It took Merlin two days to return to the King's service. Arthur had come and visited him on both of those days, at the same time checking to see if Gaius had found anything. On both accounts, the physician hadn't been able to offer any new information. Arthur had hid his emotions well upon receiving the news, and Merlin was unable to gather whether or not the King was truly bothered by it.
Merlin's cut were all healing perfectly, the bruises fading. Gaius had rewrapped his ribs, and said there was nothing else he could do for them. It was suggested Merlin should get more bed rest, but he wouldn't hear of it. Morgana's forces grew closer with each day and Merlin was anxious to get back to his King's side.
Gaius was able to cast a minor spell over a potion, causing it's healing capabilities to increase. Merlin's wrist was no longer broken, but it was still very weak. Thankfully it was his left hand, so he could still use his dominating hand for his tasks. George was still supposed to be helping under Arthur's service, but Merlin was to do the less strenuous tasks to build himself back up to his full strength.
As Merlin flexed his hand, testing out the potion's effects, Gaius watched him carefully. "Are you sure you don't want me to suggest to Arthur you get another day's rest? I'm sure he could survive without you for a while longer." he said.
Merlin shook his head and continued eating his breakfast. "I can't go another day of just laying in bed. I'm dying of boredom."
Gaius just shook his head. Arthur had returned to check up on him regularly and Gwaine had come to visit him yesterday. Merlin had been enjoying himself, until Gwaine made him laugh so hard that his chest started hurting him badly, causing him to started coughing and doubling over in pain. At that point Gaius chased Gwaine out and promised that they could resume their conversation later.
"Just be careful Merlin, try not to touch him. You can't let him find out about your gifts, and it will be even harder to conceal them now." Gaius said, a stern look on his face.
Merlin rolled his eyes. "So I'm supposed to dress him and help him prepare for his day by not touching him? Maybe I should use magic to get him ready." Gaius wasn't laughing. Merlin sighed. "I know Gaius. I had to deal with it before, I can do it until we find a way to reverse the connection."
Gaius pressed his lips into a thin line. "There may not be one, Merlin. You need to start thinking of what to do if a time comes when we find we cannot remove it."
Merlin didn't want to think about it. He reassured Gaius nonetheless and ran off to wake Arthur before the old physician could say more. He wanted to believe that he and Arthur could learn to deal with what had happened, and that what Blythe had done was truly to strengthen and aid them.
Merlin first stopped by the kitchen and got Arthur's morning meal, but when he reached Arthur chambers, he paused. He pressed his ear to the door but heard nothing. Merlin slipped inside the room silently, being sure not to wake Arthur, placing the meal on a nearby table. He padded over to the bed and stopped, looking down at the King's sleeping form. Light was pouring through the crack in the curtain and Gwen was nowhere to be found. Sometimes this would happen. Merlin would find Arthur alone, Gwen having woken already to get an early start on the day. Arthur always argued that he was the King, and that everyone could wait for him.
Merlin smiled at the memory and reached over, shaking the King lightly through the sheets. Arthur just rolled over, mumbling something unintelligible and swatting at him. Merlin frowned and shook him harder.
"Go away George, I want to sleep longer." he mumbled more clearly this time.
Merlin frowned, but a smile still played at his lips. "It's not George." he said.
Arthur shot up in bed, looking confused and hopeful, the sleepiness still in his eyes. "Merlin!" he exclaimed.
Merlin laughed. "I did say I was coming back today."
Arthur yawned and wiped his eyes. "Did you? I mustn't have been listening." He stretched and climbed out of bed. Merlin couldn't help but notice the King's morning wood, and quickly adverted his eyes but Arthur didn't seem to be aware of it at all. He rubbed his eyes and wondered over the breakfast table, sitting down wearing only pants.
Merlin brought him his breakfast and poured his water. Their fingers brushed and Arthur gasped, pulling back quickly. Merlin frowned, unhappy by the response and the King settled back in his seat looking tired. He motioned for Merlin to sit with him. Merlin hesitated, then sat to Arthur's right.
"I almost thought that part was a dream. When you weren't here, it was easy to forget. It was only when I came to check on you that I remember and went to ask Gaius of his findings." he said.
Merlin didn't know what to say, so he chose to stay silent and looked down at his fingers.
Arthur sighed and picked up his fork. "How are you?" he asked him as he ate.
Merlin shrugged. "Everything is healing. Gaius saw to that, he even said my wrist wasn't broken, and that I got very lucky." Today his wrist was wrapped lightly, just as a precaution.
Arthur frowned. "Merlin, you could barely stand. I'm surprised you healed this quickly." he said, stabbing at a sausage.
