Author's note:

I know I said that there wouldn't be a sequel - but the demand was just too high for me to ignore. And so, I bent. This is going to be a short story (consisting of six or seven chapters at most) about Merlin and Arthur's first married year... so of course, I'm starting out with the wedding.

A couple of notes about this chapter: first, I know that in the epilogue of The Prince's Boyfriend I wrote that Merlin was known as a Count in Scotland. This is incorrect, because the British aristocracy does not HAVE Counts. So in this story, I fixed that, making him an Earl instead. Second, is that I completely made up the ceremony where Merlin is granted with a royal title. I couldn't find anything about how the granting of a title process goes, so I winged it.

Other than that, I hope you all enjoy this. If you haven't read The Prince's Boyfriend - I suggest you go read it (it can be found on my profile) before you start in on this.

Take care,

- VioletRose136

CHAPTER ONE

It's a beautiful night
We're looking for something dumb to do
Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you

Friday, July 19th 2008

Merlin closed the bathroom door behind him as he walked into the bedroom, decked out in a rope. He stopped, holding the doorknob and looked at the clothing laid out on the bed. It was a three piece morning suit. Despite the wishes of Madeline Moore, his and Arthur's wedding planner, the colour of the jacket and trousers was black. Madeline had been adamant about reminding Merlin that he shouldn't wear black because it was associated with the colour of mourning. Merlin had responded by telling her that many grooms wore black to their wedding and he had no intention of doing anything differently just because it was such a public wedding.

In the end, Merlin had gotten his way. He had selected the three piece morning suit (appropriate because their wedding was, well, in the morning) and had it embroidered exquisitely (again, in black) by a team of sewers. The end result had been incredibly flattering and Merlin had been pleased that his keen eye had decided on something that was usual, but also unusual at the same time. Madeline Moore, to an extent, was pleased about the outcome of the suit as well. She had urged Merlin to do something unusual with the suit, to make up for the fact that there would be no white dress to replicate and sell endlessly. Merlin had managed this by selecting a maroon vest (that had also been embroidered in black) to wear under the suit. Madeline had been thrilled with Merlin's initiative, saying that he had 'definitely opened up a new line in wedding wardrobes'.

Arthur and Merlin had announced their engagement publically in February that year. And after nearly six long months of planning, the wedding day was finally here. There had been much controversy over an heir to the throne marrying a man: some thought it was fantastic and delightfully modern, others were upset because it meant no royal babies from Arthur and some were upset because Merlin was a man and in their eyes, homosexuality was entirely wrong. The Church of England however had been surprisingly supportive, allowing for gay marriage. The Prime Minster had only legalised it the year before.

Merlin was incredibly nervous. From this day forth, Merlin would be known as His Royal Highness and be a real member of the royal family, a member of the royal family on the government payroll and with a real royal title. That was another thing that had changed since Arthur and Merlin had announced their engagement. Usually, a male marrying into the royal family would not get a royal title through the marriage. They would keep whatever title they had coming into it, regardless of whether that title was "Prince" or "Mr". The British public had been horrified at the idea of Merlin, who would someday be married to a king, would not be granted a royal title and merely remain known as, "Mister Merlin Emrys". So, Parliament had passed a law removing that regulation. From a month before their wedding, any man marrying into the royal family would be granted the same rights to a royal title as a woman marrying into the royal family would be granted.

As a result, Merlin was going to be known as HRH the Duke of Oxford. Whether he was more excited or more terrified about the idea of becoming a royal, Merlin could not say. He let the door go and walked across the room, intending to pour himself a cup of tea. The wedding would start at ten thirty, it was not yet seven. He turned on the television and sat back, not to his surprise, coverage of the day's events had already begun.

"In roughly three and a half hours we will be witnessing the most prominent royal wedding ever to take place. It is not the wedding of the century; it is the wedding of the millennium." The reporter was saying. "Thanks to tradition, Prince Arthur and his fiancé, Merlin Emrys are spending the night before their wedding apart. It is reported that the Prince is spending his last night as a single man in Buckingham Palace, while his fiancé is spending the night at their home in Saint John's Wood with his mother, uncle and stepfather, Adam Williamson, who is a celebrated historian…"

There was a knock at the door. Merlin muted the TV and shouted over his shoulder. "Come in!"

