First off I'd like to thank all of you for your reviews and support, another sunday update, I hope you guys like this chapter too.

Chapter 6

Being courted by Arthur, Merlin found out was in equal parts exiting as it was frustrating. Though it was all only pretend Arthur was serious when he meant business, so far they had been to both d'Orsay and Louvre museum and Merlin's artistic soul had come alive and he had loved every minute of it even if Arthur was mostly quiet and just listened as Merlin blabbered on about Van Gogh, Monet and so on and so forth.

They'd been eagerly photographed by the press and now they were recognized in the streets, some who knew enough about the royals looking at them both with a kind of awe as they toured around the streets of Paris. Merlin was truly enjoying himself in the magical city except for one concern, Arthur.

Though he'd been polite and civil to Merlin throughout their trip so far Merlin couldn't help but feel as though Arthur was avoiding him or atleast trying to distance himself from Merlin. After their last conversation Merlin didn't know what to think or do either and he couldn't decide whether Arthur acting like this was a good or bad thing for him.

Merlin missed the times when he could just talk with Arthur without having to feel like a git for insulting someone who was being painfully polite when all he wanted was for Arthur to act more open around him. It suddenly felt like Arthur had closed all the gates and showed only this tolerant and civil façade which frustrated Merlin to no end although he told himself a thousand times to not bother.

They were at Le Meurice having their rather early for Merlin breakfast when Arthur said "I thought we could do something different today."

Merlin looked at Arthur, he was intrigued as all they'd been doing so far was touring around the famous spots in Paris as they were willed to do. "Different?"

Arthur nodded his head, "We'll go to Luxembourg gardens today, I like playing tennis there and it's a good weather today so.."

Merlin's face twisted in consternation at that, "Tennis?" he put his fork down and said "I have to tell you I'm absolutely crap at any kind of sports, I'll probably end up injuring myself or worse someone else."

Arthur rolled his eyes, "I already figured that Mer-lin" he said in the most condescending tone and Merlin pursed his lips in annoyance.

"So what I'm supposed to just sit around while you have fun hitting balls?" asked Merlin already beginning to dislike the scenario.

Arthur gave him a pointed look at that and snapped "I don't see why not, after all I graciously put up with all you're blabbering of Gothic architecture."

Merlin grudgingly conceded that yes Arthur did have a point there and they had managed to not fight in the past two days and Merlin really didn't want to change that so he said "Fine, fine. But I get to choose where we go tomorrow."

Arthur rolled his eyes again at that and murmured 'You'll make me into a sugar daddy yet.'

"What was that?" asked Merlin.

Arthur smiled brightly at him and a bit fakely Merlin noted as he said "Nothing, nothing at all, just my friends will be there with us today."

Merlin who had just picked his fork back up dropped it in surprise and it clanked on the ceramic plate making people near them look up and glance at their table.

"What did you say?"

"You heard me Merlin; must I repeat everything so that your tiny brain can comprehend?"

Somewhere inside Merlin realized Arthur was insulting him again for the first time in two days and behaving almost vexed with Merlin's antiques when he'd quietly put up with it for so long, but Merlin was still too much in shock at what Arthur had revealed to him.

"Why didn't you ask me anything about it?"

"What do you mean?" asked Arthur looking at his plate and avoiding Merlin's eyes.

"You should have asked me before deciding to up and invite your friends!"

"And why must I do that?" Arthur raised a perfectly coiffed eyebrow at Merlin which made Merlin want to chuck something onto Arthur's pristine white shirt which was too tight to look descent.

"Because this is supposed to be a trip for the two of us!" retorted Merlin instantly and then realized what that might sound like to Arthur who was having his smug smirk on his face, "That didn't come out right" said Merlin defensively but Arthur's smirk didn't fade and Merlin refrained from scowling.

"Is that supposed to mean that you like spending time with me Merlin? My, my we're not even engaged yet and you already want to monopolize all my attention, is that it dear?"

Merlin bit his lip and glared at Arthur who chuckled quietly.

"What I meant was that I don't want to meet your friends.." said Merlin impatiently.

"Why?" asked Arthur a bit irked now, "If you're going to be married to me you are obviously going to have to meet them some time."

