Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 20 - An Escape

Arthur's POV

I wake to the light streaming through the window bright and early. I blink a couple times as I try to adjust my eyes to the light. I let out a yawn and turn away from the window, hoping to catch another few precious minutes of sleep before I had to wake for the morning. As I'm about to drift off I feel a soft breath tickle my face. I wrinkle my nose. Strange. Who's there?

I open my eyes to find Merlin's face only mere inches away from mine. My heart leaps from my chest at the close proximity. His eyes are still closed. He isn't snoring, but his gentle breathing seems to signify he's still asleep. His hair is a tousled mess on his head. One side of his ebony locks seems to stand on end from being pressed against the pillow. He has one arm under it while the other, I only just realized now, is draped over my chest. Now that I know it's there I can feel the warmth of his arm seeping into my skin. My heart jumps again. Why does he have to look so adorable when he's asleep?!

I give a small smile, pull his body closer, and give him a kiss on the forehead. He starts to squirm in my grasp, causing me to instantly freeze, afraid that I woke him. I hear him mutter something under his breath before he settles back down. His breathing returns to its even pace. I chuckle wondering what he's dreaming about. Perhaps the happy ending he spoke of so long ago. I start to smile at the memory of that day. I wonder if that was when I first fell for him.

I end up falling back asleep while waiting for Merlin to wake. I'm awoken again by the sound of the curtains being drawn open and a loud, cheerful voice. "Rise and shine, Arthur!" The voice calls.

I groan and open my eyes to find Merlin no longer beside me. The spot next to me in my bed is empty, much to my displeasure, leaving only the rumpled bed sheets in it's place. I sit up, glancing to the window to find the man in question humming and looking out said window, wearing only trousers and a red tunic. I climb out of bed and embrace him from behind, receiving a quiet yelp of surprise.

"Good morning, my sorcerer," I say, nuzzling my face in his neck which is, for once, not obscured by those neckerchiefs he always wears.

I hear him chuckle. "It's warlock actually," he corrects.

"Warlock, sorcerer, same thing. They both have magic."

Merlin rolls his eyes. "Some warlocks would be quite angry if you said that to them."

"Thankfully I don't know any other warlocks."

Merlin gives a small shake of his head before he untangles himself from my arms and heads over to his coat which hangs from my chair. He shrugs it on before pulling on his neckerchief. "You should get dressed too. I'm sure you're busy."

"Don't remind me."

I pull on my tunic, with help from Merlin, then slip into my boots. I stretch my arms in the air. "Are you planning on staying for breakfast?" I ask, hoping the prospect of food will make him stay longer.

Merlin shakes his head. "No, I need to get going. I'll get something from the lower town."

"Alright then. I guess I'll see you later?"

Merlin grabs his cloak from the wardrobe and swings it over his shoulders. "Yeah, I'll see you soon. If anything happens to the King you'll know where to find me."

I give him a nod. Merlin smiles and gives me a quick kiss on the lips. He turns and heads out the door, shutting it behind him. I listen to his receding footsteps and immediately start to feel empty. I miss him already. I let out a sigh. I glance out of the hall in an attempt to find George, knowing him he can't be far.

-----

I check on my father after training with the knights. I peek into his room. He's still in bed. I open the door wider and stride in. I proceed to stand by his side, gazing down at his still form. His breathing is even. There doesn't seem to be any pain laced into his expression nor any sweat glistening on his brow like before. I lift up his covers and check under his tunic for the wound. The wound is gone, and in its place is a large white scar. I smile. Merlin really did save him.