Work Text:
The Words That Should Never Have Been Said
The council chamber was suffocating.
Not because of the torches. Not because of the heavy oak table or the thick stone walls of Camelot’s keep.
Because of Arthur.
Merlin stood near the door like he always did, arms folded behind his back, trying to look like the obedient servant he was meant to be. In reality, he was barely listening to the council at all.
Arthur was angry.
He had been angry all morning.
And when Arthur was angry, everyone suffered.
“Bandits again?” Arthur snapped, leaning forward in his chair.
One of the visiting nobles cleared his throat nervously.
“Yes, sire. The caravans along the western road have been attacked twice this week.”
Arthur rubbed a hand down his face.
Merlin knew that gesture. It meant Arthur was exhausted and frustrated but refusing to admit it.
Leon spoke calmly.
“We can send patrols to escort the caravans, sire.”
Arthur nodded stiffly.
“Yes. See that it’s done.”
The council meeting dragged on for another hour.
By the time it ended, Arthur’s patience had been worn down to nothing.
Merlin followed him out of the chamber like usual.
Arthur was walking fast—too fast.
“Arthur—”
“Don’t start,” Arthur snapped.
Merlin frowned.
“I didn’t even say anything.”
Arthur stopped abruptly in the corridor.
He turned.
And Merlin immediately regretted speaking.
Arthur’s expression was stormy.
“What is it now, Merlin?” he demanded.
Merlin hesitated.
He should drop it.
He knew he should.
But Arthur had been like this for days—snapping at everyone, barely sleeping, pushing himself harder and harder.
Merlin sighed.
“You’re tired.”
Arthur blinked.
“What?”
“You’re tired,” Merlin repeated calmly. “You haven’t slept properly in three nights and you’re taking it out on everyone, i know you’re thinking tha-.”
Arthur stared at him.
Then he laughed.
Not amused.
Sharp.
“Oh really?” Arthur said coldly. “And how exactly would you know what I’m thinking?”
Merlin crossed his arms.
“I know you.”
Arthur’s jaw tightened.
“Do you?”
Merlin didn’t answer immediately.
They had stood like this a thousand times before—arguing in corridors, trading insults that never truly meant anything.
But today felt different.
“I’m just saying,” Merlin said carefully, “maybe you should rest instead of yelling at everyone.”
Arthur’s eyes flashed.
“Who are you to tell me what I’m thinking?”
The words echoed in the empty corridor.
Merlin didn’t back down.
“I’m your friend.”
The silence that followed felt like it lasted forever.
Arthur froze.
For just a moment.
And then something in his expression hardened.
“No, Merlin” Arthur said.
His voice was cold.
“You’re my servant.”
The words hung in the air like a blade.
Merlin didn’t move.
Arthur immediately felt the guilt slam into his chest.
He hadn’t meant—
He hadn’t meant to say it like that.
But pride was a stubborn, ugly thing.
So Arthur did what Arthur always did when he realized he’d gone too far.
He doubled down.
“Now stop pretending you know everything” Arthur said sharply. “And get back to work.”
Merlin stared at him.
For once, there was no sarcastic remark.
No eye roll.
No muttered insult.
Just quiet.
Arthur hated that quiet.
Merlin nodded once.
“Of course, sire.”
Arthur’s stomach twisted.
But before he could say anything else, Merlin turned and walked away.
Arthur watched him go.
Something about Merlin’s posture felt… wrong.
Too stiff.
Too careful.
Arthur told himself he was imagining things.
And then he left.
---
The Next Morning
Arthur woke up expecting chaos.
Usually Merlin would already be in the chambers—dropping things, complaining loudly, waking Arthur in the most irritating way possible.
Instead—
Silence.
Arthur opened one eye.
His room was spotless.
His armor was polished.
His breakfast tray sat neatly on the table.
Arthur frowned.
“Merlin?”
No answer.
Arthur sat up.
“Merlin!”
The door opened.
But it wasn’t Merlin.
It was George.
Arthur blinked.
“Where is Merlin?”
George bowed politely.
“I believe Merlin is assisting the court physician this morning, sire.”
Arthur frowned.
“Since when?”
George hesitated.
“I wouldn’t know, sire.”
Arthur grunted.
“Fine.”
He ignored the strange feeling in his chest.
Merlin probably overslept.
Or was sulking.
He’d show up eventually.
---
The Training Field
The knights noticed immediately.
Gwaine frowned as Arthur stepped onto the training field.
“Where’s Merlin?”
Arthur picked up a sword.
“How should I know?”
Percival looked around.
“He’s always here.”
Leon tilted his head slightly.
“Did something happen?”
Arthur scoffed.
“No.”
Gwaine narrowed his eyes.
“You fought.”
Arthur glared at him.
“We did not.”
“Uh-huh” Gwaine said.
Percival crossed his arms.
“What did you say to him?”
Arthur swung his sword at a dummy.
“Nothing!”
The knights exchanged looks.
Because Merlin never missed training.
Ever.
He liked sitting on the fence and loudly criticizing everyone’s technique.
“Your stance is terrible, Arthur!”
“You call that swordsmanship?”
“Leon, you’re supposed to be the good one!”
The field felt strangely quiet without him.
Even Arthur noticed.
But he refused to admit it.
---
The Second Day
Merlin still didn’t show up.
Arthur didn’t ask.
But he noticed.
He noticed George serving his meals.
He noticed his boots being polished perfectly instead of the rushed job Merlin usually did.
He noticed the silence in his chambers.
And he hated it.
But he refused to look for Merlin.
Because if Merlin wanted to sulk, that was his problem.
Not Arthur’s.
---
The Third Day
Arthur was halfway through breakfast when the door opened.
Arthur looked up.
And froze.
Merlin stood in the doorway.
But something was different.
His clothes were cleaner than usual.
His hair wasn’t sticking up in five directions.
He looked… composed.
Arthur frowned.
“Finally decided to come back?”
Merlin stepped into the room.
But he didn’t move toward the armor stand.
He didn’t pick up the breakfast tray.
He didn’t start complaining.
Instead he stopped in front of Arthur’s desk.
Arthur felt uneasy.
“What are you doing?” Arthur asked.
Merlin took a breath.
“I’m here to tell you something.”
Arthur leaned back in his chair.
“Oh?”
Merlin’s voice was steady.
“I’m quitting.”
Arthur blinked.
“What?”
“I won’t be serving you anymore.”
Arthur stared at him.
“That’s not funny.”
“I’m not joking.”
Arthur laughed incredulously.
“You can’t quit, Merlin.”
“I can.”
Arthur stood up.
“You’re my servant.”
Merlin met his gaze.
“Not anymore.”
Arthur felt anger flare.
“You don’t get to just walk away.”
Merlin didn’t raise his voice.
“I’ve already spoken to Gaius.”
Arthur’s stomach dropped.
“He’s agreed to keep me on as his assistant full time.”
Arthur stared at him.
“You’re serious.”
“Yes.”
Arthur scoffed.
“All because of one argument?”
Merlin didn’t answer.
And somehow that silence was worse.
Arthur’s pride kicked in again.
“Fine” Arthur snapped.
“If that’s what you want.”
Merlin nodded.
“It is.”
Arthur crossed his arms.
“Then leave.”
Merlin hesitated.
For just a second.
Then he bowed slightly.
“Goodbye, Arthur.”
And he walked out.
Arthur stood there.
Staring at the door.
The room suddenly felt too quiet.
---
Outside the Chambers
Merlin closed the door behind him.
He didn’t move.
Not for a long moment.
Then—
“Merlin?”
Merlin looked up.
Gwaine stood halfway down the corridor.
Leon, Percival, and Elyan were with him.
They had clearly been waiting.
Gwaine frowned.
“Why do you look like that?”
Merlin forced a smile.
“Like what?”
Percival stepped forward.
“Like you’ve just been punched.”
Merlin shook his head.
“I’m fine.”
Leon studied him carefully.
“You’re not serving Arthur anymore.”
Merlin blinked.
“How did you—”
“You weren’t carrying his laundry” Gwaine said.
Merlin huffed.
“Brilliant deduction.”
Elyan crossed his arms.
“What happened?”
Merlin hesitated.
Then shrugged.
“Nothing important.”
Gwaine didn’t believe that for a second.
But Merlin had already started walking away.
“Merlin,” Percival called gently.
Merlin stopped.
Percival frowned.
“You know you can tell us if Arthur did something stupid.”
Merlin gave a tired smile.
“When has Arthur not done something stupid?”
Gwaine snorted.
“Fair point.”
But the worry in their eyes didn’t fade.
Because something had definitely changed.
And none of them liked it.
---
The Silence Merlin Left Behind
The corridor outside Arthur’s chambers felt wrong.
Too quiet.
Arthur stood where Merlin had left him for a long moment, staring at the closed door as if it might open again and Merlin would stroll back in with a scowl and some sarcastic remark.
It didn’t.
Arthur scoffed to himself and sat back down at his table.
“Ridiculous” he muttered.
Merlin quitting.
As if that was even a thing Merlin could do.
Arthur picked up his goblet and drank, trying to ignore the tight feeling in his chest.
He had expected Merlin to come storming back five minutes later, angry, dramatic, loudly complaining about Arthur being impossible.
That was usually how their arguments ended.
But this time—
Nothing.
Arthur shoved the thought away.
