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!

184. Chapter 186

This chapter is dedicated to Khalafani, who wanted Uther to make note of Merlin's forgery abilities. I had to switch things a bit to make it make sense with the flow of the chapter I was going for, and due to the fact that I was almost done with the scene when the idea came to me, but I hope they enjoy it anyway :p

X

Arthur Pendragon could honestly say, this wasn't how he was expecting to see the trial go. It had been great, seeing Lancelot bound and on his knees before the king, waiting for the judgement that they'd all known was coming. It might have taken a bit of a push from the king, but Arthur had been sure he would've heard a confession before Lancelot was taken away. His father was a powerful and scary man, who could break even those with the strongest of souls, down into nothing. So it shouldn't have taken much for Lancelot to spill the beans…it shouldn't have taken much for Lancelot to spew secret after secret. The main question being…why was he here? Was he truly a spy? Was he trying to work against Camelot from the inside? Was he hired by somebody, or was he doing all of this on his own? Why had he decided to involve Arthur's consort…was he just a simply insurance plan to the knight? A way to keep suspicion off of him if he befriended a royal family member? Or had his plans been focused entirely on getting Merlin to trust him, so he could do only god knows what.

That had been Arthur's concern…that somebody had managed to get past his own nose and get close to his consort under his watch, and he had been blind to it all until it was almost too late. There was no telling when the false knight would have readied himself to do the grand final of his master plan. It could've been years from now, after Lancelot was sure he had learned everything that's under lock and key within the castle. It could've been this morning, when their consort was too out of it to raise an alarm before he was taken straight out of the kingdom. But of course, things had taken an unexpected turn, a turn that had Arthur sputtering a little in sheer disbelief.

Lancelot was a peasant…

There was no denying it, now that Arthur was looking at him more clearly.

As if he was seeing Lancelot was new eyes.

Lancelot wore old and tattered clothing, one's Arthur had assumed were either for traveling or for bed. But perhaps they were old and tattered because it was what Lancelot wore the most, because peasants usually didn't have more than a few small outfits…Merlin only had a few small outfits when he arrived within the city. And Lancelot's features…they were certainly dignified and could have been mistaken for nobility if one didn't know any better. But looking closer, the prince could see subtle signs that didn't lead to an aristocratic background. It was the way Lancelot carried himself though, that forced Arthur to realize this was really true…Lancelot didn't sit as if he'd been raised to keep his back two inches away from the chair. He didn't sit as if he hadn't been raised to walk in a line with his shoulders even to his feet. He was more slouched. But it was his stubborn tilt of the jaw that sealed the deal…the determination in his eyes that mirrored the same determination Arthur always saw in Merlin. The kind of look one held when they didn't have nothing to lose. A knight had everything if they were accused of treason, but a peasant?

A peasant wasn't somebody who would be remembered after they were gone.

A peasant wasn't somebody whose family would be dragged through the mud just for being related to a possible terrorist.

Fuck, Arthur could still see the blistering bruise on Lancelot's jawline where he had hit him earlier that morning, turning a deep purple against the olive color of his skin tone. A bruise like that had once adorned Merlin's face, and while it was now something Arthur saw as a shameful memory, he could look towards Lancelot and be filled with pride for defending his consort against this horrible threat. He had been wanting to do more…maybe he would volunteer to be the executor when Lancelot's fate was decided. Or, as a prince shouldn't dirty his hands like that, maybe he could be allowed to say a few words for the people before giving the orders for the executioner to finish the job. But his pride had withered away and died at some point during Lancelot's confession…

He still had trouble believing it…a peasant!

It hadn't occurred to Arthur that this scenario could be the case, it wasn't as if they often had peasants trying to sneak into their ranks. Sure, it had happened once or twice, but they were usually caught and humiliated and then returned home as if nothing had happened. Nobles and peasants were just so different, a true noble could spot one coming from a mile away. They walked different, or talked different, or barely had any actual skills with a blade and were obviously hoping to fly under everybody's notice while they worked their skills up during basic training. No harm done, no foul, they actually thought it was funny when one tried to pull this trick.

But that was the thing…

Lancelot had made it through basic training, he had been pushed through the training faster than Arthur would usually allow because of their circumstances with the creature. But Arthur wouldn't have done it if he hadn't seen potential in the other man. He wouldn't have put his name forth to be knighted in front of the entire kingdom, if he didn't think he had the skills to best all of the other knights in his training program. And sure, Arthur could insist he had simply got distracted by other things, like Lancelot being too close to his consort, and it's how Lancelot managed to fool him. But somewhere deep inside, in the pits of his stomach, he knew that this wasn't the case.

Lancelot was GOOD.

Lancelot could certainly do with some polishing up, could probably actually do with a few more training sessions under his belt. But he seemed as if he was a fast learner, more agile than the men who had been born to be knights, walked with his blade as if he had been born holding one. He had fought Lancelot just in the market place a few days ago, and while Lancelot had lost in the end, the warrior had been able to hold his own better than the men who'd been beneath his service for several years. He had came to Arthur himself, despite all of the problems that rested between them with Merlin, just to ask if he could assist in defending their home the next time this creature came for them. Not because he wanted glory for being part of slaying the beast, but because he had simply wanted to defend them…Arthur could see that now. Grudgingly as it was. But it was undeniable.

And now…now Arthur was stumbling over what all this new information meant for him…

Meant for Merlin…

It meant absolutely nothing to Uther, who wanted Lancelot's accomplice to sit on the same silver platter he was going to serve Lancelot up on.

"Fine, if you are going to keep holding your tongue, and refusing to give me an answer, an answer that could release you, then perhaps a few days in the cells with do you some good. It might even loosen your tongue if you see how much you could be in for if you don't speak." His father snarled, raising himself from his chair when Lancelot continued to defy him, refusing to give up a single tiny name that could absolve him of all the trouble he was in. Arthur brought up his hand and rubbed achingly along the length of his nose, trying to erase a horrid headache that was starting to build up behind his eyes. "You have not only lied about your identity, and impersonated a family that is far better than anything you could ever hope to be, but you have broken the First Code of Camelot. You have brought shame upon yourself and shame upon all of us who were forced to witness this unfortunate turn of events. You're not worthy of the knighthood bestowed upon you, you never were. And you never will be. Get him away from my sight until I deem myself bored enough to see if he's willing to give me that name."

Arthur raised his hand out of his hands…he knew it was stupid, but he almost felt as if Uther was talking about him…bringing shame upon them all. Arthur's always tried his hardest, throwing himself into whatever needed doing around the kingdom, but he always carried with him that one thought…one mistake is all it would take before Uther never looked at him the same way again. Just a single mistake, like Lancelot's mistake, would be all that it would take to have his father shun him just the same. Maybe their circumstances were different…maybe the king's son didn't have the same worry a peasant man had for being caught failing, but the fear was still there all the same. And Arthur was forced to watch as the two knights, under his father's orders, grabbed Lancelot by his underarms and dragged him back onto his feet. Lancelot didn't fight it, though he looked frantically over his shoulders for a brief moment as he was carted to the door, and his eyes met with Arthur's.

That one look was all it took before Lancelot's face shuttered to a blank mask, hiding his terror at what was to come for him in a few days time. He turned to face the front of him, leaving Arthur to look at the back of his head as he was lead out of the front doors to the cell that was awaiting him. And Arthur could only think one thought…he hoped whoever Lancelot was protecting was worth all of this. He hoped whoever Lancelot's accomplice was, that they knew how far Lancelot was willing to go to keep their name out of this. He hoped….fuck…he just hoped this was one really messed up dream and he would wake up any minute now, slumped against the walls of Gaius' hallway where he'd spent half the night.

The doors to the grand hall slammed shut, and Arthur squeezed his eyes as he held back a flinch when the noise echoed throughout the chamber like a drum beating in his head. Trapping him in this room, uncertain and unsure about the events that had just happened, with his father. The situation hadn't turned out as black and white as Arthur had made it out to be…this was a shade of horrid grey that he had been wholly unprepared for. He still wasn't prepared when he finally opened his eyes, though his father was behaving as if this was any kind of day. Sitting back down in his chair as if nothing had happened, scrawling his name on the piece of paper Geoffrey held out…Arthur spied over the shoulder of his father…he wasn't surprised to see that this was Lancelot's arrest record, something that would be filed with the rest of the criminal reports once a solid sentence had been decided.

