unexpected gift, part 7
Title: An Unexpected Gift (7)
Author: silverindie80
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Rating: g (for now...)
Summary: It’s Arthur’s 21st birthday and he gets a gift he wasn’t expecting… in this part: Luckily Uther swallows Gaius’ excuse...Merlin falls in love with Arthur all over again.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
This is unbeta-ed... I should really get myself one of them!
Part One: http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/697403.html#cutid1
Part Two: http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/702856.html#cutid1
Part Three:
http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/705220.html#cutid1
Part Four:
http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/723087.html#cutid1
Part Five:
http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/744420.html#cutid1
Part Six:
http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/772864.html#cutid1
Merlin yawned, rubbing his eyes as he made Arthur’s fire. Arthur was sitting on the bed reading a document of some kind; royalty stuff. Merlin was stooped over the fireplace arranging the wood so it wouldn’t spill over the guard.
Arthur looked up, looking concerned.
“Are you getting enough sleep, my love?” He asked, still reading the document.
“What?!” Merlin stood up so fast he nearly concussed himself on the mantel piece. Arthur had just called him “my love”...What. The. HELL?! Merlin had decided the only way forward was to be sarcastic in his answer.
Arthur repeated the question but used the words;
‘Merlin dearest’
In place of
‘My love’
... ?!?!
Merlin scanned Arthur’s face for any kind of smirk, an insult, anything, hoping even.
Nothing.
“Um... Yes...? I mean it’s not like I don’t like sleep, it’s just you keep me so busy that I can’t fit it into my evenings.” Merlin said, expecting Arthur to call him an idiot and to stop whining, and being the prince’s servant was a very rewarding job, don’t you know, and to hurry up and get the fire going as it was freezing in here.
Instead Arthur had quizzed Merlin about his day.
“What time do you get up?” Arthur asked, motioning to Merlin to sit beside him.
“About 5 ish?”
“Is that too early for you?” Arthur asked, concerned.
“Um... no... You always say I’m late for everything. I have to get up before you... to prepare when you’re awake.....and everything...”
Arthur had said he would be able to manage and sent a rather confused Merlin back to his room to get some rest before tomorrow’s busy day.
Arthur had woken to the sound of Merlin stubbing his toe on the bed and trying not to swear. Arthur looked furious, but to Merlin’s surprise, had given Merlin the morning off after noticing the dark circles that bagged under his eyes. Arthur had cupped Merlin’s face and kissed away the darkness. They lay together snoozing. Arthur insisted Merlin get beneath the covers. Merlin was immediately clutched to Arthur’s chest by two strong arms. Merlin closed his eyes as Arthur began to nuzzle his neck. They fell asleep entwined together.
By the time they woke, it was too late to go on a picnic. Instead, Arthur had Merlin go down to the kitchens and have the serving girls bring the list of food, wine and assorted fruit up to the prince’s room straight away.
“If I can’t take you to a picnic, I’ll bring the picnic to you!” Arthur said, smiling.
Merlin had smiled back. This could be a fun experience. He’d set off with a note to the kitchen staff.
Merlin had bumped into Gwen on the way back and they had walked and talked like all friends do.
“What are you sneaking around for?” Gwen asked.
“What... oh yeah... Arthur had an idea of doing something today and we can’t, so this is the next best thing.” Merlin didn’t specify what that something was.
“Something being...?”
Merlin sighed. “He wants to take me for a picnic.”
“Are you SERIOUS?!” Gwen laughed. “Aw it’s sweet! And you say he doesn’t care about you!”
“I know. I suppose it is nice of him, but I can’t help feeling something is wrong.” Merlin bit his lip. Gwen knew Merlin only did that when he was hiding something from her.
“Are you okay?” She asked him. “I mean are you okay?”
Meaning Merlin and Arthur.
“Yeah we’re good, why do you ask?”
“Oh... I Um... I was just wondering really... I mean would you like to do something later? Morgana gave me the night off as only the lower staff are serving tonight.” Gwen was looking at the floor and mumbling. “Only if you’re not busy that is. There’s a knighting ceremony tonight...Servants aren’t required to go...I just thought we’d take a walk...? If you’re busy don’t worry about it...Just a chance to talk if you want?” She’d trailed off, eyes averted.
