IMPORTANT! Just to give everyone a heads-up (especially to those who seem to be bother by it), you will find here plenty of grammatical errors, probably weird use of English phrase, spelling and everything you can think of. I'm doing my best to make it better but it won't be 100% perfect.
Author's Note: Okay, last chapter I mistakenly mentioned erectile dysfunction in relation to Arthur. Sorry about that! I wanted to end in a funny line but I guess I could do without it. Hehe, I tried to find the opposite for that condition but I can't find the proper term. Anyone knows the word?
By the way, someone already offered her services to be my beta-reader. That will start on the next chapter. Also, I accepted a part-time job (I'm also working full-time in the corporate world) so I'm not sure if I can update every week. I will try to stick to the schedule of every Wednesday for this fic but just in case I wasn't able to update every week, I'm informing everyone in advance already.
With that said, enjoy!
Warning: Masturbation…Arthur's a horn dog. Oh, and innocent seduction of Merlin….
When Merlin Became His Queen
Summary: He knew that the unicorn incident would come back to bite them in the future. He just never thought it would be his ass that would be bitten. ManyxMerlin; main ArthurxMerlin.
Chapter Ten – Coveted Price
* March 30 Early Morning*
Merlin hummed as he snuggled closer to the warm object beneath him. He sighed softly, feeling content and well rested like he never had before, not wanting to move at all. Then he realizes that the object was hard and moving up and down. Merlin scrunched his nose up in irritation when the movement gradually brought his consciousness back into the living. He grumbled under his breath, feeling the last delicious feel of sleep slipping from his grasp, his brain waking up into attention. He patted the object he was laying on, feeling smooth texture and hard planes.
'Wait a minute…' Merlin's thought trailed off, his hand moving around, rubbing ridges as he move along and then snagging on a small harden nub. A low lusty moan resounded above his head, the chest rumbling along with that.
'Gah!'
Merlin's eyes pop open and he sat up so fast that his head swirled from the sudden movement. He briefly closed his eyes to stable himself then opening them slowly, peaking down through his fingers. His cheeks flushed bright red within seconds of seeing that the warm object he was practically fondling was the prince.
'I molested Arthur!' Merlin cried horrified at his actions, realizing that the small nub he was touching was Arthur's nipples. Merlin started to hyperventilate; flicking his eyes over at Arthur's to check if he was awake only to see a hooded pair of sky-blue eyes intensely staring at him with something that he has never seen Arthur gave before.
He let out a loud "eep", jerking backwards in surprise and almost fell off the bed if Arthur did not wrapped one arm around his slim waist and pulling him flush right to his body. Merlin's eyes widen as his lips were brought so close to Arthur's that their breath mingled, his chest rubbing right against his (naked! Naked!) chest every time he takes a deep breath. Merlin couldn't move, his consciousness flying out the window being in such close quarters with his secret crush.
'Oh God! Oh God!' Merlin's head kept on screaming. His mouth opening and closing, eyes staring at those pink, full lips mere inches away from his; feeling a magnetic force pulling him to come closer and end the gap between them. He watched with fascination as that mouth moved forming words but Merlin can't hear anything. His eyes was slowly closing and he felt his head bending and moving forwards, he can feel the warm heat from those lips and he softly sigh.
"MERLIN!" Arthur's strangely husky voice yelled; jerked him awake from the dreamy state he was in, making his head jolt up in surprise, slamming into Arthur's face, pain exploding on his temple.
….
Arthur heart jumped at his throat at the image Merlin is projecting. His eyes close, head bent, lips slightly opened; he looks like he was begging to be kiss, offering those succulent temptation of lips for him to ravage. Arthur's eyes grew wide when, 'This is not my imagination!', Merlin's head inches forward.
Without meaning to, Arthur yelled Merlin's name, wincing when it came out husky and wanting. He felt disappointment washed over him when Merlin jerked into consciousness, feeling the keen lose of tasting those lips. That disappointment changed immediately to pain as the side of Merlin's head smashed into his forehead, hard.
