Potion of Love Chapter 14: Merlin Fanfiction
Title: Potion of Love Chapter 14
Rating: NC17
Pairings: Merlin x Arthur
Warning: Slash, Super Long Chapter over 6K
Summary: Arthur was the most eligible bachelor in Camelot. A village girl wants to become queen and with the help of a sorceress she sets her plan in motion slipping him a love potion, but what will happen if it doesn't go quite as expected? Slash ensues Merthur
Note: Disclaimer, don't own Merlin. Ok, I have included the addition I made to the previous chapter's ending. If you didn't catch it you can read it below. If you already read it, just scroll down to the beginning of the chapter. Thanks go out to angelrider13, LadyFromPoland, MerSherWhovian, fefe, yaoifan33, AmandaFray, Merthurfreak339, Moonlight1229, Horseygirl7, Melmilou, Pigeonista, Yana5, Neyah444, dhh, and Arthurmerlin over at LJ for taking the time to leave a review, I adore hearing from my readers. Warning: I know I promised some fluff, but ended up writing more slash in this chapter. If you squint you might find the fluffiness. Over 6K words, the longest double chapter yet!
…Enjoy….
Arthur decided to check with Gwaine and Percival first. He knocked on their door, but received only silence and then very faint ruffles of movement coming from inside. Arthur sighed and opened the door; he stepped into the room and moved his gaze to the farthest corner past the sleeping Percival. His eyes landed on Merlin sleeping soundly on another small bed, but as he took in who was next to him Arthur lost it.
He stomped towards Merlin and his jaw went ridged, his mouth a thin line as his eyes rested on Gwaine's bare arm on Merlin's stomach. Gwaine's face was resting on Merlin's neck and the unaware knight even had one leg partly over Merlin's. Arthur struggled with pushing Gwaine off of Merlin and dragging Merlin off the bed so he did what he thought was safer. "Merlin…" Arthur screamed angrily as he made his hands into fists beside his sides.
Merlin jolted up on the bed at the mention of his name and raised a hand to his head. The pounding alone was making him dizzy. He looked around unaware of what was going on and then looked up at Arthur when his eyes landed on some very familiar brown boots near the bed. His eyes met Arthur's darkened ones and he smiled sheepishly. "What? Arthur…?" Merlin started to say when he was jerked from the bed by Arthur's hand around the back of his neck and shirt.
Gwaine stirred from the commotion and looked up at Arthur. "Ah, the mother hen is here to collect her chick…" The drunken knight teased, as the alcohol he had consumed the night before banged viciously inside his head. The sight of his bare chest made Arthur even more infuriated. "Arthur it's not…" Merlin struggled to say as he stood next to Arthur helplessly still held by the back of his neck.
"Not another word Merlin. And you…" Arthur pointed at Gwaine, "Are walking a very thin line." And with that he dragged Merlin out of the room and across the courtyard. Merlin could do nothing, but drag his feet as Arthur led him towards his chambers.
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Potion of Love
Chapter Fourteen: Returning Home
Arthur banged Merlin hard against one of the walls just outside his chambers. His eyes were clouded with anger. "Arthur, it's not what you think." Merlin struggled to say as his back made a loud thump against the hard brick wall. The furious King brought his hand up to Merlin's slim neck and grasped it hard pushing him even further against the wall.
Merlin's eyes filled with fear and confusion; he had never seen Arthur this angry before. He brought his own hands up to Arthur's and tried to pry him off. Arthur's jaw was still ridged with pure anger and his grip tightened making it hard for Merlin to breathe, less talk.
"Really…." Arthur groaned as he stepped closer to his manservant. His eyes searched Merlin's panicked expression as if trying to catch him in a lie. He brought his face just inches from Merlin's, their lips slightly touching. Arthur moved his lips slowly towards Merlin's ear and nicked at the soft skin under it. He whispered with pure distaste, "I know what I saw Merlin."
Merlin had to struggle to hear; the lack of air was making his head dizzy and fogging his vision. His hands, still clasping Arthur's in an attempt to free his hold, tightened as his lungs did the same. Arthur moved back and relaxed his grip just enough to allow air back into his lungs, Merlin breathed it in greedily.
