Chapter Text
. One of the other things Arthur did as soon as he got back was to discuss with both Leon and the R&D department the feasibility of air inflation devices for wheelchairs. Tristan and sunseeker approached Arthur about designing a hoist to help Merlin in and out of the submarine. They had made drawing and it could be fitted with reasonable ease. It would make it safer and easier. Arthur was pleased that everyone had taken on board Merlin’s limitations without making a fuss. He readily agreed to fund any changes and equipment needed. Excalibur were involved in as much as they already made hoists and harnesses for hospitals and the idea was to adapt something rather than start from a blank canvas.
With a month out of their schedule the men soon got back to work to make sure they were on time with their various projects. Arthur complaining he was busier now than when he had been working. Lance was also kept busy. But he was happy as he was home so much with his family. Gwen was flourishing in the country and her children were happy and content. She helped Kara with baby sitting so Kara could continue to work in the kitchens. Although she was now part time. Mordred had really come into his own as a protection officer for the estate. He might be young but his team respected him and worked well. Gwaine was always there to help him but primarily he was there to protect the Dukes as was Percy. The new four people worked between the two teams.
Gaius was a frequent visitor and spent hours reading the books and decided retire from the University but act as a mentor and consultant if needed by Merlin. When they were away Merlin could email the translations back for Gaius to put into book form as and when he wanted to, with Lances help. Arthur of course approved and a small flat was found for his use. Arthur knew Merlin was trying to get his mum and Balinor to move closer but was having little luck. Family was important to Merlin whether blood or friend family. They were also both thinking of their next trip away. They had been on a trip to the Norfolk Broads for a few days in the RV but it was a trip on Ygraine that was pulling at both of them.
Arthur had gone to a meeting about the next lot of houses and Merlin was working in the library when Percy came in. “Merlin some people have arrived and wish to speak to you. David had checked them and I am not sure if you want to see them with Arthur not being here. It is Maria and Gorgio Aetos.”
Merlin was surprised to say the least. A visit and not a phone call. He had heard nothing from the couple since there first day in Greece. Hoping it wasn’t concerning Aithusa he took a deep breath. “Please take them to the office and stay there I will be there shortly. Can you ask Audrey for coffee for them?”
Merlin went upstairs and quickly changed into a suit, if it worked for Arthur it might work for him. He went back downstairs and straight to Arthur office. He straightened his back and walked in.
“Thank you Percy, that will be all”
Percy gave a half bow “Yes your Grace I will be outside if you need me”
Merlin thought he would have to tease Percy later but admitted it looked good to these ultra traditional people and set the scene, He didn’t offer his hand it had been refused last time. He moved and sat behind the desk and looked at the couple. Deliberately using all the things he had never used as a doctor. In this case he wanted them to feel he was in total control. “You asked to speak to me. Is Aithusa in good health?”
Gorgio spoke “Yes your Grace she is, we hope you excuse our intrusion but we felt we need to speak to you in person.” He was clearly nervous. This gave Merlin courage so he just raised his eyebrow in his best Gaius impression and waited. He didn’t have to wait long.
Maria spoke “We have come to realise how rude we were to you and wish to express our regret. We were told recently that one of our nephews has become Gay. We again listened to our priest who suggested we ask my brother to get his too a priest to help him change.”
Merlin could feel his anger building “Conversion therapy!” he spat out
Gorgio put up his hand “I mentioned it to Maria’s father he told me to read a recent case from England and decide if it was a right thing to do. We did as he asked and were appalled. We couldn’t allow our nephew to be subject to such a thing. We spoke to our nephew and listened. It was hard but I think we began to understand. It was then we realised how our actions must had affected you. You husband said his father had not understood and reading again we knew the duke was one of those poor souls. Writing to you was not enough to express our sorrow. So we flew here to ask forgiveness. We don’t pretend we fully understand yet but we are trying. We are being punished our daughter is disappointed in us. She is too good a daughter to say anything but we know. Marias father is right we need to look at ourselves and decide who is them most important. We have found you are good people who help many others and we need to find away of reconciling our faith and what we now know”
Merlin sat and listened, he understood what Alitor had done and why but it felt like a betrayal of confidence. But he knew everything was out there in the public domain. He looked at them both “Your father had no right to tell Arthur story without asking him”
Maria became flustered “There was no betrayal, It was not the documents he told us to read, to our shame we mistrusted Papa and wanted to find the truth so we hired a person to find the court case. It was only then we understood. The Duke was named. Please do not think badly of papa he values your friendship far to greatly to ever do that.”