Merlin knew Arthur wouldn't go without asking questions. He tried to be casual, shrugging. "Gaius suspected Blythe used magic to do that. It's possible, he had the opportunity. Especially when he kissed me." Merlin said. Half truths were easier than full lies, but he quickly realized his mistake.
Arthur frowned, sitting up a little straighter in his seat. "He kissed you?" Arthur said, his voice quiet.
Merlin swallowed and tried to find something else to cover it with, but Arthur growled and pushed his food back in disgust, then leaned in close. He snatched Merlin's good hand and intertwined their fingers. "You will not lie to me, Merlin." he said, staring at Merlin intently.
Merlin gasped as he felt foreign emotions flood his mind. His mind was foggy with jealousy, anger and a strange feeling in his stomach at their proximity. He struggled to get his own mind in check, to make sure that nothing of value slipped out that could give him away, but Arthur seemed to purposefully be making him feel so disoriented.
"He did," Merlin stammered, "it was another-"
But Arthur cut him off. "One of his rules?" he said in disgust. He could pick it out from Merlin's mind without having been told.
Merlin nodded. "I-he made me feel..." Instead of saying it, Merlin thought not of the energy he felt, but how he felt as he stumbled over to Arthur in those last couple feet. But he couldn't keep the kinship he felt towards Blythe from his mind.
Arthur was furious. He rose to his feet and quickly stepped over to Merlin's chair, never breaking contact, jerking the chair around to face Arthur with one quick movement. He loomed over him, and Merlin had trouble meeting his eyes.
Arthur reached down and tilted Merlin's chin up, leaning down and kissing him forcefully. Merlin's eyes fluttered shut and he melted into the kiss. Arthur dominated it, demanding Merlin know it was he who received Merlin's affections, reminding him of who he shared a bond with.
Merlin wouldn't be forgetting it anytime soon. Everything was replaced with Arthur. Merlin rose to his feet and wrapped his arms around Arthur's neck. In turn, Arthur pulled him close, wrapping his arms around Merlin's middle.
Merlin cringed, but didn't need to say anything because his pain was Arthur's, and the King loosened his grip immediately. His hands slid down to Merlin's back side, squeezing lightly, causing them both to moan. Merlin pushed up against Arthur experimentally, and was rewarded with a light nip at his bottom lip and not only his own feeling of lust and pleasure, but Arthur's as well.
Arthur's fingers slipped under Merlin's shirt and up his body. They both knew exactly where all this was going as Arthur pulled the shirt from his body completely. As soon as the shirt was removed, Merlin pressed the length of his body up against Arthur's. He shivered and buried his face in Arthur's neck, who let out a quiet moan. Their connection intensified, their thoughts and emotions heightening and becoming sharper. Merlin had to take a couple breaths to control himself.
Arthur fingered Merlin's bandages across his ribs. "Are you well enough for this?" Arthur said, looking up at Merlin. He didn't have to ask if Merlin even wanted it, the King could feel how badly Merlin needed this, a feeling that mirrored his own.
Merlin smiled. "Go easy and we'll be fine. You'll feel it if it hurts." he said, leaning back and grinning wickedly at Arthur.
Arthur inhaled sharply and pulled away, causing Merlin to huff in discontentment as their connection was broken. He felt only half alive, desperate for Arthur, needing him. It was an awful feeling. Arthur must have felt something similar, because Merlin could see it all over his face.
"Well?" Arthur said somewhat impatiently, "do you want me to fuck you against the table or will you move to the bed already?"
Merlin almost laughed, but instead scrambled onto Arthur's bed, pulling off his boots and socks on the way. Arthur pushed him onto his back, sending a teasing sensation of pleasure through him. Arthur climbed onto his clothed thighs and starting pulling at Merlin's laces on his breeches. Merlin didn't know what was more of a tease, the fact that Arthur wouldn't touch him, skin to skin, or how slowly he was undoing his pants. His fingers softly brushed against Merlin's erection through the material.
"You stupid prat." Merlin growled and grabbed Arthur's face, pulling him down into a rough kiss. He could feel the King smiling against his lips. Merlin didn't care, he was reconnected with Arthur, who was lost in the sensation of their bodies rubbing together.
Their pants came off and from there, everything became more desperate. Merlin didn't mind being on the bottom again. Just thinking of the last time made him all the more eager to try it again, the ridiculously good feeling when Arthur had hit that spot inside of him. And they hadn't even been sharing this bond then. Arthur was introduced to the memory as well and moaned, grinding hard into Merlin's naked body with his own.
