The love between a king and his serving boy (merthur)

Chapter 3

Percival's POV

I spend all my time hunting or just spending time alone now. Gwaine's death has completely crushed me. At night, his last moments haunt me. If Merlin hadn't gotten hold of Morgana first, then I would've hurt her in as many ways humanly possible. Gwaine was my life and she took it from me.

I blundered around and filled my head of horrible thoughts about Gwaine dying, but then there was a noise. I was instantly alert and gripped my sword. The bushes rustled and I slowly, carefully stepped closer, my sword raised high. I suddenly heard muttering and recognised the voice of King Arthur. I was surprised, ever since he found Guinevere dead, he never left his room. No one other than Merlin's ever sees him.

"I'm king for gods sake, I need to get over it. She's dead and I can do nothing about it. Merlin needs me, he saved me and I need to repay him, it's only fair," the king was murmuring. I was confused, what was Aurther going on about? And why was he on his own? I took this chance to reveal myself and join him.

"Arthur," I smiled slightly, not wanting to disturb his thoughts. He looked rather taken aback, but he smiled and greeted me. We walked side by side for a while in silence. It was awkward, but neither of us could think of anything to say.

"How are you Percival? I know that you and Gwaine were close," he looked sympathetic, and I couldn't answer. I didn't want to cry in front of my king, so I just shrugged. "I have a lot on my mind as well. Gwaine was a good friend, and a good knight. I don't know what to think about Guinevere. I miss her and I wish she didn't hurt me like she did. But I've also had problems with Merlin."

"Merlin?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes. I promised him something and I have not kept that promise. I have just been a bad friend to him... I bet he wishes he never saved me," he replied, looking down at the ground and angrily kicking a stone.

"You care for him a lot. He is lucky to have you as you are lucky to have him. You were the greatest king Camelot has ever known and once you have gotten over the death of Guinevere, you will return to be the king you were. You cannot help but mourn, it is natural, but I have no doubt that you will keep your promises and keep Camelot moving through this difficult time," I was surprised at my supportive and meaningful words, and Arthur was too. He smiled slightly and thanked me. He then left and I continued to grieve over Gwaine.

Gaius' POV

Merlin slammed the door as he entered, eyes burning with fury. He is like this often, he is not himself. Merlin didn't even look at me, he just stormed into his room and threw things about. He never even uses magic anymore. After a while, he was quiet and I heard the muffled sound of crying. This happened every night since Gwen died. I decided it was time to see what was wrong.

"Merlin," I said softly as I opened his door. His face was wet with tears and his eyes were red and puffy. In vain, he tried to wipe away his tears. I sat next to him and placed my arm around his shoulders, he reluctantly accepted my sympathy.

"I just can't deal with this anymore Gaius. Arthur is sad and I can do nothing to help him. He knows I have magic yet he still hasn't allowed the kingdom to accept me. Gwen and Gwaine are dead and Arthur is dead inside. I just don't know how to help him. I am a terrible friend and servant and I bet Arthur wishes he could just have me hanged," his voice cracked on the last sentence and I pulled him into a tight hug. Merlin cared a lot about the king.

"I'm sorry Merlin. But it will get better. Your destiny is to save Arthur and that is what you will continue to do. You will save him," I whispered into the boy's hair.

"DESTINY?!" He pulled away and got angry, "Why must everything be about destiny? The life I lead is trying to fulfil my destiny and I don't ever know how to do it, it is just an accident, like my life. My destiny says that I am on the same path as Arthur, but he is a step ahead and I'll never reach him." I was in shock. Merlin is so heart broken and it is obvious. His anger, his crying. He is heart broken and in love.

"Tell me about your feelings for Arthur,"

"Love. Gaius, I am in love with him and I can do nothing about it."