"Oww…" Both male groaned, cupping their injury with their hands, Arthur letting go of Merlin.
"Merlin, you clumsy oaf," Arthur mumbled, rubbing his forehead to dissipate the pain, giving a half-hearted glared at him.
Merlin smiled sheepishly at Arthur, unconsciously giving him a puppy-dog look that made Arthur melted into a puddle of goo. Arthur awkwardly squirm (he did not squirmed!) in his position, not sure how to proceed.
It was Merlin who moved first.
He got out of the bed, Arthur's eyes raking all over that slim body, patches of skin showing from the too large shirt falling in one shoulder. Arthur groaned, watching as Merlin practically sauntered towards the windows to open the curtains. He felt his morning problem stiffen further, the memory of Merlin caressing his chest back to mind. He has to get rid of Merlin or else he won't be able to stop himself.
As soon as Merlin opened pulled the curtains open, Arthur ordered Merlin in the most obnoxious tone he could master, "Merlin, go get my bath ready. We have…about two hours before we are required in the throne room."
Merlin swirled around; those tempting cheekbones flushed red as the familiar annoyed expression blossomed in his manservant's face.
If Arthur wasn't too busy slouching over to avoid being found out, he would have enjoyed having annoyed Merlin so early in the morning.
"Ah! Arthur! Two hours? I can't prepare your bath warm in that length of time. Do you know how far you are from the water supply? Not to mention that I have to heat the water first," Merlin protested.
Arthur winced, waving his hand in a dismissal motion. "I'll take it cold."
"What?"
The prince was able to roll his eyes at his lanky servant, even if all he wants to do is shove those lovely lips to something that needs more attention. 'Drat it!' Arthur cursed inside his head, feeling his arousal heightening when Merlin's expressive eyes narrowed at him and those bloody lips protruding out almost out of habit whenever Merlin gave him a suspicious look.
"Clean your ears out Merlin. I said I'll have my bath cold. Now go."
"But – "
"Merlin," Arthur warned, throwing him a look.
Merlin closed his mouth, huffing before leaving his chambers right after he childishly stuck his tongue out to Arthur petulantly.
Arthur couldn't stop himself from groaning out loud once the door closed after Merlin, cupping his straining erection through his pants, feeling a wet spot in the center from the pre-cum dripping out.
"*groan* Ohh….Merlin…." Arthur moaned into the bed, debating on whether to jerk himself off or just wait for the cold water. Urgh, Merlin would be the death of him. He was hard all throughout the night and when he woke up, Merlin was fondling him, moving those delicate, small hands up and down his chest and snuggling!
He didn't moved or said anything partially in fear of having his control snapped and partially because he wanted it.
Arthur cupped his cock hard, moaning at the friction, remembering the image of Merlin's lips so close to himself and his tongue! Arthur can think of better ways for Merlin to use his tongue than sticking it out.
"Ahh.." Arthur moaned, feeling more pre-cum dribble out wetting his trousers.
Screw it! He has been hard all night. He deserves release.
If Merlin came back catching him fisting himself, well, he'll cross the bridge when he get there.
With that, Arthur slipped his hand inside his trouser, circled his manhood firmly and started jerking himself off in a fast rhythm, the idea of Merlin catching him actually turning him on further. Images of Merlin, half-naked, popped in his head, his mind conjuring an image of Merlin kneeling in front of him and those lips taking him in. He can already feel that he won't last too long.
Arthur gave a loud moan, his hand going faster, almost feeling the heat and wet cavern enclosing his cock instead of his dry palms. He gathered the pre-cum in the tip and smeared it down, slicking the way. He started panting hard, jerking his hips in time with his hips. He started to feel the intense ball of energy in his stomach indicating his orgasm is close, his testicles drawing back, tightening as he comes closer and closer to the climax.
The memory of Merlin moaning his name brought him into completion, his hips lifting up from the bed as cum spurted out from the tip, splashing all over the inside of his trouser.
