When they arrived back in Camelot, the small brigade of knights that would be assigned to Merlin to bring Nicholas's band of Druids to Camelot were done making preparations. He was there for the full day, with Arthur avoiding him, and then he was gone. Arthur looked up at the servant that brought him the message from Merlin and nodded, shooing Thomas away (he'd finally gotten the name right). Why hadn't Merin come to see him before he said goodbye? Was he angry and just didn't want Arthur to- Arthur shook his head at that train of thought. He hadn't exactly been the most approachable since they'd gotten back from the Crystal Cave. They'd rode back in silence and Arthur had secluded himself in his room like a moody teenager. Something had shifted in him, something huge and he wasn't sure how to grapple with it, and everything Igraine told him, everything the Crystal Cave showed him... He didn't know how to deal with that and his feelings for Merlin as well. He only hoped he hadn't made the matters worse by avoiding Merlin... There were just too many questions, too many answers all crowding for space in his head along side the need to be with him.

One pace forward, a thousand paces back.

He shuffled through the pages on his desk again and happened upon a slip of folded paper, there were no ink marks on the other side so he supposed it was a blank piece of parchment. He moved to pick it up and at the touch of his hand, a chill went through him and world spiraled out on the page in neat Merlin handwriting. He wanted to glare at it, Merlin's penmanship had always been better than his ever since he realized that he servant was actually educated...

Hello Arthur, because I know that you're such a dollophead as to worry about why we haven't spent much time together since we got back from the Crystal Cave, I'm telling you now in no uncertain terms that I love you, I don't care what was said, I don't care what was done. You're a good man and I trust your honor so stop worrying so much and get to work. I trust that when you're ready to talk, we will.

P.S. I know my handwriting is better than yours. Don't be too angry about it, you can't be perfect at everything.

He blinked, smiled and it grew into laughter at his cheeky serv-ex-servant and current archmage. He'd really have to get a better grip on titles. He was the one that was suppose to care about propriety enough for the both of them. Though he still wasn't as warm as he could be, he wasn't on the edge of chattering out of his seat. The anxiety and worry dwindled down to nothing and made going through tax reports and garrison formations a lot easier.

"Remind me again where we're going?" Gwaine asked, yawning following Merlin.

Sir Edric and two other noble Knights joined them. He and Gwaine were really the only commoners and practically the most experienced. As of late, the Knights given to him to travel with were more noble than not. It seemed that Arthur had ploy to get the rest of the knights used to him as Archmage and their technical superior. The Knights of the original Round Table didn't have to have this strange orientation towards Merlin. It had been enough that he'd called a dragon out of the sky, or that he'd been saving them behind their backs for a very long time.

"To the Druid camp near the Valley of the Kings." Merlin replied. "We're escorting them to Camelot."

"Whatever happened to the Duke of Dale anyway?" Edric asked. "Last I heard, the dukedom got run over by bandits."

Merlin smiled at that, as had Mercia where Alexander was from. Now that his father was dead and his only son had been banished of sorts, Mercia had fallen to ruin as well, once an ally to Camelot and of Dale. He wondered what Arthur planned on doing about that considering their previous relationship and how Alexander felt about his father's dukedom.

"It did, as for the Duke... only time could tell."

Gwaine snickered at the cryptic reply as they arrived at the Valley of the Kings. They shivered and Merlin got off his horse, searching for familiar minds.

Emrys.

"This way, if you please." Merlin said leading his horse away from the mouth of the Valley and deeper into the woods. They followed without question, leading their horses along until the smelled burning firewood and roasting meat.

"Looks like we found them."

"Merlin!" Alexander said coming barreling towards them with a grin and stopping in front of them. Gwaine's eyes widened at the man and Merlin smiled. "No blondie?"

"Nope, he's got a kingdom to run. This one is my job."

"Ah, figures, come on. Nick's around here somewhere and we're almost ready to get moving."

"How many people?"

"About a thousand, they all arrived here last night... we expect a few stragglers still trying to get through Mercia and Essetir, but that's the next movement."

Merlin nodded, "I'll have Kilgarrah and Aithusa keep a look out for them." Merlin followed Alexander through the camp, greeting people, hugging familiar children that curtsied and bowed, grinning up at him in auditory silence.

Emrys! Emrys! Are you coming to take us away to Camelot?

Merlin nodded at their excitement, Go on and get ready to leave, we head out in a few hours.

Edric, Joseph, and Evan looked on oddly. They weren't really sure how to handle this moment. They'd been loyal soldiers in Uther's reign, taught to hate and fear magic with everything in them. Druids were a special place of hatred, yet they could not mesh their teachings together with children playing, running around with flowers and laughing. They couldn't understand the obvious companionship and friendliness that Merlin shared with these people and the silence. Did these people ever talk? Gwaine laughed at their uncomfortable faces.

"Despite all of Uther's demonizing, they are just people."

