Chapter Text
As soon as Merlin closed the door in Arthur’s chambers, Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin’s waist from behind. “Fiiinally,” he drawled out.
Merlin turned to face him. “You are beyond impatient, sire,” he noted, draping his arms over Arthur’s shoulders.
“No, no. You don’t get to say that when I had to lie in wait for over a day, just because you were too much of a princess to go at it in the woods,” Arthur argued. Merlin simply squinted at him.
“Do you even know what the word ‘romantic’ means, Arthur?” Merlin taunted. Arthur pouted and bobbed his head. It was a fair observation: romance was not his strong suit. He heard Merlin murmur something that sounded dangerously close to “you’re hopeless” before he sealed his lips with Arthur’s.
The door flew open, and before Arthur could even think, Merlin was holding his jaw open with his fingers in his mouth.
“Ah?” Arthur tried, befuddled.
“No, sire, I don’t see anything wrong with your tooth. But I’ll ask Gaius for a potion to ease the pain,” Merlin devised keenly, pulling away and folding his hands behind his back.
“Arthur,” a fierce voiced boomed. Arthur turned to see Uther standing at the entrance to his chambers. “Why are you back so soon?” he demanded.
“I apologize, father. We… my servant and I were wounded, so we ended the quest,” Arthur replied obediently, his voice more reserved. Uther’s cold eyes flicked to Merlin.
“And a few bruises warranted ceasing the entire quest?” Uther spat, making no effort to hide his callousness.
A flame ignited within Arthur. “It was more than a few bruises, and proper treatment was beyond our capabilities. It was necessary we returned to Gaius,” he snapped.
The king stared at him, and Arthur did not falter. Uther sighed. “Then you will be attending our feast with the young Lord Dugard tonight. Come as soon as you’re dressed. And do not be late,” he commanded, not awaiting a response as he slammed the door behind him. Arthur turned back to Merlin, and Merlin gave him a sympathetic look.
Arthur exhaled in relief. ”I’m impressed, Merlin. Your quick thinking was much better that time,” he praised, omitting “thank goodness.” Merlin bowed with a grin.
“I’ll prepare your clothes,” Merlin said as he walked over to Arthur’s wardrobe. Arthur flopped down face-first onto his bed, groaning loudly.
“We were so close. Let’s just skip it,” he whined, muffled by his bedsheets.
“Arthur…” Merlin tried comforting. “I really don’t think we should make your father any angrier,” he reasoned while folding a soft, finely-crafted shirt. Arthur grunted. “Come on. Time to change.” Arthur didn’t move. Merlin smiled. Arthur really was spoiled rotten. He made his way over to Arthur and began tugging at his wrists. “Up you get,” he coaxed. Arthur flipped onto his back and yanked Merlin’s hand in one swift motion, causing Merlin to tumble onto him with a shocked shout. Merlin was thrilled, but he had to remain disciplined. “Arthur, no. Not yet.”
“Meeerlin, why are you doing this?” Arthur fussed.
Uther was scary enough when he wasn’t angry. “To save your life, my lord. Now let’s go,” he urged, gripping Arthur’s hands to pull him off the bed. Arthur finally complied. Merlin dressed him as fast as possible, hoping to create more alone time for them later.
⁂
The feast was bustling with chatter and laughter as lords and knights exchanged tales of their travels. Candles flickered, filling the room with calm light. The smell of turkey, apples, and potatoes wafted through the air. Merlin scanned the crowd, looking for anyone who needed their cup refilled with wine. Arthur sat next to Uther, holding a conversation with his father and the man next to him. Every so often, he would look up, searching for Merlin. They would exchange smiles when their eyes met.
A young man called Merlin over, holding out his glass. Merlin graciously poured the wine into it. The man looked at Merlin, and Merlin looked back. He could not have been much older than Arthur.
“What is your name?” the man asked, slurring his words a bit.
“Uh, Merlin,” he replied, caught off guard as he was usually ignored by visitors at feasts.
“I am Lord Francis Dugard,” he introduced. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Merlin.”
Merlin dipped his head. “You as well, your grace.” He backed away, returning to work. It seemed like barely any time had passed before Lord Dugard was beckoning him over again. And again. And yet again. Quite frankly, Merlin was getting miffed. Someone sure doesn’t know their limit, he insulted silently. Eventually, he noticed Arthur motioning him over. He leaned over Arthur’s shoulder and refilled his cup.
“What have you been doing, Merlin? I’ve been trying to get your attention for ages,” Arthur griped.
