they my knights, who loved me once,

Arthur had caught sight of the chain around Merlin’s neck when he was bent over the fire, poking it with a stick. His first thought was whether Merlin really knew how to tend to a fire, but wanting to stay warm that evening, he chose to remain quiet on that point. His second thought was about the chain itself, peeking out from under Merlin’s usual red scarf. It wasn’t on show, hidden under layers of clothes, so he couldn’t be sure what the necklace was, but Arthur had a hunch of his own. Merlin, and it felt weird to say it, was a romantic at heart. Still the sappy and naïve boy from the country despite the many years and dangers he’d faced in Camelot. This was an irrefutable fact, mostly based on his endless need to ensure him and Gwen were having enough romantic dates. Ridiculous.

So, Arthur deducted that there must be a girl involved, because girls liked jewellery and Arthur could imagine Merlin proudly wearing a token of her affection.

The only flaw to Arthur’s argument was the fact that he had no idea who this girl could be. If it was a few years ago, he might have guessed at Gwen. But now, Arthur wasn’t sure Merlin even knew any girls to court in the first place. He must see other servants around the castle, he supposed. Mentally, Arthur went through all the female servants, trying to work out if they were already engaged or suitable for Merlin.

It was strange, though. Merlin was his friend and servant, and over the years he’s never been aware of any romantic partner- fleeting or not. Arthur narrowed his eyes. Who was this girl?

“Merlin?” He asked because he had finally hit a wall. “I’ve never seen you wear that necklace before. Who gave it to you?” Merlin’s hand automatically went to the back of his neck, touching the visible metal. He turned around, looked at Arthur, then grinned.

“You look like you’re trying to solve a murder mystery.” He laughed and turned back to the fire. Well, that was decidedly not an answer, only intriguing Arthur more.

“A murder mystery you have the answer to.” Arthur stretched out his legs, looking closely at Merlin’s figure. “You won’t tell me, then.”