Word Challenge: Tenderness

A weight shifted the edge of his bed, then a strong arm slid under his shoulders helping him to sit up. Those were the first two things Arthur clearly recalled. He felt the lip of a cup gently touch his dry, cracked, lips and then the exquisite sensation of cold water sliding down his throat. He tried to gulp it down, but a low voice warned him to go slow and pulled the cup back, allowing only small sips. He struggled to open his eyes as he fumbled for the cup, wanting more, but that same voice mildly chastised him to take it easy.

Arthur frowned, there was something very different about that voice. His head fell back against the chest of whomever was helping him to drink and he fought to open his eyes.

When he succeeded he stared up in disbelief at his own father.

"Father?" he asked in complete surprise.

"You were expecting someone else?" Uther asked, an eyebrow raised in query and challenge at the same time.

Arthur, shoulders drooping as he relaxed against Uther's arm, weakly whispered, "Gaius?"

Settling his son back against the pillows, Uther slid his arm out and tugged the blankets back into place, a wry smirk on his features. "He's been here nearly two days now, finally had that manservant of yours take him home. They both haven't left your side since this whole debacle began."

"And you?" Arthur asked.

"Where else would I be?" Uther's grey eyes fixed challengingly on Arthur's face, seeing the paleness and effort it was taking for him to stay awake.

"Um, running the kingdom?"

Uther snorted softly, "This kingdom can handle my absence while I take some time to see after a foolish, but very brave, son."