“Sorry, our lovely guest, Lord Drunkard, was keeping me tied up,” Merlin jeered. Arthur laughed aloud, shaking his head. Merlin’s complete disregard for royalty was incredible. A knight raised his cup in Merlin’s direction. “Duty calls,” Merlin sighed. He gave Arthur’s shoulder a pat before he headed over. Arthur followed him with his eyes, paying no mind to what his father was going on about. After the knight, Merlin rounded the table to serve, unsurprisingly, Lord Dugard once more. Arthur was wondering if it was time they kindly cut the young lord off. He turned to tell his father but halted as he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Lord Dugard had motioned for Merlin to lean closer and whispered something in his ear. Arthur’s brows furrowed, and Merlin’s lip curled in disgust. Merlin turned away, and the lord was grinning drunkenly. Then, Lord Dugard reached out his hand and squeezed Merlin’s bum, causing Merlin to flinch, the pitcher slipping out of his hand.
Arthur shoved himself away from the table, wine spilling and silverware clattering onto the ground. He stormed over to the lord, unsheathing his sword along the way. Arthur planted his hand on Lord Dugard’s chest and forced him backwards, sending him and his chair crashing down. The room fell deadly silent. Arthur’s face was pinched in resentment and his chest heaved as he pointed his sword at the lord’s throat. Lord Dugard tried to back away, but Arthur only moved closer.
“Arthur!” Uther yelled, his voice echoing loudly. Arthur did not react.
“Touch my servant again, and mark my words, it will be the last thing you ever do.” Arthur was so irate that the threat came out sounding eerily calm. He retracted his sword and secured it at his hip, walking away from Lord Dugard without sparing a glance. He gripped Merlin’s elbow tightly and started dragging him towards the doors. Merlin looked over his shoulder and saw Uther kneeling next to the lord while the rest of the party was watching him and Arthur leave.
Even once they were in the halls, Arthur did not let go of Merlin. Merlin was absolutely astounded. “Arthur, what the hell were you thinking? I am as furious as you are, trust me. And I appreciate it. I really do. But going so far as to threaten his life? He’s a lord of another kingdom! You could have started a war, Arthur!” Arthur remained silent, marching along. “And you still might! We need to go back and apologize this instant.” Arthur conveyed no intention of doing so as he rounded the corner to his chambers. “Not to mention your father. He’s going to have your head for that!” He shoved open his bedroom door and kicked it closed behind them. Then, he released Merlin. “Arthur, are you even listening to me?” Arthur dragged his chair over and propped it against the door. “We really should--”
“Shut up, Merlin,” Arthur finally said, but it had no bite. He approached Merlin, their noses nearly touching. “Apologize? Sparing his life was mercy enough.”
“Arthur--” Merlin started, but Arthur grabbed his face with both hands and cut him off with a hungry kiss. It was different from any of their prior kisses: it was desperate and fervent, as if Arthur was starving and only Merlin could satisfy him. Merlin leaned into him, lapping at his mouth. He could taste the saltiness of the turkey and sweetness of the grapes he had been eating. Arthur peeled off Merlin’s jacket and slowly crowded him until his back made contact with the wall. He undid Merlin’s belt with some trouble and threw it somewhere to the side. Merlin’s mind caught up with him, and he skillfully did the same to Arthur’s belt. Their lips separated and Arthur panted as he gazed fiercely into Merlin’s half-closed eyes. He tugged Merlin’s tunic up from the bottom. Merlin raised his arms to help Arthur slide it off.
Before Merlin could do the same to Arthur’s tunic, Arthur captured his lips again. Arthur’s hands slid down Merlin’s waist, caressing the curve of his ass. He bent down slightly and grabbed Merlin’s thighs from behind, and hauled him into the air. Merlin made a sound, which vibrated into his lips. He wrapped his legs around Arthur’s waist and grabbed a handful of his hair. Arthur pressed him harder against the wall, grinding against his groin. Merlin broke the kiss with a quiet moan and touched his forehead to Arthur’s, the coolness of his coronet meeting his heated skin. That was the most amazing sound Arthur had ever heard, and he decided he wanted to hear more this instant.
He eagerly carried Merlin to his bed and practically jumped onto it. Merlin lowered his legs to Arthur’s knees. Arthur brushed his hands over Merlin’s chest and nipped at Merlin’s neck. He muttered something against his skin. Merlin didn’t catch it, but one of the words sounded suspiciously like “mine.” He winced. Merlin didn’t want this to stop, but he was concerned for Arthur.
