#v: king of essetir (modern)

[kingcenred]

@beautiful-mischief continued from [x]

Fury surged through him, even as they left the heat and music of the nightclub. He hadn't caught all of the abuse the drunken man had been hurling at Mal, but he had most certainly heard enough. And then he dared to touch him! It was a shame Cenred had only managed to land one punch before his security team had launched into action - ordering them to leave - but, if the blood dripping down his knuckles was anything to go by, the man was now missing a tooth or two.

As they stepped out into the night, Cenred swallowed his anger sufficiently to focus on the most important thing: Mal. With a tenderness at odds with the rage clenching his jaw and stiffening his shoulders, he cupped his face and gazed across at him with evident concern that was not alleviated by Mal's reassurances. How could he be fine after that?

"Of course, the car is this way," he reached down to entwine their fingers together instead. "I'm so sorry, I should never have let you go to the bar on your own," he murmured, as he hurried them down the empty alleyway. "It's not - people are never usually like that."

[kingcenred]

@beautiful-mischief continued from [x]

Okay, fine, he'll admit it: Cenred knows he was overreacting. Mal didn't owe him anything; they weren't in a relationship - hell, they weren't even dating. It wasn't exactly a surprise that other men find Mal just as attractive as he does, but seeing the evidence of that just moments after unexpectedly flying in to the country was enough to send a surge of fury through him. With extraordinary self-control on his part, Cenred took a deep breath and managed to reel in his temper as he listened to Mal's explanation.

Dammit, he wanted to kiss that stupid smirk off his gorgeous face.

"Jealous? Of him? Don't be ridiculous." he scoffed, but he couldn't quite meet Mal's eyes. Anyway, why was he wasting time talking about another man? Instead, he stepped around the counter and pulled Mal's body flush against his. "Can you close up early, today? I'm only here two nights, and I'd quite like to see the presents I sent you, in action."

[the-lions-mouth]

my fave merthur fics, all first time/getting together

Come back to the source to reblog as it gets updated occasionally!

Long Canon Era: 

The World I Built For You: 32K, T, If I told you to execute Mordred, would you do it? Merlin wondered, losing himself in the blue of Arthur's eyes. Can I save you like this, even if it damns me? you didn’t think s5 could get any more emotional but u were wrong

Touch My Skin To Make Me Whole: 64K, E, The Kingdom of Essetir has once again fallen under new rule, and Arthur travels to visit its new king, determined to make peace. The new king is treacherous though, and he may have just found the one weakness that will force Arthur’s hand. Note: AU Post Season 4 the ultimate hurt/comfort

Short Canon Era: 

The Coming of Spring: 10K, E, Kings, even new ones, were not supposed to long for their menservants.

Golden Threads: 12K, E, When Arthur drinks enchanted water Merlin does everything that is in his power to save his king, even if it breaks his heart.

Visiting Hunith: 9K, T, Five times Ealdor had visitors.

Beauty in the Ashes of Our Lives: 22K, T, After Merlin is executed for Uther's murder, Arthur's world falls apart.

Apotheosis: 9K, T, magic reveal, love vs destiny

Dying to Return: 20K, T, after Merlin leaves, a mysterious sorcerer comes to Camelot

As a Sea Shell: 13K, T, When Arthur discovers Merlin’s magic, he banishes him from Camelot. But Merlin is destined to serve Arthur until the day he dies. sorry team i’m gonna shameless rec myself

Modern AU:

Serious Eyes, Suddenly Smiles: 11K, E, When you are young everything seems definite. You are either in or out. Finishing up at university or messing up your whole future.

Unsteady: 10K, T, merlin is a private investigator for arthur, who’s dating sophia (a bit dark at points, read tags)

Perfect: 15K, E, infidelity, internalized homophobia

Reincarnation:

Do Not Go Gentle: 5K, T, “Don’t you understand?” He shakes her. “I cared more about him than I did about his kingdom, more than I ever cared about magic...I didn’t care about Arthur the King of Camelot. I only cared about Arthur the man.” His chest is hurting. He can’t get enough air. “I fucked up, Gwen, and I’m sorry. Do you want that in writing?” 

