His Majesty and His Knights

The Start of a New Era

"You know, I was thinking-"

"Oh no! Are you okay?"

"Merlin!"

"Sorry. You were saying?"

"I was thinking that the reason sorcerers and magical creatures attach us is because my father attacked them first."

"Yeah. I think so too."

"When I'm king, I'm going to lift the ban on magic. It''s caused nothing but grief."

Merlin grinned. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

"Arthur!" Guinevere ran into his room looking very panicked.

"What is it?" Arthur asked, standing up to meet her.

"Your father. He wishes to see you. Arthur, I don't know how much time he has left."

Arthur nodded to Merlin and the two of them ran to Uther's chambers. Once they got there, Arthur immediately ran to his father's side. Gaius was already there, wibing Uther's brow.

"My son," Uther said, turning to look at Arthur.

"Father."

"You will make a good king."

"Father," Arthur said, fighting back tears, "you must live! I'm not ready yet."

"Yes you are. Be strong, son. Make me proud. Camelot will prosper under your rule."

"Thank you father."

Uther coughed. "My time is coming to an end."

"You will be reunited with Ygraine at last, sire," Gaius promised.

"At last," Uther repeated, closing his eyes and letting out his last breath.

Gaius checked Uther's pulse. "I'm sorry, Arthur."

Arthur wiped his eyes. "It was his time. He turned to the Leon, who was standing guard at the doorway. "Send word to the people. King Uther is dead." 

Leon nodded obediently and left to complete his task.

-

A week later, Arthur watched from the balcony overlooking the throne room as people from all over the land came to pay their respects to King Uther. Merlin walked up from behind him and put his hand on his friends shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Arthur."

Arthur said nothing. Then he said with a sad smile, "I guess magic will be free sooner than we thought."

"I didn't want it to be this way."

"None of us did."

Once the people were gone, Arthur asked for Merlin to leave him for a bit. Merlin left, but promised he would see him in the morning. Arthur walked down the spiral staircase to the throne room. He stopped walking right in front of his father.

"You were wrong, Father. Magic isn't evil. It's a tool. It is the user who decides what to do with it. I'm going to free magic. It is the only way to bring true peace to Albion. Please don't be angry with me. You've always told me to do what I believe is best for the kingdom, and I am. I'm sorry that I couldn't have saved you sooner. I wish you'd have told me about Morgana, but that's all past us now. Rest in peace." Arthur bowed to his father for the last time and then left the chambers.

-

It had been a month since Uther's death and the kingdom finally finished it's mourning period. It was time to crown the new king.

In other words, Merlin was not having a good day.

Don't get him wrong, he was excited for his friend and overjoyed that magic would be allowed to return to the land, but he was still Arthur's servant and it was coronation day. All of the occupants of the castle were running around getting things ready, including the knights. Merlin ran up the stairs to Arthur's room, carefully carrying a plate of food for Arthur's midday meal. The only reason he was rushing for that clotpole is because he had things to do before the ceremony which was in three hours.

When Merlin reached Arthur's doors, he slowed down into a speed walk. He set the food on the table. "Here it is, Arthur. Eat." Then, Merlin ran out of the room to get Arthur's shirt and trousers. When he came back, Arthur was pacing. "Arthur. Eat."

"I can't, Merlin."

"And why is that?"

"I'm pacing."

"I can see that, but you need to eat." Merlin walked over to Arthur and forcibly sat him at down at his table. "I am going to make sure the knights are doing their jobs and then get your armor and sword. You better be finished by the time I get back."

"You can't tell me what to do, Merlin."

Merlin bent closer to Arthur and whispered, "need I remind you that as of right now we are of equal rank? I can say what I want."

Arthur rolled his eyes but picked up his fork and began eating. Merlin grinned cheekily at him and ran to do his jobs. When he got back, Arthur had indeed done as he said and finished his meal.

"Good boy," Merlin said, patting Arthur's head. Merlin knew that that would not come without consequence so he grabbed the plate and ran out the door, just narrowly missing a goblet being thrown at him.

-

 Not to make it sound like a wedding, but it was a beautiful ceremony. Everything went exactly as planned (for once). The citizens of Camelot cheered for their new king, but none cheered as loud nor clapped as hard as Merlin, the new king's best friend.

This is not as long as usual, but it's existence is mostly to get the plot moving. I hope you enjoyed! Don't forget to vote and comment! Let me know what you think- even if you think it's trash (because then a least I know).