Merlin one shots

Kings

"Merlin, are you hungry at all?" Merlin and Arthur were lying shirtless on Arthur's bed, Arthur casually stroking Merlin's chest.
"A little."
"I could really take some fresh fruit right now. Grapes?" Merlin nodded, Arthur pushing him off and rolling out of the bed. He went over to the door, opening it. He stopped a passing maid, requesting that she bring the food up. She nodded obediently, curtsying slightly, and went on her way.

"How was your training session today?" Merlin looked over at Arthur.
"Alright. Although I think I've jarred a muscle in my shoulder." Arthur tried to roll his shoulder. Merlin stopped him.
"Let's see." Arthur turned around, sitting with his legs over the edge of the bed. Merlin placed a hand on the area, where there was some slight bruising, and swelling around the bone. "Ouch."
"I'll get Gaius to make me a tonic," Arthur began, but Merlin had already whispered an incantation, repelling the pain from Arthur's shoulder.
"Good as new."

"Right. Where are we dining?" Merlin asked, fastening his doublet. Arthur had brushed his hair, pulled on a pair of leather trousers and was lacing up his shirt.
"In the banquet hall." Arthur flicked a piece of lint from his shoulder.
"There's a banquet?"
"The anniversary of my father conquering Camelot," Arthur informed him. "But, it does mean we get roast duck, so I'm not complaining."
"Oh, lovely." Merlin gulped. He'd been married to Arthur for over half a year now, but wasn't any closer to the idea of feasting on expensive meats and fruits being the norm. Nor the idea of being served, rather than the one doing the serving. Arthur said he'd adjust eventually.

"My lords," Gwen greeted Merlin and Arthur with a smile and well practised half-curtsy. "Good evening to you both."
"Thank you Guinevere." Arthur smiled back, taking his seat at the end of the table, Merlin to his right. Arthur smiled at the assembly. Gwen filled his goblet with wine, then Merlin's. "Before we begin our celebrations, let us raise a toast." Arthur raised his drink. "To another year of peace and prosperity for Camelot."
"To Camelot," the group chorused, Arthur inviting them to sit down.

"More wine?" Merlin looked at Gwen and nodded, handing her his cup.
"Thank you."
"My lord. I was wondering if I might speak with you later this evening?"
"Of course. Just come up to our chambers after the banquet's finished." Merlin smiled.
"Thank you my lord."
"Gwen, I really wish you wouldn't call me that."
"Sorry."

"Did you fancy a bath?" Arthur offered, picking a piece of fluff from Merlin's collar.
"I had one yesterday."
"And do you want another one today?" Merlin considered it for a minute, before shaking his head.
"Well I will. Grab someone to fetch me a bathtub will you?" Merlin nodded, sticking his head out of the door.

"Merlin, clean my back would you? There should be soap somewhere." Merlin nodded, reaching for the soap and working it to a lather in his hands, working it into Arthur's back. Arthur groaned from the pleasure, eyes closed. "Oh that's lovely."
"Hmm."

Arthur was relaxing in the bath when Gwen knocked on the door, opening it. Arthur freaked out, immediately covering his genitals with his hands. Gwen back out, apologising. "Merlin!"
"Sorry, I forgot she said she was coming up," Merlin apologised, rushing towards the door.

"So sorry about that." Merlin closed the door to his and Arthur's rooms, leaning against the wall opposite Gwen.
"No, it is I who should apologise. I should have waited." Merlin waved a hand, as if to dismiss the idea from her thoughts.
"No matter. What was it you wanted to talk with me about?"
"Well, a few weeks ago, Arthur asked about a valet for you." Merlin nodded.
"I remember."
"Well, I finally managed to find someone appropriate. I thought it right to inform you. He starts tomorrow." Merlin nodded.
"Thank you Gwen. Was there anything else?" Gwen shook her head.
"No sir."
"Gwen, I know we aren't excactly on best terms, but we promised we'd still be friends." Gwen nodded. "Arthur chose..."
"I know what the king chose, Merlin," Gwen said, coldly.  "I just thought that maybe." She sighed.
"Gwen, I don't mean to send you away, but it's been a few years now. If you still haven't gotten over him, well, maybe somewhere other than Camelot might be good for you."
"Goodnight, my lord." Gwen curtsied, turning on her heel and walking away down the corridor.

"Was she alright?" Arthur had dried himself off, and was sitting with a towel wrapped around his waist on the bed.
"Fine. I forgot I told her she could come up. Sorry." Arthur just smiled. "So, sex?"
"Uh, not tonight," Arthur groaned. "Tomorrow though."
"Why not tonight?"
"Merlin, do you have any idea how hard you bummed me last night? I could barely sit on a horse." Merlin laughed.
"We could always swap? Or, there's a lot of other things you can do without-" Arthur shook his head, cutting Merlin off.
"Not tonight." Merlin nodded.

"What did Guinevere want?" Arthur had Merlin sat resting on him, feeding him grapes.
"Oh, she just informed me that our new valet starts tomorrow."
"Morning?" Merlin shrugged.
"I suppose so."
"I expect quite a spread for breakfast then." Arthur kissed Merlin's neck.
"I'm sure." Merlin smiled, snuggling into Arthur's body, pulling the embroidered cover over both of them. "Night Arthur."
"Goodnight."