Don't Be Afraid
A/N: Thank you to the two who reviewed and any who faved or followed this.
Chapter 2 – Valiant
"Why am I doing this again?"
"Because I need to practice for the tournament."
"So why not use someone who actually knows how to fight? Are sure this isn't just an excuse to hit me?"
"Merlin…just block my hits."
"How?! I can barely even hold this stupid thing."
Arthur rolled his eyes and put his own sword in the ground before approaching the darker haired male. He stepped behind Merlin and put his arms around him, his hands closing over Merlin's smaller ones as he moved them into a proper grip. He smirked a bit when poor Merlin almost dropped the sword in shock.
"First of all…you need to hold it properly…it's a sword not a broom."
"Right…what…uh…what's next?"
Arthur hid his smirk against the skin of Merlin's neck as the other male stumbled over his words, his breath causing the flesh there to prickle as he lowered his voice a few octaves. He felt Merlin shudder against him and it only made his smirk, and his eyes, grow darker.
"You have to watch how your opponent moves his body so you know when to move your sword to block his."
"Body…right…I umm…I think I can…do that…Arthur?"
"Hmm?"
"I thought…you needed to…practice…tournament…"
"I think tormenting you is more fun though."
"Arthur…please…"
"Oh very well…my poor innocent little thing. Don't worry…I'll eventually have you writhing under me…begging for me…"
"Arthur!"
Merlin's face turned scarlet all the way to his ears and Arthur's dark laugh did nothing to help him. Morgana was watching from her window with Gwen, both looking concerned at Arthur's interest in the other male.
"I've never seen him like this with anyone before Gwen…it worries me. He usually beds someone and then tosses them away…but this? He's determined to keep the poor boy close to him…making him a personal assistant even? It makes me worry about what he wants from him."
"I know, My Lady…but what can we do?"
"Become the boy's friends, make sure he knows he can trust us…and if Arthur ever hurts him we'll be in a position to help him."
"Of course, My Lady…what would you like to wear for the start of the tournament?"
"Hmm…I'm thinking blue might be a good color."
"An excellent choice, My Lady."
Once Morgana was dressed and ready she and Gwen went to the throne room where they stood with Uther as he greeted each of the knights set to compete in the tournament. One in a horribly clashing outfit of yellow and green boldly flirted with Morgana who returned the favor while Merlin made a subtle gagging motion for Arthur to see. Arthur and another knight, Merlin recognized him as Sir Ewan, had to stifle their snickering behind their hands as they approached the king. Merlin, so wrapped up in watching Arthur and the knights, missed the looks the two women were throwing his way but Arthur most certainly noticed…and he did not like it one bit. After the greeting was over Arthur pulled Morgana and Gwen aside and spoke to them in a low dark tone that made them both shiver in fright.
"If either of you tries to turn Merlin against me I will gut the pair of you do you understand me? Merlin is MINE! I will not allow anyone to take him away from me."
"Since when have you ever cared about anyone but yourself Arthur?"
"Since now…he's mine…something about him draws me in…and I'm not letting him go. If you try to take him from me, or turn him against me, or make him fear me…I will enjoy the sound of your screams as I tear you apart. Am I understood ladies?"
"Yes, Sire."
"Of course, Arthur."
He left the two shaken women behind and caught up to Merlin as he headed down to Gaius. Merlin startled as a hand grabbed his arm and pulled him to a halt, relaxing only when he realized it was Arthur.
"You scared me…"
"Apologies…that was not my intention. I tried calling your name."
"Sorry…I was thinking."
"I could see that Merlin…about what?"
"Knight Valiant…"
"Why?"
"Merlin didn't miss the sudden darkening of Arthur's tone and eyes, or the way his grip on Merlin's arm tightened.
"There's something…off about him. I can't figure it out but something isn't right."
His words made Arthur relax and loosen his grip until he was stroking Merlin's arm in a sort of apology.
"Stay on it then…I've no intentions of dying in this tournament."
"I will Arthur. I'll figure it out somehow."
"Just don't get hurt alright?"
"You do realize you're talking to the guy who regularly trips on his own feet?"
"Yes I'm aware…just be careful."
"I'm always careful."
Merlin missed the look Arthur gave him at that as he jogged off to go clean Arthur's armor and figure out how to put it all on. Arthur's low purr also went unnoticed by all save Morgana who lingered nearby, observing the pair.
"No…Merlin…you are not careful at all…"
Merlin ran into Gwen in one of the hallways and they both hit the ground, and then kept apologizing to each other until they burst into laughter.
"I'm Guinevere, but most people just call me Gwen."
"I'm Merlin."
"Oh I know…everyone in the city knows who you are now."
