Warlock in the Iron Mask

Chapter Eight

That night had opened up a lot of doors for them both but also closed some opportunities. They were able to talk a little more but still the mask remained stubbornly in place. Arthur touched him more as well but he would never come at him from behind it was always when he made sure that Merlin knew where he was. Arthur treated him still with kid gloves and he hated that but at least they were talking. He was healing and true to his word there was now a room in the castle. He was put on the same floor as Arthur in a much smaller chamber. It had a great room, a bedroom and a privy along with a giant window. He felt self-conscious the moment he'd seen it. Was it really for him? He kept expecting to wake up and find his head on a chopping block but Uther steadfastly moved forward with his plan to turn a country boy into a noble and it was proving more of a challenge than anyone had expected. He didn't –know- anything and he didn't know any of the other nobles in the Kingdom so he didn't know who was who and what mattered and what didn't. He barely knew how to eat with his mouth closed. Uther had announced it already to the populous, everyone knew now. He was Lord Merlin of Camelot, no official title or duties or anything he just was Lord Merlin of Camelot and he was dazed by the whole affair.

He'd only shared the bed with Arthur that one time. Since then it was harder to find excuses to be alone together and he was focused on healing. Gaius came to see him in his new quarters and the only time he had an excuse to be with Arthur was when he was exercising his legs. He could walk longer and father now and on his own but he didn't want to tell Arthur how much he'd improved in the last month. If he told him, his last excuse to see Arthur would be gone. Gwen and Morgana came to see him every day of course to show him various customs and dances and how to interact with noble ladies.

Arthur still didn't have a new manservant, he'd steadfastly refused one. That was something. Merlin wasn't sure he could handle the idea of someone else's hands on the man he loved. Someone was banging on his chamber door. "MERlin! I know you're in there." It was Arthur, of course.

"Coming." He opened the door and sighed. "Arthur. It's early."

"Yes, it is." Arthur closed the door behind him and strode forward to catch him in his arms in a strong embrace. "You were asleep early last night so I left you alone, how are you feeling?"

Always, always the same question. Merlin was getting a little tired of it. "I'm about the same as yesterday." Merlin grumbled. "No change. And to be perfectly honest, Arthur I'm bored, really bored. I mean how do you? .. "

Arthur grinned widely and reached over to take one of his hands. The bandages were still on but they were less painful now. The broken bones were healing. "I've convinced him finally!"

"Convinced who what...?" Merlin stared at him still a bit bleary from sleep.

"You're going to be my herald."

"You're joking."

"Am not, it's a profession for nobles and perfect! And trust me, Merlin it's not boring." Arthur grinned again at him. "Don't you see.... we'll have an excuse to be alone together in my room, pouring over books and you will help me write letters and review paperwork."

"I'm going to be your..." Merlin looked at him suspiciously. "That sounds an awful lot like being at your beck and call again."

"Kind of?" Arthur looked at him with a laugh. "I won't treat you like a servant, Merlin. I promise and no one will object that I spend time with my Herald. You'll announce me at Court and help me present gifts to nobility and that kind of thing. You'll also follow me in battle. Which means..." He looked Merlin up and down. "When you get stronger you're going to be on the training field."

"Arthur I'm not a fighter..." The idea was warming to him. Arthur was right they needed a good excuse. He took a breath and managed to catch the fall of his Prince's lips into a frown. "It sounds like a good plan, Arthur." He quickly smiled and put a hand on Arthur's arm. "Thank you. What's the first thing we need to do?" Lucky for Arthur he knew he had a rather loud voice when he wanted one.