Thank you so so much everyone! Penultimate chapter, nearly there. Normal notes, no beta so any mistakes are mine and I don't own Merlin.
It was a silent confirmation between the group that they needed to get Merlin comfortable where he could rest the night and heal properly, so, as they moved and Gwaine picked him up bridal style, there was no objection from the boy, only a slight hiss of pain as he was moved.
"Best get you to a cell then..." Arthur joked, but mentally kicked himself as soon as he did so, what was he thinking saying something like that right now!? After everything they'd just been through! "Shit...no, I didn't mean that, I can't believe I even contemplated saying that...god Merlin I'm so sorry."
"You're in luck Princess, he's out cold. But I'm still going to make you pay for that on the training ground tomorrow."
"You can do whatever you want Gwaine, I deserve it after tonight."
They took Merlin to Gaius' chambers and laid him in his own bed. Most of the group stayed in the lower room so the physician had space to move, all except for Arthur, who stayed by his servant's side, moving him when Gaius needed and helping with any task he could. Together, they turned Merlin onto his side so the exit wound could be cleaned and bandaged, and the same for his stomach wound. Gaius did so with precision and so much delicacy that Arthur lost himself in watching, the strokes of the damp cloth over his friend's blood stained torso was like watching a fire burn long into the night, hypnotic and peaceful. And as the wounds slowly began to heal themselves, Gaius placed one final protective bandage around his body before they laid him down once more to sleep. He looked serene, laid there pale faced and sound asleep, and if it wasn't for the rise of his chest and the flickering of his eyes beneath their lids Arthur would think him dead again, and he couldn't imagine that, not now, for he knew those nightmares would haunt him for months if not years to come.
"We've done all we can sire. It's up to him now." Gaius collected his things and began to leave the room, but not before placing a placid kiss on the boy's head.
"May I stay with him?" The king almost whispered.
"Of course." The old man had almost left the room when his head rounded the edge of the door. "Oh, and sire...thank you. I know this is hard for you. Merlin means the world to me and I can assure you he is no threat. He is my life and if anything should happen to him I will not be far behind."
Arthur nodded, taking hold of Merlin's hand. "I know exactly what you mean Gaius, I don't think I could live without him either. He is a part of my family, my home and my life, just as you and everyone else in that room is. And I trust you with my life and the safety of the kingdom, all of you."
The door was closed a few seconds later, leaving the king and his loyal servant alone. It would be hard to explain to everyone else, hard to describe what he had seen, but he was king, he would prove to them Merlin, and (some) magic, was to be trusted. Merlin would be safe and a most important part of Camelot's future, a part of his future. After a few moments more of contemplation, Arthur mirrored the movements of the physician, leaning forward and placing a caring kiss on Merlin's brow.
"Please forgive me." He whispered, his lips still brushing his friend's skin as he spoke.
Then he moved his head so his own brow touched Merlin's. "I couldn't live without you old friend."
See you soon. Probably Tuesday, maybe earlier depending on my own timetable and possibly your kind words ;)