A/N: If you're a devoted Uther fan, stop right here and don't read anymore. Because this is not a fic in which Uther is warm and fuzzy.

Fathers and Sons

Arthur stared out his window at nothing in particular. Well, just one thing. Merlin's ass as he walked across the courtyard... Why did Merlin have to be so damned attractive?! Why couldn't he be a short, fat, ill tempered servant with a flat ass and an ugly face? Why did he get stuck with the really attractive manservant? Merlin walked towards the palace and out of Arthur's sight. He waited until the manservant walked in and smiled when he could once again stare at the gorgeous thing that was Merlin. Merlin walked in, pale and ill looking. Arthur stopped smiling. "What's wrong?"

"Your father wants to talk to me tonight after dinner."

"Why?"

"He didn't say."

"It can't be bad. You haven't screwed up lately."
Merlin scowled. "I'm probably being fired, or hung for something. "

"No, no you're not. I won't let that happen."

Merlin smiled briefly at the prince, and set down his lunch. "I have to go." He walked out of the chamber solemnly, his ass being eagerly watched by the eyes of Prince Arthur.

Arthur was concerned for Merlin, so after dinner he planned to stay with Merlin for his talk with Uther. When Uther saw his son did not leave, he frowned. "Shouldn't you be retiring, Arthur?"

Arthur stood still. "I'm just waiting for Merlin, so he can clean my room, first. "
Uther laughed, but there was an edge to it. "I think you can go to bed without Merlin's help for one night, son."

"But..."

"No objections, I just want a word with Merlin. He will be with you shortly. Go."

Arthur turned unwillingly and exited the Dining hall. He walked to his room slowly, tense and concerned.

Merlin was alone and afraid. He stood awkwardly in the hall, facing Uther. Uther met Merlin's blue eyes with an intense gaze. He told the other servants to go to bed. Merlin was terrified now. Did Uther know about his magic? Was he planning to quietly dispose of him? Merlin was jolted back to reality when Uther coughed. He looked at the king. Uther beckoned him forward. Merlin slowly advanced, his feet like blocks of concrete. He got five feet away from Uther's chair. Much to Merlin's surprise, Uther smiled.

"Now, Merlin. I know Arthur highly regards you as a friend and a loyal servant. "

"Yes, sire."

"You would do anything for the kingdom?"

"I guess... yes."

"Good. Because I have been interested in engaging your company.I've kept silent until now, but I can't conceal my feelings for you anymore. I see you every morning, and you are a fine young man. "

"You want me to..?"

"To be my... companion in all matters, if you will."

"Sire, you can't be serious! I mean, I don't doubt your authority, but you've been drinking, it's late, perhaps I could escort you to Gaius for a sleeping draft."

"No. My mind is made up."

Uther got out of his chair and walked towards Merlin. He cupped Merlin's face with one hand.

"Accept me, Merlin."

Merlin didn't know what to do. He was Arthur's. He loved Arthur. He looked around frantically, hoping for Arthur to rescue him. Uther sensed Merlin's feelings.

"Arthur doesn't return your feelings Merlin. This evening he even said he thought that Marianna was gorgeous. And he has had several conquests with young ladies all over the kingdom. He will never be interested in you. It would be in your best interests to accept my offer. I would buy you clothes, horses, treat you well. You would be living the life of a noble. All you have to do is be my companion."

"And if I were to decline?"

"I am King of Camelot," Uther waved his hand at his surroundings. "I have control over everything in this kingdom. It would be only too easy to have you, disposed of, for a legitimate cause of course. Treason? Thievery? So, you see Merlin, you don't want to refuse me. It may be the last thing you ever do. You have a choice, choose well.

Merlin realized he had no choice. Be Uther's companion or die by his hand. He closed his eyes. He had no escape. Merlin whispered "Alright, sire."

Uther smiled and kissed Merlin hard on the mouth. Merlin was still scared. Uther pressed Merlin's body against his own. He kissed Merlin more gently, trying to make the manservant react. But Merlin started to feel more tense. Uther slipped his tongue inside Merlin's mouth. Merlin was scared. A small part of him was enjoying this, the greatest part wanted to run away. But what choice did he have? He tried to kiss Uther back. Uther grunted in satisfaction and started to take off Merlin's clothing, piece by piece. Merlin just let it happen, thinking about Arthur and trying not to be scared.

Arthur laid on his bed, worried about Merlin. Uther had said "Just a word." A word doesn't take an hour. Just as Arthur was about to go looking for Merlin, the boy appeared. He seemed to be breathing hard and he was vaguely sweaty. Arthur felt aroused by the sight.

