Chapter Text
The day of the wedding was a bright day for Camelot. Wreaths of flowers were stretched out over the halls and hung from the windows fluttering in the wind. Each person wore bright clothing with flowers on their persons in honor of the new king's consort they would have by the end of the day.
The wedding was spread throughout the land of Camelot by word of mouth from peasants who were all awestruck by the beautiful ceremony. It was held outside on the balcony as a sign from King Arthur that new days had come to Camelot. No more executions would take place there and the beautiful wedding would show it to the world.
King Arthur stood before them, proud and resplendent in his armor. A full red cape hung from his shoulders and Excalibur hung by his hip. A modest gold crown sat upon his brow before he waited for his soon-to-be-consort to join him. And this Merlin, the well known Emrys, was gorgeous as he appeared by Arthur's side. Wearing light blue silk robes for purity that were embroidered with silver thread, he shone like a star in the night sky. A crown of orange blossoms sat on his head which would be replaced by the consort's circlet soon enough.
It was clear to all those who watched them that they loved each other truly. King Arthur could not take his eyes off of Merlin, a small smile crossing his face as he studied Merlin in the light. They would speak of how shy Merlin had been at the wedding, his eyes trained on the floor and a bright blush staining his cheeks. But none could deny their passion as they came together for a sweet kiss gazing happily into each other's eyes.
After their kiss Merlin sunk to his knees, gazing at Arthur with worship clear on his face. And then his voice rung out over the procession, each person watching with awe.
"I swear to serve Camelot and it's people in all ways that I can, following the accords of their laws. Each decision I make will be made with mercy and justice by my side, guiding my actions in all matters of the state. I shall guide Camelot by my king and husband's side, never betraying him. Camelot is first and foremost in my heart and I shall serve her to the end of my days to the best of my abilities. The things which I have promised here, I will keep and perform. This I swear to the stars themselves."
Then, gently, King Arthur lifted the crown of orange blossoms from Merlin's head and placed it down. Then he lifted the circlet of woven silver from the pillow the priest held before lowering it to rest on Merlin's brow. Their king smiled, leaning down to press a kiss to Merlin's forehead before helping him to his feet. Then Arthur turned to the assembled crowds leading Merlin to face them also.
"People of Camelot!" Arthur called out a gentle arm wrapped around Merlin's waist, "May I present to you your new Consort and Court Sorcerer, Merlin Emrys Pendragon!"
The people let out a great cheer as the ceremony finished and the celebrations began. The king led his consort back inside both smiling happily at each other as they went to their wedding feast. It was a glorious feast, a great creation that spread out over the tables making them groan and strain under the weight of the food. The court would eat well that night, there was no doubt about it seeing how the cooks had spent days on the feast.
Not only that, but the king had the feast spread to the people of Camelot. Even if they were not inside the castle they could take part in the festivities, just another sign of King Arthur's generousness that the people were grateful for. Goodwill was abundant throughout the kingdom in the face of the marriage ceremony. The people thought kindly on the new consort speaking brightly about how he had saved them all from Morgause and Morgana. The effects of their actions were already spreading. Word had gotten out about Morgause's actions in the name of the Church of the Sun and the kings throughout the land were furious with the Church. First the failed crusade and now this was wiping out the Church's power base and leaving them weak. Even more amazing was that many of the kings were now following Arthur's example and beginning to instate court sorcerers and repeal the ban against magic in an attempt to take power back from the Church. It would be a longer and bitter political struggle.
But for Arthur and Merlin, this was the farthest thing from their minds. They were wrapped around each other sharing sappy grins as they celebrated their marriage. "Arthur stop it," Merlin hissed as Arthur tried to steal another kiss, "We're in the middle of a feast!"
Arthur smirked at him, leaning in closer to his new consort (he was married, Arthur never imagined he could actually marry Merlin!) to keep contact. He tugged Merlin in close so their sides were pressed against each other as the feast continued around them. "I don't care much for this feast," Arthur admitted voice a low growl that had Merlin melting into him, "There's another feast I would like to take part in right now."
Merlin snorted with laughter a rather unattractive sound as he dissolved into giggles against Arthur's side. "By the stars that was terrible," Merlin announced a happy grin on his face as he stared up at Arthur with adoration, "Please don't say that again, I doubt my poor heart could take it."
"There's something else you could be taking right now."
"Arthur stop it."
Arthur settled back in his seat keeping his hand intertwined with Merlin's as he attempted to return his attention to the feast. It was hard when Merlin was curled against his side with a happy smile and all Arthur wanted to do was pull him close and kiss Merlin again and again until they were both dizzy with desire. Instead Arthur had to watch the feast until they were able to slip away.
It took another two agonizing hours before the court began to disperse. Merlin and Arthur were pulled into congratulations from the knights before Arthur was able to cart his new spouse off leaving the hall behind. With a possessive hand on ghe small of his back Arthur was able to lead Merlin to their chambers. Arthur would have swept Merlin into his arms to carry him to their bed if not for Merlin's warning look. Instead Arthur led him by the hand to the bed before pulling Merlin onto the soft blankets and covering Merlin's smaller body easily.
