'Arthur, he's coming!' Gwen called from the door.

The court stood to attention as Arthur fastened his soft, red cloak around his shoulders, his wife rushing to his side, as they waited for the servant to enter the room.

A grumpy voice boomed into the room before Merlin did, calling 'Arthur Pendragon! I have been on my feet all day! I've been stabbed in the face, half blinded; half throttled and am utterly exhausted! Couldn't you let me have just one day off…' he faltered, taking a hesitant step into the crowded room.

Over fifty pairs of eyes trained upon him and silence filled the hall as the servant glanced around nervously.

'Am I going to be executed? Have I done something wrong? 'Cus I'm having a really bad day, and I'm really not in the mood for dying today…' his flustered babble ceased as he took in Gwen's silent laugh, Gwaines smirking glance and then...then he saw Arthur.

Arthur stood regal and tall at the head of the parted crowd, lips set in a profession line but his eyes were blazing with pride and amusement as he took in the sight of his bewildered friend.

Suddenly the door behind Merlin creaked as Gaius slipped into the room and muttered 'Sorry I'm late. Merlin wanted a final moan before he left…'

Blinking in shock, the servant cried 'So I am going to be executed then! Oh great! That's just what I need!'

'Merlin, shut up!' All heads turned to Arthur as he stepped down from the platform, arms folded smugly, and a great beaming smile spreading across his face. 'Of course you're not going to be executed, as if I'd let that happen! Quite the opposite in fact…'

Merlin frowned at him in confusion. Gaius gave him a gentle push so he stumbled towards the King, as Geoffrey stepped out from behind the throne, a large book in his hands, decked out in his finest ceremonially robes.

'Do you, Merlin of Ealdor, accept the terms of your employment, as written out by King Arthur of Camelot?'

Breathing fast under the firm gaze of the entire courtroom, Merlin emitted a stunned 'Err…wha…what terms?'

Pulling a crisp document from beneath his robes, Geoffrey passed the parchment to a still smiling Arthur, who read it proudly to the room; 'Merlin of Ealdor. Loyal and valued manservant of 2 years to the previously titled Crown Prince Arthur, current manservant and friend…' he paused slightly, glancing up to meet Merlin's eyes with a soft gaze, 'to King Arthur of Camelot for 3 years, the Court of Camelot has discussed the terms of your employment and taken into consideration your steadfast dedication, courage, loyalty, kindness and wisdom. We now feel that a position as a mere servant is inappropriate to a man of such traits, especially upon discovering your talent and skill for 'magic', and would like to reward you with a higher position in the Castle.'

The word 'magic' had elicited several gasps and double takes from the crowd, but Merlin, still standing awkwardly in the aisle, had eyes for no one but his King.

'Therefore, it is my great pleasure to offer you the position of Royal and Personal Adviser to King Arthur of Camelot. Should you choose to accept this position, you would have freedom of speech and opinion in many matters of state and shall be called upon for person consult in any and all issues the King desires. You shall not be judged, nor be treated with any disaffection due to your magical ability, and if you so wish, you may retain some of your serving duties in the Kings chambers. It will be a great advantage and honor to the Kingdom to have you in the Royal Court.'

Arthur finished reading with a flourish and glanced down at his friends face. It seemed that several different emotions were battling across Merlins mind, from disbelief, astonishment and the Kings personal favourite; pure, unadulterated joy.

The boy cleared his throat nervously; 'I…erm…I accept the conditions...I think?'

Geoffrey stepped forward again. 'You will serve Camelot and King Arthur solely and to the best of your ability?'

Stumbling forward, Merlin said 'Yeah, I mean, I will' with a breathless smile.

'Then I hereby appoint you, Merlin of Ealdor; Sir Merlin, Royal and Personal Advisor of Camelot.'

Arthur's smile threatened to split his lips as the applause broke out amongst the room, full and proud clapping from all directions, before; 'Erm…sorry, Geoffrey, can I just ask something, before you do the clapping...thing?'

'Merlin, what are you doing? You can't interrupt a formal ceremony just to ask a question!'

'I know, but Sire, it's important!' the boy held his gaze firmly before Arthur waved a dismissive hand and allowed him to speak.

He grinned nervously at the Court before saying awkwardly 'I just wanted to ask if I could not be 'Sir Merlin', I mean…' he glanced round at his friends faces; 'it's not really me, is it? I'm happier just being Merlin of Ealdor thanks, or…' he looked to Arthur with a smile 'if the King should wish it; Merlin of Camelot?'

There was a tense beat in the hall before Geoffrey questioned 'Sire?'

This time it was Arthur who pulled Merlin onto the platform alongside him and placed one hand on his shoulder before crying 'Royal Court of Camelot. I give you; Merlin of Camelot, Royal Advisor to King Arthur Pendragon!'

And that is how they stayed.

In paintings, in portraits, in scrolls.

King Arthur and Merlin.

The King and His Advisor.

The King and His Warlock.

Standing together in the Royal Throne Room, one hand on one shoulder.

Over the years the scars on Merlins face faded into rumour but their smiles lived on for over one thousand years.

And they all lived happily ever after.

'Dollop head' 'Oh, shut up, Merlin...'

Eeeeeeek, it's actually finished! I'm so proud, oh my little Story Alert babies, I really hope you like it! If you don't, I may cry but I'll still love you anyway! So thank you soooo much everyone who reviewed, liked, favourited, alerted...just everyone, you make me very very very happy :'D Erm...so yeah! Oh, and if anyone wants a sequel or anything, review or email me about it and after I've finished squeeing from all the love, I'll try and write you one :) just...just take all my love! It's yours! Enjoy :D xxx