Chapter 16

Gwaine accompanied the group as far as Arthur's chambers. He said it was to save Merlin from being the subject of gossip but Merlin suspected he saw it as an opportunity to flirt with his 'sister'.

"I will see you soon ladies, I don't want to intrude on your time with Arthur. He can be a bit overbearing but just between us I think he is very fond of Merlin. You only need to see the way he looks at him and the glares he gives to anyone who takes more than a passing interest."

"I'm happy to know that my brother is so well thought of, thank you for telling me that Gwaine."

"It's never a problem to help such beautiful ladies. I'll leave you now but if you need anything I will be in the lower town. I hope you enjoy your time with the prince."

Within seconds of Gwaine's departure the door to Arthur's chambers opened to reveal not just Arthur but the many flowers and plants Merlin's magic created.

"I have never seen my chambers look so beautiful. What did you do?"

"I didn't plan it Arthur, I was thinking about you and it just happened. I think my magic has missed you."

"I think they have missed each other as well" Arthur said glancing at the embracing pair, "now can you please get me out of this dress!"

"It will be my pleasure Arthur but I've never undone a dress before so it might take a while." Merlin used every opportunity he could to run his fingers longingly over Arthur's skin and placed tender kisses on his shoulders.

"I'm sorry to disturb you both but I need to get my Arthur into that dress."

Merlin glanced at the other Arthur in a state of undress matched moments later by his prince. Both Merlins had their mouths open, love and lust clearly showing on their faces as they were totally enthralled by not just one but two semi naked Arthurs. The sound of distant footsteps was enough to bring them out of their lustful daze and they both rushed to get their own Arthur dressed again.

"I'm glad The Doctor brought us here. I'm relieved I'm not a prince like you Arthur although without your title you would not have Merlin. He is a good man and clearly adores you. His eyes light up when he speaks of things you've done together and places you've been to. I have never seen a man so full of love and devotion."

"If I'm right, and I usually am, then you will soon the recipient of the same affection. Your Merlin thinks highly of you, I have seen his devotion with my own eyes. Don't ever take him for granted as he is a good man and you are incredibly lucky to have him in your life."

The raw emotion behind their words resulted in all four men embracing each other, thankful for their experiences and enlightenments. They broke apart by a loud knock on the door followed by Gwaine's dulcet tones.

"Merlina, Athena, I need you to come with me now, I'm afraid we've lost Thedora."

Within a matter of moments all five men were in the courtyard none of them comprehending the situation. Why would The Doctor disappear like that? It didn't make any sense as he had been keen to get them back to their rightful places. It all became clear when they spied Uther in the distance. The Doctor must have seen him and fled.

"Stop him" Uther shouted pointing at Merlin "He's a sorcerer!" Just as he felt the world crashing around him he realised that the guards had passed him and were running towards a familiar looking figure. "I've seen him before, he might have a different face but I know it's him. Arrest him and take him to the dungeons, he will be burned at the stake."

Despite wearing dresses Merlin and Arthur managed to reach The Doctor before the guards. "Perhaps we'll meet again Uther. I'd like to say it's been a pleasure but I'm not sure it has. Goodbye Camelot, I hope I will see you again." As The Doctor spoke he pulled Merlin and Arthur into the tardis which was conveniently behind him. The citizens of Camelot were transfixed as the blue box disappeared leaving them wondering if it had ever been there in the first place.

Uther's anger vanished as he looked over at the men to his side. "Arthur I didn't know you were well enough to come outside." He showed a rare display of emotion and hugged his son clearly relieved that he was not dying as he feared was happening."Thank you for looking after him Merlin. Gaius has told me how much you have done for my boy over the years. You must be rewarded."

"I don't need a reward my lord" Merlin said with a smile on his face "there can be no bigger reward than seeing Arthur well again."

Uther looked shocked as he wasn't used to people turning things down. "You show incredible loyalty to my son and I am grateful that he has you by his side. A feast will be held in your honour and to celebrate Arthur's return to health. I insist that you attend as a guest as a token of my thanks."

"I would be honoured to my lord, thank you."

"It's my pleasure" Uther replied "now go and tell the cook to start preparing for it as there is a lot to be done before tonight."

"Of course my lord" Merlin said as he headed back across the courtyard.

"The feast will not be ready for some time Arthur so we'll have plenty of time to discuss the council meetings you have missed."

"I am happy to do so father" Arthur replied honestly. It would be a useful distraction from his uncontrollable thoughts about Merlin.