The Heart You Call Home: 16K, M, Arthur writing about stories he can only barely remember, Merlin, depressed and with major survivors guilt, finds them, much angst

Historical AU (honestly i love historical aus, that’s why there are so many here):

Gaudy: 6K, G, political AU in the 1960s thru 1997, honestly the best characterizations of all time

A West-Country Romance: 91K, E, Poldark AU, the slowburn “Arthur as the lord, Merlin as his servant” historical au you deserve

True Heart of Wexford: 21K, E, Wexford, 1798, Merlin is the Catholic groundskeeper on a manor belonging to Anglo-Irish aristocrat Arthur Pendragon. While Merlin's day job entails looking after Arthur's property, he's also involved with the United Irishmen. Political upheaval is about to plunge the country into turmoil. In the midst of all this stands Arthur Pendragon, who's become Merlin's staunch friend in spite of everything that divides them: faith, class, position, and obligation.

Something Worth Fighting For: 21K, E, Set during World War II. Arthur is sent to the front lines to fight for Britain, while Merlin is left behind, struggling to cope with the absence of his best friend. Seeking to give Arthur some comfort, Merlin begins to send him pieces of a story, which tells of a legendary King and his devoted manservant.Through their letters, Arthur and Merlin grow closer, and perhaps begin to discover feelings that they could not put into words before. 

Yet The Man Would At Once Run Away With Your Heart: 4K, M,  Mordred comes to stay at Avalon Hall and takes a shine to Merlin. Arthur is most unimpressed by this turn of events.

High school/Teenage AU:

Out of Body: 53K, E, Finding out that his best friend is gay shouldn't be a big deal. But then, catching Merlin wanking to gay porn shouldn't turn Arthur on, either. With his plans for uni in shambles and his position on the high school footie team lost to injury, Arthur's determined not to disappoint his father any further. Running away from Merlin seems like the easiest thing to do, but his denial might cost him everything. the teenage au you’ve been dreaming of

Should You Choose to Accept It: 11K, T, so pure, childhood friends to falling out in middle school to falling in love in high school

A Personal History of Midwestern Running: 20K, T, hahah the ending kills me every time, the one where arthur teaches merlin how to run

Beyond the Neon Trees: 56K, M, Falling in love with your best friend is never easy; especially when you’re living in the deadbeat rundown Holly Street Estate in East London.

Canon Era AU:

Gadarene: 77K, E, Arthur is the regent but Agravaine has the power, merlin is sold to arthur, I was dubious of the set up but this is a v satisfying well told story

Smut:

Merlin’s Place: 3K, bath

Brighter When We Come: 4K, bath

Night Sky Changing Overhead: 5K, bath (there’s a theme here sorry)

What I Want You’ve Got, It Might Be Hard to Handle: 3K, magic made them do it (100% consenual tho)

The Dirty Little Things You Say: 9K, arthur gets so turned on from merlin’s dirty talk

At Our Best When It’s From The Hips: 13K, loss of virginity

Solace: 1K, bath

Love is a Doing Word: 4K, role reversal 

Embrocation: 7K, massage

For Want of Wreckage: 27K, the one where the druids give Arthur a tattoo that makes him wet and horny but highlight is the massage scene

Forgive My Thoughts When I’m Asleep: 4K, angsty huddling for warmth

[kingcenred]

@hacker-codeq continued from [x]

A mixture of confusion, fury and just a little hint of pain coursed through him. Cenred had thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Q over the past couple of weeks, and although they'd obviously not labelled their...interactions, he had expected a little loyalty.

"What the fuck?" he seethed; nobody dared to speak to him like this, and it was so utterly different to anything Q had ever been like...it was almost as though he'd turned into a completely different person. "So going on dates with me was all part of the job description?" sarcasm dripped from every word.

