ajsrandomTitle: What a Day!
Rating: PG
Pairing/s: Merlin/Morgana
Character/s: Merlin, Arthur
Summary: A day in Merlin's life goes totally askew.
Warnings: none
Word Count: 736
Prompt: #237 A Day in the Life
Author's Notes: Continuing this drabble series.
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Merlin groaned as he rolled over to turn off his alarm. Five am was entirely too early to wake up and it seemed he’d never get used to it, even after six months of working for the Prince. He got up then quickly showered and dressed. He nearly stumbled into his kitchenette, but still managed to magically get his coffee maker working.
At six he knocked on the Prince’s door. As usual, he heard nothing from inside. Sighing, he opened the door and maneuvered around the furniture to the east-facing windows. Pushing them aside to let in the sunlight, he called out, “Rise and shine!”
There was a weak moan from the bed, but gradually Arthur rose from the bed and dressed himself. He had an early morning meeting with his father before giving a speech at a veterans’ hospital. A castle servant brought in breakfast and Merlin chatted with Arthur as he ate.
At seven-thirty, Merlin stood outside the door of the King’s study while Arthur and the King chatted inside. Thinking about his date with Morgana that night made the time pass more quickly.
The door opened at nine and Merlin escorted Arthur down to a car waiting to take him to the hospital. They spent the travel time by talking over a little of what Arthur and the King had discussed. It seemed the anti-monarchists were becoming vocal again and stirring up protests in many parts of the country. Arthur rolled his eyes at that, saying “I’ve yet to meet one who could form a decent argument against me or my father.”
Merlin chuckled at that and they soon pulled up at the hospital. Security was in place so Merlin and Arthur were whisked away to the room where Arthur was to give his speech. He stayed at Arthur’s side as he sat, then as he stood to give his speech. It was heartening to see so many veterans in support of Arthur. They all clapped for him and gave other signs of support.
Near the end of Arthur’s remarks, someone shouted from the back of the room, “Down with the monarchy!” Merlin heard shots fired and acted on instinct. He slowed down time, tugged Arthur to the floor then raised his hand and yelled “Scildan!”
As he yelled, time snapped back into its usual pace. Everyone on the dais was protected by the shield spell. The rest of the room erupted into chaos. The man with the gun ran from the room, but he was chased by several men, including regular security. Merlin released the spell and tugged Arthur up, pushing him back the way they’d come.
In the car, Merlin asked Arthur questions to determine his level of shock. He kept him talking all the way back to the palace, where he finally determined Arthur was fine. He’d called Leon to report the incident and they found the palace locked down as they reached it. After they’d passed through security, Merlin escorted Arthur to his study where Leon and others were waiting to be briefed.
By noon the incident had been reported to local, national and international news. The rest of Arthur’s schedule was cancelled and Merlin breathed a sigh of relief. He’d successfully defended Arthur against his first serious threat and had lived to tell about it. He was suddenly grateful for all the training he’d received, though it had been tough.
Merlin remained at Arthur’s side for the rest of the day, until Arthur dismissed him in the early evening. “I know you have a date planned, so go and enjoy your time off.”
Merlin couldn’t believe his ears. Normal protocol dictated that Merlin remain with Arthur until the lock-down was cleared. He glanced over at Leon, who smiled and nodded. He’d have to thank Leon for this later.
Morgana was well aware of the events of the day and the lock-down. They couldn’t leave the palace, of course, so they decided to meet in Merlin’s rooms for a night of bad television and pizza, which they’d make themselves.
Later, near midnight, as they cuddled on the couch, Merlin thought about how lucky he was. He was alive, had done his job well and he had a beautiful girlfriend. His life hadn’t gone the way he’d expected it to go, but it was certainly fulfilling enough. He sighed happily, and slowly fell asleep, content with where he’d ended up.