Author's Note:

This is a SLASH - so please don't read if that sort of thing offends you.

I couldn't resist. "Merlin" is one of my favourite T.V. shows and I'm a huge Merthur fan . . . the two combined, turned into this.

I'm fully aware that a Merthur SLASH is not a new idea for a "Merlin" FanFiction. It's an old classic, that's been done on FanFiction hundreds of times. Yet, I couldn't resist putting my own twist on a Merthur SLASH . . . . That being said - I'd like it noted that I came up with the plotline for this story on my own: I haven't intentionally copied this from another "Merthur" author.

This story is romantic fluff - a FanFiction version of Chick-Lit (if that sort of thing exists) and as a result, I haven't really focused on many of the more serious sub-plotlines in the show (like, the entire sub-plot surrounding Morgana) this story focuses entirely on Merlin and Arthur, just a bit of fun. I'm not trying for any, "What Might Happen in Series Four" plotlines.

I really hope you enjoy this. It's my tenth FanFiction story . . . but my first SLASH - so be nice! :)

Please review!

-ShadowSlayer136

Disclaimer: I do not own "Merlin" or any of the characters in it - they either belong to the BBC or to Legend. Also, this work is completely fiction: it was not written to reflect the sexual orientations of the actors portraying Arthur and Merlin.

Chapter One

King Uther knew that he would only be King for a few more years to follow.

He was not fighting illness, nor was he the direct aim of any assassins. The King could just feel that his time was nearly up. No, that wasn't the right word for it. Uther knew that at least a year existed in his life. Time wasn't nearly up . . . but his life certainly didn't have another decade.

The feeling burned within him. The same feeling that burned within him whenever he thought of his ward, Morgana. The woman was actually his daughter, a secret that hurt him every moment and often he was torn. If he revealed it, her marriage would forge a much stronger link between anyone he selected to be fit enough for her.

Yet, the King knew that if he revealed this, his mourning over his late wife, Queen Igraine would be deeply laughed upon as would his hate of magic. Arthur had been conceived through magic - if it was revealed that he had another child, that there was another heir, many would view their beloved Queen's life as wasted.

All the people cared about was being well aware of who ruled the Kingdom next. And, despite being a woman, Uther knew well that his daughter was strong minded and tough - she would make a strong and just Queen.

Uther did not believe that women should be Queens; he did not believe that they should be anything but wives and Mothers. He loved his daughter, but it was his son, that would bring the Kingdom to greatness.

This is why Uther knew that he had to bring Arthur down to the moral duties of a King - he had to make sure that his heir knew exactly what he had to do upon being pronounced King. If Arthur failed now, Uther could rest assured that there was still some time until Arthur's coronation. There would still be time to teach his son to be a King.

Uther conducted all these thoughts from his throne, which existed in the throne room.

A Harold entered the room, bowing briefly before the King. 'You called for me, your Majesty?'

'I need you to bring me my son.' He ordered. 'Tell him that it is a matter of much importance and that I really would prefer that he did not linger.'

The Harold nodded and walked out of the room. He had worked at court for at least twenty years - he did not like the idea of seeing the King's temper purely for being kept waiting idly. Throughout the years the King had grown bitter, caring only for two people.

Anyone else who he came into contact with he either found useful to use for his own selfish purposes or he found reason to execute them.

He silently cursed the King's request that Arthur's chambers be in a location in the palace that could be easily guarded. The throne room was one of the most open places, despite its obvious use for state affairs and regular holding of the King. It was a public room. Many were allowed in there, which meant that anyone could get into that area of the palace once it was allowed.

In short, Arthur's rooms were probably the furthest rooms from the throne room.

He hurried through the palace, nearly upturning a maid and her trays full of food. The Lady Morgana had probably requested to break her fast in her own chambers this early morning. The maid cast him a scornful glance but he knew he had no time to return and help her collect the scattered plates and cutlery.

The Harold wondered if this sense of terror would exist when the Crown Prince took the throne. Would he be as foolish as his Father? Would he understand that a great King was not only a great Warrior who did all to keep his Kingdom's laws completely obeyed - or would he understand that a King needed a good heart and the willingness to look at all sides of a situation before acting?

At last, he reached the oak doors which entered into the Prince's chambers. He reached his hand up and knocked.

A tired voice responded. 'Enter.'

The Harold entered. The Prince sat at the long worn wooden table that stood in front of the impressive stone fireplace. In front of him were several empty dishes. Further within the rooms, the Harold saw Arthur's manservant, Merlin of Ealdor making the bed, one of the many tasks the Prince set him daily.

