Chapter 1

~Chapter 1~

In the days leading up to the grand tournament, excitement and anticipation filled the air of Camelot. The bustling streets were adorned with colorful banners, and the castle walls were lined with cheering crowds eager to witness the knights' epic displays of bravery and skill.

Arthur, with the tournament occupying much of his attention, had been training diligently, honing his swordsmanship and strategizing for the battles ahead. Yet, despite his royal responsibilities, his thoughts often wandered to Merlin, whose enchanting presence had captured his heart.

However, Arthur's feelings were a tumultuous mix of affection and frustration. While he admired Merlin's kindness and magical abilities, he couldn't help but feel threatened by Merlin's ability to effortlessly wield magic, something Arthur saw as unnatural and dangerous.

Unaware of the true extent of Merlin's power, Arthur's insecurities manifested in the form of a facade, a mask of arrogance and bullying that he used to distance himself from those he cared about most. He couldn't allow himself to be vulnerable, especially when it came to Merlin, who had unknowingly become his most significant weakness.

On the eve of the tournament, Arthur found himself in the bustling marketplace, surrounded by merchants peddling their wares. It was in this chaotic setting that he spotted Merlin, his raven hair hidden beneath a simple hood, carefully selecting herbs from a vendor's stall. Arthur couldn't resist the urge to approach him, but he had to maintain his distance, lest his true feelings betray him.

"Hey, you!" Arthur called out in a teasing tone, attempting to mask the tenderness in his voice. "What do you need all these herbs for? Planning to cook up some magical potion, Merlin?"

Merlin turned, his eyes widening in surprise as he recognized the prince. Despite his upbringing as a servant in Ealdor, Merlin had a sharp wit and a certain charm that won him friends wherever he went. However, in the presence of Prince Arthur, his natural confidence waned, replaced by an endearing innocence.

"Oh, um, hello, my lord," Merlin stammered, offering a small smile. "I-I'm just helping Gaius with his remedies. You know, healing the sick and injured. No magical potions, I promise."

Arthur raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress the smile that threatened to escape. "Right, healing. Just be careful not to mix up any spells while you're at it. We wouldn't want any magical mishaps in the castle."

Merlin chuckled nervously, not entirely sure if Arthur was teasing or making a veiled threat. He had always been cautious about revealing his magical abilities, even unintentionally, and being close to Arthur only heightened his apprehension.

As the days passed, Arthur's teasing and playful jabs continued, and though Merlin couldn't deny the pain they caused, he chose to endure them in silence. Little did he know that Arthur's taunts were merely a shield to protect his own heart, a defense mechanism against the overwhelming emotions he felt whenever he was near Merlin.

Despite his rough exterior, Arthur's heart ached with guilt whenever he witnessed Merlin's downcast eyes or heard the faint traces of hurt in his voice. He couldn't bear the thought of causing Merlin any pain, but he also couldn't allow himself to reveal his true feelings.

It wasn't until the night of the tournament that fate intervened once more, weaving their destinies together in a way neither of them could have anticipated.

As the tournament commenced, the knights displayed their prowess in a series of thrilling challenges, each vying for the honor of being named the victor and the chance to stand beside the future king. Arthur stood proudly as he watched the knights compete, the weight of his impending responsibilities heavy on his shoulders.

Meanwhile, in the crowded stands, Merlin watched with bated breath, cheering for Arthur with genuine enthusiasm. Unbeknownst to him, a group of unruly spectators, envious of Arthur's stature and position, had noticed Merlin's support for the prince and recognized him as the servant boy always by Arthur's side.

With mischief in their hearts, the group approached Merlin, taunting him for associating with the prince. Their words stung, but Merlin tried his best to ignore them, not wanting to draw attention to himself or his connection to Arthur. However, their cruelty escalated, and soon they were shoving him, attempting to provoke a reaction.

Arthur, who had been engrossed in the tournament, caught a glimpse of the altercation from the corner of his eye. His heart raced with anger, but instead of immediately intervening, he hesitated, torn between his duty as a prince and his desire to protect Merlin.

Before Arthur could make a decision, something remarkable happened. With a flick of Merlin's wrist, the unruly boys were sent sprawling backward, their menacing grins replaced with shock and fear. The crowd around them gasped, and whispers of sorcery spread like wildfire.

The tournament ground to a halt as the knights and spectators turned their attention to the magical display. Arthur's heart pounded in his chest, torn between his loyalty to the laws of Camelot and his concern for Merlin's safety.

In that moment, their worlds collided, and Merlin's secret was laid bare before the entire kingdom. The consequences of their forbidden love and the revelation of Merlin's magic would shape the course of Camelot's history and test the strength of their bond in ways they could never have imagined.

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