So I had honestly no intentions of continuing this story. The first part was rather impromptu, an idea that just popped into my head and I had to get it out or I'd never fall asleep. I literally typed in up at about 2 in the morning. And I certainly never imagined it getting more than like 1 mediocre review. But I got so many kind words (which I thank you all for) and people wanting Arthur to get revenge on King Rondin. And so this popped into my head.

When Merlin woke, he was momentarily confused. The room was much too bright, his pillow was moving, and his body ached terribly. He groaned, cracking an eye open. He blinked in surprise, finding himself staring at a chin with blond stubble. Slowly, he looked around, the memories of the night before finally catching up with him.

Merlin was curled up against Arthur's side, his head nestled his chest. The Prince had his arms wrapped tightly around Merlin, holding him close. At some point in the night, Merlin had wriggled out of the damp towel, and he blushed slightly, grateful for the covers pulled up over his waist.

He idly traced a finger through the chest hair peeping out of the Prince's dirty tunic. Thoughts of last night rose up again, and he smiled as an image of Arthur kissing him flashed through his mind. It was almost too good to believe. He was not sure when his feelings for Arthur had changed from friendship to something more. He just knew that when their lips met, it felt right. Like it was meant to be.

Their destiny.

The body beneath him began to stir, and Merlin glanced up, resting his chin on Arthur's chest. Pale blue eyes blinked open, the cloud of sleep slowly fading from them. Arthur glanced down, a smile small gracing his lips at the sight of the raven haired boy at his side.

"Good morning, my prince," greeted Merlin sweetly.

Arthur raised a hand, brushing his thumb across Merlin's lip. "Good morning, my Merlin." The last word was purred out.

Merlin smiled, leaning into Arthur's hand.

"Did you sleep well?" asked Arthur.

"Seriously, on this bed, how could someone not sleep well?" teased Merlin.

Arthur chuckled, running his other hand up and down Merlin's bare back. Merlin shivered at the touch, but instead of moving from it, he arched his back into it.

A serious look settled over Arthur's face. "How are you… feeling?" he asked softly.

Merlin dropped his head to Arthur's chest, unable to make eye contact. "It… hurts," he answered quietly. "My face, my neck, my chest… down there."

Arthur tipped Merlin's face up to look at him. He leaned down, gently kissing the bruise marring the delicate cheekbone. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Merlin blinked back sudden tears. "Not your fault," he whispered back.

"I just wish you would tell me who did this. I want to make them suffer."

"Arthur," breathed Merlin.

"Alright, I'll let it go," said Arthur. But the look in his eyes told a different story.

Merlin snuggled up to him, deciding it wasn't worth the effort to argue. "Thank you," he said quietly. "For last night."

"What do you mean?"

"For not making me go to Gaius. For not sending me away. For caring."

Arthur's arm tightened around him almost instinctually. "I will never send you away. I love you."

Merlin's head shot up, his eyes wide. He stared at Arthur, a whirlwind of emotions swirling behind his deep blue eyes. Suddenly, a bright smile light his face. "You love me?"

A slightly embarrassed smile crossed Arthur's lips. "I do."

Merlin's smile grew. "I love you too." He scrambled up Arthur's body, ignoring the flare of pain the movement caused. His lips met Arthur's in a fierce kiss, his hands cradling the Prince's face. Arthur grasped just above Merlin's hips, mindful of the bruises.

Merlin pulled back only when the need for oxygen became too great. He rested his forehead against Arthur's, nuzzling their noses together. "We should get up. You need to be in the council chambers soon."

Arthur groaned, closing his eyes. "I just want to stay in bed all day," he said, opening his eyes and staring into Merlin's. "With you."

Merlin blushed, pulling back to sit up, wincing slightly. "If you don't turn up, your father will send someone to find you."

Arthur sighed, staring at him for a while. "Alright," he conceded, sitting up beside Merlin. His eyes ran down Merlin's chest, brow furrowing at the red welts. He leaned down and kissed the top of one.

