I just read some of your work and and I love itttttt so much!!!!! I’m trying to write some of my own Merlin stuff to and there needs to be more! Well I had this idea for a bit but after reading your work, I figured it would be perfect for you! The reader is a servant like Merlin and they just constantly argue and bicker and Arthur and the knights do something about it cause they are sick of it and know they really like each other. You don’t have to! It if you do you can end it in anyway 😉😏😏
“Your Majesty, please, I beseech you. Do something.”
“I could throw them both in the stocks for a day.”
“It’s not like Merlin wouldn’t be used to it.”
“True. But I don’t think it would work. They’d just keep arguing next to each other.”
“You could lock them in the dugeons for a day.”
“On what grounds? While it may be annoying, the two of them arguing isn’t against the law.”
“Exactly. I’m a king, not a tyrant. We need to come up with some better ideas.”
“Gwaine could flirt with her in front of Merlin. Make him jealous.”
“Are you mad? I am NOT getting caught up in the crossfire!”
“That scenario would only cause more problems. It would be counter-productive.”
“Sir Leon is right. We need to come up with a better plan.”
A collective chorus of groans and sighs is heard around the round table as the sound of hurried footfalls and snappy retorts filter down the corridor, followed by the sound of a woman scoffing before turning on her heel to walk in another direction. A few moments later a sullen-looking Merlin strode into the room to stand dutifully by Arthur’s side.
“Merlin! So nice of you to take a break from your lovers’ tiff to join us.” Arthur’s curt voice cutting through the silence.
“What are you talking about?”
Arthur gave his manservant a blank stare as the knights shared eye rolls and looks of incredulity. God help them…
“Never the matter, there are more pressing issues to discuss. However, if you and (y/n) could keep your squabbles out of hearing range that would be much appreciated.”
Merlin scowled at the remark, choosing to keep the retort to himself. It wasn’t like he fought with (y/n) on purpose. They were actually friends, Merlin did like her. He like liked her, if he was perfectly honest. Yet every time they spoke, it would end in a disagreement. A slip of the tongue, a misunderstanding, and the conversation between them would sour. He didn’t know what to do…at this rate it was only a matter of time before he pushed her away for good. The idea of that terrified Merlin. He didn’t want to lose her in any way. But he didn’t know what to do about it.
Three knights sitting in a row watched with bored stares as the irate serving girl yanked the empty water pitcher from Merlin’s hand to refill it at the well. Merlin’s shoulders heaved as he released a prolonged exhale before plodding back down on his stool to continue polishing Arthur’s weapons while the King sparred with another knight.
“We should take both of them with us on the next scouting mission and abandon them in the middle of a lake. Refuse to fetch them until they sort themselves out.” Gwaine suggested in a flat tone.
The knights that flanked him on either side blinked before turning their gaze onto the brunette man.
“We have to tell the King!”
Arthur thought it was an excellent idea, and knew just the place to do it. Now the only thing to do was run it by Gaius, (y/n) was his ward after all. As far as Gaius knew, it was just a scouting mission. So he he permitted you to go, tasking you with documenting herbs and plants. Honestly, the elderly physician was eager to see the back of both you and Merlin. He was convinced that the two of you would argue him into premature deafness and relished the idea of peace and quiet. He was also happy to supply Arthur with the sleeping draught he requested, not once thinking to ask what it was for.
A short while later, you and Merlin were standing with the knights and readying the horses. You were struggling to mount yours when Merlin made his way over.
“I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself.”
Merlin frowned and opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by Gwaine exclaiming your name.
“Please, just let him help you.” the pressed knight practically begged.
You swallowed the sharp words on the tip of your tongue along with your pride, “Very well, then…”
You stood with your boot in the stirrup, waiting for Merlin to make his way over to you. When you felt a pair of careful hands on your waist you pushed off your foot and swung your leg over, guided by Merlin’s firm hold. The thrill that ran through your chest at his touch lingered after Merlin let go. All you could think about was how you wanted his hands on you again.
Awkward smiles were exchanged before the pair of you set off after Arthur and his knights.
It took half a day to reach the destination. Once the horses had been fed and secured, Arthur insisted on heading for the small island in the middle of the lake. Which you found odd, but who were you to question the king? So you all shuffled off the modest wharf and onto the rowboat with your packs and set towards the mystery isle. After setting up camp you immediately took out your notebook to jot down the types of herbs and plants growing on the island. The place was a goldmine for supplies, you would be sure to bring some back to Camelot for Gaius. It wasn’t long until you were called back to the campfire for supper. Cups of water made their way around the group, with you and Merlin being served first. Another oddity…and by the look you exchanged with Merlin, you could tell that you weren’t the only one who thought so.
None of it made sense until you woke up with a start, feeling sluggish and drowsy. It was dusk and the campfire had reduced to dimly glowing embers. Merlin sat sleeping beside you, Arthur and the knights were nowhere in sight. Nor were their possessions. This realisation had you sitting upright and shaking Merlin awake.
“Merlin!” there was no denying the urgency in your tone.
