PAIRING: Merlin/Arthur from the Television Series: Merlin.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the TV Series. I am not making any money. This is for entertainment only. This did not happen. This story is slash fan-fiction. Slash means that the main characters are Gay. If you don't like this sort of story, don't read.
SUMMARY: Rating MA. Romance/Danger Arthur wants Merlin badly but isn't sure that Merlin feels the same so he decides to throw down a challenge. This takes place after Uther marries the Troll in Season 2. The story contains spoilers from that episode. Story will be updated once or twice a week.
RATING: MA
AUTHOR: Rufferto9 (rufferto9 )
CHAPTER : 3 of 7

CHAPTER THREE :
A SWEET REWARD FOR A PATIENT PRINCE

MORNING

Arthur woke up feeling somewhat petulant that he was going to have to spend the morning with his father. He hadn't had time to plan another prank and when opened his eyes he blinked several times. His breakfast was all nicely laid out, a bath ready for him and there was a parchment on the table, some kind of note.

He muttered under his breath, now even more petulant that Merlin hadn't bothered to wake him up. He'd been wandering around his bedchamber and he should have made more noise. Everything was perfect and he had to admit that what had roused him was the smell of delicious bread, poached eggs and ham. He yawned and ran his hand through his bed-head, shuffled over to his chair and slumped into it. It wasn't that he didn't like hanging out with his father. It was just that lately Uther was obsessed about magic; eradicating it and making him do terrible things. He was tired of capturing people and having them killed because of that stupid law.

He slid a glance towards the parchment and knew it was a note from Merlin, some excuse about why he didn't stay. He reached over and snatched it with an irritated snort.

~~No amount of prodding would get you to wake up. I clear things up while you're out.
See you tonight.

M

So Merlin was here, and –had- tried to wake him up. Arthur felt both elated and annoyed. How could his body have betrayed him like that! He was left to his own devices and so got bathed and dressed. Food was kept warm with a hotplate so it was still nice and tasty when he got down to it. Merlin –was- very good at keeping him fed. He was ready in good time and was just putting on his boots when there was a knock at his door.

"Prince Arthur, your father is waiting in the stables." A young woman's voice, a maid... Trina something he didn't recollect.

"Coming, coming."

He was quickly out the door, cursing under his breath. It would have been nice to just get a glimpse of Merlin. A moment or two was all he needed to keep him going sometimes. Today it seemed that was just not to be. Uther was waiting for him.

His father seemed to be in a great mood, despite having been married to a troll only a few days previously and the laughing stock of the Kingdom. "My boy, you look ready to take on an army this fine day!" he clapped Arthur's shoulder affectionately.

"Ten Armies!" Arthur agreed. He did feel good. Just one small thing was missing, just one. "What are we after today?"

"A strange beast has been spotted in the forest recently and we're going after it. A man-sized bat and was spotted last night helping itself to our farmer's crops." When Arthur's mouth opened in disbelief, Uther got up on his horse. "Don't ask me, I don't make this stuff up." Uther shrugged and glanced sidelong at Arthur. The mark on his son's lip did not escape his attention. He didn't mention it, however.

Arthur grunted, apparently this was not going to be an easy outing with his father after all. They were joined by a few of the knights and he'd just about given up hope when he spotted a dark haired head on the other end of the stables, half-hiding behind a stall. Merlin! His mood instantly changed and he smiled like the sun had come out.

Uther was watching him and he couldn't very well run over to the stables and pounce his manservant so Arthur resigned himself to getting up on his own horse and smiling back at Merlin. He looked over his shoulder for as long as he dared.

Since no one else was looking their way Merlin was brave enough to lift up his hand and wave cheerfully and give him one of those adorable goofy smiles.

The sun-had- come out and Arthur could get through the day now. He gestured forward. "Let's go, Father."

And they were off.

Merlin watched Arthur go with a sigh. Normally he'd be riding off with them but for some reason he had been called to help with another task that morning and as much as he wanted to follow after Arthur, he didn't have much choice. It had been a command from the King.

**AFTERNOON**

It had been a hard fight but they finally trussed up the creature and prepared to bring it home. "Well done, my son." Uther truly held Arthur in the highest regard and watching him bring down the beast was the highlight of the King's day. While they got to work on strapping the thing up for transport he hadn't realized how long they'd been out.

"I've been meaning to talk with you." Uther's voice was low so the knights with them couldn't hear. "I don't want to think this is a lecture."

It's –always- a lecture, Arthur stiffened, waiting for the condemning words to come about .. what he hoped it was not about.

"As a boy I often did things you probably couldn't imagine." Uther began. "I know where you get it from."

What did that mean exactly? Arthur glanced curiously at his father.

"Have your fun while you are young." The King just shrugged. "But have care of who knows. People will notice and they will use those that you care for to get to you. You're not free to choose."

"I know, father." Arthur looked away. "I'm sorry if you are offended, but it's the way I am."

"I'm not offended." Uther stated firmly. "All that I am saying, my dear boy, is that I understand and you must understand that you have a duty."

"I will not fail you." Arthur promised softly, "I.."

