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Merlin swept into the King’s chambers at first light, clunking down his tray in a dramatic fashion as he called, “Up and at ‘em, lazy daisy!”
He was rewarded with Arthur’s deep groan of distaste, pulling back the bedcurtains to reveal the blond shoving his head beneath his pillow. The servant rolled his eyes, reaching out to try and wrestle the item away– but the other man held strong.
“Come on, sire , you have a tight schedule for the day. Get. Up!” He yanked particularly hard, and his magic slithered out to help with the task, causing him to miscalculate his strength. He fell backward, dragging the king along with him; Merlin landed hard with an ‘oomph’, pain flaring up his tailbone, and Arthur ended up flailing and twisting forward– rolling on his shoulder and ending on his back.
“ Merlin! ” He puffed out, sitting up and fixing a glare at his friend. Merlin grinned sheepishly, wincing as he moved to his feet.
He offered a hand to the other man, but was waved off as he shoved himself up, “I didn’t expect you to hold on!” He cajoled, splaying his hands out half-heartedly, but the king was having none of it.
“Finish your chores here, later, once I’ve left. I cannot handle your particular brand of ire today. Join the others in preparation for King Wilfred and his people.” He sniped, and Merlin frowned. Arthur had been stressed, of course, preparing for the party from West Anglia to arrive, but he was also increasingly irritable. It was equally annoying for the manservant.
Instead of arguing, however, he gave a mocking bow, “Yes, sire, ” before turning to leave. He could tell what was coming, and ducked when a shoe flew toward him. It landed with a dull thud against the door, and Merlin couldn’t help but laugh as he slipped out to the sound of Arthur cursing.
~~
The empty room gave the king a moment to breathe, his mind wandering back to the hazy dream he had been rudely awakened from. A slender frame , pale skin, red lips that panted and moaned his name.
Arthur glared at the shut door, rubbing a hand over his face with a shake of his head, “Gods, how is it that he is the subject of my fucking dreams ?!”
~~
“Ah, Merlin! Do you think you can help Gerard and Kurt with hanging that banner? The ladders can’t quite reach where we wanted it.” Gwen greeted him with a pat on the arm, and the two younger servants watched in wonder as he grinned.
He nudged her gently with his elbow, “You know I’d do anything you ask, my lady,” He teased, and without a second thought the banner was securing itself around the support beams.
Guinevere fondly rolled her eyes, setting the two servants on another task before answering, “Thank you. I still can’t believe you’ve not let Arthur appoint you Court Sorcerer. Your talents deserve to be recognized.” She poked, and he shrugged off the sentiment.
“My place is behind him, not beside him,” He lamented, though she raised her eyebrow with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Her voice rang with mirth as she lowered it, “Merlin, we both know your true place is under him.”
The comment made his face flush as he gritted out, “ Gwen. ”
She giggled and tilted her head, though her next words were pointed, “ Merlin . You’re not giving yourself more credit. You’re first to defend others when they need to believe in themselves, but you never see the good in yourself. Truly, you deserve to be honored for your actions defending Arthur and Camelot. Most importantly, you need to tell Arthur how you feel. We both know it’s tearing you up. Perhaps, at least, getting it out will ease your burdens.”
She wasn’t wrong per se– but years of service and hiding in the shadows was still hard to shake. The idea of shattering the sacred bond they had cultivated over the years, despite the aching in his heart when the man so much as glanced his way.
He pursed his lips, flitting his eyes around the room and then settling them on her once more with sadness weighing them down, “And I fear telling him and being rejected would be too much for me to take.”
She let out a sigh, reaching out to rub his arm soothingly, and the small gesture was answered with a nod before he was moving on to help the others.
~~
Arthur was all smiles upon the arrival of West Anglia’s party; shaking hands and commanding respect in that kingly voice that made Merlin weak in the knees. He stood a respectable distance away, hands clasped behind his back and simply watching. He felt an ache in his chest as Wilfred brought his daughter forward, red-headed and gorgeous, and Arthur introduced himself with a kiss to her hand. He looked away, keeping the scene in his peripheral. As soon as his king’s hand raised, he was stepping forward and tuning in again.
“Merlin is my personal servant, and he can show you to your rooms. Any concerns you have, you can summon him. He is at your party’s disposal, King Wilfred.” He turned his head to catch the warlock’s eyes– who was balking at him– with a look of smugness. Merlin bristled as he caught the underlying message; Payback. He’s still upset about this morning! Arrogant prat…
The servant gave his most award-winning smile and gave a perfect bow to the group, “It’s a pleasure to be at your disposal, Your Highness’.” He could practically feel the indignation as Arthur stared at the act of respect.
