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Squirming in his seat, Merlin hoped his oblivious discomfort wouldn’t draw Geoffrey’s attention. He’d foolishly thought reading up on alpha bonding ceremonies would answer his myriad questions about the process. However, in lieu of finding romantic fairytale like stories of how to claim your mate, Merlin had stumbled upon the most horrifying things instead.There was biting, and knotting, and more biting, and increased heats and none of it sounded pleasant at all. He thought getting officially bonded with Arthur would entail kinder gestures of love, not what the book he was currently leaning over so crudely alluded to.Ignoring his uneasy stomach, Merlin pushed the book aside and grabbed another one the librarian had been nice enough to recommend. Geoffrey had assured him that all would become clearer after reading the rather lengthy tomes. Though, Merlin was now thoroughly convinced Geoffrey was single, given there was no way anyone would glean something helpful from the books he’d drug out and left on the table.It was like they’d all been written by a stodgy old alpha who’d forgotten what it was like to actually touch another human. The text was too clinical and despite the many disturbing drawings it featured, nothing really made sense.Merlin knew Arthur would bite him to claim him, but then everything after that was very muddled. Did they have to have sex afterward? Did Arthur have to bite him on the glands on his inner thigh as well as his neck? And Merlin had learned that he was supposed to have glands on his wrists. That was a load of bull, he was a broken omega. Never in his short life had he ever discovered glands on his wrists. Growing frustrated with the lack of clarity Merlin fell deeper into despair worrying about all the little details. He really didn’t want to appear like an idiot at the upcoming ceremony, but things were not looking hopeful.Sliding yet another useless book out of his line of sight, Merlin tried to think of what he could do to get the answers he needed. Arthur didn’t know any more than he did, so asking his own alpha was out of the question.Gaius hadn’t bonded with anyone so he was a no go. Leon, Tristan, Morgana, and Lancelot were all still unbonded as well. How could there be so many people around and none of them were suitable to give him answers?Merlin was too scared to ask any ole alpha about the process, he needed someone he knew. However, as he sat there staring off into the rows of dusty books, he realized there was one person who might know what to expect.However, the very idea sent his body into a cold sweat. There was no way he could ask the king about this, Uther would surely laugh at him and call the whole thing off. Continuing to wrack his brain Merlin found he couldn’t think of anyone else to talk to. His mother wasn’t there and he was loath to send something so sensitive in a letter. Besides, having to ask his mother was so embarrassing it nearly rivaled asking Uther.Maybe asking the king would work? He’d gone to Uther in the past for something far worse. How bad could it be if he tried again?--Uther had just sent his servant away for the night when a knock sounded at his door. Heaving a sigh he called out, “Enter,” and hoped whatever request Morgana had this time concerning Arthur’s upcoming bonding ceremony wouldn’t be too outlandish. “What is this time?” he asked, turning fully to face his late night visitor only to tilt his head in confusion.Instead of Morgana waltzing in determined and headstrong, he was greeted by a very timid looking omega. Merlin had come to see him, which was very odd. The omega had only sought his advice once in the past, and that had been a very solemn circumstance. Instantly worried that some terrible thing had befallen his son Uther demanded answers, “What’s happened to Arthur? Tell me now, don’t dawdle.”Merlin’s demeanor changed from shy to outraged in an instant, “Arthur’s fine!” he snapped.“Don’t lie to me,” Uther shot back, not wanting to waste any time if he did, in fact, have to mobilize troops or find Gaius.“M’not lying, seriously, he doesn’t even know I’m here,” Merlin huffed.“Then why, pray tell have you come?” Uther asked in annoyance, he didn’t have time for games and if Arthur was truly well then Merlin had no business being out right now.“This is stupid,” Merlin grumbled, “Forget it, I’ll ask someone else,” he waved Uther off and spun on his heel to leave.“Merlin, what is it?” his tone light enough that it stopped the omega in his tracks.Again, Merlin faced him but all of the bravado had gone and he looked almost afraid. “Erm, I want – I have – gods why is this so hard,” he whined softly.“Is this a matter of life or death?” Uther asked trying for any sort of clarification.“No! Nothing like that,” Merlin replied quickly.“Does this concern the upcoming ceremony?” Uther knew he’d landed close to the mark when Merlin’s face fell. “Are you having second thoughts?”