It was Greenleafgirl who wrote a review ages ago asking for this, and I hadn't forgotten it. It is probably a useful interlude before I start the next story of his series.

Arthur sprawled back on the bed, eyes closed, chest rising and falling. Uther was the last one to leave him. Again Merlin had not been present for the testing but this time his absence wasn't questioned. Uther went out of the door and almost pulled it closed. Then he paused and peered through the slight gap between the frame and the door, waiting and watching as Arthur recovered enough to turn his head and look towards the servant's door on the far side of the room.

"Merlin," he murmured.

Uther watched as a moment later the door creaked open. There hadn't been the click of the latch opening. He hadn't realised the door had been open, only the smallest amount but enough for Merlin to hear everything that occurred in Arthur's chambers. And he must have been waiting for Arthur's call because a second later he came through the door, wrapped up in one of Arthur's woollen robes. As Merlin crossed the room to the bed it became clear he was wearing nothing else. The robe fell open as he walked displaying a clear line of Merlin's skin as he clambered onto the bad and flopped next to Arthur, propping himself on his elbows. The robe fell to one side exposing Merlin's leg and hip, the material dropping in such a way that it slid back to expose a sliver of his rear. Merlin reached out and ran one hand through Arthur's damp hair, brushing it off his forehead.

"Are you okay?" Merlin asked. Arthur nodded, shifted his hips and gave as gasp and wince.

"Yeah. At least they didn't ask about you this time."

"Don't worry, if they did I was ready to come in and defend you."

That made Arthur snort with laughter and as he moved again he gave another gasp. Merlin's hand moved from Arthur hair and slid it under Arthur's thigh to probe between his legs.

"Is it still in there?" Merlin asked. Then Arthur jerked on the bed. Merlin wriggled down, also shedding the robe at the same time, and he eased Arthur's leg up so he could crawl under it and see what he was doing. As Merlin's head started to burrow under Arthur's leg Uther closed the door. Those were not actions of people that had lied. There was no type of subterfuge between them. Merlin was, quite obviously, familiar with Arthur. It explained Arthur's annoying insistence in protecting Merlin. Uther knew Arthur had taken other servants to his bed, but Merlin was the most consistent and the only one that could be considered anything close to a relationship. Arthur would, soon enough, learn where his priorities needed to lie. Merlin wouldn't last forever, Uther decided. Still it also proved that Merlin was essentially willing to do anything for his master.

Neither of them on the bed heard the click as Uther closed the door on them. Merlin concentrated on easing his fingers into Arthur to get a decent grip on the wand.

"How much oil did you use?" Merlin asked, finally getting hold and pulling it down a little. Arthur's hips jerked again and Merlin lost his grip. He huffed and put a hand on Arthur's navel in a hint to keep still and he grabbed the wand again, drawing it out swiftly. Arthur lurched again, hips rising up as Merlin yanked the device clear.

"Careful," Arthur moaned. Merlin gasped for breath.

"You just kicked me in the ribs, I think I can say the same to you."

Arthur's foot ran over his side in what Merlin presumed as apology. Merlin crawled out from under Arthur's leg and leant over the bed, dropping the wand back into the box that was tucked under the bedding as it trailed down to the floor. It fell with a clatter, making Arthur lift his head.

"I'll deal with that in the morning," Merlin said, before crawling back up the bed to Arthur. The prince's eyes were still a little unfocused, and his breathing heavy. Merlin lay on his side, propping his head in his hand and he looked down at Arthur, gently stroking a hand across Arthur's torso, avoiding the sticky trail of semen across his body.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah," Arthur said, his voice sounding rough.

"Do you want a drink?" Merlin asked.

"I think I need one after that," Arthur said. Merlin rolled over and got up, heading towards the table where a jug of wine and two goblets sat. Arthur lifted his head to watch him. At least the night was warm, and a low fire burning, so they could walk around naked without getting cold. Arthur's gaze swept up and down Merlin's lean body. Merlin poured two drinks and turned round, and caught Arthur staring at him.

