When Merlin finally reaches the King's chambers after Arthur rushed out of the room, he's met with a sight that makes his heart ache.
Arthur sits on the stone floor beside the King's bed, Uther's body draped across his lap. The King is pale and unmoving, a red stain tarnishing the front of his shirt. Arthur's shoulders shake with sobs as he bows his head over his father, tears falling off his cheeks and on to the unmoving face of Uther. "F-father....." He cries, his voice choked. He gives Uther's body a little shake. "Father....p-please...."
Merlin's heart breaks as he watches the scene before him. Part of him wonders if he should just leave Arthur to grieve alone, but he recalls watching his own father die...and how much he'd longed for there to have been someone there to hold him. He walks forward quietly, sinking to his knees beside Arthur. Arthur doesn't seem to have noticed his presense, so Merlin lays a gentle hand on Arthur's shoulder.
Arthur raises his head, his eyes red and filled to the brim with tears and pain. "Merlin..." The name almost comes out like a whimper.
Merlin quickly wraps his arms around Arthur, pulling him close to his chest. "I'm sorry..." He murmurs quietly, rubbing Arthur's back. "I'm so sorry...."
A few moments pass like this; Merlin holding the Prince as he quietly cries into his servant's shoulder. Merlin takes the time to examine the blood across Uther's chest. It looked as though he'd been stabbed...
"What happened, Arthur?" He asks quietly and gently, stroking Arthur's hair rhythmically.
Arthur sucks in a shuddering breath, trying to compose himself. "Murdered." His voice is barely audible; raspy and fragile. "The castle is on alert...my Knights are searching for the man responsible for this."
Merlin nods, continuing to rub soothing circles on Arthur's back. "They'll find him." He assures him, even though he's not entirely sure that's true. Arthur nods slowly, pulling back from Merlin.
"Thank you Merlin..." Arthur says quietly, nodding slowly.
"I'll always be here for you." Merlin promises. He pauses, then asks, "Do you want me to stay with you?"
Arthur nods, lowering his gaze down to his father's unmoving face. "Please." He whispers.
Merlin settles down beside Arthur, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and resting his head against Arthur's shoulder. "Always."
YOU ARE READING
Only For You
FanfictionMerlin, from day one, has had to hide his magic. How could he be himself, if admitting to practising sorcery would get him killed? Arthur has always been fond of his manservant. But how could he truly come to terms with his feelings for him, if by d...