“No! I love Arthur and we’re getting bonded! M’not gonna let anyone mess that up.”The way Merlin had answered brought back the wave of mulish energy Uther was used to seeing on the boy, “So, then, what exactly about the ceremony is bothering you?” Having to watch Merlin fight with his inner thoughts would have been mildly amusing on any other day but Uther was tired, and he wanted to get to bottom of the matter.Finally, after a long few moments Merlin found his voice, “Whahappensaftertheceremony?” albeit a rushed jumble of sound was what it more closely resembled.Fighting the urge to be flippant, Uther attempted to unpack what Merlin really meant, “Do you mean at the feast? I assume you understand the hand fasting process.”Merlin shuffled on his feet and stared at the floor, “The hand fasting makes sense, the feast I can manage, it’s the – the after, after bit. What is Arthur gonna do to me?” he asked peering up at him, looking rather helpless.For all the things Uther had seen and done in his lifetime, he had not been prepared for Merlin’s question. “You’ll complete the bonding process,” Uther answered, rather in a rush, while simultaneously getting his own thoughts in order. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know more details about his son’s private life with Merlin.“I know that!” Merlin exclaimed, “But how? I can’t figure out how and it’s driving me mad!”“When you say how? What do --.”“I mean exactly that! How?” Merlin interrupted. “I don’t know where he’s supposed to bite me, or for how long? Is it gonna hurt? Do we have to do that other thing, the um – oh gods – the k-knotting?” Merlin asked in alarm. “I’ve never lain with another alpha before and – and – I’m so confused!”Uther was somewhat relieved to hear that Merlin hadn’t been soiled by another alpha. However, that meant he’d have to explain things differently. Unless he could pawn this whole awkward mess off to Geoffrey. “Have you tried the library?” he asked hopefully.“Ugh, don’t get me started on that! Geoffrey showed me a few books to read and they’re awful,” Merlin lamented as he began pacing the room. “I don’t know how anyone learns anything useful from those books. They are full of terrible drawings and horrid suggestions on how to subdue your mate. It’s like they were written ages ago when alpha’s had to go chase down omega’s or something. It’s archaic!” he finished with a frantic look.“I could always send word to your mother to come earlier; perhaps she could assist you better?” Uther tried in a valiant attempt at dodging what was surely going to be a very sensitive conversation.“Absolutely not!” Merlin panicked. “I can barely talk to you about this, what makes you think I can manage this with my mum? Besides she’s a beta, she won’t know what’s in store for me.”“And I’m an alpha, so how am I any better?” Uther mused still looking for an out.“Um, well if your – if Arthur’s mom was an omega then you would know about the biting thing and the – the other thing that happens.”Merlin’s face was turning a very vibrant shade of red and Uther felt a mix of emotions. He didn’t want to remember those times with Ygraine, it was painful to think about, but another part of him had a small desire to help. He’d noticed this urge several times with Merlin, who he was supposed to hate and have executed back when Arthur so unceremoniously drug him into their lives. Uther blamed his inner alpha for his lack of initiative on the matter. Something about the omega was endearing at times and that bothered Uther to no end!“Fine!” he acquiesced, “I’ll try to help, if only to save you looking like an utter fool in front of my son.”Merlin’s shoulders slumped in immediate relief and Uther worried the boy might actually start crying. Clearly this whole process was far more stressful than he’d realized.“Okay, the biting, does he have to do it down there?” Merlin asked motioning to his lower half. “Please tell me there’s another option.”“Of course there’s another – Merlin what do you think Arthur is going to do? Try and gnaw your leg off?”“You didn’t see those drawings in the books,” Merlin countered with a visible shudder.Uther sighed; he could feel a migraine coming on, “Never mind that, Arthur can bite your neck and your wrists to cover –.”“I don’t have anything on my wrists, maybe it got screwed up because of the magic,” Merlin mumbled dejectedly.“Not possible,” Uther grumbled closing the distance between them and snatching Merlin’s forearm before he could protest. Bringing the omegas slender wrist up to his nose Uther took a long breath in. Merlin made some sort of undignified squeak at the action but remained still. After a few seconds he released his grip and stepped away.“Nothing, right?” Merlin pouted.“Quite the contrary, you’ve got a scent gland there. The aroma is faint, but I would wager a guess that after Arthur bites you there, you may notice it more.”“But I can’t feel or see anything?!”“It’s there. Arthur, I’m sure, will concur.”“None of this makes any sense,” Merlin whined.“Merlin, completing the bonding process isn’t difficult. You simply sit with Arthur and tell him what you want, and conversely what you don’t want to do. I’m sure he’ll respect your wishes.”