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Consciousness came to Merlin slowly. His head felt like a thundercloud, heavy like cotton, with sparks of pain like lightning. He racked his brain, trying to remember what brought him to this state.
“So little whore, you are finally awake”
“DON’T YOU CALL HIM THAT!”
Arthur!
Merlin opens his eyes and looks around, staring in horror as he sees that Arthur is bound in chains in a cell across from his, face swollen and bruising starting around his eyes. His mouth opens, a panicked look on his face, but before he can say anything Merlin’s head is forced back, a hand gripping his hair so tightly he’s afraid of getting a bald spot.
“Father do-” Arthur’s scream was cut off with a gurgle as one of the guards wrapped a cloth around Arthur’s mouth. Merlin made eye contact with him, eyes wide in worry before the hand holding his hair shook him vigorously.
“There’s nothing special about you, boy… so what I want to know is why my son is fucking you, instead of that servant whore of Morgana’s."
Merlin stares into mismatched eyes, he knows no matter what he says, Uther won’t believe him. Merlin knows how this is going to go, Merlin will deny it, but Uther will be convinced it is an enchantment, and Merlin will burn on the pyre. Or, if he is lucky Uther will just kill him here so there is no risk of escape and no shame brought down upon the prince for falling under a spell.
So Merlin does the stupid option instead -
“Maybe I am just that good of a fuck” he whispers, glaring as hard as he can into Uther's eyes.
Uther surprises Merlin by grinning and letting go of the back of his head. “Maybe, but let’s see if you still feel like that when I’m done with you.” He turns to leave the cell Merlin is in pausing for a moment, then before Merlin can blink, pain washes over the side of his face and all he can see are stars.
Uther slams shut the bars and strides out of the dungeons, a smirk on his face.
“Merlin” Arthur whispers, “are you alright, I mean I know you’re not alright but…”
“I’m okay Arthur, not the first time I’ve been hit in the face, probably won’t be the last. How are you?”
“I’m fine, I’ve had worse training. We need to get out of here, I don’t know what’s going on, but the King found out about us and has lost it. He will kill you if we don’t get out of here.”
“I know, but I’m not sure if I can. An unhappy accident that he has me in cold iron.”
“Shit shit shit. We have to -” Arthur never got to finish his sentence a load bang signaling Uther on his way back to where their cells were, a small figure trailing behind him, holding what looked like training staff, but smaller and thinner.
Uther smirked over at Merlin before opening the cell door and grabbing the staff from the servant.
“George, undress him” was all the warning Merlin got before the figure, George apparently, made his way into the cell and took off Merlin's boots before taking out a knife, removing Merlin's jacket and tunic before unbuckling his pants and pulling them down, leaving Merlin in just his small clothes, body shivering in the coldness of the cells.
After gathering the fabric from the floor, George stood up and looked at Uther, head slightly bowed in submission.
“Dismissed”
With that George left the cell, glancing back at Merlin, refusing to make eye contact. Merlin could see the pain on his fellow servant’s face and gave him a small smile. He knew it wasn’t George’s fault, he had to do as the king commanded.
“Father, please don’t do this.”
“Quiet Arthur, you will see what happens when you fuck a servant, and maybe you will stay away from your next one”
“No!!” Arthur cried out as Merlin's chained hands were lifted off the hook that held him upright against the wall and he was dragged across his cell to the cot and forced to lay across it, face down.
“Now Merlin, you have a choice, you can stay still and this will be painful for only you, or you can move and I will bring the whore servant down here and do it to her as well.”
Merlin took a deep breath, straightening his arms out as if reaching for the head of the cot and letting the breath out, no longer moving besides to breathe, his choice made.
“Very well. Arthur, you will count, and for every time you miss I will start over.”
With that Uther raised the staff in his hand and brought it down against Merlin's back, a swift crack in the air.
Unable to stop himself, Merlin lets out a cry of pain as all the air in his lungs escapes. He just barely hears Arthur stutter out “ One” before another crack is heard and all Merlin knows is pain.
