He didn't care anymore about what this action meant or what people would think, he just needed it like he needed air in his lungs. He grabbed Merlin's hand and turned him around, away from everyone else so it was just them, only them. The servant opened his mouth to question him, but Arthur silenced him when he encircled his arms around him. "I thought you were dead…I thought I…killed you…"
Merlin smiled against his neck. "Like you could ever kill me, sire." Even though he knew Arthur would interpret that as a joke, he wrapped his arms around the prince as well, knowing this could possibly be the only hug he'd ever get from him. He wanted to savor it, because it meant the world to him.