"Merlin!" Arthur yelled in a throaty cry, his hips giving small jerks as he milk himself dry. After the last one, he collapse on the bed, feeling satiated after being tense and arouse almost the whole night (he kept on thinking disgusting thoughts the entire time to kill his arousal but Merlin would just bring it back by squirming again. He can never look at Gaius the same way again).
He felt content despite the weird feeling of being wet down there and felt his eyes slowly closing from the pleasurable feeling; that was until Merlin burst through the door with a panic look on his face. Arthur slapped his face with his hands at the timing, quickly flinging the duvet over his lap to hide the, ahem, evidence.
Someone up there must hate him.
….
Merlin felt fear stabbed in his heart at Arthur's cry. He frantically tried opening the door, but he remembered that he have two heavy bucket of cold water in his hands. He dropped them on the floor ignoring the water spilling and grabbed the handle twisting it open but in his panic state, he kept on fumbling as he tried to open it.
In frustration, he opened his palm and whispered "Allinan," pushing his hand inwards to open the door (somewhere in the recess of his mind, the thought being caught rang loud and clear but he ignored it), bursting through the door with a battle cry, looking around the room for an enemy.
"Arthur! Are you alright?" Merlin asked, looking around the room, trying to find the source of anything dangerous (not that he could really do anything, but maybe he could distract them enough for Arthur to grab his sword).
Arthur replied with a groan, a hand covering his face. Merlin confusingly turned to look at Arthur then the room, seeing nothing out of place. He frowned as he turned his attention back to Arthur, checking him all over trying to see if something was wrong.
Merlin was baffled, seeing nothing wrong. In fact, Merlin looked closer, Arthur looked fine; he look…satisfied, the pinched look he had a few minutes ago was gone.
"Oh my ….." Merlin whispered, Merlin's eyes dropping down on Arthur's covered lap then back to Arthur's face. Arthur looked satiated. And Merlin was familiar with that enough to know what Arthur looked like when he…err…had release.
Both male simultaneously blush bright red, Arthur grunting into his hands, refusing to look at Merlin.
"I – er, your cold water," Merlin stumbled with his words, pointing to the door then bath then Arthur. He then gave up and ran off yelling back something about him, clothes and changing.
Merlin reached his room in record time, giving a hasty "hello" to Gauis then slamming his door shut, slumping against it. He slid down to sit on the floor, covering his head on his face, mourning for his lost innocence. He wished that Leon didn't make him aware of his attraction to Arthur. His eyes won't be opened then and he won't be so conscious and sensitive to everything about Arthur.
Merlin moaned into his hands. With this rate, Merlin might end up actually jumping Arthur's bones (not if Arthur get to you first!)
Somewhere in the castle, Leon felt a shiver down his back.
…
It was a very awkward meeting between prince and manservant, Merlin refusing to meet Arthur's eyes (not that Arthur was bothered by it).
For the first time, Merlin meekly followed behind Arthur, fidgeting in his new clothes (it was a shock to everyone when Arthur presented Merlin a set of new clothes. The prince petulantly claimed that it was good to have a back up, even if he pushed Merlin to wear those atrocious feathers infested of clothing). Merlin actually looks very attractive in his new formal wear. The clothes fitting him for one and the official color of the Camelot looked great on him; his white skin and deep, crystal blue eyes enhanced by the deep red and gold fabric.
If Merlin was paying attention, he would have notice how smug and proud Arthur was seeing Merlin in the Camelot's colour (and therefore, his colour. Let it not be said that Arthur is a very possessive person, even if he hasn't actually claimed Merlin….. yet).
Merlin felt weird in the clothes, wishing for his old loose scratchy servant's garb. The silk in the tunic felt cold and silky against in skin, feeling tingly all over. The tunic was shorter than he was used to, the length stopping just above his buttocks, a belt tied around his waist, emphasizing his rather slim waist and jutting hips. The sleeves were at least long, but clinging to his arms making Merlin feel constricted. The worst part was the trouser. It was tight, skinned tight. It felt like a second skin to Merlin.
He felt like pulling at them, just to make them unstuck from his legs. The only thing of his that he got to wear was his shoes and despite how much Arthur scowled at him, he refuse to wear those hard, leather shoes Arthur offered. His shoes may look worn out and cheap but they are very comfortable.
