Lust

A/N: See, told you it would be up by the end of the night. This chapter does imply a few things, but still. Since I believe that graphic scenes ruin stories, mine is free of them. Enjoy and don't forget to review!

It had always been there, since their very first meeting. A guest that had been uninvited but most certainly accepted with such bittersweet excitement and delicious fear. They tried ignoring it, throwing it aside brutally with a vicious snarl. It tore at their minds and at their hearts, blissfully destroying everything and tinting their cheeks scarlet. They whimpered and picked it up, apologising in mumbles, hiding it under their shadow. Yes, it was there. But to everyone else, they completely denied even hearing it arrive. It waited with such a mouth-watering patience for one of the boys to crack and simply take what they desired. It didn't have much expectation for the humans.

……………………………………………

Sighing, Arthur slumped forward in his chair. He was officially bored. And with the sun having only just set, it was going to be a long night. Seeking entertainment, the prince turned to the nearest person, hoping for company. That was his father. Uther just blanked his son, continuing to eat and mumbling agreements as Arthur commented on the music, food and even weather.

When it got to the point of near-pain, Arthur turned again to the next nearest person. Morgana glared and Arthur shifted back just a bit. How could a girl be so goddamn scary? Not that Arthur was afraid. Simply unsettled. Still, he wouldn't try talking to her again. Just to be safe.

Draining his cup subconsciously, Arthur let the ale sit in his mouth, searing his tongue with the fierce taste. He swallowed and it burnt his throat, leaving behind such a blinding sensation, it was pleasurable. Dropping the empty goblet with a thump, he jumped as a figure was by his side without another heartbeat.

Merlin's face was pale in the dancing firelight in the hall of celebration, framing his enchanting eyes. Hair falling in locks over his eyes, the innocence almost unbearable. Sometimes, when Merlin caught the prince off guard like this, Arthur just wanted to bite that innocence right out of him. A small smile played at Merlin's lips as Arthur stared at the manservant, watching Merlin refill the cup with a jug of ale he held.

The water ran from the jug to the cup and Arthur's eyes ran from the top to Merlin to the bottom. Such a thin, gangly frame. Did Merlin actually eat? God knows he looked like he didn't! He was so thin and small. So easily breakable. Arthur would have to be gentle… That was if he had any control left at all. To actually get Merlin would mean Arthur would have cracked under such luscious emotions. Such desires. The prince had a will of iron, and God help him, he wouldn't give in.

That didn't stop him from wanting Merlin.

Picking up the goblet, Merlin set his jug down and handed it to Arthur, that smile now full blown and forcing Arthur to keep his breathing under control. The prince reached out and took it. Then it happened. Just for a split second, their hands touched and their skin brushed and their breath caught in unison. Those glorious white electrical sparks split Arthur into pieces as they went through his body. Would it be inappropriate for Arthur to grab his manservant, pin him to the table and devour him?

The Look clouded his eyes, brimming over his features and pulling away that mask of marble to reveal a desperate man. It was a ravenous hunger that eradiated from Arthur. It was contagious too, and spreading like wildfire. Merlin was just so intoxicating. Arthur tried to ignore it, tried to control it, hell, he just tried to stop it from breaking that fragile iron will.

What was worse was that that the Look was mirrored in Merlin's eyes, literally begging.

"Anything else, Arthur?" The prince swallowed, head swimming and distant with thoughts he prayed weren't playing out over his features.

"No," Arthur replied, just barely. Merlin collected his jug and walked away, leaving Arthur in after-shock. The warlock sighed slightly. Arthur just swallowed again, resisting the urge to shiver. How the hell did Merlin do that? How could his goddamn manservant leave the prince in this state? Shifting in pants that were suddenly too tight, Arthur glanced down and murmured,

"Traitor".