#unpossible

*cries on the dance floor as the disco ball spins and the funk boogies on around me* I'm so fucking rusty god help me

Gadarene by Unpossible

“You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.” Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.” “You don’t seem mad,” he says. The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”

This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is a fantastically written dark epic. This is one of my favorite fics in the Merlin fandom because of the palpable tension between Merlin and Arthur from minute one. The story is relatively long but the pacing makes the story fly by. Despite being much heavier than canon, the story still feels like Merlin in terms of characterization and action. It just leans into the darker aspects that the family friendly tv show glossed over without just being whump for whump’s sake. The romance between them is delicately crafted too, and romantic even in the context of a slavery/hostage situation. 

This one goes in my top 10.

If you like this one, you might also like

Keep Your Secrets

This is a rec list for the square ‘Slaves’ on Merlin Bingo and should finally complete a line. I’ve listed a long fic, a mid-sized one and a short one.

Gadarene by Unpossible

https://archiveofourown.org/works/362891/chapters/589296

This is a canon au, a long fic and well worth a read but do heed the warnings.

Arthur is prone to fits of madness (known as the mad prince of Camelot) and so is forced to share power with his uncle ‘for the good of the kingdom’. Of course it is anything but.

This is a compassionate Arthur who takes Merlin as his slave in order to protect Merlin from Kanen. There’s a lovely slow burn romance. It’s a fandom classic for a reason.

Viking’s Slave by Rotrude

https://archiveofourown.org/works/440290

Rotrude’s historical aus are always a satisfying read. This one is a 35k Viking au where Arthur is a Jarl, the king’s son. He finds Merlin having his virginity auctioned out and decides to buy him. Merlin doesn’t speak the language and things don’t go well once Arthur’s got him home. Again there is a slow romance as Arthur gains Merlin’s affection, but the plot continues with added twists beyond that.

Crown of Thorns by Schweet Heart

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7901902

Genji “suns out, buns out” Shimada finally learns how to put pants on again.

Ashes, Embers, Flames

Author: unpossible

Rating: Explicit

Setting: ModernAU

Word Count: 65k

Summary: Merlin sees him across a crowded living room and promptly spills his beer down the back of the couch and over some hapless stranger’s neck.