"What?" Merlin asked, quite innocently, going so far as to look down at himself, and around, to try and work out what Arthur was looking at. When he looked back up Arthur was still staring. Merlin also picked up a towel from the wash stand walked back over to the bed, a nervous smile on his face.

"What?" Merlin repeated, handing Arthur one of the goblets, before carefully sitting down on the edge of the bed, sipping his own drink and looking back at Arthur, reaching out to idly clean up the mess. Arthur huffed with laughter, shuffled up the bed to raise his shoulders before taking a sip of the wine. Merlin really didn't know what Arthur was looking at, when he stared at him.

Arthur wasn't entirely sure what it was, but there was something quite pleasant in just looking at Merlin. Not that Arthur would tell Merlin that, instead he lay back, putting the goblet down, and he sprawled on the bed, closing his eyes and relaxing.

Merlin felt a little confused. After what had gone on he would have expected Arthur to be different. Although it was not exactly a romantic encounter, the display Arthur was forced to put on for the council, it certainly made Arthur react. Last time he had been furious, having found Merlin spying on him. Merlin expected some angry energy to be present. But there was nothing like that. Arthur instead appeared to be the complete opposite.

"Are you all right, Arthur?" Merlin asked, running his hand over the prince's chest. As he brushed his fingertips over Arthur's left nipple he stirred, only slightly, but he moved into the touch. He made no move to take over, as Merlin expected, instead Arthur settled back and waited again.

Confused Merlin put his goblet down and repeated the touch, rubbing around the sensitive area and he dropped his head to kiss Arthur's side, moving down towards his hip bone. Again Arthur moved into him, but still didn't take any action. Merlin's other hand brushed the back of Arthur's thigh. Merlin carried on in the same vein, slowly touching and exploring. Arthur let him, sprawling out on the bed. Merlin clambered over Arthur's nearside leg, to lean over him. In response, Arthur very obligingly spread his legs, letting Merlin kneel between them.

It made Merlin feel a little bolder, even if he also felt a little confused. Merlin ran his tongue over the inside of Arthur's left thigh, nipping lightly on occasion, making Arthur moan. Merlin started to realise, he was probably getting Arthur at his most vulnerable. That was probably what had triggered the violent reaction when Merlin had discovered what was going on. The shock of that had sent Arthur over the edge, almost deliberately hurting Merlin in the process.

He traced a line up over Arthur's hip, avoiding his groin, and over his navel, working his way up Arthur's chest, using his lips, licking and biting gently. Arthur writhed underneath him, gasping as Merlin reached the hollow of his neck. The prince tilted his head back as Merlin moved up towards his jaw, applying pressure when his lips connected with Arthur's skin to encourage him to move. Arthur's fingers wound into Merlin's hair, moving down to the nape of his neck. Again Merlin thought Arthur would take over, but he made no move to. Merlin took Arthur's wrist, removing Arthur's hand from his hair and he guided it back down onto the bed, increasing the pressure of his grip to pin Arthur's arm down.

Normally Arthur wouldn't stand that for long. His dominant and competitive personality just wouldn't let him. However, this time he just relaxed into the grip, Merlin, after a moment, repeated his grip on Arthur's other wrist. It wasn't as if Merlin could really hold him, Arthur was far too well-trained and well-muscled for Merlin to have any hope of truly subduing him. Merlin shifted on the bed, pressing his weight down onto Arthur and moving his hips to encourage the prince to spread his legs. It was a gesture that Merlin was familiar with, Arthur had done it to him often enough. Arthur moved willingly, easing himself open for Merlin, his eyes flickering open to meet Merlin's gaze.

Arthur's eyes were dilated, and sleepy. He regarded Merlin almost through a haze and Merlin started to wonder if this was the reason that Arthur usually wanted to be alone after the council had tested him. He acquiesced to their demands, he wasn't given much of a choice in the matter, but it appeared to have quite an effect on Arthur emotionally. Merlin realised it tapped into some part of Arthur that did not often rouse. He was forced to subjugate himself to the orders of the council, and of the king. Uther was the one person who could really order Arthur about, a thought that made Merlin feel a little uncomfortable as he watched Arthur's reaction. His eyes closed again and he settled down, remaining relaxed under Merlin.