Arthur leaned back, his stomach tightening…it would be so easy to just stand here and keep his mouth shut. His father had more experience with this sort of thing…he found it easy to see the world as strictly black and strictly white, but it was different for Arthur. Who was just learning about the shades of grey that could sneak in there somewhere…who would've thought a peasant could make a good knight? Who would've thought a peasant could rise into an a consort of the highest regard? Who would've thought, not that long ago, that somebody with magic would use it to give Arthur a glowing ball of light that spoke of safe comings, to lead him to sanctuary. Yes…it was so easy for Arthur to stay quiet and watch as everything unfolded around him, but Arthur couldn't actually get Lancelot out of his head…the brave way he had fought Arthur at every turn just to see his consort safe. The way his faith in Merlin had never wavered for even a second, unlike Arthur who had done nothing but waver in place whenever his consort was involved. Merlin's faith in Lancelot must've been the same, and to be honest…when had Merlin ever been wrong about who he trusted?

"…Sire?"

Arthur spoke formally, crossing his arms over his chest as he dared to garner the king's attention…he knew his father would respond better when spoken as a king weather than a father. But when Uther hummed under his breath, a sign that he was listening, Arthur's mouth dried up. God…it was so much easier for Arthur to defend Merlin when he was being pressed under the steady weight of his father's power. But trying to come to a stranger's defense, as strange as it was to not only accept Lancelot, but fight for him as well…and it was like the words had died within him. This was such a hugely embarrassing situation, but none worse than Arthur's. He was the one that had passed Lancelot, he'd been the one that recommended him, the one that had set everything into motion…it was something his father would have surely noted. But by the time Arthur had worked up his courage, his father was already interrupting him as he rolled up the parchment and passed it onto Geoffrey.

"Honestly, Arthur, I know this man saved your consort's life when they met but surely that couldn't have blindsided you to his deception. And here, I thought I raised you better than that. Not noticing a peasant training under you this past week! I suppose you are either lacking in your own awareness, or that man has enough skills to trick a Royal member." Uther lectured him, as if he'd somehow read Arthur's mind. The king wasn't looking at him, having already risen to get himself a goblet of wine from a nearby table that had been set up specifically to quench his thirst. Arthur's mouth shut with an audible click, shuddering at his failure, but his silence only made Uther aware. The king looked back at him as he raised his goblet to his nose to give the strong liquid this equally strong sniff, and studied Arthur's expression with a raised eyebrow of his own. "I do hope that you aren't going to try and contest my judgement Arthur…that man needs to pay for his crimes. And once we have his accomplice, then he'll also pay for his crimes."

Arthur knew his father was right…if they let Lancelot go, what kind of message would that send to the rest of the kingdom? That anybody with good enough acting skills, could just waltz into Camelot and pretend to be whoever the hell they wanted to be. But…Arthur had drunken a drink with Lancelot. Arthur had discovered the truth of his consort's virginity with Lancelot at his side, as his main proof of Merlin's purity. He had watched Lancelot stand vigilant over his consort as the smaller boy wrapped bandages around the injured villagers that had fled their homes. He'd trusted Lancelot enough to leave Merlin alone with him while the boy was drunk, trusted Lancelot to not take advantage of Merlin in that state. That wasn't something Arthur could say he would do for many of the knights in his service, especially now that he didn't know which ones could be trusted.

"I know that his deception was…inexcusable. And I'm sure we'll probably find even more answers once we've got our hands on whoever helped him to pull all this off. But…I'm certain that he meant no harm when he enlisted within our ranks." Arthur finally said, the muscles in his forearms tightening beneath his clothes…he had still yet to change from the knight uniform he was wearing the night before, but he didn't think anybody noticed considering everything that was happening. But the people left were still starting to stare at him, Geoffrey in particular had his eyebrow raised high above his forehead as if a fish hook was pulling it up. As if he, and everybody else, couldn't believe Arthur's really condoning what Lancelot had tried to do. Arthur licked at his lips, the dryness bothering him greatly, before pushing further now that he had started, his king would not look favorably on Arthur if he didn't stick to his convictions. "All that Lancelot wanted to do, was serve under our banner. And isn't that something we desperately need in this kingdom? Men who want to be here. Men who are wanting to fight to protect the people. Men who…will do anything to keep our city the safe stronghold that it's been since you yourself took over as our king twenty years ago?"

Standing there, with Uther staring down his nose at him, Arthur ran his words through his mind again and again, trying to all but physically hold onto them and what they meant. He had been uncertain before, not sure if this was the right call for him to make, but as the seconds drew past, Arthur was starting to become more and more convinced. So much so, that the tenseness in him was starting to fade away…yeah. Perhaps Lancelot went about this the wrong way, but he no longer believed it was for his own gain. Remembering back on all his previous encounters with Lancelot, he could remember how often the man had chosen Merlin over Arthur. Had followed Merlin over Arthur, even after learning Merlin had been lying to him about his identity. If Lancelot had only been doing this for something like glory and recognition, he would've been following after Arthur. He would've been trying to get Arthur's attention, and trying to get the prince to see him as a superb warrior. But by following Merlin…Lancelot's only proven to Arthur that he wanted to follow a more honorable path.

Not one paved in recognition.

But one created by hard work and good intentions.

"Whether his intentions were honorable or not isn't the point. He broke our most sacred of laws, the First Code of Camelot fosters the sacred bond, the trust that lives from knight to knight, enabling to continue our duties to keep this kingdom, as you said, the stronghold that I made. I didn't do that by just ignoring our laws because of circumstances." Uther said firmly, his tone harsh and strong enough to make Arthur's belly curdle like milk would. He fought his initial urge to back down under his father's decision, though his eyes wavered down to the floor anyway in uncertainty. "And besides, what about the mystery accomplice he has hiding away somewhere. You cannot begin to tell me they'll also have different circumstances that should absolve them from punishment. There's no telling what kinda forgeries this man could be making, or how many peasants he might be helping break our laws. We could be walking among one of them, and not even know it. Honestly Arthur, how could you trust one man, yet alone two, one of which you haven't even met, to work alongside you when in battle when he's already lied to you?"

Perhaps this was why his father was the king, Arthur thought as his shoulders started to slump forward with his failure, because he could make the kinds of hard choices that Arthur just wasn't prepared to make yet. He was trying hard to make this decision based on his emotions…Lancelot's already made such a strong impact on him. Anybody that was willing to lay their life on the line just for his consort, able to defy a prince to see to his mental wellbeing, and keep looking after him when he didn't have to…was alright in Arthur's books. And he also kinda owed Lancelot a debt…for not believing he was really interested in Guinevere, and had no intentions of stealing Merlin out from under his nose. It was just so hard though…he knew that his father was right, on some deep level inside of him. Arthur could hardly race into battle when Lancelot beside him on his own steed, and trust him to protect him with the same intensity that he had protected Merlin with, when he had already lied to him about something that is so very huge. But…the peasant boy could fight, damn it.

He could fight, and…

One's ability to fight, doesn't mean one had the honor necessary.

Arthur's shoulders sank deeper, his bones feeling weary with all of this after his rough night. He was protesting a useless battle, one that couldn't be won no matter how hard he fought. It was better to just…bite his tongue and admit his father was right, and Arthur had been the one overstepping by suggesting they do anything less than what Uther was already doing. But before the blond could agree with his father's assessment on the situation, the face Merlin was going to make when he told him the news burning in his brain like acid sinking into his bones, the object of his attention came racing into the room. And the prince's stomach dropped, already knowing who it was before he looked, since only Merlin would throw the doors open as recklessly as they had been.

"I KNEW IT! I ALREADY KNEW THAT LANCELOT WAS A PEASANT! DON'T LET HIM BE PUNISHED BECAUSE OF MY STUPIDITY!"

Uther nearly dropped his goblet in surprise by Merlin's outburst, but the king was not so un-dignified that he would actually do it. Not like Arthur, who was not able to hide the way he was gaping in Merlin with utter dread creeping on his face. Merlin was standing before them all now, his chest moving up with his rapid breathing, now dressed in proper clothes though his hair looked like it'd been windswept. As if Merlin had ran as fast as his legs could carry him across the entire castle, just so he could…could tell his ruthless father that he had his hand in this deception. But how far did his deception run? How deep was he in this mess? Arthur's eyes darted from Merlin to his father, trying to stop all the sudden trembles he could feel building up in his hands.