They winced at the words as Gwaine went forward and rallied the children together to get ready to go. Merlin though it was hilarious that they were tackling the knight down to the ground and crying victory. When everyone was packed up, horses loaded up, carts ready, they moved out. Edric and Joseph lead the band. Evan and Gwain took each side and Merlin brought up the rear. Nicholas and Alexander walking through the woods with him as he'd loaded an elderly couple on his horse and was leading it by the reigns.

"He's avoiding you?" Nicholas asked and shook his head. "Figures."

Merlin shrugged, "Give him a break, he's be repressed for a long time."

Alexander nodded in agreement and grinned, "He hasn't told you much has he?"

Merlin snorted, "He's an open book. He didn't really have to."

"He will," Nicholas said. "In time."

Merlin shrugged, "Not really worried about us. You two should be though. Dale and Mercia..."

Alexander rolled his eyes, "I'm not responsible."

"Sure you are, the only living heir..."

"Banished," he corrected. "Not an heir."

Nicholas turned his emerald orbs on him and Alexander huffed. They'd had this conversation when Dale was overrun. He didn't want to have it again. That night had been too cold for comfort, he hated when Nicholas was upset with him.

"Look, I don't want to. It's not important, I'm sure they're doing just fine."

"They're a feudal land now, Alexander."

He winced. Nicholas never called him like that unless he was really upset with him. He really hoped that they wouldn't continue this conversation when they arrived. As they entered the city, heading towards the palace, they didn't have any sort of conversation. It was late enough that the skies were dark and cold, but that didn't matter, they had space in the palace and many of the Druids already residing in Camelot took most of the party in for the night. Merlin did the main work of organizing and checking people in to keep track of them. Horses to the stables, carts in the courtyard and eventually everyone got to sleep. Nicholas and Alexander bid him goodnight heading towards the rooms at the end of the hall beside Merlin and Arthur's chambers.

Alexander followed behind him only to find that Nicholas closed the door in his face and locked it... Apparently, they wouldn't be sharing quarters tonight. He sighed again. Apparently, Nick wasn't letting this go. He cursed and wanted to knock, to pick the lock and confront him, but he knew that it wouldn't end well for either of them. It would be best to try and sleep on it and talk to him in the morning.

Before heading to bed, Merlin poked his head through Arthur's bed room door to see the young King missing. He frowned tilting his head and headed to his own chambers to set his things down and smiled at the sight of Arthur curled up on his bed, sleeping deeply. He wondered if while he was away this is where Arthur always slept. Rather than wake him, Merlin slipped into bed, letting Arthur curl into him and snuggle up to him. He kissed the other's cheek and drifted into peace.

Arthur woke up alone again, but he wasn't cold. There were the sounds of rustling clothing in the chamber and he frowned. Maybe it was Thomas coming to wake him up.

"Let's have you, laisy daisy!"

Arthur flushed, sitting up and realizing that he had indeed fallen asleep in Merlin's bed and now the man was standing at the edge of the bed wearing that looked suspiciously old and tattered.

"I..."

Merlin rose an eyebrow and continued on with packing his bag and grabbing his parchment.

"Thomas set breakfast up on the table if you want it," Merlin said, biting into an apple. "I may or may not see you later. Not sure. Love you."

With that he was gone and Arthur felt ridiculous, having been caught in Merlin's room, he managed not to think about it. Hurried through breakfast, and got dressed before leaving the room, while adjusting his belt.

"Good Morning Arthur," He whirled around to see Nicholas standing there and took a step back. Nicholas laughed at his apprehension and slung an arm around his shoulder walking with him towards the council chambers.

"Don't look like I'm going to eat you alive! We haven't seen each other in ages and that's the greeting I get."

"When... did you arrive?" Arthur looked around. "Where's Alex-I'm Alexander?"

Nicholas snickered at that, "I guess he's still asleep, don't know. Have fun in the council meeting."

With that he sauntered away towards the main stairs leading outward as Arthur began a long day of being King. He ran into Alexander sparring against Gwaine and hammering down on the knight.

"Such hostility!" Gwaine said. "I thought we were friends."

"We are, just a little upset." Alexander said stepping back and running a hand through his hair, "Sorry."

"I'll fight you," Arthur turned to see Nicholas walking onto the pitch, grabbing a sword and somewhere in his stomach he didn't think this was a good idea.

Where was Merlin when you need him?

"He's dealing with the populace change, he left earlier." Gwaine said, stepping off the pitch.

Alexander winced, not to say that Nicholas was a better swordsman than him, they were about even in most regards and when Nicholas wasn't upset with him. He just didn't understand why he didn't just let it go!

"I don't want to fight you, Nick."

"Why not?" Nicholas asked picking up a sword and warming up his wrist. "Afraid I'll beat you?"

Alexander sighed, he supposed betweena sword fight and a knock down drag out fight he could deal with a sword fight... Or at least that's what he thought until Nicholas started to attack him.

"Hell, you're almost as good as a prince Alexander. I never knew you were so good."

