Fic (Arthur/Merlin): Of Lions and Dragons, Pt 1/3
Title: Of Lions and Dragons
Author: heavenlyxbodies
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin with a huge helping of awesome!Morgana (and supportive!Leon)
Rating: NC17
Spoilers: through S2 definitely, S3 shouldn’t be, S4 none
Feedback: Makes me happy, just play nice
Disclaimer(s) can be found here
Beta: phnx_reader any remaining errors are on me.
Warnings/Squicks: schmangst
Summary: An ancient prophecy warns of a union of might and magic that will destroy a kingdom, but will it destroy Arthur and Merlin first.
AN1: This is a sequel to and begins immediately after the events of my story The Lee, but it should be readable as a stand-alone piece (but if you read The Lee certain parts will make more sense), though pls keep in mind that it is a sequel with an est relationship.
The story is set after S2, but before S3- note: this basically ignores the detailed events of “Fires of Idirsholas”
AN2: Because some ppl wonder about my terminology- “My Word Thing”
AN3: A special thanks to both rainbow_connec and kina54 for talking to me and helping work through some sticky spots. *hugs to you both*
And an extra, extra special, immeasurable, I couldn’t have done this without you, thanks and uber hugs to mialoco for stepping up and being the support I needed. *hugs to death (or close to it)*
I don’t often do this, but I’m actually dedicating this to my kyokohitsuji, my Arthur, who encouraged me to actually start writing in Merlin fandom (threatening and browbeating and bribing me with Dean/Cas), kept me going every time this fic got the better of me and made me step back when I was ready to delete it all. She’s kept me going in fandom and in r/l. She’s my Arthur, my protector, who saves me as often as I save her. Two halves, always. ♥
*********
Arthur and Merlin returned to Camelot a couple of days later than expected, but with a large hart in tow.
“Arthur,” the king greeted, his tone measured and still. “I understood you to be returning four nights ago, you had some of us worried,” he inclined his head toward Morgana as if it was she who had been concerned.
“I’m sorry Father, Morgana. I did not want to lose the trail of such an impressive beast,” he gestured at the carcass. “Merlin and I were more than capable.”
“Yes,” he agreed, a look that almost passed for affection crossed Uther’s face, but was gone as quickly as it came. “Do try and send word next time.”
“Of course, Father.”
And that was that. No mention of the sorcerer, no lectures about Princely Duties, or threats or condescending comments.
No sooner had the King dismissed them than Gaius approached, “Sire,” he inclined his head to the Prince. “Merlin. How are you feeling?”
With a warm smile, he honestly replied, “Never better.” And if his eyes darted to Arthur and a slight flush hinted upon his cheeks, well, who was the old man to notice?
Gaius smiled and gripped Merlin’s shoulders, “I’m glad for you.”
“Merlin,” Arthur interrupted the reunion. “I need you to prepare a bath and a change of clothes.”
“Right, Sire,” but Merlin smiled as he said the words, squeezing Gaius’ arms, before setting off on his duties.
For the first time in weeks Merlin felt himself again; he could feel his magic thrumming through him and it was beautiful. He sighed and shook his head. He still couldn’t believe how the past week had played out; from being miserable and broken, closer to death than he ever wanted to be again, to happy, having his magic back, and Arthur! Arthur accepted him, his magic and his love. Merlin’s heart sang. Shaking himself once again, Merlin set about preparing Arthur’s bath; he still had his duties after all.
He heard the quiet sound of the door opening and Arthur’s familiar footsteps. He smiled to himself. “Almost ready,” he called without turning.
Two heavy hands came down on Merlin’s slim shoulders, startling the young man. Arthur smirked as he bent over to place his mouth next to Merlin’s ear. “You’re joining me,” he whispered and nipped the shell of Merlin’s ear. “But first,” he stood, “help me get out of these things.”
Merlin sagged and laughed, “Of course, Sire.”
Arthur flopped back into his chair, waggling a finger at his servant, “Un-uh, none of that. I’ve had enough ‘Sire’s out of you to last a lifetime.”
Merlin eyed his prince mischievously and Arthur rolled his eyes throwing his head back, “All right, in here; Father would probably have a fit if you started calling me Arthur at meals.”
Still smiling, Merlin shook his head, “Yes, Arthur,” and moved to help remove Arthur’s boots.
“That’s better,” he praised, leaning forward to run long fingers through messy dark hair.
“Come ‘ere,” he said tugging at Merlin’s hair gently, guiding the young man up until he could kiss him.
Merlin moaned softly into the kiss, a part of him relaxing now that he knew Arthur still wanted him- there had been a small quiet piece of him that thought Arthur would push him away once they were back in Camelot.
“Bath time,” Arthur whispered across Merlin’s kiss-wet lips as he pulled away.
“Mmm,” Merlin agreed, pulling Arthur up and out of his chair, disrobing each other as they went.
******
Despite their newfound relationship, life went on as normal; assuming normal now included being pulled on top of your prince every morning when you went to wake him to indulge in some much sought after kissing, and being similarly entangled with said prince when it came to getting him to bed at night. The upside of this was wonderfully lazy mornings wrapped in the arms of his prince, and wondrous and fresh memories to fall asleep to in the evening, when he wasn’t actively sharing the Prince’s bed. The downside was when Uther sent some poor hapless servant to check after his son’s whereabouts, or worse, when one of Arthur’s own knights sought him out when he was late for practice.
It was well enough when it was one of the serving girls, few of them saw fit to entertain gossip about the Crown Prince and his manservant. This wasn’t so much that there was no gossip to be had, but more so that after over two years all the rumours had been spread and, true or not, no longer held any interest with the castle retinue. At worst there might be some serving girl, new to her position or new to the castle, who would attempt to send a fresh flood of rumours filling the castle walls, only to have her efforts fall short when the elder staff didn’t take up the cry, accustomed as they were to the strange ways that always seemed to surround their Prince and his manservant.
But when Sir Leon called through the door asking if Arthur was well and if training should be cancelled for the day, Merlin had to bite his lips to hold in the laugh that threatened to escape. If he’d ever truly questioned Arthur’s love, all doubt had been driven from his mind the first day that had happened.
True, Arthur had glared daggers at him as he tried to catch his breath and steady his voice to answer the knight, but once Leon had gone his look turned purely lecherous. “You think that’s funny, do you?” he griped as he threw himself on the bed trapping his manservant.
Merlin blushed slightly, more from holding back his laughter than anything else. “Yes, actually, I do,” he admitted saucily.
“You…” Arthur tried to admonish, but his heart wasn’t in it, could never be in it when he had Merlin so trusting and loving beneath him. Instead, he darted a final kiss to his manservant’s cheek, “Leon’s right, I need to get to training.”
Merlin nodded and slid out from beneath the prince and off the large bed, straightening his clothes and trying to look less like he’d just spent the past few hours in bed with the Crown Prince of Camelot.
Arthur hastily changed into his trousers and slipped on his under shirt and gambeson. He turned to find Merlin holding his hauberk and smiling. He shook his head, unable to do anything but smile back at his lover as he helped him on with his armour.
Arthur virtually bounced his way down to the training fields; he knew it was uncomely for the Crown Prince, but it was a brisk day, the biting cold of late autumn had yet to set in fully, leaving the kind of day he had always loved to train and hunt on, so he decided he could be forgiven.
He was busy sparring when Merlin finally made his way down to the practice fields, and in fact didn’t notice him until Sir Leon gave him a nod as he made way for the Prince’s next combatant. But noticing Merlin didn’t change the Prince’s demeanor or distract from his task, neither of them wanted that.
It was only after Arthur called the session to an end and the other knights were making their way to their quarters or the armoury that Sir Leon approached the Prince.
“Sire,” Leon dipped his head, “I hope I didn’t disturb you this morning.”
“Nonsense, Leon, I’m glad you did. I’m afraid my attention had been called away.”
“Of course, Sire.” His gaze darted between Merlin and the prince, an act which did not go unnoticed by the blond.
“Leon, if you have something to say, out with it.”
Leon took a breath and straightened himself, “May I be frank, Sire?”
Arthur merely looked at the older knight with something just short of a glare.
Leon nodded softly, and again looked to where Merlin was gathering Arthur’s discarded equipment, before a brief smile appeared on his lips. “We want to see you happy, Sire, and safe. That is all that matters.” He watched Merlin outright and unguarded now. “Merlin has proved capable of both, in his own way.”
“I see, and you bring this up now?”
The knight smiled and bowed his head before taking his leave without further explanation.
When Merlin joined Arthur a moment later he still held the traces of shocked confusion on his face.
“What’s the matter?” Merlin jerked his head in the direction Sir Leon had left, “What did Sir Leon want?”
Arthur still stared after his knight, “I think,” he stopped to run the sentence through his head and as implausible as it sounded he pressed on, “I think, we’ve just been given the blessing of my knights.”
Turning, Arthur was rewarded with the same startled expression on his lover and couldn’t help it, he barked a laugh clapping Merlin on the shoulder.
After that, Leon’s interruptions turned to gentle reminders rather than inquiries as to the Prince’s wellbeing.
*********
“Come on, Merlin,” the Prince urged. “We have to try it at some point.” He really didn’t understand why Merlin was being so obstinate; it wasn’t as if they hadn’t done it before. Alright, so ‘before’ had been a bit more life and death, but that was all the more reason to find out exactly what it meant. Besides, Arthur kind of missed feeling Merlin in his head, at least he’d known- once he understood what it meant- Merlin was alive and needing him.
Merlin had been doing his best to ignore him, hoping he’d drop it, but Arthur could be incredibly tenacious when he wanted. And of course he wanted this. “Arthur. I don’t understand how it happens, what if it has some strange side-effect?”
Looking up from where he’d been idly worrying a well-worn nick in his writing desk, “Have you talked to Gaius about it?”
“Oh yes, I really want to have that conversation with him. Yes, Gaius that lovely attachment I seemed to have to Arthur, well, he felt it too, used it even!” Merlin stopped and tried to calm down. It wasn’t exactly Arthur’s fault, but it really bothered him that he didn’t understand how something that intimate happened. Sighing, “He thinks it stopped when we broke the curse.”