"Right…the whole…saving the prince thing…"
"Yes that. I have to get back to my Lady Morgana, but it was nice to meet you Merlin."
"You too, Gwen. I'll see you around yeah?"
"Of course."
Merlin managed, barely, to get Arthur into his armor. Arthur helped where he could and gave Merlin some instructions on what to put where. The cloak was tied on last and Merlin had to get awfully close to Arthur's face to do that…and Arthur took full advantage of the fact.
"Merlin?"
"Y…yes?"
"Kiss me…for luck."
Merlin leaned in and gave Arthur the fastest, lightest kiss possible and the blonde huffed out a soft laugh.
"That's not a kiss Merlin."
"Yes it is."
"No Merlin…this is a kiss."
Arthur wrapped one gloved hand around the back of Merlin's neck, smirk widening as Merlin's eyes flashed gold for a brief moment at the feel of leather on his sensitive skin, and pulled him forward into a deep kiss that left both men slightly breathless. Well, Arthur was only slightly breathless…Merlin, on the other hand, was reeling and had to grab onto Arthur's shoulders to steady himself. When Arthur's gloved fingers started to stroke the back of his neck Merlin felt his legs buckle, only remaining upright due to Arthur's arm wrapped around his waist.
"Easy Merlin…I've got you. You really like that feeling don't you my little sorcerer?"
"Warlock…actually."
"What's the difference?"
"A sorcerer has to learn how to use magic…a Warlock is born with it."
"Alright…My little Warlock then."
"Since when am I yours?"
"Since you stood up to me and refused to back down."
"What if I don't want to be yours?"
Arthur growled low in his throat and delighted in the shudder that ran through Merlin at the sound. He noted the glint in Merlin's eyes and realized the smaller male was trying to tease him so he calmed down and nuzzled into his neck.
"I will not allow you to walk away from me Merlin…I am very possessive of what I claim as mine…and you ARE mine now Merlin."
Merlin stared at Arthur's face with wide-eyed dazed look and Arthur ran a finger down the side of his face, lowering his voice to that low purr that seemed to make Merlin give in to him.
"Merlin…say it…tell me you're mine Merlin."
"I…I'm yours…Arthur…"
"Much better. Now…come on…I've got a tournament to win."
Arthur's attitude changed from darkly seductive, to excited little kid in the time it took Merlin to blink and he had to shake his head to clear it. He followed Arthur to the tournament grounds and cheered loudly as he won his first fight in mere minutes. When they got back to Arthur's tent Merlin began taking off the larger pieces of armor as Valiant came over to congratulate Arthur who only gave a curt nod in return.
"Who is your…servant here?"
"I'm Merlin…"
"He's my personal assistant…not my servant."
"I see…such a high position for one of such clearly low birth."
"Watch yourself…Knight Valiant. My reputation is well-earned and you would do well to remember that."
"Of course, Sire. I meant no disrespect. I hope to see you both at the feast."
Arthur gave a low growl that only Merlin heard while the darker-haired male muttered under his breath and earned a little laugh from Arthur.
"Creep."
"I take it you're not interested in the dashing Knight Valiant then?"
"Ugh…not my type Arthur…he's the wrong kind of dark arrogance."
"What about me…Merlin? Am I your type?"
"…Yes…"
Merlin's voice had turned to a breathy whisper as Arthur crowded him into the tent and loomed over him, surrounding him until Arthur was all he could see or smell.
"Good to know…My little Warlock."
He eventually let Merlin leave so he could polish his armor and prepare for the next day. Merlin noticed that Gwen was standing with the blacksmith and walked over to them, weighed down by a half ton of armor which made Gwen giggle a bit.
"Oh yes Gwen…very funny…laugh at the poor skinny guy carrying armor that weighs more than he does."
Merlin's adorable little pout made her melt and she helped him unload the armor. Her father watched on in wry amusement.
"Merlin, this is my father, Tom. Father, this is Merlin."
"Ah yes…the boy you haven't stopped talking about since you saw him yesterday. Nice to meet you young man."
"You too Sir. Haven't stopped talking about me huh?"
"It's not like that…I just…"
"It's fine Gwen…really. I was wondering…could you help me?"
"With what?"
"I need to learn how to put all of this stuff onto Arthur without messing it up."
"Of course I'll help you Merlin."
"I'll be down at the forge if you need me. Stay safe my darling girl."
Merlin watched with a sad look as Gwen and her father shared a tender moment, a look Gwen noticed but decided not to ask about. She quickly set about putting the armor on Merlin; explaining what each piece was called, what is was used for, and why it went on in a certain order. Merlin was amazed and said as much.
"How do you know all this?"
"I'm the blacksmith's daughter. I know more about armor than most men…which is kind of sad really."