Gently lifting Arthur’s head with his hands, he stroked a thumb over Arthur’s cheek. “Arthur, as much as I’m enjoying this, I need to know: are you all right?” Arthur’s eyes were wide, their blue depths appearing much paler as the moonlight illuminated them. He opened his mouth, then he closed it. His eyes misted over, and he dropped his head on to Merlin’s chest.
He was silent for a moment. “To be honest, I’m… I’m not dealing with what happened yesterday as well as I had thought,” Arthur admitted. His throat was tight. Merlin stroked his hand over Arthur’s hair, silently encouraging him to keep talking. “My sleep was overrun with these--these horrid nightmares. So, when that lord,” Arthur spat out the word in disgust, “touched you, all of these emotions just... suffocated me. Most of all, at that tavern,” he took in a shaky breath, “Merlin, I’ve never felt so weak and powerless before.”As he listened, Merlin’s eyes started burning. “If I hadn’t been lucky enough to break free…” he trailed off. “Well, it made me painfully aware that I cannot always safeguard you.” Arthur sighed and lifted his head. “I’m at a loss for what to do.”
Seeing his fearless prince so daunted left Merlin heartbroken. Not to mention, he felt responsible for Arthur’s suffering. Gaius’ earlier words echoed in his mind. “Arthur,” Merlin said sweetly, his vision blurred with unshed tears, “you are the strongest, boldest, and most courageous man I know. You cannot doubt yourself because some pathetic ruffians decided that six men against two was a fair fight.” Merlin took a deep breath. He could easily end all of Arthur’s anguish right now. Arthur had just poured his heart out to Merlin, why shouldn’t he do the same? He chose his next words carefully. “I need you to understand that I am the last person you need to be worried about.”
“Merlin, we’ve been over this.” Arthur was shaking his head discontentedly. “You’re not some disposable servant, and you mean the world to me. So yes, I am going to worry about you.”
“That’s not what I mean, Arthur. I know I seem incapable and, you’re right, I absolutely am with a sword. But I still have been protecting us, and I will continue to do so until the end of time.” Arthur was squinting at him as if he was speaking a different language. “Just… watch,” Merlin prompted. His heart was racing. He could hardly believe he was about to do this. Plenty of outcomes ran through his head, most of them ending with his own painful death. But this was Arthur. He trusted him. And he loved him.
Merlin cupped his hands in front of Arthur’s face and softly incanted. With a golden glow of his eyes, he slowly opened his hands, revealing a small daisy.
Guardedly, he raised his eyes to Arthur’s face. Arthur’s jaw was slack, and he was wearing an unreadable expression. Merlin smiled uneasily and picked up the flower, tucking it behind Arthur’s right ear.
“Magic?!” Arthur shouted in awe.
Merlin’s finger flew to Arthur’s lips. “Shhh! Yes, Arthur, magic! Thank you for letting all of Camelot know.”
“You’re a sorcerer!” Arthur exclaimed, quieter this time. “I knew there was something about you, Merlin! This--this explains so much. I’d begun to believe I was losing my mind!”
Merlin was beaming with sheer joy. He had not anticipated a giddily shocked Arthur, but he certainly wasn’t complaining. However, he feared he spoke too soon when Arthur’s expression suddenly sobered. Merlin gulped.
“All this time…” He looked at Merlin with betrayal in his eyes, and that hurt more than anything. “Why did you keep the truth from me?”
“I didn’t want to, Arthur. But… we have a king who executes anyone even suspected of practicing magic. And, well, you are his son. I told you before that I cannot risk being ripped from your side. Yes, I lied to you. But it was all for you. Can you really blame me for being cautious?” Merlin’s defense came out sounding a bit harsh, which was not his intention. But he was slightly irked that the years of hardships he endured were being invalidated.
Arthur collected his thoughts and feelings, biting his lip. He was upset that Merlin had not fully trusted him, but the sorcerer certainly had good reason. And why should that matter now that he had revealed his secret, the ultimate form of trust? Additionally, the fact that Merlin could have swiftly saved himself at the tavern, but chose not to, for him, spoke more than words. Arthur already felt remorseful for his accusation. “No, I cannot blame you,” he whispered, picking up Merlin’s hand, and wrapped both of his hands around it. “I’m sorry, Merlin. I cannot fathom how hard it must have been to spend all these years living in fear. And to secretly sacrifice so much for me… your selflessness truly knows no bounds.” He gave Merlin’s hand a squeeze. “I appreciate that you confided in me. And that you’re still Merlin, despite everything.”
