The Dragon of Camelot
A/N; I'm sorry for the long wait for this and if you read any of my other stories then for the wait on those too. I'm in the middle of my assignments and I've been working on this in my forced breaks when I'm fed up with sleeping. Hope you enjoy.
I'm aware that there are moments in this chapter where Harry is vague about what he knows but that's the idea so please don't complain. Where's the fun if he explains all his secrets to everybody he meets?
Chapter 3; Poisons
Camelot Farmland
"Go, Feosol!" Jeremy yelled sending Harry's wolf scampering away after the stick that Jeremy had just thrown for him. Feosol vanished through the cornstalks and Harry didn't doubt that he'd lost the stick long ago and was now finding a replacement.
"Daft mutt." Arthur told him with a chuckle.
"It's my mutt and if you call him daft again I'll put something nasty in your bath water." Harry grumbled at him. Arthur put on a faked shocked look. "You know I would. And poor Merlin will be inundated with your whining for several days."
"Inundated?" Merlin whispered to Jeremy.
"Don't look at me." Jeremy whispered back and glanced over his shoulder at where Arthur and Harry walked behind them side by side. Arthur paused and glanced up at the sun and Harry sighed knowing that they had to be back at the castle by noon.
"You'd never hear the end of his whining, Merlin." Harry explained for the village-raised boy. He whistled through his teeth and a few seconds later Feosol burst out of the cornstalks and skidded to a stop in front of Harry, his tail wagging.
"I think you need to let him out more." Merlin commented.
Harry rubbed his knuckles in the fur on top of Feosol's head and got a playful growl in return. "He gets enough exercise." Harry told him.
"Ever considered just tying him to a stake in the courtyard and letting him run around in circles?" Arthur asked in amusement.
"Maybe we should do that with you." Merlin muttered under his breath and clearly hadn't meant to say it out loud if the look on his face meant anything. Jeremy covered his amusement as Arthur looked at Merlin murderously. Harry managed not to laugh for a couple of seconds before bursting into laughter. When he finally managed to straighten up Arthur and Jeremy were giving him strained looks but Merlin was smiling slightly. Arthur turned with a huff to head back towards the castle and Harry gave Merlin a smile in return when his brother wasn't watching them. A small red tint spread up Merlin's cheeks which pleased Harry. He enjoyed getting the little rises out of Merlin whenever he could and it made up for the lack of time they could be alone. And even on those few occasions they hadn't had privacy enough to even find out whether they were happy to kiss each other.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
That afternoon
Harry let the guards open the doors for him and walked into his father's audience hall with Feosol at his heels. He'd just been giving his faithful companion a brush down in his rooms when one of the page boys had appeared to request Harry's presence with his father. Every week on this day his father allowed any of the higher classes to come and speak to him, most of the time to listen to their petitions for one reason or another. His father liked Harry to be present as well even though it was Arthur he was trying to raise to be his successor. Harry had no delusions that he wouldn't be the one guiding Arthur when he came to rule. His brother was a good man but his ability to deal with subtle situations like politics was rather lacking.
His father was there as well as a dozen of his nobles and Harry quickly slipped through the chatting crowds to where Morgana and Arthur were exchanging a few words. Harry greeted Morgana and quickly smiled at Arthur just as his father took his seat. Harry led Morgana to her own seat before sitting between her and his father. One of only a few occasions when Harry sat in a position above Morgana.
A man moved into the centre of the room and kneeled before the King and greeted him properly. Harry knew him, he was a lord out near the coastal areas. One of his sons was a Knight at the castle and another was currently under training under himself to be an archer. One of only a few of Harry's men with a noble birth. Anyone of nobility normally tried to be a Knight. His son though was injured during childhood and couldn't move about fast enough to be a Knight but he'd come to Harry last year asking to become an archer and Harry had tested him to see what his potential was before speaking up for him in the King's Court. The boy's father hadn't been happy that his son would become a 'mere scout' because it wasn't seen as being as worthy as being a Knight but he'd kept his tongue under Harry's withering glare.
Harry was pulled away from his musing when somebody hit the ground. Feosol rose up and Harry automatically put a hand on him as he rose to his feet along with his father and older brother. One of the noblemen had collapsed in the middle of the audience hall. "Guards!" His father shouted and the two Knights that hung behind their chairs rushed forwards as well as the soldiers at the door. One of the Knights checked the man even as Harry put a hand on Morgana's arm to stop her from rushing forward to help.
"You shouldn't take the risk." Harry warned her. She turned to glare at him but Harry wasn't going to start a stare down with her. "Be angry at me later."
"Sire, he's alive." The Knight announced.
"Summon Gaius." His father ordered before waving a hand at the other noblemen to ask them to leave. A few stayed and a woman made her way to her husband's side on the ground. Harry pulled Morgana off to one side and Arthur quickly joined them.
"Feo, go sniff around." Harry requested and Feosol yipped gently before bouncing away with his tail held high as he sniffed around. He'd see if there was anyone hiding around. Harry turned to Morgana. "We don't know why he collapsed so you shouldn't just go running to check him when it could affect you too, Morgana."
"Don't lecture me, Harry." Morgana frowned.
"He's right, Morgana." Arthur jumped to Harry's rescue getting a full out glare from Morgana. "Besides, if Harry hadn't of stopped you then father would have had a Knight restrain you. It could be a sickness."
"Or someone might have poisoned him." Harry shrugged. "That definitely doesn't look natural." The other two turned to look at the man, now lying on his back, unconscious. Morgana stumbled backwards in shock and Harry steadied her. The man's face was unnaturally white and his veins were a dark blue colour.