Merlin smiled. He loved Gwen to death. It had been ages since they last properly spoke, and even then it was because Morgana and Arthur had been busy. Morgana was sent to another kingdom to make ‘alliances’ the king called them. Arthur had been in a political talk with the neighbouring kingdoms.
Merlin saw it as his chance to catch up.
“I’d love to,” He beamed. “I’ll meet you outside the hall, once I’ve taken Arthur.”
Gwen smiled. Merlin loved her smile. When she smiled the sun shone brighter and everything was right with the world. He adored her.
“Right! I’ll see you later then!” She said, blushing slightly as Merlin grabbed her hands and kissed them, before turning and walking up the staircase where Arthur’s rooms were. Gwen’s laugh echoed around the corridors and followed him to Arthur’s chambers like a spell.
Merlin entered the room with a soppy grin on his face. Sighing and smiling to himself, he’d noticed that the table was laden with food and wine. Arthur was standing by the bed, arms folded, fixed expression on his face. Merlin gulped.
“Where the hell have you been?” Arthur demanded.
“I was talking to Gwen. Why?” Merlin replied. Arthur had been getting jealous whenever Merlin wasn’t by his side.
“You talk to her too much. You should have been seeing to me.”
“I’ve been ten minutes!”
“Ten minutes too long.” Arthur slammed the door with his magic. “What were you talking about?”
“Just stuff.”
“What. Stuff?” Arthur snarled.
“She invited me out tonight to catch up. You’re going to a feast and you don’t need servants. Morgana told her so and gave her the night off. I assumed you’d do the same. The lower servants are serving. Don’t worry, I’ll be here when you finish.” He added mockingly. Merlin was on thin ice.
“Did she now.” Arthur’s eyes flashed silver. “We’ll see about that.” He snapped and flounced out the door.
Merlin sighed as he looked around the room, hands running through his hair. Gaius would know what to do.
Arthur was seriously starting to piss Merlin off.
Firstly, he wasn’t careful with his magic. He’d actually opened the door to Uther’s chambers a full twenty paces before he reached it.
For an entrance.
Secondly, he’d been romantic. Merlin liked the odd gestures, small gestures throughout the day were fine; a brush of a hip here and there, a sneaky kiss when Arthur’s knights were training, even a rose on his pillow. Merlin wasn’t used to this. He liked his men who treated him like the old Arthur did. Not all clingy and arranging things like picnics. Merlin hated picnics with Arthur. Picnics were something you did with your mother and your best friends in summer. Not to be shared with people who mused about how beautiful Merlin was and Arthur insisted that he served Merlin. That was just plain creepy.
Thirdly, Arthur had been working Merlin too hard recently. Yes, a lady was visiting, but it was Merlin’s mother’s birthday and Arthur insisted on coming along. Merlin saw it as an opportunity to introduce Arthur to his mother as his boyfriend, but when the celebrations had kicked off, Arthur sat in a corner pouting and shooting Merlin dirty looks every few minutes. A birthday in Ealdor never went unnoticed, as it was such a small place. Everyone was invited and fun was had by all. Except Arthur. Who’d rabbited on about how Merlin had left him on purpose and how dare he. It took all of Merlin’s inner strength to stop him from bludgeoning the prince unconscious. Arthur moaned about it so much that Merlin had snapped and actually yelled. Merlin... Had YELLED at Prince Arthur of Camelot....
Arthur had made it up to him by cancelling everything for a weekend and spending the entire weekend in bed, just gazing into each other’s eyes. Merlin had tried to make it more physical, but Arthur had rejected him and looked like he was about to cry when Merlin did more than kiss him. Arthur just made it about cuddles. It was sweet, but Merlin was left confused. Merlin should have known.
Something was wrong.
Arthur wasn’t the same as he had been. Arthur would never lie in bed for more than half a day. The only time Arthur had stayed in bed was when the Questing Beast had bitten him, and even that was because he was passed out cold.
Merlin felt his blood boil and his magic raging through his veins. What was he to do?
Going to Gaius seemed a stupid idea. What other choice did he have? Merlin wanted to know if Arthur being like this had anything to do with magic.
