The love between a king and his serving boy (merthur)

Chapter 19

Arthur's POV

I did the greeting ceremony and boring stuff like that for the visitors and introduced them to Efa, my hand brushing Merlin's slightly as he handed me the baby. Then there was the feast, in honour of them and all of that stuff who no one really cares about. But I spoke to Princess Elena for a while and she has changed a lot.

"So, you never got married then?" She asked me, her voice was high and posh and I didn't like it very much.

"Yes, I did marry, but my wife died just a few months back. But it is fine, I have finished mourning and I know that she is watching over me from heaven and is in a better place," I didn't believe any of this. I never admit it, but I don't believe in heaven and hell, it just doesn't have enough evidence to the concept. But what if Gwen was watching over me? What would she think of me and Merlin? But it doesn't matter. It is not my choice of who I fall in love with. I sighed and then noticed my manservant refilling my cup. I smiled at him and winked so no one else would see.

"I'm sorry for your loss. I didn't marry ever, but it intend to. I want to marry a prince or a king who is powerful and rich. When we were to be married, I thought that marriage was just for love, but now I realise that love doesn't matter, I must marry for the good of my people," she looked up at me and flicked her blonde hair to the side. I tried to smile, but simply couldn't. I now hated her and I hated her father for making her think of marriage in this way. All she wanted was wealth and power.

"I do not intend to marry. I have an heir to the throne and I want nothing more than what I already have. Excuse me, I must leave. I have matters to attend to," I know that it is rude to abandon my guests like that, but I didn't want to talk to her any more. I motioned for Merlin to follow me and we went back to my chambers.

~ the next day ~

I was talking with Godwyn and I don't understand why my father liked him so much. He's a controlling clot pole and I want him to leave, but I can't ask him to do that because he has no where else to go.

"So I understand you have legalised magic in Camelot? Your father would be very disappointed in you. And you have a sorcerer as a servant? You should be more careful boy, he could be dangerous," he spoke as if Merlin wasn't standing there and that disgusted me. Just because he is a servant, it doesn't mean he should be treated any differently!

"Well my father is dead and I am the king now. I believe that I have changed Camelot for the better and as for Merlin, he has always been loyal and I can trust him with my life. I urge you not to worry about my decisions," I tried to speak with authority, but it was difficult with him staring at me so intently. His servant, George, frowned at me. He used to be my servant for less than a day when Merlin was gone. He was so boring it was unreal.

"Well, Arthur, I am not comfortable with having to spend time in a kingdom full of people like sorcerers. They could attack at any time, so I want an alliance," he spoke softly yet forcefully, but I didn't understand. Uther and Godwyn had been close friends for years.

"We are already allies Godwyn," I said, frowning. But I noticed George smirking at Merlin. He knew something that I didn't. What if he knew about me and Merlin's relationship?! I started panicking and couldn't help but think of all the worst case scenarios.

"I want to bind our alliance in marriage. You will be married to Elena and then we will be close allies. Before you protest, I know that you have.... feelings for your.... Servant. But he has enchanted you. George told me. Merlin has enchanted you and the spell can only be broken if you execute him and then you'll be happy to marry my daughter," I felt my cheeks flush and turned to see Merlin start to speak, but I gestured for him to stay silent.

"I will not marry your daughter. She is a lovely girl, but I do not wish to marry her. And I have no need for a wife, I have an heir," I tried to stay calm, but it's just so difficult when there's a guy saying bad things about your lover at you.

"Yes, but your daughter is still an infant, Efa can not require the throne until she is 14 (I just made that up, but let's pretend it's true). And I promise you, Arthur Pendragon, that unless you marry my daughter and execute all sorcerers, your heir will die before she is 24, and you will have no heir and have no choice but to marry Elena anyway so you can produce an heir. You'll have to marry her anyway. Either kill the sorcerers yourself, or I will kill them and kill your daughter as well," and with that he walked away with George trialling behind him. Merlin grabbed my hand. What could I do? I can't banish or execute Godwyn becuause I know that other kingdoms would declare war on Camelot for that, but I can't marry her, and I refuse to harm any of my people, especially not Merlin. But what choice is there?