The Man: A Merthur Fanfic

Chapter 4

Uther roared with rage, leaping from his throne. "Guards! Seize Conner Bowen, and throw him in a cell!" Chainmail clinked, and Arthur put up a hand. He had roadrash on his palms and cheeks from his fall, and a tiny cut above his brow. "No."

Uther froze, the guards following his example. "What do you mean, Arthur? No son of mine shall be disrespected in my kingdom-" "It's my fault!" Arthur yelled over his father, who slowly took a seat. "I should have kept it to myself.." He muttered, Uther silently urging him to go on. "Kept what to yourself? Arthur what are you talking about?"

The hall was silent, the guards uncomfortably waiting for a command, Uther leaning forwards on his seat. "Dad.." Arthur looked his father in the eye, knowing what he said next could change his life. "I'm..I'm g-" The doors burst open, a servant bowing in the doorway.

"My prince, you were to be alerted when Merlin awoke." Arthur's face lit up, and he turned to run. "Arthur!" Uther called, and his son stopped. "We will continue this discussion later, until then, we shall keep an eye on this Conner fellow, yeah?"

Arthur nodded, disappearing from the hall. Meanwhile, Gwen sat next to Merlin, pressing a damp cloth against his forehead. "Is Arthur coming?" He groaned. "Yes, he should be here shortly." Merlin shifted, and spoke again. "Was he..worried about me?" Gwen pulled back her hand, ringing out the cloth.

She thought of the villager's gossip, about the prince being gay, and shook it away. He had loved her. He couldn't be. Arthur loved a commoner, according to the butcher's wife. "Are you sure he's coming?" Merlin said, almost whining. Gwen froze. Gay. Commoner. Loved him. Merlin. "You love him?" She blurted out, and Merlin's eyes flashed.

"W-what?" Gwen's face was serious. "Arthur, you love him, don't you?" Merlin turned red, nodding slowly. "And..and he loves you?" Merlin nodded again, although he seemed unsure. "Please." Merlin grabbed her wrist, and met her gaze. "Please don't tell anyone. Please." Gwen suddenly embraced him, her mouth centimeters from his ear.

"I promise." She whispered, and she pulled away, gathering up her things, as if she knew Arthur would walk in moments later. He did, and Merlin was left alone with a roadrashed prince and an unbreakable silence. "How are you feeling?" Arthur sat beside him, worry crossing his face. Merlin gave him a crooked smile. "Better."

Arthur shifted, and said, "About what I said..what you may have heard.." Merlin looked down, wearing the most innocent face Arthur had ever seen. No words could make this less awkward, easier to deal with. Only actions. One action. Merlin felt his chin being lifted, and the weirdest sensation running through him.

He closed his eyes, all his problems and struggles in the past now. But then it was over. Then Arthur realized that he, the future king, had just kissed a servant. His servant. Gauis hobbled into the room, his grey eyebrows shooting up, his medicines clattering on the floor. Arthur stared at Merlin, whose eyes shined gold.

Alarmed, Arthur tried to pull away. But he couldn't. They were captivating. They were longing to stare into his own blue eyes, and deep down, Arthur felt the same. Blue and gold. Blue and gold. Perfect. Reality suddenly intercepted his thoughts, and a tear slid down his cheek as he murmured an apology. Before Gauis could say anything he stood, rushing through the door. Merlin hated to see him go.

Hello, Stampycat_Lover here, and I wanted to apologize for the short chapter...but don't worry! Stick with me and it WILL get better! Bye for now!