It hadn't been more than two minutes when the doors were opened and Gaius and Merlin rushed inside. Feosol jumped forwards to see Merlin, who he'd definitely taken a liking to, but Harry whistled sharply and Feosol slunk back to him meekly. "Sire?" Gaius asked although he was already moving over to the nobleman on the ground.
"What do you think, Gaius?" Uther asked after a moment where Gaius checked the man over while Merlin hung back. Harry had already seen the recognition in Merlin's eyes. He'd recognised the illness.
"Sire, I'll have to run tests." Gaius told him. "I have seen this before, just this afternoon."
"Why didn't you report it?" Uther frowned.
"I was just examining the body, Sire." Gaius explained, unperturbed by the King's irritation.
"Do you have any idea what did this?" Uther demanded.
"Not as of yet, Sire." Gaius shook his head.
"I'll take some men and start retracing his steps." Harry moved up to his father's side. "See if I can find something that might have caused this." There was no reason to say out loud how likely it was that this was connected to magic.
His father gave him a concerned look but nodded all the same. Harry walked passed Gaius and Merlin with a small smile at both and was soon out of the room. He headed to the barracks where his own men slept and gathered four of his men as well as three Knights and was soon heading down into town. He knew that most of the nobles that visited the King stayed in the nicer inn within the town before coming up to get an audience so he checked there first. The man had slept there that night in the upper town but had spent the day before in the lower town. Harry questioned a few merchants for a while but didn't find anything that could lead to a poisoning.
He was on his way back when a woman ran up to them and haphazardly tried to be polite. "My Lord, please help me! My husband."
"Lead the way." Harry ordered and he and his men ran after the woman and down a side street and into a house. His scouts automatically searched the house for dangers but Harry followed the woman to the bed where her husband was laying. Harry checked him over but didn't find a pulse. "How long has he been sick?"
"He fell ill just last night, my Lord." She sobbed. Harry stood up knowing better than to try to comfort her. His job was to be the untouchable Prince that always had the answers even if he didn't tell anyone else them.
Harry left the house and his men followed. He turned to his men. "Take the body up to the castle but leave it in the courtyard. Start searching the city for more bodies. I'll send down more men." He looked to the Knights. "Keep the calm."
"My Lord." They nodded. One of the scouts stayed with him knowing better than to leave him alone when something was up in the city.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
The next evening
Harry jumped as his door slammed open and bounced off of the wall. Feosol growled angrily as he jerked awake and went on the defensive but then recognised Merlin as he rushed into the room. Harry slumped back into his chair and stretched before standing. "Hello, Merlin."
"Oh..." Merlin looked guilty for a second. "Sorry."
"You okay?" Harry asked. Merlin slumped and hung his head. Harry stood up and crossed the room and shut the door and turned the key before moving back to Merlin. "I'm sorry to hear about Gwen's father."
"You heard?" Merlin seemed shocked.
"Morgana told me." Harry shrugged. Merlin shook slightly and Harry waited but knew that Merlin wouldn't cross that line on his own. Harry closed the gap and circled Merlin's taller form with his arms and put his head on Merlin's shoulder. Merlin relaxed and hugged him back. "It's alright, Merlin."
Merlin hugged him tighter and Harry pulled back and reached up to hold the sides of Merlin's neck. "I really like you, Merlin."
"I know." Merlin nodded.
"Just try to forget who I am." Harry tried.
Merlin laughed suddenly and Harry frowned. "That doesn't bother me."
"Well you do call my brother a jerk enough times." Harry laughed back.
"I haven't called him that in ages." Merlin complained. Harry leaned back until he was leaning on the edge of the table and Merlin moved between his legs and put his hands on his sides. "It's just I'm not used to being allowed to be like this."
"Like what?" Harry asked.
"Open about this." Merlin winced.
"You're hiding something else." Harry frowned, seeing it in his eyes. "It's not just about liking guys." Merlin made to pull away from him but Harry grabbed his hips. "If you don't want to tell me that's fine. If there's reason enough to hide that part of you then it's a good one. Just don't tell me I'm imagining things."
"I..." Merlin tried to deny it and Harry sighed and hung his head, fearing Merlin was about to deny it. "No, you're right."
"You're hiding something?" Harry asked.
"Who isn't?" Merlin countered.
"Just be careful." Harry suggested before pulling Merlin closer, determined to make them both forget what was going on.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
The next day
Harry sat back in his chair as his father talked to the Knights in command of his military. With the city weakened under this plague he was checking that their military were capable of repelling any strike made by one of their enemies while they were weakened. There had been false hope that morning when Gwen had discovered that her father was perfectly healthy again but then Arthur had discovered an enchanted poultice in his bed that had healed him. Gwen had been blamed and locked away and Harry had spent much of the morning comforting Morgana and listening to her try to convince an already convinced Harry that Gwen didn't know any magic.
In Harry's opinion it didn't really matter whether Gwen had used magic or not because he couldn't see how the two actions were linked. Gwen had supposedly used magic to heal her dying father, that was an act of kindness and love whilst the plague was magic of a darker nature.
Harry was distracted when the doors slammed open and the guards caught Merlin as he rushed inside. "I did it!" Merlin called to the King. "It was me!"
"What was you?" Uther frowned.
"Gwen didn't do it." Merlin continued. "It was me. I used magic to save her father."
Harry frowned at him before looking at Gaius as he shot to his feet in concern. There was real concern there. "Guards!" Uther ordered and the two soldiers grabbed onto Merlin tighter.
"Father!" Arthur complained. "You can't be serious? Him? He's barely a passable servant. There's no way he's responsible for this."
"You heard him, Arthur." Uther pointed out. "He confessed."
Arthur moved around the table. "Well clearly he's in love with her!" Arthur laughed and ruffled Merlin's hair.
