The sun was shining over Camelot, the birds were chirping, and Arthur could not keep his mind off Merlin. He wanted to be with him every second of the day. His smile nearly brought tears to his eyes, and his laugh made his stomach squirm. He knew the obvious consequences of pursuing his love, so he kept his feelings to himself. He was sure Merlin didn't feel the same way anyway. A day ago, a beautiful princess had come to Camelot along with her father as a guest to Uther to discuss problems within the kingdom. Arthur decided the best way to take his mind off Merlin would be to put it on the Princess. He had arranged a day with the princess out in the woods for a picnic.
Merlin suddenly burst in through the doors of the Prince's chambers.
"Ready sire?" Merlin questioned, his arms full of things for the Prince. Arthur drew his attention away from the window to look at his servant. His heart warmed at the sight of him. Pillows and blankets and canteens of water all stuffed in his trembling arms.
"Yea." Arthur solemnly replied. Merlin noticed his down attitude, "what's wrong?" He asked.
Arthur glanced back at Merlin as he put on his jacket.
"Nothing you can solve" He muttered more to himself than to Merlin.
"Well I doubt that.." Merlin returned. Traces of a smile grew on Arthur's face.
"C'mon Merlin, you have some entertaining to do." He walked out the door with his servant right behind him.
. . .
He had to admit, the princess was pretty, but what did Arthur see in her? Merlin certainly thought he could do better. He was following Arthur and the princess on horseback through the woods while they were chatting it up. Arthur looked like he was enjoying this very much. Whatever. He tried to shrug off his thoughts and reluctantly followed them. They stopped and Arthur looked around.
"This looks like a nice spot, don't you think?" The princess swooned at his words and giggled.
"Looks beautiful to me" She flipped her hair around and Merlin nearly fell off his horse he rolled his eyes so hard.
"Merlin!"
"On it" Merlin abruptly said with defeat in his voice. He hopped off his horse and moved quickly to set up the blanket and lay out the pillows. Arthur helped the princess of her horse and she fell into his arms, giggling again. Merlin sighed, not being able to stand the sight of them together.
"Something wrong Merlin?" Arthur asked, with a genuine look of concern on his face.
"No, no, everything's fine." Merlin lied. He went about setting out the food and tying up the horses. Arthur and the princess walked over to the place Merlin set out for them and laid down, both propped up on their elbows. Merlin sat behind a tree, out of sight, out of mind. He was playing with a stick in his hands, passing the time, when Arthur suddenly appeared before him.
"Sire?" He looked over at the princess. She was laying there playing with her hair and stuffing her face with grapes. "Shouldn't you be with the-"
"Merlin," He picked him up by the waist, surprising him. "I've been thinking. And this is what brought me to make my decision to finally say what's been on my mind." Merlin looked into Arthur's eyes with a completely puzzled look.
"What?.." Merlin's mind raced. What could he have to say? Was it about the princess? Did he love her? Arthur interrupted Merlin's thoughts when he pushed his lips against the servant's'. Merlin was taken by complete surprise but was overjoyed at the same time. The kiss ended as soon as it began. Arthur pushed Merlin against the tree.
"Don't tell anyone about that, you hear?" Arthur threatened, waving a finger in his face. Merlin's face flushed red and a smirk grew.
"Of course" Arthur deeply kissed Merlin again, and Merlin pressed his body against Arthur's only to have the prince break the kiss, leaving Merlin speechless. Merlin huffed in disappointment and Arthur smiled.
"Don't tease me like that!" Merlin smartly spoke as Arthur began stepping away.
"That's what you get for not bringing my favorite cheese." Arthur turned around and went back to the princess. Merlin chuckled and he felt a feeling he never felt before. Love.
Thanks for reading! I genuinely appreciate it. If you have any ideas or things you would like to see me write, let me know.