All the hints were there. Merlin could see them, he knew Arthur, and he knew Arthur's reactions. Merlin knew his own reactions to what Arthur did to him. Merlin lent down and planted a line of kisses along Arthur's jaw, again Arthur tilted his head back, and Merlin moved down to bite gently on Arthur's neck. Arthur didn't stop him, but Merlin remained careful, Arthur did not appreciate visible marks.

Merlin worked his way down, licking and nipping Arthur's torso, stroking as he went, tracing his fingertips over Arthur's smooth skin. As his mouth got close to Arthur's groin the prince gave a groan and jerked his hips upwards.

"For God's sake Merlin!"

Merlin paused, even in this state, Arthur could complain. He eventually opened his eyes and looked up at Merlin.

"You should know what to do by now."

If that wasn't an invitation then Merlin didn't know what was. Arthur had been denied some of the feelings he was having now, he had been forced to because he didn't trust anyone with them. Merlin slid his hand between Arthur's legs, encouraging him to spread himself wider, and he gently slid a finger into him.

Arthur arched his back and gave a moan. He was slick enough with oil, and Merlin now wondered if it hadn't simply been to accommodate the wand. Merlin inserted a second finger. Arthur was already opened up, the wand had already done that job for him. Merlin didn't hesitate, he rose up on the bed, leaning over Arthur as he gently withdrew his fingers, making Arthur groan again. Sliding his hand under Arthur's thigh Merlin eased it upwards to open Arthur up further and then Merlin carefully started to push himself into Arthur.

Merlin took his time. He had never done this before, and terrifyingly, Merlin concluded, Arthur had never had it done to him. Over the years he had become used to the insertion of the wand, for the purpose of the inspections, but that was it. With everyone else he remained dominant, in control and not daring to reveal any vulnerability. Merlin understood it, he had been around the other servants and the gossip that went on. There had been enough about him since he had arrived, since his first confrontation with Arthur, since the first hints that Arthur was having sex with him – not that he had understood all the comments at the beginning, it was only later he started to comprehend it. Arthur did not want the servants talking about what he got up to in bed. People had tried getting information out of Merlin, but Arthur was right when he had said it before, he could trust Merlin to not talk about it. It wasn't just Arthur's sex life, it was his own and he didn't want to be discussing it.

He gasped as he made one final push and fully sheathed himself inside Arthur. Arthur panted heavily, eyes rolling in his head. Merlin rested one hand on the bed, beside Arthur's head, while the other gripped Arthur's thigh. In response Arthur carefully wrapped his leg around Merlin, holding Merlin tightly against him. Merlin almost forgot to breathe as he shifted his hips, feeling how tight Arthur was. Arthur jerked in response pushing himself harder against Merlin.

Arthur moved again, and Merlin withdrew a little before pushing himself back into Arthur. He moved slowly at first, finding the pace and angle that Arthur liked, not rushing himself despite Arthur's own thrusts and moans as he tried to find it himself. Merlin kept it slow and steady, easing himself out as far as he dared before taking his time to push back in again. Arthur gasped every time he did so, moving his hips in the same rhythm.

Merlin kept it deliberately slow. It was certainly not the pace he was used to, when Arthur took him. He was far more vigorous. Arthur wrapped his legs around Merlin, trying to use his own strength to get Merlin to speed up. Merlin leant over Arthur, brushing his lips over the prince's.

