"Arthur… Arthur…" Merlin said as he slowly approached his friend. Arthur had been frozen in place for some time, tensely crouching above Bayard's limp body. Merlin inched towards them ever so gently as to not startle him but Arthur paid no mind. His eyes were glued to the lifeless man beneath him. A pained expression taking hold of his features. Merlin had no words of console. Arthur did what had to be done. But he knew that he had done something he would soon regret.

He didn't kill out of defense; he had killed out of pure undiluted hate. Something he hadn't done before.

"Arthur" A voice called once more, this time so gentle, so light. The sound acted as a fragile tether that anchored him back to reality.

"Merlin… What have I done?" Arthur uttered

"You did what had to be done sire" Merlin replied gently as he silently approached him and pulled him up and off of the malicious being that lied before them.

"Arthur we need to get out of here who knows how many of his men will come looking for him." Arthur silently nodded in agreement and together they fled.

"It's two days' time until we reach Camelot. Lets make camp for the night."

"Well considering we have but the clothes on our backs I can't imagine that being very hard."

"Shut up Merlin."

"Oh good, finally sounding like yourself." Merlin smirked as he gathered wood and prepared a fire.

Arthur nearly smiled at that but he soon returned to the sullen expression he had been wearing since their incident earlier that day. As the fire warmed their muddied boots and icy hands Merlin couldn't help but stare at his despondent prince.

"Arthur… you shouldn't let it weigh on you. You did what was right."

"No, it wasn't right Merlin." he replied, his voice uneven, his eyes uneasy.

"Arthur he would've killed you if he hadn't" he stated. He knew what Arthur was reflecting. This kill was different from others. He had seen it in his eyes.

"Probably but that's not why I did it."

"What do you mean?"

"Merlin all I could think about was… you." Merlin could feel the heat rush to his pale cheeks as Arthur looked his way.

"You shouldn't make decisions based on the state of a servant sire."

"Don't call me that Merlin! Stop the formalities! I'm not your prince I'm your friend aren't I?"

"Arthur"

"Merlin I couldn't… no I refuse to allow anyone to lay a hand you."

"Arthur what are you saying?"

"Im saying I didn't kill him because I was scared of my safety. I did what I did because… I couldn't cope with the idea that another man would try to get near you in a way I never could."

"But Arth..."

"Merlin"

"Yes?"

"Shut up"

Merlin was motionless was Arthur deftly drew closer and yanked him by his handkerchief and pressed his lips against his.