"Explain."

Uther's sharp tone left no room for argument, no way for Merlin to back out of this…the king had narrowed his eyes on the consort. But at least he was giving Merlin a chance to explain, whether than carting him down to the cells to join Lancelot as his roommate. This suddenly gave Arthur a whole new urgency in his gut, imagining Merlin curled up in a little ball with his knees tucked under his chin. In a cell Arthur knew from experience, was colder than anything else on this side of the country. And Merlin would have nothing more than his own thin clothes, unable to provide him with the proper warmth he needed. Waiting for only god knows how long until Uther finally got his anger reined in and let him back into the wild of the castle.

"It started the day I met Lancelot…"

Arthur held his breath as Merlin explained meeting Lancelot in the forests…all of which they already knew. But the other boy didn't go into much detail either, he didn't even mention Bryon or Julian having been there at all. Nor how they had managed to evade the creature during its attack. But Merlin did explain it being fairly obvious that Lancelot was peasant, and stressed greatly about the amazing ability Lancelot had when he was wielding a sword. Merlin made sure to bring up Lancelot's injury, stressing out how much blood there'd been and how he would surely have died if he hadn't been brought to Gaius on time. He owed a debt to Lancelot, Merlin continued to explain, and Arthur had looked at the ground…he wasn't sure how he felt about Merlin owning a debt to anyone that Arthur couldn't just pay off. But surely Merlin had already paid back what debt he had by now, tenfold. Just being here right now, fighting for Lancelot to be freed, had to make Merlin and Lancelot even. But Merlin continued talking, as the story hadn't ended there, though it would've been better if it had. The prince didn't like hearing about these things, about all the special moments his consort and Lancelot had shared when he had been none the wiser.

Merlin explained how Lancelot had woken up the next morning, recovering on his would-be deathbed, and how the peasant boy had wowed Merlin with his goal in life. With his dream. He explained how hard Lancelot had worked all of these years, pushing himself past what should be humanly possible just to get a chance at being made a knight, unaware that his birth status would hinder it before it even started. Arthur's stomach had churned…when was the last time he had met a man so focused on one goal? Who had spent years with struggle and anguish, just to work in their ranks. Most knights showed up expecting the same cozy treatment they had gotten from their parents back in their estates…it was always refreshing when he met that ONE KNIGHT, who knew the value of a hard day's work. Who knew what it was like, like Arthur, to work themself to the bone and still know that it was nowhere good enough for those around who would be watching them fail.

Merlin continued his explanation, about wanting to see Lancelot's dream come true after he had risked everything for a total stranger. He explained how he'd approached Arthur in the hopes of letting Lancelot join the knights, hoping he could join their training. But how Arthur had explained how only those who had been born were allowed even a chance. At this point, Uther had glanced to the prince as if to ask his confirmation. Arthur was ashamed to admit he had only nodded and left Merlin to continue his rapid rant by himself, too scared to put his voice into the mix. Uther had turned back to Merlin, but as Merlin explained how he had lied to Arthur about Lancelot's birth and how Merlin couldn't stop himself from interfering, Arthur had slipped further into himself. He wanted to curse at the sky in a way that would make his father try washing his mouth out with soap, something that hadn't happened since he was small and learning all the proper ways of speaking.

He should have bloody known…he should have known Merlin already knew the lies Lancelot had been part of. Should have known Merlin couldn't have spent as much time with Lancelot as he had been, without realizing there wasn't one single drop of noble blood running through his veins. When Arthur had blew up at Merlin about Lancelot's lies, overcome with worry and fear over how his tiny consort must've been manipulated, Merlin's face hadn't been stricken because of Lancelot's lies. He had only been stricken because Arthur now knew about it all, because Arthur was doing his job and arresting somebody who'd falsified their identity to get gain they otherwise wouldn't have been able too. Was this how it was always going to be? Merlin getting himself into these situations and Arthur helpless to even follow behind him? Helpless to keep him from getting too over his head? Arthur understood lots about debts…he had done defied his own father after Merlin had drunk the poison meant for him. But that was also different circumstances. Merlin would've died if he hadn't gotten what he was needing. Lancelot wouldn't have died if he didn't get included within the ranks of the Royal army. Sure…the disappointment might've been strong, but it was hardly a death sentence.

Merlin's story finally ended with him saying he had promised Lancelot he'd get a chance to live his dreams if he allowed Merlin to help him. And how he tried making good of his promise everyday since. Getting his hands on some armor and everything just to make sure Lancelot fit in among his peers, although the consort didn't go in detail on 'how' he had gotten his hands on the armor. Had they disappeared from the armory, Arthur would've been informed by the ones that worked down there, so they could have a mad search for the gear. There's a lot of places an enemy could get into if they wore the right clothing, so they were usually kept down there unless needed. Unless the servants passed the set on to Merlin without thought because he was their consort…but they also didn't have the type of armor Lancelot had been wearing this whole time. So…where had Merlin…Arthur decided it wasn't very important when Uther finally spoke up.

"Are you the accomplice?"

Uther's words ranged out in the quiet of the room, and Arthur's head flew up with horror at what his father was trying to pin onto Merlin this time. No…that wasn't right! Merlin may have been involved, but he wasn't going around and making exact forgeries of royal seals to hand out to people! The young prince whipped his head back around to look at Merlin, his throat closing up so tight that he could hardly breathe, but Merlin looked utterly baffled. As if he didn't know what Uther was talking about…yes! That had to be it. Merlin didn't know what Uther was talking about, because he hadn't been part of making nobility seals for Lancelot. Perhaps Lancelot had other help that Merlin hadn't known about…this was a surprisingly intricate plan, stupid as it had been to actually preform it. There was no way Merlin had managed to trick every single knight that had briefly trained alongside Lancelot, no way he had managed to fool the prince into falling for these tricks, without some kind of outsider who would've known what he was doing.

"When I had Lancelot arrested, I also made sure to have the royal seal he had came with to show it to him. I wouldn't want to have him arrested without the evidence being at my disposal for him to see, would I?" Uther drawled out, but Arthur knew that wasn't true. He knew his father would've had Lancelot down on his knees whether or not the scroll was here. He'd done it to many people before, when he was sure of himself and their guilt. Which he was, the prince knew as the king snapped his fingers once. Geoffrey came forward, handing over the scroll, and Uther opened it with a flourish. Doing Merlin the curtesy of explaining the details to him before sentencing him, "Do you see these lines on the page, the way they are jagged and precise with each letter. Do you see the colors of the ink used on this parchment, how bright and vivid it is…how new it is. Do you see this mark here on the bottom of the page, a single mark that no person would notice, believing it nothing more than an ink stain made from the quill dripping. A mark that is, conveniently, on each and every royal seal as the marker of their authenticity. I almost dismissed my concerns when I saw such a mark, but it also isn't out of the realm of possibility for somebody, who does knew enough about forgeries, to know the significance of such a mark…"

Merlin had reached out to take a corner of the parchment in hand, so he could better see all the little nooks and signs Arthur had previously missed when he had taken it from Lancelot. But each thing Uther pointed out, it only made the expression on Merlin's face go tighter, his skin a bit paler and his lips thinned…and that was when Arthur knew. One look at Merlin's face was all it really took for Arthur to realize the truth. Merlin HAD done it. He had, somehow, gone and created one of the best damn forgeries that even Uther Pendragon had seen in all his years as king. Arthur had known Merlin had an eye for detail, able to see things in people that Arthur had previously missed. But Arthur had summed it was only people that Merlin saw, had assumed there was something about the body language in a person that stuck out to Merlin. But perhaps that gift could see other things…like the amount of details put on a scroll that most wouldn't see.