Fine.
If Merlin wanted to sulk, Arthur would let him.
He had more important things to do than chase after a dramatic manservant.
He stood up abruptly.
“George!”
The door opened almost instantly.
George stepped in, perfectly composed.
“Yes, sire?”
Arthur frowned.
George was… efficient.
Too efficient.
“Where’s my sword belt?”
George immediately retrieved it.
“Right here, sire.”
Arthur scowled.
Merlin usually tossed it at him from across the room while muttering something about Arthur being incapable of dressing himself.
Arthur grabbed the belt.
The silence followed him all the way down the corridor.
---
The Training Field
The knights were already there.
Leon stood near the weapons rack, speaking quietly with Elyan. Percival leaned against the fence, massive arms folded across his chest.
And Gwaine was sprawled across a bench like a cat who owned the place.
They all looked up when Arthur arrived.
Immediately.
Too immediately.
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
“What?”
Gwaine tilted his head.
“Where’s Merlin?”
Arthur grabbed a sword.
“How should I know?”
Percival straightened slightly.
“You didn’t come together.”
Arthur scoffed.
“Why would we?”
Gwaine pushed himself upright slowly.
“Because he’s your shadow.”
Arthur ignored him and started practicing strikes against a training dummy.
The knights exchanged looks.
Leon spoke carefully.
“He hasn’t been around much the last few days.”
Arthur swung harder.
“That’s not my concern.”
Elyan raised an eyebrow.
“Oh, it’s not?”
Arthur turned sharply.
“No.”
Gwaine studied him for a moment.
Then he said very casually:
“You fought.”
Arthur froze.
For half a second.
Then he glared.
“We did not.”
Gwaine grinned.
“Arthur.”
Arthur said nothing.
Percival stepped forward slightly.
“What did you say to him?”
Arthur slammed his sword into the dummy again.
“Nothing.”
Leon sighed.
“That’s not convincing.”
Arthur spun around.
“Why are you all interrogating me?”
Gwaine crossed his arms.
“Because Merlin just walked past us looking like someone kicked his dog.”
Arthur felt something twist painfully in his stomach.
He masked it with irritation.
“Merlin always looks like that.”
“No” Percival said quietly.
“Not like this.”
Arthur looked away.
He hated that they noticed.
Because it meant he wasn’t imagining it.
---
Gaius’s Chambers
Merlin sat at the wooden table grinding herbs.
Gaius watched him over the rim of his spectacles.
“You’ve been very quiet today.”
Merlin shrugged.
“Just working.”
“You always work.”
Merlin didn’t look up.
Gaius studied him carefully.
“You left Arthur’s service.”
It wasn’t a question.
Merlin’s hand paused briefly before continuing to grind the herbs.
“Yes.”
Gaius folded his arms.
“Would you like to tell me why?”
Merlin shook his head.
“No.”
Gaius sighed softly.
“I assume you argued.”
Merlin gave a humorless smile.
“When have we not?”
“That’s true.”
Silence filled the room.
Gaius watched Merlin’s shoulders carefully.
The boy looked calm.
Too calm.
Gaius had known Merlin long enough to recognize the difference between calm and hurt.
This was hurt.
---
Back at the Training Field
Arthur finished sparring with Percival and dropped his sword onto the ground.
Hard.
Percival frowned.
“You’re distracted.”
Arthur wiped sweat from his forehead.
“I’m not.”
“You missed three openings.”
Arthur glared at him.
“You’re unusually observant today.”
Percival didn’t respond.
Gwaine hopped off the bench and walked over.
“Alright” he said.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
“What now?”
Gwaine stopped in front of him.
“What did you do to Merlin?”
Arthur’s patience snapped.
“I didn’t do anything!”
Leon spoke calmly.
“Arthur.”
Arthur turned toward him.
Leon rarely sounded stern.
“Merlin doesn’t just disappear,” Leon said quietly.
Arthur crossed his arms.
“He didn’t disappear. He’s working with Gaius.”
The knights froze.
Gwaine blinked.
“He what?”
Arthur shrugged.
“He quit.”
The silence that followed was heavy.
Then—
Percival spoke very slowly.
“He quit serving you.”
“Yes.”
Elyan stared at him.
“Merlin?”
Arthur shrugged again.
“Yes.”
Gwaine rubbed his face.
“Alright.”
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
“Alright what?”
Gwaine looked at the others.
Then back at Arthur.
“What did you say to him?”
Arthur felt the guilt rise again.
He shoved it down.
“It was just an argument.”
Leon stepped forward.
“Arthur.”
Arthur looked away.
“It doesn’t matter.”
Percival’s voice was quiet but firm.
“It matters to Merlin.”
Arthur clenched his jaw.
“He’ll get over it.”
Gwaine laughed.
Except there was no humor in it.
“Oh, I don’t think so.”
Arthur looked up sharply.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Gwaine stared straight at him.
“What. Did. You. Say.”
Arthur hesitated.
Just long enough for them to know.
Leon sighed softly.
“Arthur…”
Arthur finally muttered:
“He said he was my friend.”
The knights blinked.
“And?” Elyan asked.
Arthur swallowed.
“I told him he was my servant.”
The reaction was immediate.
Gwaine looked horrified.
Elyan stared at him like he’d grown another head.
Percival’s expression hardened.
Leon closed his eyes briefly.
Arthur’s stomach dropped.
“What?”
Gwaine ran a hand through his hair.
“Oh, brilliant.”
Arthur scowled.
“It’s true!”
Percival spoke quietly.
“That’s not the point.”
Arthur frowned.
“Then what is?”
Leon stepped closer.
“The point” Leon said carefully “is that Merlin has stood beside you for years.”
Arthur said nothing.
“Through battles” Leon continued.
“Through assassins. Through your temper.”
Arthur looked away.
Percival added softly:
“Through things that nearly killed him.”
Gwaine folded his arms.
“And you told him he’s just a servant.”
Arthur felt the words hit harder coming from them.
“I didn’t mean—”
Gwaine cut him off.
“But that’s exactly what you said.”
Arthur clenched his jaw.
The memories started rising whether he wanted them to or not.
Merlin standing beside him on battlefields.
Merlin yelling at him when he did something reckless.
Merlin saving his life more times than Arthur could count.
Merlin staying.
Always staying.
Even when Arthur yelled at him.
Even when Arthur lost his temper.
Even when it was dangerous.
Even when Arthur messed up.
Merlin had never left.
Until now.
Arthur swallowed.
“That’s not what I meant.”
Leon nodded.
“We know.”
Elyan raised an eyebrow.
“Do you?”
Arthur hesitated.
“Of course I do.”
Gwaine stared at him.
“Because from Merlin’s perspective?”
Arthur’s stomach twisted.
“That sounded like you telling him he doesn’t matter.”
Arthur felt like someone had punched him.
“That’s not even slightly close to the truth.”
The knights watched him carefully.
For once, Arthur didn’t look defensive.
He looked miserable.
Percival sighed.
“Then you need to apologize.”
Arthur nodded immediately.
“I will.”
Gwaine held up a hand.
“Not so fast.”
Arthur frowned.
“What?”
Leon crossed his arms.
“You’re not going near Merlin yet.”
Arthur blinked.
“I beg your pardon?”
Percival said calmly:
“You’ll make it worse.”
Arthur scoffed.
“How?”
Gwaine gestured dramatically.
“Because you’re Arthur.”
Arthur glared.
“That’s not helpful.”
Gwaine smirked.
“You panic when you feel guilty.”
Arthur opened his mouth—
Then closed it again.
Because that was unfortunately accurate.
Leon spoke firmly.
“You need a plan.”
Arthur frowned.
“A plan to apologize?”
“Yes.”
Arthur sighed.
“This is ridiculous.”
Percival shook his head.
“No.”
Then he added very seriously:
“If you try to apologize without thinking…”
Gwaine cracked his knuckles.
“We’ll physically block you.”
Arthur stared at them.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
Elyan grinned.
“Oh, we absolutely would.”
Arthur pointed at himself.
“I’m the king.”
Percival shrugged.
“And Merlin’s our friend.”
Gwaine leaned forward slightly.
“And we’re not letting you hurt him again.”
Arthur looked at them.
One by one.
None of them were joking.
For once.
Arthur exhaled slowly.
“Fine.”
Leon nodded approvingly.
“Good.”
Arthur rubbed his face.
“This is humiliating.”
Gwaine grinned.
“You deserve it.”
Arthur didn’t argue.
Because deep down—
He knew they were right.
---
The Apology That Refused to Work
Arthur had never planned an apology in his life.
Not properly.
Usually when he realized he’d gone too far, things simply… worked themselves out.
Merlin would glare at him for a while, mutter insults under his breath, and then return the next morning complaining about Arthur’s socks being impossible to wash.
It had always been like that.
Except now Merlin wasn’t coming back.
And the castle felt wrong without him.
Arthur noticed it everywhere.
The corridors.
The training field.
His chambers.
Even the council room.
Merlin had always been there.
Standing near the doors, rolling his eyes when the nobles started arguing about pointless matters.
Arthur could practically hear Merlin’s voice in his head.
"You’re the king, Arthur. Just tell them to stop talking."
Arthur pushed the memory away.
He wasn’t supposed to miss Merlin.
He certainly wasn’t supposed to feel like something important had vanished.