Alexander glowered, "You're as funny as that tavern maiden from Essetir. You remember? Pale wintery yellow-"

"You're changing the subject!" Nicholas yelled, pushing him off and pursuing him across the field in a flurry of quick striker. "Why is it so hard for you to understand?"

"That isn't my life anymore-"

"It will always be your life," Nicholas growled. 'You have a duty to your family-"

It was Alexander's turn to be angry, clanging swords too quick for it not to be dangerous, he'd gotten a cut across Nicholas's cheek and that obviously was a bad idea.

"I have no duty but to myself."

Nicholas charged in again and while Arthur wasn't sure what was said, he knew there was something definitive in the fact that Nicholas disarmed Alexander without another word, threw down his sword and walked off the pitch just as swift as he'd come. Alexander laid out ont he grass and stayed there for a moment before getting to his feet, sheathing his sword, putting away Nicholas's and following after him.

Nicholas had made it to the lower town when Alexander caught up with him, grabbing his arm and dragging him aside.

"What is your problem?"

"My problem is you," Nicholas replied. "I don't want to argue with you-"

"Then why keep bringing it up?"

"Why keep avoiding it?!" Nicholas asked. "You know as well as I the second that Arthur finds out this charade you're playing is over. You know that-"

"That isn't my life anymore," Alexander said, taking his hands and squeezing. "We talked about this, didn't we? It's the reason we all left Dale isn't it?"

"Dale and Mercia are two different things, Alex!"

"I was banished," Alexander pleaded. "We're together, why isn't that enough for you?"

Nicholas sighed, "It has nothing to do with me and everything to do with-"

"With what? Some sense of duty that I don't have. I can't be Alexander and Alex at the same time Nick. You want me to go back? To what? To reclaim my father's kingdom? To Leave you? Is that what you want? You don't want me-"

"Of course I want you!"

"Then why does it matter! Let Mercia rot. Let my father's legacy die with him! Let it fall and for once let someone have a happy ending."

Nicholas shook his head, "What about the citizens of Mercia? Your mother?"

"As if she defended me. She was on the bandwagon-"

"You owe them your strength as their Ki-"

"I am not," Alexander growled. "I'm a man with a past, that's all."

"What about all those people? Druid, no druid... You know that the new regime is turning into another Great Purge."

Alexander froze at that and looked away, Nicholas slid a hand over his jaw, "We may not be able to be together the way Merlin and Arthur can be, but that doesn't mean we have the right to covet our happiness when people are suffering... Whether you like it or not, you are the heir."

Alexander wanted to argue, but Nicholas had that look in his eyes. That calm wisdom that beat him down every time He leaned forward, pulling Nicholas into his arms and closing his eyes.

"I don't want to lose you..." He said. "I don't want it to be like that again. I don't want to hide."

"You are hiding," Nicholas said. "You can't pretend that part of you doesn't exist... you can't hide from who you are."

"And you?" He asked.

"I'm not-"

"Don't," he said, squeezing him. "Don't do that to me, Nicholas. Please..."

He nodded, holding him steady and letting him breathe before pushing back, "We need to talk to Arthur."

Alexander groaned, "I don't need more of you on my case about this."

Nicholas laughed, "Yes you do, come on."

"You're saying the rebels are getting worse?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, our sources say that they're starting another Purge. Many of the Mercian populous are rushing into Camelot borders and being pursued. There's already been an attack on a border town. The Mercian heir only had one male heir, the female heir and the queen were killed soon after the King died.'

Arthur sighed, "Where is this heir?"

They shook their heads, "I believe he was banished before the King died... some years ago... You couldn't have been more than eighteen at the time."

Arthur ran a hand through his hair, "Is Merlin abreast of the situation?"

Leon nodded, "He's tending to some of the survivors now I believe."

Arthur nodded and said to ready the knights to be prepared for war with the rebel Mercians. Council was dismissed and he ran into Nicholas and Alexander. One looking grim and the other looking a little more than hopeful. Nicholas had a large tomb under his hand.

"I... hope everything is alright with you two."

"We need to speak with you," Nicholas said. "It's about Mercia..."

He nodded and guided them into the counsel chamber. Nicholas opened the page of the tomb that held Alexanders name and for a long time Arthur could only hear nothing.

"What?" He asked dumbly gaping between them, his face was a dark red and Nicholas laughed.

"It's true Arthur, all of it as much as Alex doesn't like to admit it."

With the throng of people flooding the border and the preparations to go and deal with the Mercian rebels, Arthur didn't get to see Merlin at all. He figured that once the whole business of putting Alexander back on the throne was done, things would settle down a little more, but really hoped that he got more than dry reports. Dale had already been reclaimed by Merlin and a small band of Druids, the boundaries had been restored and many of the magical populous flocked there from Mercia. A non-magical knight had written the report expounding on the swiftness of Merlin's actions. Apparently, he was a force of nature with infinite ability and energy.

