Chapter 10

Arthur handed the reins of his horse to Merlin after they stopped in front of the stables.

"I'll go speak to my father" he shortly looked up at Merlin who just nodded at Arthur.

Arthur smiled, albeit still slightly hesitant.

"Whatever happens Merlin-" he started.

Merlin, placed a comforting hand on the Prince's shoulder, "Nothing will happen Arthur, I'm sure your father will understand your decision is with the best intentions for Camelot."

Arthur nodded; he figured Merlin would say something like that, always knwing how to calm Arthur down in moments like this. He took in a deep breath and walked into the castle.

The guards greeted him with a solid nod as he passed by. He was making his way towards the court chambers when he ran into Vivian. He halted immediately and stood silently in front of her. After a very pregnant pause, she finally broke the silence.

"Sire" she greeted, bowing in a discreet curtsey. Arthur gave a short nod in return, muttering a quick, " M'lady".

"Are you going to speak to your father?" She asked with an awkward tight lipped smile.

"Yes, I just got back from my trip with Merlin," Arthur answered, somewhat stiffly.

"Did you and him work things out?" Vivian questioned gently.

Arthur nodded hastily "I did, I better go, my father is expecting me." He straightened himself out and sped past Vivian, the click clack of his hunting boots echoing down the hallway.

Vivian chuckled at his obvious discomfort, lucky for her, her father was always very understanding when it came to love. He used to tell her that falling in love was not a choice, but a destiny, something that was bound to happen.

Arthur walked further through the hallway and knocked on the chamber doors.

"Enter," Uther called out, a smile spreading across his face as he saw his son, "Arthur, my son. How was the hunt?"

Arthur nodded politely, "Father, the hunt went well. I had some time to consider what you said and I have come to a conclusion."

"Good, so you'll do your duty and marry Lady Vivian then?" Uther asked, hopefully.

Arthur shook his head, "You have taught me father, that I should follow my instinct when it comes to battle. I would like to follow your advice on this matter as well."

Arthur paused, a hard lump forming in his throat as Uther's face changed immediately into a thunderous expression. He never liked it when Arthur used his own words against him, Arthur pressed on, "and it just doesn't feel right. I am not saying no, neither am I agreeing to this marriage. I would like the chance to meet someone I love, to see if they are a suitable marriage candidate. When it is time for me to rule this kingdom and I have not been able to find a wife, then I will agree to marrying for politics. However I am asking you, to understand my position at this moment, that I do not wish to make a life altering decision based on what can or cannot come still."

Uther frowned. However, the point Arthur was making was fair, although he would prefer to keep matters in his own hands he had to learn to trust Arthur's decisions. His son did seem to have thought well about this one.

He nodded wearily, "Alright, we shall postpone the announcement. The agreement will stay active, however should you find love, I will give you the chance to proof to me that this person is worthy of ruling Camelot beside you. If that person succeeds I will give you my blessing my boy."

Arthur's eyes immediately lit up, he felt so relieved that his father had not pushed this whole event any further. "Thank you father, you will not regret this decision. I will make you proud - I swear, "Arthur promised, grateful.

He excused himself and left the courtroom. He had to tell Merlin the good news! But just then he realized, for him and Merlin, nothing would actually become any better. His father would never be proud of him, if he found out the person Arthur loved was another man. A servant as a matter of fact.

Arthur let out a long exhale, perhaps it was best to take some distance from Merlin. If he were to do as he agreed with his father and look for a suitable wife.

Just as Arthur left the courtroom, Vivian was already waiting outside restlessly, a tense look etched on her face. "And?" She asked impatiently, completely forgetting manners.

Arthur looked up rather startled. He smiled widely, for real this time, "It's good, my father agreed to give me a chance to find someone I love and postpone the wedding arrangement"

Vivian looked delighted, "Good, so now you and Merlin-", she grinned knowingly, Arthur quickly cut her off, covering her mouth with his hand. "Shh! What are you doing!"

Vivian's eyes widened in shock surprise but realized quickly Arthur had not told Uther that he was in love with Merlin. Arthur slowly removed his hand again and gave her a warning look as a couple of patrolling guards clanked by. "I can't expect my father to understand, that I have feelings for my servant. I am not even certain of them myself, and I have no idea if the feelings are even mutual. Merlin's behaviour sometimes just makes absolutely no sense."

Vivian smiled, "Well he most likely feels the same way you do, but he must also know the king will never approve of it and so he will keep his distance because it is not his wish to get you into trouble or get hurt himself."

Arthur nodded. Women were most likely right about these... love matters. However he had other worries on his mind right now. He had not told his father about the witch he met earlier, either. He just wanted to be sure his father was alright.

"Alright if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready for the training, my lady," Arthur smiled broadly and bowed. She curtsied back and went on her own way to speak to her own father about the news.