"No. It's brilliant. Thank you for this."
Gwen giggled softly and lifted the helmet up, teasing Merlin a bit and laughing at his sarcastic little comeback.
"I assume you know what to do with this?"
"That was the one part I had figured out, yes."
The two shared a laugh before Merlin picked up all the armor and took it to his room to polish it. He realized he'd forgotten to get Arthur's sword and ran down to the armory. As he picked up Arthur's sword he heard an odd hissing sound and whirled around.
"Who's there? Show yourself."
There was no one else in the armory but that hissing sound came again and Merlin looked at Valiant's shield, painted with three entwined green snakes. He knelt in front of the shield and gasped softly when one of the snakes blinked at him. A sword against his neck made him freeze in fear, slowly standing to face Valiant.
"What are you doing boy?"
"I was just retrieving Arthur's sword."
"He allows you to speak of him so casually?"
"He's never complained so I assume he doesn't mind."
"Do you warm his bed at night boy? Is that why he's so fond of you?"
"What? No…it's nothing like that."
"Maybe not for you…not yet…but he wants it. The way he stares at you…like a wolf staring down an unsuspecting little rabbit. You don't even realize it do you boy? You're being hunted…and a man like Arthur…men like us enjoy the chase…"
"You are nothing compared to Arthur."
Valiant's eyes flashed in anger and he backhanded Merlin hard enough to make him fall to the ground. Merlin looked up in sudden fear as Valiant lifted him from the ground by his shirt and pinned him against a wall, hissing in his face much like the snakes painted on his shield.
"Do you not know how easily I could break you boy? I could have you whimpering at my feet in mere minutes, begging me to have mercy on you."
Merlin looked down at his feet so that Valiant wouldn't be able to see his eyes flash gold, making a rock move outside the armory and startling Valiant into letting him go. Merlin grabbed Arthur's sword and rounded on Valiant, holding it the way Arthur had showed him and surprising Valiant enough that he was able to back closer to the door.
"Do not ever touch me again…Knight Valiant. I may not be as vicious as Arthur…but I can certainly hold my own against the likes of you."
Merlin managed to back out of the door and then ran like the hounds of hell were on his heels. He paid no attention to where he was running and was mildly surprised when he ended up outside Arthur's door instead of his own room. He knocked hesitantly, hearing Arthur's annoyed tone on the other side of the door, and slowly pushed the door open. He kept his head turned slightly down and away from Arthur so he couldn't see the bruise that Merlin could already feel forming on the side of his face.
"Merlin! What a pleasant surprise. Why are you carrying my sword like that without its sheath? Merlin? Look at me when I'm talking to you Merlin."
Merlin just shook his head slightly and Arthur noticed his hands were shaking and his lower lip was trembling. He gently wrapped his fingers around the sword, pulling it from Merlin's death-grip and placing it safely on the table. He placed his hand on the side of Merlin's face and narrowed his eyes when the smaller male flinched back from the touch. He moved his hand to the back of Merlin's neck and forced the other male to look at him, though it took some effort as Merlin seemed very reluctant to turn his head. When Arthur spotted the rapidly darkening bruise a low angry growl tore from his throat and his eyes darkened in a way that would have terrified almost everyone else that saw him then…but Merlin relaxed slightly, leaning into Arthur as the older male wrapped his arms around Merlin's still-shaking form.
"Merlin. Tell me the truth now. Who dared to lay a hand on you?"
"Valiant. He…I heard hissing…in the armory…I forgot your sword…went back for it…he caught me…I was looking at it…one of them blinked…he threatened me…"
"Merlin…slow down…take a deep breath for me…there you go…much better…calm down. Now, start from the beginning."
"I had gone to Gwen's house…she offered to teach me where all the armor goes…and after I got back to my room I realized I'd left your sword in the armory so I went back to get it. I heard hissing but no one was there…and it happened again so I took a closer look at Valiant's shield. One of the snakes blinked at me."
"You are certain of this?"
"Yes…I know magic when I see it Arthur. That shield is enchanted."
"I will be wary around him then…continue. What happened?"
"I umm…felt a sword against my neck and stood to face him. He was suspicious…of course he was…and he asked if I was…warming your bed…if that was why you liked me so much. I told him it isn't like that and he said…I can't…"
"Merlin…you can…and you will…tell me what he said."
"He said that you looked at me like a wolf does a rabbit…that you were…are…hunting me…and he said that men like you two enjoy the chase. I umm…I may have pissed him off a bit…"
"Oh? How did you do that Merlin?"
"I uh…I may have said that he was nothing compared to you."
The low contented purr that rumbled from Arthur's chest made every hair on Merlin's body stand up for a moment and his eyes went a bit unfocussed.