“You asked him?” he asked managing to sound warm and incredulous at the same time.
“Well, more let him assume,” he admitted under Arthur’s stare.
Arthur sat back in his chair, chin in a slack pinch between thumb and forefinger. “All the more reason to try then.”
Reluctantly Merlin had to agree, but damn Arthur for having to sound so sensible about it. He landed heavily in the chair by the fire, and shook his head, saying, “You’re right.”
“Of course I am, Merlin,” he smiled cheekily.
Merlin laughed, “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“How could I with you around always telling me exactly what you think I’m doing wrong.”
“That’s my job,” he teased.
Arthur stood, “No, your job is to see to my needs and keep your mouth and opinions to yourself,” he scolded as he stalked towards the young man. “You really are terrible at your job.” He bent over Merlin, still seated in the large chair, “And it’s a good thing, too.” He laid a chaste kiss on Merlin’s lips, pulling back telling him, “I want to know. I want to feel you, know you’re alright.”
Merlin closed his eyes and nodded, letting his magic reach out tentatively for Arthur. For weeks when he was cursed, he’d been reaching out for Arthur, wrapping tightly around him and using him as a beacon. He hadn’t put too much thought into it until the day Arthur reached back. Since then they’d only shared the connection a handful of times and those had all been during the curse. Now, reaching out for Arthur like this, intentionally, when he was well, when Arthur was fully aware of it, of everything, it made him feel exposed and vulnerable, and that was on top of worrying if it would have any repercussions on Arthur. All thoughts of repercussions and fears fled when he felt Arthur reaching out for him, his own magic focusing itself onto the feeling and pulling towards its origin. His eyes flew open when he felt Arthur’s presence wrap around him like a physical thing. “Arthur?” he panted, scared and safe and needy.
The prince’s eyes were dark and steady as they looked deep into Merlin’s.
Merlin didn’t squirm, didn’t want to; he reached up and caressed his lover’s face. The, “Arthur,” that fell from his lips full of awe and reverence.
“Merlin,” Arthur smiled as he said the name, leaning close to kiss him languidly.
Together they stood, kissing and touching, magic wrapping around them demanding tighter, closer, now. Tunics and shoes discarded to the wayside as they moved towards Arthur’s huge bed. They were panting, breathless by the time Arthur hit the bed, sitting on it with entirely too much elegance. Merlin climbed on top of him settling in his lap straddling him. Large battle worn hands roamed over Merlin’s pale back. The light scrape of every hard won callous over his back, causing Merlin to shiver; all that power, soft and gentle, and all for him. He shuddered beneath the thought and kissed Arthur all the deeper for it, letting his magic twine with Arthur’s essence until they were one intense vibration. He could feel it running over their bodies, a physical hum, igniting every part of them.
Arthur’s mouth moved to the stark lines of Merlin’s neck, mouthing along its length, sucking small darts of pleasure as he went.
Moaning softly, Merlin stretched, tilting his head to give Arthur better access. He barely gasped when Arthur moved; graceful with the prowess of a born hunter he flipped them pinning Merlin beneath him. “Hmmm, much better,” he hummed against Merlin’s skin the sound in counterpoint to the almost physical sensations of the buzz tingling over their skin.
“Bully,” he accused lightly, digging his fingers into Arthur’s back and arching into him.
Arthur smiled wickedly as he nipped at Merlin’s neck in response. His mouth moved lower over the jut of Merlin’s collar bone licking at the dip between them. He loved Merlin’s reactions, their open honesty- every touch was met with a hum or sigh or one of a thousand other little noises that Arthur could never hope to catalogue all of, though he relished the challenge. A bitten back cry met his ears as his mouth closed over a dusky nipple, turning to a low keen as he worried the small nub between teeth and lips. He rubbed his face against the dark hairs of Merlin’s chest, smiling at the soft tickle. He started when he felt the tug against his mind. The reassuring weight of Merlin’s magic had slipped into him, resting as if it had always been there, the way his armour rested against him and seemed to become a part of him, a second skin, just belonging.
He looked up into the deep blue eyes of his lover as Merlin mouthed, “Tease,” and combed his long fingers through Arthur’s hair.
Arthur took the hint, reaching for the ties of Merlin’s trousers, working them loose and pulling them off, taking the opportunity to rid himself of what remained of his own clothing. Climbing back up Merlin’s body, his skin felt like fire and thrummed like the taut draw of a bow string, full of power waiting to be released and channeled, and as he laid over Merlin, their bodies lining up perfectly, he heard the sorcerer gasp. His eyes instantly flicked to Merlin’s and he saw the telltale golden fire of magic in them. “Merlin?”
“It’s okay,” he assured, out of breath, “just wasn’t expecting it to be that strong.”
With a soft smile he began kissing Merlin, playfully licking over his lips, letting their tongues play in the slow dance they so enjoyed, while the hum seemed to settle into them, heightening every feeling, physical and emotional. For hours they touched and felt and explored each other as if it was the first time they’d ever touched, each sensation new and different and glorious.
By the time Merlin panted a breathy, “Arthur, please?” and Arthur sank into him in a slow fluid movement, they both felt as if they were already a part of the other, inside and around, and that this last intimate act was only the physical expression of what already existed.
Arthur pressed his forehead to Merlin’s; noses brushing lightly against each other as their breath mingled in steady, shallow bursts.
Lazily intense kisses passed between them, soft and deep- timeless. They rocked together, bodies perfectly in tune, taking up a graceful, effortless rhythm.
“Merlin,” Arthur’s voice was edgy, frayed, a raw purity in its timbre as he called to his lover, a claim, a plea, a bone deep need for the other man trying to make itself known through sound alone.
Merlin’s body responded instantly, knowing, understanding, arching into Arthur as his magic sang through the mixed essence it was entangled in. He pressed against Arthur, pulling them closer, touching everywhere they could, hot skin, slick with a thin sheen of sweat sliding beneath his fingertips. Merlin let out a soft moan, his body speaking more clearly than his voice ever could.
Pulling back Arthur’s eyes followed the path of his broad hand, almost engulfing Merlin’s face, cradling and caressing its sharp sleek lines.
Merlin’s haunting blue eyes stared up at Arthur with an openness that rocked Arthur’s core, everything he was, everything he would be, everything he wanted and would give to Arthur was laid out before him like the most glorious banquet.
Arthur made a bestial noise into Merlin’s neck, clutching him tightly and rocking back onto his haunches pulling Merlin onto his lap.
“Uh, uh, uh, gods, Arthur…” Merlin gasped, arms tight around the blond’s shoulders as Arthur slid deeper inside him.
“Merlin… Merlin, Merlin, Merlin,” Arthur chanted over and over, face buried in the crook of his lover’s neck; the steady sound a quiet counterpoint to the slide of their bodies.
Soon their rhythm began to falter, Arthur’s voice turning to small gasping cries as they held each other ever tighter as their releases began to steal over them.
“Oh gods, Arthur, Arthur, please,” he wasn’t sure why he was begging or what he was begging for, Arthur had and would give him everything, he knew that, he could feel that thanks to this bond between them, but the words still fell from his lips, a soft, audible expression of how much he needed his prince, his Arthur.
Arthur turned, letting his cheek rub hotly against Merlin’s as he panted brokenly, “Together, always,” he nuzzled. Planting a wet open kiss along Merlin’s jaw as his orgasm began to wash over him, carrying him away like a wave crashing against the shore, and Merlin was his shore, was the immutable comfort that would catch him even as they met this crescendo together.
He heard Merlin cry out, tightening around him as he pulsed deep inside him. Together as always, together.
They lay entangled together, fingers laced being kissed languidly; they could still feel the magic running through them as sleep gradually took them.
---
The soft almost light of morning was just beginning to ease through the curtains of his chambers, yet Arthur was wide awake, laying on his side propped up on one elbow, watching his lover, his warlock, sleep. He idly traced circles in the fine hair over Merlin’s chest as he waited for him to wake.
Lazily, Merlin’s hand covered Arthur’s, stilling his movements. Arthur looked… pensive was the only word Merlin could come up with; his eyes held a questioning quality he’d seldom seen, and his brow was tense and frozen the way it always got when he was faced with some extraordinary task like running the kingdom or preparing for a war. “What’s wrong?” he asked quietly.
Arthur let out a sigh. He’d woken in the night with a thought that he couldn’t shake, one that made the pit fall out of his stomach and he dreaded knowing whether it was true or not, but he had to know. “My mother. It was real, wasn’t it?”
Merlin pushed himself up until he was half sitting, half leaning against the pillows. He knew where this was going; he’d gone over it himself over and over again since they’d returned. He’d been trying to figure out how Arthur could reach back for him. The only thing remotely close he’d encountered were those times when Kilgharrah, Mordred, and Anhora spoke in his mind, and they were all steeped in magic, but Arthur didn’t have magic. …then it hit him, Arthur may not have magic, but he was borne of very powerful magic. In his own way, Arthur was as much magic as Merlin himself.
He squeezed Arthur’s hand, lacing their fingers together, and met Arthur’s gaze, “It was.”
Arthur ducked his head and Merlin could feel the anger tense in him.
“Arthur, please,” he soothed.
The blond raised his head, staring into Merlin’s eyes, “Am I magic?”
Merlin let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, and cupped Arthur’s cheek. “You were born of magic. I don’t know if that makes you magic like me” he let his own magic flare and his eyes to burn golden to clarify, “but you are a being of magic. I think that’s why this thing, whatever it is, works.”
Arthur nodded and kissed Merlin’s palm, closing his eyes and pressing into the touch.
Not long ago Arthur would have yelled and railed, trying to bear the brunt of his burden and his feelings alone, now, he was letting the mask slide, if only in front of Merlin, who read him all too easily anyway.
Smiling, Merlin curled his fingers into Arthur’s hair urging him towards him.
Arthur came willingly, pressing a kiss into Merlin’s neck just above his collar bone as he settled against him.
