That Ship Has Sailed

Merlin & Arthur I

"You don't have to do this."

"It's an order."

Merlin struggled against the chains on his wrists, trying to get them free.

"Please--you know me. Please don't do this."

"I have to," Arthur said sternly.

"Why?"

"It's an order!" Arthur shouted.

"Defy it!" Merlin shouted back.

Arthur looked around, making sure they were truly alone in the dungeon hallway, then he pushed Merlin up against one of the walls and put his arm across his throat, "If I do, I will die. You know that."

"I won't let that happen," Merlin choked.

Arthur let go, "How can you possibly ensure that, Merlin?"

"I have--ways," Merlin said, looking at Arthur.

"Don't make this harder than it has to be, Merlin," Arthur said, grabbing the shackles around Merlin's wrists and continuing to lead him down the hall.

"Please, Arthur. Don't."

Arthur pulled open a cell and looked at Merlin for a second. Merlin watched the pain in his eyes as he shoved him into the cell, "I'm sorry," he whispered before locking it behind him.

Merlin sunk to the floor on his knees, shaking his head, "I'll get you out. I'll kidnap you if I have to!" he called after Arthur.

Arthur appeared in front of his cell again, "You do and it's treason! We could never come back here."

"I don't want to live under the rule of your father any way," Merlin challenged as he stood and walked toward the bars, reaching through to grab Arthur's shirt.

"What--how did you--"

Merlin handed him the shackles and said quietly, "I told you I have my ways."

With that, he let go of Arthur and walked to the back of the cell, sliding down against the wall to sit on the straw covered floor. He glared up at Arthur and Arthur looked back before looking down at the unharmed shackles in his hand.