Arthur had been silent for too long, he knew he had, watching both his father and his consort putting their cards out on the table and waiting to see which one the hand would fall on. He knew he had been silent, leaving Merlin to fix up his own mess…how was Arthur meant to make things right when Merlin was constantly testing how far Arthur was willing to go for him? How could he even begin to correct their relationship, when Merlin was dead set about throwing himself to the dogs for total strangers. Arthur didn't know how the bloody hell Merlin had managed to pull this one off, but Arthur was already stepping up to his father…this was what he was here for. To watch Merlin's back because that oaf of his still didn't understand the way the world works. Or maybe he did, the prince judged from Merlin's panicked face…Arthur and Merlin both knew being Gaius' nephew was only something that could hold Uther back for so long. The way Merlin was pushing at his boundaries…something was about to give if the prince didn't redirect this conversation before anything drastic happened.

"Sire, I know that you want to find the accomplice and get him him of the way like Lancelot, but surely you cannot honestly believe MERLIN is capable, with how much work has clearly gone into this seal. As you said, the attention that was put into it is INCREDIBLE, so surely that would've ruled Merlin from being a potential suspect." Arthur said with a laugh, putting as much incredulity into his voice as he possibly could. Merlin was glaring at him for the insults, and he wished he could swallow his tongue and insist he knew how incredible Merlin really was, and that this was just another layer to add onto the amazing things Arthur knew Merlin was capable of. But he couldn't do that without raising his father's suspicion. Arthur would whether…he would weather Merlin believe him to be a demon that deserved to rot in hell, instead of having to look at the boy with the bars of a cell separating them. He was probably undoing 'everything' he had tried, and was probably cementing Merlin's wish to be married to a man like Lancelot, but…Merlin's safety was his priority. He needed to get Merlin out of this, even if he was damning himself in the other boy's mind. "Now, I'm sure we are well aware of Merlin being able to pull things off in the past, our treaty with Mercia being one of the things he's succeeded at. But that just means he is good with words, and that's completely different than being able to wield a quill with this much precision. Now, maybe Merlin is capable of getting hands on the supplies necessary, it would be pretty sad if our own consort proved to be incapable of doing that. But getting supplies doesn't mean he actually used them to do something like that. Just owning colored inks and parchment would not mean he's using them…for this!"

For once, thank god, his consort was remaining silent, watching Arthur and his father work things out in, hopefully, his favor. But Arthur could feel the slick of sweat under his clothes from his father's penetrating stare, could feel the beat of his heart as it tried leaping out of his chest. He did his best to keep any kind of nerve off his face, but it was like his anxiety just kept raising and raising till it tried bursting straight through the roof. His father wasn't exactly a fool, but Arthur had also managed to trick him before to get Merlin out of things similar to this. He just needed to keep calm, stick to the facts, and try pointing out all faults he could see with his father's reasonings. As rare and as hard as those faults were to find, his father was always so meticulous about making sure his orders couldn't be questioned, Arthur knew this wasn't the time for him to slip up. Any sign of hesitation from Arthur, could mean his separation from Merlin…Arthur didn't think he would be able to survive seeing Merlin in the cells weeks on end. Growing weaker and weaker from the lack of proper facilities that were able to see to his personal needs and comforts.

"I believe, Arthur, you might be blindsided by your consort and underestimate him a considerable amount considering, as you said, the things that he's been able to accomplish in three past. Merlin seems to be much brighter when he is compared to the average peasant. And might just be able to reach the level of previous consorts in the past if given a chance to grow." Uther said, making his heir straighten up, eyeing his father with a considering look…that had sounded almost like praise. In some roundabout way. Something that his father wouldn't give away so freely. But he couldn't exactly argue…perhaps it would have been far easier to convince his father if he believed in Merlin's stupidity. But exactly how long did Arthur believe his Merlin was stupid before finally admitting there was a brain under those dark locks? His father thinking Merlin could have been anything less than fucking perfect made a sour taste in his mouth. "I am sure if your consort managed to get this whole 'helping him' thing into his head, then he could very well make it happen. And despite the skillset needed, it wouldn't take much research to figure out what he needed to do. Tell me, Geoffrey, has Consort Merlin been in the library anytime the last few days?"

Uther hasn't glanced back to the aged record keeper, keeping his eyes locked firmly on Arthur and his consort, penetrating and deep, as if he already had a rebuff prepared for any kind of excuse or reasoning Arthur could've came up with. The tension in the air grew as Geoffrey came forward, and somewhere in the corner of Arthur's eye, he could see Merlin tensing. The dread spilled out along Arthur's veins and worked its way through his entire body…Merlin HAD been in the library. Though for goodness sake, Merlin couldn't even read! The prince didn't even know Merlin knew where the library was, considering there was nothing inside of use for somebody who would only see scribbles when a page was turned from one to the next. But when Geoffrey opened his mouth, it seemed like the only reasonable thing to say to prevent the man from damning his consort to the hell that was the prison cells.

"My consort doesn't even know how to read-!"

Merlin was glaring daggers at him, as if he WANTED to be taken straight down to the cells instead of hearing Arthur admit the ONE thing that he wasn't able to do. It was something Arthur had known needed to be taken care of, but the prince was actually grateful that he had been neglecting Merlin's education for this long. Surely his father could see the…astonishing odds of somebody who was unable to read, to pull off something like this. His consort, had, been able to find a way around his lacking education, of course. But even if his king was convinced of Merlin's secret brightness, this would have been a huge flaw for what the king knew Merlin was capable of.

"…Consort Merlin wouldn't need to know how to read once he figures out what book he needs. And correct me if I'm wrong, but does the young consort not spend an astonishing amount of time with the court physician? I'm sure Gaius wouldn't be part of something like this, of course, but asking him the rightful questions, it wouldn't be too hard to figure out which one it is. And he doesn't need to read the words to understand what the noble seals inside a book look like." Geoffrey said, after he cleared his throat, casting uncertain glances from one man to the next…Arthur didn't think he wished to be in the middle of this at all. But Arthur surely didn't want to be in the middle either. It didn't stop him from giving the record keeper a sharp glare, silently begging with his eyes for the other man to stay quiet. But Geoffrey answered to the king, not to the heir trying to cover for a criminal, and he lowered his eyes to the ground. "But…yes, sire. He came into the library several days ago, claiming that Prince Arthur had sent him there for educational purposes. So he could learn more about all the important families within Camelot's boarders that he would end up meeting at some point. And when he left…when he left, the book he'd been looking at had been an extensive copy of geology records. One of which, includes the Eldred family of Northumbria."

This was it, Arthur thought, body going taut as he saw two of the guards that stood on either side of the door starting to make their way forward. There was no going back from that one, Geoffrey had all but been a witness to whatever the hell his consort had been doing in that library. Arthur's hand fell down and reached for a sword that wasn't there, before realizing…what the fuck was the blond supposed to do? Was he going to end up fighting his men once again to protect Merlin from his own actions? The answer was yes. If he'd been wearing his sword right now, he would've been overruled by his instincts telling him to beat the shit out of anybody who thought they could place hands on Merlin. It wasn't in his possession though, which meant he had to think quick and fast if he was going to prevent this. Merlin was starting to look nervous, eyeing those knights creeping up behind him, though he also didn't buckle under their stern glares. Not like Arthur, whose blood pumped hot and hard in his veins, wanting to drag Merlin behind him to shield him with his body in the absence of having. a proper weapon.

"Well there you have it! Geoffrey's testimony has made this accusation solid and sealed. This isn't like the previous times he's gotten himself involved in matters of the court! He has used his position to betray us all with this kind of impudence! Committed treason getting that man into our good graces before he was found out!" His father exclaimed, his face going red at the thought of somebody believing they could fool a mighty king such as himself. Uther made sure to point a long and jagged finger at Merlin's white face, and this sudden rush of adrenaline raced through Arthur's face as the two guards appeared on either side of Merlin. "Guards! I want the consort to be taken down to the cells to spend some time with the man he risked everything for. I will decide what to do with him at a later date. Perhaps some time in the cells will remind him that he is not the one in command in this kingdom. Not yet."

Arthur felt utterly helpless as the two guards grabbed onto Merlin's elbows, jerking his consort away from him. So far away from him. His worst thoughts coming to life before his eyes…Merlin in a cell. Merlin in a cell. Merlin stuck in a cell. Treated no better than a common thief. Treated the same way Arthur'd been when he returned to the castle after retrieving the flower Merlin needed to survive the poisoning. No…nononononono! Arthur hadn't said a word when Lancelot had been taken away, until after the other man had left. But this was Merlin…and it felt like part of his soul was being wretched from his chest…his father probably wouldn't even allow Arthur to visit and sit with him. And Merlin looked so ghastly, as if the mere thought of being in the cells would be enough to make him sick, and Arthur couldn't blame him. The cells really was this truly awful place, and Arthur opened his mouth frantically, words spewing out of his mouth without thought or reason.