Uther chuckled and that surprised Harry. Was he really believing this? "Maybe she has you under her spell?" He teased and the others at the table laughed. Gaius looked relieved all of a sudden and Harry caught his eyes and frowned at him. "Let him go. Stop wasting my time." He told Merlin and turned back to his meeting. Gaius grabbed Merlin's arm and pulled him from the room.
"If I may be excused." Harry spoke but didn't wait for an answer before standing up and following them out of the room. He paused as the doors shut and saw Gaius pulling Merlin away telling him off quietly. Feosol brushed up against his leg and barked gently which made the two look around and see him. Harry narrowed his eyes before spinning on his heels and leaving the corridor in the general direction of his own rooms.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Two days later
Harry sat on his windowsill as Jeremy fussed about straightening up the bed and then complaining to Feosol as he leapt up onto the nicely made bed and made a mess of it. Things had calmed down since the plague had disappeared. Gaius had found out that it was something magical in the water supply that had caused the damage and Arthur had killed the beast carrying the disease with Morgana and Merlin to help him. All of the sick had now recovered but the death toll sat at almost thirty people. Obviously though it could have been far worse.
"Feosol, I won't tell you again!" Jeremy tried but with Harry making no effort to help Feosol was milking Jeremy's kind nature.
"Jeremy?" Harry asked just as his friend was about to start trying to haul Feosol off the bed physically. "Why did Merlin try to take the blame?"
"I was waiting for this." Jeremy sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. Feosol jumped up, spun around and put his head in Jeremy's lap. Jeremy laughed but stroked him gently. "People are saying that it's because he is in love with Gwen."
"Do you think he is?" Harry whispered.
"No. I think it's you he likes." Jeremy assured him.
"And you're not just saying that?" Harry asked.
"If for a moment I thought he wasn't serious about you I wouldn't let him anywhere near you." Jeremy stood up and crossed the room much to Feosol's displeasure. He sat next to Harry and wrapped and arm around his shoulders letting Harry lean on him.
"Then why did he do it?" Harry asked. "He could have been executed in her place!"
"I've know Gwen for as long as I've known you, Harry." Jeremy told him. "My lips are sealed and I'd only ever say this to you because I know you wouldn't judge Merlin because of it and because I know you're already as suspicious as me. Merlin would only do that if he was the real guilty one. He doesn't love Gwen enough to sacrifice himself like that so maybe he really did cure her father. He cares about her enough to do that."
"So you think he used magic?" Harry asked quietly.
"I think it's possible." Jeremy told him.
"What if he's after me, Jer?" Harry asked weakly, shaking without being able to stop himself.
"Merlin is not after you." Jeremy sounded horrified. "He's not like that other Wizard. He's not going to hurt you." Harry let Jeremy comfort him but if Merlin really was magical then that honestly scared Harry.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Two weeks later
Harry let Jeremy fuss over him for a moment. "It'll be okay you know, Jer." Harry told him quietly.
"I know that!" Jeremy complained but he was clearly nervous for Harry.
"It's not exactly like my life depends on this you know." Harry pointed out.
"Well Merlin is just as nervous as I am!" Jeremy complained.
"Arthur might beat me but he's hardly going to hurt me." Harry tried to reassure his friend as Jeremy handed him his sword.
"And what if you don't pass the test?" Jeremy whispered to him. "People will talk..."
"I don't care what people say." Harry told him. "Besides I can fight Arthur off for a minute easily."
"That's the problem." Jeremy sighed. "People are already saying that Arthur will go easy on you."
"That ridiculous!" Harry complained. "Arthur would never let me win that way. It's against everything he stands for!"
"If he shows even a moment's hesitation fighting you..." Jeremy started. Harry touched him on the shoulder to stop him.
"It'll be fine." Harry promised his best friend. He moved into the middle of the arena and Arthur walked in from the other side. They touched swords with a smile at one another and Harry spoke quietly. "Don't you dare take it easy on me."
"One minute." Arthur reminded everyone. "If he's still fighting in one minute he passes the test."
Harry moved back and glanced up at the castle wall. Both his father and Morgana were up on the wall watching. This whole thing had been his father's idea. Make Harry prove himself a Knight. Honestly it was just clear his father didn't think highly enough of him. He couldn't have one of his sons as just a Scout. Harry had refused to talk to him since his decision and neither had Arthur.
Arthur nodded to Merlin who turned the egg timer. Harry slipped into a defensive stance but it was his job just to stay fighting for sixty seconds. It was Arthur's job to get him out of the fight and he knew Arthur would try. Arthur engaged him quickly, not wanting to seem like he wasn't trying but his first strike was easy to block. Harry slipped into his guard and struck at him with his sword forcing Arthur to guard hastily. Harry narrowed his eyes and pushed against Arthur to back him off. His message was clear and Arthur's next set of strikes weren't easy to block.
Harry smirked as he fell into the battle, dancing around Arthur's strikes and dodging his fist when Arthur tried to take advantage of an opening. Harry used all of his speed and agility to counter Arthur's strength and skill and it became obvious to the fifty people watching that by the end of the fight they both weren't pulling any punches. Harry almost lost his sword once about five seconds before the end of the fight and Arthur managed clock Harry across the jaw with his fist just before Merlin called the end of the fight. Harry stepped back with his sword up in front of him to show the punch wouldn't have put him out of the fight but his jaw hurt like nothing else.
"Ouch!" Harry grumbled at his big brother just as everyone cheered him. He rubbed at his sore chin. "Did you have to hit me in the face?"
