That Ship Has Sailed

Merlin & Arthur VI

"Aren't you going to leave the room?"

"Why? You're not attracted to women and I'm not attracted to you, so what difference does it make?"

Merlin gave Morgana a look, but she simply smiled and told him to hurry. She gathered some food for him while he un dressed and got into the rub of water to clean himself up. When she turned around, she gasped and nearly dropped the food she was carrying.

"What's wrong?" Merlin asked quickly.

"I'm sorry," Morgana said, closing her eyes for a second, "You're bruised very badly--I didn't know."

Merlin looked down at his purple skin covering his chest and stomach with a few on his arms. He sighed, "They'll heal," he nearly whispered.

Morgana was at his side in a second, her hand reaching for his cheek, "Of course they will, Merlin. I'm sorry, I was only startled by them. Just get lots of rest and they'll heal just fine."

Merlin shook his head, "I don't want Arthur to see them."

"He won't mind."

"No. I don't want him to see them."

Morgana nodded, "All right. Just tell him that. He'll understand."

"What if he wants to see me because he's realized that now that he's king, he's going to need a queen to rule beside him and he wants to banish me as well?"

Morgana shook her head, "He'd never do that, Merlin. Not ever. Don't let the thought cross your mind."

Merlin nodded slowly, picking up the rag to scrub the dirt from his face and arms.