Merlin raised a hand, carding his fingers through Arthur's blond locks. The Prince slowly kissed each of the wounds before straightening back up. "I'll get another servant to fetch breakfast," said Arthur, climbing off the bed. He straightened the clothes he had fallen asleep in and walked out the door.

Merlin sat on the bed, the covers draped over his lap. He looked around the room, spotting his clothes. Worry crossed his mind as he stared at the bloody trousers. How was he going to get to his room to change without anyone noticing?

He jumped slightly as the door opened, relaxing when he realized it was only Arthur. The Prince walked around the room, picking Merlin's tunic up off the floor and heading towards the cupboard holding his clothing. He reached in, pulling out a pair of trousers. Arthur brought them over to the bed, setting them down beside the manservant.

"The trousers will probably be too big, but since yours are…" Arthur trailed off, eyes darting to the ruined trousers lying on the floor.

Merlin reached out and grabbed Arthur's hand. "Thank you," he said, giving it a squeeze.

Arthur cleared his throat, suddenly seeming nervous. "Merlin, I should…" He gave a slight cough. "May I check to make sure you're no longer… bleeding?"

Merlin worried his bottom lip, eyes dropping to stare at the bed covers. He nodded, slowly laying back on the bed. Arthur pushed gently pushed aside the covers, noting a slight pink smear on the sheets where Merlin had slept. Arthur walked to a small table with a basin of water, dampening a towel. He brought it back over and Merlin parted his legs.

Arthur carefully wiped away the dried blood. Merlin drew in deep gulps of air, trying to chase away the panic that threatened to settle in. Arthur was grateful to see that the bleeding had stopped, and he hurriedly pulled his hand away, helping Merlin to sit back up. He handed Merlin the trousers, politely averting his eyes as the boy wriggled into them.

No sooner had Merlin fastened the laces then Arthur was pulling him into an embrace. The raven haired boy trembled in his arms, burying his face into Arthur's neck. Arthur rocked them back and forth a bit, resting his cheek against Merlin's.

A knock on the door startled them both. Arthur slowly untangled himself from Merlin and handing him his tunic. Merlin smiled slightly, moving behind the screen to finish dressing.

Arthur strode to the door, stopping to grab Merlin's dirty trousers and hide them. He realized, as he called out enter, that his own trousers were also stained. He just hoped the servant would not notice, running through a list of possible reasons if asked.

The servant rushed in, placing a tray on the table.

"Thank you," said Arthur. "While I am in council, I want someone to empty my bath."

"Yes, sire," replied the servant, bowing before leaving the room.

Merlin peeked from behind the screen, limping out when he saw the room was clear. The Prince's trousers were very baggy. Even with the laces done up as tight as possible, they still hung dangerously low on his hips. He was grateful for his tunic was long enough to cover it.

Arthur beckoned him over, sitting in his chair and pulling Merlin into his lap. They shared the breakfast that was delivered, Arthur, ever the gentleman, giving more of it to Merlin than himself.

Merlin leaned back into Arthur. "You should change into clean clothing now."

Arthur chuckled. "Well, that is difficult to do with you sitting on me."

"Hmm, such a shame," muttered Merlin, making no move to get up.

Arthur laughed louder this time. "Idiot," he said, but there was nothing but affection in his voice. He carefully lifted Merlin off his lap, setting him back down in the fur draped chair. He moved over to the cupboard, pulling out clean tunic and trousers.

Merlin watched as Arthur moved behind the screen to change. He was a little disappointed, yet at the same time grateful to the blond. He trusted Arthur, he knew Arthur would never do anything to him. But earlier, when Arthur had been checking for bleeding, he kept having flashbacks to the night before, with King Rondin. Merlin shuddered slightly, hugging his arms around himself.

Arthur stepped back into the room, noting Merlin curled up in on himself, his eyes distant. "You alright?" he asked, walking towards the table.

