As the kingdom became used to Arthur being on the throne, his relationships grew stronger with Merlin, which resulted in him noticing the increasing number of dark glares that the warlock would get whilst walking through the village or the castle.
However, the warlock always found Arthur's thinking face amusing. The way that he would stare off in no particular direction, cover his mouth with his hands and lean forwards when he was sat down. Merlin could not resist. Merlin was currently stood beside the throne. Arthur was unaware and jumped in surprise when the warlock poked his cheek. The young king let out a slightly girly squeal that drew the attention of all the guards. Merlin swore that he could see a faint blush upon Arthur's cheeks and giggled to himself.
Arthur growled and turned on his throne to tickle the warlock, "You little pain in the neck!"
Merlin laughed ad swatted Arthur's hands away, "You clotpole!", he replied.
Arthur smirked and flicked Merlin's nose, "I love you".
Merlin smiled as Arthur placed a hand on his belly, "And we love you".
Arthur moved and he grabbed Merlin's hand. He pulled Merlin in front of him and then he gently pulled him down to sit on his lap. Arthur wrapped his arms around the warlock, and he nuzzled into Merlin's neck.
Merlin smiled and he kissed Arthur's head "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. I just needed a hug from you" Arthur answered.
Merlin chuckled "I don't mind that".
Arthur smiled and he kissed Merlin's neck before he placed his hand on Merlin's stomach "I'm going to keep the both of you safe. Forever".
Merlin smiled "And I'll keep you and the baby safe. Forever".
Arthur felt his heart flutter with pure joy, and he sighed as he gazed at the warlock, he was so caught up in how much he loved his future family that he did not realise that Agravaine was rolling his eyes, that was before he rudely cleared his throat.
"My lord, this is just my personal opinion… however, I feel that you should keep the displays of affection to a minimum. Some people think that it is inappropriate" Agravaine hinted at his homophobic views and Arthur looked at him.
"Yet no one would make a comment such as that if I was in love with a woman" Arthur stated, shooting a sharp look at his uncle to express his disapproval.
Merlin felt slightly anxious, but he was grateful for how Arthur had responded to what had been said "I am going to go and do some reading" he went to stand up but the doors to the throne room were thrown open and a knight was thrown into the room, sliding across the floor with a dagger in his back as Morgana strode into the room only a few seconds later.
Merlin and Arthur instantly arose to their feet and the king brandished his sword, as Merlin placed himself in a stance. All of the knights and Guards drew their swords, and they began to approach Morgana, but she pointed at Merlin.
"It appears that a congratulations is in order, dear brother. For your precious Merlin is carrying your heir. Perhaps a gift?" Morgan asked in a menacing voice.
"We don't want anything from you, Morgana!" Arthur stated in a firm voice as he glared at the sorceress "What business do you have here?"
"Is that any way to great a member of your family?" Morgana retorted as she stepped closer to Arthur.
Merlin's eyes flashed gold and a spear flew across the room, narrowly missing Morgana, causing her to come to a halt "You are not welcome here, Morgana. Leave now".
"Someone is protective. Must be all of the hormones and magic mixing together" Morgana sneered before she held a crystal out "It is such a shame that one perhaps two members of your family are not going to survive for much longer".
Arthur went to lunge at the sorceress, but she disappeared in a dark cloud of smoke, leaving everyone staring at where she had been stood "The defence of this kingdom will be increased and any threats to the people of Camelot will be dealt with. Morgana wants a war, and she will not stop until she gets what she wants, so Camelot will go to war".
As they day dragged on, a tension built up in the castle as everyone dwelled over Morgana's threats; a council meeting was arranging for noon the following day, but the night just made everything feel all too real, especially for Merlin who's mind was racing with thoughts and questions as he laid in bed next to Arthur.
"What are we going to do?" Merlin asked, breaking the tense silence that had fogged the room.
Arthur remained silent for a moment before he sighed "I don't know. All I know is that I am not going to let anyone, or anything harm you or our child, you have my word on that".
"But what about you?" Merlin turned his head and glanced at Arthur "You're in danger too".
"It's not my time to leave this world yet" Arthur stated as he sat up and looked at merlin "I have a few more duties to complete first".
Merlin smiled slightly but he sighed "I'm scared, Arthur."
"I know, my darling. I'm scared too, but we will be alright" Arthur assured as he tried to ease Merlin's anxiety. The baby's going to be fine and I am not going anywhere any time soon. Just try to get some sleep, you need to rest" Arthur closed his eyes to go to sleep as he spooned against Merlin.