Hunith, holding two cups of hot chocolate came in, using her shoulder to open and close the door. She padded across the room wearing pyjama pants and a T-shirt that was baggy enough to conceal Hunith's condition. It had only been a week before that she had told Merlin that she was pregnant with her first child with her husband, Adam. The child was due in February that following year. Merlin was beyond happy for his mother, and hoped that the child's royal connections would not force them to spend their lives in the limelight.

"Hi, sweetie." Hunith said, handing him the cup. Merlin took it gratefully. "Can I sit down?" Merlin nodded and she sat. "Are you nervous about today?"

"What if I'm making a mistake?" Merlin blurted out. "I was brought up in West Virginia! Is that really a good backstory for living in a palace and for being a CONSORT? Am I making a completely horrible and awful mistake that I'll regret for the rest of my life?!"

Hunith put a comforting hand on Merlin's shoulder. "You have yet to be a consort, love." She took a sip of hot chocolate and continued. "You're going to be a duke."

"A duke who is married to the man who will become King of England…"

"Merlin, it won't be for a long time yet, you will be all settled into royal life when Arthur becomes King."

"I don't think it will be that long." Merlin said, taking a sip of hot chocolate. "Uther's doing well, but the cancer will get him sooner or later. Three years, tops."

Hunith frowned; she still didn't like Uther after what he had done to Merlin years before. "A lot can happen in three years, my love. You will be a wonderful consort, of that I am sure. And what will change between now and when Arthur becomes King? Perhaps there will be a little more ceremony: but Uther does not do much more publically than Arthur already does."

Merlin rubbed his eyes and glanced at the TV, which was now outlining the route that he would later take to Westminster Abbey. "I guess… but I mean, I'm the first gay consort like, in all of history. My name is going to be in countless books."

"I can't think of anyone finer to do the job." Hunith wrapped her arm him. "You're young, Merlin—" He was twenty four. "—But I can't think of anyone finer to do the job and have the duties that you're going to take on. You will not only be a first, you will the greatest consort in the entire world."

Merlin sighed. "I have to give up so much, though." He thought and quickly added, "I don't resent Arthur for it—I know that if I want him, all of this is part of the package… but sometimes I wonder why we can't just run away. Why Morgana can't just become Queen? Arthur and I aren't even going to have children. I'm not going to be producing any heirs. So why does Arthur have to be King? Morgana would make a fabulous Queen."

"Yes, but Arthur wants to be King, doesn't he?"

Merlin sighed. "I think so. He's talked about abdicating and giving the throne to Morgana or another cousin if she doesn't want it. I don't think he'll do it, though."

Hunith smiled. "Well, we'll see. Even if he doesn't, I know you two will be spectacular."

Merlin rolled his eyes and smiled. "What are you doing up so early? Has morning sickness set in already?"

Hunith shook her head. "God no; I wouldn't be sitting here right now if it had. I guess I'm just nervous. My only son is getting married today. I'm going to have to walk two steps behind him for the rest of my life and bow to him and call him Your Royal Highness."

Merlin laughed nervously. "You don't have to do any of that."

"I don't?" Hunith winked.

"No, mom." He put an arm around her and hugged her. "You never will. I'll just be 'Merlin' to you."

Hunith suddenly found it hard to talk, a lump had arisen in her throat; maybe morning sickness was kicking in after all. "Always?" She murmured.

"Always."

oOo

Arthur sat in the breakfast room, eating breakfast with his father, His Majesty King Uther and his sister, Her Royal Highness Morgana the Princess Royal. Sunlight streamed through the glass walls, bathing them all in warmth. While Morgana and Uther were busily eating their food in semi-comfortable silence, Arthur only pushed his around on his plate. His mind was too full with thoughts of the coming day.