“I don’t know, really I don’t. Usually when magic is thrust upon someone, it tends to change them...Rarely the person in question doesn’t change back. Sometimes the person changes back, but will never be whole, like they’ve been scarred. “ Gaius sighed. “I’m sorry, Merlin.”
Merlin’s face dropped. It sounded odd, but he missed Arthur’s look when he called Merlin an idiot, or insulted him in general. The teasing glint look he loved has been replaced by the same face but only knows how to be tender and confused and loving. It was as if Merlin was falling out of love. He sighed as he dragged his heels back to Arthur’s chambers, tears pricking his eyes.
Merlin grieved for the Arthur he had lost.
And for the one he had gained.
It seemed with every passing day the old Arthur was beginning to become a mere memory.
Arthur had gone to his father about the serving arrangements for the feast that night.
The prince had managed to persuade Uther that having Camelot’s higher servants would show the visiting royals up. Their servants wore nothing more than simple weave tunics. Camelot’s would be in official servitude uniform.
Uther had to agree. He didn’t like the visiting family very much, and it was an opportunity to show them up.
Arthur found Merlin looking out of the window at the coaches that had just arrived.
Arthur slipped his arms around Merlin’s waist pulling him close.
“We need to get you ready for the feast” Merlin said, turning away, voice void of any emotion.
Arthur had reluctantly moved and even helped Merlin get his bath ready, before he insisted Merlin was to wear one of his cloaks tonight. Merlin snorted as he’d explained that as a servant he wasn’t permitted to wear anything above his station, and besides, Merlin wasn’t working this feast.
Arthur had retorted by throwing a tantrum until Merlin said he’d do it.
This wasn’t like Arthur.
Not like Arthur at all.
Merlin was freaked out. Where had his Prat gone?! Who was this in his place? Merlin missed the old Arthur.
At the feast, it all changed.
Arthur had actually asked the visiting Lady and her five daughters to move up so Merlin could sit next to him. Merlin avoided Uther’s eyes. He could feel them burning into the back of his head. They had chatted and laughed and all seemed well, until Gwen came over. Gwen had been sent by Morgana. Merlin had been looking at Morgana with “Please save me!” eyes for most of the night. Eventually, she’d got the hint and sent Gwen over.
“Gwen!” Merlin immediately got up and hugged her. Gwen blushed slightly and returned the hug. Gwen was dressed in a purple flowing gown. Merlin was sure he’d seen Morgana wearing it.
“Merlin!”
“What brings you over here? Do you need to talk to me?” Merlin asked as he grabbed her by the hand and ran out of the hall.
“Actually, I...OH!” She’d managed before being pulled along.
Arthur looked cross. His eyes followed them across the hall.
Once outside, Merlin flung himself up against a wall and breathed a sigh of relief. He looked to check they were in the shadows.
“Thank you for that!” He said, clutching her hand tighter.
“Oh, um... it was nothing, really. Morgana sent me over. Something about you needing to be saved....?” She trailed off. “Look, what’s been going on?! Why are we working and why in the love of all that is holy are we wearing these clothes?”
“It’s Arthur,” Merlin sighed. “He’s been acting so strange recently.”
“Like how?” Gwen shifted her expression from confused to concerned.
“He’s just...not been like himself?”
“Oh... maybe he’s got something wrong with him? An illness?” Gwen suggested.
Arthur had crept out of the hall and was listening intently behind a pillar.
“...He’s just been different. He’s the reason we’re wearing this. He went to Uther and suggested we play dress up to impress the visiting family.” Merlin finally cracked. “I miss my Arthur!” Silent tears ghosted their way down Merlin’s cheek.
“Oh Merlin...” Gwen reached up and wiped away the tears before cupping his face. Gwen had never looked so beautiful. He’d never realised how beautiful she was until now. Closer up. She smiled sadly.
“You’ll get him back, trust me.”
Before Merlin knew what he was doing, he’d embraced Gwen, leaning to rest his chin on her neck he sniffed. Jasmine.
Gwen shivered a little as Merlin’s breath caught her neck. Merlin noticed and did it again. He pressed his lips to her neck.
“I’m sorry” Merlin said, whispering into her ear, softly kissing the lobe as tears streamed down his face.
“What for?” Gwen replied.
Arthur’s eyes didn’t leave Merlin for a second.
Merlin’s mouth found Gwen’s.