“So you have apologised what now?” Merlin was still confused as too why they had visited him.
“We would ask you to be part of our daughter’s life. You are important to her and we want her happy. She was sad when you left. She told us you were both wonderful men who loved each other. That love is never bad and the world would be a better place without prejudice. She is right. I know she will still contact you but we want her to be able to do so without our views making her feel guilty. We will promise to try to understand but we cannot change overnight.”
Gorgio added “The duke was right to ask us if we would have wanted you to operate if we had known before. We would have done anything, even consorted with the devil to save her. But also you made us think what does that say about the teachings of our faith. We have yet to reconcile those two things. Our teaching say we must love our neighbour as ourself, it says nothing about who that neighbour is. Our government has legalised same sex maraiges against the church wishes. If those leading us are at odds how are we to decide other than by using our hearts. You are a good man, indeed a great and kind one who treated a scared child and her family with kindness and love. Your husband clearly loves you with all he has. Our dear Papa who is a very good judge of character had accepted you into our family in a way he accepts very few. It is clearly us who are wrong. ”
Merlin decided he had heard enough he pressed the call button and Percy knocked an came into the room again bowing his head slightly. “Can you ask for three coffees please and we will move to the lounge.” As Percy left Merlin looked at the couple. “I hope that is alright but I feel we have earnt more comfortable surroundings. But one think I must correct you, people do not ‘decide‘ to become gay they are born that way.” He stood up, having watched Arthur enough he knew how to lead a situation. Opening the office door he held open so the couple could exit. As he stepped out he saw Arthur walking towards them.
“Arthur you are back early. We have visitors and are just going to have coffee on the lounge will you join us?” It was clear Arthur knew exactly who the visitors were and he didn’t look happy. Merlin also noticed the moment Arthur had spotted his suit. A slight smirk could be seen curling his mouth.
“I shall, but first I would like a private word” Arthur said and seeing Percy added “Percy could you please take our guests to the lounge and order an extra coffee it has been a long morning.” The unhear words ‘and it looks like its getting longer’ remained unsaid but hung there. Taking Merlin’s arm he went into the office and closed the door. Turning to Merlin he hugged him “Did you know they were coming”
“No they just turned up asking to see me. Sorry for using your office but I thought it might be better” the raven haired man said in a worried tone.
Arthur lifted his hand to Merlins suit lapel “Its yours as well as mine, the suit of armour I assume?”
“Sort of and when Percy said they had arrived I was in joggers and a tatty t shirt. Not a good look for such guests” He was about to start talking when Arthur butted in.
“I was outside, I came back just as you went into the office. Mordred had told me of your visitors. The office isn’t very sound proof if you know where to stand so I listened in, you did a great job love. I know it was wrong but I knew you wouldn’t want rescuing but wanted to come in if you needed me,”
“What happened about your meeting?”
“Accident on the road, the others phoned and postponed we were nearly there or I would have been back earlier. Shall we join our guests” he paused “In fact I will, why don’t you go and warn Audrey we might have two more for lunch, can’t very well throw them out starving can we”
“I can see through you Mr Pendragon! Don’t eat them for breakfast before I get back”. Merlin disappeared towards the kitchen trusting Arthur to do the right thing, he was upset his husband had listened in but understood why.
Arthur grinned he was after all for better or worse a Pendragon and had been taught from birth how to deal with people and make them realise their place. A skill he only very seldom used.
Opening the door to the lounge he walked in gesturing Percy to leave. He took of his jacket and very carefully lay it across the back of a chair. Sitting down he leant back confidently before looking at the couple his whole appearance oozing confidence and of being in control. He knew that way his underbelly could be shaking but no one would know. “You have nerve I will give you that, coming to our home after our last meeting. My husband has given me the gist of your reasons. He is a very kind man and easily forgives, I don’t” Pausing for effect before going on “If you are sincere, I have no problem, your father is a good and honourable man who I know will understand. But if you ever give me reason to think you have in anyway physically or mentally hurt my husband, you will pay in full socially and financially, your father may have ten times my wealth but that will not stop me.” Arthur’s eyes were ice cold and the couple were in no doubt he meant every word.
