A.N. Soooo this is the final chapter.. Both of these chapters could stand as one-shots but because I used the same song for inspiration I'm posting them in one story. This is sort of a 5-10 years on thing, Arthur is king and Merlin his advisor in all things including magic and much more ;)... sorry had to. Anyway please read and review.. any and all criticism is welcome :) Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I still don't own anything in this story :(

Merlin stared anxiously out of the mucky window. Normally he would ask a servant or even clean the panes himself, but not today, today he peered past the flecks of grime and dirt down towards to the dirt track leading to the gates of Camelot. He had returned earlier that day after resolving a troubling issue of a warlock not abiding by Camelot's laws of sorcery on the outlands. The case had been easy enough to resolve, a simple binding of said warlock's powers when he was eventually tracked down. However it had taken Merlin several days to find the warlock thereby preventing him from accompanying Arthur to a battle in the border lands. Unease had ran through Merlin's veins ever since he had mounted his horse and parted ways with his lover. Merlin had returned to the panicking news that his king had been wounded in a light skirmish two days prior, was currently being rushed home and was expected that day.

Merlin's mind sped through all the possibilities of Arthur's injury. There had been no news on the damage caused to Arthur, merely that he was injured. Thoughts of Arthur gasping his last breath as blood poured from his abdomen flooded the warlock's frantic mind. Shaking his head violently to dispel the horrific thought Merlin noted horses pounding upon the dirt track. Dust and dirt flying up to blur the scarlet cloaks emblazoned with gold of the riders. Turning swiftly on his heel, Merlin raced out of Arthur's and his chambers not bothering to close the heavy door behind him. The crisp winter air hit his face full force as he rushed across the cobbled courtyard to grip the stretcher swiftly moving in the direction he just came from.

His eyes flitted over Arthur's dirt and blood covered unconscious face before focussing on the puncture wound to Arthur's left side. "Oh god" the words leaving his soft lips in a despairing curse when Merlin noticed the blood still leaking from the poorly bandaged wound. Soon Arthur was being lifted onto his soft bed and divested of all his clothing. Merlin took one last glance at his wounded love before turning to the knights and servants in the room. All looked at him expectantly as he began to shout commands to them all "I need water and fresh linen, and I need them NOW".

A bucket of water landed sloppily at Merlin's feet, the cold water splashing onto his leather boots. Rapidly dipping a cloth into the liquid he proceeded to clean Arthur's wound gently. When he was sure the injury was no longer at risk of infection Merlin pressed his hand firmly onto the puncture. Heart braking slightly when he felt Arthur wince in pain Merlin began to mutter a healing spell. Warmth flowed from his finger tips as tissue slowly began to knit back together. After 30 minutes Merlin removed his hand from the king's side to reveal a bright red scar glaring from Arthur's golden skin. Warming the water Merlin picked up the cloth again. After wiping Arthur's dried blood from his hands Merlin began to gently wash the dirt and blood from battle off Arthur. By this point the room had emptied upon the realisation that their king would be fine and Merlin needed some time with his lover. Stroking the cloth across Arthur's face, Merlin marvelled at the beautiful skin beneath. Soon cloth was replaced by hands as Merlin moved his slender finger tips up Arthur's chest and gently cupped Arthur's face. Shifting to lie next to the sleeping king Merlin lowered his lips to Arthur's in a gentle kiss. The warlock lifted his head slightly at the sensation of eyelashes fluttering against his skin.

"You scared the living daylights out of me you prat!" Merlin smiled softly down at Arthur, staring into tired blue eyes. "Going off to battle and getting yourself injured when you knew I wasn't there to protect you or even bloody heal you! If you ever do that again I swear I'll.." Merlin was cut off by a light sleepy kiss from Arthur.

"I won't, I promise I'll never go without you again." The worry in Merlin's eyes faded slightly upon these words. "But you have to promise never to get yourself injured if you accompany me." Arthur glanced at the soft fabric on Merlin's shoulder, knowing that underneath lay a long scar from the last time Merlin had accompanied him into battle. It had been horrific, turning to see Merlin's motionless form upon the ground surrounded by corpses and injured. Fighting his way to his lover Arthur had been relieved to find Merlin was just unconscious with blood seeping slowly from his shoulder. Truth be told; Arthur had been glad of the malpracticing sorcerer from the outlands, it had gotten Merlin out of harm's way. Arthur could never and would never lose Merlin.

"Idiot" Merlin muttered before kissing Arthur once more. Arthur weakly responded, fatigue taking over him.

I know that you're weak, just let me sing you to sleep.

If you need anything, just the say the word.
I mean anything.

Merlin leaned Arthurs head on his chest. Gently stroking the blonde's hair Merlin began to hum "go to sleep Arthur. I'll be right here if you need anything. I love you".

Rest assured, if you start to doze, then I'll tuck you in,
Plant my lips where your necklaces close.

Hearing a softly uttered "love you" back and the feel of soft lips pressing gently against his neck, Merlin pulled the luxurious blanket over them both and continued his humming as Arthur's breathing evened.