But he did.
And the worst part?
Arthur couldn’t even tell anyone.
Because the knights already knew.
---
Attempt One
Arthur spotted Merlin in the lower courtyard two days later.
Merlin was carrying a crate of herbs toward Gaius’s chambers.
Arthur immediately changed direction.
“Merlin!”
Merlin didn’t stop walking.
Arthur frowned.
“Merlin.”
Still nothing.
Arthur quickened his pace and stepped in front of him.
Merlin halted abruptly.
The crate nearly slipped from his arms.
“Oh” Merlin said flatly.
“Hello, sire.”
Arthur hated that tone.
“What are you doing?” Arthur asked.
Merlin blinked.
“Carrying herbs.”
Arthur glared.
“You know what I mean.”
Merlin shifted the crate slightly.
“I’m busy.”
Arthur hesitated.
The speech he had planned suddenly vanished from his mind.
“I wanted to talk.”
Merlin shrugged.
“I don’t.”
And then he walked around Arthur.
Arthur stared after him.
The apology died in his throat.
---
From the Balcony
Four knights watched the interaction from above.
Gwaine leaned on the stone railing.
“Well.”
Percival crossed his arms.
“That went poorly.”
Elyan snorted.
Leon sighed.
“He didn’t even get to the apology.”
Gwaine grinned slightly.
“Oh this is going to take a while.”
---
Attempt Two
Arthur cornered Merlin outside the armory later that evening.
Merlin turned immediately the other direction.
Arthur groaned.
“Oh come on!”
Merlin kept walking.
Arthur followed.
“Merlin, will you stop ignoring me?”
Merlin didn’t even look back.
“I’m not ignoring you.”
Arthur blinked.
“You literally walked away.”
Merlin kept walking.
“I’m avoiding unnecessary conversations.”
Arthur stared.
“That’s the same thing!”
Merlin turned a corner and vanished into Gaius’s chambers.
Arthur was left standing in the hallway.
Again.
---
Knights Intervene
Arthur stomped back to the training field.
The knights were waiting.
Gwaine looked delighted.
“How’d it go?”
Arthur glared.
“He walked away.”
Percival nodded thoughtfully.
“That sounds like Merlin.”
Arthur threw his sword onto the rack.
“He won’t even listen!”
Leon raised an eyebrow.
“You expected him to?”
Arthur sighed.
“I just want to apologize.”
Gwaine studied him.
“Then you’re going to have to work harder.”
Arthur frowned.
“I’m the king.”
Elyan grinned.
“And he still ignored you.”
Arthur muttered something under his breath.
---
Attempt Three
Arthur caught Merlin near the castle kitchens the next morning.
Merlin was carrying a basket of medical supplies.
Arthur stepped directly into his path.
Merlin stopped.
They stared at each other.
Arthur spoke quickly before Merlin could escape.
“I’m sorry.”
Merlin blinked.
Arthur exhaled.
“There. I said it.”
Merlin tilted his head slightly.
“For what?”
Arthur stared.
“For—”
He hesitated.
“For what I said.”
Merlin considered that.
Then nodded once.
“Noted.”
Arthur frowned.
“Noted?”
“Yes.”
Merlin tried to walk past him.
Arthur stepped in front again.
“That’s it?”
Merlin shrugged.
“What else would you like?”
Arthur looked at him helplessly.
“I apologized.”
Merlin raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.”
Arthur waited.
Merlin didn’t react.
Arthur groaned.
“Merlin!”
Merlin sighed.
“Arthur, I’m working.”
Arthur ran a hand through his hair.
“This is impossible.”
Merlin gave a small shrug and left.
Arthur stood there feeling increasingly desperate.
---
Knights’ Commentary
Gwaine nearly fell off the bench laughing when Arthur described the interaction.
“‘Noted?’” he repeated.
Arthur scowled.
“It’s not funny.”
Percival was trying very hard not to smile.
Leon cleared his throat.
“You may need to be more sincere.”
Arthur glared.
“I was sincere!”
Elyan tilted his head.
“You sounded annoyed.”
Arthur paused.
“…I was annoyed.”
Gwaine clapped.
“Well there’s your problem.”
Arthur rubbed his face.
“This is a disaster.”
---
Attempt Four
Arthur found Merlin in the castle library that evening.
Merlin was reading a medical text.
Arthur closed the door behind him.
Merlin immediately stood up.
“No.”
Arthur blinked.
“No?”
Merlin pointed at the door.
“Open it.”
Arthur frowned.
“Why?”
“Because if the knights find out you cornered me in a closed room—”
Arthur groaned.
“Oh for the love of—”
The door opened.
Gwaine stood there.
He grinned.
“Knew it.”
Arthur stared at him.
“How did you—”
Percival stepped into the doorway behind him.
“We’re supervising.”
Arthur looked ready to scream.
“This is humiliating.”
Gwaine leaned against the doorframe.
“Apologize properly.”
Arthur glared.
“I am trying.”
Merlin crossed his arms.
Arthur sighed.
“Merlin… I didn’t mean what I said.”
Merlin looked at him calmly.
“You said it.”
Arthur nodded.
“I know.”
Merlin waited.
Arthur swallowed.
“You’re not just my servant.”
The knights watched closely.
Arthur continued slowly.
“You’ve always been more than that.”
Merlin didn’t respond.
Arthur looked frustrated.
“Merlin—”
Merlin held up a hand.
“I believe you.”
Arthur blinked.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Arthur relaxed slightly.
“But,” Merlin added “I still don’t want the job.”
Arthur froze.
“What?”
“I’ll keep working with Gaius.”
Arthur felt the words hit like a punch.
“But…”
Merlin picked up his book again.
“I’m happier there.”
Arthur looked genuinely hurt.
“Merlin…”
Merlin avoided his eyes.
Gwaine quietly shut the library door behind Arthur.
Arthur looked desperate now.
“I’m sorry,” he said again.
Merlin said nothing.
Arthur tried again.
“Merlin, please.”
Merlin kept reading.
Arthur’s pride finally cracked.
“Merlin… please forgive me.”
Merlin sighed and closed the book.
“I do forgive you.”
Arthur’s shoulders relaxed.
“But I’m still not coming back.”
Arthur stared at him.
Something in his expression broke.
And then—
Arthur did something none of them expected.
He dropped to his knees.
The entire room went silent.
Gwaine choked.
Percival stared.
Leon blinked.
Arthur didn’t even look at them.
He looked at Merlin.
“Please.”
Merlin’s eyes widened.
“Arthur—”
Arthur shook his head.
“I know you won’t let me forget this.”
Gwaine whispered behind him:
“Oh absolutely not.”
Arthur ignored him.
“I deserve that,” Arthur said.
“But Merlin… you matter to me.”
Merlin looked stunned.
Arthur’s voice was rough now.
“You’ve always mattered.”
The knights watched quietly.
Arthur bowed his head slightly.
“Please come back.”
The silence stretched.
Merlin looked conflicted.
Finally he sighed.
“Arthur… stand up.”
Arthur shook his head.
“Not until you say yes.”
Gwaine leaned toward Percival.
“He’s really doing this.”
Percival nodded slowly.
Merlin rubbed his face.
“You’re impossible.”
Arthur stayed exactly where he was.
Merlin sighed again.
“Fine.”
Arthur looked up immediately.
“I forgive you.”
Arthur smiled slightly.
“But” Merlin added quickly, “I still don’t want to be your servant.”
Arthur’s expression fell.
“Oh.”
The disappointment on his face was painfully obvious.
Merlin watched him for a moment.
Then he said carefully:
“I might come back.”
Arthur straightened.
“What?”
Merlin crossed his arms.
“But only if half the chores disappear.”
Arthur didn’t even hesitate.
“Done.”
Merlin blinked.
“That was too fast.”
Arthur shrugged.
“You’re not polishing my boots anymore.”
Merlin smirked slightly.
“And the laundry?”
“Gone.”
“The armor?”
Arthur hesitated.
“…Mostly gone.”
Gwaine snorted.
Merlin considered the list.
Arthur leaned forward slightly.
“So?”
Merlin sighed.
“Fine.”
Arthur’s grin appeared instantly.
“I’ll come back.”
The knights groaned.
Gwaine shook his head.
“He folded immediately.”
Percival laughed quietly.
Arthur stood up and dusted his knees.
Merlin smirked.
“You do realize I’m never letting you forget this.”
Arthur groaned.
“I know.”
Gwaine clapped Arthur on the back.
“Oh we’re definitely reminding you too.”
Arthur sighed dramatically.
“Yes, thank you.”
Merlin picked up his book again.
Arthur looked relieved for the first time in days.
And the castle finally felt a little more normal again.
---
The Servant Who Won the War
Merlin returned to Arthur’s service three days later.
The entire castle knew.
Not because anyone officially announced it.
But because Gwaine had loudly told half the knights’ quarters that Arthur Pendragon had been on his knees begging.
Word spread like wildfire.
Arthur suspected Gwaine was responsible.
Gwaine insisted it was “purely accidental.”
No one believed him.
---
Arthur’s Chambers – The First Morning
Arthur woke slowly, half expecting the room to be quiet again.
Instead—
A loud crash echoed through the chambers.
Arthur opened one eye.
Merlin stood beside the table, staring at a broken jug on the floor.
Water was spreading across the stone.
