A Marriage that Started a Legend

by IJustShowedUp

Follows canon but with my own arranged marriage spin on it. What happens when Hunith makes a mistake and is forced on the run with her infant son? What happens when Camelot knights find her twenty years later? What happens when Arthur learns he's betrothed to a peasant boy? Will Merlin be able to stand among royalty? Will these two different boys survive each other? Review!

139. Chapter 140

It was almost funny, Arthur Pendragon thought, how one's mind could race through a million different thoughts in almost a nanosecond. Faster than a man could blink, or suck in one single breath of fresh air. It was even stranger, when one might consider how Arthur was a trained knight. He should've been able to analyze a situation, run every possible outcome to the array of different choices he could make and execute a plan he knew would succeed. And once again, it could have been done in less than a nanosecond. And yet…Arthur felt himself failing to do anything in that regard.

The first thought that struck Arthur-strange as that had been-was Morris' shoulder, being bared and flaunted with his tunic shoved to the side as if he was trying to undress himself. That piece of flesh was…nothing more than a shoulder. A distinctive male shoulder, whose only real difference from Arthur's would have been the size. Arthur was a much broader man, after all…but that wasn't the strange part. No…the strange part was him being hit by Merlin's imagine in his head. The boy with the dark tunic that showed too much of his collarbones…Arthur was not going to ever claim to be a betting man. But he just knew, if he had for some godforsaken reason, pushed Merlin's tunic down his arm and out of the way so Arthur could see him then it was an entirely different story. Merlin's shoulder was probably just as pale and flawless as the rest of him, with maybe a freckle or two Arthur might try to seek out just to prove Merlin's skin was not as perfect as if portrayed itself to be. All ripe and sweet to the prince's discretion…but infinitely more interesting to gaze at than Morris'.

The second thought to grace the prince's mind in that quick nanosecond of time…was how Morris had used a sultry voice to call him 'sire.' The manservant had already called him 'sire' so many times in the last few minutes, and Arthur hadn't given it a second thought. But there was something entirely different about now…and like everything seemed to be doing, Arthur felt as if he was sucked into an instant flashback. All those months ago, when Valiant had been roaming the castle, Merlin had did the same thing during the meet and greet. Arthur had decided to accuse him of not reading the book he had given him so he would be ready for his first meet and greet, and in true Merlin fashion, the other boy had decided to prove him wrong. Merlin had bowed before him-eyes locked and challenging-before he had referred to Arthur as 'sire.' Hearing it in that tone from the servant's lips…made a slither of violation and disgust to roll its way down the length of his spine. It couldn't compare with the way Merlin's had lit a fire in his gut, an excitement as his boldly wild consort dared to challenge him. And Arthur had met the other's challenge head on, with that heated kiss to the back of his hand.

The third thing that graced Arthur's mind was…Morris had just seriously referred to his consort as a whore. What was with all these other people thinking it was okay to call his consort out as a whore, as if they had any right to say anything pertaining to his consort's behavior. And right to his face, as if they were dumb enough to think even for a single second, that he would go off and actually agree with them. As if they were somehow considering themselves special enough to talk shit about his consort within their prince's inner circle. First, it had been that orange girl the Lady Clarissa had taken to carting around. And now, it came to his attention again because of his manservant?

And the fourth and final thought Arthur had within this single nanosecond of time…was the way Morris was trying to seduce him. As if the boy-BOY-thought Arthur was gullible and would be ruled by a cock the manservant thought he could own. But what made the blush burn vivid and hot against his cheeks as the heat stained them, was Morris' actual words. 'What did his consort do to excite him? What did his consort do to make him grow hard?' Had his consort ever lowered himself to do a dirty thing like taking you into his mouth.' Now…Arthur would never claim he was averse in the ways of gay sex, but unless he was grossly mistaken, he was pretty sure those words would mean the same thing they meant if one of them was a woman.

Morris wanted to take Arthur's cock from his trousers and put it between his lips.

Morris thought-despite everybody believing the prince and his consort had consummated their marriage-that Merlin wouldn't do that. Morris thought Merlin was-what?-Too proud? To slide Arthur's cock between his bitten lips and suck it straight down his throat. Well…Merlin probably was too proud, considering all the elaborate planning he had done-faking his virginity-so that the prince wouldn't touch him. But this wasn't exactly the main issue at hand right now. The problem…the biggest of problems Arthur was facing at the moment…would be the scorching hot image of Merlin doing exactly what Morris had said.

His consort…his Merlin…healthy and pure and looking as if not a thing in the world would please him more than pleasuring his prince. Eyes daring as they had been during that horrible meet and greet, challenging Arthur to shove him away and stop him from moving forward. Mouthing 'sire' against the crotch of the prince's pants as he sensually undid each of the strings tying his pants together. Arthur forced to hold his breath and clench his hands into fists to stop himself from shoving Merlin off him as hard as he could…forcing himself not to react to that lovely boy on his knees before him. Not willing to break the challenge and prove Merlin was too good for him, even as the boy gently tugged him out, leaned forward, and sucked the tip of Arthur's cock into his mouth so it could rest on his tongue. Still looking so defiant and proud of himself for reducing Arthur into a man who was so prideful, he would rather participate in something gay than losing the challenge set before him.

The challenge that Merlin had set before him.

And that was when Arthur finally felt it, something registering to his senses…there was a soft tugging near his neither region. He was snapped back into focus, staring at the top of his once trusted manservant's head as the boy attempted to unwrap his strings one handed. There was this wave of panic that crashed over him-no, no, no, no. What stupid gay move was this! Was it how all gay things went? Somebody just grabbing at another's genitals as if it were nothing? He hadn't even known the other boy was into men! Or he definitely wouldn't have allowed that man to be his servant. Not when he's dressed Arthur and seen him naked on more than one occasion whenever the blond was hopping into the bath or such. God, had Morris ever tried and touch himself to thoughts of Arthur's body? He felt so bloody violated right now-and Arthur reacted faster than his head was able to keep up with.

Another yell of surprise erupted from Morris' lips after Arthur grabbed him by the sleeves of his shoulders and threw him as hard as he could against the door. So hard, that it rattled with an almost violent force, as if it was about to shake its way out of the very hinges. Morris staggered against it, and having no other choice than to lean against the door to keep his balance straight. But then Arthur was there, the sharp sound of metal entering the arena, and Morris' neck was forced up at a horrid and awkward angel. Arthur using one hand to balance himself on the door right next to Morris head and the other holding his sword. Poised to strike Morris dead for stepping out of line like this and betraying the sacred bond that should live in a master and his servant.

"Pray tell me, Morris. What did you think you were doing just now? Were you seriously trying to tempt me just now. As if I'd ever-" Arthur stopped himself dead, the growl in his voice raw and deep, before he could say something damning. Something that would indicate how 'not okay' Arthur was about having the boy-any boy-come onto him like that. Something that might've even been considered slightly homophobic…but…Merlin. Then the growl was back, Arthur frustrated as his sword shook hard against the delicate skin of Morris' throat before correcting his speech to not give away his unique marriage situation. "Do you really think me so cheap, I would lay with another while my one and only…my one and only is dying? Do you think your horrible behavior, is something acceptable for a servant to do? Did you even think for one second, that I would react favorable to such offers. As if it's not inappropriate for my servant to proposition his master?"

Arthur watched as Morris swallowed hard, a little whimper was escaping his lips…if Arthur pressed just a little harder, then the beads of blood would start forming. Staining his blade red…he should've been saving his strength for the beast that guarded the forests of Balor, save the staining of his blade for a horrid monster trying to stop him from retrieving the consort's only chance at living. But Arthur was too shaken…too dumbstruck by what had just occurred…the panic was never ending as his heart tried beating its way out of his chest-thumpthumpthump -and Arthur had this maddening urge to draw blood. This was out of line for Morris, unacceptable…Merlin was the only man who has ever kissed him. And their wedding kiss had been this truly horrid experience. It was not something he wanted to re-live with Morris.

"Sire, please I don't understand." Morris said, with this low and almost desperate whimper. As if he truly thought Arthur would have been receptive towards his advantages. Arthur may have felt bad for him, but that was before this attack. Before he had said Merlin should die. Before…he turned into a stranger right in front of Arthur's eyes. Arthur might've even been willing to step back and allow the boy room to breathe proper but Arthur didn't trust Morris not try his luck again. Arthur needed a good bit of distance between them, with his sword at the ready if his hands tried going for his Royal jewels again, "I have wanted to do this for so long. But I never dreamed of approaching you as I knew you'd only ever shown an interest in women. But then it turns out that is wrong, and now you are married to a man. But perhaps things would have been different…maybe it would've been 'I' who became your consort if only I had spoke about my feelings earlier. Maybe it's just because of all the chaos that's happened today, but life is so incredibly precious. I just did not want to go another day without you knowing. It could've been me who drunk the poison. I could have died today. And I could have died without you knowing…I didn't want to wake up some day and regret not coming forth. Only now…I have ruined what we have between us, haven't I?"

