Merlin: the secret prince

prologue

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden hues across the vast Derian landscape, painting the heavens in hues of amber and rose. The royal twins, Merlin and Noah, were a striking pair, their raven-haired heads bent together in a moment of serenity. The crown prince, Merlin, possessed a thoughtful intensity, while his twin brother, Noah, exuded an air of grace and nobility that had become second nature to them both. As they approached the grand entrance to the opulent palace, they were met by a panting servant, a man slightly older than themselves, his eyes wide with urgency.

"Milords..." he began, his voice trembling, while his breathless words hung in the crisp evening air.

"Elijah, titles!" Merlin's raven-haired countenance bore a hint of reproach, but his tone was still kind.

"Sorry, Merls, but your father wanted me to accompany you and Noah," Elijah replied, the words tumbling out in haste as he tried to catch his breath.

With a nod, the three of them continued their journey towards Merlin's chambers. Noah, ever the dutiful brother, excused himself to prepare for the impending crowning ceremony. Left alone with Elijah, Merlin's inner turmoil began to surface, like ripples on a still pond.

"Merlin?" Elijah asked softly, sensing his friend's distress, his voice a soothing counterpoint to the mounting anxiety.

"Hmmm?" Merlin replied, his voice filled with apprehension as if he had been wrestling with his thoughts in silence for far too long.

"You're getting crowned as the crown prince today!" Elijah's voice was filled with pride, like a trumpet heralding the grand occasion.

"Please, don't remind me," Merlin pleaded, the anxiety clear in his tone, as if the weight of his impending responsibilities was a leaden shroud he couldn't escape.

Elijah couldn't help but chuckle, a warm, resonant sound. "I never thought I would see the day when you would beg."

"True," Merlin admitted, his gaze distant, his thoughts a tumultuous sea, "but you'll never know the weight of knowing an entire kingdom relies on you to save them in times of need."

Elijah's smirk was like a beacon of camaraderie. "That may be true, Merls, but I have my unique talents."

Curiosity sparked in Merlin's eyes. "And what exactly is that, Eli? Care to enlighten me?"

Elijah responded with a sly grin, "Putting up with you."

"Idiot!"

"Clotpole!"

Merlin smiled the familiar banter with Elijah serving as a comforting distraction. "Good to know you still remember that name."

"How can I forget when you're the biggest clotpole in the world?" Elijah retorted, his smile unwavering, as if their friendship was an unbreakable fortress.

Their laughter filled the room, easing Merlin's nerves. Both the servant and the prince shared a bond that went beyond their roles, one built on years of camaraderie. After dressing for the occasion, Merlin emerged from his chambers with Elijah by his side, ready to face the daunting task that lay ahead.

With each step they took, the weight of responsibility pressed upon Merlin's heart, like an ever-tightening vice. He couldn't help but ponder, "Am I truly good enough to be the crown prince? Will I rule as effectively as my father? What if I fail them all?"

Noah, appearing beside his brother, sensed Merlin's turmoil, his eyes filled with compassion and understanding. "Merlin, please stop dwelling on the negative. It's not even your coronation as king yet. But even if it were, you would make an exceptional ruler."