"I'm tired of everyone saying you're better looking than me." Arthur complained and people laughed. "Well done, brother. You earned it." Arthur slung an arm around his shoulders and people broke apart chatting together. It was obvious that Harry had proved himself and that people here weren't believing that Arthur had gone easy on him. Then again most of the soldiers, scouts and Knights already knew Harry was good with a sword. Easily good enough to be a Knight but he had to prove himself against Arthur just like everyone else did.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Later
Harry knelt below where his father, Arthur and Morgana stood in front of their chairs in the main hall. All of Camelot's Knights and a few of the nobles were standing around watching. "Today I have the great honour." Uther started. "To Knight by youngest son who, today, has proven himself worthy to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Knight's of Camelot. I have never been prouder of him."
Harry kept his eyes focused past his father and at Arthur who had just winced at his father's wording. Harry stayed still as his father's sword touched his shoulder. "Rise, Sir Harry, Knight of Camelot." Harry rose up and met his father's eyes and saw the twitch in his eyes. Harry bowed and retreated from the hall as the gathering broke up.
He slammed his door shut behind him and Jeremy rolled his eyes from where he'd proceeded him into the room. "You knew you're father would say something like that." Jeremy pointed out.
"He's just tired of having to explain to people that I'm the head of the Scouts and not a Knight." Harry snapped and threw his sword onto his bed, startling Feosol who leapt off of the bed. The door opened and Harry ignored Arthur as he gestured to Jeremy to leave them alone. Jeremy glanced at a tense Harry who just motioned Jeremy to the other room, his bathroom. Jeremy got the hint and slipped out of the room but didn't leave completely.
"You shouldn't take it so personally, Harry." Arthur sighed. Harry glanced over Arthur's shoulder seeing Merlin standing tensely by the door unnoticed. Arthur glanced back but accepted Merlin's presence. "He's just being father."
"You don't think I'm used to it, Arthur?" Harry argued. Feosol jumped off of the bed and made his way over and pressed his head into his stomach. "I'm quite aware I'm only his adopted son. Even Morgana means more to him than I do. He was just embarrassed every time he had to explain why I'm not a Knight so he made me become one so he can pretend to care."
"Harry..." Arthur tried.
"Don't, Arthur." Harry growled and not just in his voice. Feosol growled along with him. "We both know I'm the freak here. He should have..."
Arthur ignored Feosol and grabbed Harry's arms tightly. "Don't you dare!" Arthur argued.
"He doesn't care for me like he does you, Arthur." Harry pointed out. "He's just not sure whether to get rid of me or not. We both know why."
"Don't, Harry." Arthur copied Harry's previous words. "I don't care about that. I've always loved you no matter what."
"It's not like it matters any longer anyway. I'll be dead from this long before anything happens." Harry snapped, touching his scar through his uniform. Arthur flinched and two people gasped. Merlin and Jeremy who had evidently came back to the room when Arthur and Harry had started really arguing. "Sorry, Jeremy."
"You're..." Jeremy ignored Arthur as he moved into the room. "When?" He asked, looking as upset as he sounded.
"Gaius thinks the next one will kill me." Harry turned to his best friend. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let you find out like this."
"I should have realised." Jeremy looked down at his feet. "You looked so bad this last time."
"Arthur will look after you, Jeremy." Harry told him. "You don't have to..."
"Shut up." Jeremy snapped. "You think I care about that?"
"Harry..." Arthur tried but trailed off when Harry just waved a hand in his general direction. "Get some sleep, Harry." He said instead. He turned to the door to see Merlin staring in shock. "Get out, Merlin." Arthur ordered and Merlin shot a wounded look at Harry before retreating.
The door shut and Harry sat down on the edge of his bed. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Jer." Harry told him quietly.
"Would you have just left it until you died for me to find out?" Jeremy asked.
"Maybe." Harry shrugged. "I don't know."
Jeremy sat next to him on the bed and wrapped an arm around him. They sat in silence for a time before Jeremy spoke up again. "Your father might not be really proud of who you are but I am. So is your brother. Knight or not you're still worthy."
"Thanks, Jer." Harry smiled down at his lap where Feosol was demanding attention.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
The next day
A hand grabbed Harry out of the corridor and through a tapestry into the very same hidden chamber where Harry and Merlin had first met. Harry had a dagger in his hand and he was growling as he pressed the dagger into skin until he recognised the person that had attacked him. "Merlin!" Harry hissed. "Are you insane? I could have stabbed you!"
"Sorry." Merlin whispered back. Harry shifted in the small space and sheathed the dagger on his waist.
"It's okay, Merlin." Harry put his hands on Merlin's hips to get comfortable and Merlin sighed.
"Did I hear right last night?" Merlin asked. "Is it true you've only got a year left?"
"Something like that. Yeah." Harry nodded. "It's this magic wound. Every year it flares up as my own body tries to get rid of it and as I get older and stronger the reaction is more extreme. Sorry."
"Sorry?" Merlin frowned in the darkness.
"Yeah, for trying to get close to you like this when I'm going to die anyway." Harry shrugged but was taken by surprise when Merlin pulled him tighter and hugged him.
"I don't care." Merlin told him. "I like you and I don't care if you're the King's son or if you're dying. I'd still care about you."
"But can you be with me?" Harry asked looking up at the taller young man.
"If I can." Merlin smiled down and surprised Harry again when he leaned down and kissed him gently on the lips. He pulled away a few moments later. "But no more random meetings."
"Deal." Harry nodded. "I don't just want it to be a frisk with you."
"Frisk?" Merlin frowned.
"What we did first off?" Harry asked. "That was a frisk."
Merlin laughed. "Well I don't mind a repeat of that scene but I want more."
"Jeremy's the only one that comes into my room in the morning. He's the only one with a way in once I lock the door." Harry told him. "He won't care if he finds you with me."