Author: silverindie80
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Rating: g (for now...)
Summary: It’s Arthur’s 21st birthday and he gets a gift he wasn’t expecting… in this part: Luckily Uther swallows Gaius’ excuse...Merlin falls in love with Arthur all over again.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
This is unbeta-ed... I should really get myself one of them!
Part One: http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/697403.html#cutid1
Part Two: http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/702856.html#cutid1
Part Three:
http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/705220.html#cutid1
Part Four:
http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/723087.html#cutid1
Part Five:
http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/744420.html#cutid1
Part Six:
http://community.livejournal.com/merlinxarthur/772864.html#cutid1
Merlin yawned, rubbing his eyes as he made Arthur’s fire. Arthur was sitting on the bed reading a document of some kind; royalty stuff. Merlin was stooped over the fireplace arranging the wood so it wouldn’t spill over the guard.
Arthur looked up, looking concerned.
“Are you getting enough sleep, my love?” He asked, still reading the document.
“What?!” Merlin stood up so fast he nearly concussed himself on the mantel piece. Arthur had just called him “my love”...What. The. HELL?! Merlin had decided the only way forward was to be sarcastic in his answer.
Arthur repeated the question but used the words;
‘Merlin dearest’
In place of
‘My love’
... ?!?!
Merlin scanned Arthur’s face for any kind of smirk, an insult, anything, hoping even.
Nothing.
“Um... Yes...? I mean it’s not like I don’t like sleep, it’s just you keep me so busy that I can’t fit it into my evenings.” Merlin said, expecting Arthur to call him an idiot and to stop whining, and being the prince’s servant was a very rewarding job, don’t you know, and to hurry up and get the fire going as it was freezing in here.
Instead Arthur had quizzed Merlin about his day.
“What time do you get up?” Arthur asked, motioning to Merlin to sit beside him.
“About 5 ish?”
“Is that too early for you?” Arthur asked, concerned.
“Um... no... You always say I’m late for everything. I have to get up before you... to prepare when you’re awake.....and everything...”
Arthur had said he would be able to manage and sent a rather confused Merlin back to his room to get some rest before tomorrow’s busy day.
Arthur had woken to the sound of Merlin stubbing his toe on the bed and trying not to swear. Arthur looked furious, but to Merlin’s surprise, had given Merlin the morning off after noticing the dark circles that bagged under his eyes. Arthur had cupped Merlin’s face and kissed away the darkness. They lay together snoozing. Arthur insisted Merlin get beneath the covers. Merlin was immediately clutched to Arthur’s chest by two strong arms. Merlin closed his eyes as Arthur began to nuzzle his neck. They fell asleep entwined together.
By the time they woke, it was too late to go on a picnic. Instead, Arthur had Merlin go down to the kitchens and have the serving girls bring the list of food, wine and assorted fruit up to the prince’s room straight away.
“If I can’t take you to a picnic, I’ll bring the picnic to you!” Arthur said, smiling.
Merlin had smiled back. This could be a fun experience. He’d set off with a note to the kitchen staff.
Merlin had bumped into Gwen on the way back and they had walked and talked like all friends do.
“What are you sneaking around for?” Gwen asked.
“What... oh yeah... Arthur had an idea of doing something today and we can’t, so this is the next best thing.” Merlin didn’t specify what that something was.
“Something being...?”
Merlin sighed. “He wants to take me for a picnic.”
“Are you SERIOUS?!” Gwen laughed. “Aw it’s sweet! And you say he doesn’t care about you!”
“I know. I suppose it is nice of him, but I can’t help feeling something is wrong.” Merlin bit his lip. Gwen knew Merlin only did that when he was hiding something from her.
“Are you okay?” She asked him. “I mean are you okay?”
Meaning Merlin and Arthur.
“Yeah we’re good, why do you ask?”
“Oh... I Um... I was just wondering really... I mean would you like to do something later? Morgana gave me the night off as only the lower staff are serving tonight.” Gwen was looking at the floor and mumbling. “Only if you’re not busy that is. There’s a knighting ceremony tonight...Servants aren’t required to go...I just thought we’d take a walk...? If you’re busy don’t worry about it...Just a chance to talk if you want?” She’d trailed off, eyes averted.