Merlin blinked, looking to him. "Yeah, I'm fine," he answered, standing up from the chair. "Ready for another day in council?" he asked with a smile.

Arthur groaned, dropping his head back. He took a deep breath. "Let's go."

...

Arthur could not concrete. The whole day, he had been focused on Merlin. He had helped Merlin to tie his neckerchief just sigh to hide the bite marks on his neck. But the bruise on his cheek and the limp were not possible to hide. To anyone who inquired, Merlin simply passed them off as a result of his clumsy nature, explaining he had tripped, hitting his cheek on a table edge and twisting his ankle.

Today in the council room, Merlin seemed to be extra fidgety. He kept his eyes firmly planted on the grounds, and restlessly moved from foot to foot. Any time he was required to move towards the table, his hands trembled furiously. His breathing was quick and his skin pale.

Arthur also noted someone else acting strange. The visiting King, Rondin, could not seem to keep his eyes off him, his gaze practically devouring the boy. He would smirk any time Merlin limped forward to the table. And once when Merlin passed by, he subtly brushed him with a hand. Merlin flinched so violently he nearly dropped the stack of blank scrolls he was carrying. He scurried around the table, dumping them by the scribe and rushing back to his spot by the wall.

Fury like nothing he knew roared up in Arthur's stomach. He glared at Rondin, livid. He was the one that did this to Merlin? His Merlin?

Arthur glowered for the rest of the council. His leg bounced beneath the table, his muscles tense with the restraint it took not to leap across the table and run the visiting King through with his sword. He was grateful his father was so wrapped up in the negotiations that he never sparred his son a glance. Rondin did not notice either. He was too busy eyeing Merlin.

Arthur practically jumped out of his seat as they were dismissed. He grasped Merlin's sleeve, dragging the boy from the hall. He stormed down the corridors, Merlin shuffling along beside him, trying to keep up.

When Arthur reached his chambers, he rushed inside, slamming the door and spinning to face Merlin.

"It was Rondin!" he cried, more a statement than a question.

Merlin gaped, eyes wide. "W-What?"

"Rondin did this to you, didn't he?"

Merlin sputtered, fear clouding his eyes. He raised his hands as if to reach for Arthur before wrapping them around himself instead.

Arthur stepped closer. "Merlin," he breathed.

Merlin gave a shaky breath, before nodding his head slowly. A single tear rolled down his bruised cheek.

"That bastard!" roared Arthur. His hands clenched into fists. "I am going to kill him," he fumed, turning back to the door.

"No!" cried Merlin, rushing around Arthur and placing himself in front of the door.

"Merlin," hissed Arthur. "Get out of my way."

Merlin shook his head desperately, tears now streaming down his face. "Arthur you can't."

"Why not?" thundered Arthur.

Merlin flinched. "Arthur, please. You can't do anything. Camelot needs this treaty. If you-"

"Merlin, he raped you!"

"I know that!" shouted Merlin, his voice choked with tears. His shoulders shook with suppressed sobs. He slide down the door, drawing his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them.

Arthur sighed, drawing a hand over his face. He hadn't meant to snap at Merlin, but his anger had gotten the best of him. It was a flaw he was still working on.

Slowly, Arthur sunk down to the floor. "Merlin?" he said softly. "I'm sorry. I should not have said that."

Merlin looked up at him, his eyes puffy and full of turmoil.

Arthur's heart broke, tears rising to his own eyes. He held out of his arms. "Come here."

Merlin scrambled forward, burrowing into Arthur's chest. Arthur could feel his entire body shaking. He pressed a kiss to the top of the boy's head. "I am very sorry."

Merlin turned his head enough to speak. "Arthur, please, just… promise me one thing?" he asked quietly.

Arthur nodded. "Yeah, of course."

"You won't report this. I know how important a treaty between these two kingdoms will be. More trade will help bring more income for the people of Camelot. Families that are struggling will have more opportunities to make a living. The support of Rondin's troops, though I hope will never be needed, would be very helpful if the need ever did arise.