"Arthur…can you not do that when I'm trying to concentrate?"
"I'm sorry my little Warlock…does it distract you?"
"Yes it bloody well does!"
"Good…continue."
"Well…he…umm…"
"Merlin…tell me…now."
Merlin knew that tone well enough already to know he wouldn't be able to hedge around it much longer.
"He backhanded me…I fell…landed pretty hard…and then…he lifted me by my shirt and pinned me against the wall…he said…he said he could easily break me…and have me whimpering at his feet begging for mercy."
"So you ran?"
"No…I ducked my head so he couldn't see my eyes and made a rock move in the hallway…it startled him enough that he let me go so I grabbed your sword and pointed it at him so he wouldn't come after me again…I made it to the door and ran. I wasn't even aware of where I was going I just…ended up here…"
"With me. You ran to me when you were frightened. Do you really feel so safe with me Merlin?"
"I…yes…I do…"
Arthur pulled Merlin into his arms and buried his face in the smaller man's neck for a moment. He hummed softly in the back of his throat and ran his tongue up the side of Merlin's neck, laughing softly at the strangled little whine that came from Merlin.
"Merlin…my little Warlock…you are mine. No one else is ever going to have the pleasure of seeing you at their feet. I will not allow anyone else to have you or harm you. Valiant will pay for this I promise you that."
"I'm just a servant Arthur…your father won't punish a knight over this."
"Oh but he won't have a choice Merlin. You are the personal assistant to the Prince…that actually gives you a higher rank than the knights. You are second in rank only to me and Lady Morgana…and my father of course."
"Wait? Really? How did I not know that?"
"I forgot to tell you what your job entails…I apologize for that."
"So…what does it entail?"
"Aside from the high rank, it also affords you the right to go anywhere in the castle that I go and no one can question you. You are in charge of my armor, my schedule, and overseeing any other servants that work for me. They all answer to you and must do as you tell them."
"Oh…wow…I…why me?"
"I already told you Merlin…I want you by my side…protecting me and helping me. Having a higher rank allows you much more freedom to do that than being a simple manservant would have."
"Oh…I get it…I think."
"Come with me Merlin. We must go and speak to my father immediately. I will not allow Valiant to go unpunished for this."
Merlin attempted to protest but the dark look on Arthur's face had him holding his tongue and following quietly. He felt Arthur's hand on his back and relaxed slightly, knowing instinctively that Arthur would protect him. They entered the council chamber and Uther took one look at his son's face and bit back the sudden urge to sigh. He knew that look and nothing good ever came of it.
"Father."
"Arthur? What is going on?"
"Do you see this bruise on Merlin's face?"
"It is rather difficult to miss Arthur. Did he displease you somehow?"
"No! I did not do this to him. I would never harm him. Knight Valiant assaulted him in the armory when Merlin told him he can't compare to me. Is that a good reason to strike someone of a higher rank father?"
"No, Arthur…it is not. Guards…bring me Knight Valiant."
As the guards went to retrieve the knight Uther turned to Merlin with an assessing look, not liking what he saw.
"Your posture is stiff boy…why?"
"Valiant knocked him to the ground with a backhand father."
"Is this true?"
"Yes My Lord."
"There is more to it…isn't there?"
"Yes…he also threw me against the wall and threatened to break me."
"That must have been very frightening for you being untrained in fighting as you are."
"Yes My Lord."
"When did this happen?"
"Umm…maybe an hour ago…My Lord."
"So…the first place you went was to my son?"
"I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going My Lord…I just ran."
"So instinct led you to my son's room rather than your own. You place such trust in him already…yet you've only known him a few days."
"He has earned my trust My Lord."
"My Lord? What is the meaning of this? Why am I being dragged in here like a common criminal?"
"You are accused of striking someone who outranks you, Knight Valiant."
"Who might that be My Lord?"
"That would be me."
Valiant turned to look at Merlin with a cold anger that made Merlin step back into Arthur's chest as the blonde glared over Merlin's shoulder at Valiant, practically daring the man to make one wrong move.
"He is but a serving boy My Lord, I stuck him when I found him skulking about the armory."
"You did not know he was my son's personal assistant?"
"Of course not My Lord."
"Liar."
Arthur growled the word and Uther turned to see his son's face darkening in a way that usually ended with someone being skewered by a sword.
"I mentioned it this morning after you congratulated me on my win and asked who my servant was. I corrected you and informed you of his rank…you even made a comment about it being a high station for one of his birth. Do you dare to try and call me a liar…Knight Valiant?"
"Of course not Sire. I must have forgotten. I…apologize for striking you…Merlin."