Merlin wrapped his thin arms around Arthur's neck happily, a bright smile on his face. "My husband," Merlin whispered awe clear in his voice. Arthur could only lean down to press a quick kiss to the corner of Merlin's mouth.
"You're husband," Arthur murmured knowing that this must seem like a dream for Merlin who had lived so far away from the world before. Ever so gently Arthur removed the circlet from Merlin's head to place it on the end table, his own crown following. Pulling back Arthur reached for the ties to his cloak but before he could remove it Merlin's eyes flashed gold. One second they were fully dressed, the other the clothing was piled neatly in a corner.
Arthur couldn't help but laugh, pressing Merlin into the mattress and nuzzle Merlin's pale neck. "Have I told you how much I love magic?"
"You can always say it again," Merlin teased before letting out a gasp of delight as Arthur bit down on his neck. Arthur chuckled at him pressing a soothing kiss to the red mark he left. "I'll say it everyday," Arthur murmured voice low as he trailed kisses up Merlin's neck before finishing with a soft kiss against Merlin's mouth. Merlin mewled happily under him, sighing happily into Arthur's kiss with a sweet smile.
It was different that night, unlike the night they came together under the stars. That joined had been rushed and desperate, their fear of death and separation driving them onwards into a frenzied night of passion. But it was different this time. Death no longer weighed so heavily on them safe in bed during their wedding night. This was a promise to their future together, the beginning of spending each night safe in each other's arms and every day by the others side.
They were gentle tonight, neither one begging or pleading for faster of harder. Instead they clung to each other sharing soft kisses as they twisted together sharing the same breaths. Merlin clung to Arthur's broad shoulders, mewling as each thrust drove deeper into him leaving him softer, more pliant with each moment. Arthur treated him as if he were glass, murmuring words of adoration into Merlin's ears even as he claimed him fully.
It was not flesh based pleasure, but more for the pleasure of the spirit as it joined with its mate. After they lay together, Merlin's head on Arthur's chest listening to the strong heart beat against his cheek. Arthur ran his strong hand down Merlin's back, petting him as they pressed together under the blankets.
"Are you happy?" Arthur asked, voice a low rumble in the night air.
Merlin tilted his head up to press a kiss to Arthur's cheek. "I'm always happy with you Arthur," he whispered into the night air curling back into the protective embrace of Arthur's strong arms. Together they slowly sunk into the comforting embrace of sleep while clinging tightly to each other.
Spring had come once more upon the land. Flowers bloomed in wild fields and harvests were planted for the preparation of summer times. The air was warm with the promise of rain as the people rushed about their lives hoping to finish before the skies broke open. Last spring had been marked by a wedding of royalty, this spring was marked by good fortune for the kingdom of Camelot.
Behind the borders of Camelot the world was changing rapidly. The Church had lost its power, royalty and nobility had risen back into control. Acceptance of magic was spreading across the continent with each falling of the Church. There were whispers of a land in the north, a land of ice and snow and winter, opening it's borders once more to the world, a land where magic was commonplace and powerful. The world was changing and this would be the land to watch out for.
But in Camelot there was peace. Hidden away from the rest of the world was a simple garden where the Consort of the King sat upon a simple bench under a large tree. Around him bloomed hundred of different roses each one sparkling with unnatural color in the spring sun. This was Merlin's garden, gifted to him by Arthur after the day of their wedding. Merlin had taken off with the idea before using his magic to change the colors of the roses to fantastic shades. The deeper you walked in the garden the more beautiful the colors became.
Merlin gazed down at the rose he held in his hands. It was beautiful and colored like crystals. When the light hit the petals rainbows of light would appear around it. So distracted by was he that Merlin did not notice he was no longer alone until a warm hand came to rest upon his knee. Raising his eyes, Merlin met Arthur's adoring eyes. The king watched him as if he was a precious jewel to be covered and protected.
"Did you know?" Arthur asked his smile warming Merlin to the bone, "That my love walks in starlight?"
Merlin's grin softened that that, turning into a wistful smile. He remembered standing on a grassy hill overlooking a city so grand it hurt to look at, the beauty hiding the rotten center. And the words he had told Arthur then, a promise and his destiny.
"Ego semper ambulare luce stellarum," Merlin mused much to Arthur's enjoyment.
"What does it mean?" Arthur asked. It had always bothered him, the way Merlin had once said it half joyous and half pained so long ago.
Merlin hummed under his breath eyes lost to the images of the path. "It means I will always walk in starlight," Merlin told him a wry grin twisting his lips, "My mother would tell me that when I asked why none of the other children would play with me. She said they walked in the sunlight, and I by starlight."
Arthur rose from his kneeling position and gently tugged Merlin into a gentle kiss. "You never have to say it again," Arthur promised voice feverent as he stroked the side of Merlin's face, "Because you walk in the sun with me, for all to see your beauty."