“But what counts as complete? Just the biting or do I have to do other things?”“Arthur biting your scent gland will make things truly official. The other thing you’re concerned about can wait. It’s not needed unless you’ve been born with reproductive organs and wish to sire a child.” Uther waited to hear Merlin’s opinion as he watched the boy go from an embarrassed pink to a ghostly white. “Goddess no, erm, I don’t – I wasn’t born that way, I know another male omega in my village that could but I can’t.”“I suppose we’ll have to cross the bridge of leaving an heir at a later date, unless Morgana marries and produces a child.”“But – but you’re serious, I don’t need to do that with Arthur yet? I mean until I’m ready.”“No you don’t, so long as Arthur bites you in more than one place, and the hand fasting ceremony is recorded properly, you will officially be mates.”“Thank the gods,” Merlin sighed.“Was there anything else?” Uther asked feeling like he needed to sleep for several days to recoup from this exchange.“What about me? Do I bite Arthur back?” Merlin asked, already looking better with some color returning to his face.“You lack the proper canines for the task, I wouldn’t attempt it, unless you fancy sending Arthur to Gaius’ for stitches.”Merlin vigorously shook his head no and let out a sigh, “How will people know he’s taken?”“That part is a little harder; you must be diligent in scent marking your alpha. He’ll wear a ring to signify his status but that won’t stop everyone from trying to get his attention.”“I think I can manage that, um, did your wife do that for you?” Merlin asked before going wide eyed in fear. Clearly he hadn’t meant to ask that out loud.Deciding to take pity on the poor omega for once, Uther answered. “Yes, if you must know, Ygraine did mark me every morning.” Unable to add anything more due to his emotions welling up Uther opted to look away.“That’s sweet,” Merlin murmured. “Erm, I think I understand better now,” he added with a small smile.Uther was afraid to ask if Merlin had any more questions, but he didn’t really want to send him away still confused. “Dare I ask, if that was it?”Merlin took in a shaky breath and gave him a look that meant there was more. “The – the biting part, how long does that last? I mean – how long will Arthur bite me and does it hurt?”“That is entirely up to you and Arthur. Some bonding bites can be over and done within seconds, others last for a few minutes. Arthur will know when to stop.”“Because he’s an alpha or just cause I’ll yell out in pain and he’ll freak out?” Merlin wondered sheepishly.“He’ll take care of his omega, that’s all you need to understand, and it shouldn’t hurt. Ygraine complained of a slight pinch at first and then said it was fine.”“Even on the wrist? Both places were okay?”“Yes, they were. Now, was there anything else?”“Oh, um no, I have a much better idea of what to expect. You should go add some notes to those awful books in the library. Your explanation made more sense,” Merlin admitted.“I’ll keep that in mind, though I believe Geoffrey would be very upset at my tinkering.”“I guess I’ll be going now, thank you sire.”Uther merely hummed in response and shooed Merlin toward the door. He was well and truly exhausted now. Nothing like having a, birds and the bees talk with his son’s omega to take it out of him. “Go find Arthur and talk about what you want, ask him about your wrists too, he’ll confirm what I said.”Merlin nodded, gave a crooked bow, and ran out of the room swinging the door shut behind him. Sighing at all the old memories he’d have to push away that night, Uther sought out his carafe of wine to drown away his sorrows.--Three Weeks Later:Peering around the great hall full of nobles and knights, Arthur lamented the noted absence of Merlin’s father. He was the missing link, the supposed lord of a far off land that allowed Merlin to be worthy of today’s proceedings. No one knew who he was or where to find him so he remained a mystery. Even Hunith, Merlin’s mother had been disguised and instructed to stay out of the lime light.Arthur hadn’t liked the idea of her being treated in such a manner but his father had forbid anything else. His concern being that anyone could follow her home and see where Merlin really came from. Uther was all about appearances and this bonding ceremony was no different. Though, Arthur sensed that there was more to the story than his father was letting on.Thankfully, Hunith didn’t seem to mind the chance to blend into the crowd as a noble woman. She’d been happy to steer clear of Uther since their last encounter all those months ago. Arthur knew Merlin was happy to have her there in any capacity, so he’d not pushed things with the king.Catching her eye briefly they exchanged small smiles. He’d not seen his omega all morning and Hunith had teased him in passing just before the start of the ceremony. She uttered something about how handsome her son had looked before strolling away to find a place to