But Q didn't respond and when his face went rather slack, some of Cenred's angry slipped into concern. Was he having a kind of seizure? Would that explain this bizarre interaction?

'Um, no. Hold on," he grabbed hold of Q's wrist, not unkindly, but tight enough to stop him from bolting. "You need to explain what the hell is going on. Right now."

[kingcenred]

A gasp of mock outrage escaped him, and he pressed a hand to his chest as though wounded. "How dare you," he accused, but he couldn't keep the smile from his lips. "No, thank you. I've had quite enough near-death experiences already, it would be nice to meet someone who actually might like me," his tone was casual, full of bravado as usual, but the words revealed an underlying vulnerability. Despite all his casual hook-ups and highly publicised flings with various attractive actors...was he lonely?

"And here I was going to say that there's always an exception to the rule," he shot right back, grinning innocently and raising his now empty glass in salute. "Good man. I promise, I won't send you into the metaphorical lion's den... well, not unless you like that kind of thing."

[kingcenred]

@noiranamnesis liked [x] for a starter. ACCEPTING!

"What are you doing in here? Guards!"

[kingcenred]

@hacker-codeq continued from [x]

"If you change your mind, let me know..." he offered, with a faux-serious expression, before he couldn't help but crack a smile. From Q's stuttered response, it seemed that he was under the impression that Cenred was serious. Alas, the death penalty had been abolished long ago. Besides, he wasn't quite as awful a King as some of the foreign media would lead one to believe.

"I suppose a drink and the balcony would be a more sensible suggestion," he admitted, scooping up two glasses from a passing waiter and handing one to Q as he strode across, through the double doors and onto the large balcony. "What was he doing to annoy you, anyway?"

[kingcenred]

But just out of curiosity, how do you feel about getting my name tattooed on your forehead?

@protectmypeople

He opened his mouth and closed it again, not quite believing that those words had really come out of his mouth.

"Now, why on earth would I consider doing that?" he finally retorted, an eyebrow curving upwards. "I do hope I'm not going to wake up to you one day trying to stab needles into my head. My security service really wouldn't be pleased about that."

[kingcenred]

Early the next morning, just as Cenred had promised, a letter arrived at the Featherington's home requesting Penelope's presence at the palace for later that day. The wax was marked with Cenred's own royal seal, so there was no doubt of the authenticity of the invitation.

The stunt at the ball the night before had certainly been a success. Although he had returned to the guest chambers as soon as the second dance finished, Queen Charlotte had summoned him later for a 'chat'. There had been evident doubt in her face over his choice of partner, but he had convinced her that he was wishing to spend more time with Penelope - to see if she was a suitable match for him.

The King was perusing several letters documenting the events of his kingdom in his absence in one of the sitting rooms Charlotte had granted him use of, when Penelope was announced.

It surprised her that her answer seemed to please him-- she had to wonder what sort of people surrounded him that basic respect shocked him? Rather she suspected it was the woman who approached him and as she caught sight of all the women glaring at her she could see why that might be an issue. Suddenly she felt more like an obstacle than a suit of armor protecting him from the back biting Mamas and their idle minded daughters.

The second dance was over far too soon and she smiled once more, curtsying to him once he let her go, her eyes never leaving his. "I think it had the desired effect we wanted" she nodded, already there was another man waiting for them to part so he could speak to her. The Mamas however were keeping their distance and that made her grin a bit more.

"I look forward to receiving your letter and getting another chance to speak, your grace" she remained formal though her voice a little louder for his benefit as they were making it clear he would be sending for her. "I shall endeavor to finish your book before then and return it to you" with another curtsy she moved to address the rather shaky young man who was waiting for her next dance.

[kingcenred]

@sapphircs gets a modern verse plotted starter

Cenred was definitely feeling better than when he'd first arrived in the hospital. Despite the fact his abdomen was still tightly bandaged after his emergency surgery to repair the damage Morgause inflicted, he was already becoming restless to return to his feet. And then to his home.