At least Morris wasn't completely brain dead, the prince was thinking. But Morris pushed his head back harder against the wooden frame of the door-less to get away from Arthur's hard and unyielding blade, and more like he was cursing himself in a rather harsh way. Cursing himself for not…coming onto Arthur sooner than he had? Arthur felt absolutely stricken, the sick in his belly growing worse. He truly had no idea Morris had such strong feelings for him…was this why he was antagonistic with his consort? Because Morris had some kind of weird jealously fixation on Arthur? Was this why he wanted Merlin to die…just because he thought it meant he could sidle in and take away Merlin's rightful place at his side.

"But Merlin is almost dead, just like you said. He's of no use to you while he's in this state! Won't be able to do anything again so I don't see why you can't let me show you! Why you cannot use me in his place!" Morris said loudly, eyes looking as if they were wild, as he jerked his head up to look at Arthur with these pleading eyes, needless of the sword at his throat. At least the manservant had been needlessly until Arthur shoved him back onto the door before he could get closer. That wasn't enough to stop the desperation coating Morris silver tongue as he did his best to sway Arthur, not knowing enough about Arthur and his marriage situation to realize he was barking up the wrong tree. "Just one chance is all I'm asking, to show you how much better I am than him. I can make you cum faster and far harder than he's had in all the time you've been with him. I've known you for years longer than he has, I bet I know all the sensitive points to hit. I just don't why you would choose him when I'm so much better for you."

Arthur sucked in a ragged breath of disbelief, unable to deny or pretend Morris wasn't behaving like an absolute raging loon right now. Another wave of violation washed over him…the boy talking about Arthur and his 'sensitive points' made Arthur just want to dig his blade a little deeper into tender flesh. Carve up Morris' bloody voice box so he would stop his insanity. And the mere idea of Morris trying to make him 'cum faster' or 'harder' made Arthur's cock feel as if it had shriveled up somewhere in between his legs. Hiding itself somewhere so no man could try to take it out.

"Do you…do you really think just any man would be enough to catch my attention?" Arthur demanded, though his tongue felt so heavy in his mouth. As if it had swollen up twice as big as it was meant to be…how fucked up was Morris to think he would do this. How fucked up was Morris to admit to Arthur's actual face that Merlin had no 'use' to him. Merlin had plenty of uses and not one of them involved the consort sliding into Arthur's lap so Arthur could 'use him' as he deemed fit. Quite happy to whore himself out to Arthur for a change…Merlin was definitely good for entertainment, if nothing else. Even though the other had always pissed him off-he had anger issues, anger issues…anger issues, that needed to be worked through. Or he'll hurt him again and again and again. And already was his blade right on another-Arthur had never been bored with him. "But I could most definitely assure you, the private life I have with Merlin is something that belongs sorely to us. I married him…for my own reasons that you are not privy too. Reasons that feebleminded little mind of yours could not hope to comprehend. I've gotten a certain…bond, with Merlin. That can't be replicated with any old person trying to take over."

Arthur's face was flushing scarlet, careful with his words as to not raise suspicion in Morris. But he couldn't help but find the truth in his words…there was a certain bond between him and his consort that could never be replicated. His father may try and argue this 'bond' was the contract, and maybe that'd even been what Arthur was talking about. But Arthur knew now…he knew now that there was a bond even stronger than that. The prince couldn't quite put it into words, because no word felt as if it fit right in his mouth. But there was a bond nonetheless, an attraction-not 'attraction attraction like Morris was peddling to him but certainly something new in the air-that made him want to get closer. Hold Merlin between his hands. And watch what fascinating thing he would do next. Like this delicate little bird that needed the safety of Arthur's hands before he could fly.

And besides, whatever private life he had with Merlin, his idiot servant didn't have any rights to it. Even if Arthur had taken his consort to his bed every night since they'd married. Even if the two of them had 'done it' a million times, until it was no longer new because Arthur had already mapped out the entirely long length of Merlin's body with both fingers and tongue, he'd not ever spill to somebody like 'Morris.' Morris had no right to even think for a second that Arthur would 'cum harder' as if his own consort wasn't doing an adequate job. Or probably even more than an adequate job-a whore had to have tricks up their own sleeves to keep so many different men interested, right?-but it was still none of Morris' business. And it wasn't Arthur's either since he'd never know Merlin's touch like one would intimately know the touch of their own lover. Whatever interest the blond may have was sorely because a husband needed to know what his husband was doing…or how he was doing it. Or how many times he was doing it. Or with who he was doing it. Or…

Arthur growled sharply, and jerked his sword away from Morris and his throat and backed away as the servant sputtered and coughed and rubbed the little pink line formed along the base of his throat. Arthur watched that line, trying not to make any drastic moves when he didn't feel capable of deciding a man's fate. He didn't feel capable because…Morris had forced all the dark and possessive thoughts he'd had about Merlin back into the forefront of his mind. Made him desperate to know all that went on in that little skull of his consort's…he was supposed to be better than that! Supposed to understand now that Merlin's not some kind of possession that could be owned and traded at Arthur's discretion. Was supposed to know…whatever Merlin wanted to do with his life, it wasn't Arthur who got to decide if it was an okay activity or not.

It was Merlin's choices…

Always Merlin's…

And Arthur had only been fooling himself to think otherwise.

Which was exactly why he couldn't kill Morris…

When Arthur woke him up-and god help him, he was going to wake Merlin up-he didn't want the first thing Arthur told him to be he killed Morris. Knowing Merlin, the consort would look as if Arthur had cut him in two, and decided Arthur must've killed Morris because he was gay or something. And demand rather or not Arthur would kill him for being gay as well. Arthur would feel GUTTED if Merlin had to ask him that.

Arthur wasn't committing hate crimes.

He was defending Merlin against somebody who would want him dead.

But he didn't think Merlin would believe him.

And he never wanted Merlin to think he had to fear him…

Not again.

He needed to start thinking about Merlin, and not whatever his own selfish desires were.

Because that was what he needed to do…

Be better…

For Merlin.

"You are really, seriously, not going to take me right now? Just how many people would jump at the opportunity to climb into bed with someone without the pressures of wooing them first. Do you not know that I'm offering myself up on a silver platter to you right this moment." Morris decided now would've been the best time for him to speak, making a pounding headache start to form somewhere behind Arthur's eyeballs. "It's not as if anybody would know what we are doing! I'm your servant, it gives me the perfect cover to explain away why I'm inside your rooms so late at night. If you are going to let Merlin get away with doing whatever he wants, then I don't see why you won't allow yourself to do the same thing?"

That was the thing though, Arthur thought as the subtle pound against his skull worsted…Arthur hadn't allowed Merlin to get away with anything. He had punished him already. Brutal and cruel and horribly and…it seemed so silly to get all worked up because of it now. Maybe Arthur would be upset about Merlin and his activities later, but-be better-it wasn't his right to say anything after what he'd done. If Merlin needed to-Arthur was shuddering at the mere thought of his consort partaking in all that high risk behavior-to let off some steam, then Arthur had nobody to blame but himself. This would be his punishment…but at least his punishment meant Merlin was alive…the blond shook his head harshly, but it only seemed to make the ache in his head thump harsher.

Besides…Arthur would know what they did. And he refused to add this to the list of nightmares he was going to get centered around tonight.

"This is not up for discussion, Morris." Arthur growled under his breath, wincing, and refusing to partake in this debate. He had already said no, and that should've been the end of it. He knew no amount of whining or fit throwing or tantrum coming from Morris would ever make him attractive. He refused to get into his choice in punishments with Morris, and refused to try defending himself just because Morris thought Arthur had not done enough. He had, and Merlin was paying the price of his decisions right now. "I want you out of my sight. But I'm sure you can rest easily tonight. I might not know what to make of your behavior, but I'm gonna have at least a day on the road to come up with suitable punishments for how grossly out of line you have been."