Morgana looked up at her brother, and nudged his arm. He dragged his eyes away from his coffee cup to look at her.

"Arthur, eat something." She commanded. "You're beginning to make me feel self-conscious."

Arthur looked down at his full English breakfast and poked at a sausage. "You're not getting married today in front of a billion people. You don't have any right to feel self-conscious."

Morgana rolled her eyes and took a long gulp of coffee. "I'm a groomsmaid. People will be watching me, too."

Arthur sighed. "Still, it's going to be me and Merlin. The focus will be entirely on us. What if I faint or throw up? What if HE does something wrong? The press will attack him! That's the worst possible way to enter royal life!"

"Arthur," Uther said sternly. "If you have chosen to marry someone who is that incapable of participating in a public event, I will ask you to break off the engagement right now."

Arthur stopped himself from making a rude retort. For all his flaws, Uther had been fairly tolerant of Arthur marrying another man (this of course, was ignoring the incident involving Merlin which had caused Uther to be imprisoned several years before which was perhaps fuelling Uther's decision to remain tolerant) since their engagement had been announced. Arthur knew that this tolerant façade might not last forever and he was grateful for it while it lasted. Of course, the question bloomed in Arthur's mind, would my father be so particular about the person I marry being able to tackle the role if they were female? It was not likely, but Arthur pushed that to the back of his mind and smiled at Uther.

"Father, Merlin will be entirely capable of his royal duties. I intend to be by his side every moment of his first year as a royal."

"Goodness, Arthur." Morgana said, "You must let him breathe. He will never be able to branch out on his own if he's always at your shoulder. The public won't like it if you're constantly holding a leash on him."

"That sounds ridiculously kinky." Arthur joked, earning a stern look from Uther. The fact that Arthur did more than simply shake Merlin's hand was hard for Uther to comprehend without feeling very ill, but the fact that Uther didn't believe that Arthur could possibly be in love with another man made Arthur feel ill, so it was a fairly equal spectrum.

Morgana stole a look at the clock. "Arthur, it's nearly eight."

"So?"

"You need to start getting ready!"

"I don't have to leave until ten-twenty-four."

"That doesn't matter. You are not going to your wedding un-showered." Morgana stood up and walked around to Arthur's chair and pulled it out, grudgingly, she grabbed Arthur and pulled him up, too.

Arthur willingly went, knowing that fighting against Morgana would likely result in him being late and thus, missing his wedding. They left the breakfast room and headed up to Arthur's apartments. Had his father not been so very ill, Arthur would have probably decided to rid himself of his lodgings at Buckingham Palace. Clarence House would be his and Merlin's official residence following their marriage—but they had no intention of leaving their beloved home in St. John's Wood—in fact, Arthur had been considering moving motions forward to have St. John's Wood labelled as an official royal residence. Today, however, he felt lucky that the lodgings still existed.

He stopped outside the door and turned and fiercely hugged Morgana. She, somewhat surprised at the embrace, paused for only a moment before hugging him back. When he separated from his sister, he looked down at her with the adoring look that could only be shared between siblings.

"I can't wait." He said truthfully.

"You don't have to wait for long." She touched his face affectionately. "Now go get ready. The car will be here soon."

Arthur hurried into his rooms, only to be captured in a fierce bear hug by Gwaine Anderson, his dear friend. He laughed and hugged the other man back. "Aren't you supposed to be with Merlin?"

"Nah, Percival and Leon have got that." He replied, slapping Arthur on the back. "I'm here to help you, man."

Arthur laughed. "Well, thank you."

"No, thank you." Gwaine said. "A groomsman at the wedding of the millennia, every girl in Britain will want me after this."

Gwaine was notorious for womanizing, often appearing in the press for his short relationships with members of the British aristocracy. Merlin had once asked Arthur why they kept on inviting Gwaine to official functions and Arthur had found that he had had no real answer to Merlin's question. Gwaine was their friend and so he was invited, that was that. Now, Arthur rolled his eyes and walked into his bedroom, where his military stately wear had been laid out. Arthur couldn't help but feel somewhat cheap, wearing a full dress naval commander uniform when he had no intention of joining the forces. But, he knew it was tradition to dress in such garments for weddings and so he did not fight it.

