It's short, I know. But, to make up for the length, I'm attempting to write chapter 10 tonight. I won't make any promises, though. It's already four a.m. here... D: But, hopefully you'll be happy with this chapter. ;)

And I've yet to figure out a way to legally stake a claim on any part of Merlin.

VVVVVVV

"So, what exactly did you tell him?" Morgana asked slowly, shocked and refusing to believe what Arthur said right away.

"For the hundredth time, Morgana, I told Merlin how I truly feel." The prince shot the seer a withering look, long ago growing tired of her inability to grasp what he was telling her- that he had admitted to Merlin just how much he cared.

Morgana had found Arthur walking purposefully away from the throne room with a blank expression. Before Morgana could ask what he was doing or where he was headed, Arthur grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her into a side passage and began speaking to her in a harsh whisper. "I really hope you're satisfied with yourself, because I've just told Merlin that I like him, may even love him, and now father's over here talking about how we still have to figure out who the hell pois-." Arthur's furious rant was cut off by an incredulous,

"You told Merlin what?" Arthur paused for a moment, stepping back from Morgana to look at her as if she were the dumbest person he had ever met, even more so than his manservant. Morgana just stared up at the prince inquisitively, her eyes shining strangely.

Taking a deep breath to provide himself with an inkling of patience, Arthur repeated slowly, "I told Merlin that I like him in a way further than friendship." Arthur marveled at how much easier it was becoming to admit he felt this way about his servant. Perhaps it was just from repetition and there was still a slight resistance in him to fully comprehend what the words meant.

"So, what exactly did you tell him?" Morgana asked as though she had completely ignored Arthur's previous statement.

"For the hundredth time, Morgana, I told Merlin how I truly feel." Arthur was at his wits end trying to explain the entire mess to the ward. It's not like it was that complicated! Arthur had told his manservant his true feelings and now he wasn't sure what to do next.

"No, no, no, Arthur. I meant, what were your exact words," Morgana rephrased, an edge of annoyance creeping into her own voice. There was a hint of demand in the way her head was inclined toward Arthur's, eager to know how the exchange had taken place.

"How is that even important?" Arthur shouted in disbelief. Before she could reply, though, Arthur continued, "All I said was, 'I like you, Merlin. I like you.'"Arthur watched in horror as Morgana's eyes grew soft and she reached out to rest a hand on his shoulder. He shrugged her hand off, however, and made a request before the girl had a chance to comment. "So, now what do I do? I want to know how he feels, but I don't want him to feel pressured or rushed or anything." He noted how Morgana seemed genuinely surprised at Arthur's worry and concern for Merlin's own feelings. The prince was once so demanding and impatient that this compassionate side of Arthur was completely alien to her.

"Well, I suppose you should just wait for him to approach you. But, don't wait longer than two days to discuss it with him. Knowing Merlin, he'd probably expect to be let off the hook if you let him go longer than that without bringing it up."

VVVV

Turns out Arthur wouldn't have to wait two days- the wait ended up being no more than an hour.

After speaking with Morgana, the pair parted and Arthur continued on his way to his chambers. He stood in front of his window, gazing out across what parts of the kingdom he could see, looking at every inch, but noticing nothing. He had been so wrapped up in his empty thoughts that he hadn't heard the nearly silent creak of his oak door as someone who never knocked snuck into his chambers and sidled up behind the prince. The only warning Arthur had of Merlin's presence was Merlin physically spinning him around and crashing their lips together. Arthur didn't hesitate for a moment, for there was no question of who it was.

VVVVVVV

Yes! I finally did it! Woooooo! :D

Anywho, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I'd really appreciate it if you review with your thoughts.

Thanks to all of those who have done so already!

Oh, and sorry if it got slightly confusing. Just to clear it up: it starts off as Arthur having to repeat itself, flashes back to Morgana's memory of being pulled into the side hall, and it all catches back up…to…itself…I hope that wasn't very confusing either… :/