A young man stepped forward– tall, dark, and handsome, Merlin noted– and gave him a smile, something very few noblemen did, as the visiting King replied, “Splendid, lead the way boy.” He barked, and Merlin motioned for the valets to grab the bags. He shot one more, hidden, glare toward Arthur, who quirked his lips into a smirk.
In total, there were only three rooms to cover. First, the King and Queen’s, then their daughter, Princess Adelaide, and finally, the man who had shared a smile with him in the courtyard– Prince Alisander.
That’s where he stood now– dismissing the valet after the Prince’s things were in order. He bowed toward him, “If there’s nothing else, sire, I will see myself out.”
The prince turned from where he had been looking out of the window, regarding him, “Of course, thank you.” Merlin couldn’t help but notice how his green eyes shined, his brown curls swept behind his ears. The servant only realized he had been staring when the prince shot him a concerned look, “You alright, Merlin?”
He felt the heat rise in his cheeks and he bobbed his head quickly, “Yes, my apologies.” And he took his leave.
~~
When Arthur had told the visiting royalty that Merlin would be at their disposal, he hadn’t meant for him to be at their every beck and call. Over the past few days, he had hardly seen heads or tails of his friend and it was driving him mad. Not having the man to talk to, to bounce ideas off of; it only made his heart strain even more every time he thought of him, and his dreams had become worse each night.
At least he didn’t have to keep hiding his arousal in the morning. Merlin had been sending George to wake him, and the servant simply made sure he was conscious before taking his leave.
Tonight was the visitor’s final before their departure, and the glorious feast they had been pouring every waking moment into was going off without a hitch. Music floated around them, the food was overflowing, and no goblet was left empty for long.
Except Arthur’s.
Prince Alisander had captured Merlin in conversation, the servant leaned close to the nobleman’s face to hear him over the raucous noise filling the room. His friend was slowly grinning, glancing at the prince and then around the room, before he laughed. Arthur couldn’t hear it over the noise, but he could almost make it out from memory. It twisted like a knife in his gut and he gripped his cup tight enough it turned his knuckles white.
“ Mer lin!” He called, loud enough to turn the warlock’s head. He assessed the matching raised goblet and eyebrow, rolling his eyes before turning back to Alisander. His irritation grew as they whispered quickly, sharing grins, before Merlin straightened and made his way over, “I’m sorry , was I interrupting your social time?”
The sorcerer narrowed his eyes at the sickly-sweet tone as he poured ale into the king’s cup, the close proximity revealing tired circles below his blue irises, “If I remember correctly, your highness , you are the one who assigned me to them. Perhaps, if you wanted special attention, you would’ve thought through your punishment.” His voice dripped in sarcasm as he gave him a sardonic smirk.
Arthur narrowed his eyes, though his head raced at those words, “But you just thrive under the extra load, don’t you?” His lips twitched, bemused, as he raised his goblet to his lips.
Fingers tightened around the handle of his pitcher as Merlin huffed, turned on his heel, and stomped off toward the wall. Arthur was distracted by Princess Adelaide leaning over, after that, and he felt a twinge of guilt. This was his first time seeing Merlin so close in a week, and he could tell the extra work was draining him. He resigned himself to apologizing later.
~~
Merlin beamed as he traded out with another servant for his break, already being dragged over toward the knights by Gwaine. He had an arm slung over Merlin’s shoulders, shoving a cup of ale into the man’s hand.
“Look what I found, guys. Our ever elusive sorcerer!” Gwaine whooped, and the servant narrowly dodged his hair being tousled as he pulled away.
“Alright, alright,” He muttered, though his grin never wavered. Gwen rounded the table, tsking at the rugged man, and guided Merlin to a spot near Lancelot.
“I’m glad you are able to enjoy the festivities yourself. You’ve been working like a dog for the last week.” Lancelot greeted, clasping his hand on his shoulder.
Merlin took a drink from his cup, “Yes, well, seniority as a servant has its perks.” He joked, earning a chuckle from the man. Gwen slid her hand into the knight’s, and they shared a quick peck.
“It sure does.” She agreed.