"Merlin I won't…" Arthur started to say, his voice still low and deep with fury, when someone called out to him from behind. He quickly released his hold on Merlin and turned around gathering his composure as best as he could. "Arthur, it is great to see that your manservant is well and about. I hope this means that you will be closing the details on the treaty today." Lord Godwyn commented as he nodded to one of the members of his council and handed him a scroll. The man retreated down the corridor with the scroll, leaving Lord Godwyn alone with Arthur and Merlin.
"Of course, I must return to Camelot and will be leaving after the meeting is concluded." Arthur replied, his tone now back to normal. "I hope you do not take offense at my absence in your feast tonight." He awkwardly smiled; Merlin's presence, just a few inches behind him, was making it hard for him to keep his emotions under control. He could hear Merlin rub his neck trying to ease the discomfort there and it reminded Arthur of what he had just been doing.
"Nonsense, its settled then. Join me for breakfast; we can discuss other matters while we eat." Lord Godwyn addressed Arthur as he led the young King down the hall and towards the dining hall. Arthur paused for a moment and called over his shoulder "Merlin you will wait in my chambers until I get back." The look he gave his manservant left no room for arguing. Merlin was unable to give any type of response, the anger in Arthur's earlier words still rang in his ears and his neck reminded him of just how much his King was unlike himself.
As they disappeared around one of the many corners that made up the castle, Merlin quietly turned around and entered Arthur's chambers with a heavy heart. He took the dirty plates and after a short hesitation left to wander the castle grounds for the kitchens, it would be a while before Arthur returned. This time he was lucky enough to bump into one of Lord Godwyn's servants and was given directions to the kitchens. The servant was even kind enough to let him know where he could get the items he needed to prepare a bath.
His body really longed for a bath and his head was filled with guilt and worry as he brought in the water and poured it into the bath. Up until now, Arthur hadn't acted like he had just moments ago. Sure there had been times when Arthur had snapped at Merlin, but not once had he intentionally hurt him. Was the potion taking a bad turn? If it was so, he had to confront Evelyn soon if he hoped to make the correct antidote to cure Arthur. Merlin sadly stared back towards the now full bath and whispered his usual incantation to heat the water.
"Onhaete pa waeter!"! His eyes turned a golden hue as the water began to boil slightly and mist filled the top of the bath. At his eyes turned back to their normal color, Merlin reached for the last remaining bucket filled with cold water and poured it slowly into the bath. He dipped a finger into it and a small shy smile reached his lips. The water was perfect; he put the bucket down and moved to undress when the door suddenly opened.
Arthur stormed in, shutting the door behind him. He seemed to have forgotten about Merlin and loudly made his way to the table. He dropped into one of the chairs, ran a hand across his face and to his hair. Arthur then quickly rose when his eyes fell on Merlin, still standing next to the bath, his shirt halfway up and a confused expression on his face.
Arthur's face contorted to one of anger as he saw Merlin's half exposed ivory skin and he walked towards Merlin. He grabbed Merlin by the shirt and pulled him closer to him. "Now Merlin, tell me what is it that I got wrong." Arthur slashed out as he fought his desire to kiss Merlin and run his hands over the soft skin just inches below his grip. He was furious about what he had seen earlier, but his anger wasn't as great as it had been at that time. At breakfast he had found himself feeling guilty for acting the way he had, but Roderick's arrogance during the meal had succeeded in making him completely forget about it.
"Arthur, nothing happened between me and Gwaine." Merlin struggled to say as he tried to lower his shirt down, but Arthur's hands held it firmly. "I fell asleep. He must have been too drunk to realize the bed was occupied." Merlin nervously explained as his blue eyes gazed into Arthur's. Arthur released Merlin and stepped back, his eyes lowered to Merlin's stomach. Merlin quickly lowered his shirt back down.
"Then why was he half naked?" Arthur replied as he stepped closer to Merlin once more, his eyebrows showing his distaste to that fact. Merlin didn't know what to say about that, he hadn't even noticed that Gwaine had been shirtless. It wasn't like it was the first time he had seen Gwaine without one, he had seen Arthur in less clothes for many years now. That last thought made Merlin's cheeks turn a slight pink and Arthur cursed out loud. His ability to understand a situation when it came to Merlin was quite lacking and the young King found it irritation as well. He pushed Merlin towards the bath as his eyes glazed over with another emotion much stronger than his jealously and anger.
