DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything Merlin related….as sad as that is.
Arthur's grip on Merlin's shirt was strong and demanding as he dragged him down the hallway. They didn't stop until they reached the King's chambers. Arthur threw Merlin through the doorway and walked through himself.
He stalked to the wardrobe, grabbed a shirt and angrily tugged it on before turning to Merlin.
"What the hell was that about, Merlin?" He demanded. For a moment, Merlin was worried that he knew that it was Merlin that cast the spell. But then he realized how ridiculous that thought was. Arthur was about as observant as a cow and as sharp as a butter knife. There was no way that he would know that it was Merlin.
"I have no idea," Merlin said, giving his best confused look.
"First Percival started randomly singing and then we started….this has to be the work of sorcery!" Arthur exclaimed, a proud look of accomplishment on his face.
"Very shrewd of you, sire." Merlin couldn't believe how dense he could be.
Arthur turned to his manservant, a look of annoyance on his face signaling the beginning of a witty comment forming in his mind.
Before he could actually say something sarcastic and most certainly demeaning, more music started filtering into the room from outside. Merlin and Arthur looked at each other before walking quietly to the door. Arthur grabbed the doorknob, looked at Merlin once more, and yanked the door open.
There, walking down the hallway with her arms full of laundry, was Gwen. Arthur moved to talk to her, but Merlin stopped him, gesturing him to listen.
My hands are searching for you
My arms are outstretched towards you
I feel you on my fingertips
My tongue dances behind my lips for you
This fire rising through my being
Burning I'm not used to seeing you
I'm alive, I'm alive
I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing
Merlin looked away from the swaying Gwen to look at Arthur. The look on the King's face was priceless. His eyes was glazed, his mouth gapping. He looked as if he was looking upon the gates of heaven, which, in his mind, he might be.
Gwen was his personal heaven. She was what helped get him through everything bad that happened, from Morgana's betrayal to Uther's death. She was his rock. To see her singing in such a way with a look of love and devotion on her face must have just reassured his feelings and thoughts about the young servant girl.
Merlin looked towards Gwen once more as she moved even closer to them as she continued to sing.
My hands float up above me
And you whisper you love me
And I begin to fade
Into our secret place
The music makes me sway
The angels singing say we are alone with you
I am alone and they are too with you
I'm alive
I'm alive
I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing
So I cry
(Holy)
The light is white
(Holy)
And I see you
I'm alive
I'm alive
I'm alive
Merlin had to look away again as Arthur moved from beside him. He had left the room and was slowly moving towards as Gwen, looking as if he was dazed. But, Merlin knew better. Arthur always had that look about him when Gwen was concerned.
And I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing
Take my hand
I give it to you
Now you own me
All I am
You said you would never leave me
I believe you
I believe
I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healed
Gwen was just finishing the song when Arthur reached her. He drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply, seeming to pour every once love and devotion that he possessed into that single motion.
"Okay," Merlin said, quietly, "Maybe this mistake isn't all bad." And with that he quietly snuck out down the other end of the hallway to give the couple some space.