'Your Highness,' The Harold bowed.

Arthur waved his hand impatiently. 'What brings you to my chambers?'

'Your Highness, I have been sent by his Majesty King Uther -'

Merlin snickered. 'He knows who the King is. Stop with the speech, tell him why you're here.'

Arthur shot Merlin annoyed glance. 'Sometimes I wonder if you forget your place, Merlin. Let the man speak.'

'His Majesty requests your presence as soon as possible.' The Harold spoke quickly, bowing his head.

Arthur and Merlin exchanged glances. Arthur sighed. 'Did he say why he needs my presence at this hour?'

'No sire, he did not.'

Arthur rose from the chair. 'Well, Merlin . . . we'd better see what he wants.'

'Me?' Merlin's face was distraught. 'Why do I have to come along? I've already got a whole list of things to . . .' He caught sight of the Prince's face, and fell silent.

It occurred to Merlin as he followed Arthur from the room: they could communicate easily with a single glance. Merlin could read how Arthur felt from a single glance at his face - a single look at his stance. He knew him so well.

The Harold nodded, walking ahead of them as they began to make their way across the palace.

Now, I've made a mention of a very important character in this story, who has not yet been introduced, the young warlock: Merlin of Ealdor.

Since arriving in Camelot a year previously, Merlin has served the ruling family in the form of being the Crown Prince's personal manservant, in other words, Merlin has served the royal family as the poor soul who is burdened with all the simple chores royals never learn to complete themselves. They claim that it is a result of having far too many royal duties, but anyone close to the royal family could easily deny this.

Although they would both deny it, the Prince and servant have formed rather a strong bond. The warlock has served of somewhat of a bodyguard to the Prince against magical things. And the Prince has risked his life - and his claim to the throne - many a time to save the young warlock. Like it or not, it was clear to anyone that these two were bound in their destiny. They cared for each other more than any brothers who were bound by simple blood would.

Oh yes, I must mention this before I switch the focus away from the young warlock - do not mention his magical powers, for that will end in his death. The King is very much against any magical use (which is a bit concerning, considering the amount of magic that appears in the Kingdom) and no one but the Court's physician, Gaius who has unofficially but emotionally adopted Merlin as his son is aware that the young boy is more than the rest of Camelot believes him to be.

They arrived at the throne room. It was a vast hall that was at least fifty feet high. Crown moulding bordered the sides of the wood panelled walls. Guards stood under every window and by the door. Two more also stood on either side of the King.

The Harold entered, bowed to the King and turned to announce the Prince and servant, but the pair entered unannounced. Merlin stood to the side as Arthur walked through the room and stood directly before his Father.

'What took you so long?' He requested, before his son could answer, he waved his hand in the way Arthur had earlier - indicating that it was rather a learned family trait. 'Never mind, I have called you to discuss something of very great personal importance to me.'

'Which is?'

'As you know, Camelot has many alliances, for we are very aware of who is our extended family.' Uther began, eyeing up his son. 'I believe I may have just struck on another alliance through an exchange of many letters between myself and King Francis of the House Delush ruler of the Kingdom of Rhawin . . . and he has invited me to his Kingdom.'

'Will you be taking the entire court?'

'That is up to you, Arthur.'

He blinked. 'What do you mean, Father?'

'You will be twenty one years of age in a very short time.' Uther said. 'I believe that you are certainly old enough to learn how to deal with matters of state.'

'You . . . you wish me to take on this meeting to discuss a formal alliance?'

'I do.' Uther nodded. 'King Francis is expecting a ruler from Camelot to arrive within the next week.'

'You have already planned this meeting?' Arthur began to feel vaguely ill. He had never dealt with matters of state.

'Yes, I have. King Francis is very anxious to meet you.' Uther was completely oblivious to his son's absolute horror. This was the first time Arthur had heard of this alliance. 'Rhawin is three days ride away from here - so if you have any common sense, I would suggest that you begin to plan for your journey and ride out tomorrow.'

'Tomorrow?' Arthur's voice had a strange note to it.

'Yes, Arthur, I expect you to ride out tomorrow in order to arrive at Rhawin within the expected time. We do not want to appear rude to a possible alliance.'

Arthur bowed, understanding that this was his dismissal. 'Yes, Father, Merlin and I shall ride out tomorrow at daybreak.'

He turned and left the throne room. Merlin bowed to the King and scampered after Arthur - something he was so used to that he probably could have done it in his sleep. Arthur was walking quicker than he usually did; this caused Merlin to stumble several times in effort to keep up with him.