Merlin wrapped his arms around the blond and burrowed his nose in his silken hair, smelling the faint traces of the soap he’d used the day before mingling with the sweet/bitter tang of sweat. After a moment, Merlin felt a press against his senses. He hid a short, sharp gasp, instead letting his magic tentatively flow out. As he opened himself up, that part of Arthur moved around and through him, stronger and more sincere than any of their previous trials. Merlin held Arthur closer and directed all the love and warmth he had- physical, emotional, and magical- at him.
Against his chest Arthur sighed, a quiet, “Thank you,” breathed over his skin.
*********
Slowly, things began to change- Arthur began to change.
On the practice field he was more confident, a feat no one would have thought possible, wielding his weapon as if it were part of him, not merely an extension. He was more focused and as eager to give praise and teach as condemn with words and sharp instruction. When Sir Gienne, one of the youngest and freshest youths to come train with them in hopes of becoming one of Camelot’s elite, fell prey to one of the Prince’s more complex and confident attacks, he didn’t simply snap at him to ‘pay more attention’, to ‘follow the footwork of his opponent or he would fail every time’ or some similarly vague command. He said these things, of course, but once he’d disbanded the day’s training, he called Gienne over and walked the young knight-to-be through the attack, showing him what footwork he should have seen and signs he should not have missed, the nuances of pressure on the balls of the feet versus the angle of a knee. Any knight knew the basics of these, but seldom had the Prince taken it upon himself to teach any of the younger knights individually.
In council with his father, he grew more bold, questioning and suggesting and actively arguing his points with more passion and thoughtfulness. Whether it was discussion of how best to ration their grain stores for the winter or how many men they should send to investigate the reports of raiders along their southern borders.
It was as if Arthur was settling into himself, becoming the man who would one day be King, and in truth he probably was. He knew more about himself, who he was, what he was, and what he could become and it made him better. And while everyone saw these changes, very few would ever understand the cause, even fewer would believe it. But Arthur knew and with every timid caress of minds, stern look, honest reprimand, and playful smile he knew he was doing the right thing.
******
“I think you should stay here from now on,” Arthur tried to sound casual, almost bored, as he spoke. It had been three weeks since they’d defeated the sorcerer who had cursed Merlin, and nearly every night Merlin had shared his bed, yet most mornings he woke up alone, the space where Merlin had lain the night before cold and empty. This was not to Arthur’s liking, he wanted Merlin close. “You can move into the servant’s chamber, like any normal servant.”
Merlin smirked playfully. “And what would you think if I suddenly began behaving like a normal servant?”
“I would think you were under magical influence obviously,” he drawled as he caught Merlin’s hand and brought it to his lips. “All the more reason to keep you close by, keep an eye on you and your magical ways.”
“You know I have to help Gaius.”
“And? I’m the Prince I could order you,” though his eyes showed it to be a question and anything but a command.
Merlin rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“Fine.” Arthur sat back in his chair, features blank, save for his bottom lip which jutted out ever so slightly in what only Morgana had ever dared describe as a pout.
“Oh, stop pouting,” Merlin hummed as he sat in Arthur’s lap. “If you really want me to move into the servant’s room I will.”
Letting the smile creep onto his face, Arthur whispered into Merlin’s ear, “I want to not wake up alone.”
Merlin pulled back surprised.
“But if you insist the servant’s chamber will do.”
“But?”
“But what, Merlin?” It was Arthur’s turn to roll exasperated eyes. “I would prefer you in my bed every night- all night, not sneaking out like a thief or some scandalous tryst.”
“Your father, Morgana?”
“What about them? Father will think I’ve finally made some headway in training you to be a halfway decent servant and Morgana, well, she’ll figure it out soon enough, if she hasn’t already.”
Merlin gaped at Arthur’s bald words then nodded the kind of smile that made Arthur’s heart speed up on his lips.
*********
Gwen was worried.
It wasn’t her normal state. Her life was good; she was the maid to the King’s ward and she was happy, Morgana had always treated her as a friend more than a servant and over the years she had come to earn that right and was glad to call Morgana her friend as well. She had friends who were as close as any family could be, but something had changed in her hodge-podge of a family. And that was why she was worried. Merlin. He’d stumbled into their little world two years ago and turned it upside down; always smiling, always helping, always standing up for what was right, obstinate even when it could cost him his head, always there. Herein lay her concern. At first, it was a sorcerer’s curse that had pulled her friend from her and those around her, and why that was kept such a tight secret she would never know, but now it was something different. It wasn’t that Merlin roamed the halls half dead, pale and haunted, dwindling away until someone, Arthur, finally put an end to it as before. This time she barely saw him at all. He was always trailing after Arthur or running this or that errand with never a moment for anyone or anything but Arthur. She was lucky to get a smile and a quick, ‘Hello’. It wasn’t merely that the Prince was monopolizing Merlin’s time, he was Prince Arthur and he had a habit of running Merlin ragged when it suited him, but this was ridiculous. They’d been back from their hunting trip for over a month and Merlin had scarcely left Arthur’s side. He’d even had Merlin move into the servant’s quarters in his chambers. While that was well and good and to be expected, the servant’s quarters were a convenience for the servant, not a replacement for their own bed, there were exceptions of course, but the majority of personal servants lived this way- she herself had been moved into the servant’s room adjacent to Morgana’s chambers years ago, but her home was still in the lower town. Everyone needed time for themselves, even the Prince’s personal manservant. This couldn’t be healthy, eventually Merlin would crack, and she dreaded to think what would happen that day. At best Merlin would be banished; the worst didn’t bear thinking on.
She watched as Arthur gesticulated and ranted about the gods only knew what while Merlin trailed after him as they left the training fields. He didn’t look particular worn or frayed or anything other than ‘Merlin’, but she knew Merlin, and she knew how well he could hide his own pain when he thought it might concern others- how well, and long he’d hidden his injuries from the curse was proof of that. She was debating her next move when she caught sight of Sir Leon crossing the training fields in her direction.
“Sir Leon, do you have a moment?” she called as the older knight passed.
“Guinevere,” he smiled brightly at the young woman, “of course.”
Smiling, “Thank you. I was hoping you could help me with something.”
“If I can.” Leon had to admit his curiosity was piqued; he was hardly the first person Guinevere would approach when she needed anything.
“It’s about Arthur.” She felt the change in the knight, his slight tensing at the mention of the Prince. “More, Merlin actually.” She hoped knowing Merlin was her main concern would relax him.
Leon was hesitant to answer, he knew Arthur had been acting differently of late, and he knew why, but it wasn’t his place to share that knowledge with anyone, not even someone he knew to be close friends of both Arthur and Merlin.
“Have you noticed how hard he’s riding Merlin.” The knight almost tripped at Gwen’s innocent words, but recovered himself quickly enough. “We never see him, unless he’s running from one errand to another. He never has a moment to himself. I was just hoping…,” she bit her lip, but looked at Leon with resolve in her eyes. “Should I be worried?”
Leon rolled the question around in his head, trying to find the best way to answer her without breaking any confidence. “Arthur has his reasons I’m sure.”
His reluctance wasn’t lost on the young woman. “Arthur always has a reason, more often than not it’s his own amusement,” she snapped then caught Leon’s warning eye. “I’m sorry, it’s Merlin I’m concerned for.”
“Guinevere, whatever you think is going on you should ask them; all I will say is that Arthur is fully aware of what he’s doing.” He squeezed her elbow reassuringly and offered an encouraging nod before turning down the entryway towards the armoury.
Unfortunately, Sir Leon’s words did little to ease her worries. If anything, his hesitance caused her more concern. She could always follow Leon’s advice and try to talk to Merlin directly. Finding Merlin was easy enough; getting him to stop for five minutes to talk that was something else entirely.
******
The sun was laying its claim to the day, crawling softly over the castle walls as Gwen made her way to the kitchens for Morgana’s breakfast. She was more than a little surprised to see a familiar dark head resting against the wall.
“Merlin,” Gwen greeted happily.
“Hi, Gwen,” he stood up a little straighter and smiled at his friend.
“How’ve you been?” she tried to sound light and friendly, not at all sure she’d managed it. “Arthur being overbearing again?” she soldiered on adding a small chuckle to her words hoping to belay how truly concerned she was.
“No,” he shook his head smiling what on anyone else would’ve been a dopey smile, but on him was just happy, “Not really.”
Gwen bit her bottom lip, “Are you sure everything’s alright, it’s just we never see you anymore, and I know how tedious Arthur can be?”
Merlin picked up the tray he’d been waiting for, “I promise you, Gwen, Arthur’s not being overbearing or tedious.” His smile turned playful, almost mischievous, “He’s being… nice.”
Gwen’s forehead scrunched in confusion as she looked to Merlin’s retreating form and back again, finally she gave a confused half smile and went back to her errands.
***
“Gwen thinks you’re being overbearing and tedious,” Merlin told Arthur as they sat down to share Arthur’s breakfast.
“She does, does she?” Arthur replied with a sly smile.
“Mmm,” Merlin answered around a mouth full of pork.
“You should spend some time with her. You’re always here or running errands for Gaius.”
Merlin swallowed hard around the food in his throat.
“Merlin, I know I say this a lot, but this time I really mean it- don’t be such a girl. I’m not trying to get rid of you. But as much as it pains me to admit, there is more to life than me,” he teased, kicking Merlin’s foot beneath the table.
Relaxing, Merlin quipped, “Yes, there’s your dogs, your stables, your clothes, your boots, your armour and there’s a lot of that- have you ever considered training in your spare armour? It’s easier to clean and shouldn’t you save your better armour for when it counts? I mean-”
Merlin’s words were cut off by Arthur’s mouth coming down on his. His tongue teased over Merlin’s, before pulling back. “Shut up,” he said, placing another short kiss against Merlin’s lips, “and take tomorrow off, spend some time with Gwen and Gaius. Then you can come back here, help me prepare for bed,” he smirked, “and show me exactly how much you missed me.”
“I can show you that now.”
“I’m sure you could, but I’d rather not have Leon interrupt us today. I’m afraid we might scar him for life if he keeps having to come fetch me for my own training sessions.”
“Spoil sport.”
“Finish your breakfast, my stables do need tending after all,” he reminded Merlin playfully, cuffing him on the head.