"I've told you before, you have me…" Merlin sadly said as he looked up at his King. "And I will never leave your side." He confessed as the edge of the bath nudged his legs. Merlin reached for Arthur's shirt to keep himself from falling in. The last time he and Arthur were near one he had ended up soaking wet still fully clothed, he really didn't want to repeat it.
Arthur grasped Merlin's hand and held it over his heart. "Then prove it to me." He ordered, his voice a low deep tone. Arthur's skin seemed to burn where Merlin's hand rested, the desire for his touch spread throughout his whole body. Merlin's eyes glued to his as Arthur greedily tugged at their clothes with his free hand. He moved his lips to Merlin's neck and pressed hungry kisses all over it as he whispered "Make love to me Merlin."
Merlin's chest was threatening to burst open. Arthur's desire was very clear and hard against his legs; his own body was already reacting to it. He wanted it so much, but at the same time his heart still felt heavy and his mind still lingered on the way Arthur had reacted earlier. "Wait! Arthur…" Merlin tried to say as he moved away from Arthur, he had to do the right thing and put an end to their relationship before it got out of hand.
Arthur's gaze alone was enough to make Merlin's body refuse to move, it had grown too attached to the pleasure it now offered and his heart felt even heavier. His lips parted to accept Arthur's kiss and Merlin moaned with frustration as he lost what little control he had over his thoughts. Arthur moved back to take his shirt off and then pressed his lips against Merlin's once more. His hands moved to Merlin's trousers and he groaned as he had to step back to pull his own trousers and boots off.
Merlin could only stare at the naked body of the person he loved the most, he was too nervous and his own hands kept slipping as he tried to take his own clothes off. Arthur pressed his body against his and pushed them into the bath. "Wait, Arthur…my clothes" Merlin called out as he tried to undress, he was not quick enough and found himself in the bath fully clothed and completely soaked.
Arthur's own mind was filled with the need to slip inside Merlin that he couldn't wait. He lowered his body over Merlin's wet one and slipped his hands into the warm water to undo the belt and trousers; lowering them he pulled Merlin's legs upwards and around him. With one thrust he was inside, the tightness and warmth exactly what he had wanted since he had woken up this morning. This feeling, the closeness of their bodies, the taste of his lips, the feeling of his touch, Arthur wanted it all.
Merlin gasped with pleasure as Arthur thrust inside him. The edge of the bath and his wet clothes rubbed against his back, but the sensations he was feeling within him drowned the discomfort of them completely. Arthur pulled away and fully kneeled inside the tub. Tugging the trousers and Merlin's boots loose he managed to toss them over his shoulders. The boots made a wet sound as they hit the floor, the trousers ended up slipping back into the water as Merlin reached out for Arthur.
He moaned at the emptiness he was feeling and Arthur brought him upwards, slipping inside him again. Arthur's hands ran up under Merlin's wet shirt, across his smooth back and to his dark hair. His fingers ran through the wet locks and tightened around the strands as he forced Merlin to ride him harder. Their gasps and moans filled the room as they continued their vigorous movements. Merlin clung to Arthur's shoulders as he felt the thickness and hardness deep inside push even further in. He tightened his legs around Arthur and winched as Arthur pushed him against the edge of the bath once more.
Arthur thrust harder into Merlin, his climax was very close. He continued to push Merlin against the bath as he fought it. Arthur moved slightly up grabbing Merlin's legs towards him making Merlin move lower. Merlin winched again as his head banged against the rim of the bath and tried to hold himself from slipping further into the water. Arthur thrusts increased and became harder and faster as they both reached their climax.
Arthur lowered his face and moaned into Merlin's ear as his breathing became more normal. His lips caressed Merlin's wet neck as he smiled wickedly. "I am ready for my bath now." Arthur teased as he pulled out and sat down on the bath tub. Merlin sat up and winched for the third time, his back was sore and it was starting to feel less like discomfort and more like pain.