His musing was brought to a stop when the grand doors to the throne chambers opened, the chattering of the people inside stopping as Arthur entered with a flourish.
'Pratty show off…'
Merlin followed behind him, Arthur's bigger stature blocking his view (not that he was really looking; he was still too embarrassed) of the people in front.
He can hear people walking towards them; hear Arthur conversing but his mind not registering what was being said. A figure suddenly step in front of him, a low murmur of, "And who is this?" was said, forcing Merlin to look up.
He was caught off guard, seeing a rather handsome man look down on him with a smile that made him very uneasy. A hand holds his chin, pulling him uncomfortable closer to this man. He can hear Arthur in the background introducing him, with a tone that sounded angry but Merlin couldn't really tell. He was distracted by the man's other hand cupping his cheek and the thumb tracing his cheekbones.
"This is Merlin, my manservant. "
"Really? How interesting. So this is Merlin. Nice to meet you. I believe I wasn't introduced to you. My name is Cenred," his brown eyes glinting with hidden amusement.
Merlin gulped, swallowing the fear brewing in his stomach. Something about the way the man, King, looks at him doesn't sit well with him; like he knows something about him, some deep secret.
'Stop it! He knows nothing. You just only met,' Merlin scolded himself.
He inwardly sighed in relief when the King removed his hands. Merlin remembering his manners (Arthur cleared his throat rather loudly), bowed his head in greeting, "It is a pleasure to met you Sire. I hope you like your stay here in Camelot."
Cenred's face suddenly went close to his face, answered, "I am certainly enjoying my stay here now."
Merlin blushed at the close proximity of the man, wanting to move back but knowing that it would seem rude. Cenred chuckled at the poorly hidden fright on Merlin's face, bringing a hand to cup his red stained cheeks.
"My, such a lovely servant you have. I am quite jealous, Prince Arthur," King Cenred purred, caressing Merlin's cheek with the back of his hand. Merlin resisted the shiver racking his body. The King maybe handsome but his touch felt invasive and he would just like nothing better than to hide behind Arthur's back.
Arthur glowered, smoothly tugging Merlin back to stand behind him; the prince blocking him from the (lecherous!) King, his tone coated with politeness, but Merlin can detect the warning edge to it; even if Arthur was not exactly saying the nicest things about him.
"Yes, well, my servant does tend to grab the attention of others. He is a rather useless servant. Always falling and bumping into things. He is especially late in tending to his duties."
"Hmm, it seems that you are not satisfied with your manservant. How about exchanging him for one of ours? I assure you that my servants may not be as, lovely as yours, but they are the best in the Kingdom," Cenred offered, his tone sugary sweet.
Arthur stiffened in front of him and Merlin felt nervous. He knows that Arthur didn't really mind all those and he won't trade him in (despite the frequent threats Arthur gives him) but it is not wise to refuse the offer of a King, whether in jest or not.
"I am honored for the offer King Cenred, but I must decline, Merlin has been my manservant for a long time now and despite his flaws, he is train to meet my needs," Arthur answered, bowing his head in refusal.
Cenred hummed in replied, and despite being covered by Arthur's body, Merlin can't help but feel those piercing eyes boring start at him. Merlin gulped, moving closer to Arthur feeling safer with him.
He can already tell that this day won't go well.
…..
* March 30 after lunch*
"You did what?" Morgana's shrieking voice rattled Arthur's brain.
"Please Morgana; I already have a headache as it is."
"You will have more than a headache if you don't march yourself right back and take the wager back."
"It's done Morgana. I cannot do anything about it."
"Done my arse! What possessed you to agree? Merlin is not an object for you –*gasp* Merlin…"
Arthur felt his heart dropped, hearing Morgana call Merlin's name. His shoulder went stiff but gathers what courage he has left to turn and face Merlin. Arthur almost wanted to turn back and run at the sight of Merlin's shock and hurt look.