'You were kidding about bringing me along, right?' His voice was a faux hopeful tone. Arthur rarely gave him the day off.

Arthur flashed him a look that alone could have answered his question. 'No, I wasn't kidding . . . I'm going to need someone to blame during this ordeal.'

'What? Oh yes, of course . . . blame me for everything that goes wrong.' Merlin mumbled.

Arthur shot him a smile. 'Besides, with your swordsmanship, I wouldn't want to be alone in the woods.'

Merlin rolled his eyes fondly. Both men knew very well that Merlin was hopeless when it came to the art of wielding a sword. Arthur never seemed to find it tiresome to mock Merlin for his shortcomings in swordsmanship.

'At least it's not the only thing keeping me from obesity.' Merlin muttered, Arthur grabbed him, shoving up against a wall.

'Excuse me?'

'At least,' Merlin repeated, a mischievous smile playing over his lips. 'I don't have to worry about not being a good swordsman . . . I don't have to worry about corpulence.'

'Corpulence? Is that a formal way of saying you think I'm on the verge of becoming fat?'

Merlin faked obvious surprise. 'What? No, sire. You're just chubby, not fat.'

Arthur's eyebrows raised in surprise. 'Chubby? I am, under no circumstances, chubby.'

'We've had this conversation.' Merlin replied. 'And we've established that you are, in fact, chubby.'

'That's not how I remember it.'

'You remember it how you want to. It makes no difference to the reality.' Merlin pulled out of Arthur's grasp. Although he probably could have restrained his servant all day, Arthur let him go.

Arthur rolled his eyes. 'We'll have plenty of time to discuss the fact that I am not fat over the next few days.'

'So I really am going with you, then?'

'That was not questionable.' Arthur nodded, resisting the urge he had to smile whenever he was near Merlin. 'But yes, if there was any question that I somehow missed - you are indeed joining me in Rhawin.'

Including the return journey, Merlin realized that he would have six days alone with Arthur. Six days away from Camelot. Six days where he could say anything, be anything. His stomach fluttered and he looked away, yawning to disguise his obvious discomfort.

I can't feel like this, Merlin reminded himself, I'm just his servant. This is wrong.

'Am I boring you, Merlin?' Arthur said, trying to extinguish the awkward feeling that had suddenly arrived between them. Internally, he tried to reason with himself that he was the only one feeling awkward therefore nothing should be awkward, but he could not get it through his head.

'What? No.' Merlin paused. 'You want me ready at daybreak?'

'Oh, I want you ready earlier than that. It's your job to pack up the Horses and make sure we have everything we need for the three days of traveling that awaits us.'

Merlin inhaled through his teeth, the air made a hissing sound. 'Right, I'll get straight to that.'

'See that you do,' Arthur replied.

At a loss of anything to say, Arthur nodded to Merlin and turned, walking towards his chambers. Merlin watched the Prince go, marveling at his strong broad shoulders and tousled golden hair. He is beautiful, Merlin thought to himself, staring at the Prince's retreating back, really beautiful.

It had not taken Merlin long to admit to himself that he possessed feelings far beyond friendship for the handsome Prince. He kept these feelings to himself, not even telling Gaius about them. Despite the trust he carried for his Father figure - Merlin could not say it out loud. Arthur had given him no real indication that he returned Merlin's feelings and until that happened (not that Merlin believed that it ever would) there was no way Merlin would say the words, he refused to give them lift, turn them from something that existed in his mind to something that existed in the real world.

Merlin began to walk towards the chambers he shared with Gaius. As he did, he reminded himself that Arthur had never really given him any indication that he shared the feelings. Nothing but the lingering glances - and for all Merlin knew, Arthur was only staring at him because a tuff of his dark hair was sticking up. Even though Merlin was a widely powerful wizard, the one thing he could not do was read minds.

All Merlin knew were Arthur's actions and those certainly weren't romantic. They had playful banter and often insulted and challenged each other, but nothing that occurred between them pointed to romance. Arthur had no idea how much a single brush of his fingertips when he took his finely polished sword from Merlin before a duel or any other contact that occurred meant to Merlin.

No. He couldn't admit his feelings for the Prince to anyone but himself.

Pushing thoughts of Arthur out of his mind . . . or at least, from the forefront of his mind, as Arthur never really left his mind, Merlin hurried down the many corridors until he reached his own chambers.

He entered them and smiled. Gaius was at his table, several oddly coloured potions surrounding him. He looked up when Merlin entered.

