A/N: Yay, new story! :) I'm actually not sure yet if this will be mainly whump or if it'll tilt more over into happy fuzzies. *shrug* You probably know which way I want it to go... ^_~ Just a little prologue for now and the first chapter will go up tomorrow.

Arthur smiled down on his new court magician, Merlin's brilliant grin only slightly dimmed by the exhaustion of the past weeks. It had been nonstop council sessions and diplomatic posturing as the pair of them worked to set down new laws governing the use of magic and held lengthy discussions with Camelot's allies. Magic had been semi-legal for three months, but the ceremony elevating Merlin to his new position marked the official start of Camelot's new beginning.

The warlock had been subject to constant scrutiny and criticism since his reveal at Camlann and it showed in the ever-growing heaviness of his movements - despite the weight he'd been losing. Arthur had been concerned for his friend in the moments between lying down and falling asleep each night, but just one celebratory feast and they could both sleep for an entire day. Well, Merlin could sleep the whole day; the king had plans for some other activities involving his lovely wife, who was now bending to kiss Merlin on the forehead.

The cheering crowd poured into the banquet hall and descended on the food without waiting for the guest of honor, who was joining the royal couple in privately divesting themselves of the heavy robes and jewelry involved in the show.

"Do I have to go?" Merlin yawned, dropping his mantle and then rushing to hang it up, knowing how long it could take to remove wrinkles.

"Just to deliver your speech," Arthur tossed his cape and ceremonial sword belt aside with no sign of guilt, "then you can slip off to your nice new bed."

The former servant nearly melted at the mention of the bed. That bed made all this trouble worthwhile – not that he'd had much time to sleep in it since the royal couple had given him his own chambers two months ago. He'd missed his dinners with Gaius, but he hadn't missed the physician fussing over him. Even though they were no longer living together the elder found plenty opportunities to voice his opinion on Merlin's weight loss, pale skin, and obvious lack of sleep. Still, there had been little that could be done for it and now it was about to end so why dwell?

"Come on, one last show for the nobles." Arthur hooked an arm around Merlin's shoulders and ushered him toward the hall, Guinevere favoring him with a supportive smile from the king's other side. The queen had been a rock for both of them in this time, sharing her own experiences with magic and her observations on the late Lady Morgana with the council and organizing all the background work necessary to keep several highborns comfortable for extended periods of time. In all, the coming day's rest would be well-deserved.

Merlin dozed through Arthur's introductory speech, hauled himself to his feet to deliver his own words, then made his escape as the king made some parting remarks – he'd written all of it so it wasn't as if he'd miss anything. Merlin took the servant's exit out of habit, nearly being run over by the crowd of servers entering the hall to replenish goblets. Arthur found him a short time later, leaning against the wall.

"Shall I call Gwaine to escort you back?"

"Hm?" Merlin roused himself, not having noticed his half-asleep state. "No need; I'll make my own way." He yawned again. "A proper night's sleep and I'll be good as new."

"Of course you will." Arthur rolled his eyes. "Just make sure you rest. I don't want to get word of you trying to go about your duties tomorrow."

"Of course, Sire. Wouldn't want to interrupt your own... duties, after all." The warlock smirked, pushing off the wall to escape the king's reaching arm.

"Goodnight, Merlin!" He called after his friend's retreating form. He may not send Gwaine, but the guards outside the warlock's door would be sure to report if he didn't make it back in good time. Not everyone was happy with the new state of things and Arthur was taking no chances with the younger man's safety – though the attacks had mostly ceased after Merlin had accidentally incinerated an assassin targeting the royal couple.

Arthur sighed. It would be a long night yet for him, but tomorrow he could be alone his wife. This thought allowed him to return to the feast with a genuine smile.