Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“No man, no matter how great, can know his destiny. He cannot glimpse his part in the great story, that is about to unfold. Like everyone he must live and learn.” This story certainly gives a different meaning when you, the reader, know the story is being rewritten, and our young warlock truly does not know what others know.

As Merlin, the young warlock, enters the citadel, out of sync and off tune trumpets play. Guards bring a man to the center where a chopping block and executioner wait for him. They toss the man to where the chopping block. “What- Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantment and magic.” Suddenly Merlin is locking eyes with the King, but the king keeps going. “-And per want to the laws of camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decree that such practices are banned under penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass.”

Merlin pretends to notice the king's eyes and looks away, anything that isn’t the king or the execution. Even though he has the power to stop the king from getting to him, he can feel it it somehow changed when he entered the castle gates. He would not be able to do it, he is far too scared, he is not scared of a king. He is scared of the monster that wore a crown, stories told to him by his mother. He is scared of the monster that his mother warned him about every time his mother caught him doing magic out in the open. He is not scared of King Uther, he is scared of Uther Pendragon. The man under the crown. The man who his mother warned him about.

He decided that the castle walls are more interesting than the mad king who is executing someone. That is when he spots her, a woman watching the king in anger and loathing. Just as quickly as he spots her, she locks eyes with him. This is the first time he is confused since entering Camelot, her face changed from many emotions and expressions in such a quick moment. And all of them were not positive things you should see on someone when you first lock eyes with someone. She stopped on an emotion that showed she was uneasy and scared of merlin.

Merlin has never seen nor met this woman in life, why is she looking at him this way. He doesn’t think he is all that menacing looking or threatening to get this sort of reaction.

He looks away from her, not wanting to freak her out anymore. Luckily he didn’t see the beheading of the poor Thomas Collins. Unlucky he started paying attention to the execution when the king declared a festival for the 20th anniversary the capture of the great dragon. When a older woman starts crying, catching the attention of everyone around her stepped far from her when they realized who she is, or rather who she was.

“There is only one evil in this land and it is not magic! It is you. With your hatred and your ignorance. You took my son. I promise you again before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth… a son for a son!”

“Seize her!” Uther says pointing to the poor mother, who merlin thinks who has lost more than son to the tyrant king.
But sadly he is wrong.

Up until this moment king uther along with everyone, else in the courtyard has thought thonly them have lived through this moment already. Though most are confused, but the people standing around merlin and recognize him know that he something to do with it. They don’t know how he is part of this, but they do know he was the last known person to be with the king before he was declared dead. And he was something to do with this, the truth on how this happen will eventually will make its way to the people of camelot some way or another. They have learned in their past timeline, Whatever happens in the castle will eventually get out to the people.

Mary Collins left in a tornado of wind everyone dispersed, but they all eyed the future manservant of the future king. Merlin who was more focused on finding his uncle gaius to feel the eyes of the people of camelot.

“Where would I find gaius, the court physician?” The guard looks at merlin in confusion but pointed towards the physician tower. “There.” With a smile on his face he walks up the stairs knocks gently on the door, “hello”. No answer, he walk more into the physician’s chambers, “Hello?” “Gaius?” The man in question was up on his little balcony looking through his books, looking for an answer on why he was suddenly teleported to his chambers and felt years younger. He heard someone call his name and clear their throat. He falls backwards, breaking the railing.

When he falls he lands on his bed. “How many times-” Gaius stops his warning, when he sees merlin.

At this moment Gaius realizes what has caused him to be teleported and younger appearance. Just by looking at the young man in front of him, he sees the boy who came into his chambers all those years ago. Before, all the killing and deaths and the burden of destiny. His eyes don’t belong to man who lost his best friend. His other half. This Merlin doesn’t know that all of albion has reversed time, and knowing the way magic works, Merlin has given up his memories to reverse time.

“How did you do that? Tell me.”
“Well, I-I have no idea what happened,-”
“If anyone had seen that-”
“Oh, no, that - that was nothing to do with me.”
“That-”
“So how is it you know magic?”
“I don’t!”
“Where did you study?”
“I-i’ve never studied magic or been taught,”
“Are you lying to me boy?”
“What do you want me to say?”
To please prove me my theory wrong, that you did not pay the price to make this happen.
“The truth.”
“I was born like this.”
“No…that's impossible. Who are you?”
“Oh, um… I have this letter.” Merlin hands gaius the letter. “There.”

“I-I don't have my glasses.” He already knows what the letter contains. He read it every time he thought the merlin that came into his chambers all those years ago was getting further and further away.