Merlin looked up.
“Oh. You’re awake.”
Arthur stared at him.
For a moment he didn’t speak.
Merlin frowned slightly.
“What?”
Arthur exhaled slowly.
“You’re back.”
Merlin rolled his eyes.
“Yes, Arthur.”
Arthur sat up.
“You broke something.”
Merlin looked down.
“Yes, Arthur.”
Arthur waited.
Merlin waited.
Arthur waited longer.
Finally Merlin sighed.
“You’re supposed to shout now.”
Arthur blinked.
“What?”
“Whenever I break something you usually start yelling about my incompetence.”
Arthur opened his mouth—
And then paused.
He remembered exactly what he had promised himself.
Don’t yell.
Don’t say stupid things that will hurt Merlin’s feelings.
Especially not that thing.
Arthur rubbed his face.
“It’s just a jug.”
Merlin stared at him suspiciously.
“…Who are you and what have you done to Arthur?”
Arthur scowled.
“I’m right here.”
Merlin crouched to pick up the broken pieces.
“You’re being suspiciously calm.”
Arthur muttered:
“I’m practicing restraint.”
Merlin smirked.
“Oh this should be interesting.”
---
The New Rules
The knights made sure the new agreement was followed.
Very carefully.
Very aggressively.
Arthur discovered this the hard way.
Later that morning Merlin brought his armor.
Arthur frowned.
“Why are you carrying that?”
Merlin shrugged.
“Habit.”
Arthur immediately took the armor from him.
“You’re not doing that anymore.”
Merlin blinked.
“Arthur—”
“You said half the chores.”
“Yes.”
Arthur pointed.
“This definitely counts.”
Merlin opened his mouth—
Then paused.
Because Percival was standing in the doorway.
Watching.
Very closely.
Merlin grinned slowly.
“Well if you insist.”
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
“You’re enjoying this.”
Merlin smiled sweetly.
“Immensely.”
---
The Training Field
The knights gathered around as Arthur began sparring with Leon.
Merlin sat on the fence like always.
Completely relaxed.
Throwing commentary at random intervals.
“Arthur, your footwork is terrible!”
Arthur ignored him.
Leon smiled slightly.
Merlin continued.
“Honestly, Leon, I expected better from you.”
Gwaine leaned against the fence beside Merlin.
“You missed this, didn’t you?”
Merlin pretended to think.
“Watching Arthur embarrass himself?”
Arthur swung harder.
“I can hear you.”
Merlin grinned.
“That’s the point.”
Arthur almost snapped back.
Almost.
But then he remembered.
Don’t yell.
Don’t say something stupid.
He clenched his jaw and kept fighting.
Gwaine noticed immediately.
He leaned toward Merlin.
“He’s trying very hard not to shout.”
Merlin nodded thoughtfully.
“Remarkable growth.”
Arthur glared at them.
---
The Teasing Begins
After training Arthur grabbed a towel.
Merlin tossed it to him.
Arthur caught it easily.
Then Merlin said casually:
“Careful, sire. Wouldn’t want you to fall on your knees again.”
The knights burst into laughter.
Arthur froze.
“Merlin.”
“Yes?”
Arthur pointed at him.
“You promised you wouldn’t use that against me.”
“I absolutely did not promise that.”
Gwaine clutched his stomach laughing.
“Never going to get old.”
Percival grinned.
Arthur groaned.
“This was a mistake.”
Merlin shrugged.
“You begged.”
Arthur looked at Leon desperately.
“Make him stop.”
Leon shook his head.
“I’m afraid you earned this.”
---
Arthur’s Restraint
Later that afternoon Merlin accidentally knocked over a stack of scrolls in the council chamber.
Papers scattered everywhere.
Arthur closed his eyes slowly.
The entire room went quiet.
Everyone waited.
Arthur inhaled.
Exhaled.
“Merlin.”
“Yes, Arthur?”
Arthur spoke very carefully.
“Please… try not to destroy important documents.”
Merlin blinked.
“That’s it?”
Arthur forced a smile.
“Yes.”
Merlin looked genuinely impressed.
“You didn’t yell.”
Arthur rubbed his temples.
“I’m trying.”
Merlin nodded approvingly.
“Well done.”
Arthur stared at him.
“I feel like I’m being trained.”
“You are.”
(he absolutely was)
---
Knightly Supervision
Later that evening the knights gathered in Arthur’s chambers.
Arthur frowned.
“Why are you all here?”
Percival shrugged.
“Routine check.”
Arthur glared.
“You’re supervising me.”
Gwaine smiled brightly.
“Yes.”
Arthur gestured at Merlin.
“He’s fine!”
Merlin waved.
“Hello.”
Elyan leaned toward Merlin.
“Has he yelled yet?”
Merlin shook his head.
“Not once.”
Gwaine nodded approvingly.
“Good progress.”
Arthur groaned.
“I hate all of you.”
Leon smiled slightly.
“We’re very proud of you.”
Arthur looked offended.
“I’m the king.”
Gwaine patted his shoulder.
“And yet you begged.”
Arthur buried his face in his hands.
---
Later That Night
Arthur sat at his desk working through reports.
Merlin lounged nearby reading a book.
Arthur looked up occasionally.
Just to make sure Merlin was still there.
Merlin eventually noticed.
“Arthur.”
Arthur looked up quickly.
“Yes?”
Merlin raised an eyebrow.
“You keep staring.”
Arthur looked away immediately.
“I’m not.”
Merlin smirked.
“You are.”
Arthur muttered something under his breath.
Merlin closed the book.
“You missed me.”
Arthur’s head snapped up.
“No.”
Merlin leaned back.
“You absolutely did.”
Arthur sighed.
“…Maybe a little.”
Merlin smiled softly.
“I know.”
---
The Return of Lancelot
Two days later the castle gates opened for a returning patrol.
Among them was Lancelot.
He rode through the courtyard with two knights beside him:
Sir Kay and
Sir Edward.
Lancelot dismounted gracefully.
Gwaine immediately approached.
“Well well.”
Lancelot smiled warmly.
“I see nothing has changed.”
Gwaine laughed.
“Oh quite the opposite.”
Lancelot raised an eyebrow.
“What happened?”
Gwaine grinned wickedly.
“Oh you missed something incredible.”
Percival walked over.
“This might take a moment.”
Lancelot looked intrigued.
---
The Story
Ten minutes later Lancelot stood frozen.
“You’re telling me,” he said slowly, “that Merlin quit.”
“Yes” Elyan said.
“And Arthur begged him to come back” Gwaine added.
Lancelot blinked.
“Begged?”
Percival nodded.
“On his knees.”
Lancelot looked genuinely stunned.
“Arthur?”
“Yes.”
Sir Kay laughed loudly.
“I would have paid gold to see that.”
Sir Edward nodded enthusiastically.
“Same.”
Lancelot looked across the courtyard.
Arthur stood near the fountain talking with Leon.
Merlin stood beside him.
Arguing.
As usual.
Lancelot smiled faintly.
“He came back though.”
“Yes” Gwaine said.
“Under new working conditions.”
Lancelot chuckled.
“That sounds like Merlin.”
Sir Kay crossed his arms.
“So the king of Camelot begged his servant.”
Gwaine grinned.
“Correct.”
Sir Edward looked delighted.
“Oh we’re telling everyone.”
Gwaine pointed dramatically.
“Welcome to Camelot.”
---
Across the Courtyard
Arthur noticed them staring.
He frowned.
“What are they doing?”
Merlin followed his gaze.
“Oh.”
Arthur groaned immediately.
“They told Lancelot.”
Merlin grinned.
“Of course they did.”
Arthur sighed dramatically.
“This will never end.”
Merlin shrugged.
“You did kneel.”
Arthur glared.
“Yes, thank you Merlin.”
Merlin smiled innocently.
“Anytime, sire.”
Arthur tried very hard not to smile back.
And the knights watching from across the courtyard noticed.
Which meant the teasing was absolutely never going to stop.
---
The King Who Learned Restraint
Camelot had returned to its usual rhythm.
Almost.
There was one very noticeable difference.
Arthur Pendragon no longer yelled at Merlin.
Not once.
Not in the mornings when Merlin spilled water.
Not when Merlin tracked mud across freshly cleaned floors.
Not even when Merlin knocked over an entire tray of goblets during a council meeting.
Arthur simply closed his eyes, inhaled slowly, and said something painfully calm like:
“Merlin… please be careful.”
The first time it happened, the knights nearly fainted.
---
The Courtyard – Lancelot Learns the Truth
That afternoon Lancelot finally witnessed the new dynamic firsthand.
Arthur was inspecting the horses.
Merlin stood nearby leaning against the fence, doing absolutely nothing.
Which, technically, was allowed now.
His chore list had been dramatically reduced.
Arthur brushed one of the horses while Merlin watched.
Silently.
For about ten seconds.
Then Merlin said:
“You’re doing that wrong.”
Arthur closed his eyes briefly.
“Merlin.”
“Yes?”
Arthur spoke carefully.
“I have been riding horses since before you learned to tie your boots.”
Merlin shrugged.
“And yet you’re still doing it wrong.”
Arthur opened his mouth.
Then closed it again.
Behind them, Gwaine collapsed onto a nearby barrel laughing.
Lancelot raised an eyebrow.
“…Remarkable.”
Arthur glared at them.