"This bath wasn't for you." Merlin teased back as he looked at his trousers floating in the bath water. He grabbed them, twisted them to squish the water out before tossing them onto the floor near his boots. Arthur really needed to work on his patience, Merlin thought to himself as he stared at his soaked shirt plastered against his skin.
"What?" Arthur replied half hurt, half teasing still. "I agree you need a bath very badly Merlin, but how could you forget about my bath?" He moved back a bit in the tub adding to the display of fake disbelief. "Should I rub you with soap then?" Merlin couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculous expression Arthur gave with his last comment. Arthur laughed back and the room was once again filled with noise.
Merlin reached over to the stool resting near the bath and grabbed a cloth and bar of soap. He dipped the rag into the water and rubbed the soap against it and handed it to Arthur. Arthur took it and pulled Merlin's hand towards him bring their lips together for a kiss. He slowly kissed Merlin and then stared into his eyes when their kiss ended.
"Merlin…" Arthur started to say, but Merlin's finger against his lips silenced him. "It's ok Arthur." Merlin replied as he pressed his lips against his King's for a second kiss, if there was anyone who had to be sorry Merlin felt it was him. He ignored the heaviness of his heart as the guilt threatened to sneak fully back in and proceeded to bath his beloved King, blushing ever so often when his fingers touched skin.
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Roderick entered the dining hall and tightened the gloves on his hands. He moved to greet Lord Godwyn and a few other royals. His eyes moved across the room for a particular servant, but his face expressed disappointment as he turned his attention back to Lord Godwyn. "I suppose the young Pendragon won't be rewarding us with his presence tonight." Roderick commented as he motioned for Ivor to take a seat on the table nearest the door. He had no desire to stay long if his plan had been pushed back by the stubborn King.
"As luck has it, Arthur will be joining us tonight." Lord Godwyn replied happily taking a seat and offering Roderick the seat to his left before turning his attention to his daughter. Elena sat on the right side, opposite of Roderick and greeted both her father and Roderick with a sweet smile. With a quick greeting to Elena, Roderick sat down and reached for his wine. "Then it will be a very interesting night." Roderick said out loud to no one in particular as he grinned and set his goblet back on the table.
The doors opened and Arthur entered followed closely by Merlin, Gwaine, and Percival. The two knights quickly made their way towards another table and were soon eating and drinking away before Arthur reached Lord Godwyn. He greeted Elena and her father, it had been quite a long time since he had last seen Elena and she seemed to be fairing very well. Arthur tried to relax in his chair as Merlin made his way back from the serving table to stand near one of the pillars behind him holding a pitcher of wine.
Arthur tried not to stare at Roderick as he fought to forget their encounter in the woods. He was very aware of the looks Roderick kept directing towards his manservant and it didn't sit well with him. Arthur raised his goblet for more wine; it would seem he would need it to survive the feast.
Merlin scratched the back of his neck as he looked around the room for Evelyn and then rushed to Arthur when he noticed the annoyed look the king had as he held his cup higher. He quickly poured some wine and made to move back when Arthur gulped it down and motioned for more. Merlin gave him a worried look, but did as he was told. Merlin could feel Roderick's eyes on him and he did not feel comfortable with the attention he was getting from him. He hoped Evelyn would show up and give him the chance to confront her.
"I see you brought your manservant, are you sure he is well enough to be about?" Roderick teased with a fake tone of concern. Arthur tightened his grip on his cup as he did the best he could to refrain from throwing the wine at him. Roderick started a conversation with Lord Godwyn when it was apparent Arthur was not going to reply to his teasing yet.
Merlin took the opportunity to move closer to Arthur and whispered "Are you sure you should drink so much? You know how you get when you're drunk." Merlin asked as he remembered the last time Arthur had almost walked about the castle with no trousers. Arthur just gave him an irritated look and gestured for more wine. He sighed and started to pour the wine, Merlin could tell he wasn't going to be able to enjoy the feast.
"How is your father, King Alined? I hear he was quite upset that he couldn't make it out." Lord Godwyn addressed Roderick with a warm smile. "He is over it; I promised him that I would make it a well worth trip and make him proud." Roderick stated, the hidden intention to his words falling short to everyone around the table. His father had been the one to come up with the original plan in the first place, but had been forced to stay behind due to some threat in some of the larger villages to the north.