“I'm Merlin.”
“Hunith's son.” “Yes.” “But you're not meant to to be here till Wednesday.” This was not meant to happening again. “It is Wednesday.” “ah alright then, you'd better put your bag in there. It will be your room.” Merlin heads towards the room, but stops midway. “You won't say anything about-”
“No. Although, merlin… I should say thank you.” Again.

As the young Merlin settles into his new room. His new home. Something else happening in the other side of the castle.

Although king Arthur, or now prince Arthur, knew he died and woke up in his chambers with no pain or soreness. He felt ten years younger.

He had thought that merlin had managed to bring him back to life. He looked everywhere until spotted his father, in the balcony over the courtyard, executing a man. He was first confused that his father was alive, but that was the least confusing part since he has seen father's ghost roaming around the castle once before. He was more confused about the man he was sure was already executed be currently executed. That is when he got an idea on what has happened.

He got suspicious when he spotted Morgana at her window sill. He spent most of the day sneaking around the castle observing the people, morgana, (though she never left her room, nor saw gwen go into her room.) When arthur spotted gwen he wanted to pull her into a hug and tell her that he is alive and she won't have to deal with the responsibility of ruling a kingdom alone. But he could not, he needs to figure out what is happening. He needs to figure out what merlin has done.

He has heard his father sending servants to find him, but has evaded said servants. He has seen merlin walk towards gauis’ tower, but only took that moment to analyze him. He looks different. He never noticed how much his best friend has changed… or how much he has aged.

As a knight he is trained to read body language, he never noticed how stiff and tense merlin has grown. If you were to put the two versions of merlin side by side, you would think they are two different men.

When he got back to his chambers, he finds his father, Morgana and gaius. He suspected this would happen, they were going to have to talk about this at some point.

Chapter Text

When Prince Arthur enters his chambers, he is met with his father (who is supposed to be dead), his sister (who is also supposed to be dead) and the court physician. Who by the way, is the oldest in the room and has outlived or I should say WILL outlives everyone in this room including himself.   

Arthur takes a second to assess the people in the room, Uther is arguing with Gaius and Morgana was also going to say something when she spots Arthur entering the room and glares at him. In that moment, Arthur must decide to whether to, like merlin, play the fool and watch how that will play out or confirm Arthur’s theory on what has made him and everyone else turn back time.   

... “ Arthur.” She says his name with a hidden anger. The other two cease their conversation, to look at Arthur with an unspoken question in the air ready for him to confirm   

He must confirm what Merlin has done and how he has done it, he knows his sister and he knows his father, they will try to attack Merlin and Gaius has no power against these people. Gaius will need his help to protect Merlin from Uther and Morgana. Merlin would not be able to protect himself using his magic, especially if they were to strike him out in the open.   

“Father. Gaius. Morgana.” He greets and pauses as he stares into Morgana in the eyes. “If my memory serves me correct, but since it happened before I died, you said you would watch over me as the wolves' gorge on my carcass and bathe in my blood. But that was before Merlin striked you down with my sword and died at my feet.” He gives her a small smile as she visibly gets angry.   

He knows what he said was a bit childish, but he is still not over his own death, and he is still angry at morgana and everything she had done. Morgana was going to say something but was interrupted by Gaius. “Your Majesty. This is an important matter, Merlin doesn’t know what he did, nor does he remember the past ten years. He only thinks that his mother had sent him here to become my apprentice. He wa-”   

“Do you know how he has done this and why, Gaius?” Gaius takes a moment to process what he is about to say.  

 How exactly do you tell the king that his manservant was meant to protect him, and that was truly what his manservant thought was only purpose in life was. How do you tell him that his manservant truly believes that they are two halves of the same coin, was so distraught of his other half, his one true purpose in life, his one reason of living was dead, and destroyed their previous timeline by restarting the world and people but not their people’s minds. He exchanged his own memories for a second chance at saving his king.   

“I am to believe that Merlin in his grief over your death, he accidently exchanged his memories to turn back time ten years into the past. I am guessing he tried to exchange his life for yours himself, but because he is immortal, the old religion took his memories instead.”   

The room went quiet.  

Giaus was prepared to wake up merlin and help him escape Camelot in case Uther made a move to kill his nephew. Morgana wants to go up to the physician's tower to choke Emrys in his sleep, angry that he is so powerful to able revert time and bring back the dead. All because he was in love with his king.  

 Uther honestly did not know what to do, he cannot kill the warlock because he is immortal and has never delt with a magic user like the boy. He has only heard of the prophecy, and once thought that he was to be the once and future kind and Giaus his Emrys. How was he supposed to know that his son’s blubbering fool of a servant is the most powerful sorcerer, Emrys.  

Arthur he was not sure what to do with this information, he doesn’t know what to do next. Normally he will go complain to Merlin but this whole situation is about Merlin and he doesn’t even remember Arthur. He doesn’t remember everything that they have been through together. He forgave Merlin when he was dying about the lying, he doesn’t know how he can do it again.  