“I can hear you.”
Lancelot walked closer.
“Your patience has improved greatly, sire.”
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
“Are you mocking me?”
Lancelot smiled politely.
“I wouldn’t dare.”
Gwaine snorted loudly.
“Oh he absolutely is.”
Lancelot placed a hand on Arthur’s shoulder with devastating politeness.
“I must say, Arthur, kneeling seems to have been an effective learning experience.”
Arthur froze.
Merlin burst out laughing.
Arthur pointed at Lancelot.
“You too?”
Lancelot inclined his head.
“I merely admire your growth.”
Gwaine wiped tears from his eyes.
“Growth! That’s brilliant!”
Arthur groaned.
“I regret everything.”
(he still does not regret begging since Merlin is back)
---
Gwaine, Who Was Not Polite
Later that evening the knights gathered in the training yard.
Arthur sparred with Percival.
Merlin sat on the fence again.
Gwaine leaned beside him.
“So.”
Merlin raised an eyebrow.
“So?”
Gwaine grinned.
“How’s it feel knowing the king begged you?”
Merlin smirked.
“Powerful.”
Arthur swung his sword harder.
“Stop talking about that!”
Gwaine cupped his hands dramatically.
“Arthur begged!”
Percival nearly dropped his sword laughing.
Arthur glared at them.
“Gwaine!”
Gwaine leaned back lazily.
“What?”
Arthur pointed threateningly.
“You’re pushing your luck.”
Gwaine grinned.
“You already got on your knees once, what’s the worst that could happen?”
The knights exploded with laughter.
Arthur buried his face in his hands.
Lancelot watched with quiet amusement.
“Remarkable progress indeed.”
---
Merlin Notices
Later that night Merlin followed Arthur through the castle corridors.
Arthur carried a stack of scrolls for the council meeting.
Merlin walked beside him.
Doing absolutely nothing helpful.
Arthur glanced sideways.
“You could help.”
Merlin shrugged.
“Technically not my job anymore.”
Arthur sighed.
“You enjoy this far too much.”
Merlin smirked.
“Absolutely.”
Arthur stopped suddenly.
Merlin nearly walked into him.
“What?”
Arthur looked at him carefully.
“You’re… different.”
Merlin blinked.
“How?”
Arthur shrugged.
“You’re not angry.”
Merlin considered that.
Then he said quietly:
“You never yelled again.”
Arthur shifted slightly.
“I’m trying.”
Merlin studied him.
Then smiled a little.
“I noticed.”
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
“And?”
Merlin shrugged casually.
“I’m proud of you.”
Arthur stared at him.
“…What?”
Merlin smirked.
“Don’t let it go to your head.”
Arthur felt something warm settle in his chest.
He turned away quickly.
“Yes well… don’t expect it to last.”
Merlin snorted.
“We’ll see.”
---
Free Time
Removing half Merlin’s chores had an unintended consequence.
Merlin suddenly had an enormous amount of free time.
Which he used almost exclusively to bother Arthur.
Arthur was reviewing reports in his chambers.
Merlin sat upside down on the chair across from him.
His legs hung over the backrest.
Arthur stared.
“What are you doing?”
Merlin shrugged from his upside-down position.
“Thinking.”
Arthur sighed.
“You’re upside down.”
“Yes.”
Arthur went back to reading.
Thirty seconds passed.
Merlin spoke again.
“You missed a line.”
Arthur looked up.
“What?”
Merlin pointed.
“That paragraph.”
Arthur checked.
Merlin was right.
Arthur frowned.
“How did you—”
Merlin grinned smugly.
Arthur muttered:
“I should give you chores again.”
Merlin gasped dramatically.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
Arthur looked like he was considering it.
Merlin leaned forward quickly.
“Remember the deal.”
Arthur sighed.
“Yes, yes.”
Merlin leaned back again.
Satisfied.
---
The Knights Notice Something
Later that afternoon the knights gathered in the courtyard.
Percival crossed his arms.
“Have you noticed something?”
Leon nodded.
“Yes.”
Gwaine grinned.
“Arthur hasn’t shouted at Merlin once.”
Elyan smirked.
“Miracle.”
Lancelot added quietly:
“And Merlin hasn’t left his side since.”
They all looked across the courtyard.
Arthur sat on a bench polishing his sword.
Merlin stood beside him talking animatedly.
Arthur looked annoyed.
But he hadn’t told Merlin to leave.
Not once.
Gwaine tilted his head.
“You know what that is?”
Percival raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
Gwaine smirked.
“Arthur missed him.”
Leon nodded slowly.
“Yes.”
Elyan chuckled.
“Obviously.”
Lancelot smiled faintly.
“And Merlin knows it.”
---
Arthur Pretends to Be Annoyed
Later that evening Merlin followed Arthur into the council chamber.
Arthur turned around.
“Why are you still here?”
Merlin blinked.
“You walked this way.”
“Yes.”
Merlin shrugged.
“So I followed.”
Arthur stared at him.
“You don’t have to.”
Merlin tilted his head.
“I know.”
Arthur sighed.
“You’re very annoying.”
Merlin grinned.
“Yet you keep letting me stay.”
Arthur hesitated.
Just slightly.
Merlin’s grin widened.
“You like it.”
Arthur looked away quickly.
“I tolerate it.”
Merlin laughed.
Arthur tried very hard not to smile.
But the knights watching from the doorway saw it.
and tried to hid their smiles.
---
Later That Night
Arthur sat by the fireplace in his chambers.
Merlin sprawled on the rug, on the floor, nearby reading a book.
Arthur looked over occasionally.
Just checking.
Merlin eventually noticed.
“You’re staring again.”
Arthur looked away quickly.
“I’m not.”
Merlin smirked.
“You are.”
Arthur sighed.
“…You spend a lot of time here for someone who quit.”
Merlin shrugged.
“I have free time.”
Arthur nodded slowly.
“Right.”
A quiet moment passed.
Then Merlin said softly:
“You missed me.”
Arthur didn’t answer immediately.
Finally he admitted:
“Yes.”
Merlin smiled faintly.
Arthur looked at him.
“Stop smiling like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you won.”
Merlin shrugged.
“I did.”
Arthur groaned.
And yet—
He looked more relaxed than he had in weeks.
Because Merlin was there.
Right where he always belonged.
Teasing him.
Annoying him.
And refusing to leave his side.
---
The Hunting Trip
The hunting trip had been Arthur’s idea.
Leon claimed it was “for diplomatic visibility.”
Gwaine claimed it was “because Arthur needed to prove he could still ride a horse without Merlin supervising.”
Merlin claimed Arthur simply needed fresh air before he exploded from holding his temper in.
Arthur refused to comment.
---
Leaving Camelot
The morning they left Camelot, the courtyard was unusually lively.
Arthur mounted his horse first.
Behind him rode his knights:
Leon,
Gwaine,
Percival,
Elyan, and
Lancelot.
Merlin rode near Arthur like usual.
Not because he had to anymore.
He just did.
Arthur noticed.
He pretended not to.
They rode through the gates together.
The teasing started immediately.
---
On the Road
Gwaine rode beside Merlin.
“So” he said loudly, “do you think Arthur will fall off his horse today?”
Arthur sighed.
“I can hear you.”
Merlin pretended to think.
“Hmm. Fifty percent chance.”
Percival chuckled.
Leon shook his head with quiet amusement.
Arthur glared at them over his shoulder.
“I am right here.”
Lancelot spoke politely.
“Of course, sire.”
Then he added gently:
“We simply wish to ensure you remain… upright.”
Gwaine snorted.
“Last thing we need is the king on his knees again.”
Merlin burst out laughing.
Arthur looked personally offended.
“You are all insufferable.”
Gwaine grinned.
“You love us.”
Arthur muttered:
“That remains unconfirmed.”
---
Later on the Road
The forest grew thicker as they traveled deeper into the countryside.
Birds scattered from the trees as their horses moved through the underbrush.
Merlin rode slightly ahead for a while.
Arthur watched him without realizing.
Lancelot noticed.
“You seem calmer today, sire.”
Arthur glanced at him.
“I am always calm.”
Lancelot smiled.
“Of course.”
Gwaine leaned over from the other side.
“He’s calm because Merlin hasn’t embarrassed him yet today.”
Merlin looked back over his shoulder.
“Oh, give me time.”
Arthur groaned quietly.
---
Night Falls
By evening the forest had grown dark.
Leon raised a hand.
“We should make camp.”
Arthur nodded.
“Good idea.”
They dismounted near a small clearing.
Percival gathered wood for the fire.
Elyan secured the horses.
Gwaine immediately found the most comfortable log and claimed it as his seat.
Arthur started setting up his bedroll.
Merlin rolled his eyes.
“You’re doing that wrong.”
Arthur froze.
Then sighed.
“Merlin…”
Merlin knelt beside him and fixed it in seconds.
Arthur watched silently.
Then said quietly:
“Thank you.”
Merlin smirked.
“Careful, Arthur. You’re becoming polite.”
Arthur looked offended.
“I was always polite.”
Gwaine shouted from the fire:
“No you weren’t!”
(Arthur immediately regretted saying that when he realised how stupid it sounded)
---
Cooking Dinner
Soon the fire crackled warmly in the center of the clearing.
Merlin crouched beside it stirring a pot.
The smell of stew filled the air.