Arthur got to see it for himself when they went into Mercia under the cover of darkness and gathered the remaining people to smuggle them out and begin the systematic overthrow of the fake regime. They'd cut through a portion of the army with ease, smuggling people out of carts headed towards Mercia itself and hitched a ride. Alexander's entire body tensed as they neared the gates of Mercia, he gripped his sword and shook his head as memories came barreling at him. Nicholas kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand gently.

"It's okay. He's dead."

Alexander nodded at that and was the first to jump out of the cart and battle his way through the guards. Arthur was just behind him, Nicholas too and they really hoped that Merlin was already-

Well... damn..

They stared at the rushing blue fire pressing out from every opening in the castle, pushing out bandits and rounding them up in the square, containing them as Merlin marched out with the leader in tow. Arthur gawked. What the hell just-

Damn I was right...The Blue and silver looked much better that Pendragon red and he wore it well, standing tall and filling out his self-made armor and robes. Arthur licked his lips as Merlin threw the man at Alexander's feet.

"I didn't know what you wanted to do with them..."

Alexander blinked, he didn't even know what the hell he was doing, but it was enough that most of the men had obviously surrendered and their leader said something about surrendering as well. With that done, all was left was to send out word that the Mercian throne had been reclaimed and was still in alliance with Camelot, allows magic and would be annexing Dale. Arthur guessed that was supposed to be the compromise they reached as Nicholas was appointed Archmage as well.

It seemed that everyone was stealing his ideas.

They stayed the night in the Mercian palace helping to set the place right again, but still Arthur didn't see much of Merlin. He was either tending to the wounded, strengthening the garrisons, fixing the building or running around doing something that wasn't by Arthur's side. They ended up returning to Camelot at separate times as he rode out to Dale with Nicholas and Arthur was needed back in Camelot.

There was anothe busy week before Arthur actually saw Merlin again. Long enough that the other's sheets were losing his scent and even the knowledge that it was Merlin's room wasn't enough to stave off the cold. He was back on the potions as a precaution.

"What' in this anyway?" Arthur asked looking at the empty blue potion bottle before swallowing the red one after lunch.

Gaius shook his head, "You don't want to know sire."

He winced at that and was at least glad that it wasn't terrible. He bid the old man goodbye and headed outside. Merlin was in Camelot he knew that much and from the reports, he wouldn't be leaving soon either. The only problem seemed to be catching the man. Which didn't happen until all of his secretive preparations had been made. It was much later, a little after the normal dinner hour when Merlin came back into the palace carrying a bunch of scrolls and a tired smile. He'd been running around all day dealing with housing allocation, jobs, and other necessities for the relocated Druids. Writing letters to other Druids camps, to Mercia and Dale... It had been exhausting and now spoiled by at least having a roll available to him at any time in the day, he was starving. Arthur caught him before he managed to get to the kitchens.

"At last I see you," Arthur said. "Come on, dinner is already set up."

Merlin frowned, "Don't tell me you cooked it..."

Arthur rolled his eyes rather than blushing, "...And if I did?"

"Who are you and what have you done with the King?"

Arthur laughed dragging him up towards their rooms, telling him to wash up and meet him in the room down the hall. Merlin fussed a bit but did as he asked. Arthur headed back to the room to pull the roasting chicken out of the fire and slid it on the platter just as Merlin came in a simple tunic and breeches and his eyebrow rose.

"You cooked a chicken..."

Arthur flushed, "I..."

There was no need to be embarrassed about it now. He'd been furtive and strong in his avoidance of embarrassment when asking Gwen on the best way to cook things. She'd had that knowing smile and wrote him out a list. He caught his own chicken and spent enough time in the kitchen to snag some herbs and vegetables. His knife work had been good, he supposed that was because it wasn't anything too complicated. He'd slow cooked and tasted everything at least three times over before declaring anything done. He'd been nervous and he was nervous now.

He cleared his throat and avoided Merlin's eyes, "Yes. Yes, I did."

His eyes flickered across the table, vegetables were still steaming, and less that professionally chopped, thus unless Arthur had magic, or the cooks were losing their touch with presentation, it meant that they'd just been cooked by Arthur as well... A sprite bumped around on Merlin's insides at the gesture. It was so romantic and sweet it nearly killed him.

"You... made us dinner?"

Arthur cleared his throat, "I didn't actually. William did."

Merlin snickered and slid into his chair as Arthur did the same. The other worried his lip and busied himself by carving the chicken up.

"Thank you," he said as Arthur cleared his throat again and allowed Merlin to pour the wine in the two goblets at hand. "This is... quite a feast... What's the occasion?"

Arthur took a sip and looked at him, "I figured... it was about time we had a proper meal together after everything that's happened..."

Merlin smiled slyly over the rim of his cup, "A proper meal?"

"Well... yes."

