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Today’s meeting of the round table has been chaotic, to say the least. But, to be fair, it has been that way ever since the magic ban was lifted in Camelot. The reason for that is the fact that Merlin, previously standing somewhere behind the king and offering little to no input, now was appointed the court sorcerer and received the seat at Arthur’s right side. That means that, with his new position, he is allowed to say a lot more than he used to, and, obviously, he uses this power to its full extend.
Now, for once, the meeting is chaotic not because of Merlin’s incapability of shutting the fuck up, but because Gwen and Arthur got into their arguing mood and are currently bickering about which knights should be stationed where.
Leon keeps looking between them awkwardly. Lancelot seems tired, most likely putting all his strength into the ancient art of staying awake in the early morning. Gwaine and Elyan lost their interest a long time ago, gossiping about something in hushed voices. Percival and Mordred at least pretend to wait politely for their orders. The highly esteemed court sorcerer of Camelot sits comfortably in his place with his legs on the round table.
‘Mordred’ Arthur speaks in an annoyed voice. The young knight stands up immediately, ready to hear the king’s order. ‘You will take a group of knights and station by the northern border.’
‘Yes si-’ Mordred starts obediently, but is unfortunately interrupted.
‘The northern border is protected well enough’ Gwen cuts in. ‘You will go and join the patrol in the southern part of the kingdom.’
‘Yes, my queen-’ Mordred nods once again, however Arthur clearly has more things to say.
‘Both southern and northern borders need the finest patrols’ the king explains, the irritation extremely visible in his voice. ‘But we do not have enough knights to provide that. We need to divide them intelligently so that the most endangered places are protected best.’
‘Do I have to remind you, Arthur, that the last attack came from the southern side?’ Gwen shots back. ‘Mordred will take his knights and join the patrol by that border.’
Elyan covers his mouth to hide his smirk, clearly proud of his sister. Gwaine has no restrains and does not even try to hide his enjoyment of the situation.
Arthur, on the other hand, is not amused. ‘Mordred, I am your king and you will do as I say.’ he states through gritted teeth.
‘Well, I am the queen and you will listen to my orders.’ Gwen adds, probably more out of spite than anything else. That is honestly understandable, Merlin thinks. Arthur must have been a total prat again. He probably needs someone to put him in his place.
Poor Mordred stands before the round table, looking between Arthur and Gwen in total loss.
‘Good luck, buddy’ Gwaine adds helpfully. He yelps shortly and bends forward as someone, probably Lancelot, elbows him hard in his stomach. At least the knight has some compassion for the poor Mordred.
‘I.. don’t know who I’m supposed to listen to.’ The young knight admits, looking completely defeated. He kind of reminds Merlin of a kicked puppy.
‘Me.’ Arthur and Gwen say at the same time and turn to glare at each other sharply.
Merlin sighs. ‘Mordred’ he speaks as every member of the council turns in his direction, looking at him curiously. Mordred raises his head hopefully. ‘You will go to the eastern border and replace the knights stationed there. Send half of them to the north and half to the south.’
Arthur grins mockingly, opening his mouth to laugh at his ex-servant confidently giving orders. However, the laugh dies on his lips the moment Mordred bows respectfully and says: ‘Yes, my lord.’
Silence follows. The knights stare at Merlin in utter disbelief. Gwaine seems amazed, Leon, however, looks as if he has taken personal offence on Arthur’s behalf. Gwen and Arthur both glare at Mordred, who seemingly sees nothing unusual in his reply. He turns to leave, and, as Merlin presumes, prepare for the departure to the eastern station.
‘Mordred.’ Arthur stops him in his tracks. The knight turns around politely, waiting for the king to continue. ‘I am giving the orders here.’ Arthur reminds, as if he was explaining something obvious to an unaware child. Gwen watches the interaction, now looking more amused than anything else. She is clearly more content with Merlin having it his way than her husband.
Mordred simply shrugs. ‘You’re my king, sire.’ he starts awkwardly. ‘But Emrys is my god. My first loyalty is always to him.’
The room is perfectly silent for a few seconds. Then Elyan screams: ‘THAT’S AN OPTION?’ followed by Gwaine’s loud laughter.
‘No, NO!’ Arthur stutters, trying to save the situation. ‘This is definitely not an option.’ he states, glaring at Merlin as if it was his fault he was being worshipped by the druids. The warlock simply shrugs in reply, not surprised at all.
‘Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.’ Gwaine says, trying to control his laugher. ‘Arthur, I am changing my religion. From now on I answer to Emrys.’
‘You- you can’t do that!’ Arthur shouts, disbelief written all over his face. Gwen desperately attempts to hide her smirk and keep her remaining dignity.
‘I mean.. at least his suggestion is good.’ Lancelot adds helpfully, but the smile on his face betrays his satisfaction.
‘May I.. go now, my lord?’ Mordred asks carefully.
Arthur stares at him blankly. ‘And are you asking me or Merlin right now?’ he says sarcastically, but goes still as Mordred’s eyes automatically go towards the court sorcerer.
‘You may.’ Merlin replies simply, completely unashamed.
Arthur returns to his seat, sighing deeply in disappointment as his, or, apparently, Merlin’s knight leaves the room and closes the door. Leon at least seems to share his disappointment, clearly regretting his life choices. Percival has the decency to look mildly confused. However, Gwaine, Lancelot and Elyan seem to be overjoyed at the turn of events.
‘Are you all going to start taking Merlin’s orders now?’ Arthur asks blankly, now not as sarcastically as he did before. He must realize now that a confirming answer is a probable option.
‘Yes.’ Gwaine states immediately.
‘Possibly.’ Elyan adds.
‘Well..’ Lancelot is at least noble enough to hesitate. ‘Depends on the order.’
‘I’d say this is a big improvement.’ Gwen says, smirking at Merlin, who returns it with a mischievous smile. The new possibilities of the chaos they could unleash together start dawning on them.
Arthur blinks slowly, unavoidably accepting his fate. ‘Are you proud of yourself, Merlin?’ he asks the man, or maybe the god, who used to be his manservant just a few months ago.
‘It’s Lord Emrys to you.’ Merlin replies smugly.
Arthur groans as Gwaine and Elyan break into fits of laughter. He should have known better than to appoint a literal god as his court member.