Merlin FIC: Honor Bound
Title: Honor Bound
Author: Roxane
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairings: Arthur, Gwen, Uther, Merlin, Arthur/Gwen
Spoilers: Through 3/08,
Disclaimer: Man, do I wish I had a say in this show. But, alas, I don't and I can only write little scenes I'd like to see.
Summary: Arthur and Gwen are getting closer after his return from his quest.
Author’s notes: It's short, but even so, it didn't go as I imagined. Funny how that happens. It started as a little fluff piece about Arthur and Gwen making out all over the castle. More came into it all by itself, but it's just what they wanted to do. Couldn't help it.
Gwen carried a basket of clean clothing towards Morgana's room, dreamily wondering what Arthur was doing at that moment. They had gone an entire year keeping their distance from each other, neither wishing to increase the pain of not being able to be together. But now he had refused to marry Lady Elena for her, defying his father in the process. He had put his life at risk to rescue her brother. For love.
So lately -
She gasped and almost dropped the basket as an armor-clad arm reached out and yanked her into a small alcove covered by a thick draping. After her initial start, however, she smiled and let Arthur take the basket from her and set it on the floor, anticipation already causing her heart to speed up in her chest.
Lately, things had been different.
Arthur slid an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, his mouth taking hers in a fiercely hungry kiss. She met him with equal fervor, sliding her arms around his neck and opening her mouth to him, a small moan sounding in her throat when his tongue met hers. His other hand settled on her hip and pressed her more firmly against him and with a frustrated groan as her body settled against the chain mail, he pulled his mouth from hers and buried his head in her neck.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, dropping small kisses along the length of her neck.
"For what?" she asked, tilting her head to the side to allow him greater access.
He opened his mouth against the curve of her neck and lightly bit her, and she gasped with almost unbearable pleasure. Since he had returned from his quest to find the Fisher King's Trident, Arthur had begun taking every opportunity to steal a moment alone with her, taking her into his arms as he did now, kissing the breath from her, discovering what pleased her, such as how sensitive that spot was. The man was a fast learner.
He soothed her neck with a soft lick before answering, and she closed her eyes and had to concentrate to hear his response. A very fast learner. "I shouldn’t have come to you like this. I'm filthy from training. But I couldn't wait to see you. It’s been two days."
Gwen inhaled, taking in the scent of leather, metal, oil. And Arthur. Hot, sweaty and altogether delicious to her. "I don't mind. I've missed you too."
He smiled and leaned in to kiss her again but paused as a step was heard in the corridor. He rolled his eyes as a voice called out, "Arthur?"
He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Stay here." He stepped away and poked his head around the edge of the drapery. "Merlin!" he hissed.
"Arthur, I was looking for you -"
"Well, you've found me, Merlin. Now go away!"
Gwen leaned back against the wall and shook her head with a small smile, listening to the two bicker as usual.
"I can't go away. The king has requested your presence. Within the hour."
"Why didn't you say so?"
"You didn't really give me a chance, did you?"
Gwen grinned as she thought she could almost hear Arthur's teeth grinding."I'll meet you in my chambers. Go prepare some fresh clothes and a bath."
"You'll meet me?" Gwen could hear the puzzlement in Merlin's voice and imagined him tilting his head to the side. "Because you need to stay . . . there? In the alcove?"
Arthur heaved a huge sigh. "Yes, Merlin. I will meet you. Later. In my chambers. Now go!"
"But - "
"Merlin!"
Gwen stepped forward before Arthur resorted to violence and peeked her head around him. "Merlin, go away now please."
Merlin's eyes widened and a please smile spread across his face. "Oh! Right then." He gave Arthur a questioning look. "Why didn't you just say you had Gwen in there?"
Arthur growled and tensed but Gwen, with an admonishing look at Merlin, grabbed her prince and pulled him back into the alcove. She pushed him against the wall and did her best to make him forget all about Merlin. After a moment's surprised hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him and Merlin became a distant memory for them both. She clutched him to her and kissed back, knowing they had very little time together. She couldn’t prevent a disappointed sound from escaping her when he eased his lips from hers.