"Mmhm...you cooked up dinner for a proper meal? I think this would be an attempt at courting...I mean especially after practically-"

"Okay, okay," Arthur said, running a hand through his hair nervously. "I... I just wanted to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Everything," he said, dodging around. His eyes shifting around the room and avoiding Merlin who watched in slight amusement."...I guess... I don't know. Anything."

"Hm," Merlin tilted his head. He had a feeling that this was going to be part two of their Crystal Cave revelations and the rest of everything that would have to come before they were intimate. Or rather, before Merlin would be comfortable with being intimate.

Well, if he's not going to be specific...

"How about this Archmage business. When exactly were you going to inform me that we were practically married?"

Arthur swallowed, "Well... well... eventually."

"Uh huh, never really planned on asking me?"

"Well, well the position isn't really a marriage it's just... I..." Arthur stumbled, shaking his head and trudging past the squirming need to retreat and run quickly from the room. "I didn't know how you would feel about that."

"Yet you told me."

"I didn't mean to... It kind of slipped out. Your presence compels me to be honest, more than I care to."

Merlin looked a little shocked at that bit of truth and Arthur cleared his throat, downing the rest of his goblet to ease his nerves before dedicating his focus to eating. Merlin took his time savoring the blend of spices and honey glaze. He tasted the recipe before, mainly because it was his own that he'd made for Gaius, Gwen, and Lancelot for the Knight's birthday. It was the day he'd mastered the crossbow and caught the pheasant unawares from about a hundred paces and soaring through the trees. It was a moment of triumph that Arthur was never privy to because anytime he was made to shoot with the man present he made himself a terrible shot.

I should probably tell him about that too..He sighed, thinking there were a lot of things he would have to remember to tell Arthur. He would have to at least get the main ones out though. Minor things like his archery were less important.

"Is that why you gave me the position?"

"I gave it to you because I knew you could perform well in it... The other part was just... a-"

"Bonus?" Merlin offered with a smile and a sip of his wine.

"Yes... I mean if you say no-"

"You haven't asked me."

Arthur swallowed, his cheeks burning, pulse racing, palms sweating.

"Right... I meant... if you don't... you don't have to-" he huffed, casting his head down in shame.

Why the hell was he so nervous? This was Merlin he was talking to!

Merlin in a romantic setting, discussing the prospects of marriage and ruling together after years of pining and seriously sexually frustrated! No reason to be nervous at all Arthur, no reason at all.

His heart didn't agree with it, it was so terrified that it was crowding the space where his kidneys were, they were nervous and shoving against his lungs so his entire internal organization was in a jumble. He hadn't felt so Arthur in such a long time the rest of him looked on him in pity as he twiddled his fingers and swallowed hard. After a moment of silence and eating, in which he was sure Merlin was watching him he got up and stalked to the door.

"Where are you going?" Merlin asked.

"I'll be back, promise."

He was gone then trudging down the hall towards his bedroom. He opened his wardrobe and pulled the case out of the back and walked back to the room where Merlin was serving himself another cut of chicken. He didn't bother to think too hard but went straight to him, pulling his chair to sit directly in front of Merlin whom he turned to face him in his chair. Despite the other's strength, he was still light enough that Arthur could manipulate him. He didn't fight him only regarded him, fiddling with the box in his hand.

Merlin waited patiently until Arthur could look at him and he knew that the other was about to tell him something important.

"When I was 18, I left Camelot for a month. Dressed in common clothes and left to the neighboring kingdom. I ended up in Dale."

"You ran away?"

Arthur nodded, "Father was going to marry me off and I decided that if I was going to serve the sentence of the rest of my life I deserved a month of freedom."

Arthur took another breath and went on to tell Merlin about his experience with Alexander and Nicholas, and the rings in the box, how he didn't take them off until they left and how he hadn't even looked at them until now. Merlin recognized the box after seeing it crowded in the back of Arthur's wardrobe for years and wondering what they were.

"I never thought that I might have something like what they had...And now that I have the chance, I don't want to mess it up by being... well a dollophead."

Merlin couldn't help but giggle and lean forward to kiss Arthur's forehead gently. The other breathed out.

"Will you marry me...? Well, as close as we can get to being married?"

"Will I stay with you, be faithful to you, and love you for the rest of eternity?"

Arthur held his breath for a moment before nodding and Merlin smiled, kissing him for his attempt and sliding a hand over his jaw.

"Yes."

It was slow. A slow, relaxed smile looking at him as Arthur pulled a ring free and slid it on Merlin's left hand. Upon resting at the base of his finger, the ring shifted and turned blue and silver. Merlin blinked at the shift and Arthur was also confused.

"That's... that's new..."

"It is...? They didn't do that before?"

Arthur shook his head, they'd never changed before and when Arthur slid his on, it turned blue and silver as well the body of a dragon on the band, but it wasn't the Pendragon crest, it looked more like Aithusa and he looked at Merlin who looked at his ring in curiosity, it was exactly the same a white dragon flying around the band shrieking freedom in flight.

