Only For You

Chapter 18

The next day, Arthur stood by the window in his chambers, watching the funeral procession for his father  in the courtyard below. The citizens of Camelot hold candles in silent homage to their deceased king, lighting up the streets and buildings in the cool night air. Tomorrow, Arthur would be crowned King. The thought made him feel sick with nerves. He wasn't ready. He wasn't ready to be king, to accept the responsibilities that came with that title.

Merlin had been working tirelessly since Uther's murder. After he'd helped the Knights search for the man that had slain their king (the man was a sorcerer; they'd found him hididng in the Valley of the Fallen Kings. Capturing him, he was brought back to Camelot and executed in the courtyard), he'd done everything in his power to help out Arthur. In addition to his usual long list of chores, he'd personally made and served the soon-to-be King every meal, as well as aiding in the preparations for the crowning ceremony.

Exhausted, Merlin knocks once on Arthur's chamber door before coming in, stumbling over his own two feet. 

Arthur turns from the window, the frown lines on his forehead disappearing at the sight of Merlin. He walks to him, wrapping his arms around the servant's slim waist. "You look terrible," he observes, worried eyes flicking across Merlin's pale face and the dark shadows under his bloodshot eyes.

Merlin smiles dryly, draping his arms loosely around Arthur's neck. "You're always so generous in your compliments, sire."

Arthur chuckles, pulling Merlin close to his chest and holding him close. "Thank you for all you've done for me, Merlin." He says softly, resting his chin on Merlin's head. "It does not go unnoticed." He presses a kiss to Merlin's forehead.

Merlin rests his head on Arthur's shoulder, his tired eyes drooping closed. "Anything for you," he yawns tiredly, his eyes stinging from overuse and lack of sleep.

Arthur wordlessly scoops Merlin up into his arms, hooking one arm under his legs and carrying him bridal style towards the royal bed.

"Wha 're you doing?" Merlin raises his head blearily, confused.

"Shhh. You'll be sleeping here tonight." Arthur gently lays Merlin down on the bed, pulling the sheets up and over him, leaning down to press a kiss to his lips.

Merlin smiles, amazed by how comfortable Arthur's bed is. He feels as though he could just melt right into it. He buries his head in one of the pillows, his eyes drifting closed. "I can see why you never want to get up in the mornings," he mumbles.

Arthur laughs, brushing Merlin's hair back from his forehead before he turns and crosses to his chamber door, locking it. "Perhaps you won't wake me up so early now, Merlin." He takes off his belt and boots before walking to the other side of his bed and slipping under the covers. He lays down, gathering Merlin into his arms. "Sleep now," he murmurs, pressing his lips to Merlin's forehead.

Merlin hums contendedly, happy to let sleep take him as he's surrounded by the comfort and warmth of Arthur's arms.