Merlin smiled. He loved Gwen to death. It had been ages since they last properly spoke, and even then it was because Morgana and Arthur had been busy. Morgana was sent to another kingdom to make ‘alliances’ the king called them. Arthur had been in a political talk with the neighbouring kingdoms.
Merlin saw it as his chance to catch up.
“I’d love to,” He beamed. “I’ll meet you outside the hall, once I’ve taken Arthur.”
Gwen smiled. Merlin loved her smile. When she smiled the sun shone brighter and everything was right with the world. He adored her.
“Right! I’ll see you later then!” She said, blushing slightly as Merlin grabbed her hands and kissed them, before turning and walking up the staircase where Arthur’s rooms were. Gwen’s laugh echoed around the corridors and followed him to Arthur’s chambers like a spell.
Merlin entered the room with a soppy grin on his face. Sighing and smiling to himself, he’d noticed that the table was laden with food and wine. Arthur was standing by the bed, arms folded, fixed expression on his face. Merlin gulped.
“Where the hell have you been?” Arthur demanded.
“I was talking to Gwen. Why?” Merlin replied. Arthur had been getting jealous whenever Merlin wasn’t by his side.
“You talk to her too much. You should have been seeing to me.”
“I’ve been ten minutes!”
“Ten minutes too long.” Arthur slammed the door with his magic. “What were you talking about?”
“Just stuff.”
“What. Stuff?” Arthur snarled.
“She invited me out tonight to catch up. You’re going to a feast and you don’t need servants. Morgana told her so and gave her the night off. I assumed you’d do the same. The lower servants are serving. Don’t worry, I’ll be here when you finish.” He added mockingly. Merlin was on thin ice.
“Did she now.” Arthur’s eyes flashed silver. “We’ll see about that.” He snapped and flounced out the door.
Merlin sighed as he looked around the room, hands running through his hair. Gaius would know what to do.
Arthur was seriously starting to piss Merlin off.
Firstly, he wasn’t careful with his magic. He’d actually opened the door to Uther’s chambers a full twenty paces before he reached it.
For an entrance.
Secondly, he’d been romantic. Merlin liked the odd gestures, small gestures throughout the day were fine; a brush of a hip here and there, a sneaky kiss when Arthur’s knights were training, even a rose on his pillow. Merlin wasn’t used to this. He liked his men who treated him like the old Arthur did. Not all clingy and arranging things like picnics. Merlin hated picnics with Arthur. Picnics were something you did with your mother and your best friends in summer. Not to be shared with people who mused about how beautiful Merlin was and Arthur insisted that he served Merlin. That was just plain creepy.
Thirdly, Arthur had been working Merlin too hard recently. Yes, a lady was visiting, but it was Merlin’s mother’s birthday and Arthur insisted on coming along. Merlin saw it as an opportunity to introduce Arthur to his mother as his boyfriend, but when the celebrations had kicked off, Arthur sat in a corner pouting and shooting Merlin dirty looks every few minutes. A birthday in Ealdor never went unnoticed, as it was such a small place. Everyone was invited and fun was had by all. Except Arthur. Who’d rabbited on about how Merlin had left him on purpose and how dare he. It took all of Merlin’s inner strength to stop him from bludgeoning the prince unconscious. Arthur moaned about it so much that Merlin had snapped and actually yelled. Merlin... Had YELLED at Prince Arthur of Camelot....
Arthur had made it up to him by cancelling everything for a weekend and spending the entire weekend in bed, just gazing into each other’s eyes. Merlin had tried to make it more physical, but Arthur had rejected him and looked like he was about to cry when Merlin did more than kiss him. Arthur just made it about cuddles. It was sweet, but Merlin was left confused. Merlin should have known.
Something was wrong.
Arthur wasn’t the same as he had been. Arthur would never lie in bed for more than half a day. The only time Arthur had stayed in bed was when the Questing Beast had bitten him, and even that was because he was passed out cold.
Merlin felt his blood boil and his magic raging through his veins. What was he to do?
Going to Gaius seemed a stupid idea. What other choice did he have? Merlin wanted to know if Arthur being like this had anything to do with magic.