"Stop that," Merlin ordered, still keeping his speed steady. Arthur gave a groan of pleasure and Merlin shifted his hips at a slightly different angle, applying more weight so his body brushed against Arthur's erection with every stroke. Arthur jerked at every thrust, Merlin could feel the ripple of tension in him, and he knew Arthur wasn't far off the brink. He wasn't himself, the feelings almost surreal as he pulled out, almost completely out before shoving himself back in. Arthur took him easily, his moaning taking on a deeper tone. Merlin repeated himself, and on the fourth deep stroke felt Arthur's hips slam up to his and his body went tense. Merlin gasped as Arthur's body clenched around him, and it was all it took for his own body to go over the brink and the warmth crashed through him as he came.

Arthur relaxed, pulling Merlin down on top of him as they both ran out of energy. Merlin gave several whimpering gasps as Arthur's muscles continued to clamp around him, a sensation that was amplified by Arthur breathing heavily on his neck, sending ripples down his spine. For a few minutes neither of them could even contemplate moving, Merlin couldn't even gather enough energy to pull out of Arthur.

Eventually they slowly started to stir. Merlin easing out of Arthur and crawling over his leg to flop down onto the bed grimacing as he felt the wetness on his belly and around his groin. He shifted onto his side, but not in time to save the bed sheets.

"That's the one drawback, it's so bloody messy."

Arthur giggled.

"You're in a worse state than me," Merlin pointed out. Arthur lifted his head to survey his body and then let his head flop back. Merlin rolled his eyes and eased himself off the bed, standing up on slightly unsteady legs to stagger over to the wash stand and pour some water. As he came back he picked up the wine jug, which he dumped by Arthur's goblet and clambering back next to the prince located the towel, dampened it and started to wipe Arthur down. Arthur gave a feeble grumble but that was the limit of his protest as Merlin washed the semen off his torso and then slid the damp towel between Arthur's legs to catch the worst of the mess. Arthur obligingly shifted his legs to let him.

"Are you all right?" Merlin asked.

Arthur nodded, "yes, Merlin. You?"

"I'm fine," Merlin said, starting to wipe the mess off himself. Arthur turned his head and watched, before rolling onto his side, facing Merlin, and snuggling down into the bedding. Merlin rolled his eyes, with moderate affection, before drawing the bedding around Arthur to keep him warm. Merlin got up, feeling steadier this time, to take the bowl back and put it away, flitting around the room, tidying up and putting out the candles. He worked for a few minutes before Arthur stirred again, lifting his head, to locate Merlin, long enough to say.

"Merlin, stop messing around and come to bed."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Merlin woke in his usual position, pressed to Arthur's side while the prince managed to sprawl and take up most of the space in the bed. They hadn't started off that way, as he had clambered back in Arthur had snuggled against him, tucking his head onto Merlin's shoulder. Overnight Arthur's normal personality appeared to have reasserted itself. Merlin shifted carefully, easing himself out from under Arthur's arm and sliding off the bed with expert ease. Arthur stirred but didn't wake up, snuffling his face into the pillow. Merlin ran his fingers through Arthur's hair before turning and heading over to find some soap to give himself a quick wash before getting dressed.

He managed to get himself tidied up and sort the room a little before sneaking out to go to the kitchens to get Arthur's breakfast and something for himself. As he opened the door, while balancing the tray he stumbled, making everything on the tray rattle and he kicked the door shut, slamming it. The noise woke Arthur who lifted his head violently and looked around. Merlin crashed the tray down onto the table without any further mishap. Arthur raised his eyebrows.

"It's amazing that someone who can be that elegant at sex is completely clumsy the rest of the time," Arthur mused before snuggling back down into the bedding. Merlin frowned, trying to work out if there was a complement in there and if it was really a good one. At least Arthur didn't appear to be too rattled by his behaviour last night. One worry Merlin had felt, in the cold light of day and the castle corridors, was that Arthur would wake up and suddenly decide that Merlin had taken advantage of him.

"Why are you getting up so early anyway?" Arthur asked.

Merlin looked out at the bright sun as he poured some fresh water for Arthur and rummaged for another towel, and wondered if it was worthwhile getting some clothes out in advance even if Arthur decided, as he usually did, they were not the ones he wanted.

