Merlin
Tears streaked Merlin's face as Arthur lay in his arms, his breaths uneven.
"Hold on," Merlin begged, "you can make it. Please. For Gwen. For me."
Arthur's wound was deep and the sword had been under a spell, making the injury even worse and even harder to cure. It was too late to save him and Merlin knew this.
"I'm sorry, Merlin," Arthur whispered, his voice filled with pain.
"Stop it Arthur," Merlin ordered, "you're going to be fine,"
"No, Merlin. I have to say this, before I…" Arthur creased his forehead and looked up at Merlin. "Thank you; for everything. You're the bravest man I know,"
Merlin threw back his head in frustration.
"Please Arthur, you can do this,"
Arthur's eyes were a dazzling colour of blue and Merlin gazed into them, his heart sinking. Slowly, the colour drained out of his face and his skin become more and more pale. His blonde hair was plastered to his forehead; sweat dripping down the side of his face.
Merlin bit down hard on his lip and felt the metallic taste of blood in his mouth.
"Arthur, don't leave me," he sobbed.
"I don't want to," Arthur said quietly, "I feel like I've only just met you,"
"Arthur I wish I had told you but I was afraid,"
"Afraid of me?"
"Not you. The law," Merlin admitted, embarrassed.
"Did Gwen know?"
"Yes, yes she knew,"
Merlin felt Arthur shrink in his arms.
"Why didn't she tell me?"
"I don't know. I trusted her not to,"
"Yes, but I trusted her as well,"
Merlin's eyes welled up again.
"I'm sorry Arthur but this was bigger than that. She found out by mistake and I…"
"Merlin, stop. It's fine. Just, just tell her I love her," he said, his eyes sad like small caves in his head.
Merlin cradled Arthur in his arms.
"Goodbye Merlin. Thank you," Arthur's chest fell for the last time as he took his final breath.
"No," Merlin trembled as he laid his fingers on Arthur's eyelids.
The King of Camelot was dead.