"Merlin, where have you been?"

"Your father wanted me."

"Yes, i know but a "word" doesn't take an hour does it?"

"No. You don't understand. Your father wanted me."

Arthur froze as the words sank in. His father? Why would he want Merlin? Merlin was his. "Did he get what he wanted?"

Merlin swallowed. "He is the King. I...I have a duty to him and to Camelot."

Arthur was livid. "Did he force you?"

"No. He was very... persuasive."

Arthur swallowed hard. His father must have threatened Merlin.

"So, what does this mean?"

"It means I will no longer be your manservant, sire. I am now... the King's companion. I thought I should tell you."

Arthur was furious and heartbroken at the same time. Merlin turned to leave, his face ashamed and tears threatening to fall.

"Merlin. Wait." Arthur walked up to his manservant. He turned Merlin around so the boy's face was no more than three inches from his own."Do you want to do this?"

Merlin's eyes were wide and watering. Merlin wanted Arthur more than anything else. But if he couldn't have him, why not live the life of a noble? " Yes."

"You don't have to do this, Merlin." Merlin looked into Arthur's eyes.

He looked away as a tear fell. "I have no other choice."

Before Arthur could say anything else, Merlin walked away and gently closed Arthur's chamber door. He sank to the ground next to the door and started to weep, his body shaking violently. Meanwhile, on the other side of the wall, Arthur was sitting with his back to the wall, his head in his hands, wondering how what started as a perfectly fine day had turned into a nightmare so fast.

The citizens of Camelot didn't dare to accuse the King on the matter of Merlin's sudden favor, wealth ,and status. They all knew what had happened, but they couldn't accuse the King, they would surely die. But every peasant, lord, knight and king knew. The people also knew Merlin wasn't happy with his new arrangement. He spent his days seated beside the King, never smiling except when the King looked at him, and staring constantly at Prince Arthur. Arthur wasn't enamored of the situation either. He spent his time stalking around, barking at his servants and knights, and staring at Merlin during meetings. Arthur had been trying to talk to Merlin alone, but he was always with the King or another person. He never got a chance. Until one night. Arthur was asleep, troubled as usual. He always dreamt of his father, caressing Merlin's face, and then kissing him, Merlin standing terrified, staring into Arthur's eyes . At that point Arthur would wake up in a cold sweat. Disgusted and feeling powerless to end Merlin's suffering. But this night was different. Arthur's dream was darker. Merlin was in pain and cried, calling Arthur's name for help, and begging to be spared by a monster. Arthur was awakened by a loud knocking on the door just as Merlin was about to be finished off in the dream. Arthur immediately sprang from his bed, lit a candle, and answered the door. Standing bent over, and out of breath, was Merlin. He looked up and Arthur could see in the pale light that the candle cast that Merlin's face was black and blue, and he had a cut on his upper lip. Arthur grabbed Merlin's arm and brought him inside. He seated Merlin on his bed and sat next to him. Merlin was still breathing heavily. Arthur gently touched his arm. "What happened?"

Merlin looked into Arthur's eyes. "I went for a ride today. In the forest. I didn't tell Uther. I came back, and Uther was angry that I hadn't asked for his permission. He started beating me. He didn't stop until he heard a bone snap." Arthur's eyes widened. "What did he break?"

"A rib. It isn't so bad."

"Merlin! He beat you! There is no excuse."

"I wish none of this had ever happened." Merlin started crying , and Arthur wrapped his arms around the boy. Merlin buried his head in Arthur's shoulder.

"I wish none of it had happened either, Merlin. The truth is, I love you, and my father took you for himself. I hate him for it."

Merlin looked up. "You love me?"

"Yes, of course, did you not notice?"

"Uther told me you could never love me."

"He is a liar and an evil man. I love you with all my heart, Merlin."

"I love you too, Arthur. More than anything I want to be yours."

Arthur smiled. He had waited to hear those words for so long. He drew his face closer to Merlin's. Merlin didn't flinch away. He came closer still. Merlin looked at him with watery eyes. Arthur kissed him gently. Merlin kissed back and then grunted.

"What's wrong?"

"My lip. ... I should probably go back."
Arthur stopped Merlin from getting up. "Why don't you sleep here? So I know you're safe?"

Merlin smiled and the two men crawled under the covers. Arthur laid down and Merlin snuggled in under Arthur's arm. He fell asleep quickly, But Arthur could not sleep for excitement. Merlin was his.