Merlin grinned in the darkness and captured Harry's lips again. Harry slid his hands up Merlin's front, shifting them underneath his shirt and onto the bare skin of his chest. He pressed in on him, grinding them together and getting a gasp from Merlin. Merlin held him tighter and just let himself enjoy the moment.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
A week later
Harry woke and as he stretched he found his right arm held in place. He tensed but then felt the rest of the naked body lying against his right side, against his own. Merlin's body. Harry sat up as much as he could, putting his weight onto his left arm so he could look down at Merlin's sleeping face and the exposed part of his right shoulder and right side of his chest. He stared for a while as he thought over their growing relationship. Merlin hadn't taken him up on his offer to share his bed until a week after it had been made and he'd only come to him the night before. He'd knocked on the door quietly long after Harry had fallen asleep and if it wasn't for Feosol Harry probably wouldn't have been woken by him. They'd talked for a while about the upcoming arrival of guests and eventually Merlin had let Harry strip him down and pull him into bed. They'd had a little light fun but soon drifted off to sleep.
Harry turned to look at the door that led through to his private room where his bath was always drawn. He'd just heard a key in the door that led from that room to the corridor which meant Jeremy had arrived. Normally Harry had gotten himself out of bed by this point and was already starting to stoke up the fire to boil water but he'd indulged himself with staring at the naked young man in his bed. He heard the coals in the other room being stoked and the sound of boiling pans and water so he slipped out of bed, waking Merlin in the process.
Merlin was a comical sight in the morning as he came awake, confused as to where he was and looking around in something close to a panic. He finally focused on Harry who had stopped to watch him and he saw as Merlin flushed at the sight of a naked Harry watching him. "Harry?" Merlin asked.
"Who else would you have spent the night sharing a bed with, Merlin?" Harry asked and they both heard Jeremy's abrupt laugh from the other room. Harry grabbed his cotton sleep trousers and pulled them up before turning in time to see Jeremy appear in the door. Jeremy was a little unkempt looking but that was nothing unusual for this time in the morning.
"Good morning, my Lord." Jeremy grinned at Harry before giving Merlin a bright grin. "You look nice like that."
Merlin looked down at his bare chest and blushed even more. "Don't be cruel, Jeremy." Harry told his best friend before looking at Merlin. "But you do, you know."
"Thanks." Merlin looked up into Harry's eyes. Jeremy slipped back into the other room and Harry knelt on the edge of the bed and kissed Merlin gently on the lips as he trailed a hand over his chest and stomach.
"As much as I'd like you to stay and join me for my bath I think you'd better run and get ready to wake my brother up." Harry told Merlin. Merlin blinked to rid himself of the haze from kissing Harry but then nodded and let Harry pull him up out of the bed. He glanced down at his own body, half shocked that he was naked and Harry looked him over with a small smile before touching him on the hips. "Thanks for staying with me, Merlin."
Merlin smiled happily. "Any time."
"Any time." Harry nodded. He waited with Merlin until the young man was dressed and presentable and then checked the hallway and finally let him out so that he wasn't spotted leaving Harry's rooms. If he ever was then Harry would come up with an errand that Merlin was doing for him. Better than Merlin having to deal with being accused of something. He slipped back through his room and into his private room where Jeremy smiled at him.
"You okay?" Jeremy asked as he finished off preparing the bath.
"It was nice having someone here." Harry shrugged. "It's always lonely. Though Feosol missed getting to be on the bed." Harry bent down and ruffled his fingers through the hair on Feosol's head. He'd been sleeping in front of the door all night but he always came and lied down against the edge of the bath as soon as Jeremy arrived in the morning.
"I get lonely." Jeremy gave Harry a look that was very close to being a pout.
"Dad was the one that decreed that Servants should no longer sleep in their Master's chambers." Harry shrugged. "You know I argued for you to stay here but he'd have just ordered you out and replaced you than let me win."
Jeremy laughed and shrugged. "At least it means you can have some private time with Merlin." Harry pulled off his trousers and climbed into the bath and Jeremy quickly undressed and joined him. Officially the servants bathed in the servants baths down by their quarters but it seemed pointless for Jeremy to bathe down there when he had a draw a hot bath for Harry every morning. It also meant Jeremy got to bathe every day and the two weren't exactly shy around each other since Jeremy had spent his teenage years in servitude to Harry and he was expected to help Harry bathe and dress every morning.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
That evening
Harry stood peaceably behind the head table with Feosol and Jeremy standing in attendance behind him. Arthur was on his left and Morgana on his right with Merlin and Gwen with them although Merlin looked ridiculous and by the look of delight on Arthur's face it was clear who was at fault for Merlin's outrageous attire. Thankfully Merlin had taken off the feathered hat shortly after Gwen had failed in preventing herself from laughing. Harry struggled through a ten minute speech by his father before their guest started his own speech.
Their guest was King Bayard of Mercia who had arrived to sign the peace treaty between Mercia and Camelot. Over the last few years their normally placid relationship had fallen to ruin and there had been several small fights between the armies. Camelot had the military advantage like it did with many other countries but Uther had been unwilling to actually invade the country and finally Bayard had agreed to come to terms of treaty with them to stop the fighting. It had taken months to get to this point.
The man praised the treaty at the end of his speech before turning to a waiting maid of his own who quickly walked up between the tables of knights and nobles to hand him a wooden chest. He put it on a table. "In the spirit of our renewed alliance I present these two chalices to you, King Uther, and your eldest son, Arthur." Uther accepted the chalices and called for them to be filled with his own wine before letting Bayard raise his own goblet for a toast to peace. Harry raised his own and just managed to taste the rich wine when there was a flurry of movement on his left. Merlin had ripped the silver chalice out of Arthur's hands.
There was a flurry of anxious talking as people assessed what was happening. "Merlin!" Arthur gritted his teeth.
