Don't Be Afraid
A/N: Wow, so many nice reviews for this story. I'm thrilled that you all seem to like my Dark Arthur. Dark Merlin is going to start showing more often now so keep your eyes peeled for it.
Guest: Dark/possessive Arthur is a heck of a lot of fun to write lol, as is poor innocent Merlin who has no idea what he's getting himself into.
Loulou2a: Oh he's still a very bad man lol, he just really likes Merlin. That whole…destiny forever entwined thing…they're drawn to each other so Arthur wants to keep Merlin safe as much as Merlin wants to keep him safe…it's a vicious little circle that one…and their destinies are intertwined with certain other people as well so…some people are relatively safe from angry Arthur…other's are royally screwed if they piss him off.
Mersan123: I'm glad you like it so far. Uther is supposed to be hard to figure out for now lol so that's good. Uther is mostly neutral in this but he still sees magic as evil thanks to Nimueh…and the numerous magical attempts against him and Arthur of course. He thinks its magic that corrupts those that wield it…but it isn't…in Merlin's case…it's Arthur lol. He also has a few triggers that make him act without reason…such as magic among others which you will see later on in this chapter.
Chapter 4 – Lancelot and Rage
Arthur watched from his window as Merlin left the relative safety of the city to go into the forest for Gaius. Apparently the physician needed mushrooms of all things…Arthur did not really want to know the reasons. He had tried to convince Merlin to take a guard with him but Merlin insisted that he would be fine and could protect himself if need be, so Arthur reluctantly allowed him to go alone.
Merlin wandered around for awhile until he finally found a nice little patch of mushrooms which he crouched down to start collecting. An ear-piercing screech from behind him had his head whipping around to see a creature he had never seen before. It had the front half of an eagle and the back half of a big cat…and it looked anything but happy to see him. When it lunged at him he took off running, and inevitably tripped over a branch. He rolled over and covered his face as it lunged again, only to hear a man yelling. Opening his eyes revealed a man in little more than breeches and a tunic waving a sword at the creature, only to have that sword shatter when he made contact with the beast. The man's eyes widened and he ran to Merlin, grabbing him up from the ground and pulling him along as he ran for cover. They dove behind a fallen tree and the creature gave up the chase and flew away, allowing Merlin to breathe a sigh of relief.
"You saved my life…thank you. I'm Merlin."
"Lancelot."
The man, Lancelot, groaned in pain before passing out and Merlin tried not to panic when he saw blood seeping through the man's shirt. He used his magic to make the man lighter as he half-carried half-dragged the man back to Camelot. As soon as he was within sight of the gates the guards rushed to his aid, another perk of being favored by an easily irritated Prince he supposed, and carried Lancelot to Gaius' chambers for him. One of them started to try and carry him after seeing blood on his shirt but a dark look and a soft growl from Merlin made him back away with his hands up. As soon as they laid the man on the cot Merlin waved them back to their duties and sat next to him, wiping his heated forehead with a cool cloth while waiting for Gaius to return. Unfortunately it was Arthur who found them first and he did not look happy…not one bit.
"What is this I hear about you dragging some strange man back to Camelot with you?"
"He's injured Arthur…and he got that way saving my life."
"What? What happened? Are you hurt? Are you bleeding Merlin?"
"I was attacked by some strange flying creature…half bird half big cat…all angry though. I'm not hurt…I tripped over a branch and this man…Lancelot…jumped between me and the creature. When he stabbed it his sword shattered so we ran and dove for cover…it just left after that…but I saw blood on his shirt and he passed out…I had to bring him back to Gaius, Arthur…he saved my life."
Arthur heaved a soft sigh and pulled Merlin into a hug, holding him tightly in relief that he wasn't hurt. Merlin just sort-of…sagged against him and held on as if Arthur was a lifeline in a raging river.
"This is exactly why I wanted you to have a guard or two with you. The forests aren't safe…if it wasn't some creature it could have been bandits…or worse…slavers. Do you have any idea what slavers would do to someone as pretty as you Merlin?"
"I'm not pretty…"
"Yes…you are…but that's not the point."
"I know…I get it…I won't leave the city alone anymore ok?"
"Better…I'd prefer you not leave at all but I know you won't agree to that."
"Nope."
A groan from the bed had Merlin rushing to the injured man's side and Arthur had to fight back a growl that tried to escape as Merlin fussed over this stranger. Gaius made a timely arrival then and Arthur backed up to lean against a nearby wall and observe as the Physician and his own assistant worked in near-seamless union, Merlin chattering away the entire time to Gaius about what had happened before revealing that he had still managed to hang onto the stupid mushrooms.
"Honestly Merlin…I think in this case you could have left them behind."
"I went all the way out there for them I wasn't going to leave them Gaius."
Arthur's loud snort earned him a raised eyebrow from Gaius and a beaming grin from Merlin, which he refused to admit actually calmed him down somewhat.
"Will he be ok Gaius?"
"He'll be fine Merlin…it isn't as bad as it looks. He should be fine by morning with what I gave him. It's a superficial wound; he likely passed out from shock is all."
"Oh…well that's a relief."
"Yes…such a…relief…"
"Arthur? Is everything alright?"
"Fine, Merlin. I have to get back to my father…I am…pleased that you were not hurt."
