Merlin One Shots

I Can't Leave Her

Arthur's P.O.V

I sat next to her, her cool pale hand in my mine. Despite her hands being freezing, her forehead was burning up, so Merlin kept bringing in cold water and a small piece of cloth for me to keep her cool with. I knew that hunting trip was a bad idea, but she's too stubborn to listen to me sometimes. I love her all the same.

Her eyes were closed as she slept, her chest rising and falling softly to the rhythm of her breathing. The guards outside quietly knocked before opening the door slightly.

"Gaius is here," one stated. I knew that there was two of them out there. I nodded and returned my attention to my wife. The physician walked over to my side, politely asked me to move and took up my seat. I stood, arms folded as I watched him remove the covers to reveal the gash on her arm.

"It has healed considerably, Sire," he says. "I believe it would be best to leave her for now and to return to your normal duties."

"I can't leave her."

"Sire, Leon is doing well and is covering for you where he can, but there are some matters that only the king can attend to."

"What if she wakes whilst I'm gone?"

"Have someone - someone you trust - in here with her. If she wakes, they can come and find you."

I knew I had little choice. I had to leave her. I left her in the care of Gaius as I went to find Gwaine. I couldn't ask Leon, as he had already done so much.

"Leon," I called as I saw him in the corridor.

"Sire."

"I appreciate what you've done whilst I've been with the queen. I really do."

"Thank you. I know what she means to you." He smiled as he talked. I've always been able to trust Leon, no matter what it was.

"Have you seen Gwaine?" I asked.

"He was heading down to the armoury last I saw him."

"Thank you again," I said as I turned to almost run down the steps. I opened the small door and sure enough, there was Gwaine, talking to Percival.

"Arthur," they murmured as their faces dropped in shock that I had actually left the queen's room.

"Gwaine, can I have a word?"

Percival took that as a cue to leave, and bowed before shutting the door behind me.

"What'd I do this time, Princess?"

"Nothing. This is serious. I know I can't stay next to (Y/n) forever, but I need someone to be there with her so she's not alone when she wakes up. I trust you more than most. Can you just stay with her?"

"Does this mean I get off patrol this week?"

I sighed.

"Yes."

"Alright then. I would've done it anyway."

"Thank you. You're a life saver."

"I know. Don't worry about it Princess."

***

As I fight against Percival on the training field, I think back to the past few days. Even now, she hasn't woken up. I channel all of my anger into the fight - the only place where I can be push everything I feel into something useful.

Mid fight, I can hear Gwaine's voice coming from the castle. All of the knights surrounding Percival and I turn, including him, so I use it as an excuse to trip him up and win the fight. He laughs as he stands, realising what I've done. The crowd splits to let Gwaine through. He bends over in front of me, barely breathing. He lifts his arm and points to my wife's room, which is visible from this side of the castle.

"Good or bad?" I demand.

"Good," he breathes. I drop my sword and run as fast as I can towards the castle. I push past servants and guards until I push open the door. Beside her is Gaius and her servant who is passing her a drink.

"(Y/n)!" I shout as I head towards her bed. Gaius moves aside to let me be near my wife. Sitting beside her, I move her hair away from her pale face. Her cheeks have some colour in them though.

"Arthur," she whispers as she grabs my hand. "I've missed you."

"How do you think I feel?"

He laughs slightly. I've missed her like there was no tomorrow.

I signal for Gaius and her servant to leave the room, giving my wife and I time to be alone. I pull off my chain mail and lie next to her in my shirt and trousers. I stroke her face softly as she moves backwards to give me more room. I kiss her on the lips, finally glad to feel some warmth in her hands.

I spend the rest of the day with her, passing her water and small bits of food every now and then. She's so delicate at the moment. In fact, I don't want to let anyone be near her unless they have to. Throughout the afternoon, she sleeps periodically, giving me time to finish some paperwork I had Merlin bring to her room.

That night, I sleep in her bed. I make myself comfortable on my side of the bed, laying on my back like I normally do. She edges closer until she is lying next to me, her beautiful eyes staring into my own.

"I love you, Arthur," she murmurs as she closes her eyes.

"I love you too." I sit up slightly, and pull the covers around her shoulders until it seems like she's wearing a cloak. At the end of the day, I only care that she is as well as she can be. I lie next to her, my mind racing over what could have happened to her if I hadn't have got her back to Camelot in time. I put those thoughts aside and enjoy the time I have with her.

She rolls over, her back now facing me. I too roll over and rest my one arm above her head on the pillow, my other hand clutching her hand that's resting over her stomach. I close my eyes and rest my head as close to hers as I can. And then I feel her stomach move.

Like something was kicking from the inside. Like a baby.

A/n: I said I probably wouldn't upload this weekend, but here I am! Outoftea I hope you enjoyed it and the extra bit at the end... Again, have a good Easter or Passover or any other holiday!