Merlin groaned as he blinked his eyes open, head tilting back on the log to look at you. “What’s wrong?”
“What?” Merlin looked around the near nonexistent campfire before sitting upright, eyes wide, “Where did they go?”
“I don’t know. I woke up and it was just you and me. I don’t even remember falling asleep.”
Merlin turned to face you and it was as if you were both piecing the situation together simultaneously in your minds.
“The boat.” Merlin quipped, and with that you were both on your feet and headed straight for the dock.
The boat was gone, a scrap of parchment pinned to the post with a dagger in its place. Merlin took it down, reading it aloud, “Desperate times call for desperate measures. Your bickering is driving us to the point of madness. We shall return to fetch you once you have sorted your differences. Good luck.”
Merlin caught your eye before you turned away, mouth set in a firm line as you glared at the distant speck of their campfire across the lake. You could smell the boys club from over here…
“I’m going to kill them.” you grumbled as you turned on your heel back towards the campsite, being sure to collect firewood on the way.
Merlin wordlessly took half of the load from your arms when you couldn’t gather any more, setting them over in a pile by the dying fire. Then he went over to one of the logs, rifling through a pack that neither of you had noticed.
“What did they leave us?” you asked as you placed kindling on top of the embers.
“Enough rations for two days and…” Merlin trailed off before sending an apologetic look your way, “one bedroll.”
You returned his apologetic look with a deadpan look of your own. You felt your lips turn up at the corners and looked back at your handiwork in an attempt to hide your amused grin.
“Gwaine.” you offered, willing to bet any money that it was his doing.
None of the others would be so audacious.
Merlin felt the heat creep up to the tips of his ears, mouth opening to speak before you interrupted him.
“Please tell me they left us a flint in there.”
“Good. Bring it over here so we can get this fire going again, would you?”
Merlin did so as you made your way to the lake with a pot so you could boil water to make stew. When you returned, Merlin was still trying to get the fire started with the flint. You sighed, shifting the pot in your hands.
“Merlin, why don’t you just use magic?”
The brunette whipped his head towards you at breakneck speed, “What?”
“Your magic, Merlin. You can use it. There’s no one else here.”
Merlin stared at you for a long time, not saying anything. You faltered under the intensity of his gaze, shifting again as the pot grew heavy in your hands.
“It’s getting dark, Merlin.”
It was only then that Merlin turned away from you and towards the fire with a raised hand. His eyes flashed as he murmured a spell, the campfire crackling back to life.
“Perfect. Now to get a move on with this ste-“
Merlin didn’t give you a chance to finish speaking, the pot flying from your hands to rest over the fire, the vegetables and meat flying out of the pack only to be chopped before diving into the pot. The herbs and spices you had packed followed them, the ladle not far behind as it began to stir the ingredients together. You stood with your mouth agape, blinking at the blatant display of magic that had just been performed before your eyes.
“Oh…wow. I didn’t mean…well. Alright then, I’m not complaining-“
“How long have you known?”
You sighed as you sat down on the closest log, heart thumping in your chest when Merlin sat next to you.
“Not long after you arrived in Camelot. It was during a feast. Your eyes…I saw them change. That’s when I knew.” Your eyes flitted between Merlin and the flames, unable to hold his gaze for long.
“You’ve known all this time…all these years and you have said nothing. Why?”
You offered Merlin an understanding smile as you answered: “I figured that you didn’t want me to know. I trusted that if you did, you would tell me in your own time.”
“Of course not!” your head snapped towards Merlin, disbelief written over your face, “Magic is forbidden in Camelot. You saw all the executions that happened during Uther’s time. Arthur may be a more compassionate king than his father, but the law remains the same. If anyone knew that you had magic…” your mouth pressed into a line as you wrung your hands together.
You locked eyes with Merlin, unable to keep the emotions off your face, “Merlin, I would die if anything happened to you.”
Merlin blushed as he licked his lips in a nervous manner, heart leaping in his chest. The confession sounded like a proclamation of love, the way it fell from your lips and it made him hopeful, “You’re…you’re not afraid of me?”
You swallowed, mouth dry as the jittery nerves only seemed to multiply the longer you held Merlin’s gaze. Merlin reached out a hand towards you, brushing the hair from your eyes. The movement wasn’t as smooth as he wanted it to be. Still, you didn’t shy away from him. Your heart skipped a beat when Merlin leaned his face towards yours, followed by a twinge of panic when he hesitated. You mirrored his movement as you looked down at his lips, hoping to encourage him. Merlin didn’t disappoint. You weren’t sure exactly when Merlin’s lips came into contact with yours. It was like time skipped a few moments, you couldn’t remember Merlin closing the gap. You willed your lips to kiss him back, one hand sliding up his shoulder to rest at the back of his head, fingers curling into his hair. A smile tugged at your lips as you continued to kiss Merlin, very aware of the hand he placed on your hip. You twisted your body towards him, getting closer to Merlin was the only instinct you had. A few moments passed and the two of you broke apart for air, lips still touching.
“Finally,” you murmured against Merlin’s lips.