===
Arthur can feel the tears running down his face as he watches Uther hit Merlin with the cane. He knows just how much it hurts, despite there being no blood. It’s almost worse than a whip because at least then you have the chance of blood loss to bring an end.
After Arthur counted twenty strokes to Merlin’s back, Uther changed position, beginning to go down Merlin's thighs. With the first hit in the new area, Merlin lets out a small yelp, breathing heavily. Arthus is both proud of the strength Merlin is showing and horrified at it. Arthur had already passed out by the time Uther had reached fifteen strikes the last time Uther had used it. At thirty Uther goes even further down, that’s when Merlin screams for the first time. Uther focuses his attention on the arches of Merlin’s bare feet, grinning as Merlin screams each time.
At forty Arthur can't take any more.
“Please father, please stop.”
Pure delight lights up Uther’s face at his son’s words. The boy lasted longer than he originally thought. “Oh Arthur, what did I tell you, now we have to start all over.” Uther turns his attention back to Merlin’s upper torso, hitting in almost the same spot he started with. “ONE”
======
Uther finally stopped after Merlin passed out, the boy was strong, there was no doubt. They had reached sixty this time. His eyes showed disappointment as he looked at his son in the other cell, a look of disgust crossing his face as he noticed the silent sobs shaking his sons body. No, this isn’t his son, his son was strong, not this weak creature so involved with a servant. It must be magic!
“He burns as soon as the pyre is finished.”
Arthur sobbed harder as Uther left. Merlin please, wake up so you can escape. Please.
**********
Little did Arthur know, George had gone straight to Morgana after he was dismissed. George had never said it, but George always admired Merlin for his loyalty to Arthur. George knew about Merlin’s magic, George’s mum had magic, using it to clean the corners when George was young. George would never tell a soul about Merlin’s magic until he was a threat
George hesitated before knocking on the lady Morgana's door, making sure no one was around.
Gwen greeted George with a smile as soon as the door was opened.
“What can we help you with, George?”
====
Gwen tilted her head when George refused to say out loud what he needed, insisting he must speak with her lady.
“Let him in Gwen, it's okay” Morgana's gentle voice came from the bed area, and Gwen gestured him inside.
The smiles they had quickly turned to horror when they found out what Uther was doing.
“This is too far! His madness must be stopped!” Morgana was filled with righteous fury. Enough was enough, she no longer wanted to live in fear. If Uther could beat his own son and torture Merlin just because they slept with each other, what would he do if he found out about her?
“George, I need you to gather Leon and bring him to Gaius's chambers. We are going to need their help to fix this.
=====
Merlin could hear Arthur sobbing. He knew he had to get up, knew they had to escape, but he couldn’t even open his eyes. He’s been caned before, but this was something else. He knew he had broken some ribs, he had heard them crack when Uther had been particularly vicious, and he couldn’t feel anything below his waist, which could be from shock but worried him nevertheless. He needed help soon, magical help.
Reaching with his mind, he touched his thoughts to Arthur’s
Cariad…
“Merlin! Oh, gods please heal yourself, get out of here, Uther is planning on burning you!”
I… had assumed. He isn’t going to be happy until I am dead.
“Then make sure he is miserable for the rest of his life and escape. Please.”
I’m not sure I can heal myself. Never…never been my strong point.
“Can you unlock the cuffs? Then I can help you”
I will try…
After a few moments, Merlin’s breaths got fast and shallow but there was a click signaling the unlocking of the chains around them both and another click from Merlin’s cell door. Arthur quickly made his way over to the warlock, afraid to touch him when he fully saw the damage.
How bad is it?
Arthur looked over to where Merlin’s head was resting, unable to meet his eyes.
“You'll be okay, we’ll get Gaius and-”
No, we need to get out of here. I don’t know how he found out about us but Uther won’t be happy with just my death.
“Okay… let's get you up, I can send for Gaius once you are safe and hidden.”
Arthur then bent down, intending to try and turn Merlin over so he could be carried but as soon as he placed his hands on Merlin’s abdomen Merlin let out a pained whimper and started to gag.
Stop, stop. This isn’t going to work. You need to get help, you need to get out of here.