'Back already? I would have thought Arthur had a whole list of things to do.'

'Oh, he does.' Merlin smiled. 'But that's what I'm paid for, isn't it?'

Gaius furrowed his eyebrows. 'What aren't you telling me?'

'Uther wants Arthur to go to Rhawin to negotiate an alliance.' Merlin replied. 'And as usual, I'm to join him. And, if that's not special enough, Arthur decided that I should be the one to take care of all the details. Get up long before daybreak and ready everything that we might need in Rhawin.'

'Goodness. How far away is the Kingdom?'

'Three days.' Merlin replied, making a face, before breaking out into a wide sarcastic smile. 'I love my job!'

'You should. It keeps you close to the royal family.' Gaius was serious, ignoring Merlin's joking tone. 'With all the attempted murders going on as of late - you should be grateful that you have easy unquestioned access to the main targets.'

Merlin shrugged, pouring warm water from the kettle and preparing to make himself a cup of tea.

'I guess you're right. Except I wish it wasn't me preventing all of this.'

'You're making sure that Arthur becomes the great King everyone believes he will become. One day, Camelot will thank you.' Gaius left his work and came to sit across from Merlin.

'If I'm ever able to reveal that I'm practicing magic. It'd be suicide to reveal it now.'

'It won't always be.' Gaius shrugged. 'Arthur is fair. He'll change the laws.'

'If he ever knows that they matter to anyone.' Merlin sighed.

'When do you leave?'

'Tomorrow at daybreak, Uther doesn't want us to appear rude. King Francis expects Arthur within the next week.'

'And how long are you planning to stay there?'

'A week, at most,' Merlin shrugged. 'I don't honestly know, Arthur didn't tell me.'

'Well . . . you might have an interesting time. I don't believe that magic is outlawed in Rhawin - if Arthur grants you any free time then I'd strongly suggest going to find places where magic is used, out of respect to the King it won't be done within the royal court . . . even though it isn't outlawed, it is considered rather coarse. Walk around, see what you can find.'

'Arthur certainly won't want me in his meetings with the King.' Merlin mused. 'If he doesn't weigh me down with chores . . . then I'll definitely see who I can find from the magical population.'

'There you go,' Gaius smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. 'Look at the bright side of things. You'll only be gone awhile and then you'll be back in Camelot and we'll have Christmas to look forward to.'

'Yeah, I suppose.' Merlin smiled. 'When's dinner?'

'Hold up, hold up,' Gaius held up his hand to enforce his statement. 'What things did Arthur want you to take care of?'

oOo

Rubbing his arms, Merlin wondered idly if he'd be able to pay for a heavier jacket before the cold really set in. The sun had barely risen over the horizon and the night air was still absolutely freezing.

At least he had managed to pull everything together on time. He had woken Arthur an hour earlier, something that in the earliest moments of wakefulness, Arthur had criticized Merlin for. Arthur was the sort of man who preferred to sleep late whenever possible. A start before the sun had even properly come over the eastern horizon was not something he considered to follow those guidelines.

Merlin had then left Arthur in his chambers and gone and readied the Horses.

Looking up, Merlin saw Arthur hurrying down the steps towards him. He offered his servant a brief smile as he reached him.

'Everything is prepared?'

'Yeah. I did everything you asked yesterday. We should be ready to go.'

A little group had appeared to wave them off. Morgana and Uther were among them. Alongside Uther were several guards who seemed to be stalking the King. Standing behind the Lady Morgana was Gwen, the Lady's maid. Gaius had also come to wave them off. Gwen caught Merlin's eye and offered him a warm smile which Merlin returned, he'd always liked Gwen. She knew her place and still did not rest anyone or anything. She had a good heart.

Gaius pretended not to have noticed, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Uther walked up to Arthur, placing his hands on his son's shoulders. 'You will do wonderfully.'

'Thank you, Father.' Arthur nodded.

'I expect you to return within a fortnight.' Uther said. 'Eight days in Rhawin is undoubtedly enough to make sure that our alliance is a sturdy one. Any longer would only be lingering.'

'Yes, Father.' Arthur replied. He turned to Merlin. 'Are we ready to go?'

Merlin walked around to his Horse. 'Yes sire.'

Arthur nodded to the group of people who had come to see him off. He turned to his Horse and mounted. Nodding to the group, he turned his Horse towards the exit of the palace courtyard and began to trot towards it.

With a smile for Gaius, Merlin turned his Horse to follow Arthur.

And so, they were on their way.