Arthur is drunk, much drunker than a King should be. Well, he's not a King but he will be soon. Uther has too many enemies to survive for much longer. And when he does eventually kick the bucket, Arthur will take over and be the King everyone wants him to be. Everyone except himself of course.

The alcohol in his system is making it difficult to walk, and he is too tired to worry about the fact he is gradually losing his filter. Luckily, Merlin is by his side, figuratively and literally. Unshakeable Merlin. The world could come crashing down around the both of them, and with Merlin by his side he'd be okay.

'Thanks.' Merlin said with a chuckle.

Oops guess he had said that out loud.

They were back in his rooms now, the long trek back from the tavern ended at last. They were both sat on the floor by his bed, backs against the frame, legs spread out in front of them.

'Can i tell you a secret?' Arthur turned and whispered, 'I wish i wasn't a prince.'

'Really?'

'Yeah.' Arthur turned back, and rested his head on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, 'I know it's what I'm destined for, and I should be greatful and all that, but.' He took a deep breath before turning back to face Merlin, 'I feel like I'm going to be an awful King.'

Merlin tried to protest, how could he be a terrible king, he was 1000x better than Uther, and with Gwen by his side, how could he fail?

'I'm not marrying Gwen.'

'Oh.' Merlin took a brief pause before continuing, 'Well, anyway, you'll find another girl to be your Queen, you'll-'

'I'm not going to find another girl.'

'I know it seems like that now but-'

'I'm gay Merlin.' He laughed bitterly, 'Christ, gay and in love with a sorcerer, my father will be fucking thrilled.'

'A sorcerer?'

'Yeah. Its you, by the way, you're really not as good at keeping secrets as you think, and I understand if you don't want anything to do with me now and you want a different job but I beg you please don't tell Uther and-'

Arthur didn't finish his sentence, mainly because its quite hard to talk while being kissed by your best mate.