Arthur rested his forehead against hers as they both struggled for breath. "I have to go."
"I know," she said, fingers still threaded through the hair on the nape of his neck.
He kissed her again, a slow, tender kiss this time. He sighed as their lips parted and he stepped back. His hands slid down her arms to take hold of both her hands. "Father will most likely keep me occupied the rest of the day."
"It is likely."
He looked down at their joined hands and his thumb rubbed the backs of her fingers. "Will you come to me? After Morgana goes to bed?"
"In your chambers?"
His eyes rose to meet hers, steady, sure. "Yes."
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. He had never asked her into his chambers before. But she trusted him, so there was no real question. "Yes. All right. Of course."
He gave her once last lingering kiss and then, after peeking around the drape, left to go clean up for his father.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Usually, Arthur paid strict attention to matters of State and tried to learn as much as he could about running a kingdom from his father, but this time, this endless session speaking of taxes and border guards was excruciating.
He missed Gwen.
Every moment away from her was painful, a long, slow drudgery. Duty had never been so unbearable as when it kept him away from her. But at least now, even if he could not shout his love for all to hear, he could be with her. In their way. It wasn't perfect. But it would do for now.
Tonight she would be coming to his chambers. At night. Alone. In his hurry this afternoon, he hadn't considered all the implications of that, he had simply known that was the only time he would be able to see her. Before he had fallen in love with Guinevere, he had invited maids to his chambers, lovely girls eager to please their prince in any way he desired, but this was Gwen. He wanted her more than he had ever wanted anyone before, but he also knew he couldn't ask that of her. Wouldn't ask that of her. Not while sneaking around in secret.
"Arthur!"
With a start, he looked at his father. "Yes, Father?"
"Are we boring you?"
Suppressing a wince, he realized his father had been trying to get his attention. "Sorry, Father. I was … working on a training schedule for the new young knights."
Uther's face tightened and he looked away, and once again, Arthur knew he had failed him. "Since you seem uninterested in the crop reports from the Southlands, you may go."
"Father, I - "
Without sparing him a glance, Uther motioned to a man seated near the end of the table. "Your report?"
The man hesitated, glancing at Arthur. Arthur, knowing his father was done with him for the evening, rose and bowed his head to Uther. "Sire."
Again Uther ignored him. "Your report," he commanded.
The man did not hesitate this time and began his report, so Arthur bowed his head again and left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arthur paced in his room, impatient to see Gwen again. He swung around as the door opened, but his face fell as Merlin walked into the room.
"Merlin. What are you doing here?"
Merlin drew up in surprise. "Were you expecting someone else?"
Arthur shook his head rapidly. "No, of course not." But he couldn't stop his eyes from flicking again to the door.
Merlin grinned. "I knew it. You are expecting someone." His grin faded as he thought about this and a frown crinkled his brow. "Gwen's coming here. To your bedchamber? At night?"
Arthur held up his hands, shaking his head firmly. "Merlin, it's not Gwen."
Merlin's eyes widened. "Someone else is coming? How could you do that to Gwen?"
Arthur let his hands drop to his side and raised his brows at his servant. "Well, which is it, Merlin? Do you want it to be Gwen or someone else?"
"Gwen. No, neither."
With a sigh, Arthur strode to his desk and sank into his chair. "It's none of your affair, Merlin."
Merlin stalked over to the desk. "Gwen is my friend, Arthur. I care what happens to her."
Arthur looked up at him. "Do you really believe I would ever let any harm come to her? In any way?"
Merlin shook his head, relenting. "No. Of course not."
Arthur nodded. "There. You have nothing to worry about."
"I still don't have to like it. I'm sure Elyan wouldn't either."
"Then you must make sure he never finds out. Or anyone else for that matter. For Gwen's sake."
"And yours. Your father would not be happy."
Arthur's lips twisted. "Father is rarely happy with me. But I fear what he would do to Gwen if he knew."
"Then how can you do this?"
Arthur met Merlin's eyes without pretense. "I love her. I need her."