“I’m not leaving you!”
You may not have a choice.
“I-”
“Arthur” a loud whisper came from the entrance to the cells and Arthur immediately spun around, prepared to fight anyone to get Merlin to safety.
“Arthur, where are you? We need to get you and Merlin out of here! Uther has gone crazy!”
Finally, Arthur recognized Leon’s voice “last cell, on the right. I need help to move Merlin”
Leon came around the corner and hissed when he saw the state of them. “What do you need me to do? Morgana is distracting everyone she can so we get to escape, Gaius is preparing his supplies and will meet us at the hiding spot we found”
“We need to carry Merlin, but we have to be careful, I’m not sure how bad he’s been hurt but I know for a fact that we absolutely can’t touch his abdomen or chest.”
Together they managed to get Merlin sitting up, supported by Leon holding onto his arms. Arthur quickly placed his arms under Merlin’s knees and around his shoulders. Leon helped Merlin wrap his arms around Arthur’s neck, and supported his back while Arthur lifted him up. A keening sound was heard from Merlin before stopping abruptly and the man went limp, passing out once again.
“Let’s go, Leon, you lead, I’m going to be relying on your sword should we happen to run into any issues.”
Together they make their way out of the cells, thankfully not running into anyone until they make their way out of the castle and into the forest. Fifteen guards and knights were already awaiting their arrival in the forest's clearing, Uther standing in front. Upon Uther's face was a smug smirk, as if he had already won the battle and the war.
“I knew it! You are enchanted! My son would never disobey me like this. Kill them”
The sound of clashing swords is what Merlin awoke to, barely able to open his eyes a slit he could see Arthur and Leon fighting Uther's men, standing protectively in front of the tree Merlin was rapidly laying against. Merlin could tell that Arthur and Leon were tiring, and in an unfair move, one of the king's knights managed to unarm Arthur, raising his sword as if to kill the prince.
“NO!!!” Merlin screamed and his eyes lit up with the brightest golden hue before all the guards and knights flew into the trees and rocks, none moving but for slow breaths, and Merlin promptly passed out again, breathing even shallower and beads of sweat pouring down his face.
Uther screamed in utter rage at the loss of his goons and drew his own sword, preparing to skewer the warlock servant. He was hovering above Merlin when a gurgling sound suddenly came out of the king's throat, blood seeping past his withered and chapped lips and a look of pure horror on his face. He looks down only to see a gleaming sword coming out of his chest before the light in his eyes dimmed and he went limp, falling to the side as he was pushed off the sword, revealing Arthur who looked as shocked as Uther had been. The shock faded quickly when Arthur saw Merlin pass out once again, his already pale skin taking on an ashen hue.
“Leon, we need to go now! Merlin doesn’t have much time left” Arthur screamed, sheathing his new weapon. He ran over to Merlin, scooping him up in his arms and turning to follow Leon, a new sense of urgency coursing through his veins.
Arthur ran as fast as he dared without risking tripping and dropping Merlin, following Leon to Gaius, and Morgana.
Merlin was fading in and out of consciousness, the movements that were causing him agony both a blessing and a curse. He knew nothing Gaius could do would save him now.
“Arthur… stop. Please. I can’t-“
“We are almost there Merlin, please hold on, just another moment” they were almost to the clearing, Arthur could see Morgana up ahead and called out to her, she hurriedly started towards him, Gaius following closely behind her when Merlin started choking in his arms. Arthur looked down just in time to see a fountain of blood pour out of Merlin’s mouth.
Arthur stopped and knelt down, turning Merlin so he wouldn't choke on his own blood. Gently he brushed the hair off Merlin’s sweat-beaded forehead and Merlin turned his head towards Arthur, trying to smile but unfortunately only grimacing.
“I love you, I’m sorry” Merlin whispered softly, voice as faint as a ghost's, and with an echo of regret, his eyes drifted closed and he sagged in the Prince's hold.
Lifeless.