About thirty minutes later– tables and chairs had been moved out of the way to leave the center of the room open. The drinks were clearly beginning to take effect as people danced along with the music, following easy steps that still caused them to stumble and laugh. The knights had dissipated to find maidens while Lance and Gwen wandered off to conversate. Merlin watched from the sidelines, eyes gliding over to Arthur– still speaking to Wilfred and Adelaide– before they settled on the person striding toward him.
His back straightened on impulse as Alisander stopped in front of him, “Sire,” He bowed his head, “Is there something I can do for you?”
The man’s gaze scanned over him, going glossy for a short moment before he snapped out of it, “I was wondering where you had gone, are you relieved of your duties for the night?” He questioned. Merlin nodded softly.
“Yes, has Kurt been inefficient at serving you?”
The prince waved his hand, “No, not at all. I suppose I’ve just gotten used to your services the past week.”
~~
Perhaps he had drunk too much, he suddenly realized.
Arthur’s attention was acutely drawn to that prince and his friend standing too close and conversing with smiles across their lips. He had to force himself to listen, though his eyes strayed from the princess every few moments. His temper rose with each lean, each shared glance, and then the prince moved in close enough to Merlin’s ear that their cheeks nearly touched, and whatever he said made the servant flush.
The blond slammed his cup down harder than intended, then forced an airy laugh, “My apologies, but I think I’ve had enough for the night. Please, enjoy the festivities.” He barely waited for an acknowledgment, his feet moving of their own accord toward his manservant.
Merlin’s eyes widened slightly at his arrival, taking a step away from Alisander; who looked less than pleased at being interrupted.
“Your majesty.” The prince spoke, and Arthur returned it with just the nod of his head– his attention was focused on Merlin, the alcohol in his system spurring him.
“Merlin, I am retiring for the night. Come.” He ordered, voice short and clipped, and the man furrowed his eyebrows.
“But I-”
“ Now .”
They stared each other down for a long moment, both of their gazes heated, but Merlin broke first. He sent an apologetic smile toward the visiting prince, yet had no time to speak as he was grasped by the arm and dragged off.
Arthur heard him sputter as he led him away, but he stayed stoically silent the entire rush back to his rooms. Inside, his head was running wild.
The idea of another man taking his friend’s attention was almost too much, and every single thing he had ever imagined doing to the servant was at the forefront of his thoughts. He was barely able to stop himself from shoving the man against a wall and claiming him right there in the hall.
The door to his chambers slammed shut, and finally, Merlin pulled himself free from the king’s grip with a harsh glare, “What the hell, Arthur?” He hissed.
Arthur returned the glare with one of his own, advancing on the warlock as he responded, “I should be asking the same of you. You shirk your duties to what? Fraternize with the visiting noblemen ?”
“ Fraternize ?” His cheeks heated at that, recoiling slightly, “Not that it’s any of your business , but I made sure you had a cover– I was enjoying the night off. And what, or for that matter, who I do in my free time is none of your concern, sire. ” He spat, eyes blazing with more conviction than Arthur had ever seen. God, he’s hot when he’s angry…
He stepped closer again, like a predator stalking prey, but Merlin held firm, “It’s my business because you are my servant, Merlin.” The flush of his red cheeks, the dark look in his eye, the defiance; it was too much to bear with the adrenaline coursing through him. Before the other man could think, the king had surged forward and claimed his mouth in a dirty, demanding kiss. Merlin gasped, and Arthur swallowed it as his tongue slipped past his lips.
There was brief moment of panic, because oh for fuck’s sake this isn’t how this should go , but then Merlin was fisting his hands in his tunic and pulling him closer. He returned the kiss fervently, moaning as Arthur’s hands slid over his waist and guided him back until he hit the wall.
The king pulled away first, dragging kisses and nips over the pale skin of his jaw and neck, “You’re mine , Merlin. Everyone is going to know.” His fingers twisted in the knot of the servant’s neckerchief, tossing it away to suck a harsh mark. Merlin panted, head thunking against the wall as his eyes flashed– leaving them both naked.
“Fuck, Arthur, yes…” He let out, and the king all but growled as he rolled their hips together.
“Oil.” He commanded, and at the same time he forced the sorcerer to face the wall. Within a moment, Merlin brandished a small bottle for him and he readily plucked it from his fingers. He used his knee to nudge the lithe man’s legs apart farther, dark eyes taking in every inch of his lover.
He coated his fingers, sliding his mouth over the curve of the man’s shoulder as he slowly eased the first one inside. Merlin whined at the intrusion, fingers splaying against the wall, “Please, Arthur, I can take it.” He begged as he rested his forehead against the cool stones. The king chuckled against his skin, leaving a purple bruise in the wake of his mouth.
