An Undying Truth

The Feast and the King's Decision

A/N: Before I forget, Thank you so much to itryedandgaveup. Your comments are so lovely it fuels me to write more!!! Oh and sorry this took so long!

Merlin rounded a corner and ran straight into Arthur, who glanced down smiled, Merlin swore that his teeth were diamond plated, "Merlin, just person I was looking for!" 

Merlin smiled his usual sheepish smile, "Why were you looking for me?" Arthur paused smiled a small fluttering in his stomach. His voice shifted to a defensive tone, "I need you. To help me get ready for the feast! of course." Merlin turned away, "No, you assigned me to the Amorians." Arthur turned him around, his voice suddenly losing all sharpness and slipping into a soft whine, "Merlin, please," Arthur realizing he had just begged tried again, "I mean I order you to-" Merlin cut him off, "Ok since you said please."

***

Merlin calmly asked, "So Arthur, what do you need?" Arthur said, "Just get me into my formal clothes." Merlin nodded he moved, picking up Arthur's neatly folded clothes, his nimble finger quickly undressing and dressing Arthur. The silence was eerie to Arthur, Merlin was never quiet. Merlin finished, "Arthur do not get dirty." Merlin ran off saying something about helping the Amorians. Leaving Arthur alone with hot cheeks, and a fluttering stomach.

***

Elaina and Cordelia stared at the two gifts. Elaina's a locket bearing the seal of Amor that turned into a spiked shield. Cordelia's was a floral themed hairpin that turned into a mace. Elaina's thoughts were conflicting and on the topic of their brother. Cordelia was excited. Suddenly a knock came on the door. "Enter," Elaina said. Think of the devil, in walked Merlin. He smiled, "Hi, I'm here to help you with your dresses." He laughed at their truly offended expressions, "Princesses go behind the divider, pull on the dresses and back out so I can fasten them." Both formed an O-face and slid behind the dividers. Merlin left with a, "I need to help your knights if I'm not back when you're done wait." He slid out the door, though that suggestion did not come to fruition because Arthur was rather useless and impatient, this resulted in merlin having an armoring speed of 1 minute and the princesses hadn't worn dresses like that in ten years. As a final touch merlin put the gifts on them. Elaina looked at him, "Thank you, where is yours." He smiled pulling out the gift from his father which was stashed in his trusty neckerchief."

***

The ball had been going well, though too early to tell. The doors creaked open silencing the guests, and in walked the princesses. Blue gowns, braided hair, and bright red rouge. They were gorgeous young women. Leon who did not succumb to looks was staring dreamily at the elder princess. Merlin who rather liked Leon called over to him, "Leon, let me introduce you to Princess Elaina of Amor."

Suffice to say they hit off immediately. Merlin stared at them well they chatted not taking their eyes off one another for fifteen minutes. They would have continued if it wasn't for the sudden boom of Uther's voice, "My friends I have made my decision," Uther announced the tension in the air clear. Merlin now knew that he had to fight, and as crown prince, it was his duty to rule. "We will help our close allies the Amorians sending only a few, my son Arthur, and two knights those whom he sees fit." The room was silent.