“NO! Merlin, Merlin, please. Open your eyes, we made it, we’re safe.” Arthur choked, gently shaking the body in his arms. Merlin’s chest was barely moving and a low rattling sound was coming from his lungs with every slight breath.
Arthur looked up at where Morgana stood, tears pouring down his face, creating tracks in the dirt that laid upon his cheeks.
“‘Gana. I don’t know what I’ll do without him. Help… please” he ended with a whisper as he stared at her eyes pleading, his face one of pure desperation. Morgana’s thought back to when Morgouse took her away. What Merlin did to her. To protect Camelot. To protect Arthur. At this moment she knew her sister was horribly wrong about Arthur. Arthur was a better man than Uther. She understood how his hands were tied while Uther still lived but he did what he could, he couldn’t risk fighting harder and being unable to physically help.
Morgana knelt next to her brother, she took a deep breath and ran her hand over Merlin’s forehead. She closes her eyes and mutters Ic þe þurhhæle þin licsare ” opening them to show a golden glow.
After a few moments, the glow faded from her eyes and she sat back, catching her breath as wave upon wave of exhaustion swept over her body.
“Merlin?” Arthur whispers, hands shaking as he reaches to cup Merlin’s face, thumb stroking his deathly pale cheek. “Merlin, please anwyll please wake up “
A small, pathetic whimper emits from Merlin’s throat, a gentle scrunching of his eyes and nose showing his reluctance to join the waking world.
“That’s it, show me those beautiful blue eyes”
A flutter of lashes and a breathy whisper of “ Arth’r” and suddenly Arthur is laughing astonishingly and Morgana lets out a whoosh of air, smiling widely from ear to ear.
“Merlin!”
Arthur leans down and kisses the warlock gently just savoring the feel of his beloved’s warm lips against his.
“ What happened? I thought for sure I was dying?”
Morgana spoke before Arthur could “you did die, for a moment. It’s thanks to my sister's teachings you aren’t still dead”
“Morgana. Thank you. You gave him back to me”.
“Yes, with magic. What are you going to do now?” She asked haughtily, she was worried she had been wrong about Arthur but-
“Finally write down the new law undoing the ban on magic I suppose. You may have to wait a bit before being completely free but know this, you, your magic, and all magical people who aren’t trying to hurt anyone will be safe in my kingdom as long as I still have breath.”
Morgana’s eyes welled up with tears of joy and she threw herself into Arthur’s, her brother's arms. “Thank you, Arthur”
“No Morgana, this is the least that I can do for you. I’m so sorry you felt you had to hide from me, I’m so sorry for everything that Uther has done to your people. I will spend the rest of my life making it up to all of you for all of the damage that’s been done. I’m so sorry it took so long”
“You didn’t know any better, and when you learned and saw past Uther’s hatred, you did everything you could to help us all” Merlin whispered. He was exhausted but the pure joy around him gave him some energy, enough to reach up from where he rested in Arthur’s lap and place his hand on Morgana's arm. “Morgana, I’m so, so sorry for abandoning you. You told me you had magic and I never told you of my own. “
“I forgive you, I know why you didn’t. I thank you for trying to get me to stay with the druids and coming back to warn us, and I am sorry for my sister casting the sleeping spell, I honestly didn’t know my sister’s plan. I yelled at her quite a lot about it, but she told me that you had used a slow-acting as painless as possible poison to give me time until she could brew the antidote. Thank you.”
Merlin gives her a soft smile before falling asleep, his body unable to stay awake any longer.
=====
The following week was hectic in Camelot. George had gone through all of the castle's servants and told everyone what he saw when he was brought down by Uther. The gossip spread like out of control, blazing wildfire through the castle and lower town, and by the time the trial for Uther's death happened, there was overwhelming support for his death and for Arthur to take his place as the rightful king. Unfortunately, Merlin has yet to wake up. Gaius told Arthur and Morgana not to worry so much, he was just extremely exhausted from using his magic through the iron cuffs and then fighting off Death's grip.
That of course didn’t stop Arthur from worrying and spending every free moment he had with his slumbering lover, wondering how exactly Uther had found out about them. He brought the topic up to Morgana and Gwen the next time they visited Merlin in the prince’s bedroom.