"So it is true," Merlin said, his eyes suddenly closing off and face becoming stoic.
"Merlin, it's not what you think," Arthur replied, not wanting another week of Merlin avoiding him. Merlin seems to feel the same, if the lack of running is any indication.
Arthur wanted to strangle himself for giving in Cenred's taunts. That man was so infuriating.
Flashback:
Arthur seethe, the urge to smash that smug, leering face of the King increasing as the time pass by.
They were in the middle of the market place, Arthur and some servants and knights from both Kingdoms trailing after them as he show that pompous King around Camelot; that bloody perverted man did nothing all throughout the tour but drop innuendoes and flirtious looks and touches to Merlin ("Such a beautiful white skin you have. Women all over the country must envy you. It's very smooth and milky. And your eyes, I have never seen such exquisite color before. They surpass even the colour of the sky and deepest water").
Arthur just want to gagged, or better yet, gagged him.
Arthur tried many times to put Merlin beside his side and away from the lecherous King but that blasted man kept on going around, ignoring the warning looks Arthur was practically throwing at his face. He can't exactly openly refute the King's actions lest it causes a war between two Kingdoms but he was nearing his limit. He had tried sending Merlin back to the entourage but King Cenred would stop it every time.
"This is stupendously sweet," Cenred commented, picking up another strawberry. Arthur twitched, feeling jealously twist his inside. Cenred once again walked close to Merlin, tipping his chin up. "You mention that you like sweets, have you tried eating strawberries?"
Arthur immediately walked towards them to stop that man from molesting Merlin but before he can pull Merlin away (again) Cenred separated Merlin's lips using his thumb and hand fed him the strawberry.
Three things happened, Merlin accepted the strawberry and moaned when he bit into the fruit, Cenred smirked, his eyes devouring Merlin's (that's mine!) expressive face and Arthur pulling Merlin away and into his arms.
He glowered at Cenred, not caring about the consequence, his mind chanting, 'Mine! Mine! Mine!'. And that smug ugly (okay, so he was handsome; but he has no right touching what is his!) King had the gull to laugh at him, giving him an amuse smile; like he is indulging him.
"Sire?" Merlin whispered tentatively, looking up to him.
He looked down and his expression softens, before he pushed Merlin away from them with an order, "Help in setting up the table. It is almost noon and I'm sure King Cenred and his entourage is hungry."
"I'm perfectly fine Prince Arthur. In fact, I am not hungry. At least, not for food," Cenred said suggestively, looking at Merlin.
Merlin stood at attention, bowing quickly at both royalty and scatter off back to the castle.
"Pity, I was having the loveliest view," Cenred commented, his eyes still staring at Merlin's retreating back.
Arthur forced himself to smile at the visiting King, wanting to just stab him with his sword. "I'm sure you will have a lovelier view once our entertainment comes out."
…
Arthur greeted his father in the dining table, happy to see some color back on his father's cheeks. Uther didn't have the strong and intimidating aura as before but at least he didn't look like he was forcing himself to not kneel over.
"Father."
"Arthur, I trust you and King Cenred had a well morning?"
"Yes. I showed him around Camelot, particularly the market. I feel that he was impressed with our merchants and might consider trading with our Kingdom."
"Good. Ah, here comes the man of the hour."
"King Uther, how nice to see you. Feeling better?"
"I feel no different than yesterday," Uther answered back, leveling Cenred with a steady look.
Arthur excuse himself quickly, muttering some excuse, intercepting Merlin before he came close to the upper table.
"Arthur, what are you doing?" Merlin hissed under his breath.
"Saving your arse," Arthur replied, not helping himself in giving Merlin's perfectly rounded backside a look over. Damn! Those trousers should be illegal on Merlin.
Merlin looked at him weirdly. "Arthur?"
"Huh?" Arthur asked distracted. Merlin frowned at him." Oh, right. You're going to serve the knights table today."
"What? Why?"
"Stop questioning me. We already have four servants in the upper table. I don't need you to serve me. Besides, knowing you, you'll just probably trip and spill everything," Arthur said in a serious tone, though he won't mind seeing Merlin spilling things all over that bastard of a King; maybe a hot soup or knives.