“Merlin is staying.” Arthur states, sounding as if his word was a law and everyone must obey it. Uther and Morgana were about to object, but Arthur was faster. “And he will be under my protection, any harm done by any of you directly or indirectly will be viewed as an attack on my person. And I will be reciprocating by ten folds.”  

Morgana knows she can defeat him but knowing Arthur, he will not simply die, he will find a way to kill her.  

Uther also knows with just a few words he can get Arthur disowned but he knows that his son will still find a way to overthrow him, especially if he is the prophesied once and future king. He may not follow the old religion, but he knows his son.  

Arthur looks to Giaus, “Now that we know, that merlin will be staying. What is it we do forward, because obviously the people are confused and have many questions on what has happened. Will you be saying anything to Merlin on what he has done?”  

And with that the meeting on what to tell the people has begun and what is said about merlin that night is to only be shared with certain people and no one was to tell merlin about what is said about merlin

Chapter Text

Somewhere in the castle a grieving mother kills an unknown maid, who loved to sing and takes her form. Ready to get revenge for her son. She swears this time she will succeed. 

“ Merlin.”

“Merlin.”

“Merlin!” Said boy woke to someone calling his name, Gaius knocks on his room’s door. “Get up, Merlin you have work to do.” Merlin gets ready for the day, unknowingly for one of the most notable days of his life.  

And when I say unknowingly, the only person who doesn’t know is him and him alone. 

As Gaius fills a bucket of water and places it on the table, Merlin enters the main chamber. “I got you water, you didn’t wash last night.” 

“Sorry.” 

“It is alright. You do not know where anything is yet, and i was not here to show you.” Gaius smiles at the boy. “Now i have made you breakfast and make sure to eat as much as you can you have lots to do today.” Merlin sits and eats a spoonful of the porridge with some local berries on top that gaius had prepared for him. 

Merlin has grown up eating porridge, so this was a welcoming breakfast to eat. Especially in a place that is new and will be his new home. It is good to have something familiar but with something from the unknown. 

Merlin’s thoughts were interrupted by Gaius 'accidentally’ dropping the bucket off the table, but Merlin used magic to slow down time. When he realizes where he is at, what kingdom he is in, he pulls back his magic making the bucket fall to the floor. 

Gaius looks at him. 

After many years, Gaius still doesn’t fully know how this side of merlin’s magic works. Yes, Merlin has gained control over this, but Gaius still doesn’t fully grasp it. 

Gaius only knows that this side of Merlin’s magic started as instinctual and has obviously grown into a much larger and powerful power. One that magic users have only thought was impossible.

But then again, it is part of Merlin. 
Only he can be the impossible.

“How did you do that? Did you enchant a spell in your mind?”

“I don’t know any spells.” 

“So what did you do? There must be something “

“It just happens.” Merlin grabs the mop and starts mopping. 

“Well we better try to keep you out of trouble.” Gaius turns to a small workstation, where he grabs two potions and a muscle balm. “I was able to get you a paying job, but before you must deliver these. This holy hocken dew for the Lady Percival. This is for Sir Olwen, blind as a weasel. Warn him not to take it all at once, before you hand it to him.” 

Poor Sir Olwen died a week soon after Merlin moved the kingdom in the last timeline. But Gaius would never admit that Merlin had anything to do with that. It’s just best to warn Sir Olwen before handing him his medicine. 

“This balm is for your employer, you will meet him in the training grounds. Take this, just in case I am not here to prepare lunch.” Merlin smiles at the bread and cheese and places it into his satchel.”Off you go, and remember to not be seen using magic.” He nods, takes a final spoonful of porridge and goes out the door, excited for a new day in this new kingdom. 

“Oh gods, please have mercy on my boy. Let him not get into too much trouble.” Gaius says quietly into the empty room.

Arthur knew that he needed Merlin by his side when, he woke up and the first thing he saw was George. Now Arthur doesn’t have a problem with George. He is good man and is very hard working, but he isn’t Merlin. 

“Thank you, george. Leave the rest there, I need you to call for Sir Leon.” George quickly does the finishing touches of setting Arthur’s plate and exits the room. 

Arthur takes a bite out of his sausages and eggs. It doesn’t go unnoticed that there are more sausages than he normally gets.

Someone knocks on the door, “Enter.” 
“Arthur?” He turns around at the voice, and smiles. 

“Gwenevere.” She walks in a dress he hasn’t seen her wear since she became his queen. Her lavender dress. Even when things changed between them she still wore pendragon red, he missed the purples she would wear. 

Arthur strides to her and they embrace in a hug. They pulled away to look at each other,  “Arthur, what happened? Did Merlin do this? Did you do this? What about the people? They are confused and are waiting for word from the palace. From me. From you. From anyone.” 

