Chapter Text
1~
It had been normal.
As normal as things get in Camelot, anyway.
What should have been a simple overnight ride to check on a sighting of a beast in a neighboring village, could have ended in tragedy.
All because Merlin couldn't find dry wood for the fire.
There was just a few of them out there, The King, The Prince, a few knights and Merlin.
Nobody else brought a personal servant, but Arthur of course needed his.
So every menial task for setting up camp fell to Merlin.
Including the fire, which was partially why he was there, because Arthur mentioned how he had a knack for building them.
He'd been saying nicer things to Merlin ever since the whole Sigan incident.
He wouldn't admit it, but Merlin could tell he felt bad about it.
Merlin had everything preparaed, all he needed was for the one knight Arthur left behind for him to look away long enough for the spell.
His distraction comes in the form of footsteps, the others returning from the spontaneous hunt Arthur had encouraged his father to participate in.
Merlin quickly double checks and when he's sure nobody can see, he hurriedly calls forth a flame, pretending to use the flint.
But the wood still refuses to catch, even with magic propelling it.
So he does another cursory and uses a slightly stronger bit of magic, and the wood finally lights, at the same time he's tackled.
He immediately panics, fearing the worst, and recognizing Arthur as the one on him doesn't help much.
But the quick whisper in his hear does, though it also confuses him.
"Follow my lead, I won't harm you, nor will I let anyone else." Arthur then acts like he'd said nothing, getting up and helping Merlin in the process.
"Arthur, what on earth are you doing?" His father asks.
"There was a bee, and Merlin is terribly allergic. I fear he wouldn't survive until we returned, had he been stung." Arthur says, the perfect picture of a composed Prince, as if he wasn't committing treason.
"Oh! Thank you, my Lord! I'm eternally grateful!"
"It was nothing, Merlin." None of the others can tell by their simple words, but as they look into each others eyes, it's clear what they're really talking about.
Soon enough Merlin has a stew going, watching everyone with suspicion but nobody other than Arthur seems to know anything.
The second it's needed, Merlin jumps up and starts walking towards the surrounding wood.
"Where are you going?" Arthur catches up to ask, and once Merlin looks at him, he can see the well hidden but still there fear on his face.
Merlin deflates, thinking it's toward him, and mutters that he's going to get firewood.
"Then I shall accompany you. It isn't safe out here, plenty of wild creatures lurking about."
After a sharp nod Merlin walks on, Arthur following quickly.
As soon as they're out of earshot, Merlin turns around.
"What is this? What are you doing?"
"We need to talk. Plus there really are wild beasts out here."
"Yes, well. Better them than a pyre."
"Merlin, I'm not going to let that happen!"
"So a banishment then?"
"No! That's another reason I followed you, I thought you were going to run off on your own."
"I thought about it. But I'd hate to just disappear without telling Gaius goodbye."
"You don't need to. If you think you can stay safe, I don't want you to have to leave."
"Miss me, would you?"
"On occasion, it could happen."
Merlin lets out a little chuckle, the feeling of familiarity strange after what happened.
"So you're not going to report me?" He asks, just to make sure.
"Of course not! However, I do think we need to talk more about this when we have more time and privacy."
"Yes. There's... quite a few things you should know."
"I'm sure there is. For now, you better get some firewood, and quickly."
"Right, because you can harbor a sorcerer, but can't help him collect firewood." Merlin mutters as he begins collecting.
"I meant with magic, so you can hurry. We've been gone too long."
"What if someone sees?!"
"I'll keep watch."
Arthur doesn't watch much of anything except the glow of Merlin's eyes and in wonder of the wood pieces flying to him.
Luckily, no one had come looking for them yet.
They quickly get back to camp and say it was hard finding enough dry wood when asked what took so long.
Uther seems to accept this, but the Knights share knowing glances that go unobserved by the two at the fire.
Later, Uther comments on how Arthur was right, the boy does have a knack for keeping a fire.
"And he makes a fine stew!" Leon says, clapping him on the shoulder while Merlin is trying not to laugh at the King's statement.