Merlin took a couple quick breathes to try and calm himself, but it was no use. Arthur's lips trailed along his neck and paused to suck at a spot, marking him. You are mine, he thought, not some sorcerer's. Am I clear? he asked.
Merlin couldn't help but shake his head. He could barely remember his own name right now, let alone some far off sorcerer's. Arthur seemed pleased by the thought and started working Merlin entrance, starting with one finger. Merlin wasn't sure where the liquid that was smeared over Arthur's fingers had come from, but he was thankful for it.
It was insane. Arthur could feel what did and didn't work for Merlin, stopping when they felt discomfort and going further at the pleasure. Merlin was near shaking with pleasure under the King's touches, Arthur experiencing the same sensations and moaning loudly.
When Merlin was ready, Arthur helped lift Merlin's hips and eased himself inside him. It was less painful this time, and he was much more content, knowing Arthur was doing this with him willingly his time. Arthur slid fully inside and Merlin gasped, shivering at the intense feeling of pleasure that enveloped him. Arthur paused, giving Merlin time to adjust and nuzzled him gently, bending over and laying kisses against Merlin's chest. Merlin's hands came to rest over top of Arthur's on his hips. They were fully connected, Merlin realized, inside and out. Their thoughts were one, as were their desires and bodies. It was almost too much.
Merlin was the first to move, feeling impatient at their lack of friction. Arthur laughed out loud at that, then pulled back and thrust hard, unaware of the impact it would have. Merlin cried out in ecstasy, nearly finishing with that single stroke, and Arthur doubled over in pleasure, his head resting against Merlin's chest.
"Again." Merlin demanded after a little while.
Arthur gave him a wicked grin and obeyed, causing Merlin to bite his lip, wanting to try and stay quiet. Arthur grabbed Merlin's wrists and pinned them above the dark haired man's head with one hand, the other holding himself up at Merlin's side. He didn't have to wait to hear Merlin's yelp of pain as Arthur took hold of his injured wrist. He let go immediately, an apology in his eyes, but he was already forgiven. Arthur rolled his hips by means of apology and reached down, taking Merlin's injured wrist gently and kissed it.
Arthur settled for putting a hand on either side of Merlin's body, and Merlin gripped the King's forearms tightly, nails digging in. Arthur didn't seem to notice, the feeling lost in their pleasure.
From then on, there was no teasing. Arthur kissed Merlin once fiercely, then started thrusting more quickly. Merlin's breathing increased and he moaned quietly. His eyes closed but he could still see everything happen through Arthur's eyes. The movement of their bodies became erratic and unpredictable as they neared their orgasm.
Arthur was the first to finish, but the overwhelming sense of pleasure that overtook his mind was enough to push Merlin over the edge as well, coming hard with Arthur. Their bodies twitched and shuddered, then finally became still as they finished. Merlin's breathing was heavy, and he was tired. Arthur must have felt it as well, because he laid himself down next to Merlin and pulled a sheet over them.
"No one will miss us for a couple more hours." he mused, curling up next to Merlin. Arthur rolled onto his side and rested his head against Merlin's shoulder, as Merlin stayed on his back. He felt content, a warm and pleasant fog settling over both their minds. His eyes fluttered shut and he could feel Arthur drifting off next to him. Arthur pulled him closer and Merlin rolled onto his side, his back to Arthur's chest.
Suddenly, the door to the room swung open and Gwen walked in. She was garbed a long purple dress, her hair pulled up in a thick braid. She was smiling, looking from the empty dinner table, eyes going over to the bed. When she saw Arthur and Merlin, she looked more confused than anything.
She paused, then walked over to the door and closed it tightly behind her so no one else would enter. Then, she walked over to the bed, calmer than Merlin believed possible. Arthur sat up beside him, breaking their connect. It didn't matter, any of the happy feelings he had felt earlier had disappeared when Gwen walked in.
She stood at the foot of the bed, looking from one to the other. Merlin also sat up, saying nothing. It was quiet clear what had happened. Gwen took a deep breath and went back over to the table, grabbed a chair and set it beside the bed, settling down in it. She looked quiet regal, as her skirts spread out around her, and her head held high.
Gwen looked from Merlin to Arthur. "I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for this."
Arthur looked from her to Merlin. Merlin felt himself grow very tired and heavy all over. He pushed himself up against the backboard of the bed. "I think it's best we tell her everything." Merlin said. He liked Gwen, and wanted her to understand. He hadn't woken up this morning with the intention of this happening.
Arthur made as if to reach for him, then stopped himself. He turned to Gwen and they started from the beginning, telling Gwen absolutely everything from the version Arthur knew of what had transpired.
