthur's face…fuck, Merlin is likely going to get the shit beaten out of him again.

"You know Arthur?" Lancelot asked, the awe in his voice overpowering…as if he thought Arthur was somebody to be impressed by. Merlin had to remind himself that Lancelot had never met Arthur before. He had no reason to think Arthur was the abusive bastard that he was. Merlin almost felt sorry for when the guy's bubble actually burst. Lancelot had absolutely no idea Merlin would probably return with fresh bruises, but…Merlin clenched his jaw…it was going to be worth it once he got to see Lancelot strutting around in his new, shining armor and cape. "As in you know him well enough to just walk up and talk with him about things like this…wait." Lancelot brought his hand up to his head as if he couldn't believe how stupid he had been. "You are the nephew to the court physician, so I suppose you've had to talk with the prince before, right? Does that mean you've also met the Consort? I've heard so many interesting stories about him since their marriage, but it must be cool to know so many members of the royal family, right?"

Merlin could feel the blush fighting in vain to erupt across his face…he knew Lancelot didn't 'know' he was the consort. But the warrior had still indirectly called him 'cool.' If only he knew whatever stories he had heard, probably the same stories Bayard had heard, were greatly exaggerated versions of what the true story was. Lancelot was probably going to be really disappointed when he realized the consort he was interested in, was the same spastic and awkward man he had saved from being made a beast's chew toy. Merlin wasn't exactly the type somebody wrote home about because of how 'great' he was. Merlin wasn't even 'likable' for the most part. And it doesn't surprise Merlin, despite the close calls when Merlin had said something he probably shouldn't, that the warrior hadn't considered Merlin might be the consort.

"Errr…you shouldn't worry too much about the Consort. He's a bit of a loner so you probably shouldn't expect to see him anytime soon. Or ever. Yeah, ever, I think he spends a lot of time in his chambers and only certain knights can go in there to see him…kinda sticks to himself anyway so don't expect to talk to him either!" Merlin blabbered anxiously, waving his hand at Lancelot who had risen his eyebrow, baffled. Logically, Merlin knew it was only a matter of time before Lancelot realized HE was Consort Merlin, especially if he did get in the knight's program. But he wanted to push that off for as long as he was able to do so. Keep his friend for as long as his secret would allow him too. "Besides, if you must know…Arthur kinda owes me a favor. I did something for him not all that long ago that I didn't have to do. I think…I think it's time for him to pay up some, and I know the perfect thing I could get in return."

If Lancelot noted the grim determination settling on Merlin's features, as if he was preparing for war instead of preparing for a simple talk that could really go in one of three ways-with a yes answer, a no answer, or a beating-he didn't say anything. And all Merlin had to do was walk out that door and do that one thing he swore he would never do…seek Arthur out, in order to get him to do this for him. Maybe Merlin needed to remind Arthur that he had drunk poison for him. And gotten nothing but an unwanted kiss for his troubles. The least he could do was bloody make it up to Merlin by doing him this one favor. Though if Merlin had to suffer a beating on top of convincing Arthur, well…it was hardly going to be the first time.

"Maybe I should go with you? Introduce myself and make a good impression on him. Would that be a good idea! I can't imagine Arthur would allow me into his orbit without having met me first." Lancelot said, and it was obvious that he was all in a tizzy over this, nervous and anxious, wringing his hands together as he followed Merlin straight to the door. For Lancelot, this was his dream just now being put on the line. Everything he had worked for and everything he had trained for and everything he had bled for over the last ten years or so had led him to this moment. And now his entire future, his life long ambition, was now being handed over to a boy he had just met. Merlin would need to make sure he treated Lancelot's dream with the upmost care that it deserved, knowing it could not be easy to watch Merlin leave. Just as it wasn't easy for Merlin to be leaving. "I mean, do you really think you have enough sway with the prince to put in a good word for me? I don't want you to get into trouble if he thinks it's just a waste of his time or something…I should really go with you and state my case for myself, yes? Let the prince know how serious I am about becoming a member of his knights…swear to him I'm more than willing to do my part to be able to protect him, and his consort, and this entire kingdom as a whole…"

Lancelot clearly had good intentions…being a man was all about taking care of one's own business, and not allowing somebody else to do it for you. One may never know if Lancelot got in for his skills alone, or because Merlin really had a powerful sway over the man in charge. But unfortunately for Lancelot, the one who held his dreams between his delicate fingers, did not have such honorable intentions when he held up a hand, preventing Lancelot from following him out the door. While Lancelot was counting on his dreams being fulfilled, Merlin had to count on Lancelot staying put…if only so Merlin could keep certain secrets to himself just a little bit longer. Secrets that would get revealed in a heartbeat since Merlin knew, without a doubt, that Arthur wouldn't stand for Lancelot not knowing who he really was. Possessive bastard…claiming Merlin as his…ruining the one friendship he managed to get on his own charm…

"No, trust me. You do not want to interrupt Arthur when he's…doing whatever it is he's doing. Arthur is a bit…pretentious. And a stiff. He won't appreciate a stranger interrupting him. Especially not to ask him a favor." Merlin said easily, stepping back so he was against the door, and reaching for the handle. "Arthur can be a bit fussy about these things. So just trust me, you stay here and wait until I can get back. Find something to distract yourself with until I return. And when I do return…hopefully I will have some good news for us to celebrate."

Lancelot's nervous expression didn't disappear, but he nodded his head as he agreed to wait. Merlin exhaled a suspicious sigh of relief, before ducking out of the door, letting it close behind him softly. He certainly hadn't expected to be returning to the public's eye so soon, thought he would need at least a week to recover after the incident with Bryon and Julian. But there was no time for him to recover or take moments to himself…he just needed to keep putting his feet one in front of the other and find Arthur…demand his attention in the loudest or most disrespectful manner he could. Arthur would surely drag him away from the public and Merlin could demand his payment from the poison…and he had a gut feeling he knew exactly where Arthur was going to be right now.