"Thank you Arthur…for checking on me."
"Don't mention it…"
Arthur left and Gaius looked at Merlin, his face thoughtful for a moment until Merlin gave him a confused look.
"What is it Gaius?"
"Oh, nothing my dear boy. I've known Arthur since he was born and I have never seen him care for anyone the way he does with you."
"Really? Never?"
"No…not even Morgana, though he has always been a bit nicer to her than others. The circumstances of Arthur's birth had some…odd side effects in that he generally lacks empathy for others…and often delights in causing pain, especially when he is angered."
"Which is often…he has one heck of a temper."
"Yes, another side effect I'm afraid."
"What happened with his birth that caused that?"
"I cannot tell you that Merlin…it isn't my place."
"Does Arthur know?"
"He does not…I am forbidden from telling anyone…ever."
"Arthur has the right to know Gaius…it's his life…if whatever happened is why he is the way he is…then he should know that."
"I am sworn to secrecy Merlin…on pain of death."
"If Arthur ever finds out you're keeping something like this from him…Uther's wrath won't be the one you need to fear."
"I am aware of that Merlin. Now sit…eat something."
"I can't eat Gaius…I need to go…"
"Merlin?!"
Merlin left the room and wandered for a time until he found himself in an unfamiliar part of the castle. He found an ornate door with feminine engravings of flowers and wildlife on it which peaked his curiosity. He tested the handle and was surprised when the door swung open. The room beyond the door was every bit as ornate but looked as though it hadn't been touched in years…many years. There was a large bed with gauzy drapery around it that resembled the one in Morgana's chambers only bigger and more…pinkish yellow in color. He noticed a crib under one of the windows and found himself drawn to it, running his fingers along the painted wood that was peeling away. For some reason he felt tears in his eyes and his throat had gone dry, he felt like he was choking on his emotions…only they weren't really his emotions. A clearing throat behind him made him jump almost a foot in the air and he turned to see King Uther watching him warily.
"How did you find this place?"
"I…I don't know…My Lord…I was just wandering and found the door…I was curious as I'd never seen it before. This room…it was…Arthur's mother's…wasn't it My Lord?"
"Yes…this room belonged to Queen Ygraine when I was courting her, and she used it while she carried Arthur in her womb. After she died I had it sealed away and forbid anyone from touching it…and now here you are."
"I'm sorry…I didn't know…no one ever told me…I should go."
"No…you should be punished."
"My Lord? I swear I didn't know it was off limits…I didn't even know it existed…"
"You will follow me or I will do far worse than what I have already planned."
"I…yes…My Lord."
Merlin shivered as he followed Uther through the castle and down into the dungeons, his simple shirt and breeches not being enough to stave off the chill of the cold stone around them. Uther led him to a dark cell, lit only by a single torch, and motioned him inside. Merlin reluctantly entered the cell, assuming he'd be spending the night in the freezing cold room, only to find Uther following him inside and shutting the door behind him.
"Remove your shirt and stand against the back wall."
"My Lord? I don't…"
"Do as you are told boy. Now!"
Merlin slowly removed his shirt, shaking as the cold hit him even harder. He looked at the king's face to find it hard as the stone around them and had to bite back the whimper that tried to claw its way out of his throat. Uther pointed to the back wall and Merlin walked over to stand in front of it, turning his back to the King. He heard an odd sound, one he hadn't heard before and couldn't identify.
"Put your hands up over your head boy."
Merlin did as the king told him, flinching as the king closed metal rings around his wrists, manacles attached to the wall by thick chains. He gently tested their strength and rested his forehead on the stone wall in front of him when they showed no hint of weakness.
"Perhaps this will teach you to mind your business and remember your place."
Merlin heard something snap and wondered if the king had broken something, and then his body arched with a scream as his back felt like it had been lit on fire. Uther gave him no time to recover or catch his breath before repeating his actions, over and over, until Merlin couldn't even feel the individual strikes anymore. His entire back was on fire and he had no more strength left to hold himself up and his body hung limp in the chains. That was when the door was nearly torn form its hinges by an enraged Arthur, the fire in Merlin's back was nothing compared to the one raging in the Prince's eyes as he looked from his father to his assistant's back.
"What have you done?"
"Arthur? I'm…I'm sorry…I shouldn't…I was…"
"Not you Merlin. I was talking to my Father."
Arthur spat the word father as if it were a curse and Uther stepped back from his son with a wary look. He knew well how volatile his son could be, how dangerous and deadly when angry…but it had never really been directed at him before.
"He needed to be taught a lesson…to learn his place."
"His Place?! His place is at my side! You had no right to do this to him! What did he do to deserve such a harsh punishment?"
"He was found in a part of the castle that is forbidden."
"I didn't…know…I'm sorry…please…"
Arthur's eyes blazed in his rage at Merlin's softly whispered pleas for mercy. He reveled in the pain of others…but seeing his little warlock in such a state tore at his heart and enraged his soul. He gave his father a hard glare and growled low in his throat.
"Leave…get out of here now before I actually kill you."
"I can't…can't move…chained…"
"Not you Merlin. Leave…now…"
Uther was not ashamed to admit that he fled form his sons wrath, and did not stop until he was back in the safety of his private chambers with guards at his door. He knew he'd have to deal with his son at some point but not until his rage had cooled. He had allowed his own grief and anger to get the better of him and he had acted without thinking things through…and he knew he would pay for it somehow.