"Aithusa," Merlin said looking at it and smiled. "Looks like you'll be wearing my crest."

Arthur sputtered, "You don't have a crest!"

"Whatever Arthur Ambrosius."

Arthur huffed and grumbled something about "Merlin Pendragon", but couldn't help but smile at the way their names fit together either way. They shared another kiss before starting in on pie and picking up conversation again. Unlike other nights, they went to bed together, both of them completely comfortable in curling up to one another in Merlin's bed. Arthur snuggled into Merlin's warmth, sighing in the comfort of someone else being in bed with him. Merlin kissed him goodnight and they slid into sleep together. Unlike the last time, Arthur woke up still pressed against Merlin's side, curled up against him as if Merlin would protect him from the world.

"Morning," Merlin murmured through sleep haze and kissed the other's lips. Arthur hummed in pleasure and nuzzled into Merlin's chest a little more making him laugh.

"I would have never pegged you as a snuggler since you usually take up the entire bed..."

"That's only when I sleep alone..."Arthur admitted. Merlin kissed the top of his head and nudged him to get up. It didn't take much for Arthur to relax his grip and allow Merlin to sit up and get out of bed and start getting ready.

"But why..." Arthur whined as he got further away.

"Because we have things to do, and I'm due to leave at noon."

Arthur sat up at that, "What?"

He'd planned for a day of debauchment, or at least an hour.

Merlin shook his head, "I told you that days ago. Escorting a group of Druids to a place they can call home?... Establishing a new town, populous?... gone for a few weeks?"

"A few weeks!" Arthur exclaimed, "I absolutely forbid it!"

Merlin shook his head, sliding on his boots and ignoring Arthur's protests as he leaned down to give the man a kiss.

"I'll be back as soon as I can. Promise..."

"B-B-But..."

Arthur huffed and followed him throughout the entire process of getting ready, demanding information and detail and explanations, up until the point where Merlin swung up on his horse and pet the bay mare gently. Arthur was seriously uncomfortable in his pants, he'd been on a sensual edge for at least a month now and it was driving him crazy. No amount of self-pleasure would help and he would dare try and bring a person that wasn't Merlin into his bed. Wasn't Merlin a man? Why wasn't he frustrated?!

"But I-"

"Arthur," Merlin said in the middle of his rant. Gwaine was saddled up, and was Leon and Mordred. "I will be back soon enough. Relax."

He huffed and Gwaine laughed, apparently they still hadn't gotten down to it, though he did notice the shiny new matching rings. He wondered if Merlin was doing it on purpose or really didn't notice how sexually frustrated Arthur was. He asked that on the way there.

"You think so?" Merlin asked. Gwaine threw up his hands in surrender.

"Merlin! Not everyone has the distinct ability to separate themselves from their deeper needs-"

"Like you."

"-the man's been abstinent for a long time and now you're just teasing him!"

Merlin shook his head and Leon didn't get into the conversation as the reached the camp and swung down to greet people warmly. Well, at least Merlin and Mordred greeted people warmly, Leon and Gwaine had some apprehension as the Druids stared at them intensely, at Merlin and Mordred and then back to them.

"No magic," Merlin said in explanation and then the loud and happy greetings came from the group.

It figured, another magical thing. It turned out that they were mostly ready to go but were still waiting on a few others. The trek started with an elderly couple riding a top Merlin's bay mare, him leading the gentle horse by the reigns in the midst of the group with Mordred. Instinctively, Leon worried about the problem of only have five men to guard such a large group of people, but it was Merlin and he didn't seem to be too worried about it. There was music and singing, food breaks and magic once they crossed into Camelot's borders. Mordred had spent most of the time speaking with a young woman named Kara which made Gwaine laugh at how adorable Mordred was when he was teased.

It wasn't that Merlin was particularly ignoring or without needs. He'd said that everything had to be taken care of first, there were things that needed to be done so that when they were intimate they wouldn't get interrupted every five minutes. Oh no, this trip would be one of the lasts for a long time since they'd fixed up Mercia and Dale. Alexander was proving to be a fine king and he got to keep his happiness. Any overflow of magical people had more than one place to go and numerous contacts. To add to that, the influx of magical information was going well and could be done from Camelot at his leisure starting with the vaults. He'd saved anything specific to Camelot until after all of his excursions so he would have time with his King. He wasn't stupid, he was counting down the moments until he got back with just as much impatience as Arthur. He just had a better sense of priority.

In the meanwhile, Arthur wasn't doing to well. He found himself fiddling with the ring on his finger, in a daze. He got his work done, but as soon as the work was done, he was back to fiddling, squirming in his chair. His mind wandered off to lascivious daydreams in the middle of meetings and he just couldn't seem to get anything done right without extreme focus. Nights were cold, but not. He'd stroked himself into ecstasy and dreamed in passion, but woke up alone and it was driving him crazy. Not to mention, he'd finally gotten a look at Merlin's manservant and boy was that a terrible idea! Tall, lanky, younger than Merlin. Dark hair, not as pale though with less high cheekbones. But it was the damned neckerchief that really did it, and the color scheme. It was like looking at a warped version of Merlin that lead to thoughts about the real Merlin... and a bed... and ropes and...