He turned to Gwaine. "Get out." He said simply. "I can dress myself." His voice was warm, but serious. Gwaine smiled.

"I'm going to raid your liquor cabinet, then." He told the prince, disappearing before Arthur had the chance to answer.

After showering, Arthur dressed quickly, he had worn this uniform before and it was easy to put on. It was a little past eight thirty when Arthur found that he was fully ready to go and marry the love of his life. Only, he knew that he would not be leaving for the abbey for nearly two hours. How on earth would he pass the time? How on earth could he even think of passing the time? Why hadn't he taken Madeline's advice that the wedding should start at nine? Why had he subjected himself to such torturous waiting?

How was Merlin doing? Arthur wondered. Was he having second thoughts? Only yesterday, Arthur had read a column in the New York Times which had said: "My suggestion for Merlin Emrys? Run. His family is nuts." This, Arthur knew wasn't entirely true and he knew Merlin knew it, too. But he couldn't help but worry: what if what Uther had done to Merlin years ago came back to terrify Merlin into running for it? What if the reality of becoming a royal terrified Merlin into running? Or what if Merlin decided that he simply didn't want to marry him? Before he could terrify himself further, Arthur picked up his phone. His phone was new – it was the new iPhone 3G which had only been released eight days before. He unlocked it and scrolled down to Merlin's number, pressing "call", panic brewing in his veins.

Merlin answered on the first ring. "Hello?"

"Hi." Arthur said, turning around in the bedroom, pushing the curtain away from the window to look outside at the crowds which were already congregating around the fountain. His stomach twisted. "How are you?"

"Nervous," Came his fiancé's reply. "I'm absolutely shitting myself, if I'm being honest."

"Because you think you might be making a mistake?" No, no, no.

"Don't be daft." Merlin chuckled. "No, I know I'm not making a mistake. I'm nervous because I'm going to be seen live by three billion people. I'm nervous because I'm going to be really royal: people are going to have to walk three steps behind me and bow to me for the rest of my life. I'm a country boy from West Virginia. I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. I just know that I'm in love with the Prince of Wales and the simple idea that I wouldn't do this is insane."

Arthur relaxed. "Good. I love you, Merlin."

"I love you, too." Merlin sighed. "We should've taken Madeline's advice about starting earlier, shouldn't we?" He laughed.

"YES." Arthur laughed, infected by Merlin's laughter. "It'd be kinder on those people who have been camping out all night, too."

"Oh no, don't tell me that!" Merlin groaned. "How many are there?"

"Oh, a good thousand are outside Buckingham Palace, from what I can see."

"I'd better not fall when I get out of the car, then!" Merlin's voice coloured with nervousness.

"You'll be perfect, I'm sure."

"I hope so." Merlin took a deep breath. "Well, I suppose I'd better go get showered and dressed." He sighed. "Am I going to see you later, Arthur Pendragon?"

Arthur chuckled. "I don't know. I might do a runner on you."

"I'll kill you if you do." Merlin replied, quietly.

Arthur straight out laughed. "God, I love you, Merlin."

oOo

Merlin was surprised by the amount of people lining the streets. At ten twenty six on the dot, the classic Bentley limousine had pulled up outside his home. His mother and stepfather had already left the house ten minutes before, leaving Percival, Leon and Merlin alone. They waited in the entrance hall, Merlin fully decked out in his three piece suit.

"Sir, we are ready for you." Robert, their butler had said, opening the front door for the future royal. Merlin nodded his thanks and walked out to the car, where the door was opened for him and he slid in. And then, they had been on their way.