Merlin pressed his lips together and nodded slowly. "Just . . . be careful. For both your sakes."
Arthur surged to his feet as a knock sounded at the door and it opened. "Excellent advice, Merlin. Now run along." He rounded the desk and pulled Merlin towards the door as Gwen slipped inside. She drew up short on seeing Merlin, surprised embarrassment on her face.
"Merlin, what are you doing here?"
Arthur shoved Merlin towards the door. "He's just leaving. He saw nothing, right, Merlin?"
Merlin covered his eyes with one hand. "Not a thing. Goodnight, Gwen."
"Goodnight, Merlin."
Merlin stepped through the doorway, but before the door closed, he poked his head back in. "Goodnight, Arthur."
"Goodnight, Merlin." Arthur sent him a death glare and looked around for something to throw.
Merlin grinned and ducked back out, hastily shutting the door behind him.
Arthur turned his exasperated look on Gwen, who laughed quietly. “You know he loves to tease you, Arthur.”
“He loves to try my
patience, you mean.”
“Yes, I suppose he does at that,” she said, smiling at him, and he forgot all about Merlin
He sat on the edge of the table and motioned to her with one commanding wave of his hand. “Come here.”
Her shoulders straightened and her eyebrows rose, though her smile never dimmed. “Sire?” she asked, a challenge in her tone.
He winced, knowing he had erred. He was not the prince here. Not for this woman and not in this moment. He opened his arms, looked at her as pleadingly as he could, and cajoled, “Please?”
Her smile widened and she drifted towards him, settling into his arms, and he squeezed her to him, breathing in the fresh, clean scent of her. “Mmmmm, I missed you,” he said into her neck, nuzzling the soft skin beneath her ear.
She chuckled, a throaty sound that made his stomach clench. “It’s only been a few hours.”
“Each hour was a lifetime,” he declared. He thought of the events of the time away from her and added, “I couldn’t concentrate at all during the council because I couldn’t stop thinking of you.” He pulled back to look into her eyes, biting the inside of his lower lip. “Father was not pleased.”
Worry crinkled her brow. “Arthur, you mustn’t do anything to - “
He nodded. “I know. It won’t happen again. Which is why…” he said, rising from the table and tugging her hand to lead her further into the room. “. . .You must spend as much time with me as possible. So I don’t miss you all the time. Otherwise, it could be detrimental to the Kingdom.”
She tilted her head to the side, a small smile playing at her mouth. “You’re saying I need to spend time with you for the sake of Camelot?”
He nodded firmly. “Exactly so.” He tried for a serious look but couldn't keep from smiling at her as he backed in the direction of the bed.
Her smile dipped, and though she didn't resist, he saw her eyes drift behind him to the left, and he knew she was looking at the bed. Her eyes came back to his, questioning, but he held steadfast and continued backwards until he sat. On the bench at the foot of the bed. He saw relief flood her eyes as he gently drew her down to sit beside him. He released her hands and she quickly folded them together in her lap, looking down and taking a deep breath.
"Gwen?" he said to the top of her head.
She raised her head but he could not quite see her gorgeous brown eyes, so he put two fingers under her chin and exerted a gentle pressure upwards until her eyes met his.
"Do you trust me?"
She stiffened, obviously surprised by the question. "More than anyone," she said with a swift, gratifying fierceness.
"Then you must know I would never do anything to bring you dishonor."
A small frown appeared between her brows as she contemplated this. "I…didn't think you believed a mere servant could have honor."
His back stiffened. "I never said that."
"Honor is only referenced with regard to knights. The King. A Lady." She swept a hand towards him. "A Prince."
"We hold our honor dear to us. Is that so wrong?"
She rose and stepped back. "No. But when a good man may not even defend his kingdom because he is not of noble blood, I fail to see what the supposed honor of a mere lady's maid could be worth."
" 'A good man'?" A wound only thinly healed broke open and he surged to his feet, stepping away from her to lean against the his desk, crossing his arms over his chest. He raised his chin. "This is about…" He clenched his teeth and ground out, "… Lancelot?"
