Chapter Text
“What are you looking at, Arthur?” Queen Guinevere asked her husband when she found him in a random hallway, eyes fixed on something out the window. It was a cold day, early morning, so the snow from the previous night still looked mostly perfect. Few people were outside yet, only some servants on their way to work and guards on duty.
“What? Nothing. I'm just thinking.” Gwen could just about hear Merlin's mocking voice in her head saying, “thinking? That's a new one.”
“About what?” She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her chin on his shoulder.
“I ordered a dagger to be made for each of the Knights of the Round Table, as they insist upon calling themselves. The blacksmith who made them lives about a day’s ride from here, and I doubt he'll be able to make it in this weather. I'll just send Merlin.” Gwen rolled her eyes.
“Speaking of Merlin…”
“Hmm?”
“What have you gotten him for Yule?” He looked at her incredulously.
“Was I supposed to get him something?” She swatted his arm.
“Arthur.” He chuckled and turned to kiss her forehead.
“Yes, alright, alright, I'll think of something.”
“Good,” she nodded and pulled away, “I'm off to see Elyan. Be good.” She left her husband with a peck on the lips. What the hell am I supposed to get for that idiot? Arthur thought. I'll just ask him what he wants.
~~~•••~~~
Later that night as Arthur took a bath and Merlin tidied the royal chambers, Arthur remembered his early conversation with Guinevere.
“So, Merlin, my wife seems to be under the impression that you deserve a gift for Yule,” Merlin scoffed, “I usually find it's in my best interest to listen to her, though I don't know how you convinced her of that one.”
“I didn't say anything, you clotpole.”
“Regardless,” Arthur continued, “I wanted to know what you want.” Merlin paused his chores and thought for a moment. Then, he simply shrugged.
“I don't want anything.” He proclaimed. Arthur laughed.
“You, Merlin, are the one person who'd turn down a royal gift. Besides, you must want something.” Merlin shook his head.
“I really don't.”
“Come on…”
“Fine, you insufferable prat, if you'll shut up, I'll pick something.” They were silent for a few minutes and Merlin continued his cleaning, "The evening off.”
“What? Merlin, there's the feast Yule evening and-”
“No, no. Don't worry about it. I'll work.” The poor warlock looked crushed. All he wanted was some time off, was that too much to ask? But Arthur was determined to make him happy.
“No. You'll get your evening off. Not to worry, Merlin.” He decreed. Merlin smiled.
“Thank you, Arthur!” He practically squealed. Arthur chuckled.
“Whatever, Merlin; don't be such a girl’s petticoat about it.”
~~~•••~~~
“So, where's Merlin?” Gwaine asked. It was the Yule feast and the party was in full swing. Nobody was completely sober and the dancing was lively.
“He asked for the night off for his Yule gift.” Arthur explained and Gwaine scoffed.
“Really, princess? It has to be a gift for you to give him time off?” Arthur shrugged, but inwardly felt guilty. Merlin did work hard, despite all of his teasing, and sure he complained about his excessive amount of chores, Arthur was big enough to admit it was excessive, but Merlin never complained when Arthur really needed him; not when it counted. “Anyway,” Gwaine continued, “I bet he's off doing something fun, although he should've invited me. Where did he go?” Arthur shrugged.
The conversation was dropped for a while as they went about their evening. When the feast came to a close, late that night, (really it was early the next morning), snow began to fall and Guinevere dragged her husband out to the courtyard steps to watch it fall. The Knights followed, happy to see the King contented. Gwaine was tossing around an apple, about to take a bite. Leon snatched it from him.
“Don't you think you've eaten enough for the night? Why don't you give the apple to one of the horses?” Gwaine rolled his eyes and mumbled something under his breath, but headed to the stables nonetheless. After a few moments, he poked his head out.
“Guys! Merlin's horse is gone!” Technically, it wasn't Merlin's horse, it was one of Arthur's that only responded to the warlock and not the King. Arthur refused to acknowledge it was no longer his.
“You mean my horse.” Everyone else rolled their eyes.
“Regardless,” Guinevere started, “I wonder where he went.” Percival nodded in agreement.
“And why isn't he back? It's late.” Now Arthur rolled his eyes.
“Idiot probably got lost. Come on, let's go get him.” He pecked his wife on the cheek while the Knights grumbled and saddled the horses, and the went to find their friend.
~~~•••~~~
“Anyway, Freya, I miss you.” Merlin kneeled by the lake, snow falling on his brow, but he didn't care. He was talking to his love, even if she wasn't there to talk to him. He stood up and gave one last longing look towards the lake and turned around. He found his horse and patted him lovingly, dusting some snow off him. “I'm sorry, Hengroen, you must be cold. Don't worry, we'll be back in Camelot soon, and I'll find you a nice shiny apple to make up for this.” He mounted the stallion and started off. He figured it was best to go through the trees, so he had more cover from the snow. He started up the path and was startled by a group of cloaked figures and screamed.
~~~•••~~~
“Anyway, Freya, I miss you.” The Knights heard their friend’s hushed voice from the cover of trees.
“Who’s Freya?” Gwaine wondered aloud, quietly. Percival frowned.
“A lost love, it seems.” Arthur scoffed at Percival’s explanation.
“Obviously not, she can't be. If Merlin had a girl, I would know about it. He tells me everything, even when I wish he would just shut up.” Leon shook his head.
“I don't know, sire, what other explanation is there?”
“Different question,” Elyan began, “I’m just curious, but why are we at this lake?” Everyone turned to face him.
“To find Merlin!” Gwaine exclaimed.
“I know that, I'm saying why is Mer-”
“AHHHH!” They jumped and turned to see Merlin on his horse, startled, face flushed. “What the hell are you doing here?” The Knights and Arthur sputtered, opening and closing their mouths, looking to each other for answers. “Did you- did you follow me?” Merlin accused, clearly wounded.
“No! We thought you had gotten lost! We came to find you, mate.” Merlin dismounted.
“I appreciate the faith you have in me, Gwaine.” He spat sarcastically. Arthur was fuming.
“Merlin! We were just looking out for you! Now why the hell are you at some random lake in the middle of the night talking to a person named Freya, who isn't even here?! Who is she? Why don't I know about her? What is she, your whore?” Arthur fell, making a great thumping noise. He brought his hand up to his stinging face and drew it away to see blood. The King looked up to see a furious Merlin towering over him. “You punched-”
“Never. Speak. Of. Her. Again.”
“Merlin!” Leon yelled. “You can't do that! He is your king and you will show respect!”
“Oh, bite me, Leon.” Merlin spat back. Gwaine couldn't help but laugh. Percival and Elyan both punched him in the arm.
“What did I-”
“Listen to me.” Merlin snarled, “If I ever so much as hear one of you say her name, I will never talk to you again. Are. We. Clear?” The Knights all nodded nervously. No one had ever seen Merlin this way before. Merlin mounted and rode away as Arthur struggled to his feet.
“What the hell just happened?” Elyan asked Arthur.
“I don't know; but I'm sure as hell going to find out.”