"It's not that early, we had a late night. You do have a meeting with your father at eleven."

"At least I don't have to do the patrol, I don't think I'd want to sit on a horse."

Merlin turned his head in alarm. "I didn't hurt you did I?"

Arthur looked up, rather startled by Merlin's panicked tone. "I don't particularly think so, sitting on a horse for several hours probably wouldn't suit it though."

"I suppose not," Merlin said. He picked Arthur's woollen robe, the one Merlin himself had been wearing the previous night and brought it over to Arthur, holding it up and shaking it out in a hint that Arthur should get up and get into it. Arthur watched him for a moment and then with a sigh pushed the covers aside to get up and let Merlin put the robe on him. He straightened it on Arthur's shoulders and Arthur went and sat down. Merlin eyed him for any indication that Arthur was more hurt than he was letting on. After taking a few mouthfuls Arthur glared at him.

"Stop that."

"Sorry," Merlin said.

"Don't worry, I'm fine," Arthur said, and Merlin got the feeling Arthur wasn't just talking about any physical repercussions of last night. He also pointed to the extra bread and cheese tucked onto the tray. "I presume that's yours?"

"Yes," Merlin said. "It's just, you didn't seem like yourself last night."

"You know what it's like, you've been tested yourself," Arthur said. Merlin nodded, pulling off the messy bed sheets.

"Yes, you feel a bit vulnerable." Merlin remembered that, and Arthur afterwards. It had been the first blowjob the prince had given, as opposed to receiving. Merlin had found it oddly comforting, when he had been alone with Arthur. And it coincided with Arthur casually announcing he could probably trust Merlin.

"Merlin!" Arthur said, drawing his name out annoyingly, so it probably wasn't the first time he had said it. Arthur pointed at Merlin's breakfast.

"If you are just going to ignore that, I will eat it."

Merlin glowered and snatched the bread and cheese, retreating from Arthur to eat it at a safe distance. Arthur watched him in amusement.

"Sit down."

Merlin did, and for a few moments neither of them said anything.

"I need you to take the grey mare to the blacksmith, her front nearside shoe is loose, and I'll want her for tomorrow."

"What's tomorrow?" Merlin asked. Arthur looked up.

"We're riding out to meet Bayard and his entourage. Father thinks we should be extra courteous after the misunderstanding last time."

"You mean the whole poison thing and Uther thinking that Bayard was trying to kill you."

"Yeah, that, and don't talk with your mouth full."

"Sorry," Merlin said, swallowing heavily. "You're not expecting me to go are you?"

"No, I think it ought to coincide with one of Gaius' extended trips to pick herbs, or you can just stay in here and keep well out of the way."

"Yes, sounds good. Will you be all right riding tomorrow?"

Arthur's eyes narrowed, "I could always keep you out of trouble by putting you in the stocks."

Merlin's eyes widened and he hurriedly got to his feet. "I need to go and see Gaius, I said I'd drop in first thing. It might be a bit later than that though," Merlin mused, again glancing out at the bright morning light. "I'll take the mare after that."

"And I'll need my dress clothes cleaned, and don't forget your own ceremonial dress."

"If I'm staying out of sight, why am I going to need it?"

Arthur gave him a long steady look, and he got the satisfaction of Merlin's eyes widening and a dull flush running up his face. Merlin gave a squeak and ran for the door, although as he shut it, loudly, Arthur was fairly certain he heard Merlin's giggles from beyond it. Arthur snorted and shifted in his chair, frowning as he felt the mild discomfort. His eyes moved to the door again, thinking about Merlin and what Arthur had let him do last night.

In the cold light of day Arthur did feel a little disturbed, knowing how he had reacted, and knowing that he had been aware of it even before he had allowed Merlin to stay close by. Merlin had been the first person to ever be so intimate with him, Merlin would probably be the only person that ever would be. Arthur had never trusted anyone else. Merlin, Arthur knew, he could.

Merlin was his servant, Merlin was his bed partner, and, more importantly, Merlin was his friend.