“Calm down, Gwenvere. Gaius and I have made a plan. From what Gaius told us, in simpler terms, because their was a lot of about prophecies and destiny said. Merlin had traded his memories of ten years to turn back time to the day he came to camelot. Merlin doesn’t remember anything of turning back time or of the ten years he spent in Camelot.” 

Gwen takes a moment to process what Arthur had said to him, and Arthur had realized what Gwen had fully said. “Wait, how did you know Merlin had anything to do with this? How long have you known about Merlin?” He says, feeling a bit hurt that maybe Merlin had told Gwen before he told him. Gwen was Merlin’s first friend, it would make sense, he would-

“Oh, not for that long. I had an idea that Merlin was the old sorcerer, when he showed up at the battle in Camlann. Gaius confirmed it, when I asked if the old sorcerer was someone I knew.”

“How do you know about Merlin?”

“He told me of his… gifts, when we were making our way to Avalon. I- i was hurt at first that he didn’t tell me the truth or that he was scared of me. But when I asked him why he didn’t tell me- he told me that he wanted to but- he didn’t want to get his head chopped off. And I said that i didn’t know what I would have done, if I had known. I know I wouldn't have wanted him dead or hurt him. And I didn’t want to banish my closest friend.” he took a breathe, 

“He told me, didn’t want to put me in that position.” 

Gwen smiled solemnly, “Oh Arthur, Merlin has always taken great care of you, whether it be saving you from bandits to be at your side to give you advice. He has always been good for you… maybe more than me.” 

“Gwenivere-”

“I know. I know but we still have to talk about it. Especially now. Now that we have a second chance.” Arthur sighs. 

“But not now. But soon.” Gwen sighs, “very well, but soon, please.” Arthur smiles, making a silent promise. 
“What of the people? They are still confused and have asked me to ask you.” Arthur goes to his desk, “Father, Gaius  and I spoke and we have made a plan on how to tell the people. Everyone will know that Merlin took me to  someone to save me and the price was Merlin's memories and time reversed ten years. Everyone must not tell Merlin since it could potentially hurt merlin.” He hands Gwen a scroll, she unravels and reads it. “Will it actually hurt him? What if someone uses it against him to hurt him?” 

“Well Gaius isn’t fully sure but it is best to take caution, and if it is true then people would not get a chance to. I have already hired him as my manservant, and is actually due to start after his round for gaius are done. Merlin will be by my side like always and he will be safe from people after him.” Gwen shakes her head. “He would not like this plan if he had his memories. How will he get time for himself. He will get suspicious and will grow paranoid.” 

Arthur sighs, “Then what can I do? My knights are not yet here, that is if they do come to Camelot. My best friend doesn’t remember me and I fear that we will not become close again. I fear that our friendship is only because of luck and destiny.  How will I know we are truly friends? How can I get Merlin to tell me of his magic without him telling me because I was dying, and would be the only time he could ever tell me?” 

“Arthur, I-I also wished he would have told me too, but we have a chance to change and show merlin that we are willing to learn about magic. And maybe he would be willing to tell more people without being in position where it will forced out of him. It would maybe less stressful for him if it was in a positive setting. So maybe don’t have guards with him, i’m sure he would know how to protect himself.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    “Gaius said his magic is instictal, he only started using actual spells once he moved in with gaius.”

“Well maybe his magic will protect him until he is able to properly protect himself.”

“Well lets just hope he will only stay out of trouble until he can do that.”

Chapter Text

Merlin thinks that it is good that Sir Olwen is getting the help he needs to feel better, he knows that gaius didn’t explicitly say why he needed the medicine, but Merlin can guess it has something to do with him being a retired knight. Merlin has heard of this sort of mental illness most commonly seen in people who have been in battle. 

Merlin came to this conclusion when he knocked on Sir Olwen’s door and had said that he had his medicine for him. As soon as the door was open,  Sir Olwen started yelling profanities and cursing Merlin saying that Merlin was going to kill him. Merlin knew not to take his words to heart, when it came to these sorts of patients. Merlin only hopes that Sir Olwen and his mind has some form of peace when he drinks his medicine. With a patient smile Merlin grabs Sir Olwen’s hand and gives him the medicine. “Gaius says to drink it slowly.” 

Sir Olwen pauses his yelling when he hears the boy say that, embarrassed that the fact that if he was a bit more patient in his past life he would have lived. Sir Olwen pulls the medicine to his chest and grumbles an apology and closes the door. Merlin smiles at the closed door and makes his way back to gaius’ chambers to drop off his bag. 

As he makes his way back to Gaius, he takes the time to admire the castle and its people. Merlin had heard stories of this kingdom growing up, of course they were mostly warnings from his mother.