After Uther left Arthur watched to make sure he stayed gone, though he needn't have worried, before turning back to Merlin. He gently lifted Merlin with one arm, supporting his weight while he unlocked the manacles that had dug into his skin during his thrashing. Merlin was breathing heavily, his body shaking from pain and fear, as he curled into Arthur's chest. Arthur felt a nameless angry thing clawing at his gut and urging him to seek vengeance on Merlin's behalf, but there was a second urge that was much stronger than the other…the urge to protect and care for Merlin. He gently lifted Merlin into his arms, cradling him when the poor man whimpered pitifully in feeble protest, and carried him across the castle to Gaius' chambers. Servants quickly scurried out of his way as he went, both from the fearsome look on his face and from the sight of Merlin who was kind to pretty much everyone. Gwen had taken one look at poor Merlin and abandoned her chores to run to Morgana with the news. As soon as he reached Gaius' door Arthur damn-near kicked it open in his haste to get Merlin tended too.
"Gaius!"
"I am here Arthur…no need to break my door. Now…what…Merlin?! What the hell happened to him?!"
"My father happened."
"What?"
"Merlin went into the forbidden wing…and my father caught him."
"Oh dear god in heaven…I should have warned him…why did I not tell him about that blasted wing?!"
"Gaius! Now is not the time…he needs help."
"Yes, yes of course. I'll need bandages."
"Here."
Lancelot handed Gaius a roll of bandage material before racing off to fetch some fresh water. Arthur sat on one of the benches with Merlin wrapped around him like a python, not that Arthur made any complaints, while Gaius cut the torn ribbons of his shirt from his body. When the remnants of the shirt were gone both men got a good look at the damage done to Merlin's back and Gaius felt horrified. The seething hissing sound that came from between Arthur's clenched teeth had Gaius shifting nervously and it terrified Gwen and Morgana who had only just arrived. Gwen couldn't even bear to look at Merlin's back and focused on helping Gaius by fetching various herbs and supplies while Morgana sat next to Arthur and kept stroking Merlin's hair and whispering softly to him. Arthur was actually grateful she was there because her attempts to soothe Merlin were actually helping to soothe his temper as well. Lancelot returned with a bucket of water and Gaius set about cleaning the wounds, a few of which were quite deep and Merlin cried in pain, trying to squirm away from the cause of it only to be trapped by the iron cage of Arthur's arms.
"Please…stop…hurts…no more…I'm sorry…didn't mean it…didn't know…please…"
Merlin's anguished sobs broke all of their hearts and at the same time made them all very angry on his behalf. Morgana took one look at the thunderclouds raging in Arthur's eyes and knew that this had most definitely not been his doing.
"Arthur…who did this to him?"
"My Father."
Again he spat the word like poison and Morgana recoiled in horror. She knew Uther had a bit of a temper but she had never known him to be so cruel to anyone who was not a magic user.
"Why?! What on earth could sweet little Merlin have done to deserve this?!"
"My father caught him in the forbidden wing…that's all he did…curiosity."
"I'll kill him…"
"Not if I do it first Morgana."
"The warning bells tolled outside and Arthur glared at the little window nearby. Gwen went to see what was happening and told them that people were streaming into the town, many of them injured. A guard came to Gaius' door and informed him the king had commanded him to attend to the wounded immediately. Arthur's deep growl, along with a single look at the state of Merlin's back, told the guard more than enough and the man gave a sharp bow before leaving. Gaius returned to tending Merlin's back, gently rubbing a numbing ointment filled with healing herbs into each gash before wrapping his torso in bandages. At the nod from Arthur Gaius left to go and tend the incoming wounded, Gwen offering to help just so she could get away from the room. She couldn't handle seeing her friend in such a horrible state, and Lance offered to help as well to get away from the glares Arthur kept giving him if he moved too close to Merlin. Gaius and Morgana seemed to be the only ones he would let near while Merlin was injured.
"Morgana? I'm taking him up to my room. Can you grab a change of clothes from his room for him?"
"Of course, Arthur…I'll be up in a few minutes."
Arthur left the room, Merlin cradled in his arms like some sort of fragile treasure while servants stopped and bowed their heads in respect…and Arthur had no illusions that it was just for him either. He knew how well-loved Merlin was by the people of the city and how horrifying it must be to them all to think someone so kind could be hurt like this. He gently laid Merlin on his bed, on his stomach so as not to make his back worse, and sat next to him. His fingers ran gently through Merlin's dark hair and he found himself humming a tune he'd heard Merlin and Morgana singing together a few times in her room. When Morgana entered the room her worried face softened into a slight smile at the sight before her eyes, and she kept her voice low and soft so as not to disturb Merlin.
"He doesn't have any shirts with buttons but I did bring a couple pairs of pants up."
"Why would he need buttons?"
"How badly do you think it will hurt to try and pull a shirt over his head with the way his back is torn up Arthur?"
Her matter-of-fact tone had Arthur wincing in sympathy, remembering trying to get a shirt on after a nasty swordfight had put a gash in his arm.