A loud bang from behind them made them turn around; Arthur quickly turned back to his plate and rubbed his forehead when he saw what had caused it. Merlin had been too shocked to discover that Roderick was in fact a prince and that his father was none other than Alined that he had knocked over one of the candle holders near where he stood. The candle holder now rested near his feet and Merlin moved to pick it up all the while juggling the pitcher in his other hand. Merlin clearly remembered Alined, he had tried to cause war the last time he visited Camelot by slipping a love potion to Arthur and Lady Vivian.
"I thought you were going back home?" Roderick asked Arthur turning his attention back to the table, a wide grin on his face. It seemed Merlin was turning out to be quite entertaining. Arthur continued to flatly ignore him and gulped another cup of wine. "I suppose you will be leaving tomorrow." Roderick continued as he inched closer to Arthur, taunting the young Pendragon even more. "What would your people say if they saw their King now, having a grand feast while they only ate scraps?" He mocked hinting at knowing the real reason Arthur was here.
Arthur's jaw went ridged; he was infuriated no one was supposed to know of the plight Camelot was currently going through. He had gone to great measures to ensure this information didn't leak out, the neighboring kingdoms couldn't know of it or they might be tempted to break their treaty. Arthur quickly hid his reaction. "I have no idea what you are talking about, my people are well off." He replied with an even more fake smile then the one Roderick was giving him.
"So you wouldn't mind me visiting, just to see for myself the grandness that is Camelot?" Roderick asked as he slowly drank from his own goblet, the rim hiding his devilish grin. "Get this straight Roderick, I don't like you. I let you live thanks to your father, but don't push me or I won't make the same mistake again." Arthur replied, his voice low enough just for Roderick to hear. "You are not welcome in Camelot, royal or not." He ended the conversation and turned his attention to playing with his food.
Roderick ignored the threat in Arthur's voice and continued his taunting. "A short visit to your kingdom is not much to ask; after all I must see this great kingdom everyone keeps talking about." Roderick added as he looked back to Merlin. "My father can't seem to stop talking about it." He gestured for Merlin to pour him some wine as well; making sure none of the other servants saw his request.
Merlin paused for a moment before moving to fill Roderick's goblet. Just as he was about to tip the pitcher, Arthur's hand moved the pitcher back. "He is my manservant, not yours." Arthur declared to Roderick with an icy tone. Merlin could hear his heart start to beat rapidly, he slowly moved back and turned his gaze somewhere else and almost dropped it as he spotted Evelyn slip into the dining hall from a side entrance. She stood among the other servants on the far side of the hall near the main doors and she appeared to be looking for someone.
Their gaze met and Arthur's protest as Merlin spilled the wine on his hand and the floor never reached his ears in time. Evelyn smiled wickedly at him and turned to leave. Merlin moved towards her, but was stopped by Arthur's calls. "Merlin…" Arthur called to his manservant as he wiped his wet hand with a cloth. Merlin turned around with a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry… I will get something to clean it up." And with that he made his way to where Evelyn had disappeared setting the almost empty pitcher on a nearby table and leaving Arthur to gawk at his back.
Merlin walked into the hallway, but Evelyn was nowhere in sight. He quickly made his way down the corridor and was pulled into a hidden corner. His surprised eyes met Evelyn's dark ones and he had to fight his magic back as he yanked his hand free. "I have something to tell you. Come to the courtyard in an hour." Evelyn told Merlin as she walked out of their hiding spot and back to the dining hall. Merlin was tempted to pull her back, but she was already past the guards and the double doors.
He made his way back as well and was stopped by Gwaine as he clasped his back and tried to sit him down next to him. Merlin looked up towards Arthur and saw him giving him a look of pure jealously. Merlin excused himself from Gwaine and made his way back to Arthur. The hour passed by very slowly and Merlin managed to sneak out of the hall, thanking the vast amount of alcohol Arthur had drunk. The young Pendragon was already fighting staying conscious as Roderick continued to picker next to him.
