The Once & Future King

𝑩𝑼𝑹𝑮𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑪𝑯𝑰𝑷𝑺 𝑾𝑬𝑹𝑬 𝑷𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑬𝑫 𝑩𝑬𝑭𝑶𝑹𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑴 ,  something to encourage the man that was sitting across her .   it’s almost exam week ,  and even if they were both in different programs ,  lara jean enjoyed to study together and aim to have a high grade ;  more that they should be in the top 10 .   a smile formed on her lips ,  grabbing a piece of fry from the plate and took a bite .   she aimed to be good at her studies ,  always trying to be as best as margot .     (   not everyone can be perfect in studies …  but i know i’ll be compared to her scores .   )     she shove that thought away as she turned back to her study buddy aka her boyfriend .     ❛     no couple dates until we finish exam week ,  only study date ones .     ❜     [   @reliquusrex​   ]

He couldn’t help his stomach starting to grumble with the food sitting in front of him as he looked over at his girlfriend. he hated exams, he swears they never put anything that they actually studied from the course in the exams. it was lara jean who suggested them to study together, he really didn’t’ want to take away from her own studies, he knew how important her classes were. he knows that she’ll do amazing in her exams, she so brilliant. eating his burger, he made a small face at her words. ‘ no couple dates? you drive a hard bargain just to pass some classes,’ not like he was failing, he was doing rather well.

𝑺𝑯𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑫𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑬𝑹𝑻𝑺 𝑫𝑰𝑫 𝑺𝑶𝑼𝑵𝑫 𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑨𝑵𝑻𝑰𝑪 ,  she would love to share one with arthur .   perhaps it’s her fault for watching too many chick-flics,  as well as disney movies ;  the thought of having pasta like the lady and the tramp would have been fun .   she tried to keep her hair steady and straight ;  however ,  it’s still lively .   eyes fluttering as a smile flashed on her lips ,  finding the scenery to be relaxing .   dinner light candles ,  fancy outfits ,  it was different ;  but it really stand out to show that they were now dating and not just best of friends .     ❛     well …  maybe a caesar salad …  and just carbonara for me ,  then banana split for desert ?   is …  that okay ?     ❜

It was something that they were going to share and remember about their date together. he’s not ashamed that he’s watched all the chick-flics in the world, re-watched the disney movies, just so he can have the right amount of romantics for their date. he felt as if he didn’t have a romantic bone in his body, he blames his father for that. but he needed to do this all on his own, he wants to make her smile and laugh, even more now since they are dating. ‘ that’s perfect lara jean, you don’t have to worry about a thing, i promise you that. i think a chicken piccata with a caesar salad will work for me.’

𝑭𝑳𝑨𝑻𝑻𝑬𝑹𝒀 𝑫𝑶𝑬𝑺 𝑮𝑬𝑻 𝑷𝑬𝑶𝑷𝑳𝑬 𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑾𝑯𝑬𝑹𝑬 .  but in moments like this ,  she would rather that it would be kept hidden and not be spoken out loud in the middle of the corridors .   gaius had mentioned before ,  the walls have ears and the doors have eyes .   she must be careful .     ❛     court me ?   a royal like you shouldn’t even consider me as a possible bride .   your father would have rolled in his grave and agravaine would discourage it .     ❜     she commented ,  but gave a small laughter ;  nodding her head at their secret .

He knows that to say these kinds of things, out in the open would be caused for questions. yet, he refused to fear the situation, he knows he must be careful, somehow it just might get back to his uncle. he raised his eyebrows at her words, ' but you didn't say no to the chance to courting you,' he pointed out with a teasing tone. ' well, we will be happy my father will never know of this, and what agravaine doesn't know won't hurt him.'

𝑩𝑬𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑨 𝑷𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑪𝑬𝑺𝑺 ,  she had been trained to follow whatever her future husband would want ;  mostly she had studied about the democracy and how to rule by the side even if her father only wanted her to be a follower ,  a more lady like woman .   while they were following behind the two kings ,  she tried to remain calm being beside the prince of camelot .   it was a weird place to be with ;  as she had only heard much about the royals in these place .   while they may be allies ,  the maiden had no clue who they really were .     (   camelot still …  hated magic ,  however .   )     nodding at his suggestion ,  she offered a small smile .     ❛     alright ,  that would be lovely ;  but don’t we need to learn more of the arrangement they plan for us …  prince arthur ?     ❜

He’ll be a future king, and as his father tried to tell him, that he would lord over everyone and they would do what he wanted. he could understand that, but not in his marriage. he had heard all about how his mother and father had a close and equal union from things he’s heard. that’s what he wants as well for himself and his wife. he wanted them to be able to talk freely and discuss anything, regardless of how hard the subject was, like magic. he was still on the fence about it himself, more times he leaned towards lifting the ban when he becomes king. ‘ trust me, i know my father, it will be less of the arrangement for us, and rather what he get from this union. besides… i would like to talk to you, just us, princess lara jean.’