“Well, what were you doing when Uther captured you?” Morgana asked softly, reaching over to hold Gwen’s hand tightly.
“I’m not sure how exactly he found out where we were, but we were on a hunting trip. I had planned a picnic as well to celebrate Merlin’s birthday and our one-year anniversary since we started courting, something small and unnoticeable since we couldn’t risk anything in my father's castle. We had just finished eating our honey tarts and Merlin fell asleep with his head in my lap, just watching the clouds drift by. The next thing I knew my father was right there standing over us and pain was radiating from the right side of my head. I passed out and when I woke up, Merlin and I were both in our respective cells and Uther was just standing in front of me glaring, with hatred and disappointment that only a father could have.”
“Hmm… did anyone happen to know about your relationship?” Gwen sighed, “I mean I had an inkling about it but that’s just because I could see you looking at Merlin the way Morgana looks at me.”
“We didn’t tell anyone, though I am sure Gaius knew since Merlin spent more nights with me than in his own room. We even used magic so no one would see him coming back to my chambers and he always soundproofed the room.”
“I guess we’ll never know…”
In truth Uther never actually found out about Arthur and Merlin’s relationship; he didn’t have a clue that Arthur thought of Merlin as anything other than a servant, albeit a loyal one. What happened that day was a simple mistake. Uther had gone on a small hunting trip himself bringing along only a few knights to guard him, trying to enjoy one of his few days where nothing important, to him anyway, needed to be done. He had simply stumbled upon Merlin and Arthur, Merlin having forgotten to place anything other than protective wards around the area, and knew from their positions that they were together.
It was two days before Arthur’s official coronation when Merlin finally awoke from his deep slumber. Arthur had fallen asleep on his chair next to the bed, top half draped on the bed, his right hand holding on tightly to Merlin’s. Merlin blinked slowly, not quite sure if he was dreaming or not when a familiar snore emanated from the blond head next to him. Softly chuckling to himself over how cute Arthur looked asleep, snoring and all, Merlin shook the hand Arthur was holding onto.
“Prat” He whispered, wincing at the pain that came from his throat, a harsh edge to his voice that told him he’d been asleep for at least a week.
A snort then the blonde sat straight up, eyes wide as he looked around wildly before seeing Merlin's open eyes.
“MERLIN! You’re awake! How are you feeling?”
A soft smile graced Merlin's lips at Arthur's concern.”Other than a sore throat I feel fine. Still a bit sleepy though.”
Arthur grinned, “not entirely sure how you can still be even a little bit tired after sleeping for a week and a half straight,” he reached over to a vial that had been sitting unnoticed on the nightstand “Gaius left this for you when you awoke. He said you should drink it all.”
Merlin grimaced but reached for the vial in Arthur’s hand, the blonde removing the cork for him, and quickly drank the contents. He grimaced in distaste “Doesn’t taste as bad as usual, but it warms up on the way down and that was weird”
“That would be the magic.'' a melodic voice came from the doorway.
“Merlin, it’s good to see you awake, we were all deeply worried about you” a soft voice chimed in.
“Morgana! Gwen!”
The women smiled at the warlock as they made their way to the side of his bed sitting on the mattress and taking turns to lean over and give him a gentle hug.
“What did I miss? You said magic was used in the potion?”
“Well… we had a speedy trial over Uther’s death and it was declared justice, freeing Arthur to become king regent until two days from now when he will be crowned king, and in revealing all of Uther’s crimes, the magic ban has been lifted.”
Merlin could only blink in astonishment as his brain tried to catch up to what Morgana had just told him. “Wait… what? Uther is dead? There was a trial?”
“Yes, Uther was killed when he ambushed you and Arthur on your way to us. His death was declared a case of self-defense as well as defense of the prince.”
“Oh.. oh Arthur, I'm so-”
“Don’t you dare apologize Merlin. He deserved so much worse for his horrid crimes on top of what he dared to do to you. I’m glad he’s gone.”