Merlin looked at his eyes for awhile, making Arthur fidget at the stare wondering if maybe Merlin got hurt by his comment but that thought flew out his mind when Merlin gave him a sweet smile.
"Thank you," Merlin said gratefully.
Arthur acted nonchalantly, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Right," Merlin retorted with a grin.
"Shut up and go to your duty. Stop slacking off."
Merlin gave him a last grateful smile before going to the knights' table. Arthur watched in displeasure as some of those knights perked up at seeing Merlin but he was reassured when Leon gave them a glare, walking beside Merlin.
He will be safe there.
….
Arthur was actually enjoying his lunch, even if Merlin was not by his side. All throughout the meal, King Cenred was kept busy by his father, talking about one thing or another. He caught Morgana's eye, watching his adopted sister exasperatedly swat the attentions of males away from her. She gave a sarcastic "kill me now" sign and Arthur laugh at that.
It was during the end of the meal that everything went downhill.
Morgana approached Uther to excuse herself, feigning a bad headache (Arthur snicker as another noble leered at her or more accurately, at her chest), taking Uther's attention and therefore freeing Cenred, to talk to him.
"So, I see your manservant is not serving you," Cenred commented, Arthur gritting his teeth as he saw the man's eyes follow Merlin at the knights table.
"He is much needed elsewhere. Besides, he tends to get rather clumsy. I don't want for you to be offended if he accidently trip and drop something all over you," Arthur stoically reply, inwardly wishing he can just drop one himself, like his sword.
"Hmm…I see. You know, someone like Merlin can be more than just a manservant."
Arthur felt his warning signals alarming, noticing that Cenred was up to something. "I don't use my servants in that way."
Cenred look at him, raising an eyebrow, "My, what exactly are you thinking? I was merely suggesting that he can have other uses other than being a servant."
Arthur suppress the embarrassment at Cenred's look, keeping his face as straight and polite as possible. "Whatever do you mean?"
"Well, I was thinking about the tournament tomorrow. I understand that the only thing the winner will win is just the title of being champion."
"There is also the honor of winning the tournament," Arthur answers cautiously.
"Well, in my kingdom, we reward the best warrior with more than just honor. We award them with an object just as precious," Cenred smirked at Arthur.
Arthur bristled at the insult. "What do you have in mind?"
"Merlin as the price for the winner in the tournament."
Arthur was stunned for a second before he practically spat out his question, "I beg your pardon? My manservant is not an object to be pawn off."
Cenred just gave him a look like he was a child. "What do you describe giving Maidens away or a Maiden's kiss as a price?"
Arthur gritted his teeth, physically restraining himself from hurting the visiting King, this time not even hiding the angry he is feeling, "You seem to miss the point. Merlin is not a woman and therefore not a maiden."
"I fail to see the difference. By his actions alone, he is a maiden by every definition except anatomy. And I can clearly see that he is coveted by many, whether friendly or more. He has such an innocent charm and enchanting personality. He even rivals Lady Morgana's. I highly doubt you, as the boy's master is immune to his charms."
Arthur look away, the knowing look on Cenred's eyes making him panic. He can't be obvious can he? If others realize his attachment, it would cause trouble in more ways than one.
"I don't know what you are saying. Merlin is nothing to me but a manservant."
"Well then, you won't have trouble "pawning him off" as the price for the tournament. It will certainly boost the men's confidence, at least those interested. Why, I would even participate in the tournament."
End of flashback.
It was at that point that Uther joined the conversation. Arthur couldn't remember excitedly how the discussion went from there, but in the end, he had no choice but to agree. He felt that it would be worst if he refuse and his father found out how important Merlin is to him.
His father isn't exactly accepting of servants with nobles, let alone the prince and heir to the throne and a male servant. Arthur didn't want another reason for his father to be disappointed in him or worst, take drastic measure, like take away Merlin.
