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!

175. Chapter 177

Arthur Pendragon could honestly say, he had never imagined himself being in a situation such as this…asking another man on whether or not they had fallen in love with his consort. Just as he had never imagined feeling his heart stuck in the pits of his throat, awaiting an answer that could change his entire world in the blink of an eye. Love…feelings…emotions…such things had never really been available to Arthur before. Those were things he had been taught to put aside for the good of the kingdom. And yet…he couldn't escape this. Couldn't escape how his palms were sweating, and how…desperate he was to know this one answer. He didn't know how he was meant to react if his suspicions were true though. He wasn't supposed to feel like this…it wasn't as if Merlin's truly his…not really. Their 'love' was born out of a contract, nothing more than this transaction between their parents before they were old enough to have input in the decision.

Lancelot didn't have the confines that Arthur did…

Don't get Arthur wrong…he could very well understand how somebody would fall in love with Merlin. He wasn't exactly the hideous beast Arthur thought him to be when they first met. He was actually quite pretty, in that lanky way that made Arthur want to shield him from the world. Arthur didn't exactly call him a 'dark angel' for nothing. And his personality…it was only off putting because it was impossible to see the ruin Merlin could bring into somebody's life until it's already happened. Most people would hear 'ruin' and believe that it was a bad thing, that Merlin meant bad news and staying away was probably something they should do. But god no…when Arthur said ruin, he meant…Merlin knocked down every single obstacle in his way, Arthur included. And rebuilt it from the ground up, transforming it into something completely different, but making it far more beautiful than it had been originally. Arthur had seen it over and over again, until even he had to admit the first time-when Merlin had been the first to knock Knight Valiant from the golden throne he had been planning to make out of Arthur's bones-wasn't a fluke.

Yes…falling for Merlin was probably quite easy.

Once you understood that much about him.

But nothing terrified Arthur more than the idea of Merlin…leaving him. On his own. Willingly…yes, Merlin was always going to be his in some way. They were married after all. But how long would it last before Merlin allowed the dashing gentlemen in front of him to sweep him away, if he hadn't already? Exactly how long was it going to be before Arthur found out the guards had captured both Lancelot and Merlin trying to sneak out of the city, so they could start having a life all their own. Somewhere out in the country perhaps, where he'd never be able to find them and bring Merlin back home. Would Merlin even come back, or would Arthur be forced to drag him…would Arthur kidnap him? Just to make him return to a life he didn't want…he'd have no choice. But it would kill Arthur if Merlin took such drastic measures that came with fleeing the city…

"Love is a very strong emotion, one that's not meant to be taken lightly. And I don't believe that such a delicate emotion should be talked about when I am in the presence of somebody other than my beloved. It should be treated with all of the fragility that it deserves…like a bird with a broken wing, if you want that as an example. It needs to be nurtured in order for it to grow stronger. But that isn't something I'm sure you can wholly understand." Lancelot told him after a hefty pause that had Arthur's anxiety skyrocketing to unimaginable levels, but Lancelot's answer only made Arthur squeeze his eyes shut and breathed in deeply, because shoving him down the stairs was looking more and more like a viable option. Could Lancelot have been even more cryptic…what the hell did a bird or a broken wing have to do with his question? Was it meant to be something philosophical? Because Arthur had never quite understood those lessons he had been forced to learn during his education. All Arthur had required was a simple 'yes' or 'no'. He didn't need anything more than that. Did Lancelot love Merlin…or was he simply using him as a means of the flesh, a breathing creature that's meant for his pleasure…Arthur felt sick just thinking about it. But he still could not have said which answer he would've preferred. "…Perhaps you may be able to understand this though…I am not in love with Merlin. I owe him much, as he has done far more for me than even you would understand. But my feelings for him do not extend past the bounds of friendship. A friendship that I shall hope we will have for many years to come, now that I've decided to make my stay in the kingdom more permanent."

Arthur opened his eyes, a ragged breath coming out of him…Lancelot looked as if he was so sincere, but the prince wasn't buying it. What other reason did Lancelot have for chasing Arthur across the fields if he wasn't in love with his consort? What reason did Lancelot have for fighting him so fiercely when the prince had tried confronting him about his place in Merlin's bed, if he wasn't in love with him? What reason did Lancelot have, to be staying in their lives, if he wasn't doing it because he was in love with Merlin. God…Arthur wanted this to be true, because then he wouldn't have to worry about emotions growing high and Lancelot planting ideas in Merlin's head about trying to run away. But then again, Lancelot had every reason in the world to lie to Arthur. It was suicidal to admit having strong feelings for another's wedded partner. Perhaps the prince wouldn't want to explain his actions, but some kind of action would still end up being taken…Arthur didn't think he could live with himself if he just allowed for it to go on without consequences. But Arthur was so far out of his depth here …he had never had to fight to keep somebody at his side before. Most seemed to flock to him in order to get what he had or what he could give them…but not Merlin. Never Merlin…

"I believe that isn't the first time you've mentioned something about making your life here more…permanent. You mentioned earlier that you were wanting to make a career here…stay long term. That sounds like commitment, and I'm almost terrified to ask you what you have in mind." Arthur said gruffly, and he brought a hand up to pinch at the bridge of his nose harshly, trying to release some of the pressure he could feel building up inside his head. He didn't think he would be able to continue on with this…seeing Lancelot each and every day as he builds up a name for himself in the city. Knowing that every night, that it was Merlin's bedside he was returning too. Arthur wouldn't be able to sleep, as it would only be a matter of time before he caught them both in the act of their secret love making. A secret like this, their equal denial sounded as if they had already rehearsed it, couldn't stay secret for long. Not with the people waiting in the wings to dissect everything they saw. "Might I suggest you look to being one of the runners…they travel all over the kingdom delivering such important letters to the other noble families and the outer towers that guards around the boarder of the kingdom. I'm sure that right there is more fitting for the son of a noble than…staying in your current position as a manure shoveler."

Arthur wished Lancelot would take the job of a runner…they only returned to the capital for brief moments between their runs, or to collect the next mission or delivery. Leaving Merlin and Lancelot only a scarce few days scattered here and there to partake in their…carnal sins. And it had far better benefits than a job that any peasant could do…another thing Arthur had never thought he was going to see himself doing. Being jealous of a man that shoveled the shit from the horses…it was a career that would put off any prospective lovers. At least ones with any standing in society, like their consort. But Merlin was a different sort altogether…Arthur doubted Lancelot coming home covered head to feet in the muck would put him off for long…Arthur needed to get out of here. That was all Arthur needed to do. He couldn't stand here for a single minute more…not when he wanted to punch Lancelot's face…not when he knew it was only a matter of time before Merlin himself stopped pretending his feelings for the other man weren't there. Arthur could see it…probably everybody else too…he turned on his heel and started back up the stairs. There was no reason to continue their conversation, and if he left now, well…Lancelot might just get to live one more day after all.

"I intend on becoming a knight!"

And Arthur froze only a few steps up on the stairs…fuck. All at once, the prince was forced to remember that stupid thing he'd said…where he had agreed with Lancelot joining the ranks of those in basic training. That day had been a very messed up time for Arthur…he was stressed after realizing Lancelot had such an open access to Merlin, sleeping so close to him. He was scared of himself, after realizing how close he had came to hurting Merlin when he had gone and thrown himself into the battle like a moron. He had just seen the looks given to him by his people…monster, they had all seemed to say. And so he had agreed to give Lancelot a chance to make something out of himself, his way of trying to make amends and apologizing to Merlin for putting him through another one of Arthur's fits. As justified as that particular fit had been. But now, Arthur was regretting that decision more than anything. He couldn't go back on his word if it's what Lancelot wanted, but everything was just so difficult and complicated that Arthur could barely keep his head on straight as it was.

"…I thought you said you hadn't decided rather or not you were willing to work under my command. You said something about…not being able to stomach the idea of working with somebody like me, if I'm remembering correctly." Said the prince, turning back around so that he could face Lancelot head on. He was a prince, after all, a prince that had just beaten the arses and broke the spirits of five new recruits. Lancelot didn't scare him. Though the idea of him definitely did…it was bad enough having Lancelot visiting occasionally if he was a simple runner. But as a knight…Lancelot would be living in his space. Everywhere that he turned, Lancelot would be there. On their hunting trips and on missions and on training sessions. Tournaments he'd participate in alongside Arthur, joining in the jousting ring as some poorly concealed attempt to impress Merlin. "You do remember that you would be serving under my direct command if you want to go through with this. It means showing me respect as a commanding officer and heeding every word that I give you without question."

Arthur was hoping that reminding Lancelot of the consequences of this choice would be enough to make him step back and reevaluate his choices. Though it was a wonder what could've possibly changed in the last day or two. The last time Arthur had mentioned him becoming a knight, Lancelot had been firmly, dead set, against the idea. And yet, here he comes today, with this completely different response. Eager and willing to serve beneath the same man that tried to kill him. Eager and willing to serve beneath the man whose husband he was fucking. Eager and willing to serve, and yet unable to hold his tongue, refusing to speak to Arthur without impudence coating his every uttered word. He's like Merlin in that way. Completely insufferable. But Arthur doubted he would grow to accept the man, like he had Merlin.

"I'm fully aware of what my duties as a knight would entail, just as I'm aware of the chain of command. You are in control of the Royal armies, so I would report straight to you. But you're right, I'm not pleased about it. I was actually willing to live my life…shoveling manure, as you say. Just because it's something that would allow me to stay in the city." Lancelot said bluntly, as if it wasn't a huge insult to the prince…people came here to work for him and be taught by him, it was clear though that Lancelot was treating this as some sort of burden. Just a job that had landed in his lap and he was stuck with. So why exactly, did the warrior change his mind if he wasn't going to take this more seriously than he was now. "But unfortunately, I had a very long talk with the Consort. He's told me…much about what he thinks of the Royal army, and many other things that we do not need to get into. But the point of the matter stands…Consort Merlin wishes for me to become a knight of this land. He believes I'm good enough to do it, and I would be amiss to argue with the conviction he has in me."

Merlin…Arthur thought…that should've been his first clue. It always seemed to come back down to Merlin and his involvement. The reason Lancelot had came all this way, why he had told Arthur earlier he was only here for Merlin. He was here, acting on Merlin's orders, or something close to orders…the prince didn't much know. But he did know he could see something behind Lancelot's eyes…a shifting of intelligence…as if he knew something that Arthur himself couldn't possibly know. And the restlessness inside of Arthur's chest started to grow…it took all he had not to demand what 'other things' his consort and Lancelot had talked about. The things that Arthur couldn't 'possibly' know. Was that a form of code? As in…he and Merlin started doing fucking pillow talk after they'd did the actual fucking part. What could Merlin have shared with Lancelot that he'd not tell Arthur…probably a lot, the prince thought with a sudden sense of this weariness trying to drag him down. Merlin this and Merlin that…Arthur didn't want it to end, he had much to atone for. But…did Lancelot have to be kept in the middle of everything? Had the two talked about Arthur…what did the other boy say when he wasn't in Arthur's direct presence. It was something Arthur'a never going to know, and that thought practically killed him.

"Do you always agree with everything that Consort Merlin tells you? I mean…do not get me wrong. You absolutely should do as he commands, he is your consort and as I said before, shall be treated with the same respect any royal should have. But I simply thought, with your relationship being…different from the normal consort/citizen roles, you would have a different opinion, since you cannot stand me so much." Arthur said, a tinge of mocking to his voice…all he could see was a man following the coattails of his lover. With no opinion on the matter in front of him, other than agreeing with whatever their lovers opinion is going to be. Arthur himself would've probably fallen in the same trap if he was in a similar position to Lancelot…he was willing to agree to practically anything if it got Merlin to forgive him. But they also weren't talking about Arthur or the helpless devotion he was starting to feel towards Merlin. They were speaking sorely about Lancelot, and his willingness to follow the whims of a boy that he claimed not to love. "And you not standing me is actually going to be a major flaw if you continue going down this path. My knights join the army to serve, to do the honorable thing. And doing what it takes to keep the people safe. Do you think you can put aside your feelings towards me in order to get the work done? Because I cannot have friction among my men."

Arthur needed to stay on focus, on task. He needed to secure the city, and he needed to make sure everybody knew their positions and the several different battle strategies Arthur was concocting up for any possible scenario. Needed to check the armory to make sure the weaponry was stocked-it always was but Arthur would feel much better having checked it out himself, if only to calm his anxiety. He needed to read a few reports he was sure was waiting for him back on his desk, his guards having written first hand accounts on what the villagers had witnessed when fleeing their homes. And probably a thousand other little things to do…Merlin was already accompanying every third thought. He didn't have the space or the room for Lancelot causing problems among his men. Or his consort. But that was a different issue entirely.

"Believe me, sire. I am more than capable of putting aside my own feelings for the protection of the people. But it's not me that is causing friction among the men. From what I have seen…you cannot exactly afford to be picky about any man wanting to do their duty to the crown." Lancelot drawled out, and Arthur pressed his lips into a thin line…what the hell was he talking about? He could be as picky as he wanted to be. That was why the Camelot army was known as the best, because Arthur didn't pass just anybody who showed up. He passed only those who skills stood out above the rest. People like…grudgingly…people like Lancelot. Who could hold their own when push came to shove. "Just think about it, sire. Most people don't join the army because they truly want to be of service. They join because it's expected of them. And you're already down two knights with Julián and Bryon in the cells. It's seven knights, if you count those five recruits, as I doubt they'll be rising through the ranks anytime soon. That has only been the last few days. How many more will be dismissed or jailed as the next few days whither by. The way I see it…you could use me now, as I am someone who wants to be here, far more than I could use you."

There was that famous impudence again…acting as if it was Arthur that should be on his knees and begging for the man to be one of his knights. Even though it was Arthur that had made the suggestion, and Arthur that had told Lancelot to show some respect if he planned on becoming a knight, and Arthur that had all but agreed right here and now, and…good god. Arthur stopped himself mid-bristling…had he really been begging for Lancelot to join his ranks? Yes, he is good with a blade, but not so good that Arthur had overlooked everything else he'd done. And he'd had his reasons for all of this…reasons centered sorely on Merlin than the warrior himself. But to somebody who didn't know the context behind Arthur's mind, then…yes. It would very much look as if it's Arthur that was desperate. When in reality, he wanted to perish the mere thought of that man near him and near his consort on a daily basis. But…they were desperate for knights as well…Arthur wanted to be furious about Lancelot pointing out the weak points among his men and their lack in numbers. With the men who hurt Merlin being taken out one by one…others would need to come forth to take their place. Lest they be stuck with only a handful of men who couldn't tell the difference between a sword and their own backside…

"But…the only hardship I'll have is with you and any person that dares to try hurting the Consort. I've wanted to be a knight for…practically the entirety of my life. It's the one thing that I know I can do if given a chance. Unlike those who have been forced here, I actually wish to serve. To bring honor to myself and pride to the consort for believing in me. There IS no honor in being a bully and pushing around somebody that is unable to defend themselves, and that's also something that I hope to correct." Lancelot said, the determination looked to be flashing in his eyes, and Arthur rolled his shoulders back as there was an uncomfortable weight settling between his shoulder blades. Lancelot sounded as if his intentions were…pure. As if the only thing he wanted to do more than anything, was to serve. To protect Merlin…not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Why did that make Arthur suddenly feel…inadequate. As if all his own reasons for protecting Merlin, paled in comparison to somebody like this warrior standing in front of him now. "I wish to be the armor that can protect my consort…my friend…from all wrongdoings. But I can't do that if I'm not one of you. I don't even have a right to fight this creature because I do not have a place among your ranks."

Was this love…Arthur thought, more shaken than he had any right to be, as he averted his eyes away from the warrior. Lancelot claimed to not love Merlin but that had to be the only reason Lancelot was so dead set on doing this. Paying back a life debt…honoring the wishes of the consort…there were far easier and simpler ways than pleading his case out for Arthur. And Lancelot…he really had to love Merlin if HE was willing to be around Arthur day in and day out as they did their duties. Arthur's entire chest rattled…why would Merlin even bother to talk to him ever again, when he had LANCELOT hanging around him. What did Merlin need Arthur for, when he had LANCELOT protecting him? What role was Arthur meant to play in his own consort's life, if he was already filling Arthur's space with somebody new. Arthur himself had never been in love…how was he even suppose to move forward with this…the prince licked his dry lips before speaking his final words, so he would be able to finally flee in peace…

"Well, there is only one way to correct this…if you wish to fight during the next attack, then you will simply have to become a knight. The basic training is but a formality, and I clearly don't need to teach you how to hold a sword properly. I suggest you prepare yourself, Lancelot. I'm testing your skills come morning, and we'll see if you are good enough to be a member of my army." Arthur felt his heart tearing in two as Lancelot's jaw dropped opened with this dumb arse expression on his face…an expression Merlin would probably love. Because it was clear that Lancelot loved Merlin, even when refusing to admit it. The blond prince turned his head away, wondering once again what he was meant to do with himself, if Merlin found somebody else who would tuck him beneath the safety of his arm. "Don't question me, soldier. Rare as they are…some people are just born to be knights. And it's my job to tell which ones they are from the rest that show up in my kingdom. I'm hardly going to deny one having a proper chance to prove themselves to me, when they walk into my home themselves."

With those words, Arthur spun around on his heel and started walking up the rest of the steps, disappearing inside the castle while steadfastly refusing to look back behind him. He didn't want to risk seeing Lancelot running off, his excitement brimming over the top, no doubt running to tell Merlin all about the opportunity that he was being given. And as Arthur started marching down the hallway, he bowed his head just enough for his bangs to cast a shadow across his eyes. He didn't want to think about how Lancelot and Merlin would end up celebrating his new career path…the career path Arthur had handed off to him practically on a silver platter. They might have some kind of romantic dinner…Arthur hoped that at least meant Merlin ate more than he usually did. And then they might retire their celebrations up to the bedroom…

With any luck, this creature would gorge out Arthur's eyes and he'd never have to see the two of them together.

With any luck, the creature would kill Lancelot off completely, and he could be the one to offer Merlin a shoulder to cry on…

X

Unfortunately for Arthur Pendragon, no matter how much he wanted to take a rest and pretend that the entire world didn't exist for a few hours, fate seemed to have other plans. And the first thing Arthur noticed when he walked into his room, was his metal tub brought in from wherever they kept it when he wasn't using it. And it was filled to the brim with heated water, Arthur could tell from the steam billowing out of the liquid…the exact thing Arthur always desired by the time he was finished working his bones down to dust on the training fields. There was nothing in the world quite like slipping into a heated water, smelling the soft fragrance coming out of the steam, and relaxing with his sore muscles for a bit. It was almost enough to make a man fall asleep and drown himself, it was so relaxing.

Unfortunately…the tub came with an unwanted guest.

Or a pest, if one preferred to call him.

Arthur did prefer to call him a pest.

"Morris." Arthur said bluntly, watching as his former manservant filtered along his dining table. The space was now overfilled with more food than one single man could ever hope to eat in one serving. Plates piled high with an extremely large assortment of meat. Other plates carrying bowls of sliced fruit, goblets with Arthur's favorite wine already poured and waiting for him. It had been a while since Arthur had seen his room this prepared for him, and he was also surprised to note he didn't particularly like coming home to this. It wasn't the relaxing time it used to be. Now it was just something he needed to handle or get rid of. "What do you think you are doing in my chambers?"

His former manservant straightened up from where he had started arranging the cheese cubes into elaborate designs, blinking at him with excitement in his eyes…it made Arthur increasingly uncomfortable. The last time the prince had actually spoken to this pest, was…last month. When Arthur had forced him on leave without pay, after the pest tried to convince Arthur that the best thing he could do was allow Merlin to die from his poisoning. Arthur couldn't keep him on after that, and had no desire to bring him back. It had been peaceful, with the ever circling cycle of manservants coming to his room everyday, he didn't have to listen to Morris or his pesky squabbling anymore. Or the irritating way he always spoke about Merlin, as if Merlin was the one getting in the way and not Morris constantly interrupting or finding ways to include himself. That was not something Arthur needed in his life.

"Oh, sire! I hoped that you would return in time before the water started to get cooled off! I know how much you absolutely love soaking after you've finished your workout. I was out there myself for a little while, and you were training so rough today! I thought you needed the little pick-me-up." Morris was starting up almost immediately, without giving Arthur any insight as to what the other man was actually doing in his room. This was all servant things-he could even see his laundered clothes had been freshly hung in his wardrobe-and Morris is no longer his servant. There was no reason for him to be here, doing a single thing in his chambers, and behaving as if he was, well…was still working under Arthur's service! "Which is exactly why I made sure the kitchens had all your favorite meals prepared! I fear you may have gone extra hard today and maybe starved yourself. But don't worry, I'm going to take care of everything. Those other servants you've been using wouldn't understand the little rituals that you like to keep, so I simply thought I would help out. And just so I don't forget to tell you, you've also received a package. I don't know what you sent out to get, but it's sitting on your desk waiting for you."

Arthur opened his mouth blankly, honestly wondering if he should call out for the guards to have Morris taken out of here…what were they thinking allowing him entrance into his chambers? Did they not realize Morris had already been fired weeks ago, and thus his admittance into the royal suites should've been revoked. How did he get in here with all this food, and carrying multiple pails of water into his room without nobody thinking about this…Arthur did spare a brief glance at his desk though. Where, just as Morris had said, there was this package waiting for him. There was no telling what it was though, as it's been kept hidden by the brown cloth wrapped around the box shaped object…but it was also a mystery to Arthur as to what it could be. He didn't think that he had ordered anything…he should probably be concerned about that, considering it could be any number of items. Possibly even a poison sent to be airborne the second he opened it, but…it didn't seem to pose a threat while it was closed up. So Arthur turned back to Morris.

"How did you even get in here?"

Arthur demanded this roughly, without showing any signs of being pleased by Morris' initiative. He WASN'T pleased. This was the moment where he should have been stripping down his armor, leaving it to be found by whoever's next in the rotation of servants to tend to him. He should've been climbing into his bed naked as the day he was born, too weary by something other than all the physical strain his body had gone through today to bother fishing his sleeping pants out of the drawer. He should be curling up in his silk sheets, the feel of it brushing his over sensitive skin causing him issues, and burying his head into his pillows. And pleading for his dreams to be somewhere pleasant, where his heavy heart wouldn't follow him, where he could get a break from both Merlin and Lancelot. Just for a little while. Morris was stopping him from doing this.

"Oh, don't worry about it, sire. I simply told the guards that you reinstated me and they allowed me to come right back up as if nothing's changed. I know it's wrong of me to lie, but all I wanted to do was serve you and make you happy in a way I'm certain you haven't been since I was let go." Morris said, a strangely delusional sort of smile gracing his lips…Arthur's jaw dropped a little. This…it's EXACTLY why Arthur had let the boy go. Morris had…manipulated the guard to allow him entrance so easily. Only Morris was nowhere near as interesting as it was when Merlin pulled the same tricks to get somewhere he wasn't supposed to be. In fact, Arthur was starting to wonder if there was something seriously wrong with Morris if he thought that was in anyway, okay to do. "Now please, I insist that you go ahead and get into the tub before the steam goes away. I will even wash your back for you so that you can relax completely. Just let me take care of everything for you now that I'm back, Prince Arthur."

Arthur blinked in disbelief…something about Morris' words managing to trigger a particularly...horrific memory of Arthur's. He remembered being inside of his chambers just as he was now, and Morris had been there…only minutes before Arthur had fired him. And Morris had been trying to strip, tugging his shirt out of the way in order to show off his severely lacking chest as if it'd been meant to tempt Arthur into partaking in such…carnal sin. Bile was already starting to swish in Arthur's belly at the memory…it had been a seriously messed up kind of situation. One in which Morris, his personal manservant of three years that had seen Arthur in all manner of undress during that time, had thought Arthur would leave Merlin to his fate in order to sleep with him. The idea of bending the manservant over and taking him…Arthur's face turned a bit green. He was, seriously, unable to think of a worse fate for himself. Being tied to Merlin for all eternity made him feel better about himself than Morris trying to get his nasty hands on him…to touch him…Morris' very hands grazed along the back of the prince's neck before Arthur even realized the man had moved closer to him.

"What are you doing!"

Arthur exclaimed this loudly, nearly backpedaling into the door, his very first instinct to keep Morris in his view, lest he try something…handsy. Morris was lucky Arthur didn't clock him in the face, his heart speeding up fast enough to almost send him into a panic. He wasn't comfortable here, his sacred space is being violated by Morris' presence…Morris was trying to undress him. Morris was trying to undress him so Arthur could get into the tub, something the man had done hundreds of times before and there had never been a problem. But it was also before Morris had tried tempting Arthur into his bed. Things were far different after that. How was Arthur meant to get a bath if he had Morris off to the side…watching him…probably thinking about all the nasty gay things that he could do if Arthur allowed him too. And this little bitch wanted to wash his back for him…no doubt, Morris would try something more serious then! Like rubbing the cloth down his spine beneath the water, and then continuing on till he grabbed Arthur's arse. What if the manservant tried rubbing him…between his cheeks, to get to his hole…what if Morris wanted to be the one to top HIM! To split ARTHUR into two, so he could get his sick jollies out! How was Arthur meant to get out of the basin, dripping wet and needing a towel dry, when the manservant might use this as an added opportunity to grab at him. What if he tried rubbing the towel across Arthur's cock in order to dry it, only to grab on it in an attempt to make him harden…Arthur could fight him off, of course. The boy was a skinny manservant who'd never be accomplished in a fight, but why should Arthur be terrified of being…grabbed…in his own chambers.

"I was just trying to get you into the tub, Prince Arthur. Your armor clearly has to go first if you intend on getting a bath tonight. Surely you haven't forgotten how much I've aided you over the years, that you would rather do it yourself?" Morris exclaimed, looking as if he seriously couldn't believe Arthur would have preferred undressing by himself. But that wasn't the case at all. Arthur still felt incredibly comfortable with the other manservants helping him dress each and every morning. Was comfortable with them undressing him for bed. Was even comfortable with them walking in and out as he bathed, completing the chores for the day while he relaxed. It was Morris! That made him want to crawl off his own skin just so the boy wouldn't be tempted to try something else…gay…with him. Whatever Morris was looking for, he's clearly barking up the wrong tree if his interest lied in the prince. "…Perhaps you would like a glass of wine instead in order to loosen you up? I KNEW those other servants weren't taking proper care of you if you're so tense with something so normal. Here, allow me to get you a cup."

And Arthur watched as Morris went to fiddling with the cups, before picking one of them up…the rich purple coloring drew the eye and the scent of all the sweetened wine was like heaven. But Arthur didn't dare touch it…he had not a single interest in 'loosening up.' He wasn't going to 'loosen up' as long as that man was in his room. And he wasn't going to 'loosen up' with all the changes Morris had done to his room while he was gone. And the wine wasn't going to help him 'loosen up' at all. God, Morris made it sound as if he was wanting to get Arthur drunk with all his talk about 'loosening up.' For all Arthur knew, the manservant really did want to get him drunk! So Arthur wouldn't think clearly and Morris could do whatever sinful things he wanted to do to Arthur's body while he was half-conscious! Arthur wasn't going to be sodomized by such a stupid, former servant of his! No way, no how, not happening.

"…The last time that I spoke to you, I told you that your services aren't required anymore. In fact, I vividly remember throwing you out of my room and sending you out of the castle with one of my guards. Because you kept wasting all the time I had…because you didn't care if my consort died." Arthur said, keeping it to a surprisingly level. He would've thought his voice would've gone all squeak -like. Not because he was scared of a manservant. But more what that servant wanted from him. The idea of ANY MAN looking at him like Morris was enough to unsettle anybody. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if it was Merlin, but…that's only because Arthur was willing to do anything to keep Merlin's attention from Lancelot. Even if it meant using his own body as a distraction…Morris did not get such luxuries. "Which means your presence here at all is inappropriate and surely I do not have to tell you to leave when you know that you shouldn't have been here in the first place."

Arthur still kept a steady eye on Morris, just in case the manservant tried to do something drastic like 'kissing him' in order to change his mind. But Morris did not do that, an embarrassed flush growing across his face when Arthur didn't pretend the past hadn't happened. And the manservant frowned heavily down into the goblet as Arthur gestured towards the door for him to leave. But that idiotic manservant did not leave, clearing his voice instead and setting the cup onto the edge of Arthur's table. Wiping his hands down the front of his pants as if he had any right to speak at all, instead of just vacating the room so that the prince could mourn whatever…not partnership, but…whatever he could've had with Merlin if Lancelot hadn't gotten in the way. A friend? A companion?…

"Sire, I understand very much that you must have mixed feelings about seeing me returning here, this is probably the last place I should've ever entertained going too-" Morris started, bowing his head slightly, pausing as Arthur gave an unprincely snort…yeah, it was no kidding. Morris should've been arrested the very moment he showed up at Arthur's door after being fired…maybe what he should really do is fire the guard for falling for the stupid ploy Morris had used in order to get up here. But Morris continued on still as if the man hadn't gone and interrupted him. "But please, I hope that you can understand that my only thought was your best interest! So many people were saying so many things, I truly feared that you would not return if you left. I didn't know what I would do if you hadn't. I've spent this last month thinking about my actions, and I truly understand now how…out of place I was. And then I saw what you did out there in the fields today…you were defending the consort, were you not? That's what the people are saying. I saw how…important he is. And I just knew…I just knew that I had to come and try to apologize for my actions…please. I humbly ask that you allow me to return and get back to my normal duties as your servant."

Arthur almost wanted to laugh, the sheer incredulousness of what was actually happening right now starting to get to him…Morris had bowed down so far that it looked like his nose was about to brush the floor. Surely…surely Morris didn't think 'this' would turn around Arthur's decision to fire him? Yes, his dark angel is 'very' important to him, and he was on the verge of losing him for good, and Morris was a bloody moron. An apology wasn't going to take back the way his manservant had told him to LET MERLIN DIE! An apology wasn't going to take back the way Morris had traumatized his eyes by trying to strip himself in the middle of his room. An apology wasn't going to take back the way Morris had manipulated himself into Arthur's room now! An apology wasn't going to…the prince stopped, feeling like a right idiot. He was starting to understand why he hadn't been forgiven by Merlin all those times he apologized. Words really are pointless, unless one was willing to do something to back them up.

"I find it quite amusing that you came here today, of all days, to beg for your old job back. Why is that…because you saw what was happening on the fields and finally realized NO MAN is exempt from punishment for any wrongdoings they cast upon my consort. Because to finally realized as a SERVANT, you had actually gotten off easy compared to what I could've done to you." Arthur said boldly, watching with satisfaction as Morris was the one that was now starting to look uncomfortable with himself, as if he thought Arthur would just accept a measly apology and that would be all. Hell, Merlin was making him jump again and again through hoops to get even an inch with him, it was time for Arthur to do the same to somebody else. The only difference was…Arthur would always be bound and determined to get somewhere with Merlin eventually, even with Lancelot in the way. Morris though…could jump through all the hoops that the prince set before him, and Arthur would still deny him his request. "Tell me, my old servant…you came all this way and apologized to me. But have you tried to apologize to somebody else. Merlin, perhaps, for your impudence?"

Arthur had traveled over to his work desk, and was now running his fingers on the edge of the package he had received, tugging on the strings holding it but not doing anything to actually open it. Watching as Morris' eyes grew wider as his mouth opened and closed, clearly not sure if Arthur had been serious with this simple request. One of these days, his people were going to learn exactly how serious Arthur was when he spoke about Merlin and the respect he should be given from his position in the court alone. A simple apology to the one that Morris had wronged…it was a simple ask and wouldn't take more than a minute if he went ahead and did it. So much easier than the humiliation his men ended up enduring on the fields. Arthur could've easily had Morris banished from the lands, the way he had been talking the last time he'd been in Arthur's room. He could've had him arrested and jailed for an undetermined amount of time, until Arthur either released him or forgot he was there. He could've had the servant on an executioner's chopping block if he had been in the mood.

"I hardly thought approaching the Consort about this was necessary. I made a mistake in front of you, not your consort. But sire, I've given you three years of the most excellent service…you never had any complains about my work. And you do not understand how…sincerely sorry I am for my behavior. I had grown desperate and, but those are only excuses, I see that now." Morris said, as he ducked his head back down, wringing his fingers together anxiously. "But the point is…Consort Merlin doesn't know about my behavior, does he? I wouldn't want to upset him by bringing any of this to his attention. Not if you didn't tell him…"

Morris blinked at him, eyes big and brown and wondering…quietly asking the prince if he had told Merlin what Morris had done…a muscle in the prince's jaw twitched violently. Yeah, as if Arthur was going to waste his time telling Merlin any of this, when he'd been on his death bed. As if he was going to tell Merlin all about how Morris had basically betrayed him, and the trust that Arthur had put in him. But the way Morris said it, looking starstruck at Arthur…he made it sound as if Arthur was trying to hide some sort of affair from Merlin. As if him trying to take off his shirt, was the same as Arthur actively participating and eager to reciprocate.

"I can assure you, my silence hasn't been for any specific reason, and it's most definitely not a secret. I have no intentions on hiding anything from my consort if he wishes to ask me about what happened and why you are no longer in my service. But I doubt he's very interested in anything that has to do concerning you." Arthur said bluntly…the friction between Morris and Merlin had been the worst of things when Merlin had first arrived in the city. Arthur knew it was his fault for not correcting things as soon as Morris started showing disrespect as it had eventually cost him his servant. "He finds you to be a very insignificant problem for him to worry about. And to be honest…I believe he would laugh if he heard of the pathetic way you tried to seduce me. He knows well enough that I don't…fall for such petty tricks."

Arthur hadn't wanted to mention what had occurred back then, content with keeping that horrific experience in the back of his mind where it belonged. In the past. But there was tension in the room that needed to be addressed…the prince wasn't going to let Morris believe he had gotten off scotch free with all of THAT appalling behavior. And he could see the blooming of red appearing on the cheeks of the manservant…embarrassed? Did he also expect for Arthur to pretend it hadn't happened? Did he think it 'meant something' for Arthur to have kept quiet about it? Was he embarrassed that Merlin wouldn't consider him competition? If only Morris knew Arthur hadn't thought of him at all in the last few weeks, as unimportant and as insignificant as he was to Arthur.

"I understand that my behavior was…inappropriate. I simply thought that…I'm quite similar to Consort Merlin? Aren't I? We have very similar builds and I do not think we look much different. Especially when he goes around dressed as he does…" Morris stuttered helplessly, and Arthur raised an eyebrow…surely he didn't truly think he and Merlin were in any way similar? Yes. Both were lanky, but Merlin was several inches taller. Their coloring was completely different. And oh, yeah…Merlin had a fire in his eyes that Morris would never be able to capture. As far as Arthur could see…Merlin was the moon. Brighter, shining, leading the way for Arthur when it was dark. And Morris…Morris lived in the dirt. Forgotten and unnoticed. "I simply wanted you to know, even if Merlin did die, then you wouldn't have to be alone. You could be with me…I'd even been willing to pretend I WAS Merlin, if that was what you needed to get over him…it was a stupid idea, I know."

And Arthur blanched, his eyes going wide enough that they felt as if they may pop straight out his skull in his disbelief…the tips of his fingers felt as if they were cold with the mental image Morris had drawn for him. Arthur shivered in distaste, the idea of bending Morris over and taking him had been enough to make him want to be sick. But the idea of taking him, of grabbing Morris by the back of his hair and jerking his head up as Arthur trusted into him from behind, calling out Merlin's name as the moans Morris gave off didn't quite match the fantasy of how Merlin must sound. Arthur's stomach twisted, and the way the manservant was looking off to the side now…acting all bashful, as if what he'd said was in any way 'cute'…had Morris always been this crazy? He sounded as if he was a total fruitcake! The kind left behind on the shelf that nobody would ever eat because of how unappetizing it looked to the majority of people. The prince swallowed down hard, not wanting to throw up what little he had inside his stomach all over his floors…he intended to sleep after this. Not wait until a cleaning maid could get in here and get the smell of sick out of his rooms. He still took a moment to think though, wanting to put a firm END to Morris and all the delusions he may be hiding away. Delusions Arthur hadn't seen until they'd ended up directed at him.

"I can assure you, Morris, that I…I love Merlin for far more than just his body. I didn't marry him because he allows me to do whatever I want to him whenever I want to do it. There is more to a relationship than just…sex." Said the prince, his tongue feeling thick and heavy within the confides of his mouth. He had to make it sound as if he was in love with Merlin, but how could he when he didn't have any idea what he was talking about! Merlin and him had never laid in their bed together. Had never held the connection between real lovers. Not like the consort and his…warrior did. But…maybe Arthur didn't know the sounds Merlin made in bed or how the skin unseen tasted or how Merlin behaved when he is in the throes of passion, but…he did know other things he liked about Merlin. A few things actually. And the prince felt the tenseness in his shoulders starting to relax, and he looked Morris dead in the eye, "Merlin has a spirit unlike any I have ever seen before. He stands out, taller than the rest of the mediocre that society has created. He's braver and stronger and smarter than even myself at times. Doesn't put up with anybody's crap, least of all mine. And is able to do what needs to be done with hardly any thought to himself. He has the makings of not only a great consort, but a great leader. And you, Morris, well…you pale in comparison. It would be stupid to pretend you were Merlin. Simply because your essence leaves everything to be desired. And doesn't even stand a single chance when compared to him. I suggest you get used to that."

Arthur's confidence and surety seemed to startled Morris, though Arthur had no idea why…he was supposed to be in love with Merlin, wasn't he? According to the story his father was peddling to the kingdom as a whole. It shouldn't be strange for Arthur to…profess feelings like that as if that was the case. But…as Morris darted his eyes from one of Arthur's to the next, clearly searching deep for something Arthur didn't know…it was as if he was watching Morris' entire self-confidence and being starting to shatter. Breaking like glass and leaving him empty and void of any emotion. Good, Arthur thought with a smirk on his lips. Morris deserved to know how…inadequate he was to Merlin. Deserved to know his little 'seduction play' had been doomed before he had even started it. Not everybody had the charm that Merlin did, the thing that drew people to him like they were flies and he was the candlestick roaring hot in the darkness.

But then Morris got angry…

"How could you, Prince Arthur! How could you speak as if you are absolutely and completely besotted with him! I mean, he's the consort, yes! But that's not all he is! Merlin is…he's…I just don't understand how you can speak as if you're actually in love with him. When he humiliates you so often…" Morris spoke up with ragged breaths, Arthur straightened his shoulders out and his eyebrows furrowed together…Merlin didn't humiliate him. At least not anymore. Not when it was Arthur that should be ashamed of his own behavior, but…that was only a secondary issue. The main issue was…did Morris genuinely think he sounded like he was besotted with Merlin? Yes, that had been the effect that he'd been going for, but…Arthur wasn't THAT GOOD of an actor. So what did that mean…Morris continued on his rant before Arthur could think harder on the subject, "I mean, I've seen him around the village a few times! And he's got that new guy hanging around him at all hours of the day! Surely you know what they've been doing together! Surely you know your consort is…is….that he's behaving just as he's always behaved! As if he was nothing more than a two bit whore-"

Arthur reacted before he could think about it, a resounding slap echoing in the room louder than the crack of lightening would've been. And Morris flung both of his hands up to cup at his face, gaping at Arthur as if he couldn't believe he had just hit him. But Arthur's hand was shaking violently, the thumping rage he had felt hitting him strong and hard and embedded deep in his bones. Morris didn't get to sit there and call his consort a whore. Morris didn't get to stand there, begging for his old job back, while at the same time, looking right down the length of his nose at Merlin. He didn't get to treat Merlin like nothing other than a…a cheap whore, just because he hadn't gotten his way. Arthur wouldn't stand for that from his knights, and he wouldn't stand for it from his servants.

"Get. Out." Arthur said, feeling as if he could breathe fire from how ragged his breaths were. There was something dark in Morris' eyes, something that he'd never noticed before, but it was gone from one blink to the next. So fast, that it had to have just been Arthur's imagination. And when Morris opened up his mouth to protest, Arthur decided to close it for him by grabbing on the scruff of his shirt collar, and dragging him across the length of the room. "I am glad that you have made your opinions on my consort so very clear, Morris. You will be able to rest easy, knowing that you don't have any reason to be near him in the upcoming future. Without being in my service, you don't ever have to see him again."

Morris yelled out as Arthur opened his door and unceremoniously threw him out into the hallway, where he landed in a sprawl of limbs that left one unable to figure out where his leg ended and his arm begun. Arthur didn't spare him a single glance, finding him unworthy of even that, and slammed the door in his face. As soon as Arthur was within the confines of his own privacy, the prince looked down at his hand…the hand he had slapped Morris with. It was shaking so violent, as if it had a mind of its own…the anger towards Morris now nothing more than a dull thud he couldn't escape from. Arthur squeezed his eyes shut and leaned his head back against the door…he tried to focus on his breathing, tried to pretend that he wasn't furious enough that he could've exploded like a volcano could spew its molted lava…

Arthur had never hit a servant before.

Yes, Arthur had done many things to the servants in his past. He had degraded them many times, found their suffering to be amusing, laughed because Arthur knew there wasn't one thing they could do to stop him. He enjoyed being the one on top, enjoyed being the one nobody could say 'no' to. Arthur had taken to grabbing them roughly if they weren't subservient enough for his tastes, he had thrown more people in the stocks than he could count if he didn't like the way they were looking at him. He had belittled and had people thank him for it. Had thrown things at their heads. And yet…he had never actually hit one as he just had.

Not like he had hit Merlin that day…

Arthur hadn't even hit Morris as hard as he had hit Merlin, it was very unlikely that Morris was even going to bruise like Merlin had, or maybe Merlin just had fairer skin and that was why it had looked as vivid as it had…but it didn't really matter. What mattered is that he had HIT somebody else. Yes, it was for Merlin and defending him, but would Merlin even see it the same way? Did the prince even see it the same way? Arthur was supposed to be different, he was meant to be a changed man. Meant to be something far stronger and greater than he had been this entire time…BECAUSE of Merlin. But how much different was he really, if he had resorted to getting physical like that? Arthur prided himself on being Merlin's biggest defender, but what happens if Merlin said something that Arthur didn't like? What happens if Merlin said something and it set Arthur off just like it used to? What happens if the rage pounded thickly in his head, and Arthur couldn't control himself…

Would he hit Merlin again?

X

Arthur Pendragon spent more time than he could count standing against that one door, trying to calm himself, trying to reassure himself that he wouldn't be falling into those bad habits again. Insisting to himself that he just had to keep himself vigilant when he was around Merlin…watch himself as if he was going to snap at a moment's notice. He didn't think that his little 'pep talk' worked all that well…by the time he peeled himself away from the door, the sun had gone and dipped beneath the horizon. The darkness leaving the room cold and very much unwelcoming…the prince left a trail of clothes and armor across the floor until he reached his bed. And naked as the day he'd been born, just as he had hoped he'd be, Arthur climbed beneath the sheets.

And after a moment of staring at the canopy, he reached into his bedside table and pulled out Merlin's neckerchief. Arthur stared down at the cloth for so long and intense, that the sun could've risen and he wouldn't have noticed. Nothing in the world seemed to matter more than Arthur running his fingers along the scratchy fabric. He even bundled it up and laid down amongst his pillows so he could press the cloth against his nose, breathing in deeply. But Merlin's scent was well and truly gone by now, nothing remaining other than what Arthur half-remembered. But it was like trying to capture a ghost, fleeting and quick and Arthur wasn't even sure if what he was remembering was correct, or if his own mind had gotten muddled. It made the hollow feeling inside of Arthur's chest feel as if he had been gouged…his eyes felt wet as he curled up on his side to press the neckerchief against his chest. Where he could feel it alongside the thumping of his own heartbeat…

Merlin…

Merlin…

Merlin…

Morris…

Merlin…

Merlin…

Merlin…

Lancelot…

Merlin…

Nothing was right in the world, and nothing seemed to make sense any more the longer he thought about it…had Morris just been speculating about what he thought Lancelot and Merlin did when they were in private? Had he actually seen the same thing that Arthur himself was dreaded? Did he see the way the warrior touched along the body of his consort? Did he see the way that Merlin must arch his spine into the touch? Did he see the way Lancelot kissed those pink lips? Did he see the way Merlin gasped out the other man's name while he clung onto his back…Arthur squeezed his eyes shut tighter. Trying to force his sleep to come quicker than it had been. He didn't want to think about what the manservant had said any longer. He didn't want to question if the changes that he had been trying to make were really working. He didn't want to think about what Lancelot and Merlin could be doing.

He just wanted to sleep.

And put this whole horrid day behind him.

If only Arthur realized…not even in his dreams would he escape from turmoil.

X

Arthur Pendragon wasn't entirely sure where he was…he knew he was meant to be in his room. But he wasn't in his room…or was he? He glanced around in utter confusion, sitting on his knees in the middle of the bed and facing toward the headboard…he KNEW he was in his bed. The red sheets were as familiar to him as his own hand was. The little groves in the headboard where he'd stuck a dagger or fifteen, when he'd been young and dumb and thought it would be a great way to practice his strength by embedding the blade into the thick thing of wood when it had been to dark to practice outside, were barely seen in the darkness, but he knew that they were there. The canopy around his bed had been closed entirely…perhaps that was what made Arthur feel as if there was something…off..about all of this. Arthur RARELY shut the curtains around his bed completely. He liked being aware if somebody, an assassin for example, tried breaking into his chambers. So…why would Arthur have them closed this time? What possibly reason could Arthur have for closing them…

Something shifted beneath him, between the gap between his legs…

Arthur startled for a moment, nearly falling over, doing absolutely nothing that would shield his own nudity from the dark mass beneath him…it looked as if it was vaguely person shaped. But it was too dark to make out who it was, those curtains around them blocking out even a small stream of light that would have given him clarity. His heart rate spiked…he couldn't remember when or how his 'friend' had gotten into the bed with him. It was like a blank space somewhere in the back of his mind, but that didn't explain why Arthur wasn't full out about to panic. He didn't feel as if he had been in the middle of a fight, defending off the assassin that really had broken into his bedchambers while he had slept in it. Surely he should've felt more…concerned…about the strange encounter. But he just…he couldn't bring himself to worry. He couldn't…a hand grazed the top of his thigh, courtesy of the person lying sprawled out on their back, beneath the power of Arthur's strong thigh's…

Arthur's cock jumped high, the gentle touch, the raking of blunt nails against his leg hair doing things to him.

That's right, Arthur thought as the backstory begun filling out in the back of his mind. New thoughts and memories on what had happened returning to him in an instant…he must've been drunk on the sweetness of the person beneath him that he had forgotten. Forgotten the way he had spent an entire morning and entire afternoon practically beating the shit out of the knights that dared to treat his Merlin like a servant. How he had been dishearten and upset when he had noticed Merlin was no longer watching Arthur defend him…how he felt as if he hadn't done good enough, without Merlin there to reward him with his presence. Praising him for the due diligence Arthur had been giving him…there had been something else that happened too, didn't it? Had he somehow ended up talking to another person? Or was there more than one person? He's sure it had happened, but for the life of him, he couldn't quite remember…that same blunt nail suddenly appeared between his legs. And Arthur gasped, tilting his head backwards as that finger drew a long line down the length of his cock…it was one touch. But it made Arthur jolt, positive that the head must already be as red as the Pendragon crest was.

Right…

His guest…

More memories started filling out the gaps in his mind…Arthur had returned to his room in misery, trying to figure out what else he could do to win just a little bit of Merlin's attention. But…there had been somebody else already inside of his room…a pest? No…somebody else. Arthur vividly remembered stripping to his skin, dropping article after article of clothing until there was nothing left to be taken off. He remembered drawing back the curtains of his bed, confusing as it had been to see them closed, and then…his mind went blank upon seeing what was waiting for him. The miles and miles of naked, pale flesh, the curves and angles that Arthur hadn't even known existed suddenly burning their way into his retinas. The cheeky grin upon the face of the stranger, the blueness of their eyes warning Arthur that this was no stranger, and then…

Nothing.

Arthur couldn't remember drawing the curtains back, surrounding the two of them in a wall of darkness so thick, he had to feel his way across the bed just to find them, his hand wrapping around a delicate ankle to drag them further down the bed to him. He didn't remember feeling up those slim legs until he could find his way up, straddling the beautiful vixen that had been waiting in his bed for him. He couldn't remember the way he had kissed her sweet and supple lips, the lingering taste of sweet chocolate erupting on his tongue as he buried his tongue down this creature's throat. Her mouth opening wider just to accompany his obsessive need to taste more. Feel more. To be ONE with this new lover. All Arthur had been thinking during this time was…how long had this glorious fey like being been waiting in his bed? How long had she waited for Arthur, her naked and plush body bare among his red sheets, waiting for when Arthur would come and satisfy her. Had she been in his sheets the entire time Arthur had been on the fields…had she thought he wasn't coming for her…the prince wanted to rip out his own heart for making this creature ever think that he wouldn't be coming for her…

Arthur gasped louder, eyes rolling into the back of his head as her thumb gave a slow and sweet swipe around the head of his cock, collecting the dribbles of pre-cum leaking on his stomach…what was he doing? Questions didn't matter at all. How he had gotten here, with this otherworldly being didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was making sure she left, satisfied and happy by his performance. All that mattered was the sounds of pleasure this creature would emit when Arthur got to work….her begging for Arthur to make her feel good and complete. Arthur didn't even care if he came at all. His pleasure was going to become secondary compared to hers. Once, twice, three times or more…the prince wasn't going to allow her to leave his bed until she came splattering on his tongue playing with her silkiness below. Cum with his fingers buried deep in her most private of places. His cock buried so deep inside of her, she'd feel it ramming over and over again in her ribcage…

Arthur grabbed onto the wrist of the hand that had been teasing him…he was wondering if his lover understood she was awakening a beast clad in a humans skin, or if she already knew and had been taunting him in order to force him to pay her the proper attention…and placed it firmly alongside the bed right next to her head. His hand squeezing the knobby little wrist-bone, so slim and perfect that Arthur could snap it in one quick motion if he wanted too, and this lover of his moaned. She MOANED, low and filthy and barely even touched by him at all…did she like him pinning her down? Did she like the way he was able to emit how dangerous he was, when they both knew he wouldn't hurt her any further than she was willing to be hurt. God…there was no way she could have enjoyed being manhandled so much, unless the anticipation had gotten to her…had she started playing with herself before he had arrived? Gotten herself all worked up while she was bored and tired and lonely, wanting and needing release that she feared would never come…

What a show that must've been.

Arthur dearly wanted to see it.

See the way she touched herself to thoughts of him…

But not tonight.

Tonight and every other night, he was in control.

Arthur leaned down, and buried his face against her neck, where she tilted her head to the side to give him as much room as he needed. He could hear all of the ways her breath picked up at his closeness, his forehead pressed against the pulse point in her neck…the way her heartbeat seemed to be trying to leap its way out through her skin told Arthur how excited she was. How nervous she was for what he would do next…was she wet? God, Arthur would bet the entire royal treasury that she was DROWNING between her thighs, but he didn't dare touch her down there. Taking a moment to breathe in the familiar scent of hot electricity brimming in the air…he knew that scent, he just didn't know where he knew that scent. But it didn't matter, his lover was wanting him. But he was patient, and so would she be. There was some thing's that had to be savored. Some thing's that needed to know waiting and drawing it out, often made their happy ending more…explosive.

And then Arthur licked at her.

One long and smooth lick up the long length of neck, flattening his tongue to taste as much of the sweat on her heated flesh as he could, until he reached the underside of her chin.

She CRIED OUT for him all over again, her body jolting beneath him as she felt the electricity running through her. And Arthur grinned against her neck, being sure to tighten his grip around her wrist to keep her from being able to get far away from him. His lover must've felt the grin against that delicate area of her throat, because she completely froze beneath him. Perhaps she'd just realized how stupid she had been, invoking the beast inside of Arthur, teasing him as if he was going to be a puppet to her whims. No, Arthur thought as he used his other hand to slowly slide his thumb over the curve of her bottom lip…his new lover opened her mouth instantly, as if she was already trained to open when he wanted her to, and Arthur couldn't wait to see the way that she would GAG around his cock…it wasn't him that was the puppet. There was a dangerous monster in Arthur, something he kept hidden from any lover that he'd had in the past. But with the lover that was bold enough to climb into his bed, cocky enough to welcome him with an arched back and spread legs that were meant to invite him between them, sweet enough to taste like she's both innocence and sin incarnated…it felt only right to allow the monster out.

He had never gotten a chance to let his monster play before…

It was time for Arthur to rectify that, he thought as he brought his hand down to grab onto his lover's thigh, squeezing the muscle the same time he licked at the neck again, dragging his tongue over the delectable flesh. His sweet lover started wiggling about, breathily little gasps erupting from her lips, but Arthur still kept her prisoner, his heavy body unmovable. It would take an entire army to pry Arthur off of his prize, the prince thought with a heady hum vibrating its way into the skin of his lover's neck. He had never tasted anything as delicious as the beautiful feast laid out beneath him, had never wanted to start gouging himself on something as much as he wanted to on this pale throat. The tasting of skin made him want more…made him want to mark the flesh until it became unrecognizable. He placed several wet and opened mouthed kisses against his lover's trembling throat, flicking his tongue out occasionally to lick at one spot he thought was particularly interesting. He had all the time in the world where he could decorate this throat, turn it into an array of purple and red marks that matched the width of his mouth. He could make an entire necklace of beautiful marks, linking around this delicate throat like it was the finest of jewels…it was going to be more pretty than even a string of shining pearls. Marks that he had to refresh every other day to keep them as bold and as strong as they should be…Arthur trailed his top lip across the heated skin until he was in the center of his lover's throat…

And he stopped.

There was something…strange here. Some sort of lump just barely jutting out of his lover's skin…was she injured? Was there something wrong with her…the prince cautiously licked at the lump. And his lover gasped, tilting her neck as far back as she could go without injuring herself. Arthur licked at the skin once more, and his lover whimpered deliciously…Arthur could feel the vibration from her voice echoing stronger through the skin here. Whatever this strange lump was, it clearly wasn't hurting her. In fact, she seemed to like when Arthur gave a short scrape of his teeth. More sounds erupted from her lips, and Arthur felt his eyes rolling into the back of his head…she was so responsive to him! It was as if every touch of him excited her, every scrape of lips and tongue sent a fire throughout her just as her willingness to submit to him did the same to him. He wondered what other sounds he could draw from her, if he could force her into screaming his name. Arthur, as he moved his head down and scraped his teeth a bit harder against her collarbone and hearing her hiss, wouldn't be satisfied with anything less.

Not until she was chanting his name and rocking against him in desperation…

Driven just as mad by him as he was by her.

Arthur moved the hand holding her thigh up towards her hip, the callouses on his fingers scraping against the delicate softness of her flesh. And he gave a sharp squeeze to her hipbone while he trailed his tongue down the length of that bone. Looking for a specific spot, a spot in which would make her start to cry for him, weeping for his touch. And when Arthur thought he finally found it, the prince latched onto the skin. Sucking on the skin harsh and without mercy, intent on leaving the most vivid mark he could make. His lover started to shake and whither, her leg kicked out with a spasm but Arthur moved his own leg and pinned it beneath him. Forcing that leg against the mattress…she tried to jerk her hand out of his grip but Arthur only sucked harder. Sucking until he could feel the color rising to the surface, sucking like some kind of leach, as if he's trying to suck the blood out of her. Arthur wondered how she felt, if she liked that he marked her…planned on marking all of her…the whimpers and gasps sounding out was an encouraging sign.

He wished he could see his mark in the dark…

Wished he could see his lover's flushed face…

The hand around his lover's hip slid up her skin, feeling all of the grooves and curves she had to offer him. He wanted to do more, give more…give her all of him if he could. He would show her how lovely he found her…he was going to grab her breast. Squeeze the large mounds of flesh between his large hand so he could claim them as his own…watch them bouncing up and down as Arthur fucked her brutally…maybe if she was really lucky, he would slap one because of the sheer entertainment he would get out of making them jiggle. Making her squeal…making her arch her breasts into his hands for the sheer pleasure that he brought her…using her like she was a thing to be used.

But she wasn't.

Oh, god, she was so much more than that.

That was why his little lover was in his bed, her naked backside against all of his silk sheets, getting fluids and sweat and all manner of human substances spilling out of her. NO Lover has claimed his sheets before, but the only thing that the prince wanted was to make his lover messy. Let her rut herself against the bed like an animal in heat, working herself into a wild frenzy while Arthur continued his own business. Touching her breasts, her bottom, between her legs, and every single spot of skin in-between. Not a single inch would know what it would feel like without the burning of his touch…

Arthur grabbed a handful of breast…no. Not a handful of breast. In fact, he did not seem to be feeling much breast at all. She must have been extremely small chested, and Arthur pulled his sucking mouth and licking tongue away from his lover's collarbone. His lover gasped at Arthur's withdrawal, and the little whine escaped from her lips, at a loss without Arthur's heat. Arthur quietly shushed her, sliding his thumb along her wrist bone in an attempt to comfort her…he's not leaving her. Would be an idiot to EVER leave her wanting for his touch, but he needed to see her chest. Needed to see exactly how small she was, but no matter how much he squinted in the dark, he couldn't see. Couldn't see any of the short roundness he was SURE would be there even if he didn't feel it, was sure she had something there that would fill out her dresses, and then…all he could hear was the wonton gasp his lover made as Arthur's seeking thumb was brushing a perk little nipple.

Arthur eyes latched onto the spot where his hand was, wide eyed…he hadn't known anybody could make such a sound as desperate as that one, from just a small brush…he had noticed how responsive she was before. But only now did he realize HOW responsive…the prince cautiously brushed his thumb over the little nub once again. And the exact same moan bursted from her lips, and the prince suddenly didn't care how small she was. Didn't care if there seemed to be virtually nothing there…she was beautiful, no matter the shape or form her body took. And Arthur experimentally scraped his thumb where he knew that nipple was…the breathy moans faded into the background upon contact with the silken flesh. God…the things he wanted to do to this little bit of flesh, the way it had grown hard like a diamond with nothing more than his gentle rubbings made him crazy…his mouth watered at the thought of tasting her there. At the thought of giving her pleasure unlike any she had known before…

But she was such a sweet thing…

She deserved to be worshipped like the treasure that she was…

Arthur squeezed his hand around her wrist one more time, a threat as well as a promise if she didn't stay exactly where she was, before moving away. He had no need to worry about her stepping out of line, her hand was limp against the mattress, as if she had no strength to move. Content to let Arthur play with her like one played an instrument…Arthur had never been interested in music. But this was one instrument, he wouldn't have any issues tuning…Arthur's second hand searched in the dark until he found the other nipple. Being just as flat, as perfect, as the first one was. And Arthur started slow, wanting to build up the tension and anticipation, circling around the little nub. Again and again, circling both nipples in gentle caresses in matching tandem…his lover whimpered and arched her spine into his touch. Did she love the gentleness in how he treated her, or did she wish that he was just a bit rougher than he was being?

He wanted to please her…

Whatever she wanted…

God, Arthur thought as he pushed up on those nipples, feeling the way they got caught beneath his thumbs before sliding free…how could they still feel so hard but feel like silk at the same time! They were probably ACHING, wanting to be given more attention than he was giving…and Arthur pinched one, sharp and sudden. This ripped a startled cry from his lover…so sensitive she'd been, reacting as if each touch might send her over the edge before Arthur wanted her too, and Arthur couldn't stop himself from pinching the nub again. The prince wished he could rip open the curtains to see his lover, he bet the way her nipples had to be turning red was absolutely…beautiful. But to do that had him leaving her side, and her precious moans shouldn't stop for even a single minute…Arthur started pinching the second one in tandem to the first.

His lover's moans picked up, and was Arthur's ears deceiving him, but did the noises sound more…deeper than it had been? Arthur didn't know a woman that could make her voice that deep, but that fact only seemed to captivate Arthur even more…he twisted one of the little nubs this time, relentlessly tormenting her as she arched her back with enough force that she could've bent himself backwards in two. Fuck…fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! Arthur's cock throbbed right between his legs, pulsing strong and powerful…how could somebody he could not see be as beautiful as they were? How could anybody sound as if they may die if Arthur stopped what he was doing…he twisted and twisted those pretty little nubs until he was positive they were bruised. Until he knew for a fact that they were straining against his lover's chest, pointing upwards like twin peaks being given over to Arthur…

A literal offer from the gods themselves.

Because Arthur couldn't fathom how such a tempting vixen could've became part of this world unless the gods had a hand in it. Couldn't fathom how these gods could've made his lover's long fingers, her long toes, the long length of her body…she might even suppress him in height!…could craft the little lump on her throat and the curves of her collarbone and the sensitivity in her small little nipples. He couldn't fathom how they could've created…this!…and then turned around and gifted it to Arthur. What had Arthur possibly have done to welcome such a needy little thing within his bed…it didn't matter. Because the Prince was never one to deny himself from what was right in front of him…

Arthur Pendragon surged forward and wrapped his lips around the greedy little nipple awaiting him…

The reaction was almost instantaneous, his lover's pert little body jolting as if she had just been struck by lightning, a sound that Arthur could only describe as the meows of a cat ripping from her throat. And Arthur sucked, greedy and desperate and…it was really hot. Both in temperature, their little space felt as if it had turned into a sauna, and sexually…he didn't think his cock had felt as hard as it was now in all his life. Pre-cum was gathering at his tip, but all that Arthur could focus on was the nub in his mouth. He sucked as if he was some man starving in the middle of the desert, and the only relief he could get was the supple milk he would draw out of the beautiful little pearl in his mouth. He was so close to biting it, wanting to know if THAT would force screams out of his lover's throat, but…Arthur was a gentleman. And his lover deserved to be content in the knowledge that Arthur would treat her right for their first time…it didn't stop Arthur from circling his tongue around the nub. Feeling the rough silk catching on his tongue and drawing him back in…he could've licked that nub forever, and not noticed the way he was slowly starving to death.

But Arthur was a generous lover…

And he didn't dare dream of neglecting one nipple for the other.

Arthur reluctantly pulled his lips away from the pebble, lingering long enough to place a gentle kiss to the tip of the heated flesh and hearing his lover hiss at the softness…it was a thank you to the angel allowing him to touch her like this. And Arthur turned his attention onto the second one…his lover never saw Arthur moving until his lips were wrapping around it. Giving it the exact same treatment as the first…sucking until he didn't think it was possible for it to be any harder in his mouth. Circling his tongue and letting it catch, tugging as if it had a mind of its own and enjoyed being in Arthur's mouth just as Arthur was enjoying laving it with attention. God…it was even harder this time, needing to resist his urge to sink his teeth into it. He bet his lover would spasm if Arthur started drawing blood from her tits, but good god…that would be the same as if he had sipped ambrosia. A true nectar from the gods…

A true love that would return to his bed again and again and again and…

Arthur gasped out, his hand immediately shooting down to grasp onto that lovely little knee in a death grip, so tight and brutal that it made his lover cry out, but it was too late. She had already jerked her knee in response to all of the pleasure her sensitivity afforded her, and it had brushed along the tip of his cock. And literal gold burst behind his eyelids…he didn't come, but he was embarrassed by how close it had been, startling him enough to jerk his mouth away from the silken flesh in order to breathe through the pleasure. He had to hold himself back…had to suck in breaths that lingered with her heady scent….he wouldn't risk anything that would disappoint her. He wasn't going to cum, seeking his own selfish pleasure while his lover went unsatisfied and wanting…god, Arthur thought as his fingers dug into the flesh of that knobby knee…he could feel the very lightest dusting of hair. But it only turned him on more than it surprised him…women were usually meticulous about keeping a minimum of body hair.

His lover really was a delicious little thing…

And when Arthur finally worked himself down enough to continue, he opened his eyes as if he would be able to see the swollen nipples now despite the darkness…he still couldn't. But he was sure if he could…they would have been bathed in the same golden light he had seen behind his eyelids…it was a vivid image in his mind. As if he had already actually seen it before. But where would he have seen sharp little nipples looking out at him through a field of gold…surely if he had, he wouldn't be having so much hardship recalling it now…but it felt as if Arthur was on the cusp of a dream come true. A dream that was turning into a nightmare…he had neglected his love for too long. And she had started to give off little whimpers…fearing she might've been abandoned to take care of any needs she had on her own.

Arthur immediately felt WRETCHED, horrified with himself over making such a beautiful thing distressed. It almost gutted him, knowing that she has been all but calling out for him and he hadn't answered her call…Arthur shushed at her soothingly, laying down so his head was just below the center of her chest. He pressed a dozen and more little kisses across the plane of skin between chest and stomach, whispering his sweet sorry's into her skin until she calmed down and became pliant at his touch. He continued giving her those touches, and he continued sliding his hands up and down her sides, comforting her in the only way he knew how. But things started to change, and Arthur didn't know which of his kisses went from being sweet to being seductive. He only noticed when his lovely little thing started wiggling amongst the bed sheets, her legs going a bit wider so he could nestle into them easier.

And Arthur grinned, his teeth flashing in the dark, before he slowly started to slide his lips downward, intent on her pleasure…

If only Arthur realized the surprise that was waiting for him below.