A/N: Thank you so so much for the reviews, favorites and follows. I really appreciate them and it makes me really happy.

About this chapter it is the direct and I really mean direct continuation of the first chapter. I was debating on whether I was going to replace the first chapter but I just decided on continuing it as a part 2 of chapter 1, so I apologize if the pacing is a little off. So please enjoy.

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UTHER'S POV

As Merlin pulled his hand away to rinse the washcloth my hand immediately sought out his wrist, not wanting to let the comfortable feeling to go away just yet. The boy gasped and I heard the chair that he was sitting on crash to the floor as he abruptly stood up. The basin of water quickly following, falling to the floor with a splash and a clang. I looked at him and he stared at me with fright in his eyes.

MERLIN'S POV

I closed my eyes briefly as everything seemed to fall down around me, and opened them again to stare at the king. I wasn't able to see the expression on his face clearly as I quickly bowed my head. I guess I was going to be spending maybe half a day on the stocks for this.

I started to bend down to start cleaning up, but he was still holding on to my wrist. "My lord?" I asked tentatively thinking he was just half-awake and not yet in full awareness, but as I looked into his eyes I saw that he was fully alert. There was something there in his eyes, a raw emotion that I can't quite describe. I then felt his thumb caress the inside of my wrist, making me shake."My lord?" I repeated again voice trembling, this time tugging my wrist away from him just a little.

"Merlin…." The king started to say but he suddenly shook his head and gave me a command instead. "Leave it, tell a guard to send a servant to take care of this." After that he let go of my wrist and I hastened to do what he told me, crossing the chambers in a hurry.

UTHER'S POV

I watched as the boy fled from me, this is by far the fastest that I've ever seen him run from my presence. I sighed and closed my eyes, what the hell was I thinking holding his wrist like that? Caressing his smooth skin. What was it that I wanted to accomplish? All I know is that when I held his wrist I didn't want to let go.

I shook my head, this is dangerous. I'm not a young man anymore, but why is it that the simple feel of his skin seems to be awakening something inside of me…..desire…..I squashed that thought, this was ridiculous the boy is younger than my son, the ward of one of my trusted advisor, he was also just a servant. Arthur's manservant…he was Arthur's….

You can change that, the dark thought suddenly came to me, you can have him…he can become yours only yours, not your son's. All you have to do is command it and he's all yours…..

No I can't do that…..

Why not? You're the king, you deserve a prize, you have been lonely for years now, you deserve to have someone by your side. Merlin can be that person.

He's just a boy…and the court…..

So what if he's just a boy, it is better this way…he is innocent….pure…..you can shape him, mold him into the person that you want him to be…..And the court? What else could they expect from you? You have made this kingdom great, you have protected it and made it strong. You also provided the kingdom with a strong heir. You have done everything that can be possibly done for Camelot.

Arthur…

Doesn't deserve that pure loyalty, you do…..make him yours Uther. You deserve him….you might regret it if you don't.

ARTHUR'S POV

Walking towards my father's room, I saw and then felt Merlin bump into me. As I steadied him, I saw a look of fear in his eyes making me sigh a little. "What have you done this time?"

His eyebrows knitted together. "What?..." he shook his head. "I haven't done anything…your father….the king he…ummmm he.."

"He what? Merlin." I asked.

"He's awake….yes…he's pretty much awake. " He stated giving me his goofy grin.

"My father's awake." I repeated, to which Merlin nodded his head. "So what's your punishment this time?"

He looked at me confused. "He didn't punish me."

Well that certainly took me by surprise. "So why were you running out of his chambers like someone's after you?"

"Because he…..I mean I….was going to call….you….and since you're already here I am now going to call….Gauis…because you know the king's awake and he obviously needs to know that…so that he can check on him and stuff." He answered.

"Ahh." I just stated. Merlin was definitely acting off, much more so than usual.

"So that's it. I'm going to go now and get Gauis." He said before walking around me and then promptly running off.

I shook my head at that, he definitely did something wrong. Opening the door of my father's chambers I saw a servant mopping the floor, confirming what I already knew. Merlin is really clumsy, and he was clumsy infront of the king.

Father was standing infront of the windows and he turned towards me when I entered. "Ah Arthur." He said as he dismissed the servant with a wave of his hand.

"Father, is it really alright for you to be standing?" I inquired.

"You have nothing to worry about. I feel better, so much better." He stated absentmindedly as he stared out the window, seeming to be looking at something, or someone.

I joined him and gave a quick glance out the window to see what seemed to be getting all his attention. I saw Merlin walking at the courtyard but dismissed the thought that my father was looking at him.

"What do you think of him?" He suddenly asked.

"Sire?" I asked, not quite sure of who he was asking about.

He inclined his head towards the window. "You're manservant, what do you think of him?"

"Well he's quite…clumsy, and frankly seems to slack off a lot." I answered honestly.

"And yet you still haven't sacked him." The king said regarding me seriously. What does this mean? Does he want me to change my manservant? As incompetent as Merlin can be I don't want that. Merlin has always been by my side, even if I didn't want him to. Though I appreciate it just the same.

"He saved my life." I suddenly blurted out.

"Yes, that's true. But you saved him as well. Debt repaid don't you think?" He pointed out.

"That may be true, but Merlin is….he is?" Why can't I say anything?

"He is what Arthur? Why are you so fond of the boy?" He questioned.

"Merlin is my friend. " I finally said. I was waiting for him to tell me that I couldn't be friends with servants, but he said something else.

"A friend, yes I suppose that can't be helped with how close you two have become. But surely he can be your friend without being your manservant?"

"That's true father but…"

"Is it because you're afraid that if he's not your manservant anymore that you won't be able to take him wherever you want?" He asked. "That he won't follow you anymore."

"Father, what are you saying?" I asked, not really sure where this is going. First it was Merlin acting off and now it's my father. What's going on?

Father shook his head and laughed a little. "I apologize, Arthur. I guess I was just contemplating on why you always want the boy by your side. I think I need to rest a little more." He said before going back to his bed to lie down.

The conversation is over but my mind is preoccupied by what he said. Why do I always want Merlin by my side? "Because he's loyal father, because I know whatever happens he will always have my back. Who doesn't want someone like that by their side?"

"Yes," My father complied. "who doesn't?'

A/N: And that's the end of the second part of chapter one. Please forgive me for any type of errors that I've committed.

Please read and review. I really really want to know what you guys think of the story so far.