"THE GOLD!"

Everybody stopped where they stood, turning to look at Arthur one by one and each looking more confused than the last. His father was lifting an eyebrow up at him, as if his outburst had been unwarranted. As if he wasn't trying to keep his consort away from him. But the guards had stopped moving, the unworthy hands holding Merlin between them but no longer dragging him away, and that was all Arthur needed in order to get his thoughts together. The gold…the gold his consort would need to spend in order to afford the supplies that had made the forgery in the first place. Arthur didn't know how Merlin had gotten hands on them…perhaps he had stolen it, or borrowed it from some other noble that wasn't here and couldn't contest to it. But one thing was certain…Merlin most definitely hadn't used his gold to get it. Arthur knew this was true, as certainly as he knew there was blood running through his veins. Knew this just the same as somebody knowing the sky was blue and the grass was green. Merlin didn't spend gold (other than the once, on Guinevere's behalf) on nothing. The blond prince cleared his throat now that he had gotten everybody's attention, and he tried to pretend this wasn't the first time the thought had came to mind.

"My Consort and I have only been married for four months, and there is little I have learned about him during that time. Many things about him that I wouldn't mind knowing, things I didn't learn…before our marriage. But the one thing I've learned, because of my consort's upbringing, he is very hesitant to use money he hasn't earned himself." Arthur said, in this speech like fashion, sounding so much more confident than he actually was. Which was exactly what his lovely consort needed from him. Confidence. To act as if he knew what he was doing, and what he was talking about. And probably, for the first time considering his problems with his consort, he actually felt like he may know what he's actually talking about. "But Merlin has no money of his own, and certainly not enough to afford even a single brush needed for the forgery. Yet alone the colors and dyes of the inks themselves. Each one would probably cost a small fortune to own. My consort does have full access to my personal accounts inside of the royal treasury, but I ask you to look at the records. My Consort hasn't used his access, or I would've been billed for it. Unless you count the bill I got when he asked Madame Teresa to commission a small item for him, something so small it's barely even worth mentioning and was…necessary."

Arthur didn't bother giving details on what Merlin had asked Madame Teresa to make for him…a favor was actually an expensive garment considering the time and personalized detail being added onto it. But it was hardly what one called a 'necessary item.' His father might try brushing aside Arthur's actual argument if he thought Merlin was spending his money Willy nilly, on serving girls of all things. He much preferred his father deciding Merlin's 'necessary spending' was for something like a new pair of undergarments. As sickening as it was for his father to think of Merlin in his undergarments…but Merlin had always been insistent that Arthur's gold wasn't his. How many times had they fought about this before? How many times had Arthur tried giving the consort options and gifts and suggestions for what he could have, only for Merlin to spurn him at every turn? Why, Merlin had once thrown a sack of gold straight at the back of Arthur's head! If that wasn't dedication to having his own kind of independence, then Arthur didn't know what was!

And Merlin's unwillingness to budge on the matter, might be the one thing that saved him now.

There was a moment where it seemed as if everybody was holding onto their breath as they waited for the king to make his final decision. And there was a moment where it was just Arthur and his father, the rest of the world melding away while the two looked at the other, eyes of equal color but seemed to be completely different. Uther's were a steel trap, contemplating what the blond had just told him, while Arthur's were firm but with a hint of desperation that hardly went unnoticed by the king. And then finally, there was a moment that had Arthur's heart hammering in his chest, sick with nerves, positive that his father was going to dismiss him and have Merlin carted away from him. And it wouldn't matter what reason Arthur would give to claim there was no positive proof of Merlin's involvement. Being aware of the peasant in their midst, didn't mean Merlin had done anything more than just…omit the truth, when he hadn't even been asked before all this. And omitting could hardly be considered as a crime…right?

"Alright, Arthur. I suppose that you've intrigued me enough to look further into the matter. I'll have Geoffrey look at the books and check the records to see if there's been any withdrawals from your personal accounts that could coincide with the pricing for the materials needed, or on par with hiring somebody else to do it." Uther finally said, and Arthur's eyes went wide, his true face showing through the important mask he had been trying to portray in front of his father. He had been hoping for this, the relief flooding his system almost causing his head to spin, as if he was the one that had been drunk the night before instead of Merlin. "Your consort won't have to be locked away in the cells until we have got this whole matter settled and squared. But I do insist he be grounded, and placed in his chambers so he can't…wonder off…until I can be sure that we do not have a master forger in our midst. I trust that you can make sure he gets to his chamber, and doesn't disappear until I've had my final say?"

On one hand, Arthur wished with every breath in his body that Merlin could go free…wasn't that one of his complaints? One of his issues? That he felt like this prisoner, bound to Arthur through marriage but never truly free to step out the bounds holding him down. But on the other hand…this was probably the better scenario, considering all the other ways Uther could have Merlin punished. His chambers were much nicer than the prison cells. He wouldn't be cold, with just a thin jacket to cover his shivering frame. He would have thick blankets he can use as he willed. He wouldn't have to eat the mush they served the prisoners, which would probably only upset Merlin's poor appetite even more than it was already. He would have his food served to him, on par with the food that Arthur ate…softer foods, of course. Arthur hadn't forgotten how Gaius said the other boy's stomach was too small to handle the richer stuff. But those matters were just details, little things Arthur would need to see too while Merlin was unable to leave his rooms. And he nodded eagerly, pleased as punch, wanting to get Merlin out of here as fast as he could. Before the king had a chance of heart, and decided the cells were a better fit for the wayward consort.

"Yes, sire."

Arthur turned away from his father, eager to get a move on, and glared down his nose at the two guards holding his consort. He willed them to submission, the two guards immediately dropping Merlin's arms and stepping back to give Arthur full reins of the situation. Merlin was frowning at him, but now was not the time for a much needed conversation, and he quickly herded the boy out of the room. The whole time, resisting the urge to throw Merlin over the top of his shoulder lie some sort of caveman, like he had to get Merlin to his bedroom the night before, just to make him move faster. Getting out of the doors could not have came fast enough, but as soon as the doors slammed shut, blocking the king from watching them any longer, Arthur was rounding on his consort.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL WERE YOU THINKING?"

X

"Sire, I know that the prince made a convincing argument on the behalf of his consort, but do you really believe Consort Merlin had no hand in having made the forgery? I mean, before all of this, I would've said there was no way for the boy to be involved in such criminal activity." Geoffrey said softly, eyeing Uther as the king settled back down in his throne chair, completely calm, composed, despite the situation. The aged record keeper had been all but happy with the consort coming to him in his library all those days ago, but knowing that there had been reasons other than what he had claimed…soured him a bit towards the consort. "But the evidence far outweighs what argument the prince came up with. Consort Merlin seems to be the only one aware of the peasant's social standing in society. Therefore, it stands to reason that he's the one that made the forgery. None of the forgers we have on the payroll could've made up this parchment, and I doubt there are others in the kingdom that the consort could have found before the crown did. We know all the people in the kingdom who'd be capable to making such work."

There weren't many actual forgers they allowed to operate within the city…the skill was practically non-existent. There were a few though, that Uther allowed to keep up the practice, trusted individuals that worked closely with Camelot's own spy network. Geoffrey himself only knew of their existence, but Uther was obviously in the know of their identity. The Master spy-keeper though, was the one in charge of them. And worked more closely with them. The man worked in the shadows, his identity so tightly closed, that only a select few people within the king's network knew of him. And some people in that network, didn't even know they were working under their master spy. He was the sacred keeper and guarded Camelot's secrets more tightly than even his own. He had his hand in every part of Camelot, extending his resources far and wide, keeping updated on any possible threats to the kingdom. The only reason they kept the forgers at all, and not had them arrested and trialed like any who dared to try, was due to the spy master's interferences. Forgers were a rare commodity, and there's always a chance they were needed. Forging documents so the spy keeper was able to keep his hands on the original, passing along messengers across their kingdom while pretending to be somebody else. A mystery shrouded inside of the darkness, protecting the king and his subjects by partaking in the darkest pits their society had. Forsaking himself to get the job done…even Uther could not be aware of everything their spymaster did. He was mostly left alone, until he was needed, forging his own connections that Uther was unaware of. But it was for the best…the spymaster often had to get his hands dirty, being Uther's left hand man. It wasn't an easy job to have, and Geoffrey didn't envy any who found themselves tangled within the spider web that was the spymaster's own personal work.