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Merlin walked down the set of stairs towards the courtyard, the chilly air nicked at his neck and he tightened his jacket around his thin frame. He looked around the darkened corners of the castle trying to spot Evelyn. Suddenly a shadow moved across the farthest wall and around a bend. Merlin couldn't see very clearly, the figure moved a little too fast, but he gave chase none the less. He was determined to confront Evelyn and put an end to her schemes.
As Merlin turned the corner, he stumbled right into Roderick. His face filled with confusion and then fear as he tried to back up the way he had come. Merlin's moved slightly forward as his back bumped into something solid. He was trapped and could do nothing but look at the tall figure of Ivor. Turning his attention back to Roderick, Merlin tried to hide his worried expression. The odds didn't look good, it was quite dark and no one had seen him sneak out.
Roderick grabbed Merlin's arm and pulled him towards his chest. "What do we have here?" He teases as he brushed a bare finger across Merlin's soft lips; he smiled wickedly as he felt them slightly tremble under his skin. "We keep meeting like this, perhaps it is destiny." Roderick whispered into Merlin's ear as he brought his lips towards Merlin's. Ivor just laughed at the way his master was acting towards a servant. He looked around making sure they weren't seen and rested his back on a pillar moving a little back to the side.
Merlin quickly moved back managing to twist his arm free when he saw his chance. He quickly dashed past Ivor back the way he had come. Ivor just stood against the pillar dumbfounded as Roderick yelled at him and made chase. He cursed under his breath and followed them back to the courtyard. Merlin's feet decided to pick the worst moment to trip and he fell to the ground. Roderick soon gained on him and was on him by the time he had managed to catch his breath and get up.
Roderick ensured his grasp was tighter this time as he spun Merlin around. His face reflected his anger at the fact that Merlin had almost gotten away again. Merlin tried to free himself again, but was unsuccessful. His heart beat rapidly at the truth of his predicament and he bit on his bottom lip as Roderick moved to kiss him. Suddenly Roderick was pushed to the ground and Merlin moved to make a run for it, he glanced back and saw Ivor wrestling with someone on top of the prince.
Merlin stopped in his tracks as he felt relief come over him. The other person had moved slightly and the moonlight reflected on his face to reveal none other than Gwaine. The knight was on top of Roderick trying to land a few punches, but Ivor had managed to detain his arms. Roderick realized who his attacker was and moved from under him, getting to his feet. "What are you doing?" He yelled as he moved towards Ivor and Gwaine, his voice of authority ringing through the darkness.
Gwaine's vision was blurred by the fury he felt at stumbling across Merlin and the two men; he had acted on pure instinct and thrown himself on Roderick. Arthur might have a crazy reason to allow them near Merlin, but he did not and he would not stand for them putting their filthy hands all over his friend. As he looked up at Roderick, he freed himself from Ivor and managed to land a punch on the man's face making him stumbled backwards. Ivor regained his footing and looked at the knight half confused, half surprised at the force of the punch.
Gwaine quickly made his way to Merlin, pulling his friend safely behind him. He took a small dagger from the inside of his boot and pointed it at Roderick and Ivor. "You will stay away from Merlin." Gwaine spat as his jaw tightened with hatred towards the two men. "I won't warn you again." He threatened as he fought the need to run the dagger into them.
Roderick wasn't about to chance a fight with one of Arthur's knights, even if that knight seemed to reek of more alcohol then a tavern. He motioned for Ivor to step down and follow him and they went back to the feast. Roderick would have other opportunities; Evelyn would make sure of it and he would make sure Ivor took care of that pestering knight.
Gwaine's gaze lingered on Roderick and Ivor until they vanished inside the castle and he heard Merlin shift behind him. "Thank you Gwaine." Merlin replied with pure appreciation and relief. Gwaine moved back the way he had come and bend down. Picking up something from the ground and patting the dirt off he tossed it at Merlin, who realized right away that it was his jacket. He had left it in Gwaine's and Percival's chambers this morning when Arthur had whisked him off.
"I went back to get your jacket when I saw you leave. It's a good thing too!" Gwaine told Merlin as he moved back towards his friend and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Are you ok?" He asked as he lifted his leg to nudge the dagger back to its hiding spot. Merlin was close to tears at the danger he had put his friend in due to his mistake, he quietly nodded as they walked back up the stairs.