“Yes, Sire,” Merlin rolled his eyes and Arthur cast him a warning glare which only caused Merlin to roll his eyes further as he corrected himself, “Yes, Arthur.”
***
At the other end of the castle, Morgana watched as Gwen fussed with one of her dresses, shaking it out and hanging it, straightening an imagined wrinkle, only to shake and hang and straighten again. Eventually, she moved on to arranging Morgana’s jewelry, before finally picking up some mending and fidgeting with the material.
Morgana smiled at her maidservant. “What’s bothering you, Gwen?”
“Nothing, m’Lady,” she denied.
“Come now, Gwen, I’ve known you long enough to know when something’s on your mind, so tell me.” She took Gwen by the hand and pulled her down to sit next to her.
“It’s silly really.” She shook her head dismissively then let out a sigh.
Morgana waited quietly, a small smile on her lips, she knew Gwen would fill in the silence soon enough. She wasn’t disappointed.
“It’s just… have you seen Merlin lately, outside of the banquet hall or with Arthur?”
She shook her head.
“Exactly, he’s never around anymore.”
“You think Arthur’s putting too much on him, again.”
Gwen nodded then changed her mind, pursing her lips. “I just saw him in the kitchens and he seemed fine, happy. I asked him and he said Arthur was being nice.”
“Nice?”
“Yes.”
“That is odd.” Her brow furrowed. She patted Gwen’s hands, “Don’t worry; I’m sure Merlin’s fine. Still, I think I’ll have a talk with our dear Arthur.”
“Thank you.” She let out another more relieved sigh and smiled. “That does ease my mind.”
***
“And, Merlin? Try to have it done by the time I get back,” Arthur spoke lightly as he opened the door on his way to dinner with his father and Morgana.
“Gwen’s right, there is something going on with you,” Morgana said, noticing the kindness in Arthur’s voice.
It took all of Arthur’s considerable self-control not to jump at his almost sister’s voice. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Morgana.”
“Of course not,” she said condescendingly as she pushed herself away from the wall she’d been leaning against in wait for the Prince. She kept pace with Arthur as he strode away from her. “Gwen was worried about Merlin.”
“Merlin’s fine. Why wouldn’t he be?”
“She said she never sees him anymore, she’s afraid you’re being your asinine self and running him ragged.”
He stopped and faced the brunette, “He’s in my rooms, right back the way you came. I think you know where they are; you were skulking outside them a few moments ago. Go see for yourself, ask him if I’m being an imperious prat.”
She knitted her brow, managing to make her eyes widen as the same time, “You don’t have to get so defense. We were just concerned.”
Arthur let out a deep breath, “Well there’s nothing to be concerned about.”
All through dinner Morgana watched Arthur, trying to figure out what was so off with him. It was halfway through their meal when a servant moved to fill Arthur’s cup and he turned a playful smile towards the boy for a fraction of a moment before his face fell into its normal stoic features. Morgana nearly choked on her food as the realization dawned.
“Morgana, are you alright?” Uther asked, full of concern for his ward.
“Yes, yes,” Morgana wiped her mouth and smiled, “a piece of gristle is all, my Lord. I’m quite alright.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes, my Lord,” nodding.
Once Uther’s attention was no longer focused on her, she caught Arthur’s eye and smiled knowingly; at least, he had the decency to blush.
“So,” Morgana chirped, right on Arthur’s heels as he left the dining hall, “you and Merlin finally figured it out.”
Arthur wondered absently if she could sound any more pleased with herself. “Morgana, if there was anything between Merlin and myself, it would be between Merlin and myself.
“Oh, Arthur,” she chuckled, “you just gave yourself away. I never said there was anything between the two of you, only that you figured it out.”
With a heavy huff Arthur stopped in his tracks. He closed his eyes and spoke very carefully, “I don’t care what it is you think you know, Morgana, but it’s none of your concern; leave it.”
As Arthur began to walk away, Morgana grabbed his arm. “Arthur, wait.”
He turned to face her.
“You’re right, it’s none of my business, but I love you like a brother and Merlin is my friend. I’m just glad you’re happy.”
Arthur nodded and smiled a little.
Smiling sweetly, “I’ll tell Gwen not to worry, that you’re taking care of him. You are taking care of him, aren’t you?”
Rolling his eyes, “No, Morgana, I’m beating him and over-working him because that’s such a guaranteed way to make him love me, showing what a complete barbarian I am.”
Morgana gasped, pleasantly surprised by Arthur’s admission. “Oh, Arthur,” her smile brightened and she kissed his cheek. “I’ll let you get back to Merlin.”
He bowed his head in thanks.
“Have a good night, Arthur,” she added, sweeping away in a swish of velvet.
Arthur flushed, but hurried on his way back to his rooms and Merlin.
******
It was late when Merlin woke up; at least he assumed it was since the curtains facing the bed were drawn and Arthur was no longer by his side. He stretched languidly, wondering why Arthur had let him sleep in. It had been known to happen before, but generally he awoke to Arthur tracing imaginary lines over his skin or trailing kisses up and down his body before settling on his mouth. This time Arthur was conspicuously not there. Merlin took his time crawling out of his warm bed. He smiled, wondering when Arthur’s bed had become his as well. He was just pulling his tunic over his head when the door opened.
Arthur looked up from the papers he was reading to see a mostly dressed, still sleep ruffled Merlin. “Morning, Merlin,” he chuckled.
“Why did you let me sleep?”
“You needed it. Besides, I gave you the day off remember.”
“You were serious?”
“No, Merlin, I was joking, that’s why it’s almost noon and you’re just now getting up.”
“Prat,” Merlin muttered through a cheeky smile.
“Now finish getting dressed and go find Gwen, I understand Morgana’s giving her the afternoon off,” he smirked at his lover.
“Gaius-”
“Gaius knows you have the day off, that means from all of your duties.”
Merlin’s bright smile was the only warning Arthur had before he had an arm full of manservant kissing him soundly.
By the time Merlin pulled back, they were both breathless and flushed.
“You know this is no way to get out of my quarters.”
“I know,” he smiled and kissed Arthur quickly, “but it’s a good way to remind you of what you’ll be missing.”
“Merlin,” he called with an exasperated purr, but the man in question was already out the door.
***
Bouncing on the balls of feet, Merlin waited in the hall outside Morgana’s chambers. He’d stopped by Gauis’ when he’d left Arthur just to make sure that he wasn’t needed, and while Gaius insisted that everything was taken care of, he did mention that Gwen had been to see him the day before.
“That girl worries about you, Merlin, as would I if I didn’t know the nature of your relationship with Arthur. I know it’s not my place, but if I were you I’d tell her before she asks the wrong person,” Gaius scolded gently.
“I was going to look for her when I left here. Arthur said Morgana’s giving her the afternoon off as well.”
“Good. The sooner she stops worrying, the sooner I can relax, as well,” he chuckled lightly.
“Thank you, Gaius.”
“For what?” he asked incredulously.
“Everything.”
Gaius shook his head fondly and shooed Merlin out of his chambers.
Now he was waiting for Gwen to be dismissed; it felt like ages since he’d actually talked to Gwen and now that he had the opportunity he had no idea where to start. The door to Morgana’s chambers opened, side tracking that train of though.
“Hi,” Merlin chirped, before Gwen had finished closing Morgana’s door.
Jumping, Gwen’s hand went to her chest. “Merlin. What are you doing here?”
Smiling happily, “A little bird told me you had the afternoon off.”
“How… Morgana just told me,” her brow wrinkled in suspicious confusion.
He held out his arm for Gwen to take. “Do you have any plans this afternoon, m’lady?”
“Oh, Merlin,” she laughed at his formality, but took his arm. “What about Arthur?”
“Day off, Prince’s orders,” he explained with an imperious chuckle.
“Alright then, what did you have in mind, good sir?”
“A stroll, possibly lunch,” he ducked his head, “and there’s something I need to talk to you about, but not here.”
She cast a worrying eye to her friend, but was calmed by the happy twinkle in his eye. Whatever it was Merlin wanted to tell her it couldn’t be bad.
---
They’d walked through the castle and lower town talking as Merlin got caught up on the castle gossip, stopping occasionally for Gwen to admire a new scarf or trinket in the market, until finally they were outside the town walls away from all the hustle and bustle.
“So what was it you wanted to tell me?” Gwen urged as they sat in a small clearing to eat.
Merlin sighed, head lowered nervously, this had been much easier in his head. He rubbed his fingers over the knuckles of one hand and looked up at his friend through thick lashes. “I don’t want you to worry about me.”
She chuckled, “Merlin, I’m always going to worry about you. You’re my friend. A true friend.”
Merlin matched her chuckle. “Which is why I don’t want you to worry. I’m happy, Gwen.”
She cocked her head giving him an appraising sidelong look. “And Arthur?”
He could feel the colour rise on his cheeks, “Arthur’s the reason I’m happy.”
Her eyes slowly widened as she began to understand. “That’s why you’re always with him,” she said in hushed tones. She looked down and anywhere but at Merlin, trying to process this new information and surprising herself with how little the revelation shocked her. There had always been a deep tension between them, their bickering friendly and companionable more often than not, and she knew, whether or not Arthur would ever admit it, that he actually listened to Merlin’s counsel. In fact, when she thought about it, it seemed almost ridiculous for her to think Arthur would ever truly cause Merlin harm. She shook her head. “I should have known.”
“Are you… do you…” Merlin stumbled over his words.
“Merlin!” she snapped.
He stood as if to leave Gwen alone.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him closer, laying his hand to her chest and smiling up at him. “I wish you’d told me earlier.”
Merlin smiled sheepishly and shrugged. “I haven’t really had the time.”
Gwen shook her head as she laughed, “Sit down, and tell me everything.”
He sat giving her a devilish look from under his thick eyelashes. “Everything?”
Merlin laughed as Gwen’s dark skin darkened under her blush.
Dusk was falling when they reached Gwen’s home. She smiled sweetly and pressed her hand against Merlin’s cheek. “I’m glad you’re happy.”
“Thank you,” he hesitated. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
“You’ve been busy,” she teased and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll talk to you later, Merlin. Arthur’s probably waiting for you.”