"Right…good point…he can use one of my shirts if need be…though I don't think I'll be letting him leave my room anytime soon."
"Something tells me he won't want to be anywhere else for a while. He feels safe with you…and after what he's been through…he'll need that safety. Poor thing…I wouldn't wish such a thing on my worst enemy…let alone one of my best friends."
"My father will pay for this Morgana…I promise you that."
"Just make sure you let me help."
"I think that can be arranged."
Morgana could see the darkness swimming in Arthur's eyes, the thirst for vengeance and pain, and it called to the darkness inside of her own soul that she usually tried to hide. With Arthur she was free to be herself and now with Merlin as well. Neither of them shied away from her dark side, they welcomed it…each in their own way. Arthur encouraged it, and Merlin soothed it. Merlin could calm them both when their darkness raged in anger…but right now that anger was because Merlin had been hurt and he was in no state to soothe anyone.
"I think I'm going to go and have a little chat with our…king."
"Tread carefully Morgana…I don't want him to hurt you as well."
"I can handle it Arthur…you know me."
"All too well Morgana…all too well."
Morgana gave him a wicked little smirk, kissing the sleeping Merlin on the cheek, before sauntering out the door like she owned the castle. Arthur let a dark laugh escape him but stopped when Merlin stirred in his sleep. He ran his fingers through Merlin's hair again and the darker haired male settled back into a deeper sleep again.
"Don't worry my little warlock…I will have revenge for what was done to you. I will make sure no one ever dares to lay a hand on you in this kingdom ever again."
Out in the courtyard Gwen and Lancelot were helping Gaius tend to the wounded villagers and getting to know each other better in the process. Gwen found out about Lance's past and how he wanted to become a knight of Camelot, and Lancelot found out about Gwen's family and her bond with Morgana and Merlin. She warned him to tread carefully around Merlin because of the Prince's attachment to him and Lance took the warning to heart. Prince Arthur had a well-deserved reputation after all, and even Lance didn't think he could take him if he was forced to face him in battle. The two worked together well and Gaius was pleased, though he'd have preferred to have Merlin by his side. Uther watched from his bedroom window as Gaius worked without Merlin's aid and felt a small stab of guilt eating at him. He knew the boy hadn't meant any harm but the sight of anyone in his wife's room threw him into a blind rage… and he lashed out at the boy…literally. A knock on his door had his entire body tensing until he heard Morgana's voice and relaxed a bit.
"Enter."
"Uther."
"Morgana. What brings you here?"
"Merlin."
"Ah…I take you've spoken with Arthur?"
"Yes…and I saw the state of that poor man's back as well."
"He should not have been in that room."
"He did not deserve such a severe punishment and you damn well know it Uther. He is one of the sweetest men I have ever met and he keeps Arthur from going on a rampage when he's angry…even I can't do that. Merlin even manages to calm ME down when I'm angry. How could you do such a thing to him? It's like I don't even know you at all…to think that a man I respected could do such a horrible thing to someone so kind and undeserving of it…"
"Morgana…"
She leveled him with such a disgusted look that he physically shrank back from her and she stormed out of the room, leaving him feeling more guilty than ever as he realized he'd hurt both of his children with his thoughtless action, and possibly turned them both against him for good.
Morgana found herself back in Arthur's room as her anger simmered beneath her skin. He looked up at her from his position on the bed, his back against the headboard and Merlin's head in his lap, and put his free arm out to the side as an invitation. Morgana climbed into the bed and curled into Arthur's side, resting her head on his shoulder as her fingers found their way to Merlin's hair. The three of them remained that way until the next morning when Gwen, failing to find Morgana in her own room turned to Arthur's room and found them all curled up together in Arthur's bed. She left a tray of food on Arthur's table, along with a pain potion for Merlin, and quietly left the room, telling the guards outside to bar anyone from entering unless it was her or Gaius. She returned to Gaius and told him what she'd seen, giggling softly at the shocked look on the older man's face. Lancelot looked over when she laughed and smiled at her, earning a shy smile in return. Now that he was awake Lance asked Gaius why Merlin wasn't in his own room and Gaius was hesitant to answer but he did relent in the end on seeing the concern in Lance's face.
"Whenever Merlin gets hurt Arthur doesn't let the poor boy out of his sight for days, it's his way of making sure Merlin has the peace, quiet and safety he needs to heal properly. In this case…I doubt we'll see Merlin alone for quite some time. Where he goes Arthur will follow…or Morgana as close as they've been getting lately."
"Morgana adores Merlin and he's somehow able to calm her when she's angry…a feat even I can't accomplish and I've known her since she first came to Camelot. She and Arthur both have infamous tempers…his is just more blatantly violent. Morgana's revenge is more subtle…and usually more mental than physical."
"I'm guessing our King is not going to be a happy man for some time after this…am I wrong?"
"No…I fear you are quite correct in that assumption Lancelot. He allowed his anger to blind him and now…now he has an angry son and an equally angry ward to deal with."
Merlin's magic allowed him to heal faster than most people, which Gaius explained away as a genetic anomaly so that the King would not be too suspicious. Arthur kept him hidden away in his room for several days, nearly a week really, until Merlin could move without wincing or flinching with every breath…even then he didn't let the other male wander far from his side. Merlin acted like it annoyed him but everyone who knew him could see the relief in his eyes whenever Arthur was near him. Lancelot pulled Arthur aside while Merlin and Morgana were talking to Gwen and decided to just get straight to the point.
