The 1st time was on Arthur's birthday. Both were a tad tipsy as they staggered into Arthur's chambers late that night. Yes, it was a grand banquet of course – Arthur is, after all, the Crown Prince! And so it was that Merlin tried to undress the Prince as the Prince began to do a little dance while humming a silly tune. In all the excitement, they somehow got tangled up in the robes and ended up falling onto Arthur's big bed. Laughing hard, Merlin tried to wriggle out from under Arthur. Arthur however pinned Merlin down and hissed "...hmm...you smell like cinnamon...and I LOVE cinnamon!" With that, he dove in capturing Merlin's lips. The kiss was strong, filled with lust, so wanting and yet so chaste. Before long their clothes were ripped and scattered on the floor. As the hours passed, the two of them lay back. Both breathing hard, sweat glistening their naked bodies. Of course the next day brought about a massive hangover...

The 2nd time was after battling the dragon. Arthur confronted Merlin in private
"...I heard you talking to...to Balinor...he was your father...which would mean that..."
"Yes, Arthur...I'm a Dragon-Lord..."
"...and a sorcerer...god, why didn't you tell me before?"
"..and what would YOU have done? Reported me to your father...have me burnt at the stake?"
"..well...no...I...we could have just eloped..."
Needless to say, this led to the usual banter, which led to the usual name-calling / insults. Which eventually led to kissing. And more kissing. And Arthur holding Merlin against the wall while their tongues did the Twist. (Well, you get the picture!) If their 1st time was already a secret they swore to take to their graves...

The 3rd time – ah! Like two teenagers sneaking out on a date – Merlin told Gaius he was going to pick herbs. Arthur told his father he was going riding. Both met by the lake for a swim. The swim was nice. Cool water on a hot summer's day. After the swim, they sat on the faded blanket that was spread out on the ground. Merlin opened the picnic basket and handed Arthur some bread. Arthur politely refused saying "Let's have dessert instead!" (We all know what he meant!) Oh yes, Arthur liked cinnamon indeed...especially if it was sprinkled over Merlin!

4th? 5th? 6th? (What, you were counting?)