Uther was already looking at him funny all throughout the exchanged. What was surprising was how Uther almost grilled to Arthur that in no circumstances should he lose to King Cenred in the tournament or anyone for the matter. But Arthur just chalked it up to Uther's competitive nature.
"I'm waiting."
Arthur's attention was brought back to the present, his eyes seeking the close off eyes of Merlin. "Morgana, can you leave us?"
Morgana looked ready to protest but Arthur gave her a look, almost bordering to pleading. Morgana shut her mouth with a click, warning Arthur, "You better make this right Arthur," before whirling around and leaving.
It was only the two of them and Arthur cleared his throat, feeling it dry. 'This is ridiculous! You are the prince. He should not question what I do,' Arthur thought to himself. He squared his shoulders and look up only to deflate at seeing Merlin's resigned face, knowing that he can't do this "I'm the prince and what I say goes" act with Merlin.
Not after the week they have.
Not after what he realize.
"I'm sorry."
That brought a reaction out of Merlin.
"What did you say?"
"I'm sorry."
Arthur went on, "I tried to refuse and argue but in the end, I couldn't win. Merlin, you have to understand, you are someone special to me; my closes confident and friend. I would never intentionally cause you hurt."
"But you still did. You agreed to make me a price. A mere object. Not to mention this is idiotic. I will be made fun of and ridiculed! I'm not some girl Arthur. I don't understand why you would agree to something that is ridiculous in the beginning."
Arthur stopped himself from blurting out that Merlin was wrong and that he won't be ridiculed.
In fact, he already heard people started talking after he left, excited to have the chance to have Merlin. Merlin was really oblivious to the charm he has and how much people adore him. He was very fortunate enough to be the prince; nobody would dare challenge him for Merlin (and Arthur swears that he will change the law once he is King; servants are not property). But now, everyone has a free shot to take Merlin away from him.
Arthur's confident enough that he won't lose, but the fear is still there.
" I swear Merlin, I did not do this to cause harm to you. I didn't have a choice. If father found out how important you are to me, he will take you away. He may have mellowed since the invasion but he still does not allow weakness."
"Are you saying I'm a weakness?"
"No! Of course not. But my father does."
"Arthur, you might be surprise what your father's thoughts really are."
Arthur looks at Merlin in surprise; but smiled fondly afterwards.
Leave it to Merlin to defend someone as tyrannical as his father. Even if that man is killing his kind (Arthur idly thought about Merlin and his magic and when his manservant would tell him about it), Merlin would still see a kindness in him.
"Okay."
"Huh?"
Merlin cracked a small weak smile at Arthur's clueless look. "I said okay. I believe you. I'm not angry. But…I am hurt."
Arthur felt a small relief at Merlin's words but he felt pain at causing Merlin hurt. "I'm sorry."
"Hearing you apologize so much in the span of thirty minutes covers for it," Merlin answered, trying to bring back the teasing in his voice but it was obviously that he wasn't up to it. Arthur just nodded, not knowing what else to say.
"You better win. I just got used to having a humongous prat like you as my master. I don't want to have to get use to it again."
"And you're the only insolent service in this entire Kingdom. What would I do without your insults every day?
Merlin finally smiled at him, "You would be lost without me."
Arthur silently agreed.
…
* March 30 evening*
"If one more knight comes and asked to be Merlin's champion, I swear I won't be responsible for my actions," Arthur mumbled irritated, running his fingers over through his hair in exasperation.
"You seem stress my prince."
"Gah! Gwen! Don't sneak up on me like that."
Gwen smiled in amusement, eyeing the distress looking prince. "I was hardly sneaking. I'm walking in front of you."
"Ugh."
"Something troubling you?"
Arthur mumbled something and Gwen tried to lean in to hear him to no avail. "I'm not sure I got that."
Arthur sighed, deciding that it won't hurt to tell Gwen. He'll be damn if some other knight figures out that they can actually asked Merlin themselves to become his champion.
Considering that he's not exactly in Merlin's good side right now, Arthur needs every help he can get to have Merlin listen to him.
