Gwaine and Merlin searched the corridors, checking each room they came to, setting free Leon, Percival, and Elyan. "Where is Arthur?" Merlin was panicked with worry, they had checked every room, with no sign of the king.
"We'll find him Merlin" Percival assured the sorcerer, placing a hand on his shoulder lightly. They went up the stairs, beginning to search the rooms, each empty room, every passing moment Merlin only became more worried. He wouldn't doubt that Morgana was toting the king around, keeping him close, so that she could keep an eye on him. The bells began to ring, sounding the guards, someone had learned that they had all escaped, and where ever Arthur was, Merlin was sure the guards were going first. Keeping him under heavy guard so that he wouldn't be saved.
Behind them they could hear the sound of the marching of the guards advancing on them. "Hide!" Merlin said only loud enough for the knights to hear him, they instantly ducked themselves into the nearest hiding spot. Waiting for the guards to pass them before following after them, carefully and as silent as possible. Stopping around a corner, watching them stand in front of a single door.
"How much do you want to bet they have Arthur in there?" Elyan whispered to them.
"How are we going to get passed them?" Leon asked, and everyone's eye fell on Merlin. He used his magic to knock them out, and rushed to the door, throwing it open, relieved to find Arthur alive, he looked rugged and harmed, but he wasn't dead.
"Arthur" Merlin breathed out, rushing to him, without even a thought about it and tore the shackles and chains off him with a flick of his hands. Arthur was unconscious, so as soon as the chains released him he began to fall and Merlin was right there to catch him. "Arthur!" Merlin repeated, shaking him, hoping to wake him up. "Arthur!" Slapping him across the face the king's eyes jolted open, locking with Merlin's.
"You slapped me." Arthur mumbled, but he was smiling, instead of angry.
"You gave me no choice." Merlin said with a small chuckle and pressed his lips against Arthur's.
"Come on you two, we got to go!" Elyan exclaimed, making them break the kiss. Merlin, with the help of the others helped Arthur to his feet and headed for the door, it opened before they could open it and Morgana and Cenred stood before them blocking their escape and outnumbering them with the guards they had brought along.
Merlin was grabbed from behind pulled away from Arthur, "Gwaine what are you doing?" Arthur demanded.
"Well brother, I made a deal with Sir Gwaine." Morgana began, " When I take my throne, Sir Gwaine can have Merlin."
To be continued...