Merlin's magic (Oneshots) 1

The consort

A.N.:// Based on this: https://changelink.tumblr.com/post/617372532187807744/imagine-the-whole-morteus-flower-ordeal-had-played

'Of all the people who could have been at fault for this, it was Uther Pendragon.'
Arthur was probably the only person who would be surprised by this.
And yet ....

"Father, please! He saved my life! He drank from the goblet, even though he knew it was poisoned!"

"And we shall forever be in his debt."

"We have a chance to safe him! All we need is the morteus flower and Gaius knows where it is!"

"It is too dangerous!"

"Father!"

"You are the crown prince of Camelot! You will not risk your life for that of a serving boy!"

Arthur was breathless. Speechless. Hadn't Uther listened to a WORD he just said?
"But -"

"Arthur, one day you will be king! You forget how important your life is! HE knows that! He risked his life for yours to keep YOU alive. HE knows your value!
His sacrifice shall not be in vain, just so you have a grim chance of saving him!"

Arthur got the dim feeling that it really didn't matter what he was saying. He needed to convince Uther. But how?

"I don't understand, why his life is so important to you!", Uther hissed, exasperated.

Arthur stilled at that. He didn't know either. Maybe it was the fact that Merlin was loyal to the core. That he would risk his life – willingly give his life for Arthur's.
Maybe it was that Merlin – despite his status – treated Arthur like an equal. And yet not at all like an equal.
Arthur had never had a real friend before. But if he had – if he could make a choice. He would choose this idiot of a servant above anyone else.

Was there a way to convince Uther Pendragon? How could Arthur make him understand?
What or rather who would someone like Uther Pendragon risk his own life for?
For what kind of person would he risk his kingdom for? How could Arthur make him understand?
It clearly wasn't Arthur. He proved that every time he send his son on missions that were reserved for honor and pride only.
Pride and honor were more important than his son! What was more important to him than pride and honor?
Who's death had hurt him the most in his life? Who could Arthur compare Merlin's life to that it would change Uther's mind?

"I love him.", Arthur said this before he had a chance to wince at his words. The moment froze between them. Arthur had so many regrets, he would love to just fling himself out of the window right now. But then Merlin's sacrifice really was in vain.

"You what?", Uther's eyes were wide in shock. Maybe a little disgust at the prospect of a noble liking a servant.

Arthur swallowed down his pride. He had just thought about what was more important than pride and honor. He could make this sacrifice. 'For Merlin.', he thought.
Because life is always more important. Arthur closed his eyes to brace himself for what he was going to say next.
Just so he wouldn't have to see his father's reaction.

"He's my consort.", he added and almost broke at his own words. Lying was always hard. But nothing had ever compared to this.

"And how on earth did that happen?", Uther exclaimed, clearly disgruntled. But Arthur was in on it now. No going back. He could regret his life decisions later.
He opened his eyes with determination.

"That is not important, father. Just that it happened. I cannot loose him! I would – It would hurt too much." God, it already did. Less the death factor but literally everything else.