Leon sat beside him cutting vegetables.
Lancelot helped prepare the meat.
Arthur watched from across the fire.
Merlin worked easily between them, chatting casually.
Lancelot smiled.
“You’ve improved.”
Merlin snorted.
“Years of feeding Arthur will do that.”
Arthur pointed at him.
“I heard that.”
Leon chuckled softly.
“You’re not wrong.”
Merlin tasted the stew.
Then added more herbs.
Arthur noticed how comfortable Merlin looked there.
Surrounded by the knights.
Laughing.
Relaxed.
Something about the sight made Arthur feel… strangely content.
---
Gwaine’s Stories
Once dinner was finished, the knights gathered around the fire.
Gwaine leaned back dramatically.
“Alright,” he announced.
“Story time.”
Percival sighed.
“This should be good.”
Gwaine pointed at Arthur.
“Did I ever tell you about the time Arthur fell into a river during training?”
Arthur immediately protested.
“That is not how it happened.”
Merlin leaned forward eagerly.
“Oh please continue.”
Gwaine grinned.
“So there he was, trying to look impressive—”
Arthur groaned.
“Gwaine.”
“—when suddenly his foot slipped—”
Leon covered his mouth to hide a smile.
“—and splash!”
Merlin laughed loudly.
Arthur crossed his arms.
“This is highly exaggerated.”
Lancelot added politely:
“I remember that day.”
Arthur stared at him.
“You too?”
Lancelot nodded calmly.
“You did fall in the river.”
Merlin clutched his stomach laughing.
Arthur muttered something about traitorous knights.
---
The Cold
As the night grew deeper, the air turned colder.
The fire crackled softly.
Merlin sat near the flames listening to Gwaine continue his stories.
At some point he shivered.
Only slightly.
Arthur noticed immediately.
He didn’t comment.
Instead he simply removed his cloak.
And walked over.
Merlin looked up in confusion as Arthur draped it over his shoulders.
“Arthur—”
“Don’t argue.”
Merlin blinked.
“You’ll be cold.”
Arthur shrugged.
“I’m fine.”
Gwaine smirked.
“Look at that.”
Percival chuckled.
“Our king has grown soft.”
Arthur glared.
“It’s practical.”
Merlin pulled the cloak around himself.
It smelled faintly like Arthur.
Warm.
He smiled a little.
“Thank you.”
Arthur looked away quickly.
“Just don’t spill stew on it.”
---
The Quiet End Of The Night
The stories slowly faded.
The fire burned lower.
One by one the knights relaxed.
Merlin leaned back slightly as he listened to Gwaine ramble about some tavern adventure.
At some point—
Merlin’s head tipped sideways.
And rested against Gwaine’s shoulder.
Gwaine froze mid-sentence.
“…Oh.”
Percival looked over and smiled.
Merlin was asleep.
Completely relaxed.
Still wrapped in Arthur’s cloak.
Gwaine carefully shifted so Merlin was more comfortable.
He looked absurdly pleased.
Arthur watched from across the fire.
Something warm settled in his chest again.
Leon noticed.
“You should sleep too, sire.”
Arthur nodded slowly.
“Soon.”
He looked at Merlin one more time.
Safe.
Warm.
Surrounded by people who cared about him.
Arthur lay down beside the fire.
And for once—
The forest felt peaceful.
Even with Gwaine grinning proudly because Merlin had fallen asleep on him.
And Arthur didn’t even complain.
---------
The Morning After
Dawn crept softly over the forest, brushing the treetops with pale light.
Arthur stirred first, careful not to make any noise. He peeked over at Merlin, expecting the usual: a swift, chaotic wake-up, Merlin swearing at the cold or muttering complaints about the fire, or—worst—both.
But Merlin… didn’t move.
Arthur blinked, confused. He looked around at the other knights: Leon, Percival, Elyan, Gwaine, and even Lancelot, who had insisted on staying nearby for protection. All were quietly tending to their morning routines, giving the sleeping Merlin space.
Arthur exhaled slowly.
“Don’t wake him” he murmured.
Gwaine smirked. “You sure, Sire? He’ll probably sleep through the whole day.”
Arthur’s expression was calm. “Let him sleep. We’re not hurrying anywhere.”
Gwaine raised an eyebrow but said nothing, and the others nodded silently.
---
Merlin Wakes
Thirty minutes later, Merlin finally stirred.
His eyes blinked open slowly. Hair everywhere, sticking up in chaotic spikes that seemed to defy both gravity and reason. Yet he still looked… completely relaxed.
Merlin yawned, stretched, and rolled slightly in Arthur’s cloak and blanket, pulling them tighter around himself.
He blinked at Arthur, who was sitting nearby, watching quietly.
“You… didn’t wake me?” Merlin asked, voice still thick with sleep.
Arthur shrugged casually. “We weren’t in a hurry.”
Merlin tilted his head in surprise. “You… let me sleep past dawn?”
Arthur smiled faintly. “You needed it.”
Merlin looked down at the blanket wrapped around him. “And… you left me in your cloak?”
Arthur nodded. “You seemed cold last night. You’re staying warm now.”
Merlin blinked, then smirked slightly. “You’re… considerate when you want to be.”
Arthur leaned back on his elbows. “And you’re alive to notice.”
Merlin chuckled softly, clearly amused. He sat up slightly, stretching again, hair sticking up in even more directions than usual.
“You’ve… really gone soft, Arthur,” he teased, but his voice had no bite, just warmth.
Arthur rolled his eyes, hiding the small smile tugging at his lips. “Careful. You might get used to this treatment.”
Merlin leaned back, resting against the fire logs. “I think I already have.”
---
Quiet Comfort
Arthur watched him quietly. The forest was still and calm, the campfire smoldering gently. Merlin’s eyes half-closed, content and safe, the blanket and cloak cocooning him.
The knights moved around them, quietly preparing breakfast, casting glances at Merlin with soft smiles. None dared to disturb him, not even Gwaine, who normally would have teased endlessly.
Arthur felt something shift quietly inside him. He didn’t need Merlin to say it. He could see it in the relaxed set of his shoulders, the faint smile, the trust that lingered in the way he let himself be wrapped in Arthur’s cloak.
Arthur’s own shoulders eased. No yelling. No lectures. No rushing.
Just… peace.
Arthur glanced at Merlin again.
“I like this,” he admitted quietly to no one but himself.
Merlin yawned again, completely unconcerned, and muttered softly, “I like it too.”
Arthur smiled faintly.
And for the first time in days, he felt like everything… was exactly as it should be.
------
Wolves in the Forest
The hunt had gone… unusually smooth.
Arthur and the knights had tracked the deer through the forest all morning, moving quietly, arrows at the ready. Birds had flitted away at their approach. Rabbits had darted across the path. Everything seemed normal.
Then they found the wolves.
---
The Encounter
It started with a rustle in the underbrush.
“Probably a fox,” Arthur muttered, though something in his gut twisted uneasily.
The rustle grew louder. Branches snapped. Leaves fell like rain.
Then they appeared: two enormous grey wolves, their eyes glinting in the sun like molten metal.
Arthur froze. The rest of the knights dismounted, drawing swords.
“This… isn’t right,” Leon muttered. “There shouldn’t be wolves here.”
Gwaine grinned. “Well, they certainly make things interesting.”
Arthur ignored him. “Stay calm. Don’t provoke them.”
The wolves growled low, stalking forward. Their movements were precise, too deliberate. Not wild. Not like ordinary wolves. Something… off.
---
The Fight
The first wolf lunged.
Arthur fired an arrow, hitting it cleanly in the shoulder. It yelped but didn’t fall.
Merlin, standing nearby with Arthur’s cloak wrapped around his arm, muttered quietly, “That’s… weird. Wolves shouldn’t be here.”
Gwaine laughed. “Then they must be special wolves.”
The second wolf charged at Leon. Leon leapt aside, swinging his sword with deadly precision.
Arthur, fighting alongside Lancelot and Percival, managed to take down both wolves just as they prepared to strike. One more second, and they would have reached the deer—and possibly the knights.
They lay on the forest floor, breathing heavily, fur matted with blood, and yet Arthur couldn’t shake the unease.
“This forest… there should be no wolves here,” he repeated.
Merlin stepped forward, crouching beside one of the fallen wolves, frowning. “Deers? Rabbits? Birds? Normal. Wolves? No. Not naturally. Something… brought them here.”
Gwaine snorted. “Probably bored magic, right?”
Merlin glared. “You’re not helping.”
Arthur frowned. “We need to be careful. Something about them wasn’t right.”
The knights exchanged glances. Even Lancelot’s expression had tightened slightly.
They mounted their horses in uneasy silence, the forest suddenly feeling heavier than before.
---
Riding Back to Camelot
By the time they rode back, the sun had begun its descent.
Merlin didn’t even get on his own horse. Instead, he climbed lightly onto Percy’s horse, curling up against his massive chest.
Percy didn’t even flinch.
He wrapped one massive arm gently, but firmly, around Merlin’s small frame, making sure he wouldn’t fall and stayed close. His other hand held the reins, steady and strong.
Merlin sighed softly, burying his face in Percy’s tunic. “I… could just sleep like this forever.”
Percy chuckled quietly. “You’ll get your fill soon enough, but for now… rest. We’ve got you.”
