Chapter Eleven
Merlin could feel Arthur's warm body pressed against his own. Their kiss was growing steadily with need, and he was responding with equal fervor. Arthur's hands snaked up and down Merlin's back and neck, accidentally untying Merlin's scarf in the process. It fell to the ground, unnoticed.
Merlin was the first one to realize exactly what they were doing. He pushed Arthur away, breathing heavily.
"What?" Arthur asked. "Merlin, you can't seriously tell me you don't feel anything for me after that. Even if you did, I'd know you were lying."
"Fine, you win." Merlin looked away from the prince. "I do care about you, but that doesn't mean I have to act on it."
"Yes it does!" Arthur looked directly into his former servants eyes.
"That's exactly what it means. If you care about me, and I care about you, why shouldn't we act on it? It's our lives, Merlin."
"No, Arthur, it's not. You're the prince, and one day, maybe soon, you'll be king. That means something more than us. You have a duty to your kingdom to marry a woman and have an heir, not to mention your father's expectations of you. I know you care about him and you respect him."
Arthur could see the pain is Merlin's eyes as he spoke. "But Merlin – "
"No, Arthur. This has to be it. We can't keep seeing each other like this."
"Are you – are you breaking up with me, Merlin? How cliché." Arthur almost spat the words.
"You know it's what we have to do. Maybe you should talk to Gwen? You know she talks about you all the time."
"I don't want Gwen, I want you!"
"It's for your own good, Arthur. I guess this time we can't have what we want. We need to grow up. I'll see you around, Arthur." Merlin turned and walked away.
Arthur fought the urge to run after him, beginning the see the sense in his words. He noticed the scarf puddle on the ground. He contemplated calling after him so he could get it back. Instead, he shoved it into his back pocket and headed off in the other direction.