And so here Merlin was, moments from marrying the only man he had really loved, waving to the crowds of thousands who had showed up just to get a glimpse of him and Arthur. It was a beautiful, sunny, July day in London. It was warm, but not hot: a feature of the weather which Britain always seemed to strike perfectly. The sun glinted off the new and old buildings, turning the city which Merlin loved into a masterpiece of beauty.

Arthur would already be at the abbey when Merlin arrived, the procession would be moments from beginning. Neither Arthur nor Merlin would walk down the aisle to the other man, for neither Merlin nor Arthur was a bride. They had decided to walk down the aisle together as equals. Arthur, coming from Buckingham Palace would arrive at roughly the same time as Merlin. Straying from tradition, it was after the wedding when the dukedom would be given. Arthur and Merlin could not simply both be the Duke of Oxford and so, Uther had grudgingly agreed, to name Merlin a duke in the privacy of Buckingham Palace, immediately following the wedding.

The abbey came into sight and a moment later the car slowed.

For the rest of his life, Merlin would remember the roar of the crowd that escalated as he got out of the car. He knew he had been on camera since he had left St. John's Wood. He got out of the car, turned and waved, smiling broadly and hoping that he didn't look like an idiot. Percival touched his arm – an unspoken signal to turn towards the abbey. Merlin did so, walking as he had been taught, hands at his side, eyes straight forward.

The abbey doors were wide open. He walked through them, not at all surprised to see Arthur still talking to the religious leaders of the abbey. Merlin (as had been rehearsed) immediately went to Arthur's side, greeting the men whom Arthur had just greeted. Arthur looked over and smiled at him quickly, before returning to the conversation he had been having. Merlin was happy that his voice did not waver and that his face did not feel at all hot, both of which were things he had feared happening.

Once greetings had been exchanged, Merlin and Arthur walked to the aisle, remaining a foot apart as they had been instructed. Bells rang, indicating ten thirty. Music started – they had selected Pachelbel's Canon for their procession – and their groomsmen and page boys started to ascend down the aisle. After a moment, Merlin and Arthur began to walk, side by side down the aisle.

They arrived at the altar and knelt down on the silky kneeling stools and were blessed by the Dean of Westminster. And then, the Archbishop of Canterbury came forward, and asked that Arthur and Merlin rise and stand before him.

And so they were married.

oOo

Arthur's favourite part of their wedding day had to be the ride back to Buckingham Palace, following their wedding ceremony. For this, they had decided to ride in a carriage, simply to humour the mounds of people who had been waiting all day just to see them. He got into the carriage and sat beside Merlin, his thigh pressing against that of his husband's. As the carriage started to move, Arthur reached down and clasped Merlin's hand in his.

The ride was quick and short. Merlin was perfect, Arthur decided. Waving and smiling at everyone, even asking the driver to ride twice around the fountain before heading through the gates of Buckingham Palace. The guards saluted Arthur as they rode past. When the couple next rode through these gates, Arthur knew that they would be saluting him and Merlin who then, would be a duke.

Arthur slid out of the carriage, regretting that he could not yet embrace Merlin, for the cameras would still be rolling. They would go and take official wedding portraits and then appear on the balcony, afterwards, they would have an official luncheon. Afterwards, they would return to St. John's Wood until that night, when they would have a smaller, more informal reception. The luncheon included all the crowned heads of the world. The night-time reception would include a few choice royals as well as their friends and family. The following morning, they would fly out to their honeymoon location, a place that even Merlin didn't know yet.

Once they were in the palace and definitely out of the view of photographers, Arthur took Merlin's hand, leading him down a corridor and into a small study which was never used, but shown to tourists as they made their way through the palace. Once Arthur shut the door behind him, he walked swiftly over to Merlin, taking his face tenderly in his hands and kissing him hard. After he had separated from his husband, Arthur pressed a kiss to Merlin's temple and squeezed his hands.

"We did it, Merlin. We made it. You were so perfect."

Merlin blushed for the first time that day, the pinkness spreading even to his ears. "Thank you, Arthur." He paused and gulped. "You weren't too bad, either."

Arthur rubbed his temples. "I wish we could just have the reception tonight."

