Black Magic {chapter 3}
Title: Black Magic {Chapter 3}
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: PG
Warnings: Dark themes
Spoilers: None
Summary: Uther is set on eradicating sorcery from his Kingdom. But when he sends his son to destroy the evil lurking in the forest of Camelot, he discovers that there is some magic which is better left alone.
"Merlin, you may not realize it, but I am the prince and you are my servant. When I give you an order, you follow it to the greatest of your abilities."
"But, Arthur, this is serious. You don't understand the danger you're putting yourself in! Please just-"
"Just what, Merlin? You heard what my father said. If I don't do this, then I don't belong here."
"Of course you damn well belong here, you're the future king! And a good one at that."
Arthur frowned, then his lip twitched up into a smirk. "A good future king, eh? You're not as moronic as you look."
Sighing loudly, Merlin looked at Arthur, blocking the prince's path with his own body. "As your servant, prince Arthur, I am obliged to protect your incredibly valuable life. Because of this, I am begging you not to go into those woods."
"Why do you think the danger is so great? Is it because they know magic? Don't forget, Merlin, that I have dealt with magical beings before."
Merlin shook his head, turning away as he mumbled, "Not without my help."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Right. Listen to me Merlin." Arthur clamped a strong hand on Merlin's thin shoulder, squeezing just a little harder than necessary. "Stop worrying about me. There is work to be done here; the stables, my chambers, etcetera. Make yourself useful and be sure to have a good meal and a large goblet of wine ready for me when I return."
Knowing that Arthur was beyond reach as far as convincing him not to go into the forest was concerned, Merlin nodded weakly, shoulders sagging as he told the prince to be careful.
"I told you not to worry, now go and... clean, or something."
"Of course, your majesty." And the warlock slumped off to the stables.
* * *
After several hours, Merlin's hands were burning raw, his back aching and knees weak. But the stables were tidied and Arthur's chamber was spotless, his sheets washed and bed made, clothes cleaned and folded neatly away, floor swept and scrubbed, furniture polished. Bowls of fresh fruit were put out on the table, and even the glass of the windows was cleaner and clearer than ever. Arthur should be pleased.
Returning home, the warlock washed his hands and face, splashing water through his hair and down his neck.
"Been working hard, I see." Gaius.
"Yes." Merlin turned to the physician. "Needed to keep my mind occupied. Arthur hasn't returned yet. I should never have let him go."
Smiling lightly, Gaius put a hand at the small of Merlin's back, guiding him toward a chair. "You have to remember that you do not have the authority to stop him. He is strong-minded, and nothing you could have said or done would have stopped Arthur from doing his duty. The day is not through yet, there is plenty of time for him to return safely. And if by nightfall he has not, then we will look for him, just you and I."
"What chance do we stand, Gaius?"
"A better one than any and all of Camelot's bravest men. We understand them. And I do believe that though it may be slim, there is still a chance for a peaceful resolution."
"How can that be? They are going to hurt Arthur! Blind him, even."
"Yes, because they want him to replace their dying clansman. But that does not mean that all is lost. There is something we can do, Merlin, though it may take some time."
"Tell me."
"We can find a man worthy of taking Arthur's place."
"What... no! We cannot just sacrifice an innocent man! That's not a peaceful resolution, Gaius!"
"It could be."
"How?"
"What is the one thing a blind man would wish for above all else?"
"...Sight?"
"Precisely. And Merlin, the disciples can grant a blind man sight, though not of the typical kind. Remember what I said about seeing with their minds?"
"Yes."
"Well then, do you see where I am going with this?"
"I think so... yes. We find a blind man and trick him into trusting us by offering to return his sight. And then we offer him to the Shadow Disciples so they may do as they will with him."
Gaius tsked impatiently, staring intently at the warlock. "You are being far too cynical. We are not going to trick anybody, Merlin. We will find a man, blind and good of heart, and tell him of our circumstances. We will then give him the choice of joining the Shadow Disciples in Arthur's place. If he refuses... then that is something we must accept."
Merlin felt doubt seep through his skin, weighing his body down. "Its a long shot, Gaius. And probably impossible, but we must try."
"Yes, Merlin, we must. And it may not be as impossible as you think."
* * *
It turned out that, by some miracle, or just sheer, beautiful luck, that Gaius knew such a man as the one they were looking for. An old friend, blind since birth, widowed and childless, poor and alone. But, Gaius assured Merlin, with a heart worth more than gold. "He has nothing left," Gaius had explained. "And he has never known sight. His heart is pure, and I have faith that he will see this offer as an opportunity to restore purpose to his life."
