Disclaimer: I do not own the Merlin series.
Chapter 11 The Hunter's Heart
When Merlin is in the Royal Chambers one morning, he cannot help but notice Arthur's choice of clothes for the day. He had only seen him wear these a few times before.
"I'm not saying it's inappropriate, but I feel I have to say something," Merlin says as he holds up the clothing. "You only wear these for big announcements."
Arthur takes his clothes from Merlin.
"Nothing gets past you," he says.
"But…" Merlin starts, but Arthur puts one finger in the air, silencing him.
"Merlin, shut up. It's all fine," Arthur replies. Merlin takes a deep breath. "Now, I'm going to get dressed and meet you in the Council Chamber."
xxx
Merlin stands next to Gaius as Arthur and Gwen stand in front of the court.
"My Lords, fellow Knights, gentlemen… today is cased for celebration," Arthur says. He grabs Gwen's hand. It is at this point Merlin begins to realize what is going on. "It's my pleasure to announce that the Queen is with child."
Everyone claps. Merlin is in shock.
"Smile and clap," Gaius whispers into Merlin's ear.
"This is great," Merlin says.
"Could have fooled me," Gaius replies.
"The news just stunned me. I really am happy," Merlin says. He follows Arthur and Gwen back to their chambers after the announcement. They stare at Merlin for a moment. "Come here."
He hugs Gwen.
"We didn't know it would be this soon," Gwen admits.
Merlin let's her go then looks over at Arthur.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asks.
He would be lying to himself if he said he was not a little hurt for not being told before the others.
"What, so you could run around the castle telling everyone?" Arthur asks jokingly.
"I would not have," Merlin replies defensively.
xxx
With a feast being planned after the announcement, the castle had been plenty busy.
"Merlin, are you all right?" Gaius asks.
"Quite," he answers.
He does not say anything more. Gaius does not like this.
"You've been awfully quiet," he notices.
Merlin sighs and looks at Gaius.
"It's just… a baby," he says.
"I know," Gaius replies.
"It's a lot to prepare for," Merlin says.
There comes a yelling from outside the door.
"Merlin," Arthur calls.
"That's my cue," he replies. "Arthur and Gwen are having a picnic before the feast tomorrow." He has a smile on his face as he walks out. They end up some ways outside the castle walls. "Here?"
Gwen looks around.
"It's nice," she says.
Arthur also looks around for a moment.
"But is the view really that good?" he asks.
"Arthur…" Gwen begins.
"Let's go back to the other spot," Arthur replies.
Merlin gives a sigh as he starts picking up the basket of food.
"Merlin, he's joking," Gwen says.
"I'll just leave now," he says after everything is unloaded.
"Nonsense," Arthur replies. He grabs Merlin's arms to pulls him around. "Gwen's right. Stay."
Merlin gives him an apprehensive look.
"You're joking again," he replies.
"Am not," Arthur says, playfully sounding hurt.
Merlin smiles and sits down to join them to eat.
xxx
Merlin runs into Gwen a few days later in the corridor. He is carrying a bow over as shoulder.
"Hunting again I see," she replies with a laugh.
"Yeah, just great, Merlin says.
He is obviously not happy about this.
"You're not a fan of hunting," Gwen tells him, knowing it was true.
She has known him for too long not to notice the servant's dislike of the sport.
"Not at all, but Arthur does," Merlin replies.
"I just wanted you to know that since being with Arthur, I've learned that he values your opinion above almost all others," Gwen says. Merlin smiles and looks down at the ground. Arthur could be an absolute prat sometimes, but deep down the idiot cared. "Even if he'd be the last person to admit it."
Merlin laughs in agreement.
"You can say that again," he replies. Gwen looks down and puts her hands over her still flat stomach. "What's the matter?"
He begins to fear the worst.
"I'd be a fool to say that I wasn't scared," Gwen admits.
"Of what?" Merlin asks. She gives him a look. He then realizes what she is trying to say. "Morgana?"
"Arthur won't admit it, but he's thinking the same thing," Gwen says.
"I'm not going to let anything happen to you or the baby," Merlin tells her.
"Thank you," Gwen replies.