Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 13 - What To Do

Arthur's POV

I pace nervously outside the physicians chambers, waiting for any news about Merlin's condition. How long has it been now? An hour? Maybe more? The sun is already high in the sky and we arrived in Camelot at first light so it must have been a few hours now.

I had insisted on staying by Merlin's side but the court physician, an old man who's just starting to sprout some grey hair, had forced me out, saying I was more of a distraction then help. So, reluctantly, I decided to wait outside.

I'm still pacing frantically, chewing at my lower lip when the physician exits from his chambers. I stop and walk up to him expectantly. "How is he? Is he alright?" I ask quickly.

"He'll be fine my lord. I managed to stop the bleeding so there is nothing more to worry about. All he needs now is rest," the physician explains to me.

"Thank you. Um... may I see him?"

"Of course. I'll be doing my rounds if you need me." The old man steps aside to allow me to pass.

I enter the physicians chambers and glance around. I'm never in here often so I gaze at everything in slight awe. All the scientific equipment lies around the room in various places. Some on tables or others are scattered along the floor. Vials upon vials of different coloured potions line the shelves and tables. I'm taken out of my trance when my eyes land on Merlin, who's currently lying on the patients cot.

I see his eyes are open and skirting around the room. His shoulder is bandaged and he's shirtless at the moment. I try to hide my blush when my eyes skim over his chest. Despite how lean he looks, I can see traces of muscles line his body. He is an outstanding swordsman. I shouldn't have expected less. I'm tempted to trail a finger over his skin, to feel the smoothness and the creases of the muscles but I hold myself back. I would probably scare him to the point of never wanting to see me again and I do not want that.

Merlin seems to finally notice me as well. He flashes me a small smile. "So... you brought me, a warlock, into Camelot?" He asks, an eyebrow raised.

"It was either that or I let you bleed to death," I say.

"Bleeding to death would have been better then being burnt at the pyre if I'm found. Which, might I add, would include you being burned as well."

I look at him confused. "Why would I be burned?"

He rolls his eyes at me. "Look I know you may be a knight of Camelot but that doesn't mean you're above the law. You'd be burnt for harbouring a warlock." Oh... I forgot he didn't know I was the prince. My father would never have the nerve to burn me so I've never considered it. "And, since we're on the topic, you're a knight of Camelot?!" He asks the last part with a shocked expression.

I nod shyly. "Yes. How else do you think I fight so well?" I try for a joking tone, hoping to get into our usual banters once more.

To my luck Merlin laughs. "Is that why you're such a prat? And good? You're not that good," he teases, making me smile. It seems he's forgotten, at least momentarily, about that incident.

"Oh yeah? You want to have a duel then?" I raise my eyebrows in amusement.

"Fine, though after I've healed of course."

"Then it's a duel." I smirk at him. He smiles back.

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Merlin's POV

I look into Arthur's eyes. Those blue orbs stare back at me. I gaze longingly into them. I love him. I love him so much. My heart almost stopped when I thought he was going to die. When I thought I wouldn't make it in time to save him from the Griffin. I love him. I need him but I'm still so hesitant. Why? Why can't I forgive him? He forgave me easily so why can't I?