𝑪𝑯𝑼𝑪𝑲𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑨𝑻 𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑻𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻 ,  she shook her head and looking at the menu once again ,  not really sure if she should order anything else .   she was so used to just pizza and such ,  but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t eat anything fancy ;  usually it’s with the family and she would eat more of what the others order as she isn’t that sure much .   but she suppose she’d get some dessert later .     ❛     maybe a banana split sundae then ?   we could share them ?   that sounds romantic right ?     ❜

He grinned at her chuckle, knowing that anything she wants to order he can take care of it with ease. He’s not going to have her worry about that. he likes that he can do something big and fancy like this, that doesn’t mean he opposes the subway sandwiches and pizza. this just made it a little more special since it was their first date together. he smiled when she brought up about sharing a banana split. “It is very romantic and I would love to share one with you, lara jean.”

𝑺𝑯𝑬 𝑫𝑰𝑫𝑵’𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝑵𝑻 𝑻𝑶 𝑴𝑨𝑹𝑹𝒀 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑳𝒀 ,  nor does she had expected to carry this burden of getting engaged with the prince of camelot .   she let him hold her hand and allowed him to press a kiss .   nodding her head ,  she kept a smile fixed as she didn’t want to upset her father in anyway ,  nor allow uther to raise a possible argument that she wasn’t going through it .   turning her attention to their parents ,  she bowed lightly and nodded while she stood next to arthur while the two kinds discussed about their plans .   she turned to look at the prince beside her ,     ❛     shall we follow them ?     ❜

It wasn’t what he wanted for himself, and he’s fairly sure that she wouldn’t want this either. he understands his duty is to marry, have heirs and continue his family line. but, it wasn’t love, this was just a marriage for political gain and yes, while he couldn’t be against what the alliance would bring, it wasn’t right to force it upon them both. watching the two father’s head inside, arthur bowed his head respectfully before turning his head to the princess beside her. ‘ actually, would you like to see our gardens? they will be gone for a long time and we could find something better to do.’

𝑾𝑯𝒀 𝑾𝑨𝑺𝑵’𝑻 𝑰𝑻 𝑴𝑨𝑹𝑮𝑶𝑻 𝑾𝑯𝑶 𝑾𝑨𝑺 𝑩𝑬𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑫 ?  her sister safe back home and the travel was too long for her own good .   her mother would have said no to this joining if she was still alive ,  but it was her father’s work and she would follow her duty as a princess .   horses had come to a halt ,  eyes fixed on king uther and prince arthur that stood on top of the stairs .   the ravenette was assisted by their guards ,  as the royal family of camelot approaches .   greetings shared between the two kings ,  she was quiet before she was introduced .     ❛     it is a pleasure to meet you ,  your majesty .     ❜     /     @reliquusrex​​   ♡

He’s very confident that his father doesn’t wish for him to ever be happy. he knows that this is a part of his world, arranged marriages. but, his father got to marry for love, why wasn’t he given the same treatment? he always felt bad for the princesses that would come here, hoping for the chance to marry the prince of camelot. he never disliked any of the women he met, it just never felt like his choice. he wanted to actually get to know the person instead of thrown into a marriage. He bowed his head respectfully, kissing the back of her hand. ‘ it is an pleasure to meet you as well, your highness. ’

Morgana lifted her head to look at Arthur. “Why?” she asked, her voice soft. “In the end, I am just a pawn for your father’s political advantage. Men travel from far and wide to see the beautiful Lady Morgana. But no one ever cares to ask what she feels.”

Leaning in, Merlin brushed a tender kiss to Arthur’s cheek. “You won’t regret this, I promise. And at least now you can’t bully me about where we sit if we go on picnic dates like you did with Mithian.” He knew that Mithian would have been a good match for Arthur and he’d been surprised when he ended up not marrying her. She would have been a good Queen to have at Arthur’s side and he wondered if he might be able to talk Arthur into at least finding the kingdom a Queen one day since he knew that wasn’t a role he could take. King Consort wasn’t really a thing, was it? He wasn’t sure. “I can’t believe this is happening. It seems like it’s been so long that I’ve wanted you.”

             "Smiling, he leaned into the kiss on his cheek, turning his head to kiss Merlin's cheek. "I would never regret a moment of being with you. Now, I could still bully you, but I'll do my best to reign myself in." He knew that Mithian would have been a good choice as Queen, but she wasn't the right choice for his heart. As long as Merlin has been telling him that he should be happy, he knew that this was the right time for him to be happy. He would have to figure out this would work, but they would get there. "I know what you mean, it never seemed like we'd get here."

