Broken Crown - Merlin

Firefly

I am terribly sorry for the huge delay! No, I have not given up on this fanfiction, I still enjoy writing it.

But I have been busy almost every weekend (where I normally have time to write) with assignments (and lack of motivation tbh), and you know what? I still have a Spanish assignment to finish... But I really wanted to finish this chapter and post it.

I've honestly felt so bad about not posting.

I can't promise I'll update every weekend... But I will try and find the time!

Again, sorry for the delay, but I hope you can forgive me :) Here's the chapterrrr!

Btw October is going to be busy as Well... I'm doing the inktober Challenge, so of course I will be extra active on my instagram (@mamik_art), so youcan always find me there💪🏼
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"Alright," it sounded behind Merlin, "I've decided to look past your clearly over exaggerated description of dragons and destinies and whatnot, so get up," Arthur pointed to Merlin's luggage and nodded his head in the direction besides him, "we're going home".

Merlin had not been surprised that Arthur chose to 'ignore' everything he had told him, but then again, it was Arthur. He always cared, and he always took Merlin seriously, but it always slipped his mind to show it.

Merlin got to his feet, "right" and he started to pack his things.

Arthur frowned at this. He had expected Merlin to react in a way more exciting way – this was just sad.

The king sighed, "I'll give you a day off if you hurry" he smiled to himself. Immediately, Merlin lit up and looked like the world was not such a miserable place to live in after all.

Oh, Merlin remembered, "you're not being serious," he said, and gazed at the forest floor with a sigh.

"No, I'm not. But at least you don't look so sorry anymore" Arthur said, and gave his servant a friendly pat on the shoulder. Still trying to cheer me up in his strange ways, Merlin thought. He huffed, "I'm not sure I'm so sorry anymore"

"What was that?" Arthur asked, annoyed by Merlin's mumbling, "I was sure you'd be happy to return back. Knowing I'm not going to chop your head off in your sleep?-"

"Alright! Quit it" Merlin closed his eyes and let his long arms hang carelessly down his body.

Arthur knitted his eyebrows, "alright... I'm sorry?" he hesitated. Stepping closer to his servant was noticed, but Merlin didn't back away. In fact, he didn't even look him in his eyes.

Not until Arthur placed a soft hand on his shoulder.

"I'm not" the king reassured him, and Merlin's eyes flickered around like restless fireflies because that was how Arthur viewed him now. With his eyes apparently flashing gold when using magic, mixed with his droll personality, Merlin was most certainly a firefly. No question about it.

"I know" Merlin breathed after a solid while. But it was obvious that he didn't. He was scared. Or worried. Sometimes Arthur couldn't tell the difference.

With a squeeze, Arthur let go, "come on"

-

The ride back to the castle was tiring. All Merlin wanted to do was sleep. His eyes struggled to stay open, and it would not surprise him if he was going to fall asleep in the saddle. It would not be the first time.

Arthur noticed this, and rolled his eyes at him, "pull yourself together, Merlin, we've only ridden for an hour..." Arthur sighed. Merlin opened his eyes with a start and woke himself up quickly. Don't fall asleep, don't fall asleep, don't fall asleep...