I need sleep.
Alright, it is officially Tuesday here. And since I have a buttload of poems to critique and a pre-calc exam to study for, I am posting this now rather than tonight, cuz I would most likely forget, and then you would get a late update, and it would be a sad sad day. But now it is a happy day. Or, at least, it will be after I sleep.
Arthur left the quarters, glancing back to see how Col was doing. The boy was limping, but had determination in his eyes, so Arthur let him walk on his own. But as they got further into the maze of corridors, he noticed the boy was lagging more and more behind. His face was twisting in pain, even with the medicine he had consumed, and his limping became worse.
When the boy stumbled, almost falling to the hard floor, Arthur grabbed his arm, hooking it around his shoulders and grasping Col's waist. He ignored the whine of protest and began to walk the boy to his chambers.
He decided to use the servants' entrance, so as not to be seen by the guards. He pushed open the heavy door, dragging the boy inside. He kicked it shut behind them with his foot, crossing the room and setting Col down on the bench seat. He placed the satchel on the table, pulling his cloak off and dropping it onto the table as well.
Arthur went to the wardrobe containing his clothing pulling out a sleep tunic and trousers. He set them on the bed, going back out into the hall and telling a guard to find a servant to draw him a bath.
Col was still sitting as he had placed him. Arthur crouched down in front of him. "I'm going to have to hide you. Behind the screen," he said, pointing to the changing screen. Col simply stared at him. "Just until the servant leaves. I don't want word getting back to my father. You will be safer if he does not realize you are still here. Not yet, at least. Okay?"
Col struggled to his feet, limping over to the screen. Arthur snatched one of the numerous decorative pillows off his bed and set it on the floor behind the screen. Col flopped down in one motion, Arthur wincing as he was sure the boy created more bruises. Col rested his head on the pillow, looking a little unsure. Arthur darted back out into the room and grabbed the jacket he had left hanging on the back of his chair the week before.
He brought it back, covering Col. The boy curled up under it, grateful for the warmth.
The knock at the door startled Arthur, even though he was expecting it. He walked back out from behind the screen. "Enter."
A servant came in and set about preparing the Prince's bath. She heated the water quickly, expertly, and poured it into the tub. "Is there anything else you require, my lord?" she asked politely.
"No, that will be all, thank you."
She bowed and left, closing the door behind her.
Arthur shucked his clothes and climbed into the tub. A sigh left his lips as he sunk into the hot water. It felt wonderful on his muscles, sore from travel and battle. He leaned back against the edge, closing his eyes.
He sat in the bath until the water cooled and shivers forced him to abandon it. He clambered out, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist. As he sat on the edge of the bed, Col's head peeked out from behind the screen, staring at Arthur with wide eyes.
"You can come out now, Col," said Arthur quietly.
Col crawled out. Arthur figured that was maybe more comfortable for him then walking on his injured feet.
Arthur stretched, lying back on the bed with a groan. Keeping Col in his room without anyone noticing and ratting them out to his father was going to be difficult. Arthur was scared to find out what Uther would do to Col if he realized his son had disobeyed
The haircut had changed Col's appearance slightly, and he knew the King had not gotten a good look at him anyways. In a few days, his father would more than likely never recognize the boy. He decided if anyone asked, he would say Col was simply a new servant in the castle.
A frown crossed Arthur's face as he felt a tugging at his towel. He leaned up on his elbows to see Col pulling the material away, pawing at the Prince's groin. "What are you doing?" he asked uncertainly.
His eyes widened as the boy leaned his head down, his mouth opening. "No, no, stop!" he cried, instinctively kicking Col away roughly.
Col cried out and landed hard on his back, scrambling away until he was cowering against the wall. He pressed a hand to his ribs, pain crossing his face. Arthur swore, guilt flooding his chest. He hadn't meant to hurt Col, he had reacted without thinking. He hurriedly pulled on his sleep breeches before slowly walking over to the boy.
He was trembling from head to foot, his eyes staring up at the Prince, wide with fear. Arthur sat down on the floor in front of him. Col scooted back further, wrapping his arms around his knees.
