Merlin: the secret prince

planning begins

Merlin stepped into his old chambers and paused. The air was thick with nostalgia, and the scent of lavender oil and old parchment immediately hit him. Golden evening light spilled through the tall windows, casting a soft glow on the familiar space. Every item, from the carved wooden shelves to the plush velvet drapes, remained exactly where he remembered.

He let out a breath, a soft sigh of contentment. "It looks exactly the same," he murmured, trailing his fingers along the edge of his childhood writing desk. "As if not a single thing has changed. Someone's been taking good care of it."

Noah entered behind him, arms crossed and eyes warm. "Of course they have, brother. The people wouldn't dare let the chambers of their crown prince fall to neglect. This room has been sacred to them. Lilly sleeps here sometimes, you know. Says she feels close to you here. Amelia too. They missed you more than you can imagine."

Merlin turned, surprise flickering across his face.

"Mother as well," Noah added, his voice softer now. "She just wants to know you've been safe. Though she did say she's half-tempted to march to Camelot and scold the knights and their king for not feeding you properly."

A laugh erupted from Merlin, full-bodied and genuine. "That sounds like her. She always did have a soft spot for Arthur and his knights. Gwen too. And Morgana."

Noah chuckled and nodded toward their guests. "So she told us. When she returned from Camelot, we heard every detail. The brave Knights of the Round Table, the noble Pendragons... We practically know you all by name."

Arthur, who had been looking around with furrowed brows, suddenly blinked in realization. "Wait a second... Hunith is a queen?"

Merlin turned to him, half-smiling. "Arthur, who else did you think my mother was?"

Arthur stammered, frowning. "I thought she was just... a villager. She lived in Ealdor."

Morgana, ever quick, cut in with a raised brow. "And Merlin was your manservant for a decade. Times change."

Leon smirked. "You can't argue with that."

Arthur sighed, slumping slightly. "Fine. But I want to see her again. It's been too long. And I really miss her food."

Lancelot leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "But Merlin, if she's queen, why say you're from Ealdor? That's Cenred's territory, isn't it?"

Merlin nodded thoughtfully. "It is. Mother grew up in Ealdor, before her family moved to the lower town of Deria. They started over. A few years later, she became a servant in the royal household—specifically to my aunt. She and my father's manservant became close... very close." He smiled at Arthur. "It's not unlike your story with Gwen. Just without the part involving an evil sister trying to kill everyone."

Morgana raised an eyebrow but gave a small, forgiving nod. "It's alright, Merlin. You needed to tell them."

The moment was interrupted by a distant shout.

"Hatchlings!"

Merlin and Noah both froze mid-step. The rest of the group nearly collided with them.

A knight in Derian crimson armor strode toward them briskly. His stride was purposeful, his grin broad.

"Sire—"

Merlin raised a hand. "Willam, if you call me 'sire' again, I swear I'll personally lock you in the stocks the moment we take back the kingdom."

Willam grinned wider. "You earned that title at fourteen. I'll call you what you deserve. Anyway, your mother wants to see you and the knights. Strategy session. Amelia and Lilly will be there."