There, that had sounded princely enough…reserved, carrying a strong hint of a threat laced between them. Merlin may have even been proud of him for not giving into his first instinct and gut Morris in two. The dead body would've been infinity more comfortable than it was now, as Arthur suddenly became very aware of the two of them in his room. Together. Alone. Where had Morgana gone wondering off, Arthur thought with this odd sour tang clinging to the underside of his tongue. If there had ever been a time for Morgana to decide she needed to tell him something, or fuss at him some more, than now would've most definitely been the time.

But Morgana didn't come and rescue him from this incredibly uncomfortable conversation-ha! A prince that needed the fair maiden to rescue him. Merlin would've laughed himself silly if Arthur ever thought to bring this up. He wouldn't. The consort hated him, he wouldn't care about Morris frantically trying his best to hit on him. But then, Morris had the nerve to open his mouth as if he was going to protest some more, but this single glance from Arthur had him going silent. He must've noticed Arthur's very limited-there was only so much he was willing to hold back in honor of Merlin-patience was starting to wane.

It took another second-where Arthur had to wonder if Morris was really going to leave, or if he was gonna have to call some of the guards to have him escorted out-before the manservant scowled. Arthur watched, self satisfied as Morris turned away from him to face the door…good. Now he just had to decide on what punishment would fit the crime that was Morris' absolute horrid behavior. There was standing in the stocks-Arthur never had to put Morris in the stocks before-for hours on end. And if he was in a particularly foul mood when he was executing this punishment, he could always resort to the old ways, and have him hung from the dungeon walls by his thumbs. He wondered what punishment Merlin would have chosen…but Arthur found himself dishearten to realize he didn't know Merlin well enough to make that kind of guess.

"…This is exactly why I told Merlin we slept together. He's far better off knowing the truth than thinking he's anything very special." Morris grumbled under his breath as he was reaching for the door handle. He probably hadn't expected for Arthur to hear him, but the words were just loud enough, and Arthur felt his spine going ramrod straight. "If a prince can't even pay his most loyal servant his dues, then why should his consort think the prince raised the sun and hung the moon just for him."

Arthur would never know-for the rest of his days-why Morris had revealed such a detail, being unnaturally loose lipped. And it was a detail Arthur had never known…something that took a few precious moments before it started to sink in. Morris had just confessed to…to…to making Merlin think the two of them had slept together. Something icy cold hit Arthur hard right in the stomach, but it was nothing compared to the intense fury he had been holding under wraps. Arthur's patience had just hit its limit, something in his head snapping just like a plank of training wood.

Morris had the door opened about two inches before Arthur's hand was shooting past his head. Morris yelped, nearly falling back as the prince shoved the door closed again, the banging echoing throughout the chambers. Before Morris was able to blink or try and talk his way out of this one, Arthur had Morris by the nape of his neck, squeezing the thin neck and thinking how easy it would be to snap it in two. Before throwing Morris back into the door. Once again, it rattled dangerously within its frame and once again, Arthur didn't care one wit about it.

"You have actually two seconds to bloody well explain exactly what you told Merlin. And heaven help you if I find out you've actually done what I think you've done." Arthur growled, sharp and feral, teeth flashing as if he would be willing to rip Morris' throat out with his bite. And try as he might…Arthur could not think of one instant in when this event could've happened. The consort's behavior hadn't changed, he'd been just as irritating as he'd always been, up until he had drunk the poison. But the manservant didn't say anything, at least until Arthur grabbed onto him by his stupid tunic, and shoved him against the door all over again. "One second left Morris. I suggest you start to speak before I get really mad."

The color seemed to drain out of Morris' face, having to stand on the tip of his toes because of how Arthur was holding onto him. But Arthur's feral smirk grew, loving the fear coming off in waves…just because Merlin was off limits now, didn't mean the others would be handled with a gentle touch. Especially Morris who had not only tried luring Arthur into…something…but went and meddled with his family affairs. He needed to know if what Morris had said had been damaging to Merlin. For all the blond knew, Merlin may have only started whoring himself with those in Camelot because he thought Arthur had already sampled all the servants under his direct command. And Arthur was fairly certain walking in on him and Clarissa that one time had only proved to Merlin what Morris had said was true. It might have even explained his intense interest in Clarissa, because she's a woman he could actually point a finger at. The only thing that Arthur couldn't understand though…was why Merlin refused to come to him for answers? It wasn't as if he hadn't thrown a fit or two in the past when he was upset.

"It was…it was a few weeks after Merlin had came here! I found him by himself and he was being really annoying. It was during the celebrations! When you won that tourney! Before you went to dance with that Lady…" Morris choked out, his lips looked to be turning blue and he was scraping at Arthur's crushing hand against his throat. But Arthur hardly noticed. "He…he did not look like he was happy to be there! All on his own as if he was too good to talk to anybody else! I just wanted to mess around with him! But he sounded so stupid! Every time I tried eluding to something, he kept asking me if I meant we were dating! So I finally just said yes, since he refused to admit there could be anything between us!"

Each word from Morris was a grasping breath, desperate for a single breath of air to stop the burning in his lungs. But Arthur felt as if something was tickling at his brain…dating. Merlin had spent his time thinking he and Morris were dating…why would something like this sound familiar? Arthur's brain scratched a bit more, trying to think back to the party, where he had made his first mistake entangling with Clarissa. It was also the night Arthur had apologized to Merlin for the first time, for originally dismissing him about Valiant. Had Merlin been acting strangely that night? According to the time table Morris had given to him then it would've happened just before Arthur had walked up to him. But try as he might, Arthur couldn't think of any oddness-or any oddness worse than usual-in Merlin's behavior.

But still, his mind scratched-and Morris' fingernails scratched at Arthur's unrelenting hand a bit more desperately-even more harder. Something trying to come out…dating? Merlin twisted it around to make it sound as if him and Morris were 'dating'…even back then, it appeared Merlin was pretending to be this clueless virgin. If Morris had said 'sleeping together' or said it in any other term…the hapless virgin Arthur had thought Merlin was, wouldn't have understood him one bit. But why…and then the prince sucked in a huge breath through his teeth, loud and sharp enough to sound like a whistle. Because it hit him like he had been punched in the stomach…why 'dating' had sounded so familiar to him.

Because Merlin 'had' said something to him about this. Only it hadn't been during the party. No…it had been almost a month later, just before the plague had started getting big. Arthur had went to see Gaius and Merlin had been blocking the door, they had gotten into one of their arguments…and Merlin had asked-demanded-to know if there was anything going on between his servant and him that he should know. Arthur'd been consumed by how absolutely ridiculous that statement was, that he'd not thought about asking 'how' Merlin had gotten the idea stuck in his head. Arthur had been consumed by rage not long after, as he had caught sight of the flower Gwen had given him. And he had not thought about the strange moment since…but at least now he knew where it had came from. Knew who to blame for getting into Merlin's head. And fuck it, only Arthur should have been allowed to get into his head.

"You absolute fucking bitch." Arthur snarled, shoving Morris so hard, he could've splintered the door in two and gone straight through it if it had been any less well made. And the servant's lips were turning a more startling blue-maybe everything was starting to hit Arthur, maybe he was starting to lose it, maybe he wanted to hurt somebody because he couldn't hurt Merlin ever again -because he absolutely wanted to choke the life out of Morris. His blade wasn't personal enough. He wanted to just go ahead, and wrap both hands around this scrawny neck and SQUEEZE. Until Morris' color turned from icy blue to this sickly purple. "What right do you think you have messing around with my consort's head. First you lied to me about him and then you come in here thinking you're any match to compete for a place in my bed as if it's some kind of sick competition between you and him. And then don't even get me started on how you said my consort was basically better off DEAD! What else have you been doing behind my back Morris? What else did you put any of your filthy hands in while I wasn't looking!"

Arthur's eyes were nearly bulging, what little restraint he might still have was splintering off at the seams as thin red veins was showing starkly in the white's of his eyes. It was no wonder his consort had never liked Morris. Arthur didn't even like the boy that much. Good servants were extremely hard to come by but servants that wouldn't meddle in his affairs was something the prince needed more. And if Merlin was uncomfortable around him, then that was just another reason for Arthur to get rid of Morris. Permanently, he would prefer. But he wasn't picky, just as long as Morris was no longer in his range of sight. He didn't even know how he was still looking at the servant without just killing him. Nobody would care…he was the prince and Morris had interfered with noble business. It would be his every right to take Morris out if he deemed him a bloody threat.

Maybe not to the state secrets of the castle.

But definitely towards his relationship, if one wanted to call the thing between him and Merlin that.

And that was almost worse, as far as Arthur was concerned.