"Of course I don't believe my son. Arthur is many things, but he's never been able to keep his emotions behind a mask like I would like him too. But he was determined to undermine me, and I personally, would like to see where this will be going." Uther said, tapping his fingers in a slow rhythm along the arm of his Royal throne. Geoffrey looked at him confused, tilting his head to the side, and not entirely understanding what Uther meant by that…what was there to see to the matter? If Arthur would try and break his consort out of his rooms before it was allowed? If Merlin would try and do something? Uther released this mighty sigh before shaking his head, "You're right, Geoffrey. There's only a few within the kingdom who are capable of making such forgeries, but there's no chance Merlin knows of them. Not even Arthur knows those men exist, and Merlin has not even been educated on the basics of society, yet alone on matters of court that only a few people are aware of. Merlin had to have made the forge himself, and I would like to know how. If Merlin is in possession of skills we are unaware of, then I would like to know of them. Imagine…somebody within my family able to do such things with no formal training. The things he could do if he could be under the proper guidance. I need to watch him closely…make sure that this is nothing more than a strange fluke. And at least this way, Arthur is going to be distracted, and I know where Merlin is. Just as my son is skilled with a sword, it is about time the consort proved he had his own special talent."

Geoffrey eyed the king with wonder…he never would've thought to try using the consort for these skills…if they actually were skills. And not actually some sort of strange fluke. But that was why Uther was king, there was nothing that escaped his notice. He could see opportunities for what they were, and wasn't afraid to take advantage of that. The only advantages Uther wouldn't stoop to use, was magic. But anything else…that was free gain for the king. And the old record keeper almost pitied the young consort for catching Uther's attention in such a manner. Geoffrey wasn't sure which would be better…if Merlin had this skillset, Uther would probably work him beyond human capability in order for it to be nurtured and used for his own gain. But if Merlin proved hopeless…it may lead to a more horrible punishment than a few weeks in the cells may've been.

X

Neither King nor Record Keeper noticed the dark, shadowy figure hidden right behind a pillar, having watched the entire scene unfolding before their eyes. It was a private conversation, but this person had no qualms about listening and taking note of every detail. And neither noticed this shadowy figure step back, disappearing behind a tapestry hung on the wall. A tapestry that hid a secret corridor not even the king knew existed. He had spent many days and nights using this corridor, following along with what the king was dealing with. Taking care to never be seen, never be heard, disappearing as if he had never been in there in the first place.

The king seemed to be making his own plans for the mysterious Consort.

But him…he had a different idea for the young consort.

He just needed to keep watching, before he made a final decision.

He wouldn't be careless if he proved wrong about the young consort.

X

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL WERE YOU THINKING!"

Merlin Pendragon swore that the strength of Arthur's yell was the reason that his hair blew back out of his face for a second before settling back down along his forehead. And it left him scowling…he didn't need to ask what the prince is fussing about this time, there was only one reason for it. But still, what right in the world did Arthur have to be yelling at him over this? It wasn't as if Merlin's the one that asked him to step in, he didn't beg for the prince to get between him and his father. In fact, he preferred he didn't. Sure, the cells were going to be no doubt…difficult…considering how faint he felt every time he went down those stairs, but it was a small price to pay so Lancelot wouldn't have to be in the cells by himself. Like Gwen had been…like he was going to be…why did this always happen to him? Every time he tried to help, it only caused his friends to pay the price. It was extremely frustrating, constantly trying only to fail at it…it was rough, actually. And the one thing Merlin definitely didn't need during that rough time, was Arthur screeching in his face about things he couldn't hope to understand.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WNAT DO I THINK I WAS DOING? I was doing what not a single person in this kingdom would've been willing to do! Lancelot wanted to be a knight, and I wanted to see it happen! So yeah, I did what I needed to do to make it happen!" Merlin exclaimed, just as loud. If Arthur wanted to start shouting at him over this, something that didn't have anything to do with him as far as Merlin was concerned, then he was going to start shouting too. It was only right, after all. Especially since everything else in the world was as unfair as it could possibly be, geared towards hiking up the rich and keeping all the poor down in the dirt. "It's not as if you were going to be of any help! So yes! When somebody who actually wants to be around me has a problem, I decided to take matters into my own hands! What was I supposed to do? Hear Lancelot going on about wanting to be a knight, and then watch him break down when he never even gets a chance to try at being a knight!"

Merlin growled beneath his breath as he finished this, and spun around on his heel and started storming off down the hall. He could hear Arthur barking from behind him, demanding to know where he was going, but Merlin only threw up the middle finger over his head. Not looking back as Arthur sputtered, before following him down the hall. But Merlin wasn't stopping for him, his pace being relentless and strong. As Merlin had said, he hadn't expected Arthur to go and get himself involved, and he most definitely didn't need his involvement right now. He could bloody well go to his own chambers without Arthur needing to be his babysitter. He knew damn well where he was going, and screw Arthur if he thought he was going to play nice. Thanks to Arthur, Merlin had ended up bloody 'grounded' in his rooms. His own mother hadn't grounded him since he was eighteen…it was only a year ago, and he hadn't been home for almost half that, but that was beside the point! Uther wasn't his father! He didn't have any right to 'ground him.' But even Merlin knew he was stuck with this now. And all he wanted to be doing was choking on his own breath as he struggled to talk to Lancelot while the energy coming off the iron bars threatened to choke the magic from his veins.

Stupid Arthur.

"How do you know I wouldn't have helped you if you came to me first! It's not as if you even gave me a chance! You just decided for yourself that I wouldn't do you any good, and risked yourself with this whole plan because you did not have the proper backup!" Arthur exclaimed from behind him, and Merlin rolled his eyes with a loud scoff. Please, there Arthur goes again. Trying to play with being the victim. Give Merlin a bloody break! Arthur had not ever, nor would he ever, be the victim. He was bloody Prince Arthur Pendragon, heir to the great Kingdom of Camelot and next in line to take the throne. What could he know of any of this! He was more liable to run straight to the king if Merlin gave even a hint of what he had been planning. And as if reading his mouth, Arthur forced a hefty sigh from his mouth, as if he was trying to calm himself down some, "…I suppose you have your reasons for not coming to me, but this whole thing is crazy, Merlin! This isn't you running into a room and accusing a king of having poisoned my goblet! You had actual proof on your side! Do you know what the penalty for forgery, and for impersonating a nobleman? It's up there with major crimes like bloody treason! If my father figures out you really did find out how to make that forgery, you are done for! Death, Merlin! That's what I'm talking to you about! So yes! You should have watched Lancelot get his dream taken from his grip, watched him get the world knocked out from under his own feet, instead of putting your own life on the line for a stranger!"

Merlin could feel the rippling of rage going through him…what did Arthur know about anything? He wasn't there! He wasn't there when Merlin had been under that creature, squeezing his eyes shut and preparing for it to snuff him out of existence. He didn't have magic at his disposal, Merlin's only real weapon that may have helped him escape, if he hadn't had his stupid lapse of judgment. He wasn't there when Lancelot-Lancelot!-showed up out of nowhere's like a hero, losing his sword in the process and almost being slain himself, just to get him-a stranger-out of the line of fire. Arthur wasn't around when Lancelot started to become more than a fascinating stranger visiting, he wasn't around as the consort started falling for the warrior. He wasn't around as Merlin realized he needed to let those feelings go, so Gwen could have a chance. Arthur was not ever around when the good things happened, never around to watch the bond forming around Merlin and this 'stranger' as Arthur had called him. Arthur was only ever around when he wanted to dump on Merlin, around to remind him he wasn't good enough to keep somebody like Lancelot around, was only around because he wanted Merlin for himself. To torment, like the possessive freak he was.

