A/N:This chapter is for Evil E. Evil, who kept bothering for a new chapter. Lol, don't worry, I love you. I love all my dedicated readers who go through lengths to get new chapters. It means you love my work. *Hearts and Hugs* Thank you readers, reviewers, followers.

chapter4

Merlin could barely open his eyes, but he forced himself to. He could barely breathe, but he forced himself to. He could barely move, and when he forced himself to, he wished he'd stayed unconscience. He could feel the stinging cut on his lip, and the bruises on his back. He could see his clothes thrown across the bedroom floor, and see his naked body. He gasped and shivered when he heard the sound of light snoring.

Merlin looked up at the bed to see Uther sleeping soundly... Well, not so soundly as the man was snoring quite loud. Merlin could barely gulp; He brought his hand to his throat where Uther grabbed him, and winced at the pain. He stood up slowly and painfully, then turned and reluctantly walked over to the mirror on the other side of the room.

He didn't make a sound. What sound does one make when they look like an over-used, over-battered punching bag that has been used for years? Merlin's eyes trailed down from the mirror and to his chest, his eyes quickly leaving his chest and looking towards his stomach. Tears formed in his eyes in realization; Was the baby alright?

He brought his hand to his stomach and rubbed gentle circles over the untouched belly; Not one bruise. Merlin suddenly found himself crying, and he hated himself for it. He hated himself because of the un-fatherly thoughts running through his head.

If Uther had only hit a little lower... the baby wouldn't have to suffer by coming into the world. But it seemed Uther wanted the child, but not as a father would, but as someone who had what they wanted. Someone who'd use anything to get and keep what they wanted. Uther knew if he killed the child then he would have no control over Merlin.

Merlin looked back up at the mirror and saw the tears running down his bloody and pale cheeks. If only he'd died when he jumped off the bridge. But then something else popped into his mind: He couldn't forget why he was alive. Who it was that saved him from the horrible fate of death, the one person he promised he wouldn't try to do it again.

Arthur.

Merlin knew the blond would be looking for him. He was probably looking for a way to help at that very moment. Merlin hummed and nodded.

"Merlin, love, come to bed."

The boy gasped and turned to see Uther tapping the bed tiredly and turning on his side. Merlin's brows narrowed and he stared darkly at the crazy man. Uther really was crazy if he thought Merlin would lay in bed with him. He was insane if he thought Merlin wouldn't try to find a way out.

"I'm a bit hungry, I'm going to the kitchen." He said darkly, then turned and grabbed his clothes as he walked towards the door without waiting for a response.

"Ah, yes... The baby must eat." Uther said, again tiredly with his eyes still shut tight.

Merlin's eyes darkened even more. Uther really was a moron.

XOXOXOXO

Cenred stared with raised brows. "You want me...to walk into Uther Pendragon's mansion...to kidnap Merlin." He repeated shocked. He was standing near the stove in his trailer staring down at Arthur and Morgana Pendragon on his couch.

"It won't be kidnapping, see. Merlin would want to go with you, after Arthur and me." Morgana said and took a sip of the cup of tea Cenred handed her.

Arthur nodded in agreement and took a cup of coffee from Cenred's offered hand. "Me and Morgana have a restraining order, but Uther doesn't know about you, you see. He can't stop you from going inside. I have my key; you could use it."

Morgana nodded. "Plus, Uther won't be there half the time. He's still a business man, he needs to get out almost every hour."

Cenred shook his head slowly, sarcastically. "And...what of his asshole full of guards?"

Arthur licked his lips. "Uther won't let anybody else near Merlin. He'll have him under lock and key at all...times..." The blond sighed loudly and shut his eyes, his teeth gritting. "Shit!"

Cenred eyed the blond man.

Arthur looked at Morgana. "The security alarm."

Morgana's eyes slowly widen, she sighed just as loud as Arthur. "Double shit." She spat angrily. "Rich asshole."

Cenred stared for a confusing moment then pointed towards the woman. " Aren't you his daughter?"

Morgan glared. "No." He snarled loudly, making Cenred quickly raise his hands in defeat. "I don't consider pedophiles, rapists or child abusers family or friend." She then turned to her Arthur. "Lucky for you brother, I know all of Uther's secrets."

Arthur stared for a long moment. "...Meaning..."

Morgana brought her hand to the heart-shaped necklace that hung around her slim neck. "Meaning I have the only thing that could close the security alarm...next to Uther's remote that is." Her hand slowly slid down and into her shirt, and a second later she pulled her hand out, a small key hanging on a heart-shaped chain.

Arthur stared for yet another moment. "...That's disturbing." He breathed.

Morgana smirked. "So you don't want it?" She said sweetly. She frowned when the key was snatched from her hand. She looked up to see Cenred holding the key to his fast-beating heart.

"I'll take it." The man said.

Arthur frowned and his brows narrowed. "...Don't you like boys?"

Cenred stared back with an unreadable expression. "I know a beautiful woman when I see one." He said quickly.

Morgana brought her hand to her mouth when she saw the look on Arthur's face.

Arthur sighed and stood up from the couch, his palm stretched out, he wiggled his fingers for the key.

Cenred held the smell key tighter. "But... I'm going in..."

Arthur glared. "Not if you're dead, you're not."

Cenred stood taller. "Why do you want the key?" He asked just as quick.

Arthur's hand lashed out and smacked the man upside the head, causing a loud, "Ow!" to run through the night.

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