One interesting plot can be found in 'Courting the Warlock'. Here, Arthur starts courting Merlin after realizing that Merlin's magic can be a great asset to Camelot. But as he courts Merlin, he truly falls in love, not just for the magic. This creates a complex dynamic as Merlin is initially suspicious of Arthur's motives. Also, in 'The Royal Courtship', the plot involves Arthur trying to court Merlin while also having to deal with political unrest in Camelot. He has to balance his love for Merlin with his responsibilities as a king - to - be, which makes for a very engaging story.
One great 'Arthur Courting Merlin' fanfiction is 'The Courtship of Merlin'. It beautifully depicts Arthur slowly realizing his feelings for Merlin and his clumsy yet endearing attempts at courting. Another is 'Merlin's Heart', which shows how Arthur overcomes the social barriers of being a prince to court Merlin in secret.
In some fanfictions, Arthur saves Merlin from a magical creature that has been sent specifically to target Merlin because of his powerful magic. For example, a dark wizard sends a shadow demon after Merlin, and Arthur, with his courage and swordsmanship, manages to slay the demon and save Merlin. This often leads to a deeper bond between them as they realize how much they mean to each other.
One interesting Arthur courts Merlin fanfiction could be one where Arthur discovers Merlin's magic in a very unique way, like during a battle when Merlin has to use his powers openly to save Arthur. This creates a whole new dynamic between them as Arthur has to grapple with his long - held beliefs about magic and his friendship with Merlin.
Well, one plot could be them facing challenges together as a couple in Camelot. Maybe there are court nobles who oppose their relationship, and they have to fight for their love while also maintaining the kingdom's stability. Another could be Merlin using his magic in new ways to protect Arthur, not just as his friend and advisor but as his husband.
One possible plot could be that Merlin has some hidden magical ability that makes him a valuable asset in a political marriage to Arthur. For example, his magic could be the key to uniting two kingdoms. Another plot might involve a magical curse that forces the marriage. A third idea could be that Merlin and Arthur are tricked into a marriage by an evil sorcerer who wants to disrupt Camelot from within.
Maybe a plot where Arthur and the knights get a glimpse into Merlin's past through some magical artifact. They see his early days of learning magic and the struggles he faced, which makes them understand his motives and loyalty better. This could lead to a stronger bond between them all.
The main thing that makes 'Merlin x Female Arthur' fanfictions interesting is the role - reversal aspect. We're used to seeing Arthur as male in the original, so seeing a female Arthur changes the dynamic completely. Their relationship can be explored in new ways, like how they support each other differently.
One popular plot is that Arthur is initially shocked and angry when he discovers Merlin's magic, but then he gradually realizes how Merlin has been using it to protect him all along. For example, in some fanfictions, Merlin uses his magic to save Arthur from a seemingly impossible battle, and Arthur finally comes to terms with Merlin's powers and they become even closer friends, united in a new way to protect Camelot.
One interesting plotline could be their journey to discover their true family history. Since they are brothers in this fanfiction, there might be secrets about their parents or heritage that they uncover together. Another could be them facing challenges as brothers, like one getting into trouble and the other having to save him. For example, Arthur might get captured and Merlin uses his magic to rescue him, strengthening their bond as brothers in the process.
I'm not sure about the most popular ones specifically. But you can start by looking on major fanfiction platforms like Archive of Our Own. There might be stories where the author takes a creative turn and has Arthur in a situation that seems like cheating on Merlin in their own fictional take on the relationship, often exploring complex emotions and consequences.