"Your bloody rules are wrong! This whole….first code of Camelot is nothing but another way for the nobles to keep their blood blue. Because heaven forbid if a 'normal person' enters your presence for more than a bloody minute! It's just a way to segregate and keep the outcasts in line." Merlin exclaimed madly, as he threw a scathing look over his shoulder to the prince still following him, as the two of them started up the stairs. Merlin had his hands clenched into fists on either side of him, moving his arms back and forth as if he was on some kind of mission. Which perhaps, in a way, he was. Getting away from Arthur felt like a mission, he sure didn't need Arthur to walk him to his room. He knew exactly where it was, assuming it hadn't upped and walked away by itself in the last or so hour. "But hey, I'm a bloody outsider myself! So forgive me, if I believe that I have a bit of something in common with Lancelot here! The only difference will be that he actually 'wants' to be part of your bloody kingdom, and I don't give a fuck if I am or not! Besides, if you can go ahead and make a peasant boy out to be your consort, is it really that stupid of an idea that another peasant's got what it takes to become a knight! Honestly, close minded, all of you! It's not a wonder why Camelot's army will be going down in the next few years, even if you do train them every bloody day, if you aren't willing to open your ranks up just a little bit!"

Arthur went silent behind him, and Merlin hoped he was bloody well chewing on what Merlin had just said. Give him something to think about besides what he wanted for a chance. It would do Arthur some good, Merlin thought with a hefty huff as they started down another hallway, thinking outside the box and not keeping himself stuck in whatever Camelot force feeds their citizens. That wasn't going to be Merlin. No chance! Was he really so bloody wrong that he'd seen something that wasn't fair, and decided to do something about it? It's not as if they had any other choice, any other means they could've gone through to get this done in a more legal sense. If people wanted Merlin to wear the title and the crown and smile even when his world was falling into shreds all around them, then why couldn't Merlin be allowed a little allowance for being a tiny bit more compliant than he usually is. If Camelot agreed to make Lancelot a true knight in every sense of the world, well…maybe Merlin would be willing to bite his tongue for a little bit.

"I know Merlin, that our…laws and the way we run this kingdom and the way we do things around here are a bit of a…cultural shock for you. But we do have an actual reason for the way we do things. My father is very strict and he likes to have things ran a certain way." Arthur said, voice softening into a low murmur that Merlin could barely hear it, the prince's shoulders slumping down a little in the face of Merlin's contempt. But Arthur just kept on talking, and all Merlin wanted to do was shove something down his gullet to make him stop talking to him at all! Maybe something long, and something thick, that would muffle any words from escaping Arthur…perhaps a breadstick would do the job? If only he bloody well had one of those! "And unfortunately, one of those things would be the strict criteria for who's allowed to be a knight. Only those whose family has earned the trust of the crown, can be trusted to carry on the roles of their own ancestors and become the bridge between order and complete anarchy."

Merlin rolled his eyes so hard that it almost felt as if they were going to fall out of his head and bounce back down the second staircase they'd just gone down again…stupid Arthur. He was doing nothing but making excuses, as far as he's concerned. Complete anarchy…as if things in the streets weren't already being chaotic. With or without a peasant wearing a cape. The entire seemed was in a roar when Merlin married into the crown, Lancelot being knighted wouldn't be causing half of what Merlin did. And if they'd already gone through the hurdle of Merlin's beginnings, why couldn't they do the same for Lancelot! A bunch of bull, that was what this is! And what Merlin didn't understand! Willing to slap a crown on his mangy head, but a peasant wielding a sword was suddenly going too far for them. Their hypocrisy was really showing right now.

"Why don't you come and get me when you decide to get your head out of the thing you call an arse! Maybe by the time you do, you'd have realized that I'm only trying to help out around here. Camelot needs the new blood, it probably does now more than ever. And Lancelot could've been the start, but no! All so caught up with living in the damn past, it's no wonder this kingdom has yet to move any further than it has." Merlin spat over his shoulder like some kind of hellion, rampant and rough in the way he could only be when he was around Arthur. But who could blame him! So what if Uther had chosen a certain group of men to follow him into battle when he claimed the kingdom as his own all of those many years ago! Did that mean nobody was allowed to advance forward, just because they weren't around to be given knighthood and noble titles back then. God help this kingdom if it ever came under attack, and the peasants are the only ones able to do something. Probably because nobody ever notices if they're there. Hard to see a threat right in front of them, even if that very same threat had constant contact with the nobles food and clothing and medicines and whatever else nobles got delivered to them on the daily. "All the knights I have seen, bar a very small handful, do nothing but ride around with their title in hand and marching along to their own perceived power. At least you knew it was a fact that Lancelot wanted to be here! Even you can't deny that he could have became the best of them all! But NO! Let's just follow the king and all his unfair rules!"

Merlin ranted to rant some more, maybe throw in a few colorful curses that his husband wouldn't have heard from him yet. But what was the bloody point of it all? Just for Arthur to ignore him, or even worse, come after him just because Merlin actually tried doing something about the injustice of this law? He could speak until he was blue in the face, explain his reasonings a thousand different times, and Arthur would still say the king was right. Lancelot could be allowed to demonstrate his skills, and beat the holy shit out of their best fighters, and he would still be taken down to the cells. Because heaven forbid a peasant be as good as any of them! Heaven forbid a peasant have dreams that would take him out of the peasant hovels he's been living in all these years! And heaven forbid anybody look beneath the grubby clothes to see somebody with more honor than most of the nobles have in their little fingers!

"…This is getting us nowhere." Arthur murmured beneath his breath behind the consort, and Merlin scoffed loudly as he rolled his eyes, hadn't he just literally thought the exact same thing! This WAS getting them nowhere! And the young consort raised a hand to his hair, agitated, and brushed roughly through those dark locks…until he froze mid-brush. Merlin remembered the last time that his hair had been touched…when Arthur had been strangely gentle whenever he'd brushed Merlin's bangs out of his eyes. Back when Lancelot had been taken to the king. Arthur had been so strange, staring down at Merlin as if he'd actually felt sorry for doing all of this to him. They had stood there staring at the other, Merlin wondering what the fuck Arthur was doing, before Arthur himself finally realized what he was doing and snatched his hand away. Merlin had been even more baffled when the prince made some lame excuses about him needing to be in the throne room and practically ran from the room, his face looking very red. Merlin had wanted to give chase and demand to know what the fuck that had been about, but Lancelot had needed him more. Though he could give his thanks to Gaius, who had stopped him and reminded him he couldn't very well do anything when he was in his damn underwear. "…Perhaps we could talk on a far easier topic. Something that won't make us talk around in circles until there is nothing left to say. Maybe, since we're away from the king, you can explain to me exactly how that forgery of yours actually came to be?"

If Arthur thought that was an easier topic, then he was surely mistaken, as the consort grew stiff. Merlin didn't look back, keeping his own eyes firmly latched onto the hallway in front of him…his damn forgery. Merlin hadn't known what it was he could say about that. He had used his magic to make it. The magic had lifted every inch of the page in that book, and copied it down onto the piece of parchment he had. Each line and each curve and each ink mark matching with the other perfectly. It could've been part of the book itself, with how perfect it was in detail. Which had been exactly what Merlin had been going for. But he'd not expected the product being 'too good', would end up being the reason the whole charade came falling apart around them. It had been meant to keep the court off Lancelot's tracks…how was he supposed to know they were actually going to check it over, considering how noble seals were only made specific to each noble family. It was an oversight on his part, and if he ever needed to go making a forgery again, he would clearly need to have a better cover story if it got caught…

"…I don't know what you're talking about. It's like you said in that room, there's no chance I could've had anything to do with this. No gold of my own to have it paid for, remember?"

It was a sore point, knowing he had no actual money of his own and no way to earn it for himself, considering the shit show that had started the last time he had went looking for a job. But it was also something Merlin could use, so he'd be able to, hopefully, deflect Arthur away from the truth. It wasn't as if he was able to just say 'yes, Arthur. I'm a powerful sorcerer to be. And I decided to try using my magic for the good of the kingdom by making a peasant one of them stuff old nobles. Now bow down to me before I turn you into a bloody toad for ruining my plan to be sent down to the cells with Lancelot. Just like you did as I tried doing the same thing when it was Gwen being sent down there because of me!' Unfortunately, there were just some things Merlin couldn't say, and it's unfortunate just how many things Merlin wanted to say. Though honestly, that dratted husband of his would probably look better than he did if Merlin tried to turn him into a real toad. Hearing 'ribbit' coming from him would've been more interesting than the usual crap he tried to spew about.