Arthur rode a few paces ahead, glancing back. Merlin looked completely relaxed. Safe. Comfortable. Despite the strangeness of the forest and the danger they’d faced, Merlin’s expression was calm.
Gwaine rode beside Arthur, smirking. “You see that, Sire? That’s loyalty. And… looks like Percy’s got himself a new pillow.”
Arthur didn’t answer. He just nodded, quietly glad that Merlin had people who would look after him if he wasn’t able to.
Merlin shifted slightly against Percy, murmuring, “I didn’t expect you to let me sleep like this, Arthur.”
Arthur finally replied, in his calmest, softest tone: “We weren’t hurrying anywhere.”
Merlin smiled faintly, closing his eyes again.
And for the first time in hours, Arthur felt like… maybe, just maybe, everything was where it was supposed to be.
---
The Ride Home
The forest behind them slowly thinned, replaced by open fields as Camelot’s towers began to peek over the horizon.
Merlin didn’t stir. He slept almost completely sprawled against Percy, one arm draped loosely over Percy’s massive forearm. His head rested against Percy’s chest, hair tousled and falling into his face.
Percy rode carefully, every movement measured, every step of his horse steady. He occasionally shifted slightly, adjusting so Merlin stayed comfortable, but he never woke him.
Arthur rode a few paces ahead, glancing back every so often. Merlin looked so small, so relaxed, so… safe.
---
Reflection
Arthur let his thoughts drift, more quietly than usual.
The hunt had been… strange. Wolves in a forest that had never seen them before. Too calm, too deliberate. Too unusual. It made Arthur’s instincts tighten inside him.
And Merlin… Merlin had been right there, as always. Helping when needed, observing, stepping aside when he didn’t. But even if Merlin didn’t notice, even if the danger hadn’t touched him directly, Arthur felt a new level of protectiveness settling over him.
He remembered the slight shiver last night. The way Merlin had curled into his cloak. How Percy had wrapped his massive arm around Merlin without question.
Arthur knew that no one—no one—would dare harm Merlin. And yet… he still wanted to be the one to ensure Merlin was safe. Always.
The thought brought a quiet tension to his shoulders.
Gwaine, riding beside him, noticed.
---
Knights Teasing
“You’ve been glancing back every few seconds,” Gwaine said casually, a grin tugging at his lips.
Arthur shot him a side glance. “I’m… making sure Merlin doesn’t fall.”
Merlin didn’t stir, completely oblivious.
“Sure, Sire,” Percival added with a smirk. “Very noble. Very protective. Honestly, you worry too much.”
Arthur’s jaw tightened. “I worry exactly the right amount.”
Leon snorted. “Right amount? He’s practically glued to Percy’s arm—still you worry.”
Arthur finally turned his horse to face them, a calm but firm expression on his face. “You worry the same. Every one of you. About each other. About me. About Merlin.”
Gwaine blinked. “Uh…”
Percival and Leon exchanged a glance.
“…He’s right,” Elyan muttered softly.
Gwaine made a face but stopped teasing immediately. “Fair enough.”
Arthur let the moment hang. “Then let me worry too.”
A quiet settled over the group for a few minutes as Camelot drew closer. Even the wind seemed softer, carrying the scent of the castle and the fields around it.
---
Merlin Still Asleep
Merlin shifted slightly in his sleep but didn’t wake.
Arthur exhaled slowly, glancing at Percy’s protective arm. He couldn’t help the small, tight smile that tugged at his lips. Merlin, safe, warm, and oblivious, resting against someone who would never let anything happen to him—Arthur thought, quietly, that no spell or sword could have offered Merlin more protection.
And yet… Arthur still felt it. That urge to protect. That tension that tightened in his chest whenever Merlin even shivered.
The knights were teasing, the horses clopped steadily, and the sun dipped lower in the sky. But Arthur’s focus remained entirely on Merlin.
A flicker of pride and affection warmed him quietly, like the first firelight of a long winter night.
---
A Shopping Excursion
Camelot’s streets were slowly waking up as the group walked through the market. Merchants called out their wares, children darted between stalls, and the scent of fresh bread mingled with the earthy tang of livestock.
Merlin paused just outside the castle gates.
“I… want to stop before going in,” he said softly.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. “And why’s that?”
Merlin hesitated, fiddling with his cloak. “I… want to buy some clothes.”
Arthur blinked. “Clothes?”
Merlin nodded. “I’ve… been wearing the same two or three outfits for… years.”
Arthur exchanged a glance with the knights. No one said a word—they’d seen Merlin in the same worn tunics for ages. It wasn’t surprising, really, but Arthur felt a little pang at the thought.
---
The Company
Gwaine grinned immediately. “I’ll come with you. Just in case you try something stupid.”
Merlin rolled his eyes. “I’m not stupid.”
“You’re not?” Gwaine said skeptically. “We’ll see.”
Lancelot added quietly, “I need to buy something as well. I’ll accompany you.”
Percy shrugged, massive arms folded lazily. “I’ll stay close.”
Elyan smiled faintly. “Same here. Can’t have Merlin lost in a crowd.”
Arthur and Leon exchanged a glance, then followed. Quietly.
By the time they reached the market, it felt like Merlin had a personal entourage of knights, each giving him space but never straying too far.
---
Shopping for Clothes
Merlin wandered into a small shop and began browsing. He picked up two simple shirts, holding them up to himself, frowning slightly.
Gwaine leaned over. “Two? Come on, buy more. You’re allowed.”
Merlin looked at him as though he had grown a second head. “I… I don’t… I’ve never bought more than one at a time.”
Gwaine snorted. “Well, now you have people who won’t let you starve or go without. Take advantage.”
Arthur stepped forward and picked up a few tunics of his own choosing. “These would suit you,” he said, handing them to Merlin.
Merlin blinked. “Arthur… I—”
Arthur raised a hand. “Just take them. Keep your money for yourself.”
Leon added a few pieces he thought would look good on Merlin. “Here. You need more than you’ve got.”
Percy and Elyan quietly picked a few functional items too—sturdy cloaks, practical boots, simple trousers.
By the end, Merlin was holding a surprisingly large pile of new clothing, and his cheeks were tinged pink.
“I… I can’t—”
Arthur smiled softly. “I’m paying for it. Save your money for something else.”
Merlin hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you… I… really appreciate it.”
Gwaine grinned. “See? Not so bad, is it?”
Merlin gave a small smile. “No… not bad at all.”
The knights carried the bulk of his purchases back toward the castle. Merlin walked between Arthur and Percy, quiet for a moment, holding a single shirt in his hands.
Arthur glanced down at him. “You’ll look… good in these.”
Merlin’s eyes widened slightly. “I… hope so.”
“You will,” Arthur said firmly.
And for once, Merlin believed him.
---
Merlin in His New Clothes
Later that afternoon, after a long day in the market, Merlin finally had some privacy in his chambers.
He had taken a quick shower, steam still clinging to the walls, and pulled on one of his new outfits: an oversized tunic that Arthur had picked—soft, earthy green that complimented his eyes—and baggy trousers chosen by Gwaine, comfortable but practical.
He stared at himself in the mirror.
This didn’t feel like the usual servant’s attire at all.
The loose lines of the tunic, the way the trousers hung just right, even the subtle embroidery on the cuffs—it made him look… different. More like someone who belonged in Camelot’s upper halls, someone with confidence, someone who dressed for himself and not for duty.
Merlin tilted his head, fingers brushing the fabric.
“I… don’t look like a servant,” he muttered to himself.
“No, you don’t.”
The familiar voice made him jump. Lancelot stood just behind him, a towel in his hand.
“Oh… Lance,” Merlin said sheepishly.
Lancelot gave a soft, polite smile. “You asked me to dry your hair.”
He gently patted Merlin’s damp hair with the tallow-soft towel, careful not to tug. Merlin closed his eyes and let himself relax, the familiar care both comforting and oddly intimate.
“You look… different,” Lancelot said after a moment.
Merlin opened his eyes, glancing down at the loose tunic and trousers. “Comfortable,” he said softly. “I… like it.”
“You should,” Lancelot replied quietly. “It suits you. Makes you… more yourself.”
Merlin let out a small, content sigh. The image of himself in these clothes, combined with the gentle touch of Lancelot drying his hair, made him feel… seen. Truly seen, in a way he hadn’t felt for years.
He looked up at Lancelot. “Thank you.”
Lancelot inclined his head slightly. “You’re welcome.”
---
Merlin’s Reflection
Standing there, Merlin realized something. The oversized shirt and baggy pants didn’t just change his appearance—they changed how he felt.
No longer defined by duty alone, no longer bound to endless chores or always being the one at Arthur’s side to anticipate his every need. He could move freely. Breathe freely. Be himself.
Yet… despite all that freedom, he found himself looking forward to seeing Arthur later. To teasing him. To being close. To that quiet, steady presence he had come to rely on.
The new clothes didn’t erase his role in Camelot. They simply… gave him the chance to enjoy it.
And, for the first time in a long while, Merlin felt a quiet smile tug at his lips.
He didn’t feel like a servant. Not today.
He felt… like someone who belonged.
---
Merlin’s New Look
By the time Merlin rejoined Arthur and the knights in the courtyard, the sun had dipped low, painting Camelot’s walls in warm gold.
He walked lightly, the oversized tunic swaying gently, trousers loose but perfectly comfortable. For the first time in years, he didn’t feel like a servant at all.