"Thinya, thank God you're here. You can talk some sense into the doctors, they're trying to imprison me here for at least another week," he complained, dramatically, as he tried to sit up to greet her. Wincing, he quickly regretted the movement and collapsed back against the pillows. "Don't they know I'm the King?" his pain was making him particularly petulant.

[kingcenred]

@ssolessurvivor continued from [x]

The meeting with the prime minister was fine - he was much more likeable than his last two predecessors - but Cenred couldn't concentrate. All that he could think about was his bodyguard: the image replaying in his mind was the look on Logan's face as he dared him to kiss him, and the feeling of their noses brushing together. Alas, there had been no indication that Logan's thoughts were similarly occupied. Ever the professional, it seemed to Cenred that he had gone about the rest of the day as if nothing had happened.

When they were finally alone again, Cenred found himself talking about something inconsequential to hide the uncharacteristic awkwardness he suddenly felt. Should he not have asked Logan to kiss him?

But the thought dies as his bodyguard suddenly strides across the room towards him with undeniable purpose, and at last their lips touch. Warmth surges through him and he can feel his heart thudding joyously in his chest as he eagerly returns the kiss...and yet, it is over far too soon. Reluctantly allowing Logan to pull back from him, he cannot stop the grin that tugs his lips upwards.

"I thought you were avoiding me," he admits. "Now, come back here, I haven't finished kissing you."

[kingcenred]

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent."

@ssolessurvivor

"They don't make me feel inferior," he scoffs, without even pausing to consider it. How could anyone make him feel inferior, when he was the king? Granted, his team of advisors had strong opinions that he rarely shared but usually adhered to...and his mother was also among them. "I'm the king," but his tone did not seem quite as convinced.

[kingcenred]

@liloulu liked [x] for a starter (open!) - gets one for Daisy Stewart!

The King didn't usually get so involved with all the details of his security, but since the recent terrorist attack on one of his properties - it was only sheer luck that he'd been delayed on his return home, and avoided the sudden shower of bullets - he'd taken more of an interest. As he strode into one of the palace's meeting rooms, a servant announced his presence to the waiting ballistic expert, and he reached out to offer her his hand.

"Ms Stewart? Thank you for meeting me. Tell me what you have found," he requested, all business, as he sat down on a plush armchair opposite her.

[kingcenred]

"Hi, I'm Cheryl."

"Right. Why are you here?" he questioned, barely looking up from the documents he had to sign. He didn't recall hiring any new staff.

[kingcenred]

“restrained”

Send “restrained” for my muse to hold yours back from attacking someone.

As an openly bisexual king, Cenred was accustomed to ignorant comments, many of which he merely rolled his eyes at and moved on. But when a man at the front of the crowd loudly yells a homophobic slur, he whirls around to face him.

"What the fuck did you just say?" he snarls, his hands curling into fists as he stalks over to him. He's just about to reach through the protective barrier of police to grab hold of the man's shirt and pull him into easier reach of his fists when an arm is quickly wrapped around his shoulders, a hand tightening on his bicep. Firmly yet subtly, so it looked - to the many onlookers - no more than a protective gesture, Logan's arm tightens around his shoulders and turns him away before he could make any physical contact with the man.

Despite how his hands are still bawled into fists at his side, he doesn't try to fight Logan's hold. Although fury remains coursing through him, he retains enough of his common sense to realise there would be significant consequences for a King who punches a person in the face, in front of several hundred witnesses.

"Get him out of here," he hisses, as he plasters a smile on his face and waves to the rest of the crowd.

[kingcenred]

He squeezed her arm gently, faint amusement replacing his previous irritation. "There will be refreshments, and then far too many speeches before the dancing begins."

"The best basis for a promising evening." At least she knew she was going to have one. On one way or another. Then she took his offered arm. "Yes, let's."