Chapter Five
It was another beautiful day as far as Merlin was concerned. The sun felt warmer, the trees looked greener, the breeze felt softer; nothing could hold him down. Every day had felt wonderful since he and Arthur had gotten together. It had only been a few days, but the stolen glances and sweet kisses were everything Merlin could have hoped for, and had been hoping for for quite a while. Leaving his room, he couldn't help but beam with a radiant smile.
"You certainly seem to be feeling well today." Gaius said in an off-hand tone.
"How could I not, Gaius? Today feels absolutely wonderful!" Merlin spun once as he made his way to the table.
"Well I'm glad to hear it, but unfortunately there is much to be done. Whatever this illness is, it's spreading, and quickly. We need to figure out how it's being spread and how to cure it. I've spoken with Uther, and this is our top priority. Your duties with Arthur are temporarily postponed."
"But Gaius - " Merlin exclaimed.
"Merlin, please. There are lives at stake here. This is bigger than spending time with Arthur."
Merlin sighed. He certainly wasn't happy about having to give up his time with Arthur, especially after recent developments, but he owed it to Gaius to help him. "Gaius," Merlin began thoughtfully, "what sort of sickness is it, anyway?"
Gravely, Gaius explained. "Initially, it appears as nothing more than a common cold. Within a matter of hours, however, the patient develops a horrible fever, and eventually loses consciousness. The first case was brought to me a few days ago. None have woken up, and I fear soon they will perish. There is only so long we can sustain the lives of the comatose."
Merlin spent the day running all over the palace and the lower town. The sun was setting when he was finally returning to the rooms he shared with Gaius. A warm, golden light illuminated the halls of the palace. Merlin thought to himself that he might be a little glad he hadn't run into Arthur all day; he smelled of sickness and sweat, and he was sure he would not have made a pretty sight. He smiled, thinking maybe tonight, after washing of course, he would go and see Arthur.
His mind was lost in a day dream when suddenly a hand reached out and pulled Merlin behind a recess in the wall. His shout of surprise was silenced by a pair of rough lips crashing down against his own. Merlin relaxed into the kiss, recognizing the feel of Arthur against him as well as his masculine, musky scent, and began kissing Arthur back earnestly.
When eventually they broke apart, Arthur simply stated, "I missed you."
"I missed you too." Merlin replied, leaning against the prince's chest. They remained like that, in silence, simply enjoying each other's company for a few moments. Arthur took a step back when they could hear footsteps coming down the hall. Placing a quick kiss on Merlin's forehead, he whispered, "I'll see you later, Merlin."
Merlin leaned back against the wall, catching his breath as he listened to the prince walk away. He felt his stomach drop when he heard Arthur give a deep, crackling cough.