"No." Regret darkened her eyes and she hurried to him, placing her hands on his tense arms and staring earnestly into his eyes. "No. Or rather, not only Lancelot. Also Gwaine. Even Elyan. Merlin. These are good, decent men who have no place in your kingdom other than to perform menial tasks and to take your orders."
"Merlin," he scoffed. "I'd like to see a day where he actually takes orders and executes them properly."
She admonished him with a look and said quietly, "Merlin has always been the greatest and most loyal friend you could have."
He rolled his eyes but sighed and nodded an admission. "But don't tell him I said so. He'd never let me hear the end of it." He gave her as much of a smile as he could, not quite meeting her eyes, hurt still singing in his veins.
Gwen slid her hands up his arms until she cupped his cheeks in his hands. "Arthur. Look at me."
Reluctantly, he let his eyes be captured by hers, hating the sympathy he saw there. But also, he saw love. He couldn't imagine that kind of love, could he?
"Arthur, you are the one I want."
"Am I? Or am I the one who stayed?"
Tears filled her eyes. "Oh, no. Don't say that."
He managed to make one side of his mouth quirk in a smile. "Doesn't matter. I'd take whatever you could give me."
"I can give you my heart," she whispered. She raised up on her toes to sprinkle his lips, his cheeks, with soft, sweet, loving kisses. He closed his eyes and leaned down into her, relishing the love she showered on him. She settled back on her heels and gave his head the slightest shake. He opened his eyes to see fierce determination in hers. "You are not second best. If Lancelot walked into the castle this moment and asked me to run away with him, I would not."
"You cried when he left."
"Have you any idea the number of times I've cried over you? When I've worried about you, feared for you? When I thought I'd never see you again or be with you again?" She dropped her hands and stepped back and her voice trembled as she continued, "Knowing it was a love that could never be, with a man who feels I am not good enough to love?"
He caught her elbow as she turned from him. "There is no other more worthy of my love."
"And yet you summon me here, to your bedchambers, like any other maid you've…summoned before," she said, her voice low and tense.
"I do not summon women to my chambers." He released her arm. "Is that what you think this is?"
"The maids talk about you. They fight to see who can help Merlin clean your chambers or …fluff your pillows."
Delight surged through him at the veiled venom in her voice. She was jealous. He grinned. "Do they now?" He looked upward as though contemplating a delightful idea.
"Oh, yes. You are quite legendary among the maid staff." If possible, Gwen's back became even straighter and she tipped her chin at a haughty angle, looking beautiful and passionate and making him want her more than ever. "Why don't I go find you someone suitable right now?" With a disdainful mockery of a curtsy, she snapped, "My lord," and whipped herself around to stalk towards the door.
"Guinevere!" Arthur raced to block the door. "Gwen, wait."
"Sire?" she said, refusing to meet his eyes.
"Gwen, when was the last time you heard the maids talking about …fluffing my pillows?"
"I really couldn't say, sire," she said to the floor.
"I could," he said with complete conviction.
She raised her eyes, a wary hope in them.
He smiled, raising one hand to slide a finger against the sweet, soft skin of her cheek. "I haven't even looked at another woman since I kissed you in your house the day of the tournament. There could never be another woman for me. Ever."
Her lips parted on a silent "Oh" and some of the starch went out of her shoulders.
"As for summoning you to my rooms, if I recall, I merely requested your presence. Actually, it could have turned into begging if you hadn't agreed, but you did. And, just in case you were wondering, I don't intend to share my bed with you until you can do so as my wife."
He held up on peremptory hand as her mouth opened and she attempted to speak.
"No, you cannot change my mind about that. You are my Lady and your honor - which you most certainly have, maid or no - is as important to me as my own."
He only had time to register the brilliance of Gwen's shining eyes before she launched herself at him, and then she was kissing him, pressing her body as close to his as possible and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her, feeling her, loving her. As always, wanting her. He pulled his lips from hers with a groan, leaning his head back against the door and sucking in great gulps of air.
"I think our honor is going to kill me."
