Wrap Your Arms Around Me (merdred)

26. Breathe

I might enter this story in the Wattys... The last time I entered a story was in 2015, which is just w i l d. The Wattys is actually organised now, so that's good! There are only a few chapters left so I think I'll meet the deadline :0

Anyway, thank you for checking out my new chapter. And a special thank you to my beta, the wonderful pan322jewls Go check our their stuff if you like Good Omens! Their writing is absolutely amazing, like seriously. They just posted part two of Let it Shine if you're interested:) Anyway, here's the new chapter. I hope you enjoy it!

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ARTHUR NERVOUSLY PACED THE ROOM, walking back and forth like a madman across the floor of Hunith's home. He was pumping his fists open and closed, and digging his nails into the palm of his hand. Despite how exhausted he was after two full days of chasing after Merlin, he could not stop moving. Sitting down was a sign of giving up, and Arthur was never going to give up. Everything he'd ever worked for, the promise he made to his people as king, it would be nothing if he couldn't save Merlin. Absolutely nothing.

The last time he was in Ealdor was with Merlin, but this time, he wasn't here, and it killed him. He swore he could still feel the energy. It was distant and old, but it was there. Or perhaps it was Merlin's scent that he could smell. He couldn't quite put a finger on what he smelled of, but it was familiar and reminded him of home. Without Merlin, there was no home.

He was angry at himself for reacting so poorly when Merlin told him his secret. He was shocked and hurt that his best friend never felt like he could share the most important aspect of his life. Arthur should have concealed those feelings, but instead, he reacted honestly and scared Merlin as result. It was all his fault, and Merlin was out there thinking he messed up.

"Sire, if I may," Hunith disturbed him from his thoughts by placing a friendly hand on his shoulder. He paused his pacing and gave her a nod to continue. "Worrying about my son isn't going to bring him back. Why don't you go join your friends and get some sleep? Maybe you'll feel better in the morning. I'm sure Merlin wouldn't want you to be so stressed."

The knights were next door in a cottage that was vacant due to a family's recent departure. Although they were worried also, they had been able to fall asleep with ease while Arthur was very much awake and freaking out.

"Yes... Yes, I know. He'd probably say something stupidly intelligent and wise or insult me for not getting my beauty sleep. I know he wouldn't want me to worry, but that isn't going to stop me. I can't sleep. I've tried, but I can't knowing that he's out there thinking that I'm mad at him, or that I hate him for having magic. I just hope he's okay," Arthur stopped his pacing and sighed, staring down at his clenched hands.

He heard shuffling and the sound of glass objects clinking together. Hunith set a glass jar of tinted water on the wooden table and looked up at Arthur. "Here, have a seat and take this," Hunith told him as she pulled out a chair for him.

Arthur looked at the jar sceptically. He'd never taken any sort of medicine from anyone except for Gaius before. "And what is it?"

"Sage and mint soaked in hot water to extract their properties," she smiled. "The sage will help calm your nerves and boost your spirits, and the mint will aid you in falling asleep. I hope it helps you, dear. I used to give it to Merlin when he was little and had trouble sleeping. He hated taking it, but he'd always pass out on the chair before he could fight me on it. I'd carry him to his room, he'd sleep the night away and forget all about how much he hated taking it." Hunith's lips were pulled into a grin as she told the story of her son. Her eyes looked worried, but something still shined through them that made Arthur hold onto his hope.