By the time they're returning to Camelot, Arthur is practically panicking.
Not that he'd ever let it show.
But he'd noticed Merlin using magic so many times he was one more instance away from a heart attack.
So of course Merlin does it again.
Riding just behind the King, no less.
The three of them are in the middle of the knights, with Merlin right beside Arthur.
And when his horse starts to spook, what does he do? Say a quick spell to calm her.
"Would you stop that!?" Arthur hisses at him, making sure nobody is paying attention.
"Did you want me to be thrown off?"
"What I want is for you to not expose yourself!"
"I do this stuff all the time, it's fine."
"You what?!"
"Nobody ever sees!"
Arthur can already see his life is taking an even more anxious turn.
As soon as they have the horses handed off, Arthur drags Merlin to his chambers.
"I know I've always said you're an idiot, but this is ridiculous!"
"Arthur, everyone here is so oblivious! They never notice the magic! Even you!"
"You've always been this reckless and I never noticed?"
"Yep! Seems you're the real idiot, Sire." Merlin says the last word with complete sarcasm.
"Why am I even helping you?"
"I don't know. I didn't think would be okay with it. That's why I never told you. And I didn't want to make you choose."
Arthur sighs, running a hand over his face.
"I already chose, long ago. Even if I hadn't, there isn't much of a choice."
"You already knew magic isn't evil?"
"Do you know how old I was the first time I saw someone with magic executed?" Arthur asks in place of answering.
When Merlin shakes his head, he continues.
"I was seven summers. And the person being executed? She was only two summers older than me. My father drowned a child, slightly older than his own son, and let him watch. Said it was to prove anyone could be corrupted."
"That's awful!" Merlin says, looking horrified.
"It gets worse, if you can believe it. When I asked her crime, my father wouldn't say because, according to him, any use of magic is evil. But I wouldn't accept that, so I asked around. When someone finally told me, I discovered that all she'd done was float her pet cat out of a tree."
Arthur knows he has tears in his eyes at the story, whenever he thinks about this it always happens, but so does Merlin so he doesn't feel too bad about letting them appear.
"I decided way back then that if I ever saw someone use magic for any reason that wasn't to harm, I wouldn't report it. And I can hardly see you of all people trying to harm anyone or anything."
"I don't! I use it for you. To keep you safe. I've even saved your father!"
"Really? It may be wrong of me to say, but I would understand if you didn't."
"I wouldn't do that. I can't stand the idea of anyone suffering, and knowing I could help, yet doing nothing."
"So you're just living proof my father is wrong, huh?"
"I suppose I am. Considering I was also born with magic."
"That really is possible?"
"Yep. I was doing magic before I could sit up."
"Wow. That's almost impressive."
"Was that your strange way of complimenting me?"
"Don't be stupid, Merlin." Arthur says, ruffling his hair and walking to the door.
"I have a council meeting now, when I get back my armor should be polished. If you use magic, please be careful." Arthur says, sounding exasperated.
"Always am, Sire!"
"If only I could believe that."
2~~
As always, something has gone wrong.
It's supposed to be a normal tournament, but no, there has to be an assassin.
That's often not too hard to take care of, but Merlin hadn't put all the pieces of evidence as to who it was together, until now.
While Arthur is in the middle of a sword fight with them.
And Merlin is in the stands with Gwen and Morgana, so he could see better, in hopes of catching the killer.
The idea had worked, he's found him.
But he can't do anything about it, because the King is right there.
Maybe it'll be ok, surely Arthur can handle himself in this area, right?
Well, not when he's getting so close to an assassin using a tonic with enough power that the mere aroma can put you to sleep.
Merlin can already see him getting sluggish, one well timed hit would do him in.
He chances a glace at the King, and seeing he's paying attention to nothing but his son, Merlin seizes the chance.
Looking at the blade the assassin is using, he wills it to slip just in time for Arthur to get a hit on him.
The second the assassin has fallen, Arthur takes off his helmet and looks to the stands.
Everyone else thinks he's looking to his father, but Merlin knows exactly what he's looking for.