"Yes but I'd like that to be on neutral ground, and not in bloody Paris with only you where there's no one to take my side."

"Well you have no choice about it I'm afraid, they are all already here."

Merlin frowned and then asked "Who exactly are they?"

"Oh, just future dukes of neighboring dukedoms, you must know their names atleast Gwaine Earnest, Lancelot du Lac, Leon Knight."

"Lance?" asked Merlin in surprise and a small amount of relief.

Arthur mirrored his surprise in his expression as he asked "You know Lancelot?"

Merlin smiled then and answered, "Of course I know him." Merlin who wasn't willing to divulge any more started to eagerly eat his food allowing Arthur to stew in confusion.

Arthur perturbed at the revelation wanted to ask Merlin about how he came to know Lancelot but then he refrained as he did not want to sound too curious.

Merlin was disappointed Arthur didn't ask anything else, so he wonderingly said "I don't know how Lance is your friend."

When Arthur looked expectant obviously not understanding Merlin said in a deceptively casual manner, "Well you know Lancelot, noblest of all and all and you…you're a philanderer…makes one wonder how you two became friends."

Arthur gritted his teeth and gave Merlin a contemplative look, "First Mordred, now Lancelot, you do pick your men well don't you? Makes one worry if you're going to stain the family name with your indulgences…"

Melrin snorted at that, "More than you stain yours with your reputation? Besides I never said Lancelot and I were that kind of friends."

"Whatever Mer-lin, just finish eating."

Having successfully needled Arthur Merlin smiled brightly as he said "Yes sire" and continued to eat.

The Luxembourg gardens were as magnificent as it was when Merlin had visited it when he was six years old; the octagonal fountain basin was surrounded with tourists taking pictures. Merlin and Arthur who were thankfully left alone by the press for the moment with only their guards behind them made their way across the park and Merlin saw young children playing about in the fenced park.

The statues and monuments distributed around the various parts of the park made for an interesting day ahead for Merlin who had lamented at being a side kick, he decided to just sneak away from Arthur's party and wander around the park later.

Arthur lead the way further and further into the park until they reached the tennis court which as Merlin looked around seemed all but deserted except for four men who were already dressed in their shorts and sports shoes. Four insanely hot men Merlin observed and concealed his interest as best as he could as they approached them.

"Why is there no one around?"

Arthur looked at him as if he were a bit dim before he said "I didn't want to be disturbed by the press or tourists Merlin."

Merlin then realized Arthur must have had the place evacuated or something and apprehension set in as all the four men across the tennis court turned to look at Arthur and Merlin.

Arthur ran up ahead to meet them and Merlin was stunned at how they all formed a group and hugged each other at the center of the field, Arthur being patted on the back and generally rough housed. Merlin observed in a kind of stunned perplexity at Arthur who was now freely laughing throwing his head back at something the man with the black long hair of a model and the body of a greek god had said.

It was the same man who finally noticed Merlin's presence as he stood awkwardly a few yards away from the group.

"Arthur, is that him?" Merlin heard the man ask and then Arthur turned to Merlin the smile slowly melting of his face.

Merlin waved to all of them and said "Hello"

"Oh, he's cute Arthur!" said Gwaine, his wolfish grin and pointed eyes giving Merlin a once over.

Arthur shot Gwaine an annoyed look but Gwaine was already jogging up to where Merlin was standing.

"You better get there before Gwaine gets the marvelous idea to steal your fiancé."

"He's not my fiancé yet, and why didn't you tell me you knew him?" Arthur's glance was accusing but Lance only shrugged as he also went ahead to meet Merlin.

Merlin who was a bit nervous felt all his trepidation disappear as the man who had spoken to Arthur earlier stepped forward with a wide smile.

"Hello, I'm Gwaine Earnest, pleased to make your acquaintance Prince Merlin."

Merlin was about to respond that there was no need for such formality when Gwaine surprised him by pulling Merlin's hands from his side and kissing them lightly on the knuckles. Merlin felt a pleasant shiver race up his spine and his face flushed as he tried valiantly to say something so he didn't look like a gaping fool.