"You and I both know, sire…that your consort is only good for one thing and one thing only. As the rumors dictate, he will be with anybody that he wants to be. With little thought towards what others think about it." Merlin croaked out, trying to push his fingers under the grip Arthur had on his throat to shove his hand away. But even though he couldn't succeed, the servant still had the nerve to smile at him with his blue lips. As if there was something strikingly amusing about Arthur trying to keep his consort safe. Arthur wavered. "I just don't understand why you wish to show loyalty towards somebody who doesn't care enough to show you the same respect. He is…ungrateful…for all you've done to him…"

Morris head fell back against the door, his body giving a little spasm as he started losing consciousness. But Arthur sucked in his cheeks, making the skin stretch across his bones to give off a slightly flushed and demented appearance. Morris could claim Merlin was ungrateful all he wanted, but he knew it was not true. If anybody was ungrateful, then it would've been him sorely. Hell, Merlin had literally saved his entire kingdom, their people still breathed and thrived and continued living all their lives because of what Merlin had done last month. And what'd Arthur do to repay saving them when Arthur hadn't been smart enough to do it himself? He had given Merlin a chest he didn't even want, that Arthur had broke in the first place! That chest was the least Arthur could've done to show how grateful he'd been towards Merlin….

He wouldn't make those kinds of mistakes again.

He swore this on the purpling tinge Morris' lips were starting to turn.

Arthur tightened his grip, enjoying the rush of power as Morris' body spasmed again.

"Listen to me you sniveling little snot. First of all, whatever I do pertaining to me and Merlin is MY business. So drill that inside your thick fucking skull if you have to, so you can understand the message I'm giving you. And two, you might be a man just like my consort but you are vastly different from him. You may seem to think I can switch up and choose differently at a given moment, but I can assure you…no two men are the same. And if the competition is between you and Merlin…let's just say you aren't even in the running." And Arthur could see this sheen of tears brimming in Morris' eyes, though he wasn't sure if it was because what Arthur had said was finally starting to strike this cord inside of him. Or if it was because of how close he looked to being choked out. "Third, Merlin has far more loyalty toward this kingdom than any man I have ever met. And Camelot most likely won't be standing for much longer if Merlin isn't around to intervene. So you might want to can the attitude and thank him on bended knee-kiss his boot and everything-for probably saving your life as well. Or did you forget how close you were to being the one to drink it instead? I can assure you, I would not be planning on riding off into the night if it was you on your deathbed. And forth-"

Arthur didn't hesitate to throw Morris onto the ground directly at his feet, resisting the urge to kick at the other while he was already down. Morris choked and sputtered again, the entirety of his body spasming like mad, curving into a ball as if he was trying to protect himself against the cold stones that was the prince's floor. But that did little good, since the look in Arthur's eyes alone could've made him feel as if he had been struck in the heart by a sudden bolt of lightning. Powerful, even strong enough to kill a man before he had the chance to be properly prepared.

"Merlin is MY husband, and from now on, I expect you to treat him with the proper respect you would give to anybody within the royal family, have I made myself clear?" Demanded Arthur as he loomed over the man, hands perched directly on either side of his hips. He was so tired of the disrespect Morris was showing, even though he knew it was entirely his fault for not putting a stop to this before it could fester out of control like it had been. But when Morris didn't answer him, too busy forcing breath down into his lungs, the blond continued, "One thing I'll expect you do to from now on, is to not only use a proper title when you address me, none of this 'Arthur' stuff anymore. I am your prince and you will refer to me as such. Which means you will do the same for Merlin. He is my consort, and the Consort of Camelot is your superior. You don't get to call him out with his given name as if the two of you are friends. And since I will fully expect for Consort Merlin to be here for many many years to come, you best get used to it."

And still, Morris couldn't say anything, the harsh rasping of his breath finally starting to slow down some, his skin fading into a more natural color. Arthur curled his lip up in disgust, seeing a few drops of spittle clinging onto his floor that had sprayed its way out of Morris lips when he was choking. He would need to get another servant in here-he didn't feel comfortable with the manservant hanging out in his room unattended after having a failed seduction attempt under his belt. Arthur didn't want to know what Morris would do if left unattended among all of his belongings. But hopefully, the next servant knew better than to talk about Merlin as if he was nothing more than slime, and not as if Merlin wasn't probably the most important person in all the land right now.

"You-" Arthur's focused returned zeroed in on Morris as the boy finally managed to push himself up so that he was more in a sitting position, legs sprawled out dangerously open in front of him. Morris was still breathing heavily, but he made sure to lock his eyes with Arthur as if he somehow thought the two of them were equals instead of master and servant. "You talk of respecting him, but how do you expect me to do this. How do you expect anybody to do that, when you don't even seem to respect him yourself. You forget 'Prince Arthur'-" and the boy sounded more mocking than respectful as Arthur's title left his lips. "I've been here since he first arrived in the city. And I have probably seen how you treat him more than anybody else. It is not a pretty sight, and you practically give people permission to treat 'Consort Merlin' as they please."

Morris smile was almost cruel, and Arthur sucked in a harsh breath…it was a sad day when even his manservant realized just how much of an arse Arthur had been to Merlin as of late-oh, who was he kidding-how much Arthur had been an arse to Merlin since the day they met. The prince's throat worked hard to swallow, but his Adam's apple only bobbed in place, and the prince felt himself starting to shut down completely. Or he was going to kill Morris as if he was some kind of rat destroying his property, instead of a sniveling coward trying to gather the bits of power he could manage. Completely unaware of how out of his league he was.

"I think you have forgotten yourself Morris, and you've clearly forgotten what your place in this household is meant to be to begin with." Arthur spoke in an eerily calm voice that hid away the flush of anger churning and churning through his body as if his blood had just been turned into lava itself. The look along his face was even scarier, deceptively calm and blank. As if he and Morris were simply talking about this year's reports about the grain population. "I should have done this the moment you decided to admit my consort's death would be the better thing to have. Perhaps I was just in shock how somebody-somebody being my own servant-could be so callous towards a member of the royal family. But I am sure you will never make mistakes like this in my presence ever again, Morris."

And how was Arthur so confident about this? Because already, he knew it would be quite some time before he caught a single glimpse of his former manservant again. Without any further ado, Arthur bent over and jerked Morris back onto his feet by the nape of his neck. Like one might do to a particularly feisty wet kitten. He ignored the way Morris sputtered and protested and scrambled with his fingers to get Arthur off again, but the prince simply carted him out of the room. Forcing Morris to be walking bent low at the waist, his head forced low against the prince's side where his hand ended.

Arthur walked Morris down the length of hallway, and he was incredibly annoyed there wasn't anymore people around to see the fall of Morris. Even Morgana had seemed to already locked herself within her chambers, Morris' pitiful wailing not enough to draw her out. But Arthur ignored this and continued walking down the stairs that led out of the royal wing of the castle. The manservant should have been grateful Arthur didn't shove him down the bloody stairs, since he would deserve to go out with a common man's death. Instead of the infamy he had tried to get out of Arthur. He probably would've fallen if Arthur hadn't had such a strong threatening grip on his neck.

But once the two of them got to the bottom, the prince did not hesitate to throw Morris on the ground. Directly at the one and only guard assigned to protect the royal quarters to make sure no more assassins tried breaking in and going after the actual original target…himself.

"I want this pest to be escorted out of the castle immediately. He's not to enter the premises for at least a month's time since he's banned. I will need a new servant to be sent to me later to take on his former duties. But I believe a month of him working with one of the stable hand's may put him back in his place. Be sure to inform those already working there that he'll join them come morning light." The prince gave these clear and precise instructions to the knight, speaking to him as if Morris wasn't even there. To some people, it seemed as if Morris might have gotten off light. But considering he went from the highest rank a servant could have, to shoveling horse shit out of the stalls-a job always given to the new guys or the ones sent there for the added punishment factor-it was a humiliating factor that would hopefully humble Morris. At least enough to realize how much 'he' should've been grateful for lasting so long as his personal manservant. And Arthur finally looked back down at Morris still on the floor, gazing at him over the curve of his shapely nose, "I suggest you take this month working on becoming better at your job, Morris. If you apologize to my consort when he does wake up, I might be willing to have you back on in a probation period. Or not, depending on my mood."

The knight didn't dare question what Morris could've done to make Arthur turn on him like this. He was a good knight and he knew it wasn't his place to question things like this. Which was why he grabbed Morris by the back of his shirt, and started to drag him across the floor towards the main exit, not allowing a moment for the servant to stand on his feet. Arthur stayed just long enough to watch them disappearing down the hallway but a thought-an answer to a question Arthur had been asking just before Morris had turned weird on him-struck him. And Arthur turned on his heel and dashed up the stairs as fast as his legs could carry him, the bag carrying his supplies thumping harsh on his thigh.

