A/N: I got inspired after seeing 'The Labyrinth of Gedref' (S01E11) - Arthur slays a unicorn while out hunting and Merlin isn't happy about it...

Merlin kept his eyes on the courtyard as the unicorn's body was brought in. His chest tightening at the sight of the magical creature's corpse, carelessly tossed onto the back of a cart like roadkill. Arthur had no idea what he'd done, nor the repercussions that killing a unicorn would bring upon himself and his kingdom. Murdering a magical creature wasn't just bad luck, it was a curse, and Merlin had no idea how to fix it. He could already feel the changes taking place, the hex settling over Camelot like a veil. It wouldn't be long before it made itself known to all.

He was so tired. Tired of being on edge, ready to defend Arthur at any given moment, but mostly, Merlin was tired of constantly picking up after Arthur's messes. There was something else as well. He couldn't put it into words exactly, but when the unicorn went down and he saw it was Arthur that had shot the killing arrow, Merlin's heart had broken a little. Fractured in a way that made it ache to look at the fair haired prince. He thought it might be because of a link between himself and the unicorn - like a magical tether. But perhaps it was because it was him that did it?

My universe.

"Merlin? Are you even listening to me?" Arthur sat at the table, his body twisted towards where Merlin stood by the window.

"What?" he replied absently, reluctantly turning away from the display in the courtyard.

Arthur narrowed his eyes. "You've had a face like a wounded bear, ever since we got back from the hunting trip. Don't tell me you're still upset about the unicorn."

Merlin didn't answer. He schooled his features into neutrality despite the turmoil inside him.

Arthur stood, his high back chair screeching loudly against the flagstone floor as he pushed it back. "Merlin, was is it?"

Merlin's hand traced the bedpost of Arthur's bed, but he still couldn't bring himself to meet the prince's eyes "I don't think you should have killed it."

"And why is that?"

"It wasn't doing any harm."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "We were hunting, Merlin. That's what we do."

Merlin didn't feel like talking about it anymore. He moved around the bed with purpose, about to clear away Arthur's dinner things, when a hand circled around his wrist.

"Merlin." Arthur's voice was low and gentle, so at odds with his firm grip. "I don't like it when you're upset with me."

Arthur's words brushed Merlin's neck, causing a deep blush to creep up, turning his ears a deep pink. "As I said, you shouldn't have killed it." He spat, shrugging out of Arthur's hold. "You have no idea what you've done…"

"What are you talking about?"

Merlin looked at him then, his blue eyes burning like the centre of a flame. "You've done something…" He spluttered. Arthur smirked, lifting an elegant eyebrow in amusement at the sorcerer's display of passion.

"Oh forget it" Merlin said, piling the plates together loudly.

"Merlin" Arthur moved around him, trapping him against the edge of the table. "I'm sorry" He reached around Merlin to rest a hand on the table behind him, caging him in further. "Please don't be angry with me."

Merlin's heart rioted in his chest at the nearness of the prince. His warm, cedar and steel scent beleaguered him. Setting fire to what was already pooling deep in his belly.

"Why are you doing this?" He breathed.

Arthur swallowed, the smooth column of his throat so close to Merlin he could taste it if he dared.

"I…" Arthur began. "I need you to forgive me."

Merlin's pulse sounded too loud in his ears, the constant yearning and disappointment of this whole situation almost too much to bare.

That what he truly wants can never be.

It felt like Arthur knew all this and yet he was still taunting him. Merlin needed to protect himself better if he was going to succeed in fulfilling his destiny. Harden his heart against its true desires. He cannot, could not fall in love.

Steeling himself, Merlin stood up straight beneath Arthur, letting his lips brush ever so lightly against his jaw as he nudged his arm out of the way. Tears pricked his eyes as he made himself say: "You can't always have what you want, my lord."