It had been three years since a clumsy oaf saved his life and became his manservant.
Of course the physical attraction came first, how could it not with Merlin looking the way he did? Those cheekbones and blue eyes that were more inviting than a cool pond in summer heat.
Arthur had written it off, there had been other men that Arthur could admit he was attracted to, and he is sure had he pursued he’d have them.
None of those men were Merlin, none of them laughed with him as a friend, or spoke to him as a person. No, those men tried too hard to make him laugh and offered him service and obedience.
Today marked three years and he was ready to finally court Merlin.
Armed with his Mother’s Sigil, the most precious possession he owns. He would present it to Merlin when he came into the bed chamber to wake him and offer his affections.
He sat upright, still dressed in his bedclothes and systematically caressing his mothers sigil. As he mentally rehearsed his confession.
The elegant and charming speech vanished the second the doorknob turned, and by the time Merlin actually entered, Arthur wasn’t sure if he’d ever prepared anything to say.
‘Rise and Shine my Lord.’ Merlin greeted casually as he sat down the breakfast tray Arthur hadn’t even noticed.
‘Merlin, this Sigil of my mother is for you.’ Arthur said awkwardly as his his face burned in embarrassment and anxiety.
Merlin looked at the item in sudden shock and wordlessly ask permission to hold it. Arthur handed the sigil over, his fingers lingering over Merlin’s as he did so.
‘Aw thank you.’ Merlin said gratefully.
‘You know what that means?’
‘Yeah. Sure.’ the servant said as a smile spread across his face, lighting up his eyes.
Never before had Arthur felt so much happiness as he began to move closer to Merlin, eager to finally hold him close.
‘Another one for my collection.’ Merlin sang, carefully pocketing the sigil before turning to open the curtains.
Arthur sat, opened armed and confused on his mattress as the words are processed.
‘My collection of sigils! From various lords and ladies, one knight three princesses or princes of neighboring kingdoms!’ he answered, moving on to the cupboard for Arthur’s clothes.
‘Ah.’ Arthur sighed as he realized Merlin in fact did not know the importance of giving away sigils as a royal, and that he apparently had more competition than he had expected for Merlin’s affection.
‘One or two of them said it would grant me immunity in their kingdom should I ever have to run from this one.’ the raven haired man laughed as he picked out a decent ensemble for his King to wear.
Arthur was still trying to gather his own whirlwind of emotions, so he didn’t reply, but as always Merlin talked enough for the two of them.
‘Most royals really aren’t as bad as I though they be would be, but you are setting the bar very low to begin with’ Merlin joked as Arthur got out of the bed.
‘I’ll take that back.’ Arthur said, rudely reaching into Merlin’s pocket and taking back his mother’s sigil.
‘What? No! My collection.’ the manservant whined.
‘And I want a list of anyone who gave you theirs!’ the royal prat demanded as he walked back over to his breakfast.
‘I’ll give you the list and every sigil I have, but I- I want your sigil Arthur.’ Merlin said, grabbing Arthur’s wrist.
Arthur felt the swell of hope in his chest, but he hid his emotions as he turned to face Merlin.
Where Arthur hid his feelings, Merlin left his on display. His eyes were wide and honest, and his hold on Arthur’s wrist tightened.
‘I like the sigils a lot, but I don’t need immunity in any other kingdom; because I have no desire to leave Camelot.’ Merlin said earnestly.
‘Merlin…you don’t understand what a sigil means, but when you do find out, the sigil is yours.’ Arthur answered as a mischievous grin crossed his face.
Merlin began to complain but Arthur interrupted him before he could.
‘Here is the one and only hint I will give you, so pay attention you idiot.’ the prince teased before he took Merlin’s hand that had still been wrapped around his wrist.
He held his eye contact with Merlin as he kissed his hand.
At first Merlin scoffed in amused confusion, but when he looked back at Arthur’s eyes he understood.
‘You turnip head, I still want that list of names. Arthur’s laughed before pulling Merlin into his arms.
‘Do you still want my sigil Merlin, no that you know what it means for me to give it to you?’
Merlin made a annoyed face before he snatched it from Arthur.
‘Just you try and take it back you royal prat, you’re stuck with me now.’ Merlin teased as he placed a soft first kiss on Arthur’s lips.
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