With that Merlin walked in “Coffee is on its way, I have ordered lunch for us all, I hope you can stay” he smiled at the couple and looking back at Arthur noticed his face soften and his eyes change, it was as if he were a different man.
“Yes, please do, in fact why not stay the night, are you flying back tomorrow?” Arthur voice had completely changed, the latter was asked as a question but the couple knew it wasn’t meant that way. In that moment they realised that Arthur meant every word he said and would die to carry it out. They had clearly underestimated him, used to Maria’s father making sure they had what they wanted it came as a shock.
Gorgio smiled weakly “We would love to thank you. But we have already booked a hotel room, but lunch would be very acceptable.”
“At the local village?”
Gorgio nodded. As he did Kara come in with the coffee and placed it on the table “Can you please ring the village hotel and cancel the hotel room for Mr and Mrs Aetos and ask the staff to prepare a room for them please. Oh, and leave that thank you, we can pour our own.” He smiled and Kara bobbed her head and left silently.
Kara left the room as silently as she came in. Speaking to Percy she said “You were right, the duke can be really scary. They are staying the night; do you think it will be full-service tonight for dinner?”
“Yes, with all bells and whistles please, better ask Gwaine and Mordred for advice on the room.” He grinned “I wouldn’t want to be in that couple shoes the way Arthur was looking at them, wonder what happened?”
Kara laughed “Who knows but I know I am never upsetting the dukes, either of them if I can help it.” She went off with a swing in her step. She quite liked formal meal preparation as long as it wasn’t for too many people and she knew Freya would always help if asked. Gwaine and Mordred had a discussion and put the couple in the newer wing away from Arthur and Merlin. They would have extra inside patrols as well to be sure. Although they didn’t know exactly what the problem was between the dukes and the Greeks they realised there was one. They would also have a discrete guard in the old wing. Mordred managed to catch Arthur later and told him what was happening, he was given thanks and that although it probably wasn’t necessary it was better to be sure. Also made a discission to make the meal larger so someone was there to act as a buffer so invited Gwen and Lance and Gwaine and Elena, as the Greek couple didn’t know either their status as employees wouldn’t be known they were there as friends. During the early afternoon Kara approached the visitor to ask about allergies and preferences for food. Luckily there was a small list to take to the kitchen.
The house staff quickly took leaves out of the large dinning table to make it more suitable for the smaller group and made the dinning room ready for use. It was a magnificent room and grand in a way the great hall wasn’t. All the silver was got out and cleaned. Flowers arranged. Freya was asked to help in the kitchen and gladly helped, she was getting fed up with all the time off. Elena did the flowers careful not to be seen. After speaking too Gwaine and Audrey she made a phone call and asked Mithian and Josh if they would come and be servers for the night they agreed and arrived within a couple of hours. When Arthur found out he was both pleased and annoyed his crew were supposed to be on holiday. But everyone had got behind the idea, they might not know the details but that Arthur wanted to make an impression on people that the security didn’t like was enough for them. David and Kathy refused to talk but did agree on the motives, that the visitors were being shown that the Dukes weren’t people to be trifled with and in a way the super-rich understood.
Lunch was a fairly casual affair. After which Arthur played the host and showed the couple his home. Gradually the atmosphere warmed a bit and it was more relaxed. The couple were shown their room and after having their luggage transferred from the village the pair went and settled in.
Later Merlin and Arthur went up to get ready for the meal. Merlin had already found Mithian and Josh at work and had seen the dinning room so had a good idea what was planned. In the privacy of their room he confronted Arthur “What going on? It looks a bit like a dick measuring contest to me”
Arthur smirked “And you know the size of my dick! I am just showing them that we are not to be trifled with in a way they understand. Unlike her father Maria and her husband are snobs. Well we are dukes. As for what happening downstairs, I blame my staff, they seem to be arranging things behind my back and have even got the yachts crew involved. That was not my doing. I suspect tonight is going to rival the banquet given in Greece for us. Minus about six courses, I hope. And they will pretend it a normal evening. So best suit night I think”
“I am not wearing the tails!” Merlin said
“OK maybe not the best but your dinner suit. Gwen told me she is wearing her gown from the New Year party. I am just waiting to hear her back story if she is asked. Have you seen the dining room?”