But he also heard stories of the people in these beautiful white stone walls, from merchants, travelers wanting to start a new life, and the occasional lord. They said Camelot was where you can start anew and find who you are. 

Merlin doesn’t really care for the former, despite what he and Will did to old man Simmons… allegedly.

 What he and Will allegedly did to old man simmons. 

It doesn’t matter what happened or what didn’t happen in Ealdor, Merlin came to Camelot to figure out himself.

Why was he given these powers? What did Merlin want to do in this life? What was his purpose in life? Who really was Merlin? 

All Merlin knew was that he wanted to help people, even if he-

“Oh i’m sorry, i wasn’t paying attent-”

“Of course, out of the entire castle staff I bump into You. You should really learn your place and get out of my way.”

“Excuse me, but there is no need for you to be rude.”

“Rude!? You bumps into me! Do you even know who you are speaking to?!”

“I was trying to apologize, and I do not care who you are. You could be the Princess of camelot and i still wouldn’t care.” Merlin doesn’t care that this obvious noble lady can throw him to the dungeons, she shouldn’t treat others as if they are above them.

“Now excuse me, I have important things to do, than speaking to prattish noble-women. My lady.” Merlin says lowering his head into a curt bow and leaves with his head held high.

Merlin may have left, but the Lady Morgana is left standing watching the boy leave. As she stood there, she now understood why Arthur complained about merlin saying proper titles as an insult. 

“Curse you, Emrys.” 

Arthur is left alone when Gwen goes to spread the word and carry out Arthur’s plan. He stares ot the window, thinking of Merlin. 

Because of course he is, when is he not thinking about his idiot manservant. His sorcerer. His warlock. His protector. His Emrys. 

Merlin is his, just as much he is Merlin’s.

Now he will be Merlin’s protector, he knows now what to look for.

Now he knows who to trust, but Merlin will not know who to trust.

Now he knows the truth, but Merlin does not know that he know. 

But it is all to keep his safe, to keep merlin by his side. Where he is supposed to be. 

A knock at the door interrupts Arthur’s thoughts again. “Enter.” Arthur’s turns and sees Sir Leon entering the room along with George behind him. “Leon, please sit we have much to discuss. Thank you, George. Please leave us and I won’t be needing you, for now. I’m sure the stewart will pay you for the full day and wil be informed of the situation.” “Of course, sire. It’s been a pleasure serving you.” George bows and leaves. 

Arthur and leon watch as he leaves, then face each other. “Arthur, you are alive! What happened?”

Arthur tells Leon what has happened and what Merlin has done. He tells him of the plan and how they now have to protect Merlin of the truth. Leon is quiet as Arthur talks of his journey towards his death. Arthur notices when Leon goes especially quiet when he speaks of how Merlin uses his magic. 

“You knew, didn’t you?” He knows what Leon’s answer. Leon sighs, “I knew he had magic, but I didn’t know he was powerful. I only thought he learned simple spells, like knocking down tree branches and simple cleaning spells. He isn’t that well at hiding when we are out and get attacked.” 

“Why didn’t you tell me, when you found out?” 

“Because I knew if Merlin was going use sorcery, he was going to use it for you. Definitely not against you.” He pauses

“When I found out I of course was cautious and watched him to find out his plans, but what I found was him using magic was for you. When I first saw him use magic when we were getting attacked by bandits, I thought he was going to use our situation as his an advantage to harm you. I was going to stab him where he stood, but when the tree branch fell it didn’t hit you it hit the bandit behind you. Ever since that fight I still kept an eye on him, but to make sure he was safe to use his magic to protect you.” 

Arthur stares at Sir Leon for a moment, not sure what to make of his confession. There is really nothing he can do but accept it and move on. So he rubs his face and takes a deep breath lets out a sigh. He stands and makes his way back to his bedside and grabs his belt. Ready to go to the training field.

“What’s on you mind Arthur?” 

“I am wondering where are the rest of my knight are, and we need to get to the training yard to see where we are at physically.” Leon watches Arthur’s face as he puts on his belt, and knows

that this is Arthur accepting what he has said and ready to move on. 

“I’m sure the others are confused and making their way back to Camelot, ready to get back to protecting her.”Leon gets up from his seat. 

Arthur nods, “I need you to find anything on where they might be, as soon as we know where they are. You, Merlin and I will make a quest of finding them and bringing them home. That is if they want to come back.”

“I am sure they are ready to only say the word and they will want to come back ready to fight by your side.” 

Arthur looks at Leon, his oldest friend besides Merlin. They may not be of the same blood, but Leon will always be his older brother. 

