Don't You • Merthur ✔️

III: Gold Rush

Arthur and Merlin walked around, fascinated by the variety in the shops and booths. Merlin gaped at the vibrant colors, as if entranced from the sight of stained glass to the scent of aromatic herbs, picking up the vials of mixed plants. Ever so often he would glance at Arthur, who at times would be praised by the people and greeted him with a quick bow or curtsy.

"Would you like a new muffler for your neck, sir?", asked a seller as they approached one of the stalls. "Oh, I think I'll keep mine, thanks.", Merlin smiled, clutching at his red neckerchief.

"Would a new hat interest you, young gentleman?", another asked. Merlin chuckled at the sight of the bright feathered hats laid on the stall. "Did you make these yourself?"
"Made them all myself!", he proudly exclaimed.

"This one is just your color, Merlin!", Arthur chimed in, grabbing a red feathered hat and placing it on his head.

"My Lord.", the seller respectfully bowed at the prince and he nodded in response. "Don't you think he looks dashing in red?", he smiled with that bratty expression.

Merlin wrinkled his nose and took the hat off. "That's odd. You made me wear something like this before.", he smiled, recognizing the similarities from the 'servant costume' Arthur made him wear during that peace treaty banquet.

"Really?", Arthur asked in confusion. "Yes, you said they were the 'ceremonial servant uniforms'. I looked ridiculous in them."

Arthur snorted, trying to suppress his laughter when he imagined Merlin in one of those. "If what you're saying is true Merlin, then that's definitely something I would do to you!" Merlin simply glared at him, shaking his head.

"Well, I could also imagine you in these.", Arthur blurted, spotting one of the dresses for sale hanging in a nearby stall and waving them at Merlin. As much as Merlin wanted to get annoyed, there was a strong sense of deja vu. He felt warmth and familiarity despite Arthur failing to recall all the years they've spent together. He didn't realize he was staring, hearing his laugh and playful insults. At this point its become one of Merlin's habits.

"Oh yeah? Maybe you should try one of these?", Merlin teased, holding up a corset.

Arthur walked over to him and smiled coldly; "I don't think so."

"No, give that back!", a voice cried, causing Arthur and Merlin to look where it was coming from. It was a little blonde girl getting picked on by much older, taller children. They were throwing around a bouquet of flowers that it seemed like the girl owned. The poor girl looked like she was about to burst into tears. The young prince knew he had to intervene.

"Alright, that's enough.", Arthur called out, raising his hand.

"Your Majesty.", the kids gasped and greeted him. "Go play somewhere else. Stop messing with her.", he instructed, gesturing to the tallest kid to hand him the flowers. They quickly ran and left the girl alone. She remained quiet, had her back turned, scared to face whoever was in front of her.

"Here you go.", Arthur lowered his voice slightly. The girl turned around and her bright blue eyes met with his. Arthur kneeled down and carefully handed her the bouquet.

"Prince Arthur?", the girl spoke, her squeaky voice came a little shaky.

"What's your name, my dear?", Arthur softly asked, trying to hand her the flowers, the girl still hesitant to take it back. He softened his gaze, a warm-hearted glimmer in his eyes.

"Lillian.", she answered, finally cupping the bouquet from Arthur, with her two tiny hands delicately fixing the stems. "We've actually met before.", she added, tugging shyly at one of her pigtails.