𝑭𝑹𝑶𝑴 𝑩𝑬𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑩𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝑭𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑵𝑫𝑺 𝑻𝑶 𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑼𝑨𝑳𝑳𝒀 𝑫𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮 .   lara jean hoped that things wouldn’t end badly .   she knows it was bad luck in thinking of a break up on their first date ,  but they had been friends for so long and if things go wrong ,  she wouldn’t just lose a boyfriend ,  but also her best friend .   eyes focused on him before her cheeks flushed at seeing his hand laid on top of her ,  smiling happily at their closeness .   with the candle in the middle of their table ,  she felt as if the surrounding as truly romantic .     ❛    you are too .   i think i’ll just have a lasagna …  something simple and not at all pricey .     ❜

The jump from best friend into dating seemed as easy to him like breathing. he knows that he would do everything that he could to make sure that things stay good like this between them. she is his best friend and someone he loved so much. he would never risk anything in losing this bond that they have had since they were little. smiling, he gently squeezes her hand. he hopes that the setting in romantic in her eyes, he knows how much she loves it and she deserves all the romance in the world. ‘ get whatever your heart desires, the limits are endless.

𝑰𝑭 𝑰𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝑺 𝑪𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑻 𝑮𝑶𝑺𝑺𝑰𝑷 ,   he wasn’t helping with how his words came out .   cheeks tinted with light pink at his compliment before she chuckled ,  shaking her head .     ❛    thank you ,  arthur ,  for the compliment .   however ,  if the court hears you ,  rumours will be spread again .   so you have to be careful ,  not to let others hear .     ❜     she placed a finger on her own lips as to tell him to keep it a secret ,  smiling .

He knows that he might not making things better with his words, but he wasn’t going to stop from taking that chance to tell Lara Jean how he felt. ‘ you’re welcome lara jean, well, in order for the court to not hear me, i would have to be allowed to court you, so that may I be able to tell you these compliments in private. ‘ he hoped that she would understand his feelings, chuckled softly at her placing her finger on her lips. ‘ our secret? ‘

Thank you to everyone in advance for anyone who can help me.

❛     i suppose .   other people are close to you as well ,  why aren’t they seen as different ?   i’ve always been used to be in the shadows ,  but now …  it’s like the sun rays shine down on me .   but thank you ,  for seeing me for me .     ❜

‘ court gossip i assume, they are more likely to come up with ideas of what two people might be doing in comparison of what the knights and i are doing. i’ll always see you for you, but if i may add, the sun rays look beautiful when they shine down on you.’

“I would be honored to be courted by you, so long as you consider it the same for me doing with you, of course.” His courting with Freya had been short lived and Will had been, well, that had never been a full time thing either. There might’ve been a chance with Lancelot too, but they never got that open with each other. Here, now, he hoped that things could last with himself and Arthur. He was tired of losing those that he loved.

“Of course, I want us to be able to court one another.” He never really got the chance to court anyone. All the women that his father would bring around him was because he was hoping to marry his son off. That didn’t exactly give him the chance to know someone’s likes and dislikes. He already felt better about him and Merlin because they knew each other so well. He knows that this is something precious between them and he didn’t want to lose it.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*     @reliquusrex​   /   ♡

‘ i can understand what you mean. you are looked at differently because of our closeness. i want you to know that the way i look at you is never going to change. you will always remain a constant in my life. ‘

𝑬𝒀𝑬𝑺 𝑹𝑶𝑳𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑻𝑶 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑰𝑫𝑬 𝑨𝑺 𝑺𝑯𝑬 𝑾𝑨𝑺 𝑨𝑴𝑼𝑺𝑬𝑫 ,   she knows that he had always been sweet and caring towards her .   it’s nothing new ,  but with their current status at the moment ,  she felt that things were actually going good .   kitty adored arthur more than anything ,  margot had second thoughts about him but still gave her blessing and her dad was the most supportive above all ;  thanking him for letting her learn more and be more open to the world .   after having admitted they liked each other ever since they were kids ,  they were finally official and that this was their first actual date and in a fancy restaurant .   she smiled at him ,  blushing slightly at how nice he was and treating her special .     ❝     it …  it is a date date .   i just …  the prices look expensive ,  very different from the pizza and subs we’re used to .   but i’m …  happy ,  really ,  to spend time with you .   this …  is my first ever date …  i hope i’m doing well …     ❞

A chuckle escaped him as he saw her eye roll, it always got him when he could make her laugh. it was always like a personal mission for him. that feeling of wanting to always see her happy was something that would never change. he cared about her so much and he was glad that her father accepted him and gave him permission to ask lara jean out on a date.  they were finally on a date together and he hopes that it won’t be the last date that they would have together. she was so special to him. ‘ i knows its different and i know that it’s not our pizza or subs… don’t worry about the prices. you deserve this. i’m happy to be with you too.,” reaching across to hold her hand, “lara jean, you’re perfect.”