"Why's that?"

"Because," Arthur said, moving closer to Merlin and taking his hands. "I want to do things to you, things that will leave you moaning and asking, begging for more." Merlin's stomach tightened pleasurably as he looked into the depths of Arthur's eyes. "I want to make you feel more spent and more loved than I've ever made you feel."

"Uh, well." Merlin said abruptly, pulling away from Arthur. "There will be plenty of time for that, later."

Arthur laughed and wrapped his arm around Merlin, "That there will be, Merlin, and that there will be."

A few minutes later, the couple left the room. They walked back down the corridor and back into the wider room, where the photographer was still checking light stats and the members of the wedding party were mulling around, eating the appetizers that had been laid out for them. Morgana smiled widely when she saw Merlin and ran over to them.

"Congratulations," She said warmly, hugging her brother-in-law. "You did so wonderfully!"

Merlin was about to reply, when a herald brought the room to attention. How old fashioned, Merlin thought, thinking that it was definitely ironic to have old fashioned things at one of the most modern weddings to ever take place.

"Ahem. His Majesty King Uther asks for an audience in the throne room with Mister Merlin Emrys and his husband, Prince Arthur of Wales."

A few select members of the wedding party followed Arthur, Merlin and the herald into the throne room, where Uther sat waiting. These people were: Merlin's mother and stepfather, Princess Morgana and the groomsmen. There were a few officials already in the room, people who would later sign to see that they'd seen titles bestowed upon Merlin. They both bowed low, sensing the seriousness of the occasion. The king stood and walked down the few steps, allowing both men to kiss his hand. After a moment, Uther spoke.

"You are married to my son." He was addressing Merlin. "And under the British law, you are now entitled to receive a royal title upon your union. The titles you are to receive today are titles that you shall keep for the entirety of your life, they are titles that are bestowed onto men who have lived up to them and realized the honour behind them. I hope, that you will do each and every one of these titles honour."

"I promise to receive them with gratefulness and to treat them honourably."

"Very well," Uther said, "As well as the right to be addressed as Your Royal Highness, today you will receive the dukedom of Oxford, the earldom of Strathearn and the barony of Carrickfergus. Do you accept this?"

"I accept these titles gratefully."

"Bring forth the sword."

Arthur, who had been sighted for this duty, brought forth the old guided sword which they had decided to use for this ceremony. Uther took it from his son and Merlin came forward, kneeling in front of the king on the steps in front of the ornate chair. Merlin felt uneasy, kneeling so close to a man who very clearly did not approve of anything about him. Touching the sword from one shoulder to the next, Uther spoke again.

"I, King Uther of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth Realms, on the occasion of your marriage to my son, Prince Arthur of Wales, hereby bestow upon you from this day forth, the dukedom of Oxford, the earldom of Strathearn and the barony of Carrickfergus. From this moment forward, you are to be known as His Royal Highness, Merlin, Duke of Oxford, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus." Uther took the sword away. "God bless you and now rise."

Merlin rose, meeting Uther's stormy eyes for a second, before turning to the rest of the room. The occupants of the room, save Arthur, Morgana and King Uther, had fallen to their knees the moment Merlin had risen. Merlin waited only a few seconds before saying, "Rise." He had been told that this was at his discretion, some newly titled persons liked making those present kneel for a long time.

They returned to the greater room, where they had chosen to take their official wedding portraits, contrary to the usual tradition, which dictated that these portraits be taken in the throne room. After an hour of, "smile a little more", "turn your head left", the photographer deemed that the perfect shots had been taken. Merlin walked around, looking over the photographer's shoulder, agreeing that the shots were wonderful. They signed, allowing them to be released to the public and then were ushered upstairs.

"This is the best part," Arthur whispered to Merlin, as they lined up to go out onto the balcony to watch the planes fly by overhead. "The first kiss."

"Kiss in public?" Merlin was shocked. Public Displays of Affection was something that Arthur very rarely engaged in.

"It's tradition." Morgana explained, "The royal couple will share their first big kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. And you two are of course, the royal couple."