When they were near Arthur's chambers, Merlin stopped and turned to face Gwaine. "Don't tell Arthur." He softly pleaded to his friend. Roderick was the son of one of the Kings who held a peace treaty with Camelot, if Arthur found out Roderick's intentions who knew what chaos would come of it.
"Merlin, you know I can't do that…" Gwaine started to say when they heard a ruffle behind the door. Merlin shifted and gave his friend another pleading look before thanking him one more time and disappearing behind the door. Gwaine shook his head and tightened his hands into fists as he made his way to his own chambers. He had a half mind to stomp to Roderick's chambers and stick his dagger into his heart.
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Merlin leaned against the door and sighed deeply. Why couldn't he catch a break? If it wasn't Arthur going all crazy it was something else. A loud noise brought Merlin back to his senses and he looked up to see Arthur cursing as he rubbed his bare foot. The drunken King had banged it against the edge of the bed as he had tried to make his way to Merlin. He moved from the door and made his way to Arthur.
Merlin started to undress Arthur, who all the time was trying to land kisses on Merlin's lips. "Arthur, I am trying to undress you." He said as he fought with Arthur's shirt and after a few tugs managed to pull it off. "Well, if you insist…" Arthur groggily replied as he tugged at the hem of his trousers, completely misinterpreting Merlin's words.
A smile crossed Merlin's face and he couldn't help laughing at how drunken Arthur had gotten. "I can't leave you alone for a moment and you get this drunk." He told Arthur, his voice echoing a more relaxed tone. As they both struggled with Arthur's trousers, they fell to the ground their limbs tangling with each other. Merlin groaned in pain as his back reminded him of the bruise starting to form there. "Arthur, come on….you need your rest." His plea fell on deaf ears as Arthur ran his hands under his shirt and over his flat stomach.
"Merlin, ride me!" Arthur said as he staggered to his feet dragging Merlin up by his handkerchief. He moved them to the bed and fell backwards onto it. Merlin moved his hands to Arthur's hips and moved him the rest of the way up the bed. Climbing the bed, Merlin cradled Arthur and bend to land a kiss on his lips. Arthur replied hungrily as he ran his hands to Merlin's shirt.
Merlin froze, "Leave it on, it's a bit chilly." He replied as he tugged at the back of his shirt covering up his bruise. Arthur seemed not to like the fact that he couldn't see a naked Merlin and motioned for the candles. "Just light a few…" he said as he pulled at Merlin's bottom lip and pressed their hips closer together. Merlin tried to think of a comeback, but found himself stuck. He moved to get off the bed and was stopped by Arthur's hands on his hips.
"You did tell me to light some candles." Merlin stated as he moved Arthur's hands off him and made his way to the fireplace. He managed to find some flint and a firestone to light a few candles near the bed. Arthur was quite silent and Merlin didn't think anything of it as he returned to his side. As he got on the bed he noticed Arthur had fallen asleep. Merlin pulled the sheets from under Arthur and covered him with them before setting himself next to him. It had been a very long day and in moments he was also fast asleep, his arm resting comfortably across Arthur's waist.
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The next day arrived too quickly and everyone prepared for their departure. Merlin had managed to get up early and prep the horses. Gwaine and Percival were already standing near theirs. One of the wagons was now empty, the supplies successfully traded off, and the other carried the remainder of their own supplies. Simon and Evelyn were sitting on the back of the second wagon talking among each other as they all waited for Arthur to wrap up his farewell to Lord Godwyn and Elena.
A handshake and a bow later Arthur was on his horse and the party departed. They rode for hours on end, no one really saying anything but most of them glad to be heading back home. As soon as the sun threatened to disappear over the horizon, Arthur signaled for them to make camp. Gwaine and Percival, along with the rest of the knights dismount their horses and secured their location. Arthur made his way towards Merlin, who was busy removing the saddles from the horses.
"Do you need help?" Arthur asked Merlin when he saw him struggling with the clasps. "I'm fine Arthur; see the cut on my hand is all but gone." Merlin stated as he turned his hand up for Arthur to see. "Good, I was going to ask Simon or Evelyn to give you a hand, but I think you need the exercise." Arthur teased as he picked up a stick and nudged it at Merlin's back. "You're much slower then you normally are."