Merlin smiled, returned her kiss, and left to return to his prince.
--Next--
.
Author: heavenlyxbodies
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin with a huge helping of awesome!Morgana (and supportive!Leon)
Rating: NC17
Spoilers: through S2 definitely, S3 shouldn’t be, S4 none
Feedback: Makes me happy, just play nice
Disclaimer(s) can be found here
Beta: phnx_reader any remaining errors are on me.
Warnings/Squicks: schmangst
Summary: An ancient prophecy warns of a union of might and magic that will destroy a kingdom, but will it destroy Arthur and Merlin first.
AN1: This is a sequel to and begins immediately after the events of my story The Lee, but it should be readable as a stand-alone piece (but if you read The Lee certain parts will make more sense), though pls keep in mind that it is a sequel with an est relationship.
The story is set after S2, but before S3- note: this basically ignores the detailed events of “Fires of Idirsholas”
AN2: Because some ppl wonder about my terminology- “My Word Thing”
AN3: A special thanks to both rainbow_connec and kina54 for talking to me and helping work through some sticky spots. *hugs to you both*
And an extra, extra special, immeasurable, I couldn’t have done this without you, thanks and uber hugs to mialoco for stepping up and being the support I needed. *hugs to death (or close to it)*
I don’t often do this, but I’m actually dedicating this to my kyokohitsuji, my Arthur, who encouraged me to actually start writing in Merlin fandom (threatening and browbeating and bribing me with Dean/Cas), kept me going every time this fic got the better of me and made me step back when I was ready to delete it all. She’s kept me going in fandom and in r/l. She’s my Arthur, my protector, who saves me as often as I save her. Two halves, always. ♥
*********
Arthur and Merlin returned to Camelot a couple of days later than expected, but with a large hart in tow.
“Arthur,” the king greeted, his tone measured and still. “I understood you to be returning four nights ago, you had some of us worried,” he inclined his head toward Morgana as if it was she who had been concerned.
“I’m sorry Father, Morgana. I did not want to lose the trail of such an impressive beast,” he gestured at the carcass. “Merlin and I were more than capable.”
“Yes,” he agreed, a look that almost passed for affection crossed Uther’s face, but was gone as quickly as it came. “Do try and send word next time.”
“Of course, Father.”
And that was that. No mention of the sorcerer, no lectures about Princely Duties, or threats or condescending comments.
No sooner had the King dismissed them than Gaius approached, “Sire,” he inclined his head to the Prince. “Merlin. How are you feeling?”
With a warm smile, he honestly replied, “Never better.” And if his eyes darted to Arthur and a slight flush hinted upon his cheeks, well, who was the old man to notice?
Gaius smiled and gripped Merlin’s shoulders, “I’m glad for you.”
“Merlin,” Arthur interrupted the reunion. “I need you to prepare a bath and a change of clothes.”
“Right, Sire,” but Merlin smiled as he said the words, squeezing Gaius’ arms, before setting off on his duties.
For the first time in weeks Merlin felt himself again; he could feel his magic thrumming through him and it was beautiful. He sighed and shook his head. He still couldn’t believe how the past week had played out; from being miserable and broken, closer to death than he ever wanted to be again, to happy, having his magic back, and Arthur! Arthur accepted him, his magic and his love. Merlin’s heart sang. Shaking himself once again, Merlin set about preparing Arthur’s bath; he still had his duties after all.
He heard the quiet sound of the door opening and Arthur’s familiar footsteps. He smiled to himself. “Almost ready,” he called without turning.
Two heavy hands came down on Merlin’s slim shoulders, startling the young man. Arthur smirked as he bent over to place his mouth next to Merlin’s ear. “You’re joining me,” he whispered and nipped the shell of Merlin’s ear. “But first,” he stood, “help me get out of these things.”
Merlin sagged and laughed, “Of course, Sire.”
Arthur flopped back into his chair, waggling a finger at his servant, “Un-uh, none of that. I’ve had enough ‘Sire’s out of you to last a lifetime.”
Merlin eyed his prince mischievously and Arthur rolled his eyes throwing his head back, “All right, in here; Father would probably have a fit if you started calling me Arthur at meals.”
Still smiling, Merlin shook his head, “Yes, Arthur,” and moved to help remove Arthur’s boots.
“That’s better,” he praised, leaning forward to run long fingers through messy dark hair.
“Come ‘ere,” he said tugging at Merlin’s hair gently, guiding the young man up until he could kiss him.
Merlin moaned softly into the kiss, a part of him relaxing now that he knew Arthur still wanted him- there had been a small quiet piece of him that thought Arthur would push him away once they were back in Camelot.
“Bath time,” Arthur whispered across Merlin’s kiss-wet lips as he pulled away.
“Mmm,” Merlin agreed, pulling Arthur up and out of his chair, disrobing each other as they went.
******
Despite their newfound relationship, life went on as normal; assuming normal now included being pulled on top of your prince every morning when you went to wake him to indulge in some much sought after kissing, and being similarly entangled with said prince when it came to getting him to bed at night. The upside of this was wonderfully lazy mornings wrapped in the arms of his prince, and wondrous and fresh memories to fall asleep to in the evening, when he wasn’t actively sharing the Prince’s bed. The downside was when Uther sent some poor hapless servant to check after his son’s whereabouts, or worse, when one of Arthur’s own knights sought him out when he was late for practice.
It was well enough when it was one of the serving girls, few of them saw fit to entertain gossip about the Crown Prince and his manservant. This wasn’t so much that there was no gossip to be had, but more so that after over two years all the rumours had been spread and, true or not, no longer held any interest with the castle retinue. At worst there might be some serving girl, new to her position or new to the castle, who would attempt to send a fresh flood of rumours filling the castle walls, only to have her efforts fall short when the elder staff didn’t take up the cry, accustomed as they were to the strange ways that always seemed to surround their Prince and his manservant.
But when Sir Leon called through the door asking if Arthur was well and if training should be cancelled for the day, Merlin had to bite his lips to hold in the laugh that threatened to escape. If he’d ever truly questioned Arthur’s love, all doubt had been driven from his mind the first day that had happened.
True, Arthur had glared daggers at him as he tried to catch his breath and steady his voice to answer the knight, but once Leon had gone his look turned purely lecherous. “You think that’s funny, do you?” he griped as he threw himself on the bed trapping his manservant.
Merlin blushed slightly, more from holding back his laughter than anything else. “Yes, actually, I do,” he admitted saucily.
“You…” Arthur tried to admonish, but his heart wasn’t in it, could never be in it when he had Merlin so trusting and loving beneath him. Instead, he darted a final kiss to his manservant’s cheek, “Leon’s right, I need to get to training.”
Merlin nodded and slid out from beneath the prince and off the large bed, straightening his clothes and trying to look less like he’d just spent the past few hours in bed with the Crown Prince of Camelot.
Arthur hastily changed into his trousers and slipped on his under shirt and gambeson. He turned to find Merlin holding his hauberk and smiling. He shook his head, unable to do anything but smile back at his lover as he helped him on with his armour.
Arthur virtually bounced his way down to the training fields; he knew it was uncomely for the Crown Prince, but it was a brisk day, the biting cold of late autumn had yet to set in fully, leaving the kind of day he had always loved to train and hunt on, so he decided he could be forgiven.
He was busy sparring when Merlin finally made his way down to the practice fields, and in fact didn’t notice him until Sir Leon gave him a nod as he made way for the Prince’s next combatant. But noticing Merlin didn’t change the Prince’s demeanor or distract from his task, neither of them wanted that.
It was only after Arthur called the session to an end and the other knights were making their way to their quarters or the armoury that Sir Leon approached the Prince.
“Sire,” Leon dipped his head, “I hope I didn’t disturb you this morning.”
“Nonsense, Leon, I’m glad you did. I’m afraid my attention had been called away.”
“Of course, Sire.” His gaze darted between Merlin and the prince, an act which did not go unnoticed by the blond.
“Leon, if you have something to say, out with it.”
Leon took a breath and straightened himself, “May I be frank, Sire?”
Arthur merely looked at the older knight with something just short of a glare.
Leon nodded softly, and again looked to where Merlin was gathering Arthur’s discarded equipment, before a brief smile appeared on his lips. “We want to see you happy, Sire, and safe. That is all that matters.” He watched Merlin outright and unguarded now. “Merlin has proved capable of both, in his own way.”
“I see, and you bring this up now?”
The knight smiled and bowed his head before taking his leave without further explanation.
When Merlin joined Arthur a moment later he still held the traces of shocked confusion on his face.
“What’s the matter?” Merlin jerked his head in the direction Sir Leon had left, “What did Sir Leon want?”
Arthur still stared after his knight, “I think,” he stopped to run the sentence through his head and as implausible as it sounded he pressed on, “I think, we’ve just been given the blessing of my knights.”
Turning, Arthur was rewarded with the same startled expression on his lover and couldn’t help it, he barked a laugh clapping Merlin on the shoulder.
After that, Leon’s interruptions turned to gentle reminders rather than inquiries as to the Prince’s wellbeing.
*********
“Come on, Merlin,” the Prince urged. “We have to try it at some point.” He really didn’t understand why Merlin was being so obstinate; it wasn’t as if they hadn’t done it before. Alright, so ‘before’ had been a bit more life and death, but that was all the more reason to find out exactly what it meant. Besides, Arthur kind of missed feeling Merlin in his head, at least he’d known- once he understood what it meant- Merlin was alive and needing him.
Merlin had been doing his best to ignore him, hoping he’d drop it, but Arthur could be incredibly tenacious when he wanted. And of course he wanted this. “Arthur. I don’t understand how it happens, what if it has some strange side-effect?”
Looking up from where he’d been idly worrying a well-worn nick in his writing desk, “Have you talked to Gaius about it?”
“Oh yes, I really want to have that conversation with him. Yes, Gaius that lovely attachment I seemed to have to Arthur, well, he felt it too, used it even!” Merlin stopped and tried to calm down. It wasn’t exactly Arthur’s fault, but it really bothered him that he didn’t understand how something that intimate happened. Sighing, “He thinks it stopped when we broke the curse.”