Feeling a little less like the weight of Arthur's future were sitting on his shoulders, slowly breaking him bone by bone, Merlin managed a smile as he helped Gaius prepare for their trip to visit the physician's blind friend. "You're not coming with me, Merlin."
"Excuse me, but yes I am. There is no way you're leaving me behind."
"You should stay. Wait for Arthur, he may still return. And if he does, and you are not here, it will cause him more frustration that its worth. Not to mention the fact that you would surely find yourself spending a week in the stocks as punishment for your absence. This trip poses no danger, Merlin. The path is safe and fairly short. The only thing you have to fear is whether or not I come back with hope, or alone."
"You're right." The warlock nodded, glum as he bid Gaius farewell. "Have a safe journey."
"I assure you that I will."
* * *
All afternoon Merlin worried. About Gaius and Arthur.
He worried until his head hurt and he desperately needed something to do.
Returning to the prince’s chambers, Merlin looked around for something to clean. Of course, there was nothing. He occupied himself for a short time by laying out fresh clothes at the end of Arthur’s bed, filling a pitcher with water and setting it next to the fruit.
There was no point arranging for a meal to be prepared yet, as it would most likely just sit on the table and go cold.
Merlin sighed, feeling useless and pitiful.
He took a seat on the edge of Arthur’s bed and stared at the wall.
Sometime later, though he wasn’t sure just how much time, Merlin woke to a very angry looking face - a handsome face, with blond hair and blue eyes - a face that looked so much like Arthur’s…
“What do you think you’re doing, you pathetic excuse for a servant!? Get up, now! How dare you sleep in my bed! GET UP!”
Merlin was too shocked, too scared to move. He just lay there, eyes wide and staring up at the prince. Arthur grabbed him violently, dragging him from the bed and crushing him against the wall. His face was close now, his breath hot on Merlin’s ear. “All of my men died today, you bastard. All of them. And you think you have the right to fall asleep in royal chambers? You make me want to hurt you Merlin, make me really want to just…”
“I’m sorry.” The warlock couldn’t actually speak, reverting to silently mouthing the words.
Arthur snapped then, his eyes glazing over and filling with tears. His bottom lip trembled, fingers twisting tight in Merlin’s shirt. “They let me live… I don’t know why.” His head dropped forward onto Merlin’s shoulder, and the warlock had no idea what to do. He couldn’t speak, and his hands seemed permanently glued to his sides.
Arthur shook, little sobs escaping his lips. Merlin noticed he smelt of sweat and dirt, and blood. His hair was slightly damp, sticking to his neck. Despite all that was happening right now, the one thing the warlock found himself thinking about most was the mark on the prince’s back. It was no time to ask Arthur to show him how it was looking, but he wanted to, really wanted to.
Finally he found his voice. “Arthur, let’s get you out of these clothes, this armor. Come on, you need a bath. And then I’ll bring you dinner and as much wine as you could possibly drink.”
Sniffling, Arthur lifted his head, refusing to meet Merlin’s gaze. He stepped back then, hands falling limp by his sides. He looked utterly hopeless. Dirty and tired and sad and hopeless. Merlin regretted now that he didn’t hug him before. Stupid arms, he thought, stop working when I need them most.
* * *
Merlin didn’t bother with rose petals or chamomile tonight. He just concentrated on washing Arthur’s body clean of sweat and blood. He took his time with Arthur’s blond hair, massaging his scalp with gentle hands. He smiled to himself as he coaxed a tiny moan from the prince’s lips.
Rinsing the suds from his hair, Merlin trailed his fingers down the curve of Arthur’s neck, rubbing his shoulders gently, moving down his spine, removing dirt as he went. He lingered when he reached the small of Arthur’s back, trying not to be obvious as his fingers traced the star that was now clearly visible.
“Stop it, Merlin. I know what you’re doing.”
“Sorry. Its so clear now, though, like it were drawn on with ink.”
“I don’t care.”
“You should.” Merlin mumbled, pulling his hand away.
* * *
He helped Arthur dress, smoothing his hands down his hard chest after lacing the prince’s shirt. “I’ll get your dinner now.”
“Merlin.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t forget the wine.”
“I won’t.”
“And Merlin?”
“Yes, Arthur?”
“Bring extra, for yourself… if you’d like.”
* * *
Arthur was onto his third goblet of wine, and Merlin was barely halfway through his first. It felt strange, drinking with the prince in his chambers. It felt unnatural.