"DAMN IT, MERLIN! You know I wasn't trying to start anything what I said that! I was only trying to get you out of there before you faced punishment! But now my father isn't here, and it's just you and me! So there's no point in trying this! You and I both know that you had a hand in that forgery! But since you did not pay to have it made yourself, then…what? Did you really manage to…steal all of the supplies you needed and make it yourself? Without being caught by any of the guards?" Arthur demanded, and though it was subtle, Merlin was still able to hear the soft scoff in the prince's voice. Merlin's jaw went tight, and he kept his hands in tight little fists on either side of him as he continued forward. The prince didn't think Merlin had it in him to be good enough to make it, of course he didn't. Merlin wasn't able to do anything of worth in the prince's eyes. It did not matter that Arthur was right about this, Merlin sometimes had trouble just drawing in a straight line. But he wasn't horrid at it. He still never could've got the forgery looking as it did if he hadn't used his magic to make it. But hey, it's still a complex piece of magic! To have as much precision as Merlin did so that it wouldn't go wrong or disappear right off the page. That had to at least count for something! Though to Arthur…it would probably mean Merlin being strung up on the pyre. "…Merlin…did you really make it yourself?"

Arthur's voice had came out softer, suddenly sounding as if he was unsure of it all, when Merlin didn't say anything. Merlin's silence suddenly seemed to be making Arthur question everything. Because of course, how could poor Merlin possibly have the same skill level that the masters, who worked for years and years of their life, did? Merlin supposed he could say 'yes, he made it himself,' but that would only invite more questions that Merlin couldn't answer. Though it was true. Even if Merlin hadn't used a brush or quill or ink or parchment, the consort had still been the one that made it. His magic was embedded inside of that parchment. A little piece of himself, forever etched onto it, standing as if it was a sign…a sign that said Merlin was there. A sign that said Merlin and his magic was around, would live on…maybe even after he had died. But that was all getting a bit too deep for Merlin. And nothing Merlin could risk telling to the prince. Though Merlin did actually look over his shoulder this time, and turned a China doll like smile onto his husband, as broken and brittle and empty as his smile had ever been.

"I have many skills and talent Arthur, that I'm sure you've yet to see."

It was a risk, saying so much…his magic WAS a certain skill and talent that his husband would never know exist. Not if Merlin had any say about it. But it was not a lie, at least, and Arthur could take it however he wanted to take it. If he'd convince himself that Merlin really was as great as the masters, then it's hardly Merlin's fault that Arthur refused to look out of his narrow worldview to realize what Merlin really meant. Arthur was staring at him, at his broken little doll like smile, plastic and empty and devoid of the life he'd been possessing since the day he woke up from the poisoning, and he breathed out a heavy breath. For a second, Merlin actually thought Arthur looked pained. But clearly, that was just a trick of the light. And Arthur finally lapsed into silence for several minutes, it was peaceful for once. Until Arthur ruined it when they reached a crossroad in the hall.

"We have to go this way."

Arthur's tone was careful but certain, as he pointed down the left hallway, and it stopped Merlin who had been starting down the right. The consort frowned heavily, glancing from the left hallway to the right…he may have had trouble in finding his way around here, his sense of direction lost in the massiveness that came with this castle, but he was pretty sure he knew his way around. And the consort was positive that the way to his uncle's chamber, was down the hall he had been going down. The left hallway would've lead them to the other side of the castle entirely. All the way too…Merlin paled rapidly as he realized where it was Arthur had been taking him. And why Arthur had been following him all of this time, and it wasn't just because the king had told him to make sure Merlin made it to where he was supposed to go.

"No, no, no, no, no! There is absolutely no possible way I am going anywhere with you! I am especially not going up in that room! You know full well that it's awful up there, and that I hate it! I think I'd rather die than be shoved into that space once again!" Merlin exclaimed loudly, already raising his arms in case he tried to grab for him. Arthur was gonna have one hell of a fight trying to get his consort down the hall and up the stairs and to that awful room that they gave to him when he first came here. Already, he could feel his chest getting tight at the thought of being in that perfect room, like nothing more than some kind of ornament Arthur dragged out only when he needed to use him. It felt as if he'd be taking fifty steps back from the progress he's been making, as if he'd done all of this for nothing! Because it had ended with him still stuck right where he had been in the beginning of all of this. "You said that I could continue living in my uncle's chambers! You said that, you bloody liar! You don't get to go ahead and change your mind now, just because I embarrassed you in front of the man you call a bloody father! Fuck, or is this what you damn well wanted! Waited to see if I made a mistake major enough to have me sent back there, didn't you!"

It shouldn't have surprised Merlin, knowing that Arthur apparently had plans to shove him back into that dreadful room, but it did. Perhaps it's because of how much time has passed since then and now. It'd been at least two months or so since Arthur had admitted defeat and allowed Merlin to sleep in the tiny, cramp room his uncle had above the main area of his chambers. And he was sure that it hadn't been brought up since. Arthur had seemed content to leave Merlin to wallow in a 'peasant space' as he would call it, instead of wasting his precious noble supplies on somebody who wouldn't be able to appreciate the amounts of finery around him. But perhaps Arthur simply hadn't wanted to let on that it was only a matter of time before he got his way in the end. While Arthur gave in, he hadn't exactly been trilled by Merlin's decision in the beginning. He had been downright pissed. But apparently, Merlin had finally given him the chance he'd been waiting for all this time…Arthur was giving him this incredulous look, as if Merlin was mad for accusing him of such things.

"Merlin, I'm not taking you away from your room! I know that you actually like to live with your uncle, and I'm not taking that away from you! I'm just saying that you can't stay there right now! Once your grounding has ended, you are more than welcomed to return to your uncle's and I won't say a word, do you understand me?" Arthur asked him, and Merlin narrowed his eyes at him with his confusion…Arthur SEEMED sincere. But there had been times when he had thought Arthur was sincere before, only to realize he was imagining the entire thing. And besides…he was confused, why did he have to go through with the grounding in his old suite? Why couldn't he just do it with his uncle? It looked as if Arthur was able to read his face though, and Merlin wasn't entirely sure of how he felt about that, because he gave him an explanation. "Remember, I was only able to allow you to live with your uncle because nobody knew that you'd be staying there. It was the deal we made back then, you keep where you were living as discreetly as you could-" Arthur gave him a stern look, clearly he was remembering the little fact of Lancelot knowing where Merlin was laying down his head at night. "And wouldn't force you to come back. We decided this, as it would keep my father from discovering the truth. And do you really think for a single second, that my father would be as lenient as I was back then. He won't hesitate to remove you by force, if he figures it out. And who knows, my father might check on you once or twice just to make sure you're there. What do you think will happen if he discovers you aren't? We have to keep up appearances for the time being, yes?"

Merlin…had forgotten about the terms of their original deal…sort of. He could remember it, but the details were a little fuzzy. Though he did know that it was important Uther didn't find out about his sleeping situation. He could imagine guards streaming into Gaius' chambers, tearing it apart just to find him, before dragging him out kicking and screaming. It would probably end with him being actually locked in his Royal suite, to prevent him from returning to his uncle at the first chance he got. Merlin was grudging about admitting it, but…perhaps Arthur had a real point about this one. Though it was a laugh that Arthur was considering him the 'lenient' one, considering he'd probably done far worse to Merlin that Uther had. All Uther had done was forced Merlin to marry his heir, attend a few events, and attempted to lock him away once or twice. Everything else had been Arthur. Though at least sleeping in his Royal suite was only this short term solution…he would be back in his actual bed before he knew it, less the massive walls started feeling like they were closing in on him or something

"…I still think you should've left me to be cellmates with Lancelot."

Merlin couldn't resist giving Arthur the last word, even as he stomped past the prince to walk further and further away from his REAL home. He heard the man give a long, suffering sigh from behind him, as if MERLIN was somehow being the unreasonable here. But for once, Merlin didn't rise to the bait, nor did the consort say a single thing about it. He just kept walking, hoping that he would somehow never reach his destination. If he never reached it…he could pretend this was nothing more than some drawn out dream. Or maybe he could look on the bright side of this…it would at least give him plenty of time to work out his plan on getting Lancelot out of this one…