“You asked him?” he asked managing to sound warm and incredulous at the same time.
“Well, more let him assume,” he admitted under Arthur’s stare.
Arthur sat back in his chair, chin in a slack pinch between thumb and forefinger. “All the more reason to try then.”
Reluctantly Merlin had to agree, but damn Arthur for having to sound so sensible about it. He landed heavily in the chair by the fire, and shook his head, saying, “You’re right.”
“Of course I am, Merlin,” he smiled cheekily.
Merlin laughed, “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“How could I with you around always telling me exactly what you think I’m doing wrong.”
“That’s my job,” he teased.
Arthur stood, “No, your job is to see to my needs and keep your mouth and opinions to yourself,” he scolded as he stalked towards the young man. “You really are terrible at your job.” He bent over Merlin, still seated in the large chair, “And it’s a good thing, too.” He laid a chaste kiss on Merlin’s lips, pulling back telling him, “I want to know. I want to feel you, know you’re alright.”
Merlin closed his eyes and nodded, letting his magic reach out tentatively for Arthur. For weeks when he was cursed, he’d been reaching out for Arthur, wrapping tightly around him and using him as a beacon. He hadn’t put too much thought into it until the day Arthur reached back. Since then they’d only shared the connection a handful of times and those had all been during the curse. Now, reaching out for Arthur like this, intentionally, when he was well, when Arthur was fully aware of it, of everything, it made him feel exposed and vulnerable, and that was on top of worrying if it would have any repercussions on Arthur. All thoughts of repercussions and fears fled when he felt Arthur reaching out for him, his own magic focusing itself onto the feeling and pulling towards its origin. His eyes flew open when he felt Arthur’s presence wrap around him like a physical thing. “Arthur?” he panted, scared and safe and needy.
The prince’s eyes were dark and steady as they looked deep into Merlin’s.
Merlin didn’t squirm, didn’t want to; he reached up and caressed his lover’s face. The, “Arthur,” that fell from his lips full of awe and reverence.
“Merlin,” Arthur smiled as he said the name, leaning close to kiss him languidly.
Together they stood, kissing and touching, magic wrapping around them demanding tighter, closer, now. Tunics and shoes discarded to the wayside as they moved towards Arthur’s huge bed. They were panting, breathless by the time Arthur hit the bed, sitting on it with entirely too much elegance. Merlin climbed on top of him settling in his lap straddling him. Large battle worn hands roamed over Merlin’s pale back. The light scrape of every hard won callous over his back, causing Merlin to shiver; all that power, soft and gentle, and all for him. He shuddered beneath the thought and kissed Arthur all the deeper for it, letting his magic twine with Arthur’s essence until they were one intense vibration. He could feel it running over their bodies, a physical hum, igniting every part of them.
Arthur’s mouth moved to the stark lines of Merlin’s neck, mouthing along its length, sucking small darts of pleasure as he went.
Moaning softly, Merlin stretched, tilting his head to give Arthur better access. He barely gasped when Arthur moved; graceful with the prowess of a born hunter he flipped them pinning Merlin beneath him. “Hmmm, much better,” he hummed against Merlin’s skin the sound in counterpoint to the almost physical sensations of the buzz tingling over their skin.
“Bully,” he accused lightly, digging his fingers into Arthur’s back and arching into him.
Arthur smiled wickedly as he nipped at Merlin’s neck in response. His mouth moved lower over the jut of Merlin’s collar bone licking at the dip between them. He loved Merlin’s reactions, their open honesty- every touch was met with a hum or sigh or one of a thousand other little noises that Arthur could never hope to catalogue all of, though he relished the challenge. A bitten back cry met his ears as his mouth closed over a dusky nipple, turning to a low keen as he worried the small nub between teeth and lips. He rubbed his face against the dark hairs of Merlin’s chest, smiling at the soft tickle. He started when he felt the tug against his mind. The reassuring weight of Merlin’s magic had slipped into him, resting as if it had always been there, the way his armour rested against him and seemed to become a part of him, a second skin, just belonging.
He looked up into the deep blue eyes of his lover as Merlin mouthed, “Tease,” and combed his long fingers through Arthur’s hair.
Arthur took the hint, reaching for the ties of Merlin’s trousers, working them loose and pulling them off, taking the opportunity to rid himself of what remained of his own clothing. Climbing back up Merlin’s body, his skin felt like fire and thrummed like the taut draw of a bow string, full of power waiting to be released and channeled, and as he laid over Merlin, their bodies lining up perfectly, he heard the sorcerer gasp. His eyes instantly flicked to Merlin’s and he saw the telltale golden fire of magic in them. “Merlin?”
“It’s okay,” he assured, out of breath, “just wasn’t expecting it to be that strong.”
With a soft smile he began kissing Merlin, playfully licking over his lips, letting their tongues play in the slow dance they so enjoyed, while the hum seemed to settle into them, heightening every feeling, physical and emotional. For hours they touched and felt and explored each other as if it was the first time they’d ever touched, each sensation new and different and glorious.
By the time Merlin panted a breathy, “Arthur, please?” and Arthur sank into him in a slow fluid movement, they both felt as if they were already a part of the other, inside and around, and that this last intimate act was only the physical expression of what already existed.
Arthur pressed his forehead to Merlin’s; noses brushing lightly against each other as their breath mingled in steady, shallow bursts.
Lazily intense kisses passed between them, soft and deep- timeless. They rocked together, bodies perfectly in tune, taking up a graceful, effortless rhythm.
“Merlin,” Arthur’s voice was edgy, frayed, a raw purity in its timbre as he called to his lover, a claim, a plea, a bone deep need for the other man trying to make itself known through sound alone.
Merlin’s body responded instantly, knowing, understanding, arching into Arthur as his magic sang through the mixed essence it was entangled in. He pressed against Arthur, pulling them closer, touching everywhere they could, hot skin, slick with a thin sheen of sweat sliding beneath his fingertips. Merlin let out a soft moan, his body speaking more clearly than his voice ever could.
Pulling back Arthur’s eyes followed the path of his broad hand, almost engulfing Merlin’s face, cradling and caressing its sharp sleek lines.
Merlin’s haunting blue eyes stared up at Arthur with an openness that rocked Arthur’s core, everything he was, everything he would be, everything he wanted and would give to Arthur was laid out before him like the most glorious banquet.
Arthur made a bestial noise into Merlin’s neck, clutching him tightly and rocking back onto his haunches pulling Merlin onto his lap.
“Uh, uh, uh, gods, Arthur…” Merlin gasped, arms tight around the blond’s shoulders as Arthur slid deeper inside him.
“Merlin… Merlin, Merlin, Merlin,” Arthur chanted over and over, face buried in the crook of his lover’s neck; the steady sound a quiet counterpoint to the slide of their bodies.
Soon their rhythm began to falter, Arthur’s voice turning to small gasping cries as they held each other ever tighter as their releases began to steal over them.
“Oh gods, Arthur, Arthur, please,” he wasn’t sure why he was begging or what he was begging for, Arthur had and would give him everything, he knew that, he could feel that thanks to this bond between them, but the words still fell from his lips, a soft, audible expression of how much he needed his prince, his Arthur.
Arthur turned, letting his cheek rub hotly against Merlin’s as he panted brokenly, “Together, always,” he nuzzled. Planting a wet open kiss along Merlin’s jaw as his orgasm began to wash over him, carrying him away like a wave crashing against the shore, and Merlin was his shore, was the immutable comfort that would catch him even as they met this crescendo together.
He heard Merlin cry out, tightening around him as he pulsed deep inside him. Together as always, together.
They lay entangled together, fingers laced being kissed languidly; they could still feel the magic running through them as sleep gradually took them.
---
The soft almost light of morning was just beginning to ease through the curtains of his chambers, yet Arthur was wide awake, laying on his side propped up on one elbow, watching his lover, his warlock, sleep. He idly traced circles in the fine hair over Merlin’s chest as he waited for him to wake.
Lazily, Merlin’s hand covered Arthur’s, stilling his movements. Arthur looked… pensive was the only word Merlin could come up with; his eyes held a questioning quality he’d seldom seen, and his brow was tense and frozen the way it always got when he was faced with some extraordinary task like running the kingdom or preparing for a war. “What’s wrong?” he asked quietly.
Arthur let out a sigh. He’d woken in the night with a thought that he couldn’t shake, one that made the pit fall out of his stomach and he dreaded knowing whether it was true or not, but he had to know. “My mother. It was real, wasn’t it?”
Merlin pushed himself up until he was half sitting, half leaning against the pillows. He knew where this was going; he’d gone over it himself over and over again since they’d returned. He’d been trying to figure out how Arthur could reach back for him. The only thing remotely close he’d encountered were those times when Kilgharrah, Mordred, and Anhora spoke in his mind, and they were all steeped in magic, but Arthur didn’t have magic. …then it hit him, Arthur may not have magic, but he was borne of very powerful magic. In his own way, Arthur was as much magic as Merlin himself.
He squeezed Arthur’s hand, lacing their fingers together, and met Arthur’s gaze, “It was.”
Arthur ducked his head and Merlin could feel the anger tense in him.
“Arthur, please,” he soothed.
The blond raised his head, staring into Merlin’s eyes, “Am I magic?”
Merlin let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, and cupped Arthur’s cheek. “You were born of magic. I don’t know if that makes you magic like me” he let his own magic flare and his eyes to burn golden to clarify, “but you are a being of magic. I think that’s why this thing, whatever it is, works.”
Arthur nodded and kissed Merlin’s palm, closing his eyes and pressing into the touch.
Not long ago Arthur would have yelled and railed, trying to bear the brunt of his burden and his feelings alone, now, he was letting the mask slide, if only in front of Merlin, who read him all too easily anyway.
Smiling, Merlin curled his fingers into Arthur’s hair urging him towards him.
Arthur came willingly, pressing a kiss into Merlin’s neck just above his collar bone as he settled against him.
Merlin wrapped his arms around the blond and burrowed his nose in his silken hair, smelling the faint traces of the soap he’d used the day before mingling with the sweet/bitter tang of sweat. After a moment, Merlin felt a press against his senses. He hid a short, sharp gasp, instead letting his magic tentatively flow out. As he opened himself up, that part of Arthur moved around and through him, stronger and more sincere than any of their previous trials. Merlin held Arthur closer and directed all the love and warmth he had- physical, emotional, and magical- at him.