"Not good enough. Father…I want this man punished for this."
"What would you have me do Arthur?"
"I want him flogged as anyone else would be for daring to strike him."
"Very well…I can see you will not be moved on this matter. Will you at least allow for it to be a private flogging rather than a public one?"
"No."
Arthur's tone held no hint of mercy and Merlin shivered against him, prompting the other man's arm to tighten around his waist. Uther noticed the interaction with interest as he'd never seen his son show such protectiveness towards anyone before, not even Morgana.
"Very well. Guards…take Knight Valiant down to the square and tie him to the flogging post. I will be down shortly."
The guards left, dragging Valiant with them, as Arthur gave his father a hard, cold look. Uther groaned softly as he guessed what was coming next.
"I will be the one to punish him as it was MY assistant that he harmed."
"Will that appease your anger then?"
"Yes."
"You may have your way then."
He had been hoping to be able to spare Valiant some pain but he should have known better. His son had never reacted well to anything he deemed as an insult…or an encroachment upon his territory…and in this case it was apparently both. Uther watched as Arthur led Merlin out of the room with one hand upon the smaller man's back, and Merlin simply allowed himself to be led about with no protest. Gaius and Uther shared a look that spoke volumes but both knew there was little they could do without angering the volatile prince. Arthur led Merlin down to the square where Valiant's shirt had been removed and his hands bound to a tall wooden post. Merlin caught Arthur's arm and gave him a pleading look.
"Is this really necessary Arthur?"
"Yes…Merlin…it is. He needs to be taught a lesson. He needs to learn that no one touches what is mine…and no one is allowed to hurt you."
One of Arthur's warm hands cupped the back of Merlin's neck and his dark look softened a bit as Merlin melted into his touch. One of the guards hesitantly came over to him with a bullwhip and held it out respectfully.
"Sire…Knight Valiant is ready."
Arthur's look darkened and Merlin sighed softly, somehow knowing that Valiant was not coming out of this without some very bad wounds. Arthur pulled on a pair of leather gloves to protect his hands as stepped up behind Valiant and uncurled the long whip before snapping it against the man's back. Valiant arched away from the sting but he bit his lip to keep from making any sounds. Arthur's eyes went so dark that none of their normal blue could be seen and, as he continued snapping the whip against the man's back, Merlin realized that Arthur wouldn't stop until Valiant was screaming. This was the first time he could see the cruel nature everyone kept telling him Arthur had…but Arthur had never even show a hint of it directed at Merlin. He wasn't sure what to think about this…on the one hand Arthur clearly had a vicious streak…a cruel side to him that was far beyond anything Merlin had encountered before…but on the other hand he was kind and gentle with Merlin…and he clearly cared about Merlin's safety. Arthur only stopped when Valiant had screamed his throat raw and actually begged him to stop. The blonde walked up to Valiant and dug his fingers into one of the open wounds on the man's back, earning a strangled scream as he leaned in to hiss at the man.
"If you ever so much as look at Merlin again with anything less than proper respect I will flay you alive. Do you understand me Knight Valiant?"
"Yes…Sire…"
"Good man. Guards…take him to the Physician's chambers. He can deal with the mess."
Arthur stalked over to where Merlin still stood frozen and wrapped a gloved hand around the back of his neck again, his fingers stroking the sensitive skin there until Merlin sighed softly and melted against him. Arthur kept his tone low and soothing, realizing that witnessing what he did to Valiant had spooked Merlin more than a bit and he had to tread carefully.
"Merlin…it's alright now. He'll live, but he will never lay a hand on you again. I promise you that. Come with me Merlin."
Arthur stepped back just slightly and held a hand out to Merlin who placed one of his own within it and allowed Arthur to lead him back to Arthur's rooms. Once they were there Arthur pulled Merlin into his chest and held him there for a long while. Merlin seemed to just sag against him, allowing Arthur's strength to hold him up as the man's heartbeat soothed his concern.
"Are you alright Merlin?"
"I'm fine…just…startled is all…I suppose. I mean…people had told me you could be…a bit vicious…but I'd never seen it…you're always so gentle with me."
"I always will be Merlin. I promise you that."
"Unless I don't want you to be?"
"Oh?"
"I mean…in the future…maybe…"
"I know what you meant Merlin…and I promise you I will never be anything less than gentle with you unless you ask for it."
"I believe you Arthur…I…I trust you."
Arthur's pleased little purr had Merlin's eyes going wide as he backed away form him slowly.
"Arthur…?"