"Have your fun, but if he proves to be a threat to the future my Kingdom, I will remove him." Uther stated very softly. "Do I make myself clear?"

Arthur stared long and hard at his father and finally threw down the gauntlet in a manner of speaking. "If you do anything to hurt him, I will leave and never return."

Uther and Arthur stared each other down for a long time and to Arthur's surprise it was his father who broke the contest. He looked suddenly very much like a tired old man and Arthur was afraid for a moment that he'd gone too far. Surely Uther wouldn't hurt Merlin? "You would break my heart." He turned abruptly and strode back to his horse leaving Arthur standing there with clenched fists.

It wasn't the first time he had felt like this. He loved his father in spite of all his faults and he truly loved Camelot and the people of the realm. He would never abandon them and Merlin would never let him abandon them. It wasn't the first time he wished he wasn't the sole heir or the crown Prince at all. If he was nobody, he could have whoever he wanted and he would not have to suffer a loveless marriage. He knew it would be so as he would never be able to love a woman.

He was truly worried now because he'd heard the dangerous undertone in Uther's voice. His father would stop at nothing to ensure that the Kingdom remained in Pendragon hands. Perhaps it was time to be a little more careful. Maybe he had gone too far with the bathtub. He was sorry now and he knew he was an idiot. He had wanted Merlin so badly he never once thought of the consequences. Would Merlin be content to be by his side as a lover? What did Merlin want? He never thought to ask.

He was sometimes really inconsiderate, apparently.

At least it was time to head back to the palace have some dinner and perhaps talk to Merlin later. He needed to know what the man he ... yes ... loved. What the man he loved wanted. He fingered his lip absently. It was still a little sore from the previous night.

***LATE AFTERNOON***

Away in her room Morgana was having a terrible daydream. Merlin was underwater and he couldn't breathe. She was trying to search for him, trying to grab him out but something was keeping him there in the water. She could hear Arthur screaming his name. The fire was getting stronger and she couldn't get out.

She couldn't get out...

Morgana's eyes flew open and she jumped awake. "Great Dragon..." She exhaled. Her fingernails had been digging into the palms of her hands. She knew in her heart that was an omen. Merlin was in grave danger.

As for Merlin, he was at that moment cheerfully helping Gaius water plants and organize the days herb pickings. "Really, you shouldn't worry about me so much. I know how to take care of myself. Besides, I'll talk to Arthur later, we'll be more careful. He was just having a Shiny New Toy moment."

Gaius harrumphed in his usual manner. "And that Toy is *you*."

Merlin had the good grace to blush hotly. "Well, yeah. I guess."

"Merlin..." Gaius folded his arms. "You do realize how much trouble you could cause doing this."

"Oh, come –on-, Gaius." Merlin gave him a reassuring grin. "I know what I'm doing. Besides, it's not like I'm marrying him or something stupid like that. I know I don't have any claim on him."

Merlin's tone was casual but the knowledge of that really hurt. He'd have to share Arthur. He didn't think he liked the idea of that. In fact, he –knew- he didn't like the idea of that. Deep down, his heart wrenched and he threw on that guise that he usually wore. "Don't worry about a thing." He assured the old man.

Gaius let the matter drop. As they finished up Merlin felt the knot that had developed in his stomach gradually grow. Honestly he'd never really thought their future would ever involve kissing. Speaking of kisses...he was due one. If he stood her wondering he'd miss the chance to see Arthur heading back from the hunt.

He quickly washed his hands and face... then stared at his hair and tried to make it look cool. No matter what he did, it just sprang back to lazy style. He started to straighten up his shirt when he suddenly realized what he was doing. Oh ... man. He was /such/ a girl. With a grimace he took off down the hallway narrowly avoiding maids and people carrying things. Every so often he'd be completely in the way and have to apologize.

And there he was!

Merlin skidded to a halt at the side of the doorway and tried to pretend he hadn't just been running all the way there. He attempted to look casual as the Prince and his father dismounted. Arthur saw him right away, of course and the smile was a bit more hesitant than he'd expected. What was wrong? His expression faltered. He wasn't sure now what he should do. "Successful?" He tried to act nonchalant as he went over to gather Arthur's stuff.

"Arthur killed the beast." Uther sounded proud.

"Hah, I knew you would." Merlin's grinned cheekily at Arthur, "You're such a show-off."

Arthur eyed Merlin and cuffed him half-heartedly for the insolent tone. Merlin gave him a plaintive look and he ignored it.

Uther just grumbled about too familiar servants and stalked up the stairs.

"Show-off, huh?" Arthur smirked and decided to let Merlin do all the heavy lifting for that remark! He decided to walk quickly too.

Merlin dumped all the stuff on the floor unceremoniously and checked out Arthur to make sure he didn't have any serious injuries from the battle. A scrape or two, good thing he'd brought some ointment. He'd since been back to Arthur's room and cleaned it all up while the Prince had been out. Not that he'd ever notice.

There was a somewhat uncomfortable quiet while Merlin helped Arthur out of his armor and every so often they would catch each other's eyes. Once the armor and chainmail was cleaned and put away they both started to talk at once.