With a giggle, she pulled his head back to hers and tested his honor some more.
Author: Roxane
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairings: Arthur, Gwen, Uther, Merlin, Arthur/Gwen
Spoilers: Through 3/08,
Disclaimer: Man, do I wish I had a say in this show. But, alas, I don't and I can only write little scenes I'd like to see.
Summary: Arthur and Gwen are getting closer after his return from his quest.
Author’s notes: It's short, but even so, it didn't go as I imagined. Funny how that happens. It started as a little fluff piece about Arthur and Gwen making out all over the castle. More came into it all by itself, but it's just what they wanted to do. Couldn't help it.
Gwen carried a basket of clean clothing towards Morgana's room, dreamily wondering what Arthur was doing at that moment. They had gone an entire year keeping their distance from each other, neither wishing to increase the pain of not being able to be together. But now he had refused to marry Lady Elena for her, defying his father in the process. He had put his life at risk to rescue her brother. For love.
So lately -
She gasped and almost dropped the basket as an armor-clad arm reached out and yanked her into a small alcove covered by a thick draping. After her initial start, however, she smiled and let Arthur take the basket from her and set it on the floor, anticipation already causing her heart to speed up in her chest.
Lately, things had been different.
Arthur slid an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, his mouth taking hers in a fiercely hungry kiss. She met him with equal fervor, sliding her arms around his neck and opening her mouth to him, a small moan sounding in her throat when his tongue met hers. His other hand settled on her hip and pressed her more firmly against him and with a frustrated groan as her body settled against the chain mail, he pulled his mouth from hers and buried his head in her neck.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, dropping small kisses along the length of her neck.
"For what?" she asked, tilting her head to the side to allow him greater access.
He opened his mouth against the curve of her neck and lightly bit her, and she gasped with almost unbearable pleasure. Since he had returned from his quest to find the Fisher King's Trident, Arthur had begun taking every opportunity to steal a moment alone with her, taking her into his arms as he did now, kissing the breath from her, discovering what pleased her, such as how sensitive that spot was. The man was a fast learner.
He soothed her neck with a soft lick before answering, and she closed her eyes and had to concentrate to hear his response. A very fast learner. "I shouldn’t have come to you like this. I'm filthy from training. But I couldn't wait to see you. It’s been two days."
Gwen inhaled, taking in the scent of leather, metal, oil. And Arthur. Hot, sweaty and altogether delicious to her. "I don't mind. I've missed you too."
He smiled and leaned in to kiss her again but paused as a step was heard in the corridor. He rolled his eyes as a voice called out, "Arthur?"
He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Stay here." He stepped away and poked his head around the edge of the drapery. "Merlin!" he hissed.
"Arthur, I was looking for you -"
"Well, you've found me, Merlin. Now go away!"
Gwen leaned back against the wall and shook her head with a small smile, listening to the two bicker as usual.
"I can't go away. The king has requested your presence. Within the hour."
"Why didn't you say so?"
"You didn't really give me a chance, did you?"
Gwen grinned as she thought she could almost hear Arthur's teeth grinding."I'll meet you in my chambers. Go prepare some fresh clothes and a bath."
"You'll meet me?" Gwen could hear the puzzlement in Merlin's voice and imagined him tilting his head to the side. "Because you need to stay . . . there? In the alcove?"
Arthur heaved a huge sigh. "Yes, Merlin. I will meet you. Later. In my chambers. Now go!"
"But - "
"Merlin!"
Gwen stepped forward before Arthur resorted to violence and peeked her head around him. "Merlin, go away now please."
Merlin's eyes widened and a please smile spread across his face. "Oh! Right then." He gave Arthur a questioning look. "Why didn't you just say you had Gwen in there?"
Arthur growled and tensed but Gwen, with an admonishing look at Merlin, grabbed her prince and pulled him back into the alcove. She pushed him against the wall and did her best to make him forget all about Merlin. After a moment's surprised hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him and Merlin became a distant memory for them both. She clutched him to her and kissed back, knowing they had very little time together. She couldn’t prevent a disappointed sound from escaping her when he eased his lips from hers.