"I'm not going to hurt you Merlin…I just want a little taste…"
Merlin gave him such a confused look that Arthur couldn't help but drag the darker haired male to him by the back of his neck and into a deep kiss, his tongue dominating Merlin's mouth. Merlin's hands curled into Arthur's shirt as a little whimper escaped his throat and made Arthur growl in response, his gloved fingers stroking Merlin's neck until the poor thing just melted. When Arthur lifted Merlin into his arms and set him on the bed Merlin's eyes bugged out of his head and he bolted for the door. Arthur let him go without pursuit and Merlin went back to his own room. Gaius looked at him with a raised eyebrow; the infamous eyebrow of doom as other's in the castle called it, and asked him what had happened."
"Nothing…everything is fine Gaius. I'm just going to bed early…it's been a long day for me."
He failed to even notice Valiant in a darkened corner of the room glaring at him, his back covered in bloody bandages. Valiant silently swore in his head that he would make Arthur pay for humiliating him…and he would do so by breaking his precious little toy. Merlin fell into a fitful sleep that night, his mind plagued by visions of him and Arthur…of Arthur pinning him to the bed again, Arthur pinning him against a wall, Arthur licking him, Arthur looming over him with that dark look. Then his dreams turned much darker and morphed into Knight Valiant looming over him with that sick twisted grin as he hurt Merlin, tortured him until he screamed. He awoke the next morning with a strangled sound and fell out of his bed, legs tangled in his sheets. Gaius looked in at the sound and his eyes shone with concern at the state Merlin was in. He looked as though he'd run for miles and never left the bed.
"Are you alright my dear boy?"
"Gaius…I…nightmare…Valiant…"
Gaius sat on the bed as Merlin managed to get off the floor and pulled the young man into his arms, smoothing his hair and whispering softly to him. He could tell it wasn't really helping though so he reluctantly did the only thing he could think of that might work…he sent him to Arthur.
"Merlin…go see Arthur. I'm sure he'll need you today for the next round of fighting."
"Right…Arthur…thank you Gaius."
Merlin dressed in a daze, looking for all the world like the risen dead as he made his way to Arthur's room. Arthur was already awake and staring at some papers on his desk when Merlin entered. He took one look at his assistant and knew something was wrong.
"Merlin…come here."
He kept his tone low and soft and was pleased when Merlin walked into the circle of his arms without hesitation. He pulled Merlin onto his lap and held him to his chest.
"What happened, Merlin? Did someone hurt you again?"
"No…I just…nightmare…horrible."
"What was it about? Tell me Merlin, you can trust me."
"I know…it was Valiant…he was…angry…looming over me…twisted sneer…he was torturing me…and I was screaming…it felt so real Arthur."
"Hush Merlin, I've got you now. No one can hurt you while you're with me…I won't allow it."
They remained like that for some time until Morgana came to get Arthur for lunch with their father and found them like that.
"Oh…Merlin! What happened Arthur? Did someone hurt him again?"
"No Morgana. He had a nightmare about Valiant."
"You too, huh Merlin?"
"You had a nightmare about him Lady Morgana?"
"I did…he was torturing you as you screamed…I woke up crying this morning from it."
"That's…that's what I saw too…it was so real."
Morgana and Arthur shared a look, Morgana's face surprisingly dark in her anger and concern. Arthur knew Morgana sometimes saw visions of things that hadn't yet happened. It was a secret they'd kept from his father and Morgana always told him about her dreams in case they became reality. The fact that Merlin had the same dream frightened her badly and she could see how angry Arthur was at the mere thought of Valiant harming Merlin. She thought that perhaps Merlin being with Arthur might just be a good thing after all.
"It'll be alright Merlin. Arthur won't allow that man to hurt you…and I'll do what I can to keep you safe as well."
"Thank you…both of you."
"Besides…if he ever lays a hand on you again I'm absolutely certain it'll be the last thing he ever does in this world."
"You're damn right it will."
Morgana smirked a bit at Arthur's dark promise, for once agreeing with his vicious streak. She liked Merlin because he was kind and helpful, and damn anyone that tried to hurt him.
"Arthur, father wants you and I to have lunch with him before your fight this afternoon."
Very well…Merlin is coming with me. I'm not leaving him alone."
"I agree. I'll smooth it over with your father."
"Thank you Morgana."
The trio made their way to Uther's private chambers and sat the small table. Uther looked curious as to why Merlin was there so Morgana quickly set about her manipulation, and Arthur had to admit she was a master at it.
"Why is he here? This is to be a family meal Arthur."
"It's my fault My Lord. I had a nightmare about Valiant hurting him so I wanted him to be where I can see him…Arthur agreed in order to ease my fears."
"I see. You care for him as well then Morgana?"
"He's very kind and sweet…he doesn't deserve to be hurt by anyone."