Arthur who had been looking from his spot next to Leon frowned at Gwaine's overly forward gesture and at Merlin's dewy eyed expression and walked forward intent on putting a stop to this, he had no idea why he wanted to keep Merlin away from Gwaine at all costs after this. He knew Gwaine was a flirt and just as much of a player as Arthur was but he never minded it when Gwaine took one of his dates back home at night in uni, heck they had shared quite a number of conquests in the past.

When Arthur was near them he had to grit his teeth and bear it again as Merlin and Lance hugged each other warmly and Merlin said "Long time Lance!"

"It truly has been a long time Merlin, how are you doing?"

Merlin's cheerful smile irritated Arthur to no end and he snapped "He's doing fine as you can see, now if you're all done ogling we have a game to play."

Leon was the last to extend his hands to Merlin and Arthur thought 'finally a decent mate who doesn't try to steal my date.'

"Why so prickly today Princess?" asked Gwaine and Merlin laughed at the nick name, Gwaine winked at him before whispering something in Merlin's ears which made him chuckle all the more as he trained his eyes on Arthur who was starting to regret ever asking his mates to come by at all.

Merlin sat on one of the chairs procured by his bodyguards in a shade of apple trees; he had bought a book along with him when Arthur informed him of today's plans so he would not be bored.

He looked up from the book he was trying to read but failing miserably as he was distracted by all the good looking men in their sports wear when he saw Arthur emerging on the court again now in his knee length red nike shorts and a tight white t-shirt that showed all his pecs to perfection, the sun was directly behind his back and it glinted off of his blonde hair making it look like gold spun threads and Merlin couldn't contain the gasp he let out as he admired openly not taking note of how the bodyguards were all looking at Merlin with a fond look. Arthur after having seen the effect he'd had on Merlin was finally pacified and he turned away smiling to himself.

"Why is Merlin not playing?" asked Gwaine after they'd finished a first warm up round.

"He's not really a sporty person, can't you tell from his spindly legs?" asked Arthur.

"Hmm, maybe I should teach him" said Gwaine mysteriously and before Arthur could prevent him he had dashed off to where Merlin was sitting and they all observed as he pulled a reluctant Merlin off his feet and dragged him back to the court.

"Gwaine, really…I'm pathetic at hand eye co-ordination…" Merlin was gibbering trying to extricate his hands from Gwaine's and when they neared them he gave Arthur a look that screamed 'save me'.

"And I don't have anything to wear….Gwaine…c'mon…"

"No problem mate, I have an extra set you can wear them."

"NO!" Arthur interrupted them and all of them turned to look at him in surprise. The idea of Merlin wearing another mans clothes was completely preposterous and unpleasant to Arthur and the displeasure showed in his face.

"Why not? He can't play in a suit!" exclaimed Gwaine and all of them were looking at Arthur in a mixture of confusion.

"I can't play at all!" said Merlin loudly but no one paid him any mind.

"I meant that I packed a set for Merlin, just in case."

"You did?" asked Merlin in surprise.

"Yes Merlin, they are in my bag."

"But I can't play, I really really can't!"

"Oh nonsense, I am a great teacher, all you'll have to do is follow my lead, come on Merlin, it'll be fun!" goaded Gwaine and Merlin with a mild put upon look on his face looked at Arthur again who rolled his eyes and decided to put Merlin out of his misery, the teen was probably still grouchy about Arthur not having informed him of his plans and asking him to do something he hated doing was probably pushing it a bit too far, Arthur knew teens could get difficult, he'd been there after all.

"Fine." Merlin agreed with a dull tone just as Arthur was going to ask Gwaine to unhand Merlin already.

"That's the spirit, go on then…" Gwaine enthusiastically pushed Merlin to change.

Arthur wondered if his teeth were going to be permanently damaged by the amount of clenching he'd been doing all day long. It had been an hour since Merlin came out dressed in his sports gear looking for all the world like a sullen despondent child and Gwaine had taken Merlin under his wing and began to teach him the rules of the game and how to serve and so on. And to everyone's astonishment including Merlin's, the teen prince slowly started to serve decently under the tutelage of Gwaine whom Arthur had to grudgingly admit was a patient and gifted teacher.

And also from their countenance with Merlin leaning back against Gwaine and Gwaine's hands on Merlin's wrists teaching him how to maneuver Arthur could see that Merlin was comfortable with Gwaine touching him and guiding him when he'd be as taut as a wire when Arthur so much as put his hands on his back, it made him feel a strange sense of unhappiness even as he told himself it was probably because the press people were always hounding them.