"Sire. I wanted to inform you I have no romantic interest in Merlin whatsoever. I see him as a friend…if he'll have me…but no more than that. Actually…I'm uh…quite interested in Miss Gwen."
Arthur's loud burst of laughter earned him several raised eyebrows but he waved them all off and turned back to Lancelot.
"Thank you for telling me that…and I wish you luck with Guinevere…she's quite shy around most men. She's a romantic type though…flowers and all that…might help. Ask Merlin…or Morgana…they know her best."
"Thank you Sire."
"A-ha! I've got it! At least I think I have…"
"Got what Gaius?"
"I believe I've identified our mystery creature that keeps attacking the villages."
He pointed to a page in a book and Merlin peeked over his shoulder before shouting in triumph, nearly falling over in his excitement had Arthur not caught him and held him still.
"That's it! That's the thing that attacked me in the forest."
"He's right…that's definitely the same beast."
"It is called a Griffin…half eagle half lion. They can only be killed by an enchanted weapon…"
"Right…of course…why can't it ever be simple?"
"Because then things would be dull Merlin."
Merlin gave Arthur a look and Morgana laughed at the pair. All of them fell silent as the warning bells tolled in the city and Arthur moved to the window.
"It's here in Camelot. Lancelot? Join me?"
"Of course, Sire."
"Merlin? Stay with the girls…keep them safe in case this is a distraction of some kind."
"Be careful, Arthur."
"You too, Merlin."
Arthur and Lance ran out of the door, Arthur drawing his sword while Lance carried one Gwen's father had given him as a thank you for saving Merlin's life. Apparently the blacksmith had a soft spot for Merlin but wouldn't tell Lance why…though everyone seemed to love the dark haired man so he shrugged it off. The two men stood back to back, surrounded by the knights of Camelot, as the Griffin swooped in to attack. Eventually Arthur managed to get it to fly away by swinging a torch at it and Merlin, watching from Gaius' window, had to laugh at the irony of it all. Arthur came back to collect Merlin and the girls before heading to the council chamber, Gaius following along behind out of sheer curiosity as to what would happen. Arthur hadn't been near his father since Merlin had been hurt. They entered the chamber as a solid unit and Uther hid a wince as he looked at Merlin's bandaged torso, Arthur wouldn't let him try to put a shirt on just yet, not that it mattered since he was mostly covered in bandages anyway.
"My Lord. I've come to give my repot on the attack."
"Of course, my son."
"Do not call me that right now. I am still very angry with you."
"As am I…"
Uther looked between Arthur and Morgana and sighed softly before waving for Arthur to continue his report. Arthur did so in the most bland clinical tone anyone had ever heard from him, but Merlin and Morgana both heard the barely restrained fury behind the tone and they could see it in his eyes.
"The creature has been identified as a Griffin, and according to lore it can only be killed by an enchanted weapon.
"Nonsense. It has tasted our steel once and you will take your knights out tonight and kill it once and for all."
"As you wish…My Lord."
"Enough of this behavior Arthur. I am your father…not just your king."
"You are nothing to me right now."
Uther's face contorted with anger and pain but his next words sent Arthur flying over the edge and losing control of his fury…only Merlin's hands on his arm held him back when he lunged forward.
"He is a mere servant Arthur…hardly worth getting into such a fit over."
"Arthur! No! You can't…please Arthur…stop…you can't attack your own father, Arthur."
"Watch me, Merlin!"
"Arthur please…don't do this…for me?"
Arthur froze at those words and turned to Merlin, his chest heaving with the effort of holding himself back as he took in the worried look on Merlin's face. He pulled Merlin into his chest and held him there, breathing in his scent and letting it calm him back to a manageable level of anger. Unfortunately they'd forgotten about Morgana until they heard her little screech of rage and all eyes turned to her in an instant.
"How dare you say such a horrible thing! Merlin is sweet, and kind, and gentle…he would do anything to help the people he chooses to care about. He is literally the only thing stopping your own son from taking your head off right now. Do you realize that? That young man that you dismiss as being unimportant is the only reason you still draw breath. I am ashamed to even know you right know King Uther Pendragon. Come along boys…let's go somewhere with better company…like one of our bedrooms."
The entire court stared in horrified awe after her little tirade against the king, more amazed when he didn't say a word and just dropped his head into his hands as the group left the room. Once they had made it to Arthur's room they all settled in various places. Arthur and Morgana sat side by side on the bed with Merlin stretched across their laps like a contented cat, Lance and Gwen curled up in a chair together, both of them flushing bright red, while Gaius sat by the fire and observed the little group.
"I am going to start my own group of knights…men I can trust to be loyal to only myself, Morgana, and Merlin."
"Me? Why me?"
"Because Merlin…you are mine…remember? I want to know that if need be my men will answer to you."
"Oh…alright…"
Gaius raised an eyebrow at Merlin's easy acceptance of Arthur's claim over him, noticing the Prince's large hand stroking the back of Merlin's neck while the younger male practically purred in satisfaction.
"Lancelot? Would you be willing to be one such knight?"