Uther just waved a hand in dismissal and allowed Merlin to stay. Arthur and Morgana sat him between them and Uther raised an eyebrow as both of them seemed to dote on the confused young man. Clearly he was unused to so much attention and it clearly made him nervous, but between Arthur's soothing and Morgana's manipulations he soon settled and ended up leaning against Arthur. Uther's eyebrows nearly hit his hairline when Merlin opened his mouth to say something and Arthur stuffed a piece of melon into it, earning him a pout form the smaller man until he ate the melon and it turned into a look of bliss. Arthur's eyes darkened a bit at the sight and Morgana had to hide a little laugh behind her hand. Eventually the meal had to end as it was nearing time for Arthur's fight. He and Merlin went to his tent and Merlin got him into his armor much more smoothly than before and Arthur nodded his approval.
"Very good Merlin…you're a quick study."
"I try to be."
"I'm sure that will come in handy later."
Merlin looked over to where a servant had to use a ladder to put on the helmet of Arthur's opponent.
"You have to fight that!?"
"Yes. He's strong as a bear…but he's slow."
"And you're fast…good."
Valiant was fighting Sir Ewan and the man collapsed under Valiant's shield, unmoving. Gaius ran out and had Ewan carried off the field and down to his chambers. Merlin frowned as something felt very wrong. Arthur noticed but Valiant passed them before he could say anything and then it was his turn.
"Good Luck Arthur."
"Stay safe Merlin."
Arthur's fight seemed to take forever but he eventually won, though not without a few bruises for his efforts. Merlin was immediately fussing over him as he left the field and Arthur seemed perfectly content to just let him have his way for the time being. Later Merlin was with Gaius and watching him tend to the injured knight.
"It's so odd Merlin."
"What is?"
"You see these marks? It looks like a snake bite."
"He was injured in a sword fight…how could be bitten by a snake?"
"I have no idea but the symptoms are consistent with poisoning; fever, slow pulse, slow breathing…"
"You can save him though can't you?"
"If it is a snake bite only the venom from the snake that bit him can save him…"
"He was fighting Knight Valiant…"
"What was that?"
"Nothing…be right back."
Merlin raced out of the room as Gaius tended to Ewan. He made his way to Valiant's chambers and found the man feeding the snakes on his shield. When he turned to leave he knocked into something and tripped. When he tried to run Valiant pinned him to the wall under his shield.
"There's no escaping me this time. I will tear you apart while you scream for mercy for what your precious Prince did to me."
"Let go of me!"
Merlin struggled and had nearly managed to wriggle free when Valiant hissed at his shield and the snakes came out, weaving in front of Merlin's face as he froze in fear.
"No…"
"Don't kill him…just keep him from running away from me…"
One of the snakes lunged and bit Merlin's throat. He could feel the venom burning through his veins and he whimpered as his limbs stopped responding to him and went limp. Valiant dragged him back into his room and threw him to the floor where he landed hard on his back. The man knelt down over Merlin's prone form and twirled a dagger in his fingers. Merlin couldn't move, he couldn't even shake his head, but he could still speak.
"Please…don't do this…he'll kill you…"
"He'll have to beat me first and with these little beauties here…he won't stand a chance against me."
"I won't let you…"
"You…you will be in no condition to do anything by the time I'm done with you."
Merlin's screams echoed off the walls and could be heard far down the hall, other knights took notice and a few were brave enough to follow the sound. As they neared Valiant's room one of the knights noticed the door open just slightly and he peered in to see Valiant atop the Prince's assistant. The man paled and immediately ran to get the Prince. He burst into the council chamber where Arthur and Morgana were sitting with the king.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
"My apologies, My Lord. Sire? Your assistant…Valiant…dagger…"
Arthur ran for the door as soon as the man mentioned Merlin and Valiant in the same sentence, Morgana right on his heels. Uther put his head in his hands and knew there would be no saving Valiant from Arthur's wrath if Merlin was hurt this time…and by the look on Morgana's face she wouldn't be much better. Arthur came storming around the corner and the men gathered in the hall scattered like sheep at the thundercloud in his eyes. He shoved the door open and Valiant stood there, Merlin held against his body as he held a dagger to the young man's throat.
"Not another step, my prince…unless you want to watch your little toy die at my hand."
"I he dies you will follow…slowly and painfully. Release him immediately."
"Not until you guarantee me safe passage out of Camelot."
"I can guarantee you will leave Camelot."
"Good…"
Valiant threw Merlin to the side and Arthur growled as he watched him crumple in an unmoving heap. Morgana rushed to his side and began fussing over him. Arthur, trusting her to watch over him, turned on Valiant with eyes so dark they were nearly black. Valiant stepped back and stammered in sudden fear.
