The whip, the sword and the open book
Read it on ao3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/86230146
Arthur realized only one thing—Merlin had a secret. And it terrified him like some sort of monster. To set the poor fellow’s mind at ease, Arthur gave his word that he would not use the truth potion to uncover his servant’s secrets.
After all, it was highly unlikely that Merlin was hiding anything of importance, right? It was unbefitting a prince to pry into the petty secrets of servants, right?..
And besides, he hadn't promised not to snoop, right?
And so, he learns one of Merlin’s secrets. Then another. And another. And even more. Arthur will keep searching until he uncovers everything, until he learns what has been hidden from him, until these secrets change him entirely.
Words: 6785, Chapters: 1/13, Language: English
Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Merlin
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Gwen & Morgana (Merlin)
Additional Tags: POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Finds Out About Morgana's Magic (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Sexual Tension, Dom/sub Undertones, Light BDSM, Action/Adventure, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Gwen (Merlin), Caring Gwen (Merlin), Traumatized Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Being an Asshole (Merlin), Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Redeemed Morgana (Merlin), Angry Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Truth Serum, Possessive Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Fix-It, Eventual Happy Ending, Evil Morgause (Merlin)
Read it on ao3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/86230146