“I have and they were laying for six courses.” Merlin said “And the candelabra were out. I didn’t even know you had any. As for drinking glasses……”
“They haven’t been used since Uther’s business meals. If they are out, I suspect so it the best china!” Arthur sounded gleeful.
Merlin didn’t look happy but realised he would have a mutiny on his hands if he tried to alter anything, especially after Audrey had shown them the menu. “Mithian bought the Baluga caviar from Ygraine and got the scallops from Poole as she knows Merlin isn’t keen on caviar. She also got the truffles and sea bass. We talked about it before hand. We are using Lemon sorbet as palate cleansers between courses. Everyone wanted to make a good impression for you both.” She looked at Arthur “I hope you don’t mind me saying Sir but these are not your normal guests. They are very demanding they have already sent down several requests for their room. Including fresh flowers and a certain brand of coffee.”
“Sorry Audrey I will speak to them, they sort of invited themselves. They will be gone tomorrow and not be back. But I want to make it clear we are not to bend over double to accommodate them if you don’t have something just say so. I do want to make it clear I invited them to stay because I wanted Merlin to be happier. We were insulted by them in Greece and it upset him, but he has reasons to want then too be less antagonistic whilst I am proving we are the better people. I didn’t expect the meal to be so grand but it does help show our place in society and they are huge snobs and I thank you for it.” He looked at the menu and grinned, “Done in spades thank you” The menu was
Caviar on Blinis or scallops in coriander and lime sauce
Consommé with truffle
Pan seared sea bass with pea shoots fine chopped herbs in lemon sauce
Herb crusted tenderloin of beef with roasted veg and mini Yorkshire puddings
Cheese biscuits
Raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake under sugar basket
All with Lemon sorbet with zest served as platter cleaners between courses when required. Also a full wine list.
“No wonder Gwen said she was wearing her gown from New Year!” was his last comment.
The meal went better than Arthur had hoped. His personal guests had dressed for the occasion and it was clear that the Aetos thought they were from the upper echelons of British society. Aided by the loan of some of the families jewels to Gwen and Elena. The food was, Arthur thought, even better than that provided in Greece. Not bad for a quickly put together menu. The couples snobbish ways were made clear in so many small ways. Their comments on the caviar for one, they were amazed that anyone would admit to not liking it especially as it was Baluga. If it had been anyone but Merlin Arthur was sure the comments would have been harsher. It was hard to see their daughter in them at all. They showed flashes of their bigotry but on the whole seemed to be trying. Merlin said later he thought the snobbishness was an act, but Arthur thought that was wishful thinking.
The next morning the couple departed and the house seemed to breath a sign of relief. Arthur thanked everyone and offer overtime to everyone which was sharply declined. They all had a nice lunch before everyone got back to normal. Arthur had a phone call later that week from Aithusa.
“They came to see you” were her first words
“Hello to you Aithusa” Arthur answered a smile on his face
“Well did they?”
“Yes they did, they spoke to Merlin who accepted their apology and stayed until next morning before flying back” Arthur admitted not adding more.
“They said you were so impressed you invited them to stay and they had a special banquet cooked for them and you invited your society friends.” Aithusa told him “Now tell me the truth no lies”
“Merlin did accept their apologies we had a meal and I had some friends there yes” Arthur answered after all it was the truth.
“Ha! Now tell me what happened. Merlin might have accepted that but you aren’t a pushover and you wouldn’t have put yourself out after what happened. Now tell me or I ring Merlin”
Arthur grinned “How are you their daughter?”
“Are you your fathers son?” Aithusa sniped
“I hope I am but not in his ways. OK you win that one. Your parents saw Merlin and said sorry and they were mending their ways. Merlin believed them. I did ask then to stay the night and I did feed them. But after I threatened them when Merlin wasn’t in the room. My staff decided without my say so to set out to impress. I think it was a we are better than you thing. I had invited some friends to join us to make it less awkward. But they were my Executive Assistant and my head of security with wives. Your parents assumed they were aristocracy but no one said they were. Not helped as they all came dressed to the nines. My staff used the best dinning room and pulled out all the stops I even had the yacht stewards turn up as waiters. We ended up having a six course meal starting with Beluga caviar” Arthur admitted.
