The King

Chapter 5

Arthur's POV

After Merlin's first walk, he improved much more. He began to eat more, he openly practiced his magic in front of Gaius and I, and his health was improving.

I had been thinking over the law my father put down ever since Merlin revealed his magic to me.

I decided it was time.

Magic was to be allowed into the kingdom again.

I didn't plan to tell Merlin before the ceremony at all, and surprisingly, I kept to it. He was just as confused as anybody else in the throne room as I stepped up to the podium.

I took a deep breath.

"Today we are here to discuss a certain law, one that should have been changed long ago, and a law that has brought only misery to this land."

I fought the urge to look back at Merlin.

"By the power vested in me, I declare that the ban on magic be lifted, and if any who practice this craft commit a crime, they will not be judged on their abilities or practices, only of the severity of the crime they committed."

This time I couldn't fight it, I looked at Merlin. The same look of shock that had overtaken his face when I took no reaction to his magic held his gaze now.

Now the people began to speak.

"WHAT!?"
"WHY!?"
"HE'S ENCHANTED!"

I looked frantically at the court. Some guards were able to quiet the people down, and I continued.

"One sorcerer, whom I know quite well, has been a great friend to Camelot and saved mine and your lives as well many times. If this sorcerer would like to reveal himself now, I give him the promise and freedom of his safety of he steps up."

And then he did

Merlin, my servant, more importantly my friend, stepped up.

"I am the sorcerer!"

Many gasped, many mumbled, and some of his closer friends smiled.

"GET HIM"
"KILL HIM!"

"YOU WILL LEAVE HIM ALONE OR I WILL BEHEAD YOU WITH MY OWN SWORD!" I screeched

The room became silent.

Deadly silent.

"Meeting dismissed." I shrugged.

Merlin and I walked back to Gaius' chambers. I found I had been sleeping in the same room as Merlin much longer than I have needed.

But it gave me comfort.

So I stayed.

For a good few weeks Merlin remained my servant, often using his magic for his chores.

"Merlin?"

"Yeah?"

"Court Sorcerer?"

"I do suppose you need one now, don't you." He mentioned

"Merlin!"

"Yeah?"

"I want you to be court sorcerer!"

"..."

He remained silent.

"I'm sorry if that upset you... It's your decision." I fingered the papers on my desk.

"Arthur."

"Yeah?"

"Thank you so much! This is all I've ever wanted! Oh thank you so much! Oh I really would love to be court sorcerer!"

I smiled with relief, as at first I thought he was going to tell me off.

"We'll hold the ceremony tomorrow." I smiled at him, and he smiled back.

~The Next Day~

Merlin checked himself in the mirror, in my chambers. A first.

He looked at me. "Perfect?"

"Perfect." I replied.

Merlin's POV

I walked out of Arthur's chambers.

I breathed deeply.

We came to the throne room. I couldn't handle the looks.

"Ignore the looks." Arthur whispered

"I'll try."

"You don't have to do this."

"I want to."

Arthur stepped up to the podium.

I felt pale.

I felt scared.

"May I present Merlin! The Court Sorcerer!" Arthur said.

I smiled.