Merlin smiled back comically as he turned his attention back to the saddles. One of the knights called to Arthur and he walked off somewhat saddened to have his conversation with Merlin put on pause. Merlin, however, was quite happy with the distraction as he rubbed his back and moved to set up Arthur's tent. He was finished in half the time he normally took and he moved towards the surrounding trees to gather wood.
Arthur was still in the middle of a conversation with one of the knights as he gestured to the woods around their camp. His eyes fell on Merlin as he moved past a large tree further from the clearing. Giving one final order to the knight, Arthur made to follow his manservant. Evelyn stepped in front of him and blushed nervously as she fidgeted with her green dress. "Sire, I was wondering what you would like to have Simon cook for you." She said as she struggled to come up with something to detain the king.
"What?" Arthur asked half distracted by the gut feeling he was having and the out of nowhere question Evelyn was asking. He looked at her and failed to think of a reply; instead he excused himself and pushed past her towards the direction Merlin had gone. One would think that Merlin had learned to stay in eye sight after what had happened to him the last time they had stopped to camp.
Arthur stopped dead in his tracks as his eyes fell on Merlin and Roderick kissing. Merlin was pressed up against a tree and the man's hands were resting on his hips caressing the skin under his shirt. Arthur forced his feet to move and he walked towards them prying Roderick off of Merlin. He punched Roderick in the face and reached for Merlin making his way back to camp. Roderick fell to the ground by the force of it and rubbed his chin trying to massage the pain away; Ivor stepped from behind the tree and muffled a laugh as he too remembered the punch he had received the night before.
Arthur managed to reach his tent; he dragged Merlin towards the center of it and turned around to glare at him. "What is it with you Merlin and your lack of understanding?" Arthur yelled at Merlin as he let go of his arm. "Must I express some claim over you?" Arthur asked with a touch of sadness in his voice.
Merlin couldn't think of anything to say, what could he say? Every time he tried to do his duties he found himself in some type of situation. "It's not what you think…" Merlin struggled to say as he looked back at Arthur, tugging at the hem of his jacket.
"It's never what I think…you keep saying that." Arthur furiously stated as he moved closer to Merlin and rubbed his gloved fingers against Merlin's redden lips. He wanted to erase the fact that someone else had kissed his lips, someone who wasn't him. Merlin got tense as Arthur's hands began to pull on his sleeve, the bandages on his arm loosened and he quickly stepped back pushing Arthur away.
"Wait!" Merlin exclaimed as he pulled his sleeve back down over his bandages. The young King was in no mood to take a refusal from Merlin, not at the moment, and he snapped. He tugged at Merlin's jacket as he pulled him towards him. Arthur lowered his gaze to Merlin's arm and saw the white material under his sleeve.
"Let me see your arm." He groaned at Merlin as he brought his arm upwards and tugged harder making Merlin fall against him. Arthur's lips tightened into a thin line as he brought his other hand up. He pushed Merlin's jacket off and yanked the sleeve of his shirt back pulling at Merlin's bandages, he clearly remembered how he had been denied the right to check on his injured arm the first time he had found out about it. "What exactly is it Merlin that you don't want me to see." He yelled as he pulled the rest of the bandages, yanking them off. They fell to the ground near their feet, Merlin's arm completely exposed.
XXX
Author's Note:
We start seeing some of the angst coming back into the story and Arthur getting affected by the potion in other ways. Ten chapters to go before this story ends. Might make a sequel; let me know what you think about that. The beginning of this chapter was highly influenced by the scene in Episode: The Witch's Quickening, where Arthur accidently pushes Merlin to the wall thinking he is an intruder and apologizes after letting him go. I wanted to show how unlike Arthur he was by doing the same thing but on purpose and not apologizing, plus that was a very hot scene and I just had to recreate it. Also, I am very sorry for not posting this chapter on Saturday like I wanted to; I got really bumped out that day and couldn't finish it and been really busy since. Not sure when I will post the next chapter, but it might be after the 30th. Sorry, I hate leaving you all hanging like this. I will look over the chapter again later on, I know there are probably ton of mistakes still in it but I already went over it twice. This chapter was over 10 pages, it was fun none the less to write.
Chapter 15