Which was exactly why Arthur never saw the way Morris was smirking, even reduced to the lump he was as the knight was dragging him into the shadows. This had all been a part of the manservant's spur of the moment plan, and it had worked out almost perfectly. He was sure he could get the blond to forgive him later on and reinstate him back to full status once all their lives started returning to normal after these events were over and done with. But the seduction, allowing Arthur to hear what he had done to Merlin all those months ago…those moments were a part of something bigger than Arthur could have even imagined.

He was positive that he had wasted enough of Arthur's time…he was positive it was already too late for Merlin. Morris might not be able to go to Uther and warn him his son was planning to escape-that was a betrayal that would have him set against the execution's chopping block-but the least he could do was run out the sand in an hourglass. Even if Arthur left right this moment and managed to return with whatever 'cure' he was going after…Merlin would already be long dead. And if Morris had somehow miscalculated and the poison failed to do its job proper, well…he already had a few back up plans coming to his mind.

Like what about that woman…Clarissa…she might be quite an interesting pawn if Morris figured out a way to use her properly …

X

The second Arthur was back in his room, he strode straight to the bedside table. He jerked open the drawer hard enough that it almost came out the opening completely. But Arthur already forgot about that, when his gaze landed on the fluffy red piece of cloth tucked neatly on top of all the other belongings. It was a little piece of Merlin right in front of him, something that held his essence almost more than the boy himself did, and he was unable to say why he hadn't thought about it before. But it was probably because of how many times he had tried ignoring the looming presence of it being near him without its master trying to accompany it.

Arthur pulled the neckerchief out, his touch being gentle and almost reverent as he stared at the thick red fabric. It spilled out over his gloved hand, and Arthur was almost too scared to touch it. Because what if it turned into dust or something, and what would he do if it suddenly vanished instead…Arthur had a habit of destroying things he should've held closest to him. He was being stupid, but he didn't want to do anything that might damage the fabric. Didn't want to watch as the tattered seams rip and tore even more just because he wasn't paying enough attention to it.

It was fragile…

Soft…

Pendragon red…

Beautiful. In a way it hadn't been when Merlin had first given it to him as a favor during the tourney all those months age. He had kept the cloth after Morris had found it among his things just to mess with Merlin. How was he supposed to know, that all these weeks later, it would've suddenly turn into the most precious item in Arthur's universe. Which was why he took the time and the care to tie it around his upper bicep…just like his consort had done all those months ago. He secured it, firmly, to make sure it wouldn't fall off so easily. He didn't know what he would've done if he ended up losing it in the middle of the forests, where he would never be able to track it back down all over again.

When he was done, Arthur looked back down at it, flexing his arm a few times to get used to the presence, the color of the fabric clashing horribly with the silver of his armor. Like blood, almost. It didn't look any different than when Merlin had tied it to his arm so very long ago…it was still far bigger than a usual favor would be. Making the bow poof out some, and the much longer leftover ribbon stream down towards his elbow. He had been horrified at the sight, but now…it somehow looked to be far different in his eyes.

Beautiful.

Fragile.

Soft.

Beautiful.

Fragile.

Soft.

BeautifulFragileSoft…

All things Merlin was.

Arthur was ready.

X

Arthur Pendragon tried to hush his horse urgency, when the great black beast reared up and started neighing at his form stalking around the stables. It was eerily dark, the cold of the night enough to chill somebody to the core, and it had taken far too long for Arthur to sneak all the way down here. He did not want to risk anybody catching sight of him and reporting to his father he was acting suspiciously. But that plan would be flying straight out the window if his horse ended up giving him away.

Luckily, it seemed as if all of the stable hands had retired for the evening.

Or were evacuated to sequester in the servant's quarters or in their own homes until the king and the council figured out the next steps to this catastrophe.

"Shhh, shhh, shh. It's just me! Calm yourself." Arthur spoke to the horse gently, stepping forward without fear to take care of his horse. The other horses in the other stalls neighed at him or stomped their feet restlessly…it was almost as if all of them knew that something was happening. But Arthur only had eyes for his own horse, reaching out his hands to catch hold of the beasts great neck, running a soothing hand down over the top of it's snout, paying close attention the the large white spot in the center of its forehead. The horse neighed again, but much softer, calming down and settling back on its hooves after he'd recognized Arthur. Arthur quirked his lip, probably the closest thing he'd given to a smile since his consort had drunk himself quite literally, to death. "That's right boy. It's just me." He said in this continuously soft tone looking up to meet the intelligent eyes of his horse. "Are you ready to go on a mission? We have got some work to do now, and I would not trust any other than my trusty steed to accompany me."

The horse neighed again, louder and more rough, almost as if it was answering Arthur's question, as if it understood him. So maybe it did…Arthur had been given this horse on his fifteenth birthday, he'd trained it from a small calf newly born from one of the older horses to one of the greatest warhorses to walk on this side of the country. Arthur had been through mission after mission, journey after journey, simple rides through the grassy sides of the country fields ever since. There had always been a certain connection between him and this beast, one that other people wouldn't understand or think him crazy if he tried and explained it. He wouldn't even know how to explain it…he only knew he could trust his horse just as he trusted him…

And it looked as if they would have to trust each other again…

Arthur guided his horse out of his stalls, and towards the large rack against the side of the cabin that housed the equipment one needed when they planned to ride. Now, most nobles did not know how to prepare their own horse, thinking it far below them and something that ought to be left to the actual stable hands. But Arthur hadn't been liked that. He liked taking care of his horse, and knew how to take care of him…he had spent many hours alone brushing the mane of hair and talking to him as a bonding experience. It was silly, telling a horse his secrets and doubts and worries and fears, but at least he knew Llamel would never tell a soul.

It took quick work to get Llmel dressed up, his fingers going quick and nimble as he strapped her saddle onto her back. He fitted the reins around her head, making sure everything was strapped down and in place. Fixing his travel bag onto the side of the saddle where it wouldn't weigh him down if he ended up forced off his horse for any number of reasons. He wouldn't be leaving 'anything' to chance. He was so focused on putting the finishing touches on his horse, he never noticed the new figure entering the stables…at least until Llmel neighed loudly, as his feet thundered against the floor and kicking up dirt.

Arthur almost thought his horse was getting anxious again, till he saw the horse was looking somewhere over his shoulder.

Arthur didn't hesitate, wrapping his fingers around the hilt of his sword and jerking it out of the sheath as he was smoothly twisting around. Guarding his horse behind him, raising up his sword out in front of him even as the hair along the nape of his neck started standing on end. The shadowy figure didn't move at all, and Arthur almost had to wonder rather or not it was an actual person or just something stacked up that forced it into resembling a man. But then the shadow moved, just distinctly enough to make Arthur realize this was not an object moved in the breeze.

"WHO ARE YOU!" Arthur thundered, readjusting his grip on his sword and holding it more threateningly in an arch right above his head. His thunderous voice would hopefully scare anybody not looking for a fight into revealing themselves…maybe it was only an unfortunate stable hand returning. Or one of the many servants having heard him in here and decided to play hero by checking it out themselves. Unaware that was how people who were untrained to handle such situations, got themselves only a funeral pyre. But there was every chance that it wasn't either which was why Arthur refused to lower his guard…refused any being to stop him from leaving. "I'M WARNING YOU NOW! You are to come out and reveal yourself to me and state what your reasons are for being here right now."

Arthur's demand was greeted by silence, the stranger moving but not revealing himself quite yet. The prince gritted his teeth sharply…there was every chance this man could also be one of the knights from his own kingdom. With any luck, he could tell them he was doing some scouting and send them off, unaware of his plan to leave far past the boundaries of scouting. But if it was a leftover Mercian member who had yet to be caught in all of the chaos, then Arthur would simply have to beat them into submission. And use some of the reins to tie them to a support beam to be found come morning light. He wouldn't risk any of the time it would take to cart him down to the dungeons all by himself. But luckily, as the mystery figured walked into a patch of moonlight streaming in through the opened door, he did not need to get into a fight.

"I'm watching my prince trying to sneak off into the night, with nobody the wiser about where he's going or how long he'll be gone and looking like nothing more than a common criminal as he steals away the prince's prized horse." Knight Leon told him in a gruff voice, doing nothing to mince his words. And Arthur winced, sliding his sword back into his sheath since it looked as if he wouldn't need it. Leon wasn't any threat to him. Leon was glancing between him and the horse now, and Arthur had to wonder if he really did look like a criminal. Probably since he was trying to hide what he was doing in his own castle… "What are you doing, exactly? I saw you sneaking in here, but when I noted you didn't return, well…I had to check it out for myself."