He smiles sheepishly and waves.
Unbeknownst to the two having a silent conversation, beside Merlin another one is happening, between Morgana and Gwen.
Merlin scurries to meet Arthur in his tent, trying to explain himself the second he arrives.
"He was an assassin!"
"That's still no excuse to use magic right beside the King! What if he'd seen you?!"
"He didn't! And it is an excuse, you could've been killed!"
"I was fine! The heart attack I have every time you nearly get caught is what'll kill me!"
"You were falling asleep! He was using a potion!"
"Didn't you have time to at least get somewhere more hidden?"
"No!"
They would continue arguing as Merlin gets Arthur out of his armor, had it not been for the sound of someone clearing their throat at the entrance to the tent.
"What do you want, Morgana? Come to congratulate me?"
"You wish. I'm here to speak with Merlin."
"What about?" Arthur says, giving Merlin a Look.
"That is between he and I."
"You can't kick me out of my own tent!"
"Just be thankful I'm not kicking you literally. You can come back as soon as we've finished."
"I'm not even out of my armor yet!"
"You seem to enjoy it so much. Surely you can stand a few more minutes?"
"Fine! But I'll be right outside!"
"No eavesdropping!"
Arthur huffs but does exit, though Merlin assumes he will be eavesdropping.
"I saw what you did." Morgana gets right to the point.
"What do you mean?" Merlin says nervously.
"You used magic to help Arthur."
"Why would I do that?"
"I haven't a clue. But I'm sure you had reasons. "
"So what are you going to do? Tell the King?"
"No. I've never agreed with him on this."
"Oh good, for a moment I thought I would have to turn you into a toad to escape."
Morgana laughs and says to save that spell for Arthur.
"You'd better not, Merlin!" Arthur calls in, proving that he was indeed listening.
"I said no eavesdropping!" Morgana yells back, color draining from her face.
"It's alright, he already knew." Merlin quickly says to calm her.
"And he's ok with it?"
"Of course I am! All he does is save my life and do his chores! Not exactly anything evil." Arthur says as he enters again.
"What if he set fires on accident?"
"I haven't done that in a while." Merlin says.
"As long as nobody intentionally sets fires to destroy things I don't see a problem."
"Good. Because I've done that. But we can discuss that later, it's nearly time for a feast. Merlin, I hope you're powerful enough to get him looking presentable in time." Morgana says, and leaves as quick as she'd arrived.
The boys stare at each other in shock for a moment until Arthur groans.
"Now I have another reckless sorcerer to look out for. I don't think my heart can take this."
"I don't need looking out for, I was doing fine!" Merlin says, refusing to admit it is nice to not have to hide from Arthur, and knowing someone has his back.
"Right, because you're so subtle."
"I am!"
"Of course you are. She did have a point though, we need to get ready."
"We?"
"You didn't think you could get by without your hat, did you?"
"Noooo! If you make me wear that I'm not saving you next time!"
"It'll be worth it. Besides, I can handle myself."
"Be sure to tell that to all the threats I've taken care of. Good luck, because I've lost count of them all!"
"Really? There's been at least seven?"
"You're such a prat! I don't know why I bother with you!"
"Because I'm such a handsome and charming prince?"
"You're more of the before. You know, the toad?"
The bickering continues all the way to Arthur's chambers, through getting dressed, and a fight over the hat.
When Merlin sets it on fire it's decided the hat will not accompany them.
"Put it out! You'll burn the castle down!"
"I can stop it whenever I want! And that's not until it's complete ash!"
"You already can't wear it!"
"You'll just have it fixed!"
"Arthur?" Comes a voice and a knock at the door.
Merlin quickly snaps his fingers to put the fire out, and hide any traces of it before the door opens.
"Merlin!" Arthur hisses as the door is opening and the charred hat is magically sliding under the bed.
"I'm on my way to the feast. Why don't you enter with me?" The King "suggests".
"Of course father. We're just finishing up."
"That was too close!" Arthur whispers as he and Merlin walk just behind Uther.