"It would be my honor, Sire."
"Sire, only noble born can become knights of Camelot…"
"But he will not be a knight of Camelot…he will be a Knight of…of…Merlin help me out here."
"Hmm? How about…Knights of the Round Table? I saw one in the dungeons and it looked interesting…"
"Hmm…I think I like it…Knights of the Round Table it is then. I should ask Sir Leon as well…he's always been more loyal to me than my father."
"And he likes me…I sneak him extra pastries when the cook decides to spoil me."
"That explains why he always gets that hopeful look when he sees you coming then."
Merlin gave Arthur a cheeky grin but went back to being boneless as the Prince stroked his neck again. Gaius watched with curious amusement as he'd never seen Merlin so calm and content before unless he was sleeping…and even then he wasn't still.
"As much as I hate to have to do this…because I'd rather you remain safely in the castle since you're still injured…I have to ask you to ride out with us tonight Merlin."
"Of course…I was going to follow you with or without permission Arthur."
"I assumed as much. If this thing can truly only be killed with an enchanted weapon then we will need your help."
"Wait…why him Sire?"
"Ah…right…you and Gwen don't know yet…Merlin?"
"You can tell them…I trust them both."
"Right then…Merlin is a warlock."
"A sorcerer?"
"Nope…a Warlock."
"There's a difference?"
"Yep. A warlock is born with magic…I never had to learn it I had it before I could talk."
"Oh…wow…that's amazing Merlin. Can you…show me?"
"Sure Gwen."
Merlin stretched his hand out to the fire and his eyes flashed gold as the flames formed the shape of a dozen little butterflies that fluttered through the air before settling back into the flames again.
Gwen and Morgana were mesmerized while Lance just stared open-mouthed in awe. Arthur shifted uncomfortably and Merlin felt something hard poking him in the stomach. Turning his head to catch Arthur's eyes and noticed how dark they'd become, Merlin snickered softly only to let out a little yelp as Arthur's hand smacked his ass, not hard enough to hurt but enough to get his attention. Morgana dissolved into a fit of laughter when Merlin pouted at Arthur.
"Oh you two are entirely too much fun. Come Gwen…we shall go and help Gaius to prepare for the knights return as I'm sure there will be injuries."
"Yes My Lady. Lance? Be careful please?"
"I will Gwen."
The girls left with Gaius and Arthur sent Lance to go and find Sir Leon for him. Lance bowed and quickly went to do exactly that. As soon as he was gone Arthur turned his dark stare onto Merlin who visibly gulped and tried to scoot off of Arthur's lap, only to be held in place by an iron bar of an arm.
"Where do you think you're going Merlin?"
"Umm…nowhere?"
"Exactly…come here Merlin…no not like that…"
"Merlin went to curl against Arthur's side but Arthur wouldn't let him. He gave the blonde a confused look until Arthur lifted him by his hips and settled Merlin on his lap with his legs straddling the prince.
"Much better…kiss me my little warlock."
Merlin made a soft whine as he leaned in and pressed his lips to Arthur's, only to have Arthur take over and claim Merlin's mouth. As they kissed Arthur's hands wanders over Merlin's skin, avoiding his healing back, and mapping out all of his sensitive spots. He took note of every spot that elicited a whine or a whimper, and which ones made Merlin's hips move against his own. By the time Lance knocked on the door Merlin was flushed and panting, his hair a mess and his lips swollen. Arthur thought he'd never looked more enticing, but Merlin curled into his side and hid himself under the sheet as much as possible when Arthur let Lance and Leon enter.
"Sire? You called for me?"
"Yes Sir Leon…I did. I believe you were in the Council Chamber earlier?"
"Yes Sire…Did…did the King really…to Merlin?"
"Yes…he did…which is why I am going to be building my own group of knights that will be loyal to me and Morgana, and especially to Merlin."
"Am I to assume that I am being invited to this elite group Sire?"
"You are. Do you accept the offer Sir Leon?"
"With great honor, Sire."
"Excellent. Both of you come and kneel before me. I am sorry this can not be done with ceremony but it must remain secret from my father for now. I claim thee Sir Leon, and thee Sir Lancelot, as my Knights of the roundtable. Do you vow to be loyal only to myself, Lady Morgana, and Lord Merlin?"
Merlin's head shot out from under the sheet with a shocked look as Arthur called him a Lord, though neither Lance nor Leon seemed to bat an eyelash at the idea.
"I do."
The two men chorused their acceptance and Arthur finished the knighting while Merlin still stared at him like a landed fish. He sighed softly and gently grabbed Merlin's chin with one hand, pulling him into a breath stealing kiss. When he pulled back Merlin whined at him and the two knights had to smother their laughter with coughing.
"Arthur…you can't just kiss me every time you don't want to answer a question…"
"I believe, as your Prince, I most certainly can my little Warlock."
"Warlock? Merlin has magic Sire?"
"He does…will that be a problem for you Sir Leon?"
"Not at all Sire. Not at all."
"Good."
There had been a dark warning in Arthur's tone and Leon was positive that, had his answer been negative, he would not have left the room alive. As it was, he had no problem with magic in general so long as it wasn't used against him or those he protected. Now…now he was technically serving two masters, Uther and Arthur, but…of the two Arthur was the better in his eyes. At least Arthur was never unduly cruel to those who were innocent of any real wrong-doing…despite his horrible temper.