Arthur rested his forehead against hers as they both struggled for breath. "I have to go."
"I know," she said, fingers still threaded through the hair on the nape of his neck.
He kissed her again, a slow, tender kiss this time. He sighed as their lips parted and he stepped back. His hands slid down her arms to take hold of both her hands. "Father will most likely keep me occupied the rest of the day."
"It is likely."
He looked down at their joined hands and his thumb rubbed the backs of her fingers. "Will you come to me? After Morgana goes to bed?"
"In your chambers?"
His eyes rose to meet hers, steady, sure. "Yes."
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. He had never asked her into his chambers before. But she trusted him, so there was no real question. "Yes. All right. Of course."
He gave her once last lingering kiss and then, after peeking around the drape, left to go clean up for his father.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Usually, Arthur paid strict attention to matters of State and tried to learn as much as he could about running a kingdom from his father, but this time, this endless session speaking of taxes and border guards was excruciating.
He missed Gwen.
Every moment away from her was painful, a long, slow drudgery. Duty had never been so unbearable as when it kept him away from her. But at least now, even if he could not shout his love for all to hear, he could be with her. In their way. It wasn't perfect. But it would do for now.
Tonight she would be coming to his chambers. At night. Alone. In his hurry this afternoon, he hadn't considered all the implications of that, he had simply known that was the only time he would be able to see her. Before he had fallen in love with Guinevere, he had invited maids to his chambers, lovely girls eager to please their prince in any way he desired, but this was Gwen. He wanted her more than he had ever wanted anyone before, but he also knew he couldn't ask that of her. Wouldn't ask that of her. Not while sneaking around in secret.
"Arthur!"
With a start, he looked at his father. "Yes, Father?"
"Are we boring you?"
Suppressing a wince, he realized his father had been trying to get his attention. "Sorry, Father. I was … working on a training schedule for the new young knights."
Uther's face tightened and he looked away, and once again, Arthur knew he had failed him. "Since you seem uninterested in the crop reports from the Southlands, you may go."
"Father, I - "
Without sparing him a glance, Uther motioned to a man seated near the end of the table. "Your report?"
The man hesitated, glancing at Arthur. Arthur, knowing his father was done with him for the evening, rose and bowed his head to Uther. "Sire."
Again Uther ignored him. "Your report," he commanded.
The man did not hesitate this time and began his report, so Arthur bowed his head again and left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arthur paced in his room, impatient to see Gwen again. He swung around as the door opened, but his face fell as Merlin walked into the room.
"Merlin. What are you doing here?"
Merlin drew up in surprise. "Were you expecting someone else?"
Arthur shook his head rapidly. "No, of course not." But he couldn't stop his eyes from flicking again to the door.
Merlin grinned. "I knew it. You are expecting someone." His grin faded as he thought about this and a frown crinkled his brow. "Gwen's coming here. To your bedchamber? At night?"
Arthur held up his hands, shaking his head firmly. "Merlin, it's not Gwen."
Merlin's eyes widened. "Someone else is coming? How could you do that to Gwen?"
Arthur let his hands drop to his side and raised his brows at his servant. "Well, which is it, Merlin? Do you want it to be Gwen or someone else?"
"Gwen. No, neither."
With a sigh, Arthur strode to his desk and sank into his chair. "It's none of your affair, Merlin."
Merlin stalked over to the desk. "Gwen is my friend, Arthur. I care what happens to her."
Arthur looked up at him. "Do you really believe I would ever let any harm come to her? In any way?"
Merlin shook his head, relenting. "No. Of course not."
Arthur nodded. "There. You have nothing to worry about."
"I still don't have to like it. I'm sure Elyan wouldn't either."
"Then you must make sure he never finds out. Or anyone else for that matter. For Gwen's sake."
"And yours. Your father would not be happy."
Arthur's lips twisted. "Father is rarely happy with me. But I fear what he would do to Gwen if he knew."
"Then how can you do this?"
Arthur met Merlin's eyes without pretense. "I love her. I need her."
