Arthur's dreams were filled with raven hair and blue eyes, whispered promises and lengths of velvet.

He awoke not much later than usual, anxious to see what the day held and to talk to Merlin.

He still had no idea what he was going to do about these newely recognized feelings, but he did know that Merlin was going to be treated differently.

He still wanted him to be his manservant- what better excuse can you have to keep someone around you all the time. But there were a lot of things he could do for himself, lighten Merlin's load a bit. Plus simple recognitions always made a difference.

The fact that Merlin could now do half his work with magic would help as well.

Arthur hadn't had a chance to really reflect on the knowledge that Merlin was magical.

"All those times... all the things I never understood, the things he'd say that didn't quite make sense... he was protecting me the whole time..."

It was amazing, he thought, how he hadn't noticed. It was also amazing that Merlin had put up with his attitude.

"I'm surprised he didn't just let me die... I've treated him horribly."

Arthur sat in his bed for a good two hours just thinking before Merlin showed up. His smile was as wide as his face- so carefree. Arthur couldn't help but smile back.

Today was the beginning of a new life, for both of them.

"Goodmorning, Arthur."

"Morning, Merlin."

Merlin went to open the shades, taking a deep breath. His shoulders expanded, the side of his face glowing in the sun flowing in from the window, a serene look upon his face.

Arthur again felt a tug in his chest, a warmth spreading through his body.

He slowly rose from the bed, going over to his clothes to put a shirt on.

Merlin looked over to him, and Arthur could have sworn he saw a blush creep into Merlin's ears before he turned back to the window.

"So..."

Merlin looked sheepish all of a sudden, as Arthur walked over to him.

"So..."

Arthur replied, leaning against the other side of the window, crossing his arms and looking at his manservant exectantly.

Merlin was fidgeting, another trait Arthur now found to be adorable in the back of his mind.

"I can't believe I didn't notice these things before..."

"What do I do now? I feel relieved, but the idea that I don't have to hide seems... unreal."

"Just relax and live, Merlin. You don't have to be different. You just don't have to worry about getting caught using your magic. In fact, feel free to use it for your chores. Perhaps they'd get done on time and correctly, for once." Arthur smirked, temporarily forgetting he was going to start being more supportive of Merlin.

But then again, looking at Merlin's smile- eyes crinkly and all, Arthur realized that over time, his 'insults' had become more like a show of affection than anything else.

"You know, I've used magic during my duties a lot in the past. Did you honestly think anyone could get all of your ridiculous tasks done in such a short amount of time without some assistance?"

Arthur smiled and patted Merlin on the back.

"Well, don't worry. I won't be pushing you like I used to. I know I've been... hard on you in the past-"

"Arthur, really I was just kidding. I don't mind being your servant. I've said it before- I'm happy serving you until the day that I die."

His eyes were suddenly... deeper, and Arthur felt a strange pull. He wanted to reach out so badly, to just feel Merlin beneath his fingers. Then he had a thought about the last time he'd heard those words, the confusion and odd dread that filled him that day for no apparent reason.

"Merlin, when you said that to me before... was... was that a goodbye?"

Merlin looked down, and Arthur got his answer.

"What happened?"

Arthur sat, motioned for Merlin to do the same.

"You had been bitten by the Questing Beast. I couldn't allow you to die. So I went to the Isle of the Blessed, traded what I thought to be my life for yours. It got really messy. Trading a life for a life with Nimueh apparently doesn't end well. She was... tricky. It took a couple of trips. But in the end, everything worked out, you were alive, my mother and Gaius were alive... Nimueh wasn't, though."

"You went to trade your life for mine? Just like that?"

"Well, yeah. It's my destiny- the dragon told me. My job is to keep you safe until you are king. Apparently together we will unite Albion, bring magic back into the kingdom. You are going to be an amazing king, Arthur. It's my job to make sure that happens. Plus, over time, I... I guess, well I couldn't stand to lose you."

Merlin blushed again, this time there was no way he could hide it.

Arthur's heart sang out, thumping in his chest quite heavily.

"Merlin... please, don't just disregard your life. If there's a next time... just, talk to me. I don't want you sacrificing yourself when we can find another way. I..."

Arthur face scrunched, uncomfortable with the words all of a sudden.

"What, Arthur?"

"I couldn't stand to lose you either."

Merlin's blush intensified, as Arthur looked out onto the city below to escape the awkwardness of the moment. He still wasn't good at dealing with his feelings, regardless of how bad he wanted to learn.

It was silent, for a moment, until Arthur was startled by Merlin jumping up and exclaiming:

"King Uther! Um... hello, sire!"

Arthur knew then that things were going to get much more awkward today.