Merlin flashed a grin somehow brighter than any one Arthur had ever seen. He pushed himself up from the bed and threw his arms around Arthur, squeezing him tightly. “Thank you, Arthur!” he burst blissfully. “I cannot describe what a relief this is!” Merlin exhaled dramatically.
Arthur had a smile so wide that his cheeks hurt. “I’m delighted for you, Merlin. But promise me one thing,” he pried Merlin off of him, holding him by the shoulders, “no more secrets. You need not bear your burdens alone.”
The joy never left Merlin’s face. “I promise,” he vowed. “And promise me you will do the same, Arthur. Your troubles are my troubles.”
“I promise,” Arthur smiled warmly. “Now, let me see that magic again.”
Merlin raised his eyebrows, still astonished to hear those words coming out of Arthur’s mouth. “As you wish, my lord,” Merlin hummed. He articulated the same spell, and Arthur marveled at his glittering eyes. Merlin tucked the new daisy behind his own ear, smiling playfully. “Now we match!”
Arthur chuckled, pushing Merlin back down on the bed, leaning over him. “Just when I thought you couldn’t get any more adorable. Also, those golden eyes of yours are extremely alluring,” Arthur flirted, drawing out the final word. Merlin batted his eyes, then they lit up again. Arthur felt his tunic sliding up his back and jumped. “Whoa!” he blurted before realizing it was Merlin’s magic. He raised his arms, and his tunic flew to the other side of the room. “You scared me, Merlin, I thought someone else was behind me! This is going to take some getting used to,” Arthur babbled, and Merlin simply snickered at his expense.
He dragged his hands down Arthur’s muscular torso, something he had always desired to do but could only get away with brief touches when dressing him. He ran his fingers over his battle scars, bewildered that Arthur could ever view himself as weak. Arthur was watching him fondly. He lowered himself onto Merlin and planted kisses painstakingly slowly from his plump lips, down his neck, to his pec. He licked curiously at his nipple, and Merlin’s chest jumped. Arthur closed his mouth around it, sucking lightly, and rolled the other one between his fingers. Merlin’s back lifted off the bed slightly, his breathing picking up. Arthur ground his pelvis down and felt Merlin already stiffening. He hummed appreciatively at his responsiveness.
Arthur pulled back and excitedly began tugging down Merlin’s trousers. Merlin lifted his hips to make it easier for Arthur to remove them. Merlin’s socks and boots slipped off with them, and Arthur tossed them away. His eyes consumed every part of Merlin, and what a sight it was to behold. Merlin sprawled out, fully naked, surrounded by the sheets of his own bed, and gazing expectantly up at him. “It’s about time I got to see you like this. Wow, Merlin,” Arthur purred.
Merlin’s face warmed at his words as his member gave an interested twitch. He was used to Arthur being the only one in the nude, so having the situation reversed was… exhilarating. Arthur met his lips again and wrapped his hand around Merlin’s dick. The touch was like fire. Merlin gasped into Arthur’s mouth, bucking into his hand. Arthur smiled against his lips. “Of course the sheltered farm boy would be this eager,” he teased, despite the fact that he was already awfully hard as well.
“You--” Merlin tried, but the word morphed into a sweet sigh as Arthur began pumping his hand. Arthur sucked on Merlin’s neck, leaving his mark. He rubbed his thumb over the head of Merlin’s dick, slick with pre-come, and Merlin was practically panting, fingers clenching Arthur’s bed sheets. Arthur’s hand was now sliding with more ease, so he sped up his ministrations. Merlin was undone: his cheeks were full of color, lips parted as he breathed, eyes glossed over with lust.
Merlin gripped Arthur’s back. “Sire, please--I,” he groaned, “I won’t last.”
Arthur let go immediately and blinked. “Sire?” he repeated. He didn’t… dislike it. Merlin hadn’t even noticed. He tried to catch his breath for a moment.
“Habit,” Merlin dismissed. “Maybe removing that will help,” Merlin noted, looking at Arthur’s coronet. He used his magic to raise the elegant headpiece off of Arthur’s head, gently maneuvering it to the table.
The corners of Arthur’s cheeks curved upwards. “Magicking a crown off of a prince’s head. I’m pretty sure that constitutes a few forms of treason,” Arthur advised. Merlin shrugged, chuckling softly. He reached for Arthur’s breeches, efficiently removing the rest of his clothing. Although he had seen Arthur naked countless times before, seeing him erect had remained a vision of his fantasies, until now.
