A Different Destiny / Merthur

Formailites

It was almost midday by the time the party arrived back in Camelot.

The throne room was a lot more lively than when Arthur had last seen it. As well as the guards, men with trumpets stood either side of the entrance to commemorate their arrival and spilled through the open doors into the room. A great carpet had been laid out along the floor, and swept its way up the room. Even the knights had been brought in. They were dressed formally in their uniforms with swords by their sides, looking more presentable than Arthur had seen them in months.

And then there was his Father.

Uther was seated comfortably in his throne, impeccably dressed in dark robes that seemed to accentuate the gold of his crown. There could be no doubt that he was King. But even Uther, with all his power and decorations, couldn't match the brilliance of Morgana and Gwen.

Seated in her own, smaller chair, Morgana looked almost ethereal. Torrents of black waves fell about her face, framing her glinting emerald eyes. Her dress, spun from a purple silk, clung to her elegant figure, and floated down to the floor. Behind her, Gwen stood with a smile playing across her lips. Her dress was the bright yellow of sunflowers, with a white apron wrapped around the front.  She'd tied the curls of her hair back loosely with some string, under which Morgana had spent the morning tucking in buds of fresh lavender.

They looked as if they belonged in a fairytale.

Standing in place behind Arthur and Agravaine, Merlin shot Gwen a smile as the formalities began.

Uther made a grand display of introducing Lord Agravaine and announcing the feast that was to be held in his honour. In turn, Agravaine made a display of bowing profusely, and declaring himself most humbled to be in the presence of the King, his Brother-in-law, whom he could not wait to catch up with.

"Now I think," Uther declared, surveying the room, "that will be all, as much preparation must be done for the feast. Unless anyone else has anything they wish to add?"

The room fell silent.

Arthur could physically feel his own heart beat. He bit his lip hard. He had to do this. He had to. It was his duty. But Gods, did it have to be so public? Surely there was another way. He was suddenly very aware of Merlin behind him. He could almost picture him, keeping his head bowed respectfully, but nonetheless looking awkwardly around the room. He always seemed to do that in serious situations, and Arthur hated it, because if he ever caught his eye he was in danger of laughing. Oh Gods. What the hell was he about to do. What the—

"I would just like to personally thank Lord Agravaine," Morgana smiled, "for journeying all this way to be with us today. I'm sure the feast will demonstrate just how much it means to have him here."

"Of course, Morgana, I couldn't have put it better myself." Uther gave a nod of approval, and then there was a flurry of movement as everyone understood they were dismissed.

But no one moved faster than Arthur, who seemed to immediately vanish through the doors.

And then, seconds later, Merlin was running off after him. There was no way in hell he was going to endure that feast with Arthur continuing to be such an insufferable prat. He was done being ignored, he was done being brushed aside, and he was done being left in the dark.

Merlin was going to find out what was bothering Arthur even if it killed him.