Arthur sticks out his arm, Leon didn’t need any words to know that Arthur and him are going to be alright. “Thank you, Leon. I know you will always be by my side to protect me.”

The two exit the room, ready to start a new chapter of their lives. Ready for what the universe has prepared for them. What they know for sure is that once they find the rest of their brothers they will be ready for destiny. 

Chapter Text

Merlin knew he shouldn’t have talked back to that noble-lady, but he didn’t know she was Uther’s daughter. The fact that he learned who she is, doesn’t mean he regrets what he said to this Morgana lady. 

Apparently, according to the gossiping servants; that Uther hasn’t even claimed her as his daughter in name yet and would most definitely would not be giving her the title of princess. Merlin had places to be, but based on what they were saying it ** has something to do with problems within the royal family and the lady morgana. 

If Merlin would have stayed a little bit longer listening to the gossiping servants, he would have heard them speaking gossip of himself and his unfortunate and noble sacrifice.

Merlin has never had a real paying job before, sure he would do jobs for the people of Ealdor, but they weren’t actual a career. Something that he would do everyday.

Something that was his life’s purpose, something he can actually be proud of doing. 

He doesn’t think that being a servant to some knight was going to be that, but he can dream that he will get an idea while working for this person. 

Merlin only hopes he isn’t as much of prat as the Lady Morgana.

The mourning mother  knew that her original plan was going to be expected, so she forged a new plan, a plan that was for sure going to get revenge for her son and all magic users that died because of Uther’s massacre. This time Prince Arthur will die.

He knew he was late for work but he saw a servant drop laundry and had to help them. It didn’t help that Merlin had no idea where the training ground were. So now he finds himself looking for a way to said area. 

He was going to turn into a random corridor when he heard his name called. “Merlin, Stop please!!” called a young man around his age. Merlin stopped unsure what to do, but better safe than sorry. “Yes?” The young man takes a deep breathe and adjusts his clothing.”I’m sorry for my yelling, but you are late and the k…er, the prince is looking for you.” The man grabs merlin’s hand and pulls him along. “How did you know my name? I don’t think I know you, so I ha-” “I am sorry but i’m sure we will have time for proper introductions later but for now the prince doesn’t like to wait.”

Did I do something to get in trouble already, oh Gaius is going to kill me before the prince does. And now i’m going to be even more late on the first day of the job and at my first job.

“Am I in some sort of trouble? I don’t- oh no. Is it because of what I have said to the Lady Morgana?” The other man gave him a look, “you have spoken to the Lady Morgana?” “Err- Yes but, she was the one who bumped into me and got mad about it, I tried to apologize but she started to-” “I’m sure the prince would want to know what happened, but for now you must enter the armory.”

 Merlin isn’t sure when they made it outside, he was more concerned over the fact that the prince is looking for him and is wondering if he should make a run for it. 

He doesn’t get the choice since the man knocks on the door and someone calls them to enter. The man (who still has not given a name to address) opens the door and merlin reluctantly follows him. “Your highness, I found him near the kitchens, I think he got lost and at some point bump into the Lady Morgana.” 

“Thank you george, you can go back to whatever you were doing.” So his name is George. Merlin takes a good look at the other man. The Prince.

 George leaves and now he stuck withe the bloody prince of camelot in a room full of weapons. “Where have you been? I am already late and now I have to deal with Morgana and her complaining. What exactly did you do, didn’t Gaius tell you to stay out of trouble?” 

Fuck. I’m working for the prince of camelot, forget gaius telling me to stay out of trouble. He should have told me I was working for the fucking prince of camelot. Come on Merlin maybe lets not end up in the dungeons today.

“I don’t care who you are, I came to this kingdom to be my uncle’s apprentice, not be your servant. His work comes first. And i’m not changing my attitude just because your the bloody prince.” 

Fucking shit!!! Where the fuck did that come from! I should have listened to mother and not hanged out with Will so much. This is Willl’s fault! I’m going to end up in the dungeon because of him. I’m going to hanged- Gaius is going to kill me before the king does. I hope mother won’t mourn for me long, she always knew my big mouth was going to get me in trouble one day. 

Merlin is caught off, from his mental list of ways to kill Will, was the prince’s laugh. He laughs as if Merlin had turned into a jester instead of a manservant. “Don’t ever change, Merlin. I’m sure you will figure out that your work for me will become your top priority. Now get over here and help me get into my armor.” 

“I’m not sure i know how to do that. The closest thing I have ever been is to Will’s father’s old armor.” 

“Well at least you have some idea. Now come on now, I am already late to lead the training."

Chapter Text

Merlin doesn’t know much about knight training, Other than that they swung pointy sticks at each other. So in his humble opinion nothing significant happened, but by the end the Prince was a bit pratish and asked for a bath in his chamber and to get is lunch since it was a bit after mid-day.  