Merlin pressed his lips together and nodded slowly. "Just . . . be careful. For both your sakes."
Arthur surged to his feet as a knock sounded at the door and it opened. "Excellent advice, Merlin. Now run along." He rounded the desk and pulled Merlin towards the door as Gwen slipped inside. She drew up short on seeing Merlin, surprised embarrassment on her face.
"Merlin, what are you doing here?"
Arthur shoved Merlin towards the door. "He's just leaving. He saw nothing, right, Merlin?"
Merlin covered his eyes with one hand. "Not a thing. Goodnight, Gwen."
"Goodnight, Merlin."
Merlin stepped through the doorway, but before the door closed, he poked his head back in. "Goodnight, Arthur."
"Goodnight, Merlin." Arthur sent him a death glare and looked around for something to throw.
Merlin grinned and ducked back out, hastily shutting the door behind him.
Arthur turned his exasperated look on Gwen, who laughed quietly. “You know he loves to tease you, Arthur.”
“He loves to try my
patience, you mean.”
“Yes, I suppose he does at that,” she said, smiling at him, and he forgot all about Merlin
He sat on the edge of the table and motioned to her with one commanding wave of his hand. “Come here.”
Her shoulders straightened and her eyebrows rose, though her smile never dimmed. “Sire?” she asked, a challenge in her tone.
He winced, knowing he had erred. He was not the prince here. Not for this woman and not in this moment. He opened his arms, looked at her as pleadingly as he could, and cajoled, “Please?”
Her smile widened and she drifted towards him, settling into his arms, and he squeezed her to him, breathing in the fresh, clean scent of her. “Mmmmm, I missed you,” he said into her neck, nuzzling the soft skin beneath her ear.
She chuckled, a throaty sound that made his stomach clench. “It’s only been a few hours.”
“Each hour was a lifetime,” he declared. He thought of the events of the time away from her and added, “I couldn’t concentrate at all during the council because I couldn’t stop thinking of you.” He pulled back to look into her eyes, biting the inside of his lower lip. “Father was not pleased.”
Worry crinkled her brow. “Arthur, you mustn’t do anything to - “
He nodded. “I know. It won’t happen again. Which is why…” he said, rising from the table and tugging her hand to lead her further into the room. “. . .You must spend as much time with me as possible. So I don’t miss you all the time. Otherwise, it could be detrimental to the Kingdom.”
She tilted her head to the side, a small smile playing at her mouth. “You’re saying I need to spend time with you for the sake of Camelot?”
He nodded firmly. “Exactly so.” He tried for a serious look but couldn't keep from smiling at her as he backed in the direction of the bed.
Her smile dipped, and though she didn't resist, he saw her eyes drift behind him to the left, and he knew she was looking at the bed. Her eyes came back to his, questioning, but he held steadfast and continued backwards until he sat. On the bench at the foot of the bed. He saw relief flood her eyes as he gently drew her down to sit beside him. He released her hands and she quickly folded them together in her lap, looking down and taking a deep breath.
"Gwen?" he said to the top of her head.
She raised her head but he could not quite see her gorgeous brown eyes, so he put two fingers under her chin and exerted a gentle pressure upwards until her eyes met his.
"Do you trust me?"
She stiffened, obviously surprised by the question. "More than anyone," she said with a swift, gratifying fierceness.
"Then you must know I would never do anything to bring you dishonor."
A small frown appeared between her brows as she contemplated this. "I…didn't think you believed a mere servant could have honor."
His back stiffened. "I never said that."
"Honor is only referenced with regard to knights. The King. A Lady." She swept a hand towards him. "A Prince."
"We hold our honor dear to us. Is that so wrong?"
She rose and stepped back. "No. But when a good man may not even defend his kingdom because he is not of noble blood, I fail to see what the supposed honor of a mere lady's maid could be worth."
" 'A good man'?" A wound only thinly healed broke open and he surged to his feet, stepping away from her to lean against the his desk, crossing his arms over his chest. He raised his chin. "This is about…" He clenched his teeth and ground out, "… Lancelot?"