"Arthur, I—"

"Merlin, I—"

"You first"

"No you.."

Merlin held back a giggle as he leant on the table and Arthur sat in his chair. "Arthur, I think we didn't really think this through. Are you ok? I noticed you had a weird look when you came back."

"It's nothing, my father knows."

"That's not nothing!" Merlin stood up. "He could really –"

"He won't. He knows he'll lose me if he does. Relax, Merlin." Arthur reached over to grab his shirt and yank him into the chair. He was held there fast in the Prince's arms. "I won't let anything happen to you." He promised as he nuzzled his lover's neck. "I wanted to spend the day with you today."

"Don't be an idiot, I have work that I have to do! You'd just get in the way." Merlin laughed and draped his arm around Arthur's strong shoulders. "Was there something you wanted to say?"

"Pretty much the same as you, I'm sorry I was a little carried away yesterday."

"A –little-..." Merlin smirked.

"Ok, I admit. I over did it. I'll be more careful. I don't want to give him a reason to want you hurt." Arthur reached up to trail a finger up and down Merlin's neck. "I like your head just where it is."

"Are you sure that's the only part of me you like?" Merlin teased.

"I can think of a few other things."

"Such as?" Merlin adjusted his position to straddle Arthur's hips.

Arthur's eyes smoldered, but not with anger. It was a different kind of smolder. That was a look that meant he was done talking. "Are you sure I'm only allowed one kiss?"

"One kiss. That was a deal, make it count. However," Merlin met his gaze with a similar expression and there they were teetering at the brink. "I never said you couldn't touch."

Arthur wasn't one ignore –that- comment. His eyebrows shot up and a silly grin spread across his lips. "Oh really..."

"That means I can touch too." Merlin warned.

"Be my guest."

"You ... just wait." Merlin snickered. He wasn't –entirely- sure what he was doing but he did have a general idea. He was rather inexperienced. "This is for making me carry all your heavy stuff up." He dragged his fingers down Arthur's chest and quickly flicked the belt open.

"Maybe I should make you do that more often..." Arthur's breath hitched.

"Consider this a reward for your patience." Merlin loved how much power he had over Arthur and it wasn't the magical kind either. Well, not the real magical kind. He slipped his hand down again to play with the curls they found there. Arthur was already ready for him and it wasn't long before he was good and hard. "That's it, Arthur." Merlin whispered into his ear while the other clung to him and rocked his hips up into the teasing hand.

Sweet release, Arthur never knew it to be like this. His body was building into a raging fire and he couldn't do anything than let Merlin pull. "Oh... oh.../GOD/" Arthur's pleasure was difficult to contain. He wanted to scream, it was unnatural... his senses were alive and his whole body shuddered with each inexperienced yet somehow perfect stroke. It was over far too soon and he was already slipping with sweat.

"Mmmm." Merlin held him until he came down from it. "I think you needed that."

Arthur pulled his head away from Merlin's shoulder where it had been resting and they locked gazes again. "I want more." His hand, he suddenly remembered he had hands and Merlin had said he could touch. "God I want you."

The kiss that followed was an urgent thing. He drew himself into Merlin. He took that tongue and commanded it to his pleasure while his hands started roaming. Was there a record for how long you could kiss someone? Arthur didn't know and didn't care. He would take complete command of Merlin's lips this time and there would be no chance of a repeat nipping. He reveled in the sensations that were soaring through his body. How many more days did he have to wait? He couldn't count when he was in the middle of ravaging his manservant's lips. He didn't know how long they kissed and if it lasted an eternity he wouldn't care. Finally, however, it was time to breathe and Merlin gently pulled his face away.

"I have to take your laundry downstairs." Merlin said softly. "And since you've soiled these trousers, I should take them as well."

"Don't go yet." Arthur demanded since begging wasn't his style. He rested his head again against Merlin's chest. "Let me hold you." He couldn't let Merlin go, not yet. He couldn't think, couldn't breathe properly. He had to calm down first.

After a while he felt long fingers stroking his hair and that did the trick. Eventually he calmed down enough to realize that he wasn't the only one there with problems. "Merlin. What about you?" He whispered.

"I'm fine. If I stay here any longer, this will get out of hand and I want to wait." He kissed Arthur's forehead. "I'll come by later to turn down your bed." Merlin was pretty sure Arthur would sleep very well tonight.

When he was alone in the room, Arthur rested his head in his hands.

***EVENING***

Morgana approached Merlin later on that evening. "Merlin."

Merlin nearly leapt out of his skin, she was really good at sneaking up.

"I had a nightmare. Be careful, ok? Around water? You were drowning."

"Huh..." Merlin stared at her and knew that he would have to hear her words. "Ok. I will be."

"How is Arthur?"

"He'll sleep well tonight." Merlin shrugged with a little grin.

Morgana smiled, "Good. You be careful. There's rumors going around about who did that to his lip." She touched Merlin's cheek, all protective and sweet again.

"I will be. Thank you."

Merlin left feeling bemused, perhaps that was why he didn't notice Uther's lurking manservant as he followed Merlin back down the stairs.

TBC