Against his chest Arthur sighed, a quiet, “Thank you,” breathed over his skin.
*********
Slowly, things began to change- Arthur began to change.
On the practice field he was more confident, a feat no one would have thought possible, wielding his weapon as if it were part of him, not merely an extension. He was more focused and as eager to give praise and teach as condemn with words and sharp instruction. When Sir Gienne, one of the youngest and freshest youths to come train with them in hopes of becoming one of Camelot’s elite, fell prey to one of the Prince’s more complex and confident attacks, he didn’t simply snap at him to ‘pay more attention’, to ‘follow the footwork of his opponent or he would fail every time’ or some similarly vague command. He said these things, of course, but once he’d disbanded the day’s training, he called Gienne over and walked the young knight-to-be through the attack, showing him what footwork he should have seen and signs he should not have missed, the nuances of pressure on the balls of the feet versus the angle of a knee. Any knight knew the basics of these, but seldom had the Prince taken it upon himself to teach any of the younger knights individually.
In council with his father, he grew more bold, questioning and suggesting and actively arguing his points with more passion and thoughtfulness. Whether it was discussion of how best to ration their grain stores for the winter or how many men they should send to investigate the reports of raiders along their southern borders.
It was as if Arthur was settling into himself, becoming the man who would one day be King, and in truth he probably was. He knew more about himself, who he was, what he was, and what he could become and it made him better. And while everyone saw these changes, very few would ever understand the cause, even fewer would believe it. But Arthur knew and with every timid caress of minds, stern look, honest reprimand, and playful smile he knew he was doing the right thing.
******
“I think you should stay here from now on,” Arthur tried to sound casual, almost bored, as he spoke. It had been three weeks since they’d defeated the sorcerer who had cursed Merlin, and nearly every night Merlin had shared his bed, yet most mornings he woke up alone, the space where Merlin had lain the night before cold and empty. This was not to Arthur’s liking, he wanted Merlin close. “You can move into the servant’s chamber, like any normal servant.”
Merlin smirked playfully. “And what would you think if I suddenly began behaving like a normal servant?”
“I would think you were under magical influence obviously,” he drawled as he caught Merlin’s hand and brought it to his lips. “All the more reason to keep you close by, keep an eye on you and your magical ways.”
“You know I have to help Gaius.”
“And? I’m the Prince I could order you,” though his eyes showed it to be a question and anything but a command.
Merlin rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“Fine.” Arthur sat back in his chair, features blank, save for his bottom lip which jutted out ever so slightly in what only Morgana had ever dared describe as a pout.
“Oh, stop pouting,” Merlin hummed as he sat in Arthur’s lap. “If you really want me to move into the servant’s room I will.”
Letting the smile creep onto his face, Arthur whispered into Merlin’s ear, “I want to not wake up alone.”
Merlin pulled back surprised.
“But if you insist the servant’s chamber will do.”
“But?”
“But what, Merlin?” It was Arthur’s turn to roll exasperated eyes. “I would prefer you in my bed every night- all night, not sneaking out like a thief or some scandalous tryst.”
“Your father, Morgana?”
“What about them? Father will think I’ve finally made some headway in training you to be a halfway decent servant and Morgana, well, she’ll figure it out soon enough, if she hasn’t already.”
Merlin gaped at Arthur’s bald words then nodded the kind of smile that made Arthur’s heart speed up on his lips.
*********
Gwen was worried.
It wasn’t her normal state. Her life was good; she was the maid to the King’s ward and she was happy, Morgana had always treated her as a friend more than a servant and over the years she had come to earn that right and was glad to call Morgana her friend as well. She had friends who were as close as any family could be, but something had changed in her hodge-podge of a family. And that was why she was worried. Merlin. He’d stumbled into their little world two years ago and turned it upside down; always smiling, always helping, always standing up for what was right, obstinate even when it could cost him his head, always there. Herein lay her concern. At first, it was a sorcerer’s curse that had pulled her friend from her and those around her, and why that was kept such a tight secret she would never know, but now it was something different. It wasn’t that Merlin roamed the halls half dead, pale and haunted, dwindling away until someone, Arthur, finally put an end to it as before. This time she barely saw him at all. He was always trailing after Arthur or running this or that errand with never a moment for anyone or anything but Arthur. She was lucky to get a smile and a quick, ‘Hello’. It wasn’t merely that the Prince was monopolizing Merlin’s time, he was Prince Arthur and he had a habit of running Merlin ragged when it suited him, but this was ridiculous. They’d been back from their hunting trip for over a month and Merlin had scarcely left Arthur’s side. He’d even had Merlin move into the servant’s quarters in his chambers. While that was well and good and to be expected, the servant’s quarters were a convenience for the servant, not a replacement for their own bed, there were exceptions of course, but the majority of personal servants lived this way- she herself had been moved into the servant’s room adjacent to Morgana’s chambers years ago, but her home was still in the lower town. Everyone needed time for themselves, even the Prince’s personal manservant. This couldn’t be healthy, eventually Merlin would crack, and she dreaded to think what would happen that day. At best Merlin would be banished; the worst didn’t bear thinking on.
She watched as Arthur gesticulated and ranted about the gods only knew what while Merlin trailed after him as they left the training fields. He didn’t look particular worn or frayed or anything other than ‘Merlin’, but she knew Merlin, and she knew how well he could hide his own pain when he thought it might concern others- how well, and long he’d hidden his injuries from the curse was proof of that. She was debating her next move when she caught sight of Sir Leon crossing the training fields in her direction.
“Sir Leon, do you have a moment?” she called as the older knight passed.
“Guinevere,” he smiled brightly at the young woman, “of course.”
Smiling, “Thank you. I was hoping you could help me with something.”
“If I can.” Leon had to admit his curiosity was piqued; he was hardly the first person Guinevere would approach when she needed anything.
“It’s about Arthur.” She felt the change in the knight, his slight tensing at the mention of the Prince. “More, Merlin actually.” She hoped knowing Merlin was her main concern would relax him.
Leon was hesitant to answer, he knew Arthur had been acting differently of late, and he knew why, but it wasn’t his place to share that knowledge with anyone, not even someone he knew to be close friends of both Arthur and Merlin.
“Have you noticed how hard he’s riding Merlin.” The knight almost tripped at Gwen’s innocent words, but recovered himself quickly enough. “We never see him, unless he’s running from one errand to another. He never has a moment to himself. I was just hoping…,” she bit her lip, but looked at Leon with resolve in her eyes. “Should I be worried?”
Leon rolled the question around in his head, trying to find the best way to answer her without breaking any confidence. “Arthur has his reasons I’m sure.”
His reluctance wasn’t lost on the young woman. “Arthur always has a reason, more often than not it’s his own amusement,” she snapped then caught Leon’s warning eye. “I’m sorry, it’s Merlin I’m concerned for.”
“Guinevere, whatever you think is going on you should ask them; all I will say is that Arthur is fully aware of what he’s doing.” He squeezed her elbow reassuringly and offered an encouraging nod before turning down the entryway towards the armoury.
Unfortunately, Sir Leon’s words did little to ease her worries. If anything, his hesitance caused her more concern. She could always follow Leon’s advice and try to talk to Merlin directly. Finding Merlin was easy enough; getting him to stop for five minutes to talk that was something else entirely.
******
The sun was laying its claim to the day, crawling softly over the castle walls as Gwen made her way to the kitchens for Morgana’s breakfast. She was more than a little surprised to see a familiar dark head resting against the wall.
“Merlin,” Gwen greeted happily.
“Hi, Gwen,” he stood up a little straighter and smiled at his friend.
“How’ve you been?” she tried to sound light and friendly, not at all sure she’d managed it. “Arthur being overbearing again?” she soldiered on adding a small chuckle to her words hoping to belay how truly concerned she was.
“No,” he shook his head smiling what on anyone else would’ve been a dopey smile, but on him was just happy, “Not really.”
Gwen bit her bottom lip, “Are you sure everything’s alright, it’s just we never see you anymore, and I know how tedious Arthur can be?”
Merlin picked up the tray he’d been waiting for, “I promise you, Gwen, Arthur’s not being overbearing or tedious.” His smile turned playful, almost mischievous, “He’s being… nice.”
Gwen’s forehead scrunched in confusion as she looked to Merlin’s retreating form and back again, finally she gave a confused half smile and went back to her errands.
***
“Gwen thinks you’re being overbearing and tedious,” Merlin told Arthur as they sat down to share Arthur’s breakfast.
“She does, does she?” Arthur replied with a sly smile.
“Mmm,” Merlin answered around a mouth full of pork.
“You should spend some time with her. You’re always here or running errands for Gaius.”
Merlin swallowed hard around the food in his throat.
“Merlin, I know I say this a lot, but this time I really mean it- don’t be such a girl. I’m not trying to get rid of you. But as much as it pains me to admit, there is more to life than me,” he teased, kicking Merlin’s foot beneath the table.
Relaxing, Merlin quipped, “Yes, there’s your dogs, your stables, your clothes, your boots, your armour and there’s a lot of that- have you ever considered training in your spare armour? It’s easier to clean and shouldn’t you save your better armour for when it counts? I mean-”
Merlin’s words were cut off by Arthur’s mouth coming down on his. His tongue teased over Merlin’s, before pulling back. “Shut up,” he said, placing another short kiss against Merlin’s lips, “and take tomorrow off, spend some time with Gwen and Gaius. Then you can come back here, help me prepare for bed,” he smirked, “and show me exactly how much you missed me.”
“I can show you that now.”
“I’m sure you could, but I’d rather not have Leon interrupt us today. I’m afraid we might scar him for life if he keeps having to come fetch me for my own training sessions.”
“Spoil sport.”
“Finish your breakfast, my stables do need tending after all,” he reminded Merlin playfully, cuffing him on the head.
“Yes, Sire,” Merlin rolled his eyes and Arthur cast him a warning glare which only caused Merlin to roll his eyes further as he corrected himself, “Yes, Arthur.”
