*Nine Years Later
"Arthur please! If not for me, for Lucca," Merlin pleaded, almost getting down to his knees to make his stubborn lover see sense. "Merlin we discussed and agreed that sometimes my duties come first" Arthur scolded. "You had said Lucaa would always come first. Are your duties more important than your son?" Merlin asked. The disbelief and hurt leaking out of his voice, like the sweat of second thoughts was pouring down Arthur's forehead.
Arthur didn't murmur a word for a while, the silence eating at Merlin's insides. Arthur couldn't help but to glance at his precious son. Lucca was sleeping on his daddy's bed, waiting for his daddy and mummy to get done and cuddle with him. "It is my duty as future king of Camelot. I have to prove myself to my people and myself" Arthur whispered sadly. He didn't want to upset his lover. but the raven-haired man was expecting to much of him. Merlin felt defeated and let the tears pool at the brim of his eyes, but not giving them the pleassure of pouring down his face.
Merlin did the only thing he saw as a way to make Arthur stay. He dropped to his knees and grabbed a hold of Arthur's hand and pleaded. "Please, Arthur please! You are walking to your death, you are trying to begin war! Are hundreds of your knights worth whatever it is you want from Cenred's kingdom?" Arthur stared into the watery sapphires of Merlin's eyes. His mind was on a bigger debate than ever now. He wanted to do what he felt right for his kingdom and what was right for his family. His heart and mind were being ripped in two.
Suddenly, an ear-piercing scream filled the chambers, both males turned to the smaller boy that was laying on the bed. Lucca was screaming at the top of his little lungs, his back arched in a very uncomfortable way, and his shirt sticking to him form sweat. Merlin quickly got up from the floor and ran to his son in a haste. Arthur was right at his heels, worry taking cover in the pit of his stomach and chest.
"Lucca, darling wake up" Merlin tried to sooth the crying nine year old. The nightmare was consuming Lucca too much to pay attention to his mummy.
The forest around him was fading into nothing. The lifeless bodies of his parents were laying next to him, with a smaller him crying over them. He heard the sound of hoofs on the dirt and immediately tried to run for cover, but it was too late. The mean man had already seen him. "Well, well, well looks like somebody tried to save daddy, but ended killing him." That single phrase taunted Lucca to the core. It followed him to his grave.
In the real world, Arthur and Merlin were trying everything to wake up their terrified son. "Guards!" Arthur tried to yell over Lucca's scream of terror. Luckily Lancelot and Percival were near by and heard the commotion. They burst into the chambers, thinking someone was attacking. "Get Gauis, now!" Arthur yelled. He pulled Lucca into his arms and pushed Lucca's tiny face into the crook of his neck. "It's alright love, everything is alright" Arthur cooed into his son's ear, hoping for comfort.
Merlin was trying not to have a melt down on the other side of the bed. Lancelot noticed his friend's heartache and pulled him into his own arms. Merlin cuddled into the stronger man's embrace, seeking the comfort he wanted more than needed.
Percival and Gauis arrived moments later, just as Lucca's screams were turning into sniffles and small whimpers. Arthur laid the small body on the bed, but didn't' take his arms off of him. Gauis teared the boy's shirt on half, exposing his chest. "I need some water" he instructed to no one in particular. Merlin instantly ran for the pitcher of cold water on the table and grabbed one of Arthur's old shirt and ripped a piece of to wet. Gauis took the wet clothe and put it to Lucca's forehead, hoping for the infant to stop sweating.
~*~
Arthur was standing by the window, staring out into the dark courtyard. While Merlin and Lucca slept on the bed. After Lucca had woken up from his very livid nightmare, Gauis gave him a sleeping draft so he could have a peaceful night. Merlin didn't want to leave his son alone, so Arthur offered him to stay the night. Arthur had tried to sleep, but Merlin's words were repeating in his head.
Would he really be willing to put his duties before his son? And start a war for something so selfish. What just happened with Lucca had started him thinking. Why had Lucca begged him to stay and not go? Was it because he had heard him and Merlin's argument?
Arthur was ripped from his thoughts when the door was opened. He quickly spun around, sword already in his hand, ready to harm the intruder. Gwen gasped when she felt the tip of the blade touch her skin. Arthur felt a sigh of relief leave him and put his sword away. "Guinevere, what can I do for you?" he asked, looking at her through his lashes. "I was just coming to check on Lucca, sire" she smiled, curtsying and turning to leave.
"Guinevere, do you believe I should go or stay?" Arthur asked, turning back around towards the window. Gwen stopped mid-step and stayed still, before she took a burst of confidence and turned around with a brave face. "I believe it was stupid of you to ask that question."
Arthur turned so fast it was a surprise he didn't pop something, "Excuse me?" Gwen resisted an eye roll and smiled sarcastically. "Sorry sire, but I believe family should always come first. Even if you are the king" she smiled. Merlin opened his eyes to see Arthur's reaction to Gwen's words. Arthur's face was blank, no emotions could be seen. "Very well, thank you" he nodded and headed to the bed.
"Good night sire" Gwen curtsied and left, blowing out the candle that Arthur had lit up.
"She's right" Merlin whispered when Arthur had wrapped his arm around him and Lucca protectively. "I know, but I would like to think she's not" Arthur sighed. Merlin reache over and pecked Arthur's lips softly, "You're a strong man, I have faith in you Arthur."