The knights noticed immediately.
---
Compliments and Praise
Percival was the first to speak. “Merlin… that tunic suits you. Very… you.”
Leon nodded in agreement. “And the trousers—practical, but comfortable. You look… different. Good different.”
Elyan smiled faintly. “I like it. You look… freer somehow.”
Gwaine puffed up proudly. “Of course! I picked the trousers! I told you I have taste.”
Merlin laughed softly, a warm, teasing smile on his lips. “Yes, Gwaine. You really outdid yourself. Baggy, comfortable, and ridiculously flattering.”
Gwaine preened. “Exactly! I am amazing.”
Arthur, standing beside him, tried to hide a small smile. “You do look good, Merlin.”
Merlin leaned casually against the wall, one foot crossed over the other. “Thank you, Sire. I suppose your choice wasn’t bad either,” he added, glancing at the tunic.
Arthur’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded. “Glad you like it.”
---
Merlin Lounges
Eventually, Merlin settled near Arthur, lounging with his legs stretched out and his back resting against the stone wall. He was relaxed, playful, and entirely comfortable in his new attire.
Arthur glanced down at him, eyes soft. “You’re… very comfortable there.”
Merlin grinned. “Yes, I’ve earned it.”
Gwaine, Percival, and the others exchanged smirks.
“Look at him, Sire,” Gwaine whispered, loud enough for Arthur to hear. “Lounging like he owns the place, and you just stand there worrying over him like a mother hen.”
Percival added, “You can’t help it, can you? Every little thing Merlin does—you're on edge.”
Leon chuckled softly. “It’s amusing… really, to see the king of Camelot so… protective.”
Arthur’s jaw tightened slightly. He looked around at the knights, one by one, and spoke firmly:
“You worry about him the same as I do. Every one of you. Don’t pretend otherwise.”
The knights fell silent immediately, caught off guard by the absolute truth in his voice.
Gwaine muttered, “Well… he’s not wrong.”
Merlin, still lounging, glanced up at Arthur with a mischievous grin. “You’re really stubborn about this, aren’t you?”
Arthur’s lips twitched. “Not stubborn. Just… aware.”
Merlin laughed softly, leaning back again. “Awfully protective for a king who has an army of knights to do it for him.”
Arthur crossed his arms, smirking faintly. “I still do it my way.”
Merlin smiled warmly, completely relaxed, and rested his head lightly on Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur didn’t flinch. Didn’t pull away. He simply let Merlin be there.
And for the first time in a long while, everyone—Arthur, Merlin, and the knights—felt exactly where they were supposed to be.
---
Evening in their usual, safe place
Evenings like this had slowly become a habit.
After the day’s duties were done and Camelot quieted, Arthur and the knights often gathered in the knights’ chambers. It was a comfortable room, far less stiff than the council chambers and far less lonely than Arthur’s own quarters.
A large fluffy rug covered most of the stone floor. A fireplace crackled warmly against the wall, filling the room with orange light and soft heat. Near it stood a low wooden table, scattered with bowls of snacks — bread, fruit, nuts… and an entire plate of sweets that Merlin had immediately claimed for himself.
Merlin always ate the sweets.
Always.
No one questioned it anymore.
---
Dice, Stories, and Accusations
Arthur and Gwaine sat on opposite sides of the small table, a pair of dice between them.
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
“You cheated.”
Gwaine looked deeply offended.
“I did not.”
“You absolutely did.”
“I have never cheated in my life,” Gwaine said dramatically.
Arthur stared at him flatly.
“You once told me you won half a tavern’s money by switching dice.”
Gwaine waved a dismissive hand.
“That was strategy.”
Arthur rolled his eyes and threw the dice again.
Gwaine leaned back smugly.
“Speaking of taverns…” he began.
Arthur groaned immediately.
“Oh no.”
“Oh yes,” Gwaine said with a grin. “Did I ever tell you about the time I fought five men in a tavern in Caerleon?”
Percival snorted.
“You tell that story every week.”
“And it gets better every time,” Gwaine replied proudly.
Arthur folded his arms.
“You mean the story where you got thrown out a window?”
“That was tactical retreat,” Gwaine corrected.
Elyan laughed.
“You were drunk.”
“I was inspired.”
Arthur rolled the dice again.
Gwaine squinted suspiciously.
“…You cheated.”
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
“I did not.”
Gwaine pointed dramatically.
“You moved the dice!”
Arthur looked scandalized.
“I am the king.”
“Exactly,” Gwaine said. “You’re abusing royal authority in dice games.”
Percival nearly choked on his drink.
---
The Quiet Corner
A little further away from the chaos, Leon sat in a chair near the fire, reading a book.
He had intentionally chosen the quieter corner.
Not that the knights’ chambers were ever truly quiet.
Still — it was quieter than sitting near Gwaine.
Merlin wandered over eventually, carrying his plate of sweets.
He dropped down onto the rug beside Leon with a soft flop.
Leon glanced down.
Merlin looked comfortable. Very comfortable.
Oversized tunic. Baggy trousers. Hair still a little messy from earlier.
He didn’t look like a servant at all.
He looked like someone who simply belonged there.
Merlin ate two sweets… then three… then sighed softly.
“Too much sugar?” Leon asked gently.
Merlin hummed sleepily.
“Maybe.”
A moment later, Merlin shifted closer and simply rested his head on Leon’s lap, curling slightly on the rug.
Leon blinked.
This wasn’t unusual.
Merlin did things like this often — gravitating toward whoever was the quietest at the moment.
Still, Leon carefully placed his book aside.
Merlin’s eyes had already closed.
Completely relaxed.
Leon reached for a nearby blanket and gently draped it over him.
Merlin didn’t even stir.
---
The Room Continues Around Him
Meanwhile, chaos continued near the table.
“—and then the fifth man came at me with a chair,” Gwaine was saying dramatically.
“You said there were only four men last time,” Elyan pointed out.
“That’s because I forgot about the fifth one.”
Arthur threw the dice again.
Gwaine leaned forward suspiciously.
“You cheated again.”
Arthur looked deeply offended.
“I did not.”
“You absolutely did.”
“I’m the king.”
“That’s not a defense!”
Percival laughed.
“Honestly, Sire, you’re getting worse.”
Arthur pointed at the dice.
“Gwaine started it.”
“I did not!”
“You absolutely did.”
Lancelot chuckled quietly from where he sat beside Percy.
Their argument continued for several minutes.
Until Elyan noticed something.
He nudged Percival and gestured across the room.
Percival looked over.
Then smiled.
---
Merlin Asleep
Merlin was completely asleep.
Head resting on Leon’s lap.
Blanket wrapped loosely around him.
Hair messy.
Breathing slow and peaceful.
Leon had returned to his book, one hand absently resting near Merlin’s shoulder — not touching, just there.
Making sure Merlin didn’t roll off.
Lancelot noticed too.
His expression softened immediately.
Elyan whispered quietly:
“Look.”
Gwaine glanced over mid-argument.
Then immediately lowered his voice.
“Oh.”
Arthur followed their gaze.
And stopped speaking entirely.
---
Arthur Watching
Arthur leaned back slightly in his chair.
Merlin looked… peaceful.
Safe.
Comfortable.
Arthur felt that strange quiet warmth in his chest again.
Merlin had spent most of his life working.
Running.
Fixing Arthur’s mistakes.
Saving him from things Arthur didn’t even know about.
And now here he was.
Curled up on a rug.
Sleeping.
Safe among friends.
Arthur glanced at Leon.
Leon simply gave a small nod — a silent confirmation that Merlin was fine.
Arthur relaxed slightly.
---
Teasing Begins
Of course, the knights noticed Arthur staring.
Gwaine smirked.
Quietly.
“Careful, Sire.”
Arthur looked at him.
“What?”
“You’re doing it again.”
Arthur frowned.
“Doing what?”
Percival answered.
“Watching him like a hawk.”
Arthur scoffed.
“I am not.”
Elyan gestured across the room.
“You’ve been staring at him for a full minute.”
Arthur crossed his arms.
“I’m making sure he’s comfortable.”
Gwaine grinned.
“Oh no.”
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
“What?”
“You’re doing the protective thing again.”
Percival nodded.
“Definitely the protective thing.”
Arthur looked unimpressed.
“You’re all ridiculous.”
Lancelot raised an eyebrow.
“Are we?”
Arthur gestured toward Merlin.
“You all worry about him exactly the same.”
Silence.
The knights exchanged looks.
Gwaine opened his mouth…
Then closed it.
Percival rubbed the back of his neck.
Elyan sighed.
“…He’s not wrong.”
Leon didn’t even look up from his book.
“Of course we worry about him.”
Arthur smirked slightly.
“Exactly.”
Gwaine pointed accusingly.
“That doesn’t mean you get to pretend you’re not worse.”
Arthur shrugged.
“I’m the king.”
“That’s not a defense!”
Arthur rolled the dice again.
---
Merlin Shifts
Across the room, Merlin shifted slightly in his sleep.
Leon immediately steadied him with a gentle hand.
Merlin sighed softly and settled again.
Arthur’s eyes flicked over instantly.
Gwaine noticed.
And grinned.
But this time…
He didn’t say anything.
Because Arthur was right.
They all did the same thing.
Every single one of them.