"Your Royal Highness, it's time for you to go on." One of Madeline's assistants said, coming forward with a clip board.

It took Merlin a moment to realize that he was the one being spoken to. "Oh, right." He made a beeline for the doors, which were opened by the footmen before he even drew very near. The sight that greeted him was amazing. A cheer went up as he was outlined in the doorway. He took a deep breath and stepped onto the balcony, putting what would soon become his public smile on his face.

"Wow." Merlin said when he felt Arthur on his shoulder. Arthur rubbed circles on Merlin's back, amused at Merlin's amazement. What was it like, he wondered, to suddenly be exposed to all of this? What was it like to suddenly become a member of one of the oldest and most prominent royal families in the world?

"I didn't think there would be this many." He commented, chucking.

"Well I'm very popular." Merlin replied, winking at Arthur. He walked further out onto the balcony, so that the photographers, cameramen and the entirety of the crowd could get a better shot of him. He turned back to Arthur. "You might have guessed."

"It's obviously me they're here to see." Morgana cut in, coming to a halt at Merlin's shoulder.

"You're all wrong," said King Uther, smiling broadly at his son, "I'm the popular one."

Merlin felt a wave of gratefulness towards Uther. Somehow, he had managed to lock away all the negative feelings which he had towards Merlin and his marriage to the Prince of Wales. Not once had Merlin heard a snide remark, or a sigh, although he had prepared himself well enough so that he wouldn't be brought down by it.

The crowd was chanting something, as Merlin listened, he found that he could make out the word, "kiss" being repeated over and over.

Morgana laughed. "You two ought to give them what they want, before they tear the guards apart and come rushing up here."

Merlin felt a wave of nervousness. Uther had already dealt with his son marrying a man today. Could he deal with his son kissing one? "Should we?" He said, directing the question at his husband.

Arthur shrugged. "It's tradition."

He leaned forward, capturing Merlin in a kiss. The cheer grew louder if that were even possible. A moment later, they heard the roar of an aircraft and broke apart so that they might see the aircrafts fly by – in diamond formation. Merlin clasped Arthur's hand, unable to remember a time when he had felt so full, so happy and so complete.

Afterwards, they drew back inside the palace, to the fancy luncheon which was being hosted by the King. Stuffed full of food and tired, Arthur and Merlin soon left Buckingham Palace, heading for Clarence House which would from that day until Arthur's succession be their official London residence. They left in a convertible which Merlin forgot the make and name of the moment he was told it. It was incredibly cheesy, having cans tied to the back and having a sloppy, "JUST MARRIED" spray painted across the back (probably by Gwaine) but Merlin loved it. Everything about the day had been perfect.

oOo

It was not until the next morning that Merlin really felt that he could hear himself think. The afternoon at Clarence House had resulted in hard, hot sex followed by a dinner and evening reception hosted by Morgana at Buckingham Palace. The festivities had not ended until well past two in the morning and so Arthur and Merlin had opted to stay in Arthur's – their – apartments at Buckingham Palace. Everything was a blur – a happy, euphoric, blur.

And now, at eleven in the morning, His Royal Highness the Duke of Oxford and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales strode hand in hand across the lawn of Buckingham Palace. Merlin wore dark blue jeans with a brown leather belt and a tucked in black Oxford shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The Prince of Wales was slightly more formally dressed than his husband – choosing to wear a sports jacket over his light blue shirt and tan slacks. Either way, he supported the smile that Merlin did as they approached the helicopter which would take them out to Gatwick Airport where the private jet would take them to their honeymoon destination.

"Now will you please tell me where we're going?" Merlin asked, once they were settled.

Arthur leaned forward, indicating that Merlin should, too. Merlin did lean forward. Arthur took a deep breath, saying, "We're going to… you'll find out when you get there."

"You bloody prat." Merlin muttered, leaning back into seat.

"A bloody prat who you love." Arthur added, taking a sip of water.

"Unfortunately…" Merlin agreed.