Two Sides of The Same Coin (Merthur)(Discontinued)

Our Secret Place

Arthur's POV

 

To be completely honest with the world, no preparation at all went into the picnic. Ispent an entire day thinking about Merlin, one that should have been dedicated to the fight against Morgana.There were so many  things we could do together, an entire new world I could introduce him to. I must have had a million and one daydreams about kissing him.

As hard as it was, I ignored the thoughts and pressed on with the meeting. After all, Camelot was more important than me and my silly romance. I could incorporate both into my busy life.

And how could I do that?

I could invite Merlin to a picnic. Obviously, it wasn't my most romantic idea, but it would be fun. Merlin and I could talk and look at that amazing view together. And we could feel free. Nobody would ever catch us there. Not that I would mind if they did, of course.

Merlin nearly caught me packing his surprise meal, but he seemed to let it go and we went out. It was amazing to watch him take in the view.

I would trade nothing in the world for that sparkle in his eye and that open-mouthed, awestruck expression. It was difficult not to smile when I saw that trademark grin spread across Merlin's face.

"Well, come on then, that pillow is down for you," I had actually laid down everything myself just for Merlin. There were fresh fruits, cheeses, breads and sweets and more. It was enough food for at least five men.

If we ended up stranded in the woods, at least Merlin would have enough to eat. I had learned the hard way how much food could go into his skinny body. Maybe he used a lot of energy coming up with excuses when he was supposed to be polishing armor. I grinned at the thought. That would explain quite a bit.

"Uh, yeah! Right!" I watched Merlin throw another glance out to the valley before he scrambled off his rock and sat on the pillow across from me. Finally, we could eat.

I hadn't skipped on the drinks either. I had brought two types of ales and one wine. I had no clue which Merlin liked more, but I was aware that he was a casual customer of the tavern. Hopefully he would enjoy one of the drinks.

I poured the wine into the two goblets I had brought from the kitchens. I could only hope they were clean. I'd hate to serve Merlin with dirty tableware. I had grabbed what I could find, however. If any of it was no good, that wasn't my fault. At least I had thought of him at all and gotten him the food.

I watched Merlin stare at the food for a couple moments before he look back at me. His eyes were open wide, the corners of his mouth tipped in a grin. He looked excited.

"You did all of this yourself? Absolutely no help from the castle's servants?" Well, ouch. Merlin really seemed to think that I couldn't achieve anything on my own. I wasn't always an arrogant washed-up king, despite popular belief.

"Yes, Merlin, believe it or not, I did. I told you that nobody knows of this place besides us, didn't I?" The prideful smirk that had formed on my face with the words disappeared when Merlin's grin faded. Had I said something wrong? Why did Merlin- my Merlin- no longer look as excited.

The dark haired boy's gaze left the picnic table and swept over the valley. His eyes filled with something closer related to sadness than excitement. Had I said something wrong? Why was Merlin suddenly unhappy? Was it unhappiness? Why were his eyes still so bright?

All worries disappeared, however, when a smaller, more thoughtful smile quirked Merlin's lips. He muttered something that I couldn't fully make out, however it sounded something like, "Our own secret place..."