Gwen listened, the look on her face as if Arthur was only telling her about his day. She was patient and fair, asking questions occasionally but mostly staying quiet. Merlin added things in every once in a while as well, filling in some blanks. Merlin's stomach was filled with butterflies the entire time. When they finished, there was a pause, the silence filling the room. It drove Merlin insane.
Slowly, Gwen stood up. "I will let you two get dressed, and will return in a little bit. I just... need to think, I believe."
Arthur nodded. He looked from Merlin to her. "I'm sorry." he said. His face was carefully expressionless. "We are sorry. I trust you to keep this quiet." he said, somewhat sternly.
Gwen blinked, then nodded. "Of course, I would never..." but she didn't finish the statement. "Is it true though? About the spell he cast on the both of you?"
Merlin nodded.
Gwen cocked her head slightly. "May I... Can I see it?"
Merlin glanced at Arthur, who shrugged. Merlin turned to her. "You won't be able to see it, but if you like, you could tell Arthur something and I will see it in his mind."
Gwen nodded. "I think it's best if... you two got dressed first."
Merlin looked down and blushed. Arthur just nodded. Gwen bowed slightly and left the room.
She didn't return for a while. Merlin and Arthur had dressed in silence. Merlin couldn't even look at Arthur in the eyes, he was so ashamed to have done what he had to Gwen. When Arthur was clad in his armour and Merlin in his usual wear, the King went and sat at his desk, not saying anything. Merlin went and made the bed, then moving around and doing his normal tasks around the room.
Just when Merlin though Gwen would not return, the door creaked open and Gwen appeared, looking uncertain. Arthur rose from his desk, and walked over to meet her at the door. She closed it behind her and Merlin walked over to her, much less confidently than Arthur had.
"I wasn't sure if you'd come back." Arthur said.
Gwen smiled weakly. "You promised me a show."
Arthur looked over at Merlin, who nodded and walked over to the window, covering his ears. He only turned when he heard Gwen call his name, and he rejoined them. Hesitantly, he took Arthur's outstretched hand. He could feel Arthur's confusion, discontentment and slight uncertainty.
Arthur pushed through it all. She said 'a crown of daisies and lazy summer days', Arthur said to him in his mind, looking straight into Merlin's eyes.
Merlin swallowed and turned to Gwen, relaying the phrase. Gwen looked dumbfounded. "That's incredible." she exclaimed.
Merlin gave a shy smile and slipped his hand from Arthur's.
"You have to understand, we didn't ask for this. Gaius is looking for a way to reverse the spell as we speak." Arthur told Gwen. Merlin pressed his lips into a thin line, staying quiet. He didn't want the spell to be removed, even now. Mostly, he wanted Arthur to not want it to be lifted.
Gwen spoke next, surprising them both. "You two have always been close. I think this could be an asset if you learn how to use it." she said, her chin lifted and eyes determinded.
Merlin blinked a few times, but Arthur was more verbal. "You think we should leave it?"
Gwen nodded. "You are able to communicate nonverbally. That could be a powerful tool against Morgana. I just..." She paused. "I just wish you had told me earlier. It was a bit shocking to find out like this."
Merlin felt it was best to keep quiet, allowing Arthur and Gwen to work this out themselves. Arthur nodded and took Gwen's hands in his own. "I know. It was wrong of me to do that to you. It was wrong of us to do that." he said, looking over at Merlin.
Merlin gave a sad smile. "I'm sorry, Gwen. This was the last thing I wanted."
Gwen took her hands from Arthur and walked over to Merlin. "I forgive you, Merlin." She smiled. "I just wished you would have told me all this from the start."
Merlin swallowed and nodded. Gwen laughed. "Don't looked so scared, come here."
Merlin took a step closer. Gwen reached up and pulled his head down, kissing him gently on the forehead. "No more sneaking around behind my back, are we clear?" She told them, turning to face Arthur.
Arthur smiled. "It won't happen again, I promise."
"As do I." Merlin said, bowing slightly.
Gwen nodded, satisfied. "I'm glad we got that sorted. I have important news, Morgana has entered the Kingdom." she said gravely.
Arthur's head snapped up. "What? What of the riders we sent out to scout, and the men to fight?"
Gwen looked very sad. "They have fallen. She will be upon us by dawn tomorrow."
Arthur's face grew serious. "Then we have a lot to start planning for." he said.
Gwen nodded and they hurried for the main council room.
AN. Sorry it took so long, I was stuck for a while. But I stayed up till 4am last night writing and proof read it this morning, I was afraid if I did it last night I would be too tired to catch the spelling errors, and I hate poorly written smut. It's a bit long, I know. I hope this appeased to all of your needs. ^w^