"You promised I could leave safely…"
"No…I did not. I merely promised that you will leave Camelot…I never said how…but I'll tell you now…it will be in a sack."
Arthur twirled his sword and Valiant grabbed his shield to block it. He tried to pin Arthur under the shield but Merlin muttered under his breath and his eyes flashed gold, making Valiant trip up and land on his backside. Arthur was on him in an instant, pinning him to the ground with his sword in the man's gut. Valiant tried to call on his snakes but another flash of Merlin's eyes had them frozen in place, unable to respond or move. Arthur lopped their heads off with Valiant's sword and then plunged it into Valiant's throat, twisting the blade with vicious pleasure as the man gurgled and then fell silent. Arthur's attention turned to Merlin then and he lifted him into his arms.
"Snake…grab…head…antidote…"
Morgana grabbed a cloth and used it to pick up one of the severed heads while Arthur snarled at his knights to seal the room until the issue could be dealt with properly. He carried Merlin to Gaius' chambers and laid him gently on one of the tables. Gaius immediately noticed the bite and feared the worst.
"Not…fatal…Gaius…paralyzed…Morgana…snake…"
Gaius took the snake from Morgana and made enough antivenin for both Merlin and Sir Ewan. Merlin improved faster as he'd had a smaller dose and Arthur pulled him into a tight hug, breathing in the scent of his hair and refusing to let him go. Morgana placed a soft hand on Merlin's arm to ease her own fears. Gaius tended to Merlin's numerous cuts from Valiant's dagger while Arthur's face darkened with each one, wishing he'd made the man suffer more. Merlin noticed the look and placed a hand atop on of Arthur's.
"I'll be alright Arthur. You saved me…that's what matters."
"I told you…I will always protect you. Always."
"As I will always protect you My Prince."
Arthur's low growl alarmed Gaius and Morgana until Merlin gave Arthur a cheeky little smirk and they relaxed a bit, laughing slightly when Merlin teased Arthur.
"Oh you liked that did you? Turn about is fair play…My Prince."
"Say that one more time Merlin and I will take you right here on this table…and I won't care who sees."
Merlin paled slightly and ducked his head in submission while Morgana giggled, clearly enjoying herself. Arthur slowly calmed himself down as he stroked Merlin's hair and the back of his neck, and Morgana just stroked a hand up and down Merlin's back. This was the scene Uther walked into when he arrived.
"Was it necessary to kill him Arthur?"
"Look at the bandages Gaius had to put on Merlin and answer that question father. The man had his shield enchanted…those snakes came alive and tried to attack me. He used them to try and kill Sir Ewan when he was losing the fight…and then used them to paralyze Merlin so he could attack him. Look at what he did to him!"
"Arthur…please…calm down. I'm alright now…you saved me."
Arthur just pulled Merlin close again and Uther noticed the darkness dancing in Morgana's eyes and realized she would be no help here.
"Gaius?"
"Both men were bitten My Lord. I administered an antidote I created when Lady Morgana brought me one of the snake heads. Sir Ewan should awaken shortly."
A soft groan form the nearby cot proved Gaius' words to be true as Sir Ewan struggled to sit up. Gaius held him down with surprising strength for his age and the man started talking.
"I have to warn Prince Arthur…Valiant's cheating…his shield…the snakes…"
"I am already aware of it Sir Ewan, but I thank you for your loyalty."
"Sire."
"Knight Valiant is no longer anyone's concern. I killed him when he attacked my assistant."
"Is he alright? Your assistant that is…not Valiant."
"I am fine Sir Ewan…thank you."
"Glad to hear it."
"Rest now Sir Ewan. You need to recover your strength."
The man allowed himself to drift back to sleep and Uther heaved a sigh. He knew his son had done what he believed to be best, and if Valiant had truly tried to kill him then he deserved death. He left the room and returned to his chambers to hear the testimonies of the knights that had seen Valiant attacking Merlin. What he heard angered even him, and he was not known for being a nice man, just and fair yes, but not nice. It was one thing to fight against an attack but to torture someone while they were defenseless? Even he was not that cold. He didn't even think his son was that cold either despite his love of violence. That night Arthur refused to let Merlin out of his sight and had Merlin spend the night in his bed, curled into Arthur's chest as the older male's heartbeat lulled him to sleep…and for the first time in days it was a peaceful one.
A/N: I am thoroughly enjoying this story. Dark Arthur is so much fun to play with…and you can see little hints of Merlin starting to show a bit of darkness…just a bit. I've decided to make Morgana semi-dark in this one but still good to those she cares about or deems innocent. Uther is neutral, neither good nor bad. I'll be working on this one until I get it caught up to my other Merlin fic and then I can work on them both as I watch each episode lol.