Tears quickly welled up in the corner of Merlin’s eyes, even though he knew Arthur was right, he was still sad over Arthur losing his only parent, and in the terrible way it happened. Gwen and Morgana huffed and quickly bundled Merlin in their arms, Morgana grabbing Arthur's arm and pulling him in as well, creating a pile of cuddles over Merlin, being careful to not put any actual weight on him, in fear of reinjuring him.
Laughter could be heard echoing down the castle's corridors, causing passing servants and guards to smile, knowing their future King Consort is awake.
======
Light streamed into the throne room, gently diffused by the beautiful stained glass causing an ethereal atmosphere as Arthur knelt before Geoffrey on a red satin pillow with golden tassels on its edges. He wore his royal ceremonial armor, the light catching on the chainmail, making little sparks of white flicker and dance amongst the golden hue. His cape was draped over his back, the pendragon crest clearly shown over his heart.
Merlin silently stood in the front row, by Morgana and Gwen, happiness radiating from his slight form. He was wearing a brand new outfit that Gwen had made him, a deep red vest with a royal blue scarf. Morgana had chosen her dark green gown with silver embroidered into intricate patterns. She had yellow flowers embroidered around the collar, to match Gwen’s pastel yellow gown. Gwen had green and silver swirls embroidered on hers, almost looking like flower petals but only when they stood near each other.
Merlin’s eyes never left Arthur's form as the coronation proceeded, never seeing the side glances and knowing smiles shared between Morgana and Gwen.
“Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs?”
“I solemnly swear so to do.”
“Will, you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?”
“I will.”
“Then by the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you Arthur, King of Camelot!”
Geoffery gently raised the crown off of a royal blue velvet pillow a servant brought forward and placed it on Arthur’s head. The new king rose slowly and turned to look over all who had gathered, before landing on Merlin and sending a small yet loving smile towards him.
“LONG LIVE THE KING! LONG LIVE KING ARTHUR!” echoed throughout the room, Merlin loudest of them all.
The banquet would go down in history as the greatest that had ever been seen or heard. Unfortunately, according to Arthur but much to Merlin's delight, it didn’t end with a food fight, but once the wine was freely flowing, the musicians started playing enthusiastically, and all the couples began to dance merrily. Morgana quickly grabbed Gwen and danced with only her all night, besotted smiles on their faces. Merlin was still tired from his ordeal but Arthur managed to get quite a few slow dances with him, just swaying to the music heads laying on each other’s shoulders.
Near the end of the night, Merlin light up the ceiling with small blue orbs that slowly turned into butterflies, flying around Morgana and Gwen before exploding in a shower of gold sparks. Everyone laughed in childish glee at the spectacle, which changed to soft murmurs of approval as Morgana and Gwen shared a tender kiss.
Leon let out a whoop of joy, both at the fact, his two friends finally were together publicly and also because he had won the betting pool.
Arthur grinned and leaned over to Merlin giving him a soft peck on the cheek and whispering “ready for bed cariad?”
Merlin blushed and nodded, slowly rising from his seat at the same time as Arthur.
There was one final round of applause along with a boisterous cry of “Long Live King Arthur” before the couple could make their way to their chambers.
Once inside their bed-chamber, Merlin helped Arthur undress and get into his sleep trousers, with Arthur returning the favor for Merlin. Once they were comfortable in the bed Merlin spelled all the candles out, leaving a faint glow from the fireplace a servant had laid out in preparation for them.
“You’re going to be an amazing king you know” Merlin mumbled as he snuggled into Arthur's side.
“Only because of you, anwyll. You made me the man I am today and I will be forever grateful to the triple goddess that she sent you to me.”
Arthur wrapped his arm tighter around Merlin, placing a gentle kiss on the back of his head.
“She did you know, she made me for you and you alone.”
Arthur just blushed and buried his face into Merlin's hair, chuckling softly. “You are a wonder, Merlin, and I am lucky to have you. I love you”
Merlin just sighed softly in joy “I love you” holding onto Arthur tightly.
“Goodnight Prat.”
“Night Clotpole”
“My word…” Merlin trailed off as sleep overtook him.
“My warlock”