Merlin of course had a bit of trouble looking for the prince’s chambers and more trouble looking for the tub. Merlin only found it because another servant saw his pitiful attempt at doing his job and took pity on him. 

Laura, as she introduced herself as, said that she normally worked in the kitchen but there was a bit of employment and scheduling issues with the stewart, and was happy to help merlin get around the castle. She even helped him carry buckets of water to the tub. 

After she left, the prince complained that it was “ too cold“ , he’s so lucky that Merlin likes his head being attached to his body too much to freeze the water into ice while he got into the lukewarm water. 

The chef was a bit angry when he went to pick up the prince’s lunch, but merlin din’t take it to heart since, she was dealing with too many people in kitchen. Laura was there but was a bit occupied helping a girl who was crying.

To say the least the kitchen was a bit hectic and Merlin grabbed the closest plate of food and left.

As our local warlock leaves the bustling kitchen, a servant glares at him because he has just saved the prince’s life by taking the wrong plate and ruining her plan.. Now she would have to change her plans… again.

When Merlin got Arthur’s chambers, Arthur complained that Merlin grabbed the wrong lunch but continued to scarf down the food. Merlin thinks that prince is a prat, but… nevermind he is just a prat.

When the king sent someone to to inform the prince of a emergency meeting, the prince grew tense and sent Merlin to do some work for Gaius until he called for him. What the prince didn’t is that Gaius has no need for him until later in the day before the sunsets to retrieve a certain plant that is needed for some of gaius’ potions.

So Merlin being the productive servant that he was went into town in search of the local blacksmith. When he got there man and a young woman around his age stood in the forge in a very serious conversation, based on the tone of the young woman voice she seemed worried.

Just as the woman was about to say something the older man caught Merlin standing in the doorway. Obviously wondering if he should enter the forge or walk away. “Hello, im Merlin. Um is this a bad time, I can come again an-”

“No! Wait i’m sorry. I’m Gwen. This is my father Tom, you are new to the castle yes?” Behind Gwen, Gave a slight wave and smile, Merlin returned the gesture, Tom goes back to working on a piece of metal. “ Yes, I am apprenticing under my uncle Gaius the physician and servant to the prince. I was wondering if can get some tips on putting on armor.” 

Gwen smiled and let out an amused sigh, “You put on the prince armour wrong didn’t you?” 

“Thats is the problem, the prince said i put it on correctly, but I would like to make sure i actually did it right. The prince seemed a surprised too and it seemed like he was pulling my leg.” 

Gwen paused and asked, “Have you ever helped put on someone’s armour before?” 

“ uh no, I am from a farming village, but my best friend, will, his father was a knight.” Gwen started at her best friend who didn’t remember her and smiled. “Well I’m sure we have spare armour around here somewhere. By the end you will be able to put on Arthur’s armour in your sleep.” Merlin let out a laugh, “now i don’t know about that, I would like to have at least sometime to sleep.” Gwen laugh and with that they enter the forge, as Tom stopped working on his work and smile as his daughter try to get her best friend to be her best friend again.

“Arthur! Find that witch, the guards have found a dead servant in the kitchens. You heard her, she will not stop until you are dead.” this is the first thing Arthur hears when he enters the meeting room. It is at this moment, Arthur remembers how infuriating it is when his father gets when he is on a witch hunt. Arthur mentally counted to ten. 

Arthur also takes this moment to realizes that his sister is here, watching uther yell out his orders. No doubt planning millions of ways to kill their father. “Well father if you are looking for that  witch. I would like top point to your left. A witch who has said those exact words to me this morning.” 

Morgana rolls her eyes. Uther turned red in rage, “Arthur this is not the time for petty arguments with your sister.”

Arthur knew that arguing with Uther about finding the actual magic user from this morning  would be like arguing with the wall, so he pretend to invested in his father’s plan to find the sorceress. 

He luckily got out of the room before Uther could say anything about Merlin, but he was unfortunate enough to have Morgana follow him out the room. “Of course you would be following the orders of that tyrant. I'm sure that woman would love some help finding revenge on Uther, having a hand on killing you agai-” 

Arthur has also forgotten how annoying Morgana can get when wanting kill him, “Morgana, you know very well that arguing with man is like trying make a stubborn mule move.”

Just as Morgana was about to yell at arthur of her plans to kill him, Arthur stops her rant with his plan. “I'm sure that woman has a plan to kill me but I have more important things to do than find another person trying to get revenge on father by making an attempt on my life. I am sure there will be more now that a good percentage of them are back from the dead.”

Arthur sighs and pushes past Morgana towards Gaius chambers to find Merlin.