Merlin sighed and he closed his eyes to sleep, but he felt a sudden movement in his womb, and he winced "Ah!"
Arthur instantly sat up, he looked at Merlin and he panicked "Merlin? Are you okay? Is it the baby? Is something wrong?"
Merlin had an idea of what he had just felt. He placed his hands on his belly and he waited patenitnly for it to happen again.
Arthur on the other hand, was beginning to grow more paranoid by the second "Merlin? I'm going to go and get Guias!" he went to get out of bed
"Just shut up for a second" Merlin grabbed Arthur's wrist. He then felt the movement again and a smile spread across his face.
"For the love of Camelot, Merlin! Tell me what is wrong!" Arthur exclaimed.
Merlin placed Arthur's hand on his belly, and he held the king's hand there.
"What am I waiting for?" Arthur sighed.
"Sshh just wait for a moment" Merlin shushed.
For once in his life, Arthur actually managed to keep his mouth closed. And after a few seconds he felt it. A smile grew on the king's face and he looked at Merlin "Is that what I think it is?" Arthur asked.
Merlin nodded "That's the baby kicking".
Arthur heard Merlin hiss in pain, and he looked at the warlock "What's wrong?"
"The kicks hurt a bit" Merlin chuckled.
"Can you not use magic to stop the pain?" Arthur asked.
"Not without hurting the baby. I would rather go through a small amount of pain than our baby being hurt" Merlin explained.
Arthur stroked Merlin's hair "And that is one of the reasons I love you. You are selfless and you always put other's first". Arthur then looked down at Merlin's belly before he moved down the bed "And you, little troublemaker..." he kissed Merlin's belly.
Merlin smiled, and he chuckled when Arthur started to talk to their unborn baby.
"I am very proud of you. But... go a little easier on daddy, he is proud of you too. Just go easy on him, yeah?" Arthur asked Merlin's impregnated belly before he kissed it twice. He then looked up and he saw that Merlin was smiling.
"You're such a clotpole" Merlin smiled.
Arthur smiled and he moved to lie next to Merlin "And you're an idiot".
Merlin grinned and he kissed Arthur "Night, Arthur".
Arthur wrapped an arm around Merlin, linking their hands together "Night, Merlin".
As if the excitement of the previous day had not been enough, Arthur and merlin were rudely awoken as their friends and George barged into their chambers; resulting in Arthur jolting awake and pulling a dagger out from under his pillow, ready to defend his family.
"What the hell are you all doing here?!" Arthur yelled when he saw everyone.
Merlin groaned as he woke up, but he froze when he saw that everyone was staring at him, George holding two trays of food, Leon looking like he had been struck by lightning and Gwaine who looked like he had been dragged through the stables by his hair.
"Your breakfast, my lord" George stated.
"The council have arrived here early" Leon answered.
"Never mind that! Why the fuck do you keep a dagger under your pillow?!" Gwaine exclaimed dramatically.
"In case I have to protect my family" Arthur answered, putting the dagger back under his pillow before he laid down.
"Why is the council here now? It's not noon yet" Merlin spoke up and everyone looked at him.
"The council have ordered for the meeting to be held early, due to the urgent issues that need to be discussed". A young knight said through exhausted breaths and everyone looked at him.
"When did you get in here?" Lancelot asked.
"I shall return later." Arthur kissed Merlin's head. He then stood up and he went to walk out of the room. But the knight did not move.
"What else?" Leon asked.
"The lords clearly stated that the warlock must attend" the knight answered.
Merlin was silent for a moment before he looked at "Can you help me uo?"
"Sure". Arthur walked back over to the bed and he helped Merlin stand up on the wooden floor.
The knights waited outside for Merlin and Arthur to get dressed, before they all met outside of the king's chambers and they made their way through the castle, eventually walking into the throne room, where they saw all of the council sat around the table.
"May I ask who called for a council meeting?" Arthur asked as he came over to stand at the table.
"It was I, your highness" Lord Graham stood up.
"Be seated" Arthur sat down at the end of the table.
Lord Graham sat down, and he looked at Agravaine. He saw the evil nature in Agravaine's eyes, and he shifted uncomfortably.
"What is the subject that you all wish to discuss?" Arthur asked.
"The witch Merlin" Agravaine answered.