Okay, so Arthur had to admit that locking Merlin inside a room wasn't exactly the best idea he had but in his defense, he was keeping Merlin from making a mistake by falling into those conniving knights' trickery. Who knows what those knights have in mind to make Merlin give them a token.
Images of various knights holding Merlin down as they took some part of Merlin's clothing ran rampant through his head. Worst, they could break into Merlin's room while he is sleeping or changing and just lose control of themselves.
Okay, so Arthur has a wild imagination, but who's to say that his thoughts wouldn't become true?
Arthur knows his knights well and they can get vicious.
Merlin just doesn't get what's the big deal about actually agreeing to have someone as his champion. Choosing a champion signifies that he has Merlin's favor and in this case, it declares who he thinks is the best fighter in the bunch. The champion also gets to escort the maiden, in this case, Merlin, in the beginning of the tournament and Merlin would give a token to the champion as a symbol of his favor.
And Arthur refuses to allow anyone to have Merlin's token, affection or anything else.
Isn't it enough that he is risking his ownership (and despite Merlin's indignation of that term, it is how master/servant relationship is viewed) in the line because of that stupid King Cenred.
Merlin suggested having Leon become his champion which Arthur rejected on from the start, calling Merlin idiotic and simpleton, which added to Merlin's temper at him (aside from Arthur actually attempting to lock Merlin in a room).
So Leon might be the perfect champion for Merlin. He didn't have any feelings for Merlin, the lustful or romantic kind. In fact, he is as protective as Arthur when it comes to Merlin, almost to the point of insanity. If the man can put a chastity belt on Merlin and throw away the key, he would have probably done so. That man has a serious case of brother-complex. And Merlin is not even his real brother!
But that is beside the point; Arthur just didn't want anyone becoming Merlin's champion; unless of course that's him.
Now if he could just become Merlin's champion without him actually asking.
"Actually, I need your help."
TBC…
Author's Note:
Reply to Reviews:
Malexmale Goddess 101: Heh, I'm glad that this fic is still holding everyone's interest. I actually like this chapter. I have always like Jealous Arthur.
Eyesintothesoul: He must have. He got Merlin dressing and undressing him all the time! =p
XDevil-Wolf-ChanX: As of now, I am currently letting you readers decide on how Uther's feeling. There's a chapter coming up where his point of view would be explored about everything that has been happening. Hope you found this chapter awesome!
Sans toi: Err...sorry about that! I couldn't think of any other condition name and that name pop up (I think my nurse of a sister repeated that a lot when she was studying and it got stuck in my head). I still have no idea of the opposite of erectile dysfunction so I guess I'll stick with that until someone tells me the right term.
ILoveFrenchFries: Ooohh, belated happy birthday then! I also have my bday in March. Like my jealous Arthur?
Kat Nightfox: Ohh, is priapism the opposite of erectile dysfunction? I couldn't think of the proper term and that one pop up so I went with it. Thanks! Hope the teaser followed through.
Crystal Lock: Thanks. I would love to get a beta. Prob is I would be putting the chapters really later than usual. But in anycase, if anyone offers, I'll be glad to accept their expertise.
kasih 1990/sweet: Heh, I do like how Gaius is. I feel as if he is taking a backstage spotlight in the series. King Cenred is the catalyst for Merlin and Arthur's relationship. Stay tune!
Helen: I'm getting there.
xXMistressMadHatterXx: Hehe, thanks. I love your reviews. I find it every encouraging. Uther will have his own chapter to showcase his point of view. Heh, it's one of the important chapters...I think...still working the story chapter per chapter.
emwebbstack: So happy to be back. I'm hoping to finish this chapter before I start my part-time job (I'm also doing a full time job) so I won't leave you guys hanging. But I have future plans for a sequel already.
Mikase: Hehe, Arthur's going to get a strong hand/grip with all the action his hand is doing. I'm actually wondering if he can hold off until December... =p
Mebina Sobriquet: Heh, thanks for offering. I hope you won't get a headache correcting my story. I usually have a hard time editing because I still see the same thing even if I read it over and over again. Someone has to point out the error before I would realize that it was wrong.