There is so much that will come from this, Arthur. I couldn't live with the thought that I destroyed that for so many people. It's not worth it-"

"You are worth it," said Arthur forcefully.

Merlin gave a sad smile, freeing his trapped arms and wrapping them around Arthur. "To report this would hurt many people. I couldn't live with that. Besides, it's my word against a King. If he denied it, no one would take my word over his. No one would believe me."

Arthur sighed. As much as he hated to admit it, he knew Merlin was right.

Merlin pulled back enough to look into Arthur's eyes. "You've made many sacrifices for the love of Camelot. Please, let this be mine."

Arthur choked back a sudden burst of emotion. A few stray tears ran down his face. He nodded slowly.

Reaching up with a shaky hand, Merlin wiped the tears from Arthur's face. "Thank you."

Arthur grabbed his hand, kissing the palm. "Anything for you."

...

Merlin decided to go back to Gaius' quarters that night. He knew the physician was probably worried about him. He wasn't looking forward to all the questions he knew would be asked. As he walked the corridors, he came up with a story he hoped the man would believe. He decided on saying Arthur had kept him busy all night, making up the chores he had missed during the day. It was weak, but he hoped Gaius would just let it be.

He reached the door, pushing open slightly to peer in. Gaius had his back to him, preparing what smelled to be supper. He crept into the chambers, hoping to sneak past Gaius and into his room.

"I was wondering when you would return."

Merlin paused, sighing. He had made it half-way across his room.

Gaius turned around, a smile on his face.

Merlin grinned, giving a slight wave. "Hi."

"Late night, last night?" asked Gaius, his smile turning cheeky.

"Well, I-I," Merlin started, "You see-"

"It's about time," cut in Gaius.

Merlin paused. "Sorry?"

"You and Arthur."

Merlin could do nothing but stare, his mouth hanging open.

"I was beginning to wonder if you two would ever realize your feelings."

"Y-You knew?" asked Merlin.

Gaius' smile softened as he walked towards Merlin. "I've seen the way you two look at each other, how you act around one another."

"Gaius," began Merlin, panicking slightly, "I swear, I won't-"

"Merlin," cried Gaius, reaching out to place his hands on the boy's shoulders.

Merlin stopped, eyes wide.

"I'm happy for you, Merlin," said Gaius.

Merlin's mouth opened and closed, his brain trying to process what had just happened.

Gaius patted his shoulders.

"Thank you?" breathed Merlin, still rather confused.

Gaius smirked at him, before walking back to finish cooking.

Merlin shook his head slightly, before heading towards his room again.

"Oh, and, Merlin?"

He stopped and looked back.

Gaius smile. "Your secret's safe with me."

Merlin returned the smile. "Thank you."

Dinner was quiet that night. Gaius didn't ask any of the questions Merlin had expected. He knew about him and Arthur, and he seemed to buy the clumsy fall story for Merlin's injuries.

Merlin turned in for bed after that. But as he lay there, tossing and turning, he could not fall asleep. He missed the feeling of Arthur's arms around him. He couldn't believe it. He had only stayed with Arthur one night. But that one night was the best night of his life. He had felt warm, and comforted, and safe, laying with Arthur.

Merlin scrambled out of bed, pulling on a clean tunic and his boots. He peeked out into the Gaius' room, glad to see he was asleep. As quietly as possibly, praying to the gods he wouldn't knock over anything, Merlin snuck out of the physician's quarters.

He hurried down the corridors, ducking onto nooks and behind pillars to avoid the guards. He reached Arthur's chambers, using the servants entrance. Slowly, he walked towards the bed.

The moonlight filtering through the window lit off Arthur's mane of golden hair, turning it a shimmering silver. Merlin reached out, brushing a few stray strands back off his forehead.

Arthur's pale eyes blinked open. A smile graced his lips. "I was hoping you would come."