***
At the other end of the castle, Morgana watched as Gwen fussed with one of her dresses, shaking it out and hanging it, straightening an imagined wrinkle, only to shake and hang and straighten again. Eventually, she moved on to arranging Morgana’s jewelry, before finally picking up some mending and fidgeting with the material.
Morgana smiled at her maidservant. “What’s bothering you, Gwen?”
“Nothing, m’Lady,” she denied.
“Come now, Gwen, I’ve known you long enough to know when something’s on your mind, so tell me.” She took Gwen by the hand and pulled her down to sit next to her.
“It’s silly really.” She shook her head dismissively then let out a sigh.
Morgana waited quietly, a small smile on her lips, she knew Gwen would fill in the silence soon enough. She wasn’t disappointed.
“It’s just… have you seen Merlin lately, outside of the banquet hall or with Arthur?”
She shook her head.
“Exactly, he’s never around anymore.”
“You think Arthur’s putting too much on him, again.”
Gwen nodded then changed her mind, pursing her lips. “I just saw him in the kitchens and he seemed fine, happy. I asked him and he said Arthur was being nice.”
“Nice?”
“Yes.”
“That is odd.” Her brow furrowed. She patted Gwen’s hands, “Don’t worry; I’m sure Merlin’s fine. Still, I think I’ll have a talk with our dear Arthur.”
“Thank you.” She let out another more relieved sigh and smiled. “That does ease my mind.”
***
“And, Merlin? Try to have it done by the time I get back,” Arthur spoke lightly as he opened the door on his way to dinner with his father and Morgana.
“Gwen’s right, there is something going on with you,” Morgana said, noticing the kindness in Arthur’s voice.
It took all of Arthur’s considerable self-control not to jump at his almost sister’s voice. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Morgana.”
“Of course not,” she said condescendingly as she pushed herself away from the wall she’d been leaning against in wait for the Prince. She kept pace with Arthur as he strode away from her. “Gwen was worried about Merlin.”
“Merlin’s fine. Why wouldn’t he be?”
“She said she never sees him anymore, she’s afraid you’re being your asinine self and running him ragged.”
He stopped and faced the brunette, “He’s in my rooms, right back the way you came. I think you know where they are; you were skulking outside them a few moments ago. Go see for yourself, ask him if I’m being an imperious prat.”
She knitted her brow, managing to make her eyes widen as the same time, “You don’t have to get so defense. We were just concerned.”
Arthur let out a deep breath, “Well there’s nothing to be concerned about.”
All through dinner Morgana watched Arthur, trying to figure out what was so off with him. It was halfway through their meal when a servant moved to fill Arthur’s cup and he turned a playful smile towards the boy for a fraction of a moment before his face fell into its normal stoic features. Morgana nearly choked on her food as the realization dawned.
“Morgana, are you alright?” Uther asked, full of concern for his ward.
“Yes, yes,” Morgana wiped her mouth and smiled, “a piece of gristle is all, my Lord. I’m quite alright.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes, my Lord,” nodding.
Once Uther’s attention was no longer focused on her, she caught Arthur’s eye and smiled knowingly; at least, he had the decency to blush.
“So,” Morgana chirped, right on Arthur’s heels as he left the dining hall, “you and Merlin finally figured it out.”
Arthur wondered absently if she could sound any more pleased with herself. “Morgana, if there was anything between Merlin and myself, it would be between Merlin and myself.
“Oh, Arthur,” she chuckled, “you just gave yourself away. I never said there was anything between the two of you, only that you figured it out.”
With a heavy huff Arthur stopped in his tracks. He closed his eyes and spoke very carefully, “I don’t care what it is you think you know, Morgana, but it’s none of your concern; leave it.”
As Arthur began to walk away, Morgana grabbed his arm. “Arthur, wait.”
He turned to face her.
“You’re right, it’s none of my business, but I love you like a brother and Merlin is my friend. I’m just glad you’re happy.”
Arthur nodded and smiled a little.
Smiling sweetly, “I’ll tell Gwen not to worry, that you’re taking care of him. You are taking care of him, aren’t you?”
Rolling his eyes, “No, Morgana, I’m beating him and over-working him because that’s such a guaranteed way to make him love me, showing what a complete barbarian I am.”
Morgana gasped, pleasantly surprised by Arthur’s admission. “Oh, Arthur,” her smile brightened and she kissed his cheek. “I’ll let you get back to Merlin.”
He bowed his head in thanks.
“Have a good night, Arthur,” she added, sweeping away in a swish of velvet.
Arthur flushed, but hurried on his way back to his rooms and Merlin.
******
It was late when Merlin woke up; at least he assumed it was since the curtains facing the bed were drawn and Arthur was no longer by his side. He stretched languidly, wondering why Arthur had let him sleep in. It had been known to happen before, but generally he awoke to Arthur tracing imaginary lines over his skin or trailing kisses up and down his body before settling on his mouth. This time Arthur was conspicuously not there. Merlin took his time crawling out of his warm bed. He smiled, wondering when Arthur’s bed had become his as well. He was just pulling his tunic over his head when the door opened.
Arthur looked up from the papers he was reading to see a mostly dressed, still sleep ruffled Merlin. “Morning, Merlin,” he chuckled.
“Why did you let me sleep?”
“You needed it. Besides, I gave you the day off remember.”
“You were serious?”
“No, Merlin, I was joking, that’s why it’s almost noon and you’re just now getting up.”
“Prat,” Merlin muttered through a cheeky smile.
“Now finish getting dressed and go find Gwen, I understand Morgana’s giving her the afternoon off,” he smirked at his lover.
“Gaius-”
“Gaius knows you have the day off, that means from all of your duties.”
Merlin’s bright smile was the only warning Arthur had before he had an arm full of manservant kissing him soundly.
By the time Merlin pulled back, they were both breathless and flushed.
“You know this is no way to get out of my quarters.”
“I know,” he smiled and kissed Arthur quickly, “but it’s a good way to remind you of what you’ll be missing.”
“Merlin,” he called with an exasperated purr, but the man in question was already out the door.
***
Bouncing on the balls of feet, Merlin waited in the hall outside Morgana’s chambers. He’d stopped by Gauis’ when he’d left Arthur just to make sure that he wasn’t needed, and while Gaius insisted that everything was taken care of, he did mention that Gwen had been to see him the day before.
“That girl worries about you, Merlin, as would I if I didn’t know the nature of your relationship with Arthur. I know it’s not my place, but if I were you I’d tell her before she asks the wrong person,” Gaius scolded gently.
“I was going to look for her when I left here. Arthur said Morgana’s giving her the afternoon off as well.”
“Good. The sooner she stops worrying, the sooner I can relax, as well,” he chuckled lightly.
“Thank you, Gaius.”
“For what?” he asked incredulously.
“Everything.”
Gaius shook his head fondly and shooed Merlin out of his chambers.
Now he was waiting for Gwen to be dismissed; it felt like ages since he’d actually talked to Gwen and now that he had the opportunity he had no idea where to start. The door to Morgana’s chambers opened, side tracking that train of though.
“Hi,” Merlin chirped, before Gwen had finished closing Morgana’s door.
Jumping, Gwen’s hand went to her chest. “Merlin. What are you doing here?”
Smiling happily, “A little bird told me you had the afternoon off.”
“How… Morgana just told me,” her brow wrinkled in suspicious confusion.
He held out his arm for Gwen to take. “Do you have any plans this afternoon, m’lady?”
“Oh, Merlin,” she laughed at his formality, but took his arm. “What about Arthur?”
“Day off, Prince’s orders,” he explained with an imperious chuckle.
“Alright then, what did you have in mind, good sir?”
“A stroll, possibly lunch,” he ducked his head, “and there’s something I need to talk to you about, but not here.”
She cast a worrying eye to her friend, but was calmed by the happy twinkle in his eye. Whatever it was Merlin wanted to tell her it couldn’t be bad.
---
They’d walked through the castle and lower town talking as Merlin got caught up on the castle gossip, stopping occasionally for Gwen to admire a new scarf or trinket in the market, until finally they were outside the town walls away from all the hustle and bustle.
“So what was it you wanted to tell me?” Gwen urged as they sat in a small clearing to eat.
Merlin sighed, head lowered nervously, this had been much easier in his head. He rubbed his fingers over the knuckles of one hand and looked up at his friend through thick lashes. “I don’t want you to worry about me.”
She chuckled, “Merlin, I’m always going to worry about you. You’re my friend. A true friend.”
Merlin matched her chuckle. “Which is why I don’t want you to worry. I’m happy, Gwen.”
She cocked her head giving him an appraising sidelong look. “And Arthur?”
He could feel the colour rise on his cheeks, “Arthur’s the reason I’m happy.”
Her eyes slowly widened as she began to understand. “That’s why you’re always with him,” she said in hushed tones. She looked down and anywhere but at Merlin, trying to process this new information and surprising herself with how little the revelation shocked her. There had always been a deep tension between them, their bickering friendly and companionable more often than not, and she knew, whether or not Arthur would ever admit it, that he actually listened to Merlin’s counsel. In fact, when she thought about it, it seemed almost ridiculous for her to think Arthur would ever truly cause Merlin harm. She shook her head. “I should have known.”
“Are you… do you…” Merlin stumbled over his words.
“Merlin!” she snapped.
He stood as if to leave Gwen alone.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him closer, laying his hand to her chest and smiling up at him. “I wish you’d told me earlier.”
Merlin smiled sheepishly and shrugged. “I haven’t really had the time.”
Gwen shook her head as she laughed, “Sit down, and tell me everything.”
He sat giving her a devilish look from under his thick eyelashes. “Everything?”
Merlin laughed as Gwen’s dark skin darkened under her blush.
Dusk was falling when they reached Gwen’s home. She smiled sweetly and pressed her hand against Merlin’s cheek. “I’m glad you’re happy.”
“Thank you,” he hesitated. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
“You’ve been busy,” she teased and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll talk to you later, Merlin. Arthur’s probably waiting for you.”
Merlin smiled, returned her kiss, and left to return to his prince.
--Next--
.