The morning sun filtered through the high windows of Gaius's chambers, casting warm light over the cluttered shelves of herbs, scrolls, and ancient texts. Merlin, having finally recovered from the injuries he sustained during the royal ball, was preparing to resume his usual duties as Gaius's assistant. His limbs still ached faintly, but he was eager to return to normalcy.
Just as he was about to step out, a soft knock came at the door. A young palace servant stood nervously on the threshold.
"His Majesty requests your presence in the royal study," the servant said, avoiding Merlin's eyes.
Merlin blinked, startled. "The King?" he asked, unsure if he had heard correctly.
The servant simply nodded and turned without another word, clearly instructed not to linger.
Merlin, puzzled and slightly apprehensive, followed in silence. The stone corridors of the castle echoed with their footsteps, and the weight of the summons settled heavily on his shoulders. When they reached the intricately carved doors of the royal study, the guards nodded and stepped aside, allowing Merlin to enter.
Inside, King Uther Pendragon stood behind a grand oaken desk, his expression unreadable. Merlin bowed respectfully, standing a few paces from the throne-like chair.
"Your Majesty," he said.
Before Uther could respond, a firm knock sounded at the door. Arthur entered without waiting for a reply, his princely stride both casual and confident. He inclined his head to his father in greeting but said nothing, clearly aware this was not a routine meeting.
Both Arthur and Merlin stood silently, waiting for Uther to speak.
The King regarded them for a moment before finally addressing Merlin. "You showed great courage during the events of the royal ball. You acted not for glory, but out of instinct and kindness. For that, I thank you."
Merlin bowed again, unsure how to respond to praise from the King himself.
"However," Uther continued, his voice tightening slightly, "I am less pleased with the reckless behavior of my son."
Arthur's jaw tensed. "I only—"
Uther raised a hand to silence him. "Your intentions are not in question, but a prince must obey his king, just as a soldier obeys his commander. You disobeyed me, Arthur, and endangered yourself and did not take into consideration your role as a future king."
Arthur looked away, chastened, but said nothing more.
Despite his stern words, Uther's tone shifted as he continued. "That said, a king is only as strong as the men who stand beside him. And a prince—especially one who is to inherit the throne—must learn to trust those who would protect him."
He turned back to Merlin. "As such, I am appointing you as Prince Arthur's manservant. It is both a reward for your bravery and a responsibility worthy of your character."
Merlin's eyes widened in disbelief. A manservant? He wanted to protest, but years of experience told him now was not the time. He forced a polite nod, though inwardly he bristled.
Arthur, however, was not so restrained. "Father, with all due respect—Merlin? He's... he's hardly fit to be a servant, let alone mine."
Uther's gaze hardened. "He saved your life, Arthur. A prince does not get to choose loyalty. Loyalty must be earned, and in this case, it was."
Arthur opened his mouth to argue further but saw the finality in his father's expression. He fell silent, his frustration visible in the taut lines of his face.
"And Merlin," Uther added, "You will be given quarters near the prince's chambers. You have proven yourself worthy of more than your current station."
With a brief nod, the King dismissed them both.
Outside the study, Arthur rounded on Merlin, his voice low but heated. "I didn't ask for a servant, especially not you."
Merlin folded his arms, his expression neutral. "And I didn't ask to serve you. But it looks like we're stuck with each other."
Arthur scowled but said nothing more. The two young men stood there for a moment—two very different lives now suddenly entwined—before silently turning to head toward their new and uncertain arrangement.