chapter4

Merlin pulled his tux over his shoulders as he stared at his reflection in the dresser's mirror. He reached out onto the dresser drawer, grabbed a comb and made sure his silk raven hair was in place, he smiled to himself then turned and left outside the bedroom. When he climbed down the stairs he saw Arthur standing near the couch.

Merlin cleared his throat.

Arthur turned around towards him and smiled wide. "Wow." He breathed. He walked over to Merlin and grabbed onto his hands. He gently squeezed Merlins hands. "You look wonderful."

Merlin smiled a little. "Thank you."

Arthur sent a gentle kiss to his loves lips. "Hey, it'll be ok. It's just this once. I promise, if you dont feel safe, i'll come back home with you and we can stay locked in our bedroom for the rest of our lives."

Merlin laughed and turned his head.

Arthur leaned forward and sent gentle kisses to Merlins neck. "You know how much i'd like that." He said.

Merlin turned back to him. "Yeah. I would too."

Arthur nodded. He took a deep breath then dug in his pocket with one hand, his other still holding Merlins. He took his hand out of his pocket and reached out and planted a small box in the middle of Merlins palm. Then he turned away, smiling to himself as he got a glimps of Merlins shocked face.

Merlin looked up from the black small box to Arthurs back, smiling. Merlin reached out his other hand and opened the box. He eyes widen and he gasped. "Arthur..." He looked back up at his love.

"I couldnt get the other one I bought you back last year. So I bought you a new one."

Merlin stared down at the 15.3 carat Radiant yellow Diamond ring. The exact same ring Arthur had given Merlin as an engagement gift. He shook his head. "Y-you didnt have to do that, Arthur." He looked back at at Arthur.

Arthur stared Merlin in the eye as he slowly walked back to his love. "I know. You tell me that over and over. But you have to realize, I will do what I wish with my money. As long as it means giving you everything you deserve."

Merlin smiled. He walked up to Arthur and wrapped his arms around the blonds neck. "I love you." He sent a gentle kiss to Arthurs lips. "I trully do. But I dont want you to think-"

"Merlin, I told you before, I understand you are not using me."

"But-"

Arthur brought his finger to Merlins lips. "Sssh. Dont argue with me. You know i'll win."

Merlin smiled again. He looked down at the box in his hand. "I love it, Arthur. I loved it since the day you proposed."

Arthur stared down at the ring too. He reached out and gently grabbed it. He pulled the ring out of the box, then placed the small box on the coffee table.

He reached out and grabbed Merlins hand. Arthur slowly slipped the ring on Merlins finger. "Will you Merlin make me the happiest man and allow me to shower you with gifts, no questions asked?"

Merlins eyes trailed up from the ring to Arthurs eyes. He smiled wider. "Yes."

Arthur nodded. "Good. Because even if you said no, i'd still do it."

They both laughed.

Arthur walked over to the door, still holding Merlins hand. He moved to the side and gestered for Merlin. "My love first."

Merlin still smiled and walked out of the house.

XOXOXOXO

They arrived at the party about 20 minutes later. There were already plenty of people and Morgana was helping to sit guests. She smiled to a couple then turned to Merlin and Arthur.

Morgana smiled wide and quickly walked over to them. When she reached them she threw her arms around Merlin. "I'm so happy you came." Then she turned and gave her brother a hug. When she pulled back, she smiled. "I cant believe it's been a year already." She shook her head. "You two are very lucky to have someone who loves you so much."

"Thank you Morgana." Merlin said smiling.

Morgana gestered to the front of the room. "Well, the guests of honor sit over there. Where the red table cloth is."

Arthur nodded. "Merlin, why dont you go sit down? I have something I want to disguss with my sister."

Merlin looked from one to the other suspiciously, then nodded. "Ok. I'll be waiting." He sent a kiss to Arthurs lips before turning and walking towards the front.

Arthur glanced at Morgana. "Do you have the papers?"

Morgana nodded. "You both just need to sign them and the palace in the upper town is yours."

Arthur nodded. "Thanks Morgana. I cant believe you actually found one in town."

Morgana nodded again. "Me too. Its a small palace. But it's just for the two of you. I think it's a wonderful idea."

Arthur smiled and sent a kiss to his sisters cheek. 'I better check on Merlin before he starts to miss me."

Morgana gave a small giggle before waving her brother off.

Neither of them noticed the black van parked just outside the gates of the party, or the man leaning against the gates, staring with hungry eyes at the most beautiful creature at the Aniversary party. The creature that would soon be his.

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