Lance was staying out watching them while Leon and Arthur played against Merlin and Gwaine. Merlin seemed to be doing fine and even seemed to be having fun so Arthur thought maybe this wasn't so bad after all even if Gwaine had to be involved.

All of that changed however when Arthur heard Merlin's scream from the other side of the net and saw Merlin sitting on the ground groaning and clutching his ankles. Gwaine was already with him trying to ascertain the damage when Arthur dropped his racket and raced to them both.

"What happened?" he asked in a no nonsense tone as he stooped to sit on his heels close to Merlin.

Merlin was clutching his ankle and his face was twisted in pain, Gwaine answered "I think he twisted his ankle."

"Let me see" said Arthur and when Merlin refused to moved his hands away he slapped them off and inspected Merlin's swollen red ankle and winced, it looked painful and when Arthur saw Merlin's lips twisted in anguish and eyes glassy with concealed tears he felt something heavy settle in his chest that felt suspiciously like guilt.

Arthur called for one of the guards and said "Prepare the car, we're leaving."

Merlin through the burning pain in his leg mumbled "No…no you go ahead, it's just a sprain…I can take care of it."

Merlin's voice was raspy from the pain and Arthur started fussing pulling Merlin closer and saying "Shut up" before he picked Merlin up bridal style. Leon, Lance and Gwaine who'd been watching from the sidelines felt stumped at how Arthur was behaving towards the young prince.

Merlin who was in a world of pain began to understand what was happening around him and asked "What…what do you think you're doing Arthur?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

"Arthur, you can't just carry me!"

"Uhm…I think I am now Merlin and you could be a little more grateful."

"Arthur! You prat! Put me down!" Arthur smiled as he felt relief at Merlin's barbs, if he was fine enough to insult Arthur then it mustn't be too bad.

"Not happening."

"I swear to god Arthur, if you don't put me down…I'll…I'll…"

"You'll what? And anyway I don't see why you're complaining, it's your fault you fell and managed to sprain an ankle, clumsy as you are."

"Whose fault is it that I had to play in the first place?" they were well away from Arthur's friends and Merlin knew it so he directed an accusing glare at Arthur.

"You could have just said no."

"Gwaine was being over bearing, and I asked you to save me."

"No you didn't."

"I did too! And now you're carrying me like I'm some girl! Put me down!"

Arthur chuckled and stated "You'd make a cute girl."

"WHAT?"

"If you wear the appropriate stuff I'm sure you could even pass as a girl."

"Oh god! Tell me you're not into cross-dressing!"

"And what if I am?" retorted Arthur with a sharp look which made Merlin do the gesture of being sick to the stomach as he clutched his abdomen.

"Oh my god, I knew you were a pervert but that's just taking it too far!"

"You have no idea how wicked I can be"

"And I don't want to know, ever!"

"Sure you don't"

"Arthur, put me down! If the press got a hold of our pictures like this we'll be the next Brangelina!"

"Be grateful that I am carrying you when I have an injured hand Merlin! I am not letting you walk so the least you can do is shut up."

Merlin quietened at that and Arthur carried him all the way to the car and into their hotel room when they reached du Louvre.

"How's the pain?" asked Arthur as soon as he'd settled Merlin on top of the bed.

"Awful" said Merlin moaning and closing his eyes tightly.

"I'll get you some pain killers."

"No, don't….I can't take pain killers."

"Why not?" asked Arthur wondering if Merlin was allergic.

"I just can't."

"Yes you said that before Merlin, what I'm asking is why?"

"I have peptic ulcer, and taking painkillers would make my stomach burn."

"So no painkillers'

"Unfortunately, now is the time I'd love to be drunk."

"You would, wouldn't you?"

"Mhmm"

"You could be…"

"You're serious?"

"Yes, why not? Unless you're afraid to be drunk in my presence."

"Why would I be afraid of anything that's got to do with you?"

"You're not afraid I'll take advantage of you?"

"No."

Arthur was stunned, all through their time together Merlin had made it clear that he saw Arthur as a man slut so the revelation that Merlin trusted him not to despoil him while he was drunk was shocking to Arthur.