“I don’t know, really I don’t. Usually when magic is thrust upon someone, it tends to change them...Rarely the person in question doesn’t change back. Sometimes the person changes back, but will never be whole, like they’ve been scarred. “ Gaius sighed. “I’m sorry, Merlin.”
Merlin’s face dropped. It sounded odd, but he missed Arthur’s look when he called Merlin an idiot, or insulted him in general. The teasing glint look he loved has been replaced by the same face but only knows how to be tender and confused and loving. It was as if Merlin was falling out of love. He sighed as he dragged his heels back to Arthur’s chambers, tears pricking his eyes.
Merlin grieved for the Arthur he had lost.
And for the one he had gained.
It seemed with every passing day the old Arthur was beginning to become a mere memory.
Arthur had gone to his father about the serving arrangements for the feast that night.
The prince had managed to persuade Uther that having Camelot’s higher servants would show the visiting royals up. Their servants wore nothing more than simple weave tunics. Camelot’s would be in official servitude uniform.
Uther had to agree. He didn’t like the visiting family very much, and it was an opportunity to show them up.
Arthur found Merlin looking out of the window at the coaches that had just arrived.
Arthur slipped his arms around Merlin’s waist pulling him close.
“We need to get you ready for the feast” Merlin said, turning away, voice void of any emotion.
Arthur had reluctantly moved and even helped Merlin get his bath ready, before he insisted Merlin was to wear one of his cloaks tonight. Merlin snorted as he’d explained that as a servant he wasn’t permitted to wear anything above his station, and besides, Merlin wasn’t working this feast.
Arthur had retorted by throwing a tantrum until Merlin said he’d do it.
This wasn’t like Arthur.
Not like Arthur at all.
Merlin was freaked out. Where had his Prat gone?! Who was this in his place? Merlin missed the old Arthur.
At the feast, it all changed.
Arthur had actually asked the visiting Lady and her five daughters to move up so Merlin could sit next to him. Merlin avoided Uther’s eyes. He could feel them burning into the back of his head. They had chatted and laughed and all seemed well, until Gwen came over. Gwen had been sent by Morgana. Merlin had been looking at Morgana with “Please save me!” eyes for most of the night. Eventually, she’d got the hint and sent Gwen over.
“Gwen!” Merlin immediately got up and hugged her. Gwen blushed slightly and returned the hug. Gwen was dressed in a purple flowing gown. Merlin was sure he’d seen Morgana wearing it.
“Merlin!”
“What brings you over here? Do you need to talk to me?” Merlin asked as he grabbed her by the hand and ran out of the hall.
“Actually, I...OH!” She’d managed before being pulled along.
Arthur looked cross. His eyes followed them across the hall.
Once outside, Merlin flung himself up against a wall and breathed a sigh of relief. He looked to check they were in the shadows.
“Thank you for that!” He said, clutching her hand tighter.
“Oh, um... it was nothing, really. Morgana sent me over. Something about you needing to be saved....?” She trailed off. “Look, what’s been going on?! Why are we working and why in the love of all that is holy are we wearing these clothes?”
“It’s Arthur,” Merlin sighed. “He’s been acting so strange recently.”
“Like how?” Gwen shifted her expression from confused to concerned.
“He’s just...not been like himself?”
“Oh... maybe he’s got something wrong with him? An illness?” Gwen suggested.
Arthur had crept out of the hall and was listening intently behind a pillar.
“...He’s just been different. He’s the reason we’re wearing this. He went to Uther and suggested we play dress up to impress the visiting family.” Merlin finally cracked. “I miss my Arthur!” Silent tears ghosted their way down Merlin’s cheek.
“Oh Merlin...” Gwen reached up and wiped away the tears before cupping his face. Gwen had never looked so beautiful. He’d never realised how beautiful she was until now. Closer up. She smiled sadly.
“You’ll get him back, trust me.”
Before Merlin knew what he was doing, he’d embraced Gwen, leaning to rest his chin on her neck he sniffed. Jasmine.
Gwen shivered a little as Merlin’s breath caught her neck. Merlin noticed and did it again. He pressed his lips to her neck.
“I’m sorry” Merlin said, whispering into her ear, softly kissing the lobe as tears streamed down his face.
“What for?” Gwen replied.
Arthur’s eyes didn’t leave Merlin for a second.
Merlin’s mouth found Gwen’s.