Oh God... I've gone back to being a teenager. He hadn't been this hyper sexualized since his time with Alexander and Nicholas. Training sessions were awkward as he tried to focus on blocking the sword rather than the bulge that was pressing against the front of his trousers and how much he wished that Merlin would hurry the hell up, come home and fuck him senseless.

But it didn't happen. The month that Merlin was gone moved on in an agonizing pace and he swore that if he saw the man he would have tackled him to the ground in broad daylight and rode him into abandon... It was that bad.

Oh and the servant's name was Myrddin. Kill him now!

He was in Merlin's chambers, monopolizing the desk that Merlin never used since he was hardly ever in his chambers and sorting through the reports he'd been giving. He stood up arraying the reports and maps across the table and surveyed them, finally focusing on one thing only: garrison placement.

He didn't even notice Merlin coming in he was so dazed and focused. In the back of his mind, he was splayed out on the floor, arms tied behind his back, bent over and being pounded into oblivion, his face pressed against the pillow to muffle his screams. In the front of his mind he was assessing the risk of sending a garrison to Dale.

"Arthur," Merlin whispered pressing up against him, wrapping his arms around his waist and making Arthur feel the hardness in his trousers.

He yelped and wanted to turn, but Merlin pressed their hips against the desk to keep him still.

"Ah, ah, ah love..."

A chill went down his spine as Merlin's hands flirted with the ties on his trousers.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes...

"M-Merlin..." he breathed. "Please..."

"Sexually frustrated?" He asked, sliding his hands down Arthur's pants to give one good stroke before flitting away and under his shirt. "Hands on the table."

"Th-The door..."

"Tch, it's open."

Arthur flushed and moved to get away, but Merlin had wrenched his hand behind his back and forced him to bend over the table.

"M-Merlin, the door!"

"It's open," he said. "Now, shh... and relax. You've been waiting for it right? There's a reason why you moan and thrust in your sleep..."

Arthur closed his eyes and refused to speak as Merlin slid his hand down the other's pants, stroking hard.

"Fantasizing about me taking you over a desk, right?"

"M-Merlin, please..."

"I've peaked in on your daydreams... they're very vivid. Strip-duel?"

Arthur groaned as Merlin got him naked and did the same for himself. He kneeled to lick and electric wet line down Arthur back and plunge into him. Arthur choked on a scream and writhed against the edge of the desk as Merlin held him still with what felt like minimal effort.

"Merlin," Arthur moaned. "Please!"

Merlin pulled back, leaning over Arthur, grinding his naked cock against Arthur's arse as he did so, humming innocently as he looked around for the bottle of oil and Arthur panted with need.

"Merlin," he moaned. "Merlin."

"Shh," he hushed, retrieving the bottle. "Plenty of time for pleading later, love."

He shivered at the promise. The sound of a guards boots registered faintly as Merlin slid oil slickened fingers inside him and craned his neck for a kiss.

"I'm not going to take you over the desk. I'm going to take you over the table, in front of the door. You'd like that wouldn't you?"

Arthur shook his head, gasping at the thrust of Merlin's fingers against some spot that made his eyes roll back and his throat dry.

"But you were okay with jumping me in the courtyard and riding me into oblivion? I think you just don't want to admit you're an exhibitionist?"

Arthur shook his head desperately, but any sense of protest was ended when Merlin yanked him away from the table by his hair, guiding him with one hand in his strands, his other hand occupied with stretching him and stopped him at the table to peer out into the hallway through the open door. He couldn't even say "Merlin" when Merlin stroked into him to the hilt and thrust with abandon until all Arthur knew was friction, pleasure, and lamplight.

When he came too, he was splayed out on Merlin's bed with the warlock stoking the fire. One of Arthur's robes tied around him. It was dark enough that the firelight was the only light in the room and there was no sense of any movement in the castle. The door was closed and locked and Arthur had a heavy warm feeling throughout his body.

"You're awake," Merlin said. "Hungry?"

Arthur hummed and nodded, moving to sit up as Merlin brought the tray from the table over to the bed with him and slid out of the robe before climbing into bed.

"You alright?"

Arthur nodded mutely, biting into a bit of chicken and snuggling into Merlin with a contented sigh.

"The door wasn't really open was it?" Merlin grinned.

"You're such an exhibitionist."

Arthur gawked, "It wasn't open was it Merlin?"

Merlin shrugged, "Does it matter? You got off screaming "I'm such a slut" anyway."

Arthur flushed he didn't remember saying that, he also didn't remember much of anything, it was all buried in a sex filled haze. But looking around he had a good idea of the path they took around the room. From the desk, to the table, up against the wall right beside the door, to the ground, towards the fireplace... Vague flashes came to mind and he flushed not really wanting to think about what he'd said in his sex craze.