"It's poisoned!" Merlin declared getting a gasp of shock from everyone in the room.
"That's outrageous!" Bayard hissed out, his hand going to his sword.
"Explain yourself!" Uther demanded to Merlin as he and Arthur tensed up for a fight. Harry frowned and moved around the table, pushing Morgana back away from any potential fight as he studied Merlin carefully. Morgana grumbled but Harry barely glanced at her.
"He poisoned the chalice!" Merlin explained desperately.
"How dare you!" Bayard hissed taking a step closer and drawing his sword. Instantly the occupants of the room reacted and Harry drew his own sword and pushed Morgana out of the way. Gwen held her arm tightly and Harry jerked his head at two of the Knights who placed themselves in front of her without question. "This is ridiculous!" Bayard declared angrily.
"How do you know this, Merlin?" Arthur asked and Harry glanced over at the young man he was falling for.
"I can't..." Merlin winced looking at Harry who winced as well. "I can't say." With that Harry despaired, if Merlin was wrong then he'd take the blame and Harry would have to step in but he didn't really know what he could do.
Uther thought for a moment before grabbing the chalice from Merlin and thrusting it out to Bayard. "If it's not poisoned then you drink from it." Uther ordered and his Knights tensed in case Bayard's men did anything. Bayard stepped forwards and lowered his sword to take the chalice. Harry frowned at the confidence in his features. Either he'd protected himself just for this reason or he didn't know anything about a poison. "No." Uther frowned and withdrew his hand and the offer along with it. "If this does prove to be poison then I want to deal with you myself." He thrust it at Merlin. "You drink from it."
"Father!" Arthur gasped and Harry flinched dramatically as Merlin shakily took the chalice as people backed away.
"And if he's wrong?" Bayard demanded.
"Then you may have him to deal with as you wish." Uther nodded. "With my apologies."
Merlin looked around and the blood had drained from his face. "Father, he's just a servant."
"It's fine." Merlin stated and Harry flinched again. Was Merlin really that devoted to his brother that he'd drink poison for him? Harry lowered his sword as Merlin brought the chalice up to his lips and then Merlin was looking at him. Harry knew he looked panicked but he couldn't do anything to stop this. If he did then Merlin would be given to Bayard and be tortured and killed anyway. Before Harry could come up with some way to get him out of it Merlin took a mouthful of the wine and then lowered the goblet. There was a tense pause before Uther relaxed.
"He's all yours." Uther admitted and half turned away.
"Father." Harry spoke up. "It's not..." He trailed off as Merlin dropped the chalice and grabbed at his throat. There was uproar as he staggered backwards going paler than before as he tried to breath. He'd been poisoned.
He collapsed back onto the ground and Harry leapt forwards even as Gwen rushed after him and knelt beside Merlin who was already unconscious. Harry's sword came up to point at the throat of the nearest of Bayard's men even as Uther and Arthur levelled their swords at Bayard himself.
"You're outnumbered." Uther hissed dangerously and Harry was reminded just how dangerous his father was to his enemies. Gaius broke through the crowd even as Bayard and his men surrendered and the Knights disarmed them all. Harry crouched beside Merlin even as Gaius started checking him over.
"Anything you need, Gaius, and you tell me." Harry stated as he stood up, a dangerous look in his face when he met Bayard's eyes. Bayard flinched back and Harry barely managed to stop himself from snarling out loud. As it was there was a vicious rumbling in his chest.
"My Lord!" Gaius hissed to him and Harry looked away from Bayard and down at him. Gaius tore his eyes away from Harry's hands on the hilt of his sword and Harry glanced down and saw the way that the back of his hands glistened with a golden tint, not to mention he could feel pain in the palms of his hands as his fingernails pierced his own flesh. "Help me get him out of here." Gaius pleaded, distracting him and part of Harry knew that he was doing it on purpose.
Harry sheathed his sword and crouched to help Gaius lift him up and not a second later Jeremy was taking over for Gaius. Jeremy and Harry carried Merlin between them up to Gaius' study and laid him out on the cot that Gaius pointed them at. "Jeremy, you stay and give Gaius anything he wants." Harry ordered even as he crouched and reached out a hand to stroke the hair out of Merlin's eyes. Jeremy grabbed his hand before he could touch him though and they were both shocked by the angry snarl that escaped him. Harry spotted Gwen rushing in though and realised why Jeremy had stopped him.
As it was Gaius had seen his tenderness but he didn't seem concerned enough to comment. Gwen and Morgana didn't know he was dying. Gaius knew and probably realised that it didn't really matter what Harry did since it would never affect the Kingdom.
"Cure him, Gaius." Harry reached out and snagged Gaius' hand as he made to wipe sweat from Merlin's brow. "Please." He begged as Gaius looked up at him. Gaius winced and Harry looked down at where he was holding Gaius' wrist. His hands looked golden again and his nails had sliced into Gaius' wrist, drawing blood like claws. "Sorry."
"I'll do everything I can." Gaius promised as soon as Harry released him.
Harry stood up, shaking his hands before simply curling his fists. "What's going on with me?" He muttered to himself and only just saw Gaius' slight flinch and the way he made himself not look up. "Send Jeremy to me if you need me for anything." Harry told Gaius before turning for the door. He paused once to look at Merlin and swallowed thickly before slipping quickly out of the room to return to his own and try to vent a little before he had to face the rest of the castle.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
The next day
Harry hadn't visited Merlin the day before but he was hiding in his rooms this morning rather than venturing out into the castle. He was sitting on his window sill toying with the silver knife in his hand, tracing it's strange twisting turns from where he'd bent it while the Witch had been enchanting them at the celebration feast just after Merlin had first arrived there. He couldn't help but feel that that had just been the start of everything. He had too many questions for himself that nobody had ever answered for him. He knew he was different, he and Arthur had always known it even though neither of them ever talked about it unless Harry was upset. His father and Gaius never talked about it but Harry knew. And now it seemed to be racing away from him and he didn't know what to do about it. He found himself growling and purring whenever he was emotional and then there were the more obvious things. He'd twisted the silver knife with his bare hands and now he'd had trouble in front of a hall full of people.