Arthur sunk two more fingers, working them in and out as the younger man keened under the onslaught. The sight was driving him mad, especially knowing that the Merlin wanted him just as much as he wanted Merlin.
When he slid his fingers out, the warlock gave another whine, “Arthur-”
“Shut up , Merlin.” He ordered, pulling the other away from the wall to bend him over the desk, his hips pressed so his cock dragged over his wet hole, “You’re going to do what you’re told for once, and stay still. Understand?” When his question went unanswered, he twisted his fingers in the raven-locks and yanked him up to face him, though not rough enough to cause serious pain. The slighter man’s eyes were blown wide, and he looked at him as if asking for permission. And he was. “You may speak.” His fingers released the hold on his hair.
“Yes, I understand, please, sire, fuck me.” He rushed out, biting his lip, “I want you so bad, please. ” Arthur’s eyes went dark at the request, laying his palm over the curve of Merlin’s back and pressing him against the desk until he was flat.
With a moan of his own, the king lined himself up and thrusted in with one smooth motion. Merlin wailed in pleasure, fingers gripping at the wood beneath him as Arthur set a punishing pace. It was fast, hard, and dirty, and with each thrust in he slammed his hips against the curve of Merlin’s ass.
“Oh, fuck, gods, Arthur, yes…” The man babbled, shuddering with each slam against that little bundle of nerves. The blond watched him hungrily, his pace never waning.
“Look at you, you’re mine. Everyone will know you’re mine.” He breathed, groaning at the way Merlin squeezed around his cock, “Oh, that turns you on doesn’t it?”
The warlock couldn’t even defend himself, simply whimpered and moaned as he was taken.
His fingers dug into the soft skin of the raven’s hips, and soon the rise of his friend’s orgasm was obvious; his legs began to shake, his fingers turned white with their grip on the wood, and he started getting louder. Moans, keens, whimpers– all long and sweet, and addicting.
“A-Arthur, I’m…” He muttered, but said man shushed him.
He slid his hands down to stretch him open with his thumbs, pushing himself deeper and wracking a sob from the man’s body. He arched away from the table with the force of his orgasm and his cum painted the edge of Arthur’s desk. With a tut, the blond slowed enough to acknowledge him.
“I’m going to make sure you feel this. I want you to feel me every time you take a step.”
And then he was pounding him harder and faster as the tight squeeze brought him closer to the edge. Merlin cried out, pushing himself back against him, “Yes, fuck , Arthur, I’m yours!”
With one final thrust he buried himself in his tight heat, cum spilling from his cock and filling him. The lithe man whimpered at the feeling, breath coming out in heaves as he slumped completely against the wood table. Arthur’s chest rose and fell in shallow breaths, slowly easing himself out of the younger man.
It took a moment for him to gather his bearings, but soon he was carefully gathering his servant in his arms and laying him down on the bed, “Stay, let me get a cloth,” His voice had lost its commanding tone, the adrenaline leaving him just a touch nervous. The dark head of hair simply hummed as he rolled onto his stomach and burrowed into the warm blankets.
A moment later, Arthur was returning with a damp rag from the rinsing bowl they kept in his chambers. He took a few minutes to clean them both up, carefully wiping away the stickiness.
The older man settled on the edge of the bed, wary of climbing in when the warlock looked so peaceful– head lolled to the side away from the king and his face bearing a faint smile. His mind was whirring, feeling wholly as if he had taken advantage of the one true friend he had.
Merlin reached out blindly, finding his hand with his own and tugging him, “Lay down, you’ll hurt your head with all that thinking.” He muttered as he gave a halfhearted attempt to shove the blanket out from under him without shifting. Arthur couldn’t help but chuckle, helping him untangle himself from the duvet, then sliding underneath it with him.
The warlock rolled over and draped himself over his king, snuggling closer, and the blond let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, “This wasn’t exactly how I thought this would go.” He admitted, and Merlin raised his head to look at him with tired eyes.
“Do you…” His eyebrows drew together in the middle as he hesitated, “Do you regret it?”
The king’s eyes held nothing but sincerity when he answered, “Not at all. I just didn’t… I let my jealousy get the best of me. I’m sorry.”
Merlin smiled then, leaning in to press a kiss to his lips, “No apologies necessary, I promise. I wanted it.” Arthur returned the kiss, slower, before they settled back against each other.
They fell asleep like that, snuggled against each other.