"Yeah, it's a good thing he doesn't pay attention."
"Merlin!"
"What? It's true."
3~~~
If Arthur hadn't indulged in his wine, it wouldn't have happened.
But he had a reason!
He kept waving Merlin up so they could whisper to each other, since the nobles were always so dull and only looking for favors.
Every feast it's like this.
Even worse now than Merlin and Morgana train in magic together and try to outdo each other with how much magic they can manage, making Arthur need extra wine to handle the stress.
However, when Merlin is whispering something that a tipsy Arthur finds hilarious, it's not good to be drinking the extra.
"Honestly, Lord Edmund over there eats rather a lot like your father's troll wife." He says, and Arthur nearly chokes, had it not been for the quick magical reaction.
"Stop it!"
"You wanted to choke and die? Next time I'll just let you." Merlin retorts and steps back before Arthur can respond.
After a few more refills to his cup, and more whispers, Arthur thinks maybe the magic idea wouldn't be so bad if it could help this situation, so he can get away and talk to Merlin normally.
"If you can get me out of here subtley, you won't have to muck the stables for a fortnight."
"That's all I get? I am risking my life here, Sire"
"Make it happen first, then we'll talk."
Merlin slinks back to his position behind the chairs, looking around for suitable distractions.
He tips over some pepper, causing a few people to sneeze, then he spills some wine, making a few people jump up, Arthur included.
But Arthur doesn't sit back down once the servants have things cleaned up.
In fact, no one can find Arthur anymore.
He knows his father isn't going to be happy tomorrow, but right now he's too drunk to care about anything other than the laughter coming from Merlin as they run through the halls together.
"I have a new procla-proclo-mation of proc!" He declares, or tries to, around the wine clouding his head.
"And what would that be, my Lord?" Merlin snorts.
"Magic is allowed around the King, only when it gets me out of talking to boring people!"
"What about when it's saving your life?"
"Meh." He shrugs.
"Right. Well I'll be sure to risk my life every time you're talking to someone. I'll probably survive a day or so."
"Noo, you have to survive as long as I do!"
"Of course, couldn't have you needing to do something for yourself."
"No. That's why I have you!"
"I suppose it is." Merlin says, gathering Arthur's sleep clothes.
"I'm glad I have you, Merlin." Arthur says, sounding soft and sincere all of a sudden.
"You better be. With all that I do for you, I think I should have much longer than a fortnight to go without mucking stables."
"I don't want to make you, but I have to."
"You really don't."
"I do. But I don't remember why..."
"Well if you figure it out, let me know. And we can find a way around it!" Merlin says, gathering and lighting wood in the fireplace with a glance as he gets Arthur's nightshirt on.
"So pretty..." Arthur mutters, gently trailing his finger along Merlin's cheekbone.
"...What?"
"When you do magic. You look so pretty with the gold in your eyes."
"Thanks?" Merlin mumbles, wondering if this is just the wine talking or if Arthur really thinks that.
"You're welcome! Sometimes I wonder if you've enchanted me, but you wouldn't do that, so I just really think you're lovely."
"You do?" Merlin whispers, trying to tell himself it's the alcohol, but his heart refuses to listen, and has decided to do backflips, while sending way too much blood to redden his cheeks.
"Of course! How could I not?"
"You certainly don't act like you do."
"That's because no one can know! Oh right! That's why you have to muck the stables! Cause you're not supposed to know I-" Arthur suddenly cuts himself off.
"Know you what?"
"I can't tell you."
"Why?"
"Reasons I only remember when I haven't been drinking." Arthur admits as he watches Merlin.
"Well you have been drinking, so why don't you tell me?"
"Good point. You can be very smart Merlin, now that I know you're weird on purpose."
"Is that a compliment?"
" Yes! I always want to compliment you!"
"Ah, so that's why you call me an idiot?"
"Yes! Because I'm not supposed to let it show all I want to do is tell you nice things."
"Like what?" Merlin may never get this chance again, so if he gets to hear something other than insults, however playful they may be, he's going to take it.
"Like you're so pretty, and brave, and smart, and powerful, and you give me good advice, and you take care of me, even though you need to take better care of yourself." Arthur tics off on his fingers, finishing with a stern look.
Merlin, who has gotten progressively redder as Arthur continues complimenting him, tries to find words when Arthur pauses a moment.
"You really think that about me? Even when you're sober?"
"It's all I think about." Arthur says quietly.
"Why do you never say anything?"
"Why didn't you tell me about your magic?"
"I've already told you, I didn't want you to have to choose."
"You weren't afraid of me?" Arthur whispers, the vulnerable face he only lets Merlin see making a rare appearance.
"Not really, I figured the worst you'd do would be to banish me."
"I'm glad you weren't scared. I couldn't bear it if you feared me. Nor could I live without you." Arthur cups his cheek, again running a finger along the sharp bone.
"Or I, you. I thought you were afraid of me when you found out."
"I was afraid you would leave me. And terrified my father would find out."
"It scares me too." Merlin admits.
"I wouldn't let him harm you! I'd do anything to keep you safe."
"Aren't I supposed to be the one protecting you?"
"We can protect each other."
"I'd like that."
"Me too. I would also like to kiss you."
"Arthur... You're drunk. You might regret it."
"Merlin, hasn't anything I've said convinced you that I'm in love with you? Drunk or not, kissing you would be one thing I'd never regret."
"You're in love with me?"
"Do keep up, Merlin, isn't that obvious? Now the only question is, do you love me?" Arthur asks, looking so nervous and hopeful Merlin can only lean forward the
centimeters between them and connect their lips.
It's soft, but messy, and sweet, lasting only a few moments.
Those few moments shouldn't be able to capture such nice feelings, like warm sunshine and coming home, and so much love their hearts simultaneously feel full of it, but also weightless and soaring.
But it does.
"I love you a great deal, you prat." Merlin whispers into the small space between them after they part.
"Clearly." Arthur chuckles, catching sight of the large array of flowers growing on the table.
"Oops?" Merlin laughs, calling forth a flower to tuck into Arthur's hair.
Arthur smiles and gets his own flower to adorn Merlin with.
"You beautiful warlock, you. Will you do a trick for me?"
Merlin blushes as he magics a dragon out of the fire and makes it flap around Arthur's head.
"Everything about you is beautiful Merlin. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise." Arthur says earnestly as the dragon fizzles away.
"Thank you. Everything about you is beautiful as well. When you're not being a prat." Merlin can't help but tease him a little, laughing and kissing away Arthur's pout. "We should probably get you to bed now. We can talk more tomorrow." Merlin says as Arthur yawns.
"Ok. Do you happen to have a spell that makes me sure to remember this tomorrow? I would hate to forget."
"I think so..." Merlin tries to gather his thoughts as he helps Arthur into the bed and covers him up.
As he presses a kiss to the Prince's forehead and whispers a spell, he catches the sound of the door opening and whips back so fast he falls over.
Which is probably a good thing, because it means the gold is fully gone when he stands back up and faces the King.
"Are you alright?" Arthur asks.
"Fine, thank you, Sire." Merlin says, bowing his head.
"Arthur, your behavior tonight is unacceptable. You are meant to stay at feasts such as this for much longer." Uther declares, though Arthur still isn't paying him much attention.
"I'm sorry, Father. I wasn't feeling well."
"Fine. But tomorrow you must stay. Lady Brianna is only here for a few days, and this would be a good opportunity to secure a marriage alliance with her. She comes from a very wealthy family."
"Of course, Father."
"We will talk more about this in the morning." Uther says before turning away and stalking out without even saying goodnight.
They both let out a breath of relief, thankful he didn't seem to notice anything.
"That was the worst time he could come in! He would've thought you were enchanting me!"
"It would have been bad, yes, but I don't know about the worst. After all, I doubt he would appreciate you kissing your poor, magical, manservant instead of the rich Lady Brianna." Merlin giggles.
"True. Next time we better lock the door."
"Definitely."