Merlin Imagines

More Than Meets the Eye

"Okay." Arthur said. "What the hell was that?" He pointed at the dark haired man crumpled on the floor.

"That," Merlin rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "That's my Uncle." He said at last.

"And who is your Uncle?" Arthur prompted.

"...King Lot of Essetir." Merlin hung his head.

"And why is he here?" Arthur was acting like an angry parent.

"Because he tried to kill me?"

"And why did he try to kill you?" Arthur crossed his arms.

"...Because I'm the rightful heir to the throne of Essetir." Merlin finished. The knights were staring dumfounded at the lifeless man.

"Exactly. And one more thing?"

"What?" Merlin sighed in exasperation. Arthur lunged forward and punched Merlin in the shoulder. Hard. Merlin recoiled with a shout, cradling his shoulder as he glared at Arthur. "What was that for?"

"What do you think it was for?!" Arthur shouted. "Why didn't you tell us?!" Merlin scoffed.

"And give my Uncle a reason to go to war? Are you kidding?! I didn't tell anyone I was here!"

"If you're the King of Essetir, what are you doing here?" Gwaine asked him.

"My uncle stole the throne. It was supposed to be my mother's, but then she met my dad. He threatened to reveal their relationship unless she abdicated the throne. But by then I was a baby and living with Pa." He continued. "Because I was already born before she abdicated, I'm still next in line." Merlin pointed to his uncle with the bloody sword in his hand. "I guess he found out I was here." Everyone was silent.

"So now what?" Leon said after a long moment. Merlin shrugged.

"I guess I go back." He said simply. "It's the right thing to do." Everyone was silent. Finally, Arthur sighed and nodded.

"Saddle a horse and provide Mer—His Majesty with any supplies he may need."

"I'm sorry Arthur, I had to protect our kingdoms." Arthur nodded again.

"Don't worry. I would've done the same thing." Merlin sighed in relief. "I'm sending Gwaine and Percival to escort you back to your castle." Merlin nodded.

"Thank you, Arthur," He held out his hand and the other king shook it. "For everything." Arthur smiled.

...

It had been a week since Merlin had returned to his kingdom, and the coronation ceremony was coming up fast. Even though he had already officially become King, the council insisted on a ceremony. A knock on Arthur's door interrupted his paperwork. "Enter." He called. A messenger bearing the crest of Essetir stood in the doorway.

"Pardon the intrusion, Sire, but I come bearing a message from King Merlin of Essetir." Arthur nodded and took the scroll from the messenger.

"You're excused," He said absent-mindedly. He heard a faint "Thank you, Sire," as the door closed. Arthur quickly unrolled the scroll and read its contents:

King Clotpole,

You are hereby cordially invited to bear witness to the coronation of King Merlin of—This is stupid. Everything's so formal! How did you deal with this; you're the least formal person I know! I would've come and invited you in person, but apparently kings can't just do whatever they want. So thanks for warning me.

I'm also writing to ask if you'd be interested in opening trade between Camelot and Essetir? You don't have to write your reply, we can discuss it at my coronation.

Yes, you are coming. Even if I have to drag you here myself.

Your Friend,

Merlin

Arthur snickered at Merlin's unique way of issuing a proclamation, and began making arrangements to clear a few days for Merlin's coronation. Until he realized he was missing one teeny, tiny, detail. Growling in annoyance, he grabbed a piece of parchment and began writing.

Merlin,

You never told me when the coronation is.

Idiot.

Respectfully yours,

King Arthur of Camelot