“I’ve thought this many times, but I think it’s finally proper for me to say: you’re breathtaking, Arthur,” Merlin professed, grinning when Arthur flushed. “Oh, wait a moment.” He remembered the vial Gaius had given him. Calling forth his magic, he slipped the vial out of his pocket on the floor and whisked it to his hand.
Arthur looked baffled. “What’s that?”
“A gift from... Gaius. It makes stuff slippery,” Merlin frowned, recalling the awkward encounter.
Arthur laughed at him. “Gaius! We’ll have to thank him later.”
“Yeah, right. I’ll leave that to you,” Merlin sneered.
Arthur shook his head, pouring the contents of the vial onto his hand. He let the heavy liquid drip onto Merlin’s member, and Merlin flinched from its coolness against his heated skin. It slowly traveled down to his hole. Arthur gave Merlin’s dick another tug as he rubbed his fingers over his entrance. “You ready?”
Merlin nodded, and Arthur carefully worked a slick finger into him. As expected, he was extremely tight, but Arthur took his time and ensured Merlin was comfortable every step of the way. He added a second finger, spreading him wider. When Arthur curled his fingers a certain way, a jolt of pleasure ran through Merlin’s entire body, and he groaned. As Athur continued, he hit that spot a few more times, and Merlin was already achingly hard again. Arthur’s fingers did not seem like enough anymore.
“Arthur, please,” Merlin begged, “I want you.”
Arthur wasted no time, beyond aroused by now. He slipped his fingers out of Merlin and went to pour the rest of the vial onto his hand, but it was suddenly dislodged from his hand. Merlin sat up, gripping the vial, and emptied its contents onto his own hand. He began stroking Arthur’s stiff dick, slicking it up. Arthur was already close, and he wasn’t going to last much longer with the sight of Merlin’s hand wrapped around his dick. He shoved Merlin back down, and aligned the tip of his penis with Merlin’s entrance. Arthur looked up at Merlin. Merlin gave him an impatient nod.
He slowly pressed his tip into Merlin, keeping his eyes on his face. “You okay?”
“Keep going,” Merlin urged, desperate for more. Arthur continued pushing in. The sensation of Arthur filling him was better than anything he could have imagined. Once he was fully in, he let out a groan of bliss. Merlin’s ass clenching around him nearly sent him over the edge. He wrapped his arms behind Merlin’s back and kissed him deeply. Merlin did the same, rocking his hips, and Arthur got the message. He pulled out a small amount, and thrusted forward. Merlin hummed in approval. He continued thrusting and grunting, pulling out a little more each time.
With a particularly hard thrust, he hit that spot within Merlin, and Merlin threw his head back with a moan. “There, Arthur,” Merlin mewled.
Arthur moved to his neck, kissing and biting. “You’re so good, Merlin,” he panted and grabbed Merlin's hand, intertwining their fingers. He aimed just right, leaving Merlin gasping. Merlin was gripping him tightly, rocking in time with his thrusts. Arthur moved his hips faster and faster, completely impassioned.
“Arthur, I--” Merlin’s voice was breathless as he wrapped his legs around Arthur. Arthur gave Merlin’s dick a stroke, and that was all it took. Merlin cried out as he came, loudly, and Arthur quickly clasped a hand over his mouth. Merlin clenched around his dick, writhing as he rode out his orgasm. Not a moment later, Arthur was coming with a guttural moan, filling Merlin with his hot release. He collapsed on top of Merlin, removing his hand from his mouth, and they both remained unmoving, their breathing labored.
“That was… fantastic,” Merlin swooned, brushing Arthur’s bangs away from his sweaty face.
“You were well worth the wait.” Arthur pressed a kiss to Merlin’s lips, and finally pulled out of him. “But damn it, Merlin, I thought the guards were going to hear you and break down the door.”
“And whose fault is that?” Merlin sassed. They both laughed, and Arthur was a bit proud of himself. Arthur grabbed the end of a sheet and began wiping off Merlin’s stomach. “Hey! Someone has to wash those tomorrow,” Merlin chided indignantly.
Arthur grinned. “I’ll help you.”
“You’re joking.”
“I’m not. We’ll start after we have a bath in the morning,” Arthur suggested. Merlin grinned ear to ear. He could really get used to this.
He pulled back the covers of Arthur’s bed and they slipped underneath, nestling together. They were both perfectly at ease, warm and worn out. Merlin had Arthur, who finally fully understood him, and Arthur had Merlin, who was just perfectly Merlin. And that was all they needed.
“I love you, Merlin.”
“And I love you, Arthur.”