"I'm really sorry for kicking you," apologized Arthur.
Col threw him a glare.
Arthur sighed. "I really am sorry. I hope one day you will believe me," he added sadly. "But why did you do that?" he asked, motioning vaguely towards the bed.
Col ducked his head, averting his gaze.
Arthur sighed. "Did… Did the others… do that?" he asked.
Col gave a slight nod.
"Well, we are not going to," said Arthur forcefully.
Col glanced up, his eyes full of confusion.
"I would never do that to you," continued Arthur, trying to reassure the boy.
For a moment Arthur thought he saw a brief flash of hurt in the boy's eyes, but decided he must have been mistaken.
Arthur smiled at him and stood, walking back to the bed. He could feel Col's stare still on him. He tugged the comforter from the bed, arranging it on the bedside floor furthest from the door. He went and grabbed the pillow from behind the screen, placing it at the top of the comforter.
"You can sleep over here," he said, turning back to the boy. He was confused to find silent tears streaming down his face. Tears of relief, he decided. "I… know it's not spectacular. I'm sorry."
Col didn't look at him. He slowly uncurled and began to crawl across the room. Arthur took pity on him and strode forward to gently pick him up. Col still shook slightly, so Arthur hurriedly carried him around the bed and set him onto the piled comforter.
Arthur went to his pack, which a servant had brought up for him, digging through it for his travel blanket. He pulled it out, bringing it back and draping it over Col.
He smiled as Col snuggled deeper into the blankets, pulling off his neckerchief as his eyes drifted closed. Arthur went around the room, blowing out the candles. The nights were getting chilly, so he left the blaze in the fireplace burning.
Arthur tossed the other useless pillows to the floor before slipping in under the sheets. He laid down, glad to be sleeping in his own bed again. "Good night, Col," he said.
He received no response in return.
….
A terrible scream pierced the air, startling Arthur awake.
He glanced around the room, momentarily confused. Who was screaming?
A tortured cry from the floor reminded him of Col's presence.
Arthur scrambled to the edge of the bed.
Col was writhing and jerking on the comforter, his face contorted in fear and pain. His eyes raced beneath the lids, his brow dotted with sweat. A steady stream of whines and whimpers escaped his lips.
Arthur jumped as Col unleashed another scream. He reached down, shaking the boy's shoulder. "Col! Col! Come on, wake up!" he cried.
Sapphire eyes flew open, panic filled. He gave a startled cry to find Arthur leaning over him. His breathing was ragged as he glanced around the room, trembling.
"It's alright," soothed Arthur. "It was just a bad dream. Just a dream."
Col's gaze snapped to Arthur, tears forming in his eyes. He looked so small and vulnerable, like a lost child.
Arthur felt his heart clench. He understood the nightmares. He had had many in his life. They were the times that he missed his mother the most when he was young. He had wanted to be held and comforted, but she was not there for him.
Arthur wondered if anyone had ever been there for Col either.
Tears pricked at Arthur's own eyes, and he swallowed thickly. "Come here," he said quietly, scooting back and holding the bed sheets up. "You can sleep up here. I'll keep you safe," he promised.
Col didn't hesitate as he lunged up off the floor, flinging himself onto the bed. Arthur leaned back against the pillows, pulling the boy to his side. He wrapped his arms around him as Col buried his face in Arthur's tunic. His body was shaking with sobs.
Arthur muttered nonsense words of comfort, running his hand up and down the thin back. He laid his head back, his exhaustion catching up with him. He could hear Col's cries dwindling. Arthur pulled him closer, concerned at how cold Col felt. The boy was so skinny he seemed to be unable to produce any body heat.
Slowly, Arthur began to drift back to sleep. He could feel Col relax in his arms, his breathing slowing, and he knew the boy had also fallen back to sleep. Arthur nestled deeper into the pillows, following the boy into darkness.
Now, if you don't review, I'll sic my new hermit crab Psamathe on you. She's three times Sheldon's size, and a total bitch. She's pretty awesome!