When Arthur arrived at his chambers Merlin was sitting at the table busily working at polishing a pile of armor. Arthur' lip squirked up slightly at the sight and he stood there, watching Merlin as he worked. Merlin was hunched over the piece of armor he was shining furiously with a cloth, his brows furrowed in concentration, frustration, still oblivious to the prince's presence. Arthur cleared his throat.

Merlin instantaneously looked up, "Sire" Merlin addressed him and stood up, "I've nearly finished with your armor."

"Nevermind the armor Merlin, don't you want to know what my father had to say?" Arthur responded, sounding hopeful.

Merlin feel silent, the light mood dissipating immediately. He looked down at the armor, suddenly seeing what seemed to be a very interesting spot on the metal. "I'm not sure those matters concern me, sire," He sighed, as he continued to rub at the spot.

Arthur if anything was dispirited by Merlin's indifferent reaction. How could he not be eager to know? If it had been Merlin in that position, Arthur would have done anything possible to keep Merlin from marrying.

But then he remembered what Vivian had said, it was possibly just a facade Merlin was constantly keeping up to prevent himself from getting hurt. There was no way, the polite, loyal Merlin would ever make a move on the prince - or be open about his feelings for Arthur. Not even now after all they had shared, Merlin was still so distant which sometimes nearly drove Arthur into madness.

Arthur closed the door behind him, walking further into the room until he was standing behind Merlin. He hesitated for a moment, but then leaned down over Merlin's shoulder. "I'm free again," he said softly into Merlin's ear.

Merlin couldn't help the grin that appeared on his face, he felt relieved. "So you're not getting married yet?" He asked hopefully expectant.

"I'll find a way for us to be together Merlin, when I'm king," Arthur reassured Merlin.

Merlin exhaled deeply, "I couldn't ask that of you, Arthur-"

"You don't have to, it's what I want" Arthur cut him off, voice laced with a edge of steel. He walked around seating himself at the table across from Merlin, shoving the armor aside.

He was facing Merlin, his crystal blue eyes calmly staring back wordlessly.

Merlin wasn't sure what to say, he was well aware of the consequences. If Arthur would keep loving him, they would never have an heir. The Pendragon line would end. He was conflicted between a love that had grown strongly so recently, and the destiny he had gained when arriving at Camelot.

"Let's not be too hasty Arthur, in the time before you are king, a lot could happen," Merlin said carefully.

Arthur frowned. It was almost amazing how Merlin still did not believe him. "You don't believe that I wish to be with you?" He asked somewhat offended.

Merlin shook his head, "It is not that easy Sire, even when you are King. You have a duty towards your kingdom. I would never ask of you, to put me before that duty."

"What duty? You said so yourself, my duty to Camelot is to be the best King Camelot has ever had. I can only become that King with the love and support of the person I care most about." Arthur disagreed and paused for a moment "And that person is you Merlin."

Merlin smiled gently but hesitant, still not sure of what to do. He wondered when things had become so complicated. He seemed lost for a response.

Arthur took this opportunity and placed a solid hand in Merlin's cheek and pulled him forward. He very gently closed his lips over Merlin's in a soft kiss before pulling away. "I don't want you to worry Merlin, " Arthur stroked a thumb over Merlin's cheekbone, "Whatever you decide. I will respect your choice." Arthur said and moved back, "I know I'm not good at expressing my feelings; you know that better than anyone, Merlin. But I want you to know, I never saw this thing between us, as a joke, I have always taken your advice seriously. I am just hoping you will do the same for me"

Merlin nodded he knew that, his cheeks were slightly flushed from the unexpected kiss though and his heart was jolting in his chest. He wondered how Arthur could stay so calm, kissing him just like that. It had been a while and they had become a lot closer, yet the intimacy was still growing. Arthur had never kissed him without acting strangely afterwards before - but this time it was different, Arthur was sensitive and sensible. He seemed to know what he wanted, and he wanted Merlin.

"I know that sire, and I will be at your side like I always am. No matter what the future will bring," Merlin reassured Arthur.

He wasn't sure about what he wanted yet, part of him wanted Arthur to give the love like a woman would have, although he wasn't. Merlin was well aware of that, the conflict between his sense of duty and growing affections was growing evermore troublesome and he could only hope that Arthur would be patient with him.

"Your father, is he alright?" Merlin asked carefully, remembering that the only reason they had returned early was because Arthur believed his father to be in danger.

Arthur nodded, "Yes he seems quite fine."

"So no danger?" Merlin pressed on.

Arthur shook his head reassuringly, "No he's fine, everything is normal." He didn't want to discuss the matter just yet. After all that following Merlin around in the forest, he had to find out who this witch was, and exactly what she was up to.