stand.Now, all Arthur wanted was to get the ceremony going so he could claim Merlin later. His inner alpha was barely staying contained with the anticipation. Taking a calming breath he trained his eyes on the double doors at the end of the hall. Merlin would be there soon.He only had to wait another few minutes before a hush fell over the crowd. Somehow they’d figured out that Merlin was coming. Staring intently Arthur couldn’t help but smile when the doors creaked open and Merlin appeared. His tall figure began gracefully walking the length of the hall and Arthur couldn’t tear his eyes away.Hunith had been correct, Merlin looked handsome in his dark blue doublet and tailored black pants. The new leather boots he donned completed the look and Arthur couldn’t help but stare as his omega approached the dais.Time moved of its own accord as the ceremony unfolded. Arthur could barely keep up as they went through the motions. Warm hands in his own made his breath catch and then like a passing cloud they were each saying ‘I do’ to Geoffrey. The hand fasting cords wrapped snuggly around his hands kept him close to Merlin and that was enough.But even that sensation didn’t last as long as Arthur wished. The cords fell away once things were declared official, and without hesitation Arthur slipped a golden engraved band over Merlin’s ring finger. His omega repeated the action and then they kissed briefly, a chaste little thing to declare their love for all to see.With Merlin so close Arthur could breathe in his scent, it was sweet with a hint of what the forest smelled like after a hard rain. As he enjoyed the lingering aroma that meant Merlin was truly happy and excited, Arthur was sorely tempted to skip the feast so they could simply exist together without prying eyes.However, Arthur knew that his father wouldn’t hear of it, they needed to make a public appearance and put on a show for their guests. News of his union with Merlin needed to spread in hopes of bolstering their defenses. Sophia’s attack on him a month ago had rattled Uther and he was doing all he could to wrap up loose ends. Being bonded would hopefully reduce the number of people trying to use seduction as a means to the throne.A light tug on his wrist brought him back to the present, and he quickly went to hold Merlin’s hand properly before smiling dutifully as the crowd applauded. The first part of the ceremony was done, he and Merlin were married!--“Are you sure it’s alright that we left the feast early?” Merlin asked for the fifth time as they made their way along the corridors of the citadel.“Yes, stop fretting, I even asked father and he didn’t complain,” Arthur replied pulling Merlin closer and planting a kiss on his cheek. “I think it helped that you went to talk to him a couple of weeks ago, which, by the way, I still can’t believe you did!”“Believe me I wasn’t so sure it was a good idea when I did it, but there was literally no one else to ask!”“I know, you said as much already, but I’m glad he wasn’t mean to you. I made a promise to protect you and I intend to keep it,” Arthur huffed.“I was so upset at not having answers that I didn’t really think things through before I went to him.”“Thank the goddess nothing bad happened,” Arthur sighed as he hurried towards their chambers. When the door appeared he broke out into a run.Merlin yelped as he was pulled along, “Watch it, you clotpole!”“Not a word!” Arthur shot back, shoving them both inside. “Can you make sure the doors stay locked for a little bit?” The way Merlin scrunched his face up in confusion all but crumbled Arthur’s resolve to take things slow.“What, with magic?” he asked.“Yes, clotpole, with magic,” Arthur teased.“That is my word,” Merlin grumbled as his eyes glowed gold and Arthur heard the door locks snick shut. “I did a silencing spell as well, just in case I, um, yell.”“You won’t yell, I’m not gonna hurt you.”“That remains to be seen.”“Hey, we talked about what’s going to happen, remember?”Merlin nodded and stepped closer to pull him into a hug, “I remember, but it still doesn’t stop me from being nervous.”Squeezing Merlin tightly Arthur tried to help him calm down. Admittedly neither of them really knew what they were doing; Arthur still intended to take care of his omega. “We can sit on the bed, if you’d like.”“No pushing things!” Merlin huffed as he walked over and flopped down with a grunt. “I’m not ready for that yet.”“I know and I won’t even try, but are you still okay with me biting your neck and wrist?”“Yeah, erm, how is the best way?” Merlin asked quietly, shifting to kick his boots off.“You might need to lose the doublet and tunic for starters,” Arthur commented as he came over and squeezed in between Merlin’s bent legs hanging off the bed.Merlin allowed him to get close as he started to undo the laces on the garment. He was half way done with the task when he paused, “Do you think my magic will flare up when you bite me?”“No idea, but you’ve sealed the room with magic so no one should know if it does, right?” Arthur checked.