To make matters worse Gaius had seen the gold on the back of his hands and his expression had been one of worry. Most people would be confused or scared, not worried. So what did Gaius know about it? He would have normally gone demanding answers but he didn't want to distract Gaius from helping Merlin. He'd wanted to help by going with Arthur yesterday when he'd slipped out of the castle but Arthur had left without waiting for him and Morgana had distracted him long enough so that he could catch up to him. In retaliation he'd hidden himself away in his rooms all night.
Feosol trotted over to him and gently bit down on his wrist and just sat next to him with his arm in his jaws. It was Feosol's way of telling Harry that he was worried about him because by doing this Harry couldn't escape him.
"I'm going to check on Merlin." Harry told Feosol with a sigh and stood up. Feosol reluctantly let go of his wrist but followed close at his side, so close that it made walking a little haphazard but Harry was used to it and if he left a hand gripping the fur on the back of Feosol's neck his wolf gave him a little more space.
He made his way through the rather sombre castle and past silent guards who didn't make a massive effort to greet him. They nodded as was proper but normally they'd smile and greet him with words. It wasn't because it was Merlin that was poisoned that was getting to Camelot's population but more because somebody had tried to poison their Prince. Harry was doubly stressed, not only had someone tried to poison his older brother but they'd succeeded in poisoning the young man he was starting to fall for.
Harry walked into Gaius' room and knocked only briefly on the door. Gaius was sitting on a bench beside a muttering Merlin who was lying on the cot in the middle of the room. Harry walked over slowly and Feosol ran ahead of him and laid down by Merlin's feet, lifting his big head and dropping it onto Merlin's legs in way of looking miserable.
"My Lord." Gaius greeted quietly as he dabbed a wet cloth across Merlin's head. Merlin moaned and muttered in a language that Harry couldn't understand. Harry frowned at Gaius. "Just feverish muttering, My Lord."
Harry grunted and sat himself on a stall opposite Gaius as he looked Merlin over. The thin sheet was down to his waist, just showing the cotton undergarments that Merlin had been left in. His skin was pale and clammy and red welts had risen against his normally perfect skin. Harry could almost feel the heat coming off of him from where he was sitting. He reached out as Gaius made to rewet the cloth and grabbed the cloth and bowl away from him. He rinsed out the cloth before putting the bowl down at his feet and slowly traced the coldish water across Merlin's collar bone. "Gaius, will he make it?"
"I hope so." Gaius sighed.
"Don't cover it up for me, Gaius." Harry told him without looking up at him. "You don't need to protect me from the truth like when I was younger. Will he live or not?"
"The poison was enhanced with magic so the effects are progressing faster." Gaius sighed. "If Arthur returns before sunrise tomorrow morning I believe he will live."
Harry sat in silence for a time before glancing around. "Where is Jeremy?" He asked when he couldn't find him.
"He took the night watch while I slept a little." Gaius told him. "He is sleeping up in Merlin's room. Did you need him?"
"No." Harry shook his head.
"Your father won't approve of this relationship with a servant, my lord." Gaius told him quietly.
"My father doesn't need to know." Harry retorted snapping his head up to look at Gaius. "And what does it matter to anyone? I'll be dead before next year's harvest." Gaius gasped and almost stood up. "Is that the issue?" Harry questioned. "You are worried that when I die it will hurt Merlin?"
"No, that is not a great enough concern to stop you both from being happy." Gaius explained. "I am just shocked by your abrupt way of speaking of this."
"Why hide from it?" Harry asked. "You say there is nothing that can prevent it so I'd rather focus on living what life I have left. Besides, Merlin is well aware of my approaching fate. As are Arthur and Jeremy."
"You don't have to stay here." Gaius told him.
"I don't mind." Harry shrugged. "My father is discussing invasion plans and ranting about Arthur slipping away."
Gaius nodded and stood up and moved to his desk where there were piles of books open. He browsed a couple as Harry wiped at Merlin's face. Eventually Harry looked up at him. "What do you know about me, Gaius?" Harry asked suddenly. "I wasn't going to ask today but I can't help it."
"I don't know what you mean." Gaius tried but Harry had seen the worry flash across his features.
"Gaius..." Harry sighed. "Something is going on and I know it's linked to why my body is reacting to the Wizards magic. All I want is answers."
"I don't understand what you mean?"
"You think the Wizard didn't say things to me?" Harry hissed, admitting how he and Arthur knew what they did about him. Gaius flinched and knocked books off of the table in his surprise and then stared at Harry and Harry knew his eyes had dulled at the mere thought of what had happened to him. Feosol lifted his head with a whimper, sensing his master's distress. "You and my father so hoped that I'd blanked out what happened to me. Guess what, Gaius? I remember every moment of those few days. I know why he did what he did."
"Harry..." Jeremy's voice whispered from the side of the room and Harry wasn't sure who whimpered. Feosol or Harry himself. It felt like his throat had closed completely. Harry stared at his friend who was shaking. Jeremy had been happy with the knowledge that Harry only remembered small moments of that torturous few days when he had nightmares about it. Harry had been happy keeping that to himself but he'd been so annoyed with Gaius hiding information from Harry that he'd lashed out.
Harry stood up and moved closer to Jeremy who took a step backwards and hit the wall. Harry stood in front of him and looked down at his feet, feeling ashamed for lying to him. He looked up to see Jeremy staring at him. "We'll talk later?" Jeremy asked and Harry nodded.