There it was, Arthur thought, Leon just doing his due diligence as a knight. Making sure everything was secure and nothing in the world was wrong. Arthur could have complimented him on going out of his way to check things out, if it wasn't him Leon was checking out. Arthur didn't answer him for a long moment as he turned back to his horse, and readjusted a few buckles to make sure nothing would slip and deposit him with a splat on the ground. He had slid from his horse many times, as the saddle turned sideways, when he had been insisted on doing it all himself when he'd first gotten him. He'd gotten into a habit of double checking these particular buckles…just in case.

"You don't need to worry about a thing, Leon. I'm not doing a single thing you need to be concerned about. I was simply in a mood and wanted to spend time with the one beast that would not judge me for it. So if you wouldn't mind, I would like to get back to that." Arthur said with his back planted firmly to Knight Leon, keeping his face from view on the off chance that Leon'd be able to read the lies etched in his eyes. But maybe he'd also end up hearing it in his voice…his words sounded so hollow to his own ears. "You should return to the castle, maybe talk with some of the other knights and organize a proper patrol unit to run the perimeter. Just to make sure we won't come across an extra surprise or two later on in the night."

Arthur didn't really want to order Leon away-he thought as he ran a hand down his horse's mane, watching as he reared his head up in response-because unlike some of his man, Leon's a man worthy of some respect. If only Arthur, desolate as he felt right now, could be worthy of having the same respect. But he wouldn't deserve it…it would feel false. Like if he wore another man's shirt that was identical to his own…it would still feel as if he was walking around in another man's skin. Skin that would not be nearly as soft looking as Merlin's was…

"I would, but…I don't think you would really want to have group of men gathering around the boarders right now, would you?" Leon asked him, and Arthur's back straightened, his shoulders going stiff under the other man's penetrating gaze. "You don't really need to have your horse in full riding gear, if you are only venting out your frustrations to him." And Arthur cursed darkly in his head…he was so fucking stupid. It would've been easier to lie about being restless and wanting to check the perimeter himself. At least he would have a reason for having his ride out of here all prepared. "…But I'm going to take a wild guess and say this is something bigger than just checking to make sure the rest of us is safe. You would've sent some knights yourself if you were really that concerned about it. But if this is going to be something you planned on doing by yourself…it's got to be about Merlin, doesn't it?"

Arthur didn't answer him verbally-as a streak of panic rose up in him and clogged his throat-but the way Arthur's hand shot up to grab at Merlin's neckerchief around his bicep had to be answer enough. If Leon hadn't noticed the bow's presence by now, then he would surely see it now. But Arthur only clung on to it harder, desperately…using the material squished under his hand as something grounding. If only the other hadn't been so smart or so observant or…like literally any other knight on the planet who couldn't move up the ranks because they'd always do as ordered, even if their guts told them something was off about the situation.

"You're leaving the castle because of Merlin…have you found a way to help him? Are you going to go get it now? I can come as well and help you retrieve whatever it is." Leon said, quickly as ever when it came to assessing a situation and deducing what the obvious answers were. Arthur could almost breathe a little bit easier, his fingers loosening around the cloth for a moment …it would be a relief to not have to go alone. Somebody Arthur knew would be able to watch his back if things took a turn with the worse. Somebody Arthur could pass the flower off too if he got too injured to make the journey back. Somebody he knew would ensure Merlin would live on even after he had died since Leon was a man that held that kind of honor. But Arthur felt as if there was something holding him back, something stopping him from being able to fully accept the helping hand Leon was trying to give him. "Just give me a few minutes to pack my bag up and get my horse. We can be on the road within only a few minutes and you can explain to me where we're going as we're riding, yes?"

And Arthur could hear Leon already moving around-always so proud to be the one holding out his hand when somebody else needed it too-and Arthur almost felt guilty. Lowering his head so his bangs shadowed across his eyes, knowing the man was not going to accompany him. Leon was already pulling out one of the saddles for his own horse, but Arthur's lips thinned…the prince would have been selfish to take Leon with him. This was something that could ruin Leon, if he suddenly went rouge and took off like this. Arthur being selfish and uncaring about what went on in the lives of others, was exactly what had gotten him into this mess to begin with. His status as prince might protect him, but it would do very little for Leon.

"No, Leon. You won't be coming with me tonight." The prince said, finally turning back around to face Leon, who looked to be startled by this. Pausing where he stood, with arms tucked under the saddle…Arthur wondered what he looked like right now. Not a common criminal, but maybe an old man…he might as well have aged about ten years at least. And his eyes were probably reflecting that as well. "My father won't hesitate to strip you of your knighthood if you took off with me without an order from him. You worked too damn hard to get to where you are right now, just to lose it all because you want to help me."

Leon's lips parted, but his baffled expression did all the talking for him. Arthur was non-pulsed about this though…he was just going to have to stick to his original plan. Ride throughout the woods until he reached Balor Forest somewhere mid-morning, and find the caves sometime in early afternoon, and hope he'd have limited distractions keeping him from the caves. Like the beast…Arthur would still have to fight him alone if he couldn't find a way to sneak around it. But…at least he had something to fight for. Something he would always fight for…Arthur flexed his arm to feel the neckerchief around his bicep going tight on him. Leon's eyes fell down to it, something shifting in his eyes, but Arthur didn't try to hide it again. Not this time…

Not now, since he was prepared for it.

It would feel as if he was trying to hide Merlin.

"With all due respect, sire, I'm not doing this for you." Said the knight, his jawline going tight and nodding his head to the red piece of cloth. "I'm doing this for Merlin." And Arthur was able to respect that…who wouldn't run headlong into danger just to make sure Merlin would survive. He had already proven he was willing to do the same thing for this kingdom, who had offered nothing in return. "Please, Arthur. I need to come with you. It's me, who brought Merlin here in the first place all those months ago. And then abandoned him to whatever life he was going to have without a second thought. The least I could do is try and make that up to him now."

Arthur paused…he knew all about what it felt like wanting to do what was right for Merlin. Hell, sometimes he wondered rather or not him getting this flower for him would really be enough to get Merlin to forgive him. But it HAD too, Arthur thought with a delusional-fed by desperation-air to him. His consort HAD to be a much better man than he's been…and once he saw how far Arthur had gone to help him! Once he saw how Arthur rode out of here like hell was lapping at his ankles, once he heard of Arthur's bravery when confronting the beast, once he knew his princely husband had scoured the cave until he had found one of the flowers he needed…everything was going to be fine. He knew it was…it had to be. But Leon coming…it still wouldn't be something that would work out. Even if it would've been easier to just let him come…but sometimes…

Sometimes, doing the right thing had to come before doing the easier thing.

But…

"Are you sure? You want to be included in this? You want to be the one to help me with Merlin?" Arthur asked him, a new idea of how Leon could help without ruining everything he's worked for already starting to come together in his mind. It would give Arthur some peace of mind, if he had Leon hanging around in the kingdom, working on the home front while he was far away and would be unable to turn back even if he got wind of a bad situation happening back in Camelot. And Arthur couldn't think of anybody better suited for the mission he had in mind, other than Knight Leon. "Because if you are…I have a mission that no other would be able to complete to my satisfaction."

Arthur watched as Leon's brows furrowed, probably wondering if Arthur was giving him a real mission. Or something similar to busy work just to keep him out of the main battle. But this was not busy work. This was probably the most serious mission the prince could ever entrust to somebody. This was far more than any mission that would have somebody…protecting the Crown Jewels from thievery. Or somebody guarding the royal wing to keep out random people who might want to hurt or steal from the royal family as they slept in their beds. What Arthur had in mind was something…infinitely more precious than even a rare jewel, a jewel so rare only one existed in all the world.

Because that was what Merlin was…

The only one in the world.

"I do. I want to protect Merlin." Leon said, after a single second of hesitation. A steely look of determination appeared inside of his eyes, and Arthur could feel something in his tense shoulder relaxing. Good, the prince thought. He didn't know what would have happened next, if Leon denied completing this mission or his orders. He would still have to leave either way, but maybe it wouldn't consume him-the idea of something happening to his consort when Arthur was too far away to help him-if he had his trusted knight watching over him. "Tell me all the details of this mission, sire. And I swear to you…I will complete it to the best of my abilities."

Arthur's shoulders relaxed even further, as if he had some kind of huge weight on them this entire time that caused him major, constant, straining. He only hoped Knight Leon would not turn down this mission once he actually heard the details. It wasn't a fight to the death kind of battle most knights would dream of during basic training. But Leon was also a seasoned knight, so he would understand that sometimes, a knight's duty was not always going to be epic battles. Sometimes, it meant watching comatose patients and being a body guard to somebody who was just sleeping. Hell…it would probably be fascinating if the prince himself got to watch Merlin sleep-if he was only resting and not actually comatose. To watch Merlin kick around on the bed to try and find a comfortable spot. Learn rather or not the consort also snored in his sleep. See if Merlin made any weird or funny faces when he was too groggy to think any different.

"Merlin is in the healing chambers right now. But he's so weak and defensive…vulnerable. He won't be able to protect himself should the worst happens." Arthur was quick to explain what it was he wanted from Leon. Trying to hide the fear ebbing in his voice…so tight and sudden in his chest that it felt as if he was unable to breathe. To do all of this, only for it to be for nothing because somebody had brutally murdered Merlin-his beautiful wicked, fragile consort-because they were so impatient. Being unable to wait for the poison to make its course…Arthur shook the horrid thought out of mind and continued. "Gaius is there with him right now. And Morgana's maidservant Gwen is acting as his assistant. But they, and maybe Morgana-" he knew just how much Morgana adored Merlin. How much Merlin spent his time with her in return. "Are the only ones allowed within those chambers while my consort is in this vulnerable state. Now, do you understand what I am telling you?"

Leon, always so smart without Arthur having to spill it out for him, seemed to know exactly what he meant. Comprehension and understanding appearing in his eyes…good. He knew the prince wanted him to look over Merlin. And from the serious of his eyes, he also knew Arthur didn't care how many people he had to kill or main or decapitate. If anybody tried getting inside the chambers without permission, Leon had full permission to be a 'kill on immediate sight' combat knight. Arthur didn't care who it was or what reasons they have…if people couldn't stand outside the hall like those three men with the candles had tried to do, then as far as he was concerned…they were there to try and hurt Merlin.

"Consort Merlin is already in very good hands with his uncle at the reins. And Gwen is no slouch either when it come to being able to help people. She'll learn quickly." Leon spoke in a calm and considering voice. And Arthur wasn't able to stop his own eyebrow from twitching violently…it was as if everybody on the planet somehow knew Gaius was Merlin's uncle. Sure, Arthur'd only came across a couple of people that knew this fact, but it was still killing him to know there was an undetermined group of people who had known something about his consort that he hadn't known.Maybe Morris also knew! Or his father? Or…none of this was the point. "But I will do this sire. I swear to you, on my life and honor as a knight of Camelot…Consort Merlin won't die while he is under my watch."

And Arthur actually believed him, as if Leon would have been able to realistically stop the poison if it became too much of a strain on his body. Swearing on your life was one thing, but it wasn't uncommon for a knight to die by giving their life in one of the huge battles all knights had to face at some point within their careers. But swearing on your honor…it was something so much deeper and more meaningful than one's life. One always got remembered with honor if they gave their life for others to win the battle. But to lay one's honor on the line…in a society where one's honor meant everything…was suicidal. Arthur was not able to think of another moment where somebody-whose not an overconfident meathead who thought they could do no wrong only to fail in the end because of that same confidence-had done the same.

And then…Arthur watched as Leon placed the heels of his feet together equally. Placed a closed fist over his heart and bowed before him. A certain wetness filled up Arthur's eyes, stunned into silence as he recognized this for what it was. This kind of bow, this stance…Leon baring the back of his neck due to the deepness of his bow, giving Arthur the opportunity to take his head off with one mighty swing of his sword if he had an urge to do it…this was all meant for the king. A person somebody like Leon would show reverenced and loyalty and the upmost respect for…Arthur had always wanted the day to come where one of his knights would do this. It was more than just bowing to him because he was their prince…it was more like they were 'choosing' him to be their leader and commander and knowing Arthur would see them through to the end. Trusting him as the one to lead them through unbeatable odd, putting themselves in a vulnerable position because they knew-if their leader tried to take advantage of that vulnerability and ended them where they stood-then they would deserve it.

Because that meant they failed.

And failure was not an option.

And they deserved whatever punishment Arthur decreed and laid out before them.

But Arthur could feel his throat going tight again, clogging with his indecision. He wanted to be pleased, to have finally done a big enough something to get this kind of loyalty. But even after Leon straightened himself back up, Arthur wasn't able to bring himself to reveal in it. How could it be..how could this situation be the one that gave him this level of devotion? He was trying to commit treason here! An act his father would have ordered an execution for if he wasn't his son and only heir. And yet…he got this kind of respect for it?

Arthur swallowed down the sourness in his throat, and climbed onto his horse. He settled easily into the saddle, while picking up the reins in both hands. Leon watched him do this, stepping back to give him more space as the horse moved restlessly as Arthur slipped his boots into the stirrups. Despite the emotion threatening to overwhelm him and take him whole, Arthur still took the time to give Leon his orders, making it all official. "As a direct order from your prince, Leon…your mission is to keep Merlin alive, protect him, at all cost, until I return and can take over the duty of care for myself."

Leon seemed to recognize what he was doing, and nodded his head. It was a gamble, but even though Leon wasn't leaving to go with him, if his father found out Leon had helped him in any way instead of coming straight to him…he may feel inclined to punish him in some way. A demotion, perhaps. But if the both of them claimed Leon was only acting under Arthur's orders…it might be able to shield him in some way. Arthur was the one in charge here, and it would've been disrespectful of Leon to not follow through with his prince's orders. Arthur could afford to keep Leon safe in this small way…even from his own father.

And speaking of his father…

Arthur looked away, clenching the reins tighter, "I'm not sure if I can trust my father. He said some things earlier that made me concerned for my consort's safety. If he visits…don't leave the two of them alone." He would never be able to get how happy his father had been about Merlin's demise out of his head, how he was already planning Arthur's next wedding before a death on Merlin could be pronounced. It had shaken him to the core, realizing he couldn't trust his own father. Maybe he was being paranoid, but after Uther discovered he'd left…there could be the slimmest chance of Uther trying to slip Merlin something himself. Something that would finish the job quickly, instead of giving Arthur these days of opportunity. "I…I trust you to keep him safe, Leon. Godspeed."

Arthur's voice had dropped down lower, speaking less like the commander he was supposed to be, and more like one would when speaking to a friend. Leon nodded, both of them would need all the help they could get. Neither mission sounded like it would be particularly safe, where anything could go wrong if they weren't careful. And Leon watched as Arthur pulled on his reins, guiding his horse over towards the barn doors. And with a snap of the reins, Arthur was racing out of the stables at full speed towards the great western gates of the kingdom.

Leon stepped out after him, planting one hand on the frame of the door and watching until his prince started to grow smaller and smaller, disappearing from his sight as the shadows grew and swallowed him whole. It was only when Leon was sure he was alone, did he whisper a soft, "Good luck, Arthur. You will need far more luck than I will." And with that said, Leon walked off into the night, the shadows swallowing him whole as well.

He had somewhere to be.

X

The pounding of his horse hooves galloping across the stones his kingdom was made out of, reverted in Arthur Pendragon's eardrums. The powerful beast's entire body moving between his legs, feeling how strong and healthy his creature was. The wind against his cheeks cold enough to freeze his eyes open…and the gate was just ahead of him. The Great Western Gate…as the title suggest, stood on the western side of the city. The gates also faced something else…Balor Forest. And the prince lit up when he saw the gates hadn't been closed yet…that was one of the first things the kingdom did whenever a major crisis hit them.

Lock the city down.

Block off every exit and every entrance so people couldn't go and come as they pleased while the castle was in high alert or in emergency mode. Pull up the drawbridge-that had also not been an issue for Arthur to cross-that separated the inner city from the lower town. Extra boarder patrols and knights being stationed at the ready with their crossbow's to tame any unruly behavior. But none of this would happen without being given explicit permission from the king. It was probably one thing not even Arthur could do without the king agreeing. But it appears as if his father was too busy in the war room going over battle strategies, to think about protecting the rest of the city.

He was sure it would come to his father soon enough.

But not soon enough.