“In theory, yeah, but, you know me,” Merlin chuckled.Catching sight of Merlin’s partially exposed neck; Arthur was having a hard time staying focused. He really wanted to claim his omega and Merlin was stalling. “So, can I help you with that, or are you going to finish?” he teased while fingering the edge of the collar. Merlin rolled his eyes but continued taking off the doublet and tunic underneath. When all of his beautiful, soft skin was on display Arthur leaned down to gently kiss Merlin. “Can I – do you need me say what’s coming?” he asked breathlessly.“I trust you,” Merlin answered. “I think I’ll feel better if you just, take control.”A feeling of protectiveness Arthur had never felt before surged to the surface. He wasn’t going to let Merlin down, not now, not ever. Deciding sitting together in the middle of bed made more sense, he guided Merlin back and removed his own boots before clambering up to join him.When Merlin reached out to tug on his own jacket, Arthur quickly undid the fastenings and cast it aside. Scooting forward so they were facing each other, he pulled Merlin close so he had clear access to Merlin’s neck.Gently rubbing his hand along Merlin’s exposed ribs, the omega shivered at the touch but didn’t retreat. Looking up briefly Arthur gave Merlin a reassuring smile and lowered his head. Nosing his way into the warm juncture of shoulder and neck, Arthur found he could drag out a litany of soft sounds from his mate.Up until this point, he’d been unsure of what he was supposed to do, but that helpless feeling didn’t last for long. Arthur’s inner alpha took the lead when he breathed in the pleasing scent Merlin was emitting. It was like things were happening of their own accord. Arthur felt his alpha canines pushing forward and without a second thought he gently bit Merlin on his scent gland.Merlin all but collapsed into his arms as he completed his first bite. The omega didn’t make a sound, save for a small whine that came out as needier more than anything else. Letting up on the bite Arthur immediately kissed the area and kept the little pricks of blood at bay. He’d already been told that bites on scent glands didn’t bleed very much.Peering around the room he could see that nothing was out of place, Merlin’s magic had remained subdued. Turning his attention back to the very content boneless pile of omega in his arms he held Merlin tightly and rubbed his back. “How do you feel?” he asked.“M’ember when you marked me the first time, and I broke?” Merlin all but whispered.“Oh, but it’s good, right?”“S’good, you have no idea, I feel so light headed and you smell fucking amazing, how did your scent change so fast, it’s so nice,” Merlin rambled. Adjusting his grip to better support Merlin, he practically hauled the man into his lap. The omega didn’t mind and even threw an arm around his shoulders to be closer.“Are you ready for the last bite?” Arthur asked as he touched their foreheads together.“Yep, good luck finding my scent gland,” Merlin chirped, waving his arm around like he was drunk before devolving into a fit of giggles.Arthur reacted quickly and snatched the slender limb. Merlin didn’t try and pull away so he took that as permission to continue. Whatever transformation was happening to Merlin wouldn’t last forever, so it was best to use his time wisely.Gently bringing Merlin’s arm up to his mouth, Arthur was surprised to see a very prominent scent gland awaiting his bite. The first bite must have made it come to the surface; it would explain why omegas with bites on their wrists were considered to be off limits. Getting the bite in wasn’t a simple process.Licking his lips Arthur brought Merlin’s wrist to his mouth and by scent alone found the perfect spot to leave his mark.--Merlin knew he was being demanding, but the feast hadn’t ended and it was in their honor after all, why shouldn’t they enjoy it, a second time? Everything had grown louder and more fun in their brief absence. The food was still there, which mattered very much to Merlin. Plus his alpha was close. So close in fact that he seemed to be holding him up. Giggling at the action, Merlin swung his head around and beamed at Arthur, “You’re my alpha,” he cooed.Arthur groaned at the influenced word and tightened his grip on Merlin’s waist, “I know, you insufferable tease,” he admonished, but there was no heat to his words. “Are you sure you’re alright?”“M’fine, I feel great, this is better than being drunk!”Arthur laughed and pulled him in for a proper hug before kissing him firmly on the lips, “I still can’t believe you wanted to come back to the feast!”“Why not? I still have energy and biting me didn’t take long, so let’s have fun,” he replied happily.Forgetting his worries for the first time in a long time, Merlin led Arthur around the room dancing and laughing. This was the best he’d felt in his whole life, and to think he’d been terrified of the whole process only a few weeks ago. Content to be with his alpha, Merlin reveled in the festivities, he was officially bonded to Arthur, and nothing was better than that!