"No." Regret darkened her eyes and she hurried to him, placing her hands on his tense arms and staring earnestly into his eyes. "No. Or rather, not only Lancelot. Also Gwaine. Even Elyan. Merlin. These are good, decent men who have no place in your kingdom other than to perform menial tasks and to take your orders."
"Merlin," he scoffed. "I'd like to see a day where he actually takes orders and executes them properly."
She admonished him with a look and said quietly, "Merlin has always been the greatest and most loyal friend you could have."
He rolled his eyes but sighed and nodded an admission. "But don't tell him I said so. He'd never let me hear the end of it." He gave her as much of a smile as he could, not quite meeting her eyes, hurt still singing in his veins.
Gwen slid her hands up his arms until she cupped his cheeks in his hands. "Arthur. Look at me."
Reluctantly, he let his eyes be captured by hers, hating the sympathy he saw there. But also, he saw love. He couldn't imagine that kind of love, could he?
"Arthur, you are the one I want."
"Am I? Or am I the one who stayed?"
Tears filled her eyes. "Oh, no. Don't say that."
He managed to make one side of his mouth quirk in a smile. "Doesn't matter. I'd take whatever you could give me."
"I can give you my heart," she whispered. She raised up on her toes to sprinkle his lips, his cheeks, with soft, sweet, loving kisses. He closed his eyes and leaned down into her, relishing the love she showered on him. She settled back on her heels and gave his head the slightest shake. He opened his eyes to see fierce determination in hers. "You are not second best. If Lancelot walked into the castle this moment and asked me to run away with him, I would not."
"You cried when he left."
"Have you any idea the number of times I've cried over you? When I've worried about you, feared for you? When I thought I'd never see you again or be with you again?" She dropped her hands and stepped back and her voice trembled as she continued, "Knowing it was a love that could never be, with a man who feels I am not good enough to love?"
He caught her elbow as she turned from him. "There is no other more worthy of my love."
"And yet you summon me here, to your bedchambers, like any other maid you've…summoned before," she said, her voice low and tense.
"I do not summon women to my chambers." He released her arm. "Is that what you think this is?"
"The maids talk about you. They fight to see who can help Merlin clean your chambers or …fluff your pillows."
Delight surged through him at the veiled venom in her voice. She was jealous. He grinned. "Do they now?" He looked upward as though contemplating a delightful idea.
"Oh, yes. You are quite legendary among the maid staff." If possible, Gwen's back became even straighter and she tipped her chin at a haughty angle, looking beautiful and passionate and making him want her more than ever. "Why don't I go find you someone suitable right now?" With a disdainful mockery of a curtsy, she snapped, "My lord," and whipped herself around to stalk towards the door.
"Guinevere!" Arthur raced to block the door. "Gwen, wait."
"Sire?" she said, refusing to meet his eyes.
"Gwen, when was the last time you heard the maids talking about …fluffing my pillows?"
"I really couldn't say, sire," she said to the floor.
"I could," he said with complete conviction.
She raised her eyes, a wary hope in them.
He smiled, raising one hand to slide a finger against the sweet, soft skin of her cheek. "I haven't even looked at another woman since I kissed you in your house the day of the tournament. There could never be another woman for me. Ever."
Her lips parted on a silent "Oh" and some of the starch went out of her shoulders.
"As for summoning you to my rooms, if I recall, I merely requested your presence. Actually, it could have turned into begging if you hadn't agreed, but you did. And, just in case you were wondering, I don't intend to share my bed with you until you can do so as my wife."
He held up on peremptory hand as her mouth opened and she attempted to speak.
"No, you cannot change my mind about that. You are my Lady and your honor - which you most certainly have, maid or no - is as important to me as my own."
He only had time to register the brilliance of Gwen's shining eyes before she launched herself at him, and then she was kissing him, pressing her body as close to his as possible and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her, feeling her, loving her. As always, wanting her. He pulled his lips from hers with a groan, leaning his head back against the door and sucking in great gulps of air.
"I think our honor is going to kill me."
With a giggle, she pulled his head back to hers and tested his honor some more.