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Chapter 4

It was no secret that the Lady Morgana had nightmares. Her issues with sleep, insomnia, and general unrest were well known throughout the castle. But that night her dreams weren't bad or unsettling. Well, at least not in the usual way.

He was there. Merlin. The one person she wanted to see. Needed to see.

"I've wanted you to see you all day," he said. The husky timber of his voice set her nerves on edge. His eyes were powerful-golden blue, like the numerous colors of a flame. And they were fixed on her. She felt singed by the weight of his gaze. Hot. Passion and lust were evident in those depths and it was blatantly directed at her.

He had closed the distance between them, bringing their bodies closer together. Closer than necessary. Closer than proper.

He leaned in to whisper in her ear, "We're the same, you and me. We're equals in every way. Especially in this." And with no preamble he tangled his hands in her hair and crushed his lips to hers. His lips were strong, aggressive, pressing the soft pillows of their lips together for maximum pleasure.

It felt amazing. He nibbled on her lower lip and she moaned. His tongue traced the seam of her lips, demanding entrance. And she was eager to comply. He thrust his tongue inside her mouth, opening her mouth further and tangling his tongue with hers.

His hands burned a path down her spine, coming to rest on the gentle curve of his hips. Pulling her closer until their bodies were flush. If it was satisfaction she felt earlier, this was pure relief. This was exactly what she wanted.

But it wasn't enough. She needed more. Something lay just on the horizon. Her body felt damp. Pleasure was contracting but she needed more. More something. More anything. She heard herself moan again.

She started from her sleep with a gasp. Her body was covered in sweat and every part of her felt on fire. She ached. An ache that wasn't totally unpleasant. Just frustrating. Uncomfortable to say the least.

Sucking in deep breathes, she tried to calm her racing heart. But it seemed nothing would calm the ache. It dulled but nothing more.

It was just after dawn. Too early for her to be awake but the restlessness from the dream hindered further sleep. Dragging on her robe and going to the window, she began to contemplate her peculiar dream.

It was by far the sexiest dream she had ever had. While the actions themselves were not overly scandalous, every thing was so…vivid. Like she was partaking of them, not merely dreaming. It was odd, really. Of all the frightening and prophetic dreams she had, this one felt the most real, the most genuine.

And Merlin. Her feelings for him were complicated. Deny as she might, she was attracted to him. She adored his too sharp cheekbones and lopsided grin, not to mention his witty retorts to Arthur. And he had this odd blend of openness and secrecy, safety and danger which continued to intrigue her. There always seemed to be more to Merlin than he let on, something guarded. And at times, it seemed he knew her better than she knew herself. And that alone was seductive and frightening.

But it seemed like her attraction to him had strengthened. Strengthened to the point that she thought of little else. When had she become so moonstruck? Was she really ill? Had she caught the same disease as Merlin? She usually thought about him from time to time. Stared at him during dinner or attempted to flirt with him in the hallways. But yesterday it seemed he was…essential. She needed to be near him. Even if it was through a door.

It was almost as if he was avoiding her. She could've swore she heard his voice in Arthur's room and then last night, he wouldn't let him in. Her hand had lingered during their whole conversation, hoping, praying he would let her in. She was so close to shoving open the handle and entering without an invitation, illness be damned.

Well, no more. She would see him. Literally, see him. For one, to see if he was alright and for another…it felt like he had something she needed. The ache in her body craved him. Whatever her body needed, she knew Merlin would give her.

No one or no inanimate object would stop her.

He yawned into his breakfast.

"Tired, my boy?" asked Gaius quizzically.

"Again, you have no idea," Merlin replied, grumpily. He had spent most of the night trying to slake his desire. Seven times. He had to polish his sword seven bloody times in order to get to sleep. Then it was only to dream about Morgana and a really sensual kiss…which felt a little too real. He woke at dawn, confused, frustrated, and downright randy. Day two was already to a bad start.

"Can you explain why I can't be 'ill' today? Wouldn't that help me avoid Morgana?" Merlin asked.

"Well, despite Uther's purported ignorance of magic, he has quite a solid foundation of knowledge about magic. He'll remember this specific holiday from before the Great Purge. You may be a servant, but Uther is suspicious of anything out of the ordinary. And he very well he may discover your magic through your absence at this pivotal point in the year," Gauis replied.

"You know, sometimes it feels like you're testing me. Seeing how strong I am, how well I can control my magic," he said.

"Maybe some times, but in this case, only you know how much you can handle. If it becomes too much, then we'll get you out of the castle, separate you and Morgana further. But it's safer to stay in Uther's sight. Just avoid Morgana's,"

"Thanks, that's great advice," he replied sarcastically.

"It's only two more days," Gauis replied.

"Two more days of hell," he said darkly.

He had thus far managed to avoid her. She might inflame his body and invade his mind, but he tried to think of today as just another day. Keep away from Morgana, protect your magic was the mantra he kept repeating to himself.

And it worked. While he still found himself walking closer to her chamber, he managed to get to Arthur's chambers with no incident. Arthur only made a quick comment of his tardiness.

Overall, he was feeling alight. He felt the connection and knew she was in the castle, but he tried to think of other things. Other nonsexual things-Arthur and Gwen kissing, Gauis in his underwear, Uther having sex-seemed to quiet his raging lust.

Walking down the hallway, he thought, this might not be so bad. I can do this for two more

But a searing hand on his forearm and a quick pull into the nearby closet interrupted his thought of confidence.

The door closed and semi-darkness kept out the light. But he didn't need light to know who it was. He could smell her, feel her presence. He could practically taste her as they both breathed heavily.

He was alone in a broom closet with Morgana. And he was in big trouble.

FINIS

Sorry to leave this as a cliffhanger but I can't quite decide how I want this scene to go. Will Merlin be able to control himself? Where are sparks that ignite when they touch? Will Morgana get the relief she desperately needs?

What do you think? Please review! I need them like Morgana needs...you know ;)