Arthur used full advantage of the gates being opened, and did not dare stop when the two knights guarding it started yelling at him to stop, their spears pointed up towards him. Usually, a spear into the horse itself or the man riding it would have been the appropriate measure to stop a rouge horseman from being able to leave the castle without some kind of paperwork and/or reasonable explanation for why they were leaving and when all the guards on duty should be expecting them back. That kind of thing needed to be marked so they knew the comings and goings on their people…

But one of the guards-or maybe both of them-must have seen his face and realized who he was. Because he watched as they stumbled in surprise, eyes wider than their heads should have been. And Arthur cracked his reins harder against his horse to encourage him to speed up. He was pretty sure he almost ran over one of the knights, who fell backwards to escape from his horse. But Arthur didn't dare look back…and this was Arthur's last chance to turn back. His last chance to turn around like he was a dog with its tail tucked between his legs, content to just listen to his father and do whatever was expected of him. Just so he wouldn't make waves and upset the man who had given him every advantage in the world…

Arthur cracked the reins harder, disappearing into the group of trees leading out into the larger forest sounding the city.

I'm coming Merlin, Arthur thought as he angled his horse into the direction of Balor Forest…I'm coming.

X

"Err…do you think we should inform the king his son just rode off into the night? This seems kind of weird, right? I'm not the only one." Tristian, assigned as one of the guards on the west gate, asked his longtime partner. He was usually the jokester of the group, but this felt too strange for even him to try and even crack a laugh over it. It wasn't every day Arthur rode off from the castle at three in the morning without some kind of warning he'd be coming through. "Maybe somebody forgot to tell us something? Or maybe Arthur's just going for a ride…he did just see his consort poisoned."

Even so far away from the castle, those on gate duty had been told to stay on high alert for any strangers trying to force their way into the city. They hadn't been told to be on high alert just in case their prince made a mad dash out of the kingdom. And Dorian-his always partner-made a hum somewhere in the back of his throat. His eyes were narrowed sharply, always being the worry-wart who ran scenarios in his head twenty times before making a move, and staring at the spot where their prince had already disappeared. Not leaving behind a trace of him having ever been there.

"Yes, I think we should." Dorian finally said after a long pause of his endless staring. He turned away from the gate, starting to walk away. Tristian perked his head up, relieved somebody had their head on straight and knew what to do, following his partner quickly on his heels. "But I will tell you one thing-" the knight continued, glancing over his shoulders towards Tristian, "I don't know what's been going on between those two, but do you think they might've actually developed feelings toward the other? We brought Merlin here, but then three months later, he goes and drink poison to save the prince. And then the prince himself goes awol on us…it's a strange thought. But could that be possible?"

And just as Dorian planned, he saw Tristian lightning up much brighter than a torch ever had the right to be. And the knight started pattering on like he usually did, spreading whatever he had heard on the gossip mill. Poking at things he had observed himself. And just generally being in good spirits…and that was exactly what Dorian wanted. It would do them no good if the both of them were worried like this. And Tristian was so caught up in his own theories and possibilities, he never noticed when a crease of fear deepened his eyebrows.

Something in the air was changing…

Dorian didn't know what it was. Didn't know if it would be good for them, or lead their kingdom into ruin.

But he did know one thing…

It scared him.

X

"Gaius! Nothing I am doing is working! He's not getting better at all! I half feel as if I am only making things worse." Exclaimed Gwen, her voice sounding strained as she wiped up more and more sweat seeping from Merlin's skin. But he was absolutely drenched in sweat! Every time she had to stop and drip down her cloth for more water in the basket by her feet, was enough time for a fresh wave of sweat to have been built up. Rolling all down Merlin's face and into his hair and down his shoulders to hide under his tunic…she couldn't even have him changed out of his formal clothes to something more comfortable! Since it would only get the same treatment, and be covered in sweat in minutes. It would probably be best to wait to change him till all the fever had gone away, so he'd have something fresh for him to wear when he was awake. But that was just the hope within her trying to come out, betrayed by the desperation within her voice as she pushed Merlin's hair off his forehead so she could get to the skin easier. "He's burning up! I didn't even know this could be possible! For a human being to be so hot and his own brain not be melting under the strain!"

As soon as Gwen said this though, she squeaked in fear before looking toward's Merlin's ear. Just to make sure she didn't see any strange liquids pooling out of him that could be explained away as his brain 'actually' melting. It was ridiculous how much relief she felt when she saw Merlin's large ears were probably the only thing on him that wasn't affected. But clearly she was not over exaggerating, because Gaius was by her side within a hot instant. Putting the back of his hand against the consort's cheek to test the temperature himself. And Gwen blinked back tears when she saw Gaius frowning, concern making the harsh wrinkles in his forehead grow more prominent. She was right…she thought as her shoulder's dropped…the human body was not meant to withstand this kind of heat. Especially not for any long periods of time. If the poison itself didn't kill him, the heat caused by it might surely do the job.

A heavy hand dropping on her shoulder, squeezing the small bit of muscle to comfort her, nearly made Gwen jump straight out of her skin. Her head popping up so her teary eyes could land on Leon. The knight had shown up mere minutes ago and had immediately got to work, though there was little he could do for Merlin himself. Sent by Arthur apparently-which made Gwen hope whatever Morgana had said when she gone after him had made a difference, though she hardly knew why the woman had yet to make an appearance-the knight had taken charge of the situation.

Asking Gaius all kinds of invasive questions one should've only asked if they were family, pertaining to Merlin's health and his exact prognosis. Asking what they were doing to make sure he was as comfortable as he could be until Arthur returned, which had been pointed out as Gwen's job. There was little she could do other than continuing to wipe away the sweat so her friend wasn't going to drown in it. He had done a check of the area, a search upstairs in Merlin's and then downstairs with them both watching. It was…quite extensive. Checking every cabinet and drawer for possible weapons or if somebody small enough was hiding away inside. He had left for a few minutes once he had determined it clear-with strict instructions to make sure they'd yell if something changed-to check around the tower to make sure there were no threats from the outside. And then coming back in, had determined he didn't like the way the stones were aligned outside Merlin's window. It wouldn't be hard should the person climbing be either gifted or trained in rough terrain just as Leon himself was. He had then disappeared back inside the consort's room, where they were left to wonder what Leon was doing when they heard several loud and unexplainable bangs going on.

Apparently, Leon had been rigging something up…something about a bucket and the window. To let him know if any kind of intruders were attempting to come in, giving him warning and enough time to charge up there to surprise them with a battle to the death…? Gwen didn't know if she was supposed to feel safer now? Or more scared than she had been before…it didn't matter either way though. Because Leon was here, and he was comforting her and she didn't know if she would be able to get through this without some kind of support. Gaius was being so great about that, but he was focused on Merlin, as he needed to be. Gwen didn't hold a grudge. She just wanted to know she wouldn't be judged if she busted out into tears at any moment.

"Him. Liffera. Wuldres wealdend…" Gwen's eyes shot down to Merlin the second she heard the murmurs escaping him. It was the first time she had heard him speaking since the fever took hold of him, and for a second, she thought he had been about to wake up. But he didn't, his face scrunching up as if he was in pain. His fingers clenching around the blankets scrunched up around his hips, but still…he continued to murmur a bunch of nonsense words. Words that made Gwen lean in closer and try making them out. But try as they might…they were nothing but nonsense. "Woroldare forgeaf."

Gwen's heart ached at the pain seeping out of Merlin, as if he had hurt himself and those few words were too much for him to take. But still…there was something about those words that almost sounded…haunting. Less as if Merlin was trying to talk but couldn't because his words were getting bunched around in his head. But more as if he was trying to talk to somebody in front of him that nobody else could see. But…if they were real words and not just a bunch of nonsense, it was unlike any kind of language she had ever heard. They were beautiful though, of a bit rough, but that could've been because of the way the other boy was pronouncing them. Maybe they would've been clearer if Merlin was awake and actually knew what he wanted to say…? But as far as Gwen knew-or at least as much as she'd thought she'd known, since this had never came up before-the consort didn't speak any other language. Nothing besides the mother tongue of the land they walked on…

"Gaius, are you hearing what I'm hearing? I'm not crazy, right…he is trying to say something?" Gwen asked, but what the boy could have been saying was a mystery to her. It wasn't as if he would know some secret to the poison they were unaware of, but would save him if they did know. But when Gwen glanced up to find out why Gaius wasn't answering her…her chest went tight. Gaius was darting her eyes between her and Leon but he looked afraid, as if he couldn't decide who he should've been the most worried about. But when Gwen glanced up at Leon…he looked to be as equally as confused as she was. Why was Gaius…unless he knew something…but if he knew something, why wouldn't he share it with the rest of them? Gwen turned back to Gaius and leaned further over Merlin so she could ask him, "Gaius, do you know what this is? Do you know what kind of language he is speaking?"

And all Gwen could take in was the dread drawing Gaius' face up tight.