Laughter came down the line “I like your staff already. They are telling grandpa all that rubbish and trying to make themselves look good. He was so cross when they tried to get my cousin to conversion therapy. Did they tell you that?”
“They told Merlin yes, look your parents are clearly feeling insecure just drop it.” Arthur told her “If you make a big issue Merlin will be cross and he has a hard side when he loses his rag. Now is there anything else I can help you with?”
There was a pause “Is Merlin OK?”
“He is, he dealt with the situation far better than I thought he would, he was a bit scary to be honest. He didn’t know I was home and I listened in at the door and made it look like I had just got home when they came out of the room. I told Merlin later.” Arthur admitted.
“Sneaky”
“I wanted to make sure he was alright but he doesn’t like it when I treat him in any way he thinks of as weak. It’s a confidence thing, he has suffered a lot from losing his career.” Arthur wanted her to understand and not make matters worse.
Again a pause “I can understand that, but hadn’t thought that through, don’t worry I won’t say anything to upset him. Now have you decided what trip you are doing next and where?” Came the complete change of topic.
“We are looking at it now, some we wanted to do have been made difficult because of the Suez I am not sure we should risk going through and my captain agrees. I can’t do a long trip again yet. Why did you ask”
“I want to see you both again silly, so I was wondering if you are coming to the med or if I can invite myself to England.”
“I will speak to Merlin but you are welcome here anytime we are about. I will get back to you once I have spoken to Merlin. Its such a pity you wont come on board with us.” What Aithusa said next surprised him.
“I am trying my best to overcome my fears, Grandpa said your yacht has a lift so I can stay inside once I am on board. In fact he is going to have his refitted with one, starting with his explorer. I am seeing a counsellor to help me. Have you found anything to go on my wheelchair yet?” her voice was full of hope. “Grampa says your company is ace at starting new things”
Arthur laughed “I can’t see your Grandpa saying ace somehow. I will chase it up and let you know”
“Thank you, well goodbye and speak soon.” With that she was gone. Arthur smiled his life was getting full of interesting people since he had got his yacht and found Merlin.
Getting on the phone he asked Leon about progress, he promised to ring back later.
Arthur told Merlin that Aithusa had rang and wanted to know about the wheelchair float and where they were going on their next trip. So, they decided they would look at the med area and the less touristy spots. Arthur messaged Tristan too ask him to put his thinking cap on.
Leon got back to him “They have looked at using more buoyant materials and filling them with air, they tried airbags but it is placing them so the person stays with head up. No point in having a floating chair if the persons head ends up under water. They also need not to interfere with clearance and get damaged in day to day use. Keeping everything lightweight is their problem. But they are still working on it. Ask Aithusa if something that blows the seat belt and makes her float might work. But that would mean her wearing a flotation device around water and that might get hot.”
“Thanks, I will ask her in a couple of days when I speak to her. I might get her permission for you to have her contact details so questions can be asked directly.”
A few days later Tristan came back to Arthur and suggested the Aegean sea “Yes it can be touristy but there a quiet spots if you know where to look. It is also great diving and good for your new toy. I heard from the training centre and we all passed 100% and have our certificates. I have just told Gwaine and Percy so be warned.”
“Right we will go for it, Merlin suggested that sort of area so I know he will be on board. Can you come up with George and Sefa for a celebratory dinner? Bring Isolde of course. And tell her she won’t have to help cook it as I have a great place to take you all.” Arthur asked. “If you can work some dates to give as up to three months away. Let me know and we will make final arrangements. Do you have all the insurances from the management company”
“Yes they sent them over they have also booked yearly refresher courses, not mandatory but a necessity I think.”
“Then I agree. I trust you implicitly and would rather be safe than sorry.” Arthur admitted.
Once more the time flew past once they had decided too go away. Arthur had informed Alitor and Aithusa they would be in the area and invited them aboard knowing he had no real chance of see Aithusa. But said they would spend time with then so they could see her.
Merlin was excited and although he wouldn’t admit it was looking forward to using the submarine. It was all Gwaine and Percy had spoken about for ages. The meal was at Ynychir restaurant near Aberystwyth in Wales and they had stayed the night, using the RV of course. It was a wonderful restaurant that had an Asian inspired tasting menu and was considered one of the best in the UK. Arthur had booked it up once he had dates of the course as it was not easy to get places. They had a great time and Isolde was as usual inspired with ideas.