But nice, nonetheless.
“I know its not my place to say, but I don’t think you should get too drunk tonight. Perhaps you should finish off what’s left of your dinner and go to bed?” Merlin braced himself for a verbal battering from Arthur, but it never came. The prince just shrugged, tipping his head back as he swallowed the remains of his wine.
“I don’t particularly want to sleep.”
“What would you like to do? Can I get anything for you?”
“You could tell me the truth.” Arthur’s face was hard and tired as he stared at the warlock. “Or, if you can’t manage such a feat, then you could leave.”
“The truth about what?”
“Oh come on, Merlin, you might be stupid, but I’m not! Don’t you think I can see that you’re hiding something? You and Gaius, always keeping secrets when the safety of Camelot is in jeopardy.”
“That’s not fair.”
“You’re a poor, undernourished servant boy, Merlin - your existence is not fair.”
Merlin cringed, his stomach dropping and tightening uncomfortably. “I’m so much more than that, Arthur. You just… don’t know how to see me.”
“What are you talking about? Do you think you’re important to me, Merlin? Let me tell you something about importance - those men that followed me into the forest today, they were important, and they died protecting me. I watched every one of them fall, and then I waited for my turn, but it never came. One moment those monks were there, doing… terrible things to my knights… and the next they were gone, leaving me untouched. I need to know why. If you can give me an answer Merlin, then please… do.”
Sighing, Merlin ran a hand through his hair, looking at the floor. “I can give you answers, but only if you stop drinking. Drowning your sorrows won’t bring your men back, nor will it cause anything to make sense. Finish your dinner, and drink some water, then I will explain what I can.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.”
“I’m not telling, merely suggesting - with your best interests at heart, sire.”
* * *
Merlin cleared away the dirty dishes, refilling Arthur’s goblet with water. The prince stayed seated at the table, gesturing for Merlin to do the same. Sitting down, the warlock clasped his hands in his lap, making eye contact with the prince. “It all started when we went into the woods two days back. The Shadow Disciples were there, watching us, I think. Gaius has told me that they can see into a person’s soul, into their heart. What they saw in you was something great, Arthur, something truly magnificent. That mark on your back is sort of like… a branding, they have marked you because they have chosen you to join them. One of their members is dying and they need you to take his place. That is why they spared your life today.”
Arthur frowned and said nothing. His eyes were glassy, and he chewed on his bottom lip.
“I won’t let them have you, Arthur. I won’t let them have you.”
“How can you stop them?”
“Gaius has gone to find a man… who can take your place. He is blind and lonely, and Gaius believes he will find good purpose in joining these monks. It will be alright.”
“So I am to sacrifice another? I cannot continue to let the good people of Camelot give themselves up for me. I should be protecting them.”
“Even the strongest men need saving sometimes. There is no shame in that, Arthur.”
For a long while both men sat quietly. Arthur sniffled and wept softly, and Merlin fought with himself, not knowing if it were better to just sit and do nothing, or move closer and embrace the tormented prince.
In the end he did nothing. And then a thought hit him. “Arthur, have you spoken to Uther? I know he told you not to come back without the disciples, but… surely he understands, given the circumstances?”
“He does not wish to see me. Though, obviously, I am not banished from his kingdom.”
“I don’t think he ever truly meant to banish you, Arthur. He is irrational sometimes… or, a lot of the time. He threatened you only in anger, I’m sure.”
Arthur nodded weakly. “Maybe.”
“Are you ready for bed, now?”
“I doubt I will sleep tonight, but I think I will lye down anyway.”
“Of course. Is there anything you need?”
Shaking his head once, Arthur slipped beneath his sheets, lying flat on his back, hands across his chest. Merlin bid him goodnight and made to leave his chamber. “Merlin, I want you to stay. Just for a while.”
The warlock stopped with his hand on the door handle. “Okay.” He took a seat beside the prince’s bed.
“Talk to me, Merlin.”
“What should I talk about?”
“Anything.” Arthur sighed.
Merlin shifted, feeling uncomfortable. Clearing his throat, he searched for something to say.
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: PG
Warnings: Dark themes
Spoilers: None
Summary: Uther is set on eradicating sorcery from his Kingdom. But when he sends his son to destroy the evil lurking in the forest of Camelot, he discovers that there is some magic which is better left alone.
"Merlin, you may not realize it, but I am the prince and you are my servant. When I give you an order, you follow it to the greatest of your abilities."
"But, Arthur, this is serious. You don't understand the danger you're putