AN: Who was I kidding? As soon as I sat down and thought 'If I wrote a third what would it be?' a story just popped into my head and wrote itself out (not literally, sadly). It has plot, it has fun, it has sexy, it has magic, it has romance, it has adventure, it has fighting, and I love it already.

So here is your final chapter of Tempting. [not beta-ed]

The rest of that hunting trip went better than either could have expected. They were not bothered by anyone, they didn't have to hide a thing, and they accepted everything about the way they felt.

They spent the next few days out hunting, making love, eating, talking. They established the ground rules that seemed easy enough to follow.

Merlin could be Arthur's servant, that wouldn't change. The occasional flirtation or witty remark could fly unnoticed but they had to keep it in check. They even established a code word. Anytime one thought the other was getting out of hand, they would just have to find a way to throw the word apples into the conversation and the other had to stop whatever they were doing or leave the room if possible.

They even had a code word for when they wanted to spend the night together; whiskey. It seemed fitting. It was how it all started. They didn't think they would need to use it very much though. It was clearly obvious when one wanted the other, and though it had only been a short time, there was never a time when the other would say no.

The nightly visits would be kept in check. Any activity that could lead to excitement, any kissing, any grasping, any rubbing, was to be left in Arthur's room. It was risky, as it was the prince's bed chamber, but it would be much more risky if Arthur were to be anywhere else. If anyone had tried to locate him and couldn't because he and Merlin were off in the barn or in Merlin's room or somewhere else secluded, the bells would go off, people would be worried, and everything would just be a hard mess to explain. Plus, people always knocked before entering his chambers. Besides Merlin. And he had a lock on his door that they could use.

They agreed to keep the overnight stays to once every two weeks. Neither one liked it but it would be hard for Merlin to explain why he wasn't home all night to Gaius. Gaius wasn't stupid, he would know something was happening. That and the more times they slept in the same bed, the more likely people would be to finding out. They both agreed they couldn't give it up all together.

They both understood this time that these rules weren't made up and they weren't a part of some teasing game. If these rules didn't work out or if someone found out, that would be it. They couldn't do it and they would both be left with nothing but the knowledge of what could have been.

Traveling back to the palace after so many days alone together, being able to be as loud as they wanted, was hard. They were going from running around, throwing their bodies at each other, tackling each other to the ground in the pale moonlight, and ravishing the night away to just running around and throwing things. Well, Arthur would probably be doing most of the throwing. Merlin would find a way to get him back.

They had to return though. They only had so much food and Arthur really was the prince and Gaius really did need Merlin. So they packed up and headed back, stealing one last kiss before they left. That kiss of course turned into more and they savored every moment they had before having to travel back and be restricted by their rules.

The hardest part was when they came to the clearing of the trees. They had to separate the horses so it didn't look like they were riding so close on purpose. Each would glance at each other and someone would smile a sad smile and it only reminded them of what was to come. They were both very happy they could be together but they both wished they had more freedom about it. They had also agreed to take another hunting trip and soon.

When they did return and Merlin finished up taking care of Arthur's horse, he ran up to his bedroom to see if he needed anything else. They had already agreed to sleep in their own bed that night but Merlin just wanted to say good night.

When Merlin walked into Arthur's room he found him already in his bed, the covers thrown haphazardly about himself. Merlin smirked at the sight of Arthur being so beat from their days of fun and walked over to pull the covers to their proper place.

With a quick glance around, he bent down and kissed Arthur on his forehead, pushing his messy golden hair out of the way.

"Goodnight Arthur."

Arthur stirred a bit, never opening his eyes, and sighed, "Goodnight Merlin."

Merlin smiled and walked back out of the room figuring out what he would have to do for chores the next day. No doubt Gaius would have things for him to catch up on.

Just when he reached the door Merlin heard Arthur call out in a hushed tone "Idiot." Merlin turned and smiled at him from the door.

It was another code they had talked about. They obviously couldn't just say I love you when they were in Camelot. That was something only the trees would get to hear. Merlin had suggested they use words they normally would on a daily basis.

Food would seem too odd. No one would understand why Arthur or Merlin were saying cheese with a goofy smile on his face. Merlin had been the one to suggest idiot because Arthur used it so much. Arthur argued that then Merlin wouldn't know when he really was calling him one. Then Merlin playfully shoved him, calling him a prat, and that lead to other things.

It seemed Arthur was actually following what he said.

"Prat." Merlin whispered back before leaving and shutting the door behind him.

He couldn't seem to wipe off his goofy grin. Everything turned out to be much better than he ever could have planned. Now all he had to do was go home, sleep, and wake up to a brand new day where he was with Arthur, the prince of Camelot. His friend and his lover.

"Merlin." A voice rang out in Merlin's head and he stopped halfway down the corridor. He looked around behind himself but he already knew it was pointless.

"Merlin." Again the voice called out for him and he grimaced. He knew that voice anywhere.

And he had been in such a good mood.

"Merlin."

That was the voice of the Great Dragon. That was never a good thing.

AN: See, not a break your heart ending. Just a huge tease.

Thank you guys for everything and especially your reviews. I love you more than you know and your support is very much so appreciated. I know I'm not one to respond to reviews individually (sorry, no time), just know that I do read them and appreciate them.

Here is the loose summary to the 3rd part. I think I might call it Consequences. (It will be able to stand alone as its own story.)

Merlin and Arthur are finally together, but they weren't the only ones waiting for that to happen. When a prophecy is fulfilled it tends to have a ripple effect. Can they stand together as the realm of magic crashes into the world they live? Merthur. Smut.

Hope that will tide you over.

And to that guest reviewer: Yes, Arthur is going to find out. It will be fun. For me anyway. And you. I hope.

I will post the first chapter of the 3rd on this story like I did for Tempting in Whiskey's Effect so you know when its up. Hopefully it won't be too long a wait.

Until then, I thank you again for favs/follows/reviews/reading. Much love is sent your way.

Oh, and special thanks to; Loulou2a, hieisdragoness18, don't-even-ask1, nanesantos70, and .3572 and anyone else who reviewed throughout that I missed. You guys kept my mojo up with your constant feedback and I love you for it.

Also send your love to my beta kelseyliz95. She is great and you know it!

Reviews are my addiction. Feed my fever!

AN (2.0) - I have edited this along with Whiskey's Effect. Still can't promise my grammar is awesome and my writing will just continue to get better but I didn't linger too much this. Other stories to write! Only Red Roses to go and then I'm starting on this 3rd so soon my dears, soon.