Chapter Text

Arthur enters the physician’s chamber and finds Gaius looming over a large book and stirring a potion and a dead serving lady on the middle on the table. “Yes. Yes. Come in, what are your a- oh. Your highness, have you gotten injured during training?” Arthur scans the room for Merlin, “No, training went fine. Where is Merlin? And don’t tell me he is at the tavern.” 

Gaius took off his glasses, “I haven’t seen Merlin since this morning when i sent him off to drop off potions. Did he not find you?” Arthur feels a familiar headache he would get when he is searching the castle trying to find his wayward manservant. “Yes, well no. I had to send George to find him and was able to bring him to me. But I was called by my father to find that woman who is trying to kill me, so I sent him here to do work for you.” 

“Well he hasn’t come here. You are welcome to look around, I have to figure out what poison was used on this poor girl.” Arthur moved towards Merlin’s room and find his room empty. “Well i’m sure he is around, he wouldn’t have gone far.” 

With that Arthur is out to find his Manservant, “Merlin!”

Arthur burgundantly finds himself in front of The Rising Sun, the most popular tavern in all of Camelot. Mostly due to the cheap ale and that is well known that the knights of the round table would go for the occasional celebrational drink after a good hunt or a successful quest. So when the owner tells the prince that he haven’t seen merlin since the days before leading up to the battle in camlann. 

“So he hasn’t been here recently?” Arthur says feeling that he is too sober too deal with Merlin’s shenanigans, but sadly he has too stay alert until the woman is caught or stops wanting to kill him. “No, your highness. Honestly he rarely came here even before the battle, I think I can count on one hand on how many times Merlin has come here to have a drink by himself. Well until Sir Gwaine would spot him and join Merlin. Other than those times he comes here when your highness and the knights of the round table have their celebratory drink here.” 

Arthur stares at the tavern owner and sighs, “Thank you for the information, If you see Merlin tell him I am looking for him.”  The tavern owner sends him a nod and Arthur leaves the tavern learning something new about his manservant he never knew about. 

Something in his chest tightens when he walks out the door, He has yet again learns something about Merlin. Something he could have learned about Merlin, something Merlin could have told him if he knew about his magic before dying. Before Merlin gave up his memories for him. 

We could have laughed about it, we could have made it a joke between us. We could have been closer.

He wasn’t sure when it happened, but Arthur was sure that being in love with a man like Merlin was like getting struck with lightning. One second you could be fine, you question why hair is sticking up like that, but the next you are struck with a burning feeling hitting every part of your body. Depending on the moment, that burning feeling can be soothing or that heat can feel suffocating. 

When Arthur was a prince the first time the suffocating was unbearable, Uther had scared him straight when he was younger, he did this by sending his personal knights to arrest any men who was known for being attracted to other men. 

The smell of the smoke, the days after the arrests still haunt him at night. The yells of the men calling out to their lovers. They would stretch out their hands as far as they could with their hands still bound. 

Uther held a feast after. 

Arthur threw up everything he ate that night, the acid bile aftertaste lingered until the day he was crowned king. 

With the help of Gwaine, They were able to find a loophole in the law Uther made. It didn’t take long for Gwaine to spread the word of said loophole. The people of Camelot knew that Gwaine was not alone in finding the loophole and arthur would come back to his chambers with small gifts in his pockets. the days after Gwaine’s latest drunken tale conveniently explaining step by step on how not get in trouble with the law. 

Now that Uther is back, those loopholes will be put to the ultimate test, and Arthur will have to find Merlin in many more ways than one. 

Merlin is fucked. He so royally fucked. If Gaius were to find out that he is late, he will never see the light of day, he will be scrubbing leech tank for as long as he lived in Camelot. And to top it all off he seems to have a problem of bumping into people today. At least it wasn’t the princess this time.

He hastily apologizes to the servant girl and continues on running. Luckily he didn’t manage to to bump her onto the ground, so she glares at him as he runs towards of someone calling out his name, and they do not sound happy.

“Arthur, I have told you to keep that manservant on a tight leash. Now you are running all over the castle disturbing everyone.” Arthur pauses his searching and looks to his father, “Father as much it annoys me, no matter what I do that man will always find way to disappear and I don’t think he uses magic for that bit.” He carefully says the last bit at a whisper, he continues on walking, “and knowing him if I were to put him on leash he will find some dumb excuse to get out of it.” Uther stops and watches his son walks down the hallway.

 “If I see him I will put him in the dungeons, make sure to pick him up before I decide to send him back to the no-where village he came from.” “If you do find him, don’t let him be there alone he will find his way out. Have a knight keep watch, make sure they don’t turn their back towards him.” Arthur calls out from the end of the hallway, as if he isn’t a prince and just some peasant without an education on decorum. Uther sighs as he hears his son yell out Merlin’s name again.