X

Everybody who has ever met Arthur Pendragon would have happily spoken of how brave the prince was. They would have told story after story of the great deeds he had managed to accomplish within his meager twenty summers upon this planet. Would have regaled their young with stories that included battles to the death, the prince fighting to protect their country, standing tall when he was faced with impossible odds. The sole man who stood between the people and the chaos of the outside world…nobody could have matched the prince or his bravery. And those who tried were only kidding themselves, trying to mirror a man that could not be matched. Trying to be just like Arthur, any man would have been liable to forget who they were themselves along the way.

Only Arthur knew the truth.

Only Arthur knew how much of a bloody coward he was.

And only Arthur knew the real reason for why he had called this emergency training session with his knights, pulling the new recruits out from where they had disappeared too after Arthur had dismissed them that morning. Only the prince knew why he had continued with his testing that had been interrupted that morning due to one simple dark haired angel. And only Arthur knew why he casually paced in front of the ten recruits lined up before him, hands being tucked behind his back, dressed in full training gear, and behaving as if they had all the time in the world.

Because Arthur was once again neglecting his responsibilities.

And his father was going to bloody well kill him when he found out.

Right this moment, Arthur was supposed to be knocking on Gaius' door and asking for a moment of his time so they could speak. As his father ordered him to do so the second they had climbed off their horses when they had arrived in the city after their quick trip to the village that had been attacked…Arthur was meant to be making his apologies at this moment. Extending an olive branch to the physician's family and inviting Gaius to the dinner Uther's been wanting so he could smooth things over for himself. And well…excuse Arthur if he enjoyed having his private bits attached to his body, and not forcibly removed when he inadvertently said the wrong thing. There was a right time and a wrong time to do anything, and excuse Arthur if he thought…there was never going to be any 'right time' for him to cross path with his consort's uncle again.

"Alright you jumped up dung beetles! This is it! This is the final test to prove to me that you are worthy of wearing my cape and becoming one of us." Said the prince, his voice loud and easily heard by the ten new recruits…Arthur scowled at them as he stopped his pacing so he could stand front and center. All these men he saw in front of him now were…decidedly unimpressive. They all were looking too green around the edges, too fresh or new and overconfident as the arrogance and ego they wore surrounded them like their own cloak. Arthur did not see any hope for these men, but they would at least be a good distraction away from his other problems. Even if Merlin…the only one Arthur would want to see wrapped up in red…could probably beat each and every one of the men in front of him with nothing but sheer determination alone. A man holding onto a sword didn't mean he was anything special, as this year's new recruits were showing him. Sometimes it was the heart, and the determination to fight right to the bloody end, that mattered so much more. "If you are able to pass such a test, then you will have earned your cape and be officially seen as a knight of my kingdom. But if you fail.-" Arthur stopped only long enough so he was able to meet the eyes of each of his men, imparting onto them the seriousness with what they were about to do. "Then you shall be no one."

Arthur could see the way some of the men were starting to shift from foot to foot, already knowing what was about to happen as they shared looks between them, fraught with tension and with nerves. This wasn't the first time that he'd given this speech in the last few days…there used to be twenty men before the prince had cast them out when they failed the challenge. And things were now starting to feel a bit more dicey, as Arthur wondered if there would be any man he got to present to his father so they could be officially recognized as a true knight to the kingdom by the time he was done with everybody. Merlin himself was braver than this latest batch of peacocks! Arthur entertained himself very briefly with what his father would do if Arthur dragged Merlin up to him so he could be presented…the boy had already been on more real missions than any of these losers in front of him now. He would rather just be done with this and turn them all away, but he was at least hoping one of them would surprise him enough that he would be willing to have them presented. Merlin had managed to surprise him, after all. Who's to say this lot couldn't do the same…though he wrinkled his nose in disgust when he saw one of the gruffer looking man was now boldly scratching his bottom like some kind of ape out in the open…yeah…none of these men were going to surprise him, were they?

"Your challenge is simple. You will face the most feared of all foes, the killing machine on this side of the continent. Conquerer of all challenges set before him, stronger than any of us…the best of the best. You will face ME." Said the prince, and though everybody had already known that was coming, it seemed his words sparked nausea in many of them. Arthur was sure they were simply imagining losing to him, imagining being sent on their way after a full and entire six months of hardcore training, only to return home with nothing to show their efforts to their families. Arthur wasn't kidding when he said they would be 'no one' if they failed. Nobody would remember one more faceless man who had gotten beaten by the prince. It was the very few who impressed him-rather the man actually beat him or not-who were remembered. "Your challenge is to last one minute of free combat. Drummond, second son of Wessex. This shall be the first to fight me."

These fights used to have the rule where a man had to actually beat Arthur in order to move up to the ranks and become a knight, but it had quickly became clear to the prince that very few men had the skills needed to do so. So things have changed a bit this time around, where Arthur was willing to accept a man if he managed to keep standing within that one minute timeframe. Something very few men actually managed to accomplish, Arthur was usually able to take out these men within thirty seconds or less. It was nothing but a workout with him…Arthur watched as the man who'd been scratching his butt strode to the middle of the battle field, and the prince wrinkled his nose even as he took out his sword. The prince nodded to the side where Servant George, his servant at the moment, was sitting with an hourglass. At Arthur's cue, the servant made a show out of flipping it over. The clear white sand trickling down into the lower half. Arthur fell into his position, crouching low as he brought his sword above his head.

"Your time starts now."