“I know,” Merlin groaned, closing the gap briefly with another kiss, “I’m sorry.”
“Shame on you for making me wait this long,” you continued to chide between kisses.
“Yes.” Merlin didn’t dare fight you, anything to keep your lips on him, “Sorry.”
Merlin’s eyes darkened as he pulled back to look at you, the challenge present in your gaze only further stirring the desire he felt.
And then Merlin was kissing you again, harder, the hand on your hip pulling you closer. You hummed with approval, hand sliding down from the back of his head to rest on the junction of his neck and shoulder. As Merlin’s lips moved their kisses from your mouth to your neck, you shifted over to straddle him, settling comfortably over his thighs as your hands pressed into his chest. From the way his hands gripped your waist, you could tell that Merlin was perfectly happy with the new position.
“Oh…” the murmur of pleasure escaped you as your eyes slid shut, revelling in the feeling of Merlin’s lips trailing hot wet kisses from your pulse point down to your collarbone.
You curled your finger around one of the ties of your blouse. One discreet pull and the neckline became looser, baring the swell of your breasts. Your heart thudded and goosebumps raised upon your arms when Merlin lifted his head so that he could brush his fingertips along the newly-bared flesh. His eyes flitted up to yours for a moment before they lowered down to your body, his fingers replaced by his lips. A soft cry of pleasure escaped as you tilted your head back, arching towards Merlin’s lips. Your hips rolled into him of their own accord, drawing out a groan from your new lover. A thrill of pleasure coursed through your veins when you felt Merlin’s firm hands on your backside, keeping you there.
“Merlin…” you gasped out.
“Do you want me to stop?” Merlin asked, not ceasing with his kisses.
“I…” your eyelids fluttered as another moan left you, “No, it’s just…th-the stew…”
“Hmm?” Merlin peeled his lips away from you with a slight smacking sound, looking up at you before glancing towards the pot which was now on the verge of boiling over.
Merlin cursed under his breath before murmuring a spell, reducing the bubbling pot to a pleasant simmer. A sheepish chuckle left you as you removed yourself from his lap, re-tying the laces on your blouse.
You paused to look at Merlin, eyebrow raised in response to his forlorn protest. The poor boy had trouble meeting your eyes as a flush of embarrassment coloured his cheeks. Bashful meets amused. You lean forward to peck at his lips.
“After dinner,” is the promise you make with a wink.
Merlin blushed harder as the two of you plate up your dinner.
After dinner, you start to snuggle into the bedroll. You look over to Merlin trying unsuccessfully to get comfortable, using a log as a pillow.
Merlin looks over at you, blinking. “Trying to sleep.”
You shake your head with a grin before holding up the blanket with one hand.
Merlin eyes the inviting spot next to you, hesitating.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to do anything to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“Seriously? You kiss me like that and now you’re going to let me sleep cold and alone? Not a chance. Get over here.”
Merlin grins before making his way over to you and sliding under the blanket.
“You sound just like a royal, ordering me around like that.”
“If I was a royal, I’m quite certain that you wouldn’t mind taking my orders.”
Merlin’s eyebrow quirked up as you continued to grin at him, “I don’t believe you would be wrong there…”
You laughed until Merlin leaned in to press a soft kiss on your neck, effectively silencing you. He does it again and your eyes close as you allow yourself to melt into his touch. His lips kiss their way to your thrumming pulse point and you don’t bother trying to hold back the moan. You don’t remember at what point you end up on your back with Merlin hovering over you, and you don’t care. Your hands busy themselves by roaming over his chest and back, soon becoming annoyed with the linen shirt separating your skin from his. You yank the hem out from where its tucked under his belt, feeling the thrill radiate up through your fingertips when your hands slide up the skin of his back. Merlin groans as he pulls his lips away, giving you a pleasant surprise when he sheds both his jacket and shirt. Your hands don’t waste time reacquainting themselves with his body. The man had shoulders for days. Merlin’s eyes smouldered as they stared down at you, sparking a fire in your belly when you stared back into them.
“Is this what you want?” he asked and the affection you had for him increased tenfold.
The lack of hesitation in your voice was all Merlin needed. He pressed his lips to yours and you were lost in the sensation of them. So lost that you almost didn’t hear the words he murmured,
“If there’s anything you don’t like or if you want to stop, tell me.”
His lips brush against yours as he speaks, sending shivers down your spine, “I will.”
Merlin pressed his lips to yours once more before kissing his way down your neck. A hum of pleasure left you as you pressed your lips together. Your hands glided over Merlin’s back, taking in the feel of his skin...the way his muscles rippled under the touch of your palms. Your heart fluttered in your chest when Merlin tugged at the laces of your blouse. As his lips dipped down to your loosened neckline a deep blush blossomed across your cheeks. You cradled the back of his head with a hand as your back arched toward his mouth, a breathy whisper of his name slipped past your lips.
When Gwaine came back with the boat to fetch you and Merlin the next morning, he was greeted with happy grins as you and Merlin stood side by side, hand in hand. The twinkle in Gwaine's eye promised ruthless teasing, but you and Merlin were too loved up to care.