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[ THRONE ROOM ANTECHAMBER-Arthur stands there looking petrified. ]
MERLIN
I brought you your ceremonial sword.
ARTHUR
Is that for me to fall on?
MERLIN
Hopefully not. What's wrong?
ARTHUR
( Internally~ I can’t marry her Merlin. I don’t love her. I don’t love Gwen either. It’s you. I love you. But you can never find out )
You wouldn't understand, Merlin. You have no idea what it's like to have a destiny you can't escape.
MERLIN
Destinies are troublesome things.
You feel trapped, like your whole life is being planned out for you and you've got no control over anything, and sometimes you don't even know if what destiny decided is really the best thing at all.
ARTHUR
How come you're so knowledgeable?
MERLIN
Hmm? Oh, I read a book.
ARTHUR
What would this book tell you? Should I marry her?
MERLIN
That's not really my place to say so
ARTHUR
I'm asking you, it's your job to answer.
MERLIN
If you really want to know what I think...
[ Arthur gestures for Merlin to go on. ]
MERLIN
I think you're mad, I think you're all mad. People should marry for love, not convenience. If you should marry anyone, it should be Gwen. You very clearly love her almost as I you.
[ Merlin’s voice quietens to an almost inaudible whisper. He looks down, trying to hide the tears brimming in his eyes.He loves Arthur but Merlin knows that Gwen is the one he loves ]
And if Uther thinks an unhappy king makes for a stronger kingdom, then he's wrong. 'Cause you may be destined to rule Camelot, but you have a choice...as to how you do it.
Arthur
Merlin. It’s not Elena I want to marry. It’s not Gwen. I love someone else. But it could never happen especially while my father is alive.
[ hearing this, Merlin looks back up at Arthur. Maintaining strong eye contact. ]
Merlin
Who is it my Lord? Surely nothings worse in your father’s eyes than marrying a servant girl!
[ Merlin knows what he’s doing. He wants to know exactly who has stolen Arthur’s heart ]
Arthur
Well. Merlin. It’s-
[ Throne Room doors open. Trumpets sound. Arthur walks reluctantly to the altar.]
[THRONE ROOM]
[Godwyn leads Elena down the aisle. Arthur takes her hands .]
GEOFFREY
My lords, ladies, and gentlemen of Camelot, we are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient rite of hand-fasting, the union of Arthur Pendragon and Princess Elena of Gawant. Is it your wish, Arthur, to become one with this woman?
ARTHUR
It is.
GEOFFREY
Is it your wish, Elena, to become one with this man?
[ Elena looks at her father and then at the floor. ]
PRINCESS ELENA
It is.
GEOFFREY
Do any say nay? Then as we gather here today, we are all witness to this rite...
ARTHUR
Wait.
GEOFFREY
There's something you would like to say, Arthur?
ARTHUR
Something I should've said a long time ago. Something from the heart I dare not speak. Elena, you are a wonderful woman, and a beautiful bride, but I cannot deny my feelings.
[ Merlin and Gwen both look hopeful. ]
PRINCESS ELENA
You do not love me.
[ Arthur shakes his head. ]
ARTHUR
And I think, if you are honest, you do not love me either.
PRINCESS ELENA
No.
ARTHUR
Then we are both here out of duty. Can you forgive me?
PRINCESS ELENA
I agree with all you have said. Thank you, Arthur.
[ ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - moments later]
[Arthur takes off his crown as he enters, Uther storms in after him. Merlin silently follows behind and leans against the wall ]
UTHER
What did you think you were doing?
ARTHUR
The right thing, Father.
UTHER
For who? For Camelot, or for yourself?
ARTHUR
The two things aren't entirely separate.
UTHER
Until you put duty before your feelings, you are clearly not ready to be King.
ARTHUR
When I am ready to be King, I'll be a much better king for the support and strength of the person I love.
[ Uther storms out. Arthur sits on his bed, pulls his knees up to his chest and leans his head against the headboard ]
Merlin
Arthur. That was a very brave thing you did. You should be proud of yourself. I will leave you in peace
Arthur
Merlin. Sit with me.
Merlin
My Lord?
Arthur
Do as I say.
[ Merlin does as Arthur asks and sits next to him on the bed. He is clearly uncomfortable. As he does Arthur cuddles into Merlin, with his head resting on Merlin’s shoulder and drapes his arm over his waist. ]
Merlin
-whispers- My Lord?
Arthur
It’s you Merlin. It always has been.
Merlin
I don’t understand.
Arthur
It’s you Merlin. You’re the one I love.
[ Merlin-shocked at this revelation- moves off the bed as quickly as he can and just stands staring at Arthur- who slowly makes his way off the bed and carefully walks toward Merlin ]
Arthur
God Merlin. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.
[ the boys are now stood face to face. Tears flowing down both their cheeks. ]
Merlin
Arthur…
[ Arthur gently places a hand on Merlin’s cheek and wipes away a few tears with his thumb ]
Merlin -cont.-
I love you too. I was so scared. I didn’t realise you felt the same. If you found out. I was sure you’d have me execu-
[ Merlin doesn’t have a chance to finish his sentence before Arthur has pulled him into a kiss.- Merlin freezes. He can’t really believe this is happening. He pulls away and runs his thumb over Arthur’s lip.]
Merlin
Arthur. You would not believe how much I’ve wanted to do this.
[ Merlin pulls Arthur into a deeper kiss. He runs his hands through Arthur’s beautiful blonde hair, causing a small moan to escape Arthur’s lips]
{ this moment embodies perfection. Neither of them had ever experienced anything like this before. It was pure euphoria .}