"So…we have to go and kill a Griffin…a creature that can only be killed with an enchanted weapon…as such Merlin will be going with us. You two will protect him just as you protect me…understood?"
"Yes, Sire."
The two men intoned together and Arthur gave a satisfied grin. He was quite pleased with himself by this point but, as always, it was down to Merlin to bring him back down to earth again.
"Arthur…your father wants other knights to go with us…I can't use magic in front of any of them…they'll go straight to him and he'll have me killed."
"Over my dead body Merlin."
"Arthur…I'm serious."
"So am I. My father would have to kill me before I would let him harm you again. You are far more important to me than he is."
"But…he's your father…?"
"Your point? He barely had anything to do with raising me…always handing me off to the maids as he couldn't be bothered…not until I was old enough to learn what he wanted to teach me. I have little connection to him Merlin. You, on the other hand, I am very connected to…I was drawn to you from the moment we met and you showed no fear of me…and I can tell you are drawn to me as well my little warlock."
"I…umm…yes…but…Arthur stop that!"
Merlin stumbled over his words as Arthur kept stroking his fingers up and down the other's spine and Merlin couldn't focus when he did that. Lance and Leon shared a look and had to literally bite their lips to keep from laughing aloud. A couple of snorts escaped them and Merlin shot them a narrow-eyed look before his eyes flashed gold and both of them were flipped onto their asses. They both sat up and looked at Merlin in shock, noticing the self-satisfied smirk on his face, and ended up laughing until their sides hurt. Arthur rolled his eyes and, while the two knights were distracted, gently bit Merlin's ear. His eyes darkened considerably when Merlin reacted by melting into him with a low soft moan that only he heard, the sound sending all of Arthur's blood rushing south.
"Merlin…for your own sake…do not make that sound again."
"What sound?"
Arthur just gave him a pointed look before shaking his head to try and refocus. He looked back at the two knights who had finally composed themselves.
"We'll let the other knights make their attempts at killing the creature first…and yes Merlin they will probably get hurt, possibly even killed, but this will keep them from seeing you do magic when the three of us kill it."
"Is there no other way Arthur?"
"Not this time Merlin. Now…you come and curl up with me and get some rest…you'll need your strength later. Leon, go and prepare the knights as usual. Lancelot, go make sure Morgana knows the plan and to expect some potentially serious injuries later."
"Yes, Sire."
The two knights bowed and left the room. Merlin curled up into Arthur's side with a soft sigh and Arthur felt something in his chest relax at the sound. He wanted Merlin…badly…but he didn't want to push him or frighten him. He wanted Merlin to come to him, although teasing him was certainly enjoyable as well. Later, as night began to fall, they headed to the courtyard where the knights had assembled and Gwen was putting the final touches on Lance's new armor, which Arthur had to admit looked good. Uther watched from the balcony above as they prepared to set out, a bit surprised to see his son taking Merlin with him on a potentially dangerous mission.
"Arthur?"
"My Lord?"
"Why is the boy going with you?"
"His name is Merlin…and he is going because I do not trust you enough to leave him alone anymore. He will remain by my side where I can be sure he is safe from harm."
"Arthur…"
"Goodbye, My Lord."
Uther watched helplessly as his son and the knights departed, unsure why the stranger was going but no longer willing to question his still-seething son. He went back into the castle and sank onto his throne with a heavy sigh and wondered where everything had gone wrong.
Arthur led the knights outside of the city and ordered them into formation, watching with little emotion as they followed orders. Lance and Leon remained on either side of Merlin to make sure he remained safe until it was time for him to use his magic. He kept muttering words under his breath and they realized he was reciting the words of the spell he needed to remember. As the Griffin swooped in it left chaos and injury in its wake, and Arthur ended up being thrown against a rock. When he didn't get back up Merlin almost lost control, his eyes burning like molten gold as a golden aura flared up around him, but Lance's hand on his arm brought him back to himself with a shudder that shook his whole body.
"Easy Merlin…Leon has Arthur covered…he's alive…it's alright."
"No…no it is not alright. Mount up Lancelot."
Lance gave him a searching look before mounting his white horse and picking up a lance pole, hefting it in to position as he reared up and charged at the Griffin. Leon watched on with baited breath as Arthur began to stir back to consciousness. Merlin tried the spell once and nothing happened, he tried again as Lance rode past him but again…nothing happened. By this time Arthur had regained his senses, if not his feet, and was watching alongside Leon as Merlin finally got it to work on the third try, the lance crackling and glowing with magical energy as Lancelot drove it into the creature's heart. Leon ran to check on Lance but Arthur was watching Merlin, and as Merlin looked towards him their eyes locked and Arthur saw a darkness lurking there…buried deep inside but there nonetheless and he felt his own darkness stirring to the front as he stalked towards Merlin like a wolf. Merlin stood there, shaking with so many different emotions that he couldn't make sense of any of it and his head felt like it was all mixed up…his body felt hot and he couldn't quite see straight, and then he caught Arthur's eyes. He realized that Arthur wasn't hurt, he was alive and well, and the knot that had tightened in his chest and throat relaxed and he sucked in deep gulps of air. Arthur was on him in mere seconds, pulling Merlin flush against his body and capturing his mouth in a searing kiss that left the young warlock clinging to him desperately. Leon and Lance pointedly looked elsewhere until the other knights began showing signs of waking so they cleared their throats.
"Sire…what story shall we give them?"
"Lance caught the creature with a lucky blow to the heart…a weak spot…and killed it."
"An excellent idea, Sire."
"I know."
"Arthur…please…I don't…I don't feel good…"
"Merlin? What's wrong?"
"It's too hot…I can't breathe right…please Arthur…help me…"
"Shh…it'll be alright Merlin. I'm here. Focus on me…Merlin look at me. Now, Merlin!"
Arthur and the two knights realized Merlin was having a panic attack so Arthur barked out an order and was relieved when Merlin's attention snapped to him immediately. Both knights were shocked as Merlin often argued with Arthur on whether he should follow a particular command or not…but then again, Arthur didn't usually use his 'Commander Tone' with Merlin either. As soon as Merlin's attention was on his, and only him, Arthur started coaching Merlin to breathe with him and was relieved to see it working as Merlin settled down again. Once Merlin was calm he looked down at his feet so Arthur pulled his head back up and locked eyes with him.
"Why did you panic Merlin? The danger was already over."
"I don't…it wasn't that…it was…me…inside me…I felt so…angry…I was losing control and it…it scared me Arthur…"
"Hush now Merlin…I'm with you, remember? I'll always be with you. Now…let's get back to the castle and we can both have a nice hot bath. Does that sound good?"
"Yeah…that sounds…perfect."
As they entered the castle grounds Arthur ordered guards to go and help the injured knights back to Gaius' chambers. He and Merlin went there briefly, with Leon and Lance in tow, to let Gaius check them over as a precaution. Once they were given the all-clear, and had reassured the girls that they were in fact fine, Arthur lifted Merlin into his arms and carried him up to bed, not trusting Merlin to not trip over something as tired as he looked. He sent for hot water to be brought up for a bath and watched the servants pouring it in. Once they'd all left he started to peel Merlin's clothes off, ignoring the softly muttered protests he received.
"Merlin…let me take care of you for once alright? It will make me very happy…"
Merlin heaved a soft sigh and stopped trying to fight against Arthur so the blonde decided to count that as a win and finished removing Merlin's clothing. He then set about removing his own clothing much more quickly than he had Merlin's and carried his warlock into the bathing chamber, stepping into the tub while holding Merlin and easing them both into the hot water. Arthur was slightly embarrassed when it took him three times to realize that the water kept getting warmer each time it cooled because Merlin was using magic to keep it hot.
"Merlin…stop using magic for awhile…you're already exhausted."
"The water'll get cold…"
"So it gets cold…I'd rather you not pass out in the bath Merlin."
Merlin muttered something that was too slurred for Arthur to understand and he decided it was time for bed. He carefully held Merlin and dried him off before gently laying him in the bed and drying himself off. Once he was in the bed Merlin instinctively wrapped around him and Arthur smiled softly at him, stroking his dark hair and following him into dreamland. It was about an hour later that the door opened and Morgana slipped into the room, ordering Leon and Lance to guard the door for the night and allow no one but Gwen to enter. She walked to the bed and smiled softly when Arthur cracked an eye open to see who had entered before pulling back the sheets so she could join them. Merlin was so tired he didn't even stir when she curled around his back but she felt his breath even out into a deeper sleep and smiled. She and Arthur spoke softly over Merlin's head for a short time before going to sleep.
"Arthur?"
"Yes Morgana?"
"So you remember when we were younger and slept in the same bed when I had a nightmare?"
"Yeah…you'd come running to me in tears and I'd pull you into bed so you could curl against me."
"Now we have Merlin between us…him curled against you and me curled around him…and I like it…a lot."
"You and I used to be much closer Morgana…do you remember those nights?"
"With great delight Arthur…I miss those nights."
"I often do as well…"
"Do you think Merlin might…maybe…?"
"Perhaps…he is exceedingly fond of you…he might be willing…but I do not believe he is ready yet…he accepts our dark sides…but he fears his own."
"I didn't even know he had one…"
"Oh it's there…but he's buried it deep inside. It nearly broke free tonight when I was thrown against a rock. He feared I was dead and, from what Leon and Lance told me, his eyes were molten and his entire body glowed gold before Lance distracted him."
"Oh my…that sounds…beautiful…"
"We need to find a way to bring out his dark side and get him to accept it as he has accepted ours."
"How?"
"I don't know yet…but we'll think of something."
"Goodnight Arthur."
"Goodnight Morgana."
Arthur kissed Morgana on the forehead as they settled in to sleep, Merlin wedged between them while they both clung to him. Merlin's dreams were dark that night, visions of himself in the middle of a battlefield, watching Arthur fall and losing control of his magic…and watching as everything around him burned to ashes while he laughed.
A/N: Ok so…slightly dark chapter, especially for poor Merlin…and I felt horrible writing that with him but it was needed. Hopefully everyone enjoyed this chapter. Next Chapter will feature a certain dark magician with a penchant for creepy beetles…and I'm sure you can guess how thrilled Arthur will be with his attention to Merlin lol.