"Really?" asked Arthur in a voice that could classify as nervous to him.

Merlin opened his eyes and looked at Arthur at that and said "No I don't think you'll vandalize my virginity when I'm pissed, you maybe a prat but you're still a noble prat."

In the whole sentence though only one part stuck with Arthur's mind and he laughed as he teased "I think we can both agree that I won't get to steal your virginity Merlin…."

Merlin belatedly realized what he'd let slip through the fog of pain in his mind and he hastened to correct himself although he was blushing to the roots and hoped Arthur would please not notice, "Of…of course not…." He laughed a bit unconvincingly when Arthur directed him a sharp and knowing glance as if comprehension was dawning on him, "You saw me with Mordred."

Arthur then began to loose the doubtful glare but then it was back on just after a second of disappearance which made Merlin panic again, "Why then are you blushing?"

"What?" said Merlin trying to come up with something and fast, "I'm not blushing…it's not a blush…it's a….a…flush! Yes that's right, a flush from the pain I'm going through right now because you dragged me to play tennis with your mates, you prat!"

"You're blabbering in panic…if you were not sleeping with him then what were you doing in Mordred's rooms?"

"I was sleeping with him!"

Arthur controlled the urge to slam something at that declaration as his mind brought up images of Merlin and Mordred's bodies twisted and tangled in pleasure. Arthur gave Merlin a hard glare and Merlin gulped at the sudden threat in them as Arthur leaned closer and said "Do not lie to me Merlin, what really happened?"

"Why would I lie to you?"

"I don't know but you will tell me!"

"No!"

"No?" asked Arthur disbelieving, no one had ever had enough stupidity to push Arthur when he was already on the edge.

Merlin in a desperate attempt to divert Arthur off his track moaned loudly and griped "Why don't you stop antagonizing me now? I'm in pain! The least you could do is shut up and leave me to suffer in peace."

Arthur's eyes softened at that and he said "Oh don't be such a baby, here, I've got a topical voveran gel, and it should help."

Arthur lifted himself off the bed and came back with a tube, grabbing Merlin's injured leg and lifting it to place it on top of his lap, and he caressed the swollen ankle for a minute with his hand before he applied the gel and started to massage it.

Merlin moaned in pleasure at the pain which was finally beginning to ease with Arthur's ministrations. "Mmmm Arthur….you should get yourself a carrier as a masseur."

Arthur swallowed thickly at the obscene moans of pleasure Merlin emitted, he had to force himself to not move his hands any further up and squeeze Merlin's tempting arse and tighs, and idly he worried if Merlin was doing this on purpose now that he knew Arhtur wanted him. To distract himself from his current thoughts Arthur wondered at what Merlin was hiding from him as he knew there was something Merlin was definitely hiding from him.

"Where did you learn to do that anyway?" asked Merlin who was in the land of bliss as Arthur's talented hands massaged away the ache in his straining ankle.

Arthur chuckled quietly and then said "I did tell you I knew how to please Merlin, sure you're not curious to find out more?"

Merlin chuckled as well which made Arthur start in surprise but he only said "You wish Arthur" before he drifted off to sleep.

"Now I know how to loosen you up for sex" said Arthur quietly to himself.

Arthur stood watching Merlin sleep, he looked peaceful when he was asleep with his raven hair fanned out, his long lashes and parted mouth looking tempting even in sleep. Arthur made sure Merlin was covered up nicely before he stared long and hard at the perfect bow of Merlin's lower lip, he wanted to taste it, suck on it and see it turn red from his kisses but for now he just wanted to feel them. Slowly so as to not wake Merlin he brought his lips closer to Merlin's and lightly touched them to Merlin's.

Merlin's lips felt chapped and plump all at the same time and though it couldn't even begin to count as a kiss Arthur still treasured the contact as he felt light hearted and happy and reluctant to move away. But he did move away and whispered 'sweet dreams my little Prince' before he walked out of Merlin's rooms making sure to check if the body guards were alert enough.

He had a call to make and a person to meet, Merlin may not tell him what he was hiding but there was one other person who certainly could and he had to know, he had to know it if Merlin had really not slept with Mordred.

Please review! Lots of Love Amy!

Next chapter, Arthur finds out, dun dun dun!