A/N shocked at the response I got for the first chapter! Really idn't think it was that good tbh. Anyway. This is the second. I think the last couple of paragraphs are the best as I wrote them yesterday and today :D Enjoy.
It was the warmth of something on his hand that he first felt. Next came the heaviness of the dark surrounding him. It took a lot of effort to finally open his eyes a little bit. Light was visible in the cracks. He managed to open them fully. When his eyes adjusted to the bright light after seeing darkness for so long, he lifted his very heavy head a little and turned it to his left side where something was resting on his hand. A small smile crept onto his face as he saw blonde hair covering his arm. Lifting his other arm, he placed his free hand onto the golden locks and stroked his fingers through them. There was a groan before the head started moving. Red eyes, that came from days of crying, met tired eyes. "Father?" Arthur asked not sure whether it was a dream.
"Arthur." Uther said voice hoarse and weak. Arthur beamed as Uther's smile grew larger. He threw his arms around his father not caring about anything. Instead of shouting at him about how its not appropriate for a Prince to act, he responded by wrapping his arms around his son. Neither can remember the last time they had hugged. "Drink." Uther croaked out as they pulled away. Arthur got the jug of water and a goblet. Once it was filled he lifted it to his fathers lips and helped him drink as Uther was still too weak. "Better?" Arthur asked once the contents was gone. Uther smiled in response. The Prince placed the goblet down on the bedside cabinet. "You need rest. I'll go alert Gaius you're awake as he'd like to check you over."
When Arthur left, Uther thought back over what had happened. He had been out on patrol with Arthur and a few knights. There had been an ambush and he had been shot by an arrow, a poisoned one. The last thing he saw had been Arthur's shocked face. He had been in and out of consciousness in his mind. He hadn't been able to open his eyes till now and still felt like death itself but he could hear. He could hear Gaius talking, people pottering about, Arthur shouting orders and…a sorcerer. A sorcerer had used magic on him, yesterday he believes. Uther was mortified! While he was vulnerable and weak, a filthy sorcerer had managed to get into his room and use magic on him. The voice sounded strangely familiar though.
There was a knocking on the door. He croaked out an enter. Arthur's servant walked in. He bowed to the King. "Sire. I passed Prince Arthur on the way to help you and he told me you were awake. I've brought you something to eat from the kitchen my Lord." Merlin explained. He was holding a tray of broth and bread. It would not be good for him to have anything like meat after just waking. The young warlock waited for an order to put it on the table or something but the King did nothing but stare at him with wide-eyes. Uther was shocked! The sorcerer was his sons servant! How dare he! He cast his eyes to look at the tray of food. It's probably poisoned! He couldn't kill me with magic so he'll use his position as servant to taint my food! Looking into the sorcerers eyes he saw confusion. Of course he wouldn't know I know about him so he expects me to order him to put the food down so I can eat my own death! Uther thought. "Guards!" he tried shouting but it was only a hoarse whisper. "Guards!" this time it was louder and to make sure he gets the attention he threw a goblet at the door. Merlin just watched all this speechless. Confusion was all over his face. The guards came running in. they both stopped before the King confused to why he would need them. After all there is only Prince Arthur's kind-hearted servant here. "Arrest him! He is a filthy sorcerer who used magic on me whilst unconscious and has probably tainted the food!" he ordered glaring daggers at Merlin. The young warlock had gone paler then usual. His grip on the food tray was so strong it turned his knuckles white. Fear was in his eyes. The guards looked at each other but had no choice to arrest him. They took the tray away from Merlin and grabbed one arm each both hoping that this is some stupid mistake the King has made and he'll let him go before Merlin reaches the stake.
Arthur was walking down the corridor when he saw Merlin being dragged away by two guards looking deathly pale. "Merlin?" he yelled. He ran up to his servant and stopped the guards. "What's going on?" the guards looked to each other looking uncomfortable. They might like Merlin but the Prince wouldn't be happy with them if he knew. "Answer me!" Arthur ordered them. One of them cleared their throat before answering. "Well, you see Sire. Your father has ordered us to arrest him."
"I can see that! The question is why?" Arthur was getting really annoyed by now.
"Sire, your father believes he is a sorcerer and accused him of using magic whilst he was unconscious." All through the inquiry, Merlin just stared ahead into an unknown world. Arthur reeled backwards in shock. No, no, no, no! This couldn't be happening! Once Arthur managed to get hold of his voice he croaked out an order not to hurt Merlin. He ran off to his father's chambers. If Merlin is killed, he'll never be able to forgive himself and neither will Gaius.
He burst into the King's chambers just as Uther was getting served some food. The King looked up and when he saw that it was Arthur he told the maid to leave them. Once she'd left, Uther turned to his son. "Arthur. I know you're happy that I'm recovering but you should knock and not barge in like a wild animal." Uther scolded as much as he can. He was still very weak. Arthur just shook his head. "No! it's not about that! Why have you arrested Merlin?" Uther's eyes narrowed at this.
"I'm sorry son. I know you seemed keen on the boy but he has tricked us all. He is a sorcerer and I remember him using magic on me. I might've been unconscious but not all of my senses switched off. I could still hear."
"I DON'T CARE! Merlin is the kindest soul you could ever find! Who gives a damn if he has magic? Oh, I know! Some paranoid King!" Arthur spat. Unfortunately he crossed the line.
"How dare you talk to me like that! If you knew this boy had magic then you should be punished as well. I can't kill you but I can have you flogged! My own son." Uther snarled.
"Do whatever to me. But do you want to know something? Merlin used his magic on you so you can be here today. If he hadn't then you would never have recovered. Think about that Sire." Arthur informed him, voice full of venom. He might regret what he's saying later on but at the moment, he doesn't care.
"Guards!" Uther shouted whilst keeping eye contact with Arthur. Two guards ran in. "Arrest him. He is to be flogged for betraying his King and speaking with disrespect." the guards eyes widened at this. Still, who are they to disobey their King.
Just as Arthur was being led out, Gaius reached the King's chambers. His eyebrows flew off his head at the sight. "Arthur." he gasped. "What the…" he trailed off not knowing how to express his questions. All Arthur could reply with was that he was protecting Merlin. He was then led to the dungeons. Gaius was left gaping at the spot the young Prince had just been. Protecting Merlin. The King knew what happened. Gaius walked into the King's chambers. Hopefully he could change his mind.
A/N DUN DUN DUUUN. what do you think? Guards love Merlin and Arthur and I love feedback *reviews* Chapter 3 will be up tomorrow. I wrote it all in an hour. Record. Didn't know where I was going but I've got it all planned out in my head ready to forget. hehe :P naah. I'm really into this story now so should be good. x