She waits until a few minutes after the last knight left the throne room before she slowly pushes the door open. With Uther sick and Morgana's betrayal, it is no wonder that Arthur has been feeling stressed and down. And this meeting wasn't making anything better.
The evening sun is pouring in through the large stained-glass windows, casting colourful patterns onto the wood floor of the room. A sliver of light falls on the throne where Arthur sits, his golden hair a halo, as he stares blankly into space. The throne isn't quite his yet, not as long as his father still breathes, yet he bears all the burdens of it.
It's only when she gets closer that he notices.
For a brief moment, as his eyes meets hers, she can see the exhaustion in them, but it disappears with a blink, replaced with a mix of pleasure and surprise. A slow smile spreads across his face and his body relaxes in the throne. She barely hears the soft greeting.
When she's a few steps away from the throne, he reaches out his arm, his palm open. She places her hand in it and lets him tug her to him. This time, she hears his husky hello and he slides his other hand into her hair. Her thighs bump into his and she places her hands on them to steady herself, the feel of his muscles under her hands causing heat to pool in her. Something in her face must have reflected that because Arthur is grinning now, a corresponding heat in his eyes. He lifts a finger and traces the edge of her neckline before slowly dragging his finger up her neck to her chin.
Her heart stumbles and stutters as he does this and her eyes close. She leans into him.
"Thank you."
"For?" Her eyes open and she stares into his blue ones.
"For being here. For loving me."
She smiles and closes her eyes again.
AN: Short ficlet written for a friend's birthday. Look at the fic's art for the inspiration. :)