Arthur sighed and he rolled his eyes "Continue" he ordered knowing what was about to be said, but that he had to please the council.
"We have found evidence to support the fact that the witch is indeed faking its pregnancy" Lord Halmer said.
"Merlin is not faking anything. This council meeting is unimportant" Arthur stated.
Agravaine pulled out a huge book and he flicked through it "This book says nothing about a male sorcerer being able to bare children. The possibility of a man carrying a child is evidently impossible and the lies are disgraceful to Camelot".
All of the council members started to argue, and Arthur sighed as he tried to ignore them. They all jumped when all of the torches lit all at once and everyone looked towards the end of the table when Arthur was stood. Merlin was stood there whilst cradling his belly and his eyes were golden.
"Where is your proof of my supposed deceit?!" Merlin challenged.
Everyone but Arthur remained silent.
"There is no mention of a male sorcerer being able to bear a child in this book" Arthur answered, he picked up the 'evidence' and he handed him to book.
Merlin used his magic to hold the book open in the air. He muttered a spell under his breath and he used his magic to look through the book. He then closed the book and he handed it back to Arthur "That is correct. There is no mention of a male sorcerer being able to carry a child. But there has never been anyone that has ever come close to being ad powerful as me".
Arthur knew that there has and never will be anyone that is more powerful than Merlin. He nodded and he placed his hand on Merlin's back.
Merlin connected his and Arthur's minds 'I'm fine'.
'You're meant to be resting' Arthur thought.
'I know. But I will not stand for anyone spreading lies about me' Merlin thought.
Arthur wrapped his arm around Merlin's waist 'Tell me if you need to sit down'.
'I will' Merlin thought.
"Prove that you are not faking your pregnancy!" Lord Graham yelled.
Merlin cradled his heavy stomach "Everyone, place both of your hands on the table" he instructed.
Everyone did as they were told, except for Arthur, who already knew the obvious truth. Merlin's eyes flashed gold and he placed one hand on the table as he cradled his belly with the other. Everyone felt something thump against their palms and they all gasped.
"What was that?!" Lord Kalver exclaimed.
"That was my child's heartbeat that you felt. Do you believe me now?" Merlin asked. 'Arthur, I need to sit down' he thought.
Arthur helped him sit down, he then sat down next to Merlin and he held his hand 'Squeeze my hand if you feel any pain'.
Merlin smiled 'Okay. Thank you'.
Arthur stroked Merlin's knuckles with his thumb before he looked at all of the council members "Do you wish to discuss the other matter concerning the threat that was made yesterday?"
"What action will you be taking to protect Camelot from Morgana?" Lord Ellis asked.
"We know that Morgana plans to attack Camelot, possibly before or after the birth of mine and Merlin's child. Camelot is always protected and every threat that is made is countered and every knight is prepared for battle" Arthur answered.
All of the council members nodded in agreement. But Agravaine looked at Merlin and the warlock read his mind. 'You and that child will not live to see Arthur return from the battle with Morgana. You will not survive being on your own' Agravaine thought.
Merlin gulped and he disconnected his and Agravaine's minds. He then squeezed Arthur's hand and he was relieved when Arthur did the same back.
Everyone continued to discuss the risks and what actions should be taken if an attack is made against the kingdom, but Merlin found it difficult to ignore the dark glares and snarls that Agravaine kept shooting in his direction; he knew that he was safe as long as he remained at Arthur's side but that barely did anything to ease his nerves. It was only when Merlin felt a hand on his shoulder, that he realised that he had zoned out and he looked at Arthur.
"You look tired, my darling. Do you want to try and get some more rest?" Arthur asked and his question was answered by Merlin nodding. Arthur scooped Merlin up and he carried him back to their chambers. Once they were in their chambers, Arthur carried Merlin over to their bed and he laid him down on the bed. "I didn't know that you could make everyone feel our baby's heartbeat".
Merlin smiled "Neither did I until I actually did it".
Arthur smiled and he kissed Merlin "I have never seen anyone look more shocked".
"Well, you will be saying that again when all of the knights see me give birth" Merlin stated with a chuckle.
"Why would they be in the room?" Arthur asked, not liking the idea of everyone gawking at merlin during the birth of their child.
"Because they are too nosey for their own good. Besides I doubt that they will listen to an order when you will be fretting over me" Merlin laughed as he predicted what might happen in just a few months.
"Great" Arthur huffed as he laid down on his front, next to Merlin.
