Well, in some fanfictions, Merlin is forced to marry Arthur because of a prophecy. The prophecy states that their union will bring great prosperity to Camelot. So, the court and the people push for the marriage despite Merlin's initial reluctance. Or perhaps there's a situation where Merlin has to marry Arthur to save his own life. Maybe he has made a deal with a dark force and the only way out is to marry Arthur.
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.
In a fanfiction scenario where Merlin is forced to marry Arthur, it could start with a misunderstanding. The kingdoms believe that Merlin has some sort of claim to the throne through a long - lost lineage. To solidify the power structure, they demand the marriage. This could lead to a lot of internal conflict for both Merlin and Arthur. Merlin is worried about his secret magic being exposed, and Arthur is grappling with his feelings for Merlin as a friend and now as a potential spouse. As the story progresses, they might start to understand each other on a deeper level and actually fall in love despite the forced nature of their union.
Merlin would probably be very conflicted. On one hand, he is loyal to Arthur and Camelot, but on the other, being forced into a marriage is a huge infringement on his freedom. He might be scared about how this will change his life and his ability to use his magic secretly. Arthur, on the other hand, could be initially resistant as well. He sees Merlin as a friend and a servant, and this sudden change to a marital relationship would be strange for him.
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.
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 Naruto is forced to marry a character from another village as a political alliance. This would create a lot of drama as he has to adjust to living with someone he barely knows while also dealing with the reactions from his friends in Konoha.
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 interesting Merlin and Arthur fanfiction could be where Merlin reveals his magic to Arthur in a very unexpected and comical way. For example, during a royal banquet, when a knight accidentally drops a sword that's about to impale Arthur, Merlin freezes time and casually walks over to pick up the sword, then unfreezes time and acts like nothing happened. Arthur is left completely bewildered until Merlin finally confesses his powers.
The banter between Merlin and Arthur in fanfiction is really interesting. It can range from light - hearted jabs at each other's habits. Merlin might poke fun at Arthur's love for jousting and how he always gets a bit too competitive. Arthur could retort by mentioning Merlin's clumsy attempts at serving him. Their banter also reflects the underlying respect they have for each other despite their different social standings. It's like a friendly sparring that keeps their relationship dynamic.
The 'Redemption' trope is also seen in some fanfictions. Maybe Arthur has made some mistakes in the past, and Merlin helps him to redeem himself. Or vice versa. It's a way to explore the characters' growth and development. And then there's the 'Battle Against Evil' trope where they fight side by side against dark forces, which really showcases their bond and loyalty.
I really like 'The Sword in the Stone' as a fanfiction - like take on Merlin and Arthur. It shows Merlin as this wise and mysterious figure guiding Arthur on his journey to become king. There are also some great interactions between the two characters that show the deep bond they share. You can find it in many libraries or online bookstores.
One interesting plotline could be Merlin using his magic in modern times to secretly protect Arthur, who is a powerful businessman or politician. For example, he might use magic to prevent assassination attempts on Arthur.