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Chapter 4

Arthur smiled as Merlin nuzzled into him so to be closer to his mate he lifting Merlin up a little so that Merlin's head and upper body rested comfortably against his chest as he leaned against the head board. Merlin nuzzled his chest making contented cries which Arthur returned by letting out contented growls as he buried his face in Merlin hair taking in Merlin's scent which was fresh pine, fresh grass, and the smell of the land after a rain fall, all the things that make Arthur feel like he is home. "Are you happy, Merlin? I know I asked before any of this but I need to know." Arthur asked suddenly, Merlin shifted in his arms so he could look him in the eyes, in his eyes Arthur could see the love and loyalty that he had seen so many times shinning in his eyes even stronger than ever before as Merlin answered him "Arthur, do you even need to ask you prat. How could I not be? I have loved you since I was fourteen and it hurt to know that there was a huge possibility that you could never be mine. But look what happened I got the Alpha I always wanted and the man I fell in love with so long ago. So yes I am beyond happy and I can't wait to be yours completely." to show that he meant it Merlin then nipped Arthur's jaw lovingly then placed a kiss on his neck, in return Merlin affection Arthur nipped Merlin's ear and kissed his air, while a contented growl rumbled in his chest.

They both laid their cuddled against each other for a good hour just talking about insignificant things until Gaius walked in. At first Gaius just put his bag down and started restocking his bag for the next day, but once he finished he turned to face the newly mated pair and he could not help but think how happy he was for the two of. He had seen them both grow up, get into mischief every other day, and grow into the men they had come to be. Seeing them both together now and so happy made Guise's heart swell with love and happiness for the two young men. Guise shook himself from his thoughts and asked "How are you feeling Merlin?" Was the first question that popped out of Gaius's mouth Merlin just smiled at his uncle knowing what he was asking "My leg feels fine Gaius hardly and pain at all just a slight twinge here and there if I move it wrong." Gaius nodded taking a look for himself.

Once he finished his examination he looked back at his nephew and the prince out of the corner of his eye seeing that the two had huge smiles plastered across their faces and they could not keep their eyes of each other. Gaius chuckled under his breath then finally turned to the two "Well it seems that your recovery is speeder than normal you should be up and about by late tomorrow, Merlin." Gaius then turned to Arthur "If we are careful on moving him Sire we could move him to your rooms where we all know he will be staying from now on right now. But he has to stay in bed till I come and see him tomorrow. He cannot be on that bed for any reason." "I think that would be a great idea, don't you Merlin?" Arthur turned to Merlin seeking his approval all Merlin did was nod his head with a huge goofy grin plastered on his face.

Gaius told Arthur how to carry Merlin so that Merlin's leg would not get any more damage or get jostled. Once Merlin was in his arms and cuddled into his chest, Arthur made his way to their chambers.

Once they were both there and Merlin was comfortable placed on the bed. Arthur poured a goblet of wine for both of them and handed on to Merlin. Once they had both finished their drinks. Arthur stripped to nothing but his underwear and crawled into bed beside Merlin, who immediately curled up against him putting his head on Arthur chest listening to his heart beat. Arthur put his arms lovingly around Merlin holding him against him.

They laid their together for a long time before Arthur started to feel something through the bond that had formed between them even though it was not as strong as it would come to be because they were not fully mated Arthur could feel that Merlin was scared about something and it confused him because he did not know of anything that Merlin could be afraid of. "Merlin, what's wrong." Merlin tail flicked nervously but Merlin said "Nothing I'm fine." Arthur could tell just by Merlin's tone of voice that Merlin was lying but he could also feel it through the bond that he did want Arthur to bothered with this.

"Merlin, don't lie to me, I can tell just by your tone of voice that you're not fine, I can also tell through our bond that whatever is wrong that you don't want to worry me with it. You can tell me anything I don't care how small it is, if something is worrying you, or bothering you I want you to tell me. I want you to confide in me so I can help you. Please tell me what's wrong." Arthur replied gently nipping Merlin ear then nuzzling his hair.

Merlin sighed as he buried his face in Arthur's neck "I'm just a little frightened. It's stupid you don't have to worry about it." Arthur nipped Merlin's ear again in light reprimand then said "Tell me anyway I want to know, maybe I can help get rid of that fear." Merlin sniffed and buried his face even deeper into Arthurs neck as he replied "I am just a little afraid of what is to come, I don't want to be a disappointment to you and have you leave. I afraid because of what Avith said I mean what if he was right. He said I would never be able be able to have you and even if I did get that lucky I would do something stupid someday and you would never be able to accept me and you would leave me. I am afraid that will happen and I don't want it too." Merlin was starting to panic and started to cry and Arthur could feel Merlin's panic as if it was his own and Merlin's tears falling onto his bare chest.

Arthur grabbed Merlin by the scuff of the neck like a mother would her pup it would not hurt Merlin but it would help him calm down as he listened "Merlin you listen and you listen well, Avith was just trying to scare you into submission. Don't you think for one second that I would ever leave you for any reason. I do accept you completely. My mother even makes mistakes yet my father has never cast her aside for them. He taught me that every alpha and omega makes mistakes even Royal ones, but we can't blame our mate for their mistakes only help them learn from them. I will never cast you aside. No matter what comes our way, we will get through it together and I will always keep you safe and be there for you, just as I know you will do the same for me. Don't ever think that I will abandon you ever again no matter what anyone says you understand me." Merlin nodded with a small smile "Good, now you get some rest. We will need all the rest we can get this week because if what my father said is true we won't be getting much when you go into heat." Arthur only said that to try and make Merlin smile at his joke and it worked but that smile and laugh that Arthur loved so much lit up Merlin's face and rang out across the room and Arthur could not help but smile at the sound. He vowed to himself that no matter what he would keep that smile on Merlin's face and that no matter what was to come he would be there for Merlin through everything.

Soon Merlin gave into sleep and Arthur just watched him for a while memorizing the contours of his face, the sharp edges of his cheekbones, the strong set of his jaw as he carded his fingers through Merlin's hair and the fur of his ears. It was a little after midnight when sleep finally claimed Arthur as well. They both slept contently in each other's arms through the night.