"That wasn't fair... you enchanted me."

Merlin snorted and bit into a roll, "Oh god, Merlin fuck me, fuck me, fuck me!"

"Shut up!"

Merlin snickered and kissed Arthur's burning red cheek, "There's nothing to be ashamed of love. It was quite a turn on."

Arthur still wasn't happy about being teased, but they finished dinner and after Merlin sucked him off he didn't even remember why he was upset with him. Arthur murmured, whimpered as Merlin slid back into him for a long succession of languid strokes between breathless kisses. From the awkwardness he knew of Merlin, he would have never guessed him to be such a thorough lover.

Thus, when he woke up curled up against Merlin's side in the early morning light, he was a little more than shocked. He looked up at Merlin suspiciously who looked down at him with a sly smile.

"I told you I have many talents that you weren't aware of."

"And what else am I not aware of?"

"Mmm... I'm a better marksman than you."

Arthur gawked and earned himself another kiss. The adjusted position made it very obvious that Merlin was ready to go again and Arthur swallowed, not really sure he would be able to handle it. His apprehension was overridden with Merlin's hand working him and maneuvering him onto his stomach.

"I'll keep you plenty warm, Arthur."

Arthur groaned as Merlin slid into him again, "I... realized."

The tumble was long and by the end of it, Arthur was sure that he wouldn't be walking anywhere anytime soon even with Merlin rubbing soothing circles on his lower back.

"You okay?"

Arthur nodded and hummed, biting his lip and looking up at Merlin with a nervous glance.

"What is it?"

Arthur pushed himself onto his elbows and wormed his way over to kiss Merlin gently and Merlin hummed in appreciation, pulling him by a finger underneath Arthur's chin for another kiss, longer in succession, deeper too, leading to Merlin's hands in his hair and them falling on their sides, desperately kissing. Arthur's meek little sounds being a source of concern until the first tear came and Merlin pulled back abruptly staring at it as it made its way across his lover's cheek.

"What's wrong?" Arthur murmured.

"You tell me..." He said, his eyes focusing on Arthur's until the other realized that he was crying. "Are you hurt?"

Arthur shook his head, "No."

"... regrets?"

"Never," Arthur said immediately.

"Why are you crying, Arthur?"

"I... I just..."

Say it you idiot. Just say it.

"I... uhm... something that my mother told me... I should do... haven't gotten around to it."

Merlin blinked, regarding him with a steady gaze.

"I uh..."

It's three little words. Two of them you say all the time! Just say it.

"I...you."

Merlin supressed a smirk and blinked in confusion, "What did you say?"

God can't he hear?"I...ve...you."

"What?"

I thought he could read minds! Why is he being difficult?

But Merlin's face gave no indication of humor or understanding. He was a seasoned actor after all. "I ..lo ...you."

"What?"

"I love you!" Arthur finally said and realizing that he'd screamed it rather than a very calm confession and the fact that Merlin was amused only made his cheeks burn.

"Shut up!" He said, huffing in his embarrassment.

Smooth Arthur... real smooth.

Merlin kissed his forehead, the bridge of his nose, and then his lips.

"I love you too... even if you're emotionally stunted."

"Merlin," he growled. "I'm trying to be romantic."

"It's okay, you can't be perfect at everything."

"MERLIN!"

"It's the thought that counts."

"I'll kill you..."

"It's the sentiment that matters."

"Merlin...I'll kill you."

"But then you'd be convicted of treason."

Arthur glowered, he was right. Killing Merlin was like killing Arthur and in some ways worse, he'd have an entire magical rebellion on his hands.

"I'll throw you in the stocks."

"You wish."

"I'll throw you in the dungeons."

"I rebuilt them, I'd just walk out."

He huffed, "I've created a monster-"

His voice cut off with Merlin's hand around his cock and stroking gently and reducing Arthur's protests to needy whining and squirming.

"You were saying."

"Not... fair... manipulating the King..."

"Archmage and husband. I can do that."

"I am not the wife in this..."

"You sure? You had dinner ready when I got back..."

"I'll kill you!"

Merlin twisted and Arthur shuddered, biting his lip to keep from screaming.

"I love you," Merlin whispered.

"You... I..."

"Yes honey?"

"I...love you too...please."

"As you wish, wife."

Arthur didn't respond to that as Merlin rolled on top of him. He'd deny it to the day he died that he was moaning "fuck me like I'm your wife" or the pride he felt at the name "Arthur Ambrosius." Nope. He'd never admit it. He was free not to ever need to without the excuse that Merlin had magic hands that knew his body too well. Even if he didn't act the same way in public, he was the freest in the confines of Merlin's room, beneath the warlock and trapped with the knowledge that he was vulnerable and naked and utterly safe in those arms.

"I love you," Arthur said as they shared dinner that night. Merlin smiled across the table at him.

"Feeling free?"

"Always with you."