Merlin smiled back, toeing out of his boots and slipping off his tunic. He slipped in under the covers and snuggled up to Arthur's side. He laid his head on Arthur's bare chest, draping an arm across his stomach.

Arthur wrapped his arm around Merlin's waist, gently laying his hand on his hip. His hold was reassuring, possessive, comforting. Merlin found himself snuggling deeper into the embrace. "I love being in your arms," he confessed. "It makes me feel safe."

Arthur found the hand across his stomach, entwining their fingers. "I love holding you in my arms. I love being able to protect you."

Merlin's eyes began to droop with impending sleep. "Never let me go?" he whispered.

Arthur rested his cheek against the top of Merlin's head, his own eyes drifting closed. "Never let you go," he promised.

...

The whole of Camelot was celebrating. After a week of negotiations, the treaty had been signed that morning. The King had declared a grand feast for that night. Arthur had drank probably more than he should. His eyes followed Merlin as the boy moved about the hall, chatting with the other servants, dancing with Gwen after she dragged him onto the floor.

The bites on his neck had healed, and he had forgone the neckerchief. The stretch of porcelain skin had Arthur mesmerized, his collarbones driving Arthur crazy. Merlin glanced towards him, a smile crossing his lips as he caught Arthur staring.

Arthur averted his eyes quickly, taking another sip of his wine. He turned his head as he heard Rondin excusing himself. He told Uther he was going to retire early, that he and his men would be riding out early the next morning. Arthur stared after him as the King exited the hall. He waited a few beats before he also rose, turning to his father to excuse himself.

He hurried out of the hall, heading to the King's guest chambers. He turned the corner of the corridor just as the heavy door swung closed. Arthur stormed forward, pounding on the door.

It creaked open, Rondin peering out. "Prince Arthur," he said, sounding surprised. "What can I do for you?"

Arthur strode in, spinning around. "Close the door."

Rondin eyed his, confused, and slowly pushed the door shut. "Prince Arthur, what-"

He cried out in shock as Arthur lunged forward, pushing him up against the door. His fingers wrapped around the King's throat.

"I know what you did to Merlin," hissed Arthur, tightening his grip as the King opened his mouth to speak. All he could do was gasped for air. "It is only because he does not wish to report it that I am not dragging you to my father and having you charged. But I promise you this: if I ever hear of you doing something like this again, I will report you to my father. I will make sure the treaty is destroyed and that you are executed in the most painful way I can imagine. Is that clear."

King Rondin nodded frantically, as Arthur made no move to relinquish his grip.

Arthur glared daggers at him for a few more seconds, before shoving Rondin aside and storming out of the room. He felt his anger and frustration leave him in waves the further he got from the King and the closer he got to his chambers. By the time he arrived at his doors, all he felt was exhaustion. He pushed open the door, looking up as he heard a gasp.

Merlin was standing in the middle of the room, staring at him with wide, concerned eyes. "Where were you?" he asked, rushing forward. "I saw you leave the feast, I thought you would come back here, but when I got here you chambers were empty and-"

"I confronted Rondin," said Arthur.

Merlin stopped, a few steps in front of him. "What?"

Arthur sighed, closing the door and leaning against it. "I told Rondin I knew what he did. I told them, that if I ever heard of him doing it again, I would make sure the treaty was destroyed and I would kill him."

A silence fell over the room. Merlin simply stared at Arthur, his usually expressive eyes unreadable.

Arthur eyed him, worry etching his face. "Merlin?"

"You… really said that to him?"

Arthur dropped his gaze to the floor. "Yes. I did."

He jumped in surprise as he suddenly found himself with an armful of the raven haired boy. He returned the tight embrace.

"I can't believe you did that," came Merlin's muffled voice.

"I will do anything for you, Merlin," replied Arthur. "I love you."

"I love you too. Promise you'll hold me."

"Forever and always," promised Arthur.

Well, I hope you enjoyed it. I do have a little epilouge planned. ;)