"I'm sorry." Harry whispered to him. Jeremy touched him gently on the chest before slipping past him.
"I'll get some more fresh water." Jeremy offered and slipped out into corridor. Harry watched Gaius tend to Merlin but he just didn't have the energy left in him to argue any more. Not now that he'd messed up so badly.
"I will get answers, Gaius." Harry told him softly as he moved towards the door. "I'll get you something to eat from the kitchen and bring it up." He told him with a sigh and moved off after Jeremy. He paused out in the corridor as Feosol spun to look back at the room's door and Harry moved closer to the just slightly ajar door and peeked through and gasped as he saw a light shining from Merlin's feverish form. A ball of light was floating over his hand and Merlin was writhing as if in a nightmare. Harry just about heard Merlin whisper out Arthur's name.
Harry backed away from the door so that he wasn't caught spying and almost ran through the castle. Were his suspicions right then? What was Merlin and what was Harry going to do?
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
The next day
Harry was woken early in the morning from his fitful sleeping by a worried looking Jeremy who quickly explained the situation. Arthur had returned during the night with the remedy to the poison but had been arrested by his father and locked up in the dungeons. Harry dressed quickly and armed himself before heading down towards the dungeons with Jeremy and Feosol on his heels.
"Harry, what are you going to do?" Jeremy asked as they walked down the stairs that led to the cells.
"Depends on if they let me through without a fight." Harry shrugged.
"Harry..." Jeremy tried but Harry just shook his head as he heard a scramble from around the corner as the guards spotted Feosol and jumped to alert, firstly in surprise and then to greet Harry. There were four guards lingering out of view of Arthur's cell so as to give him privacy.
"My Lord, can we help you?" One of them asked him.
"Not in particular." Harry shook his head. "I'm just here to see my brother."
"I'm sorry, My Lord. The King's orders..." He tried.
"Were obviously not intended to include me." Harry cut him off. "My brother faced dire injury on his latest excursion and I will see him. Will you try to stop me?"
Harry put forwards all of his years of experience as a Prince to possibly the most powerful King in the Isles and it had an effect on even the proudest of men. Feosol's growling helped of course. "Of course not, my Lord." The man dipped his head, unable to argue with Harry and unable to check with the King on the off chance that it offended Harry who was not only a Prince but a Knight and the head of the scouts and archers.
Harry walked passed them and glared back over his shoulder as one of the men made to follow. The man paled and backed away again and Harry was allowed to walk down the hallway and around a corner. He followed Feosol straight to his brother who jumped up as soon as he saw Harry and came to the bars. Harry grabbed Arthur's hands in his own and smiled at him. "Father's orders were to prevent even you from seeing me." Arthur whispered.
"The guards down the hall were obviously not told that part and were unwilling to test me." Harry shrugged. Arthur retracted a hand and pulled a stem of leaves from his pocket and passed it through to Harry. "This is the antidote?" Harry asked.
"It is." Arthur nodded. "Take it to Gaius."
Harry nodded and tucked the leaves away in his own tunic before gripping his brother's hands tightly. "I'll come see you as soon as you're released." Harry promised and let go of his brother's hands and retreated back to where Jeremy was waiting with the guards. He breezed straight passed them, not concerned with any punishment they might get when Merlin's life was on the line. Rather than intrude again on Gaius' domain when he was irritated with the man he gave the leaves into Jeremy's protection and headed back to his own rooms to ready himself for the day. He'd go have breakfast with Morgana since she was also without her servant and then seek word about Merlin.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
That night
Harry pushed open the door to Gaius' rooms and let Feosol squeeze through. He muttered a quick reminder for him to stay quiet and Feosol put his belly to the ground and crawled through under the table as Harry shut the door carefully. He looked around the dark room, using the fact he'd always been good at seeing in the dark to help him avoid things in his way. Gaius was sleeping on his cot, reclaimed from Merlin, but he didn't wake up as Harry snuck past and to the stairs that led up to Merlin's room with Feosol on his heels.
He let himself into Merlin's room without preamble and let Feosol curl up under the window as he moved to Merlin's side and sat down on the edge of the bed. He'd seen Merlin earlier while he was in the recovery stage and he was looking much better after some food and fresh air. Harry brushed his fingers through Merlin's hair making the young man awaken with a start. His eyes focused through the darkness and his body relaxed and he pushed his head into Harry's hand.
"Are you staying?" Merlin asked looking hopeful.
"As long as I'm gone by morning." Harry smiled down at him. He let go of Merlin's head and quickly stripped off his cloths and settled down next to Merlin on the small bed. He rolled onto his side and wrapped a leg and an arm around the other boy. "I'm glad you're okay. I was worried about you."
"I'm sorry." Merlin whispered back quietly as he wrapped his arms around Harry.
"Just don't do it again." Harry told him bluntly. "I'll make it an order if you like."
Merlin laughed. "Gaius told me you visited."
"As much as I could without my father noticing." Harry nodded.
"Gwen told me that if it wasn't for you I'd be dead." Merlin whispered. "That you got the plant from Arthur when he was locked up."
Harry shrugged. "It wasn't like it was much."
"It's much to me." Merlin told him simply. "Thank you."
"Seeing you like that..." Harry trailed off and tucked his face into Merlin's side to hide his tears even though he knew Merlin could feel them on his skin. "I don't want to lose you."
"I'll try to make sure you don't." Merlin told him. They lay in silence for a while just enjoying each other's company. Harry was trying to decide whether to try to get the truth out of Merlin but in the end he just tucked his face into Merlin's neck and let himself trust the other young man to tell him in his own time. Until then he'd just try to protect him.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
End Chapter
