Part Four

The next day I couldn't stop thinking about the almost kiss. Melena and I now skirted around each other and there was always that something there between us. It was making edgy.

Around noon I saw Melena walking towards me in the hall and I found myself moving forward without making the conscious decision to do so. I grabbed her arm and yanked her into a small private corner. We were pressed close together.

"Arthur?" she questioned looking up at me.

"Melena, there is something here right? I'm not just imagining things am I?" I asked pleading for an answer. Her eyes softened and she reached up to stroke my cheek.

"There is something here, definitely," she murmured.

"Good," I replied before leaning close and pressing our lips together. I nearly moaned. She tasted like sugar and smelled like rain. Her lips were soft on mine and her hands were running tenderly through my hair. I pulled back from the most amazing kiss I had ever experienced and craved for more. She smiled up at me looking stunning.

"That was nice," she whispered.

"Just nice? I'll have to do better," I replied with a wink. She chuckled and I leaned back down. This time I pulled her even closer and traced her lips with my tongue. She parted them willingly and we battled for dominance for a long moment before she finally submitted to me. I explored her mouth for the longest time before we had to pull apart for air. We gasped staring into each other's eyes.

"That was…" she trailed off unable to find a word.

"I know," I finished. She laughed breathlessly and kissed me again. A strangled cry broke us apart. Merlin was staring at us with wide eyes.

"Merlin," Melena gasped. She yanked away from and out into the hall. She nervously straightened her dress. I followed her not knowing what to say. Merlin was my manservant but he was also a good friend.

"Y-you kissed my sister," Merlin spluttered.

"Merlin, I…" I didn't know what to say. He began to pace.

"Merlin," Melena started.

"Shh," he cut her off. I tried but was once more shushed. We fell into silence and let him pace and think this through. Finally he stopped and took a deep breath.

"Alright, that was a bit of a surprise but not entirely unforeseen. Arthur, Melena is my sister and even though she's only a few minutes younger that me I am responsible for her. I love her and if you hurt her I won't care that you are a prince," he told me bluntly. I nodded. He turned to Melena.

"Now Mel, Arthur may be a prat sometimes," I made a face, "but he is a good man and my best friend. If you hurt I won't be happy with you either." She nodded gravely and he relaxed.

"Alright, good, now that we have that taken care of you two have my blessing but please keep the kissing down to a minimum." Merlin turned and sauntered away. Melena and I looked at each other then burst into laughter.

"Well now that we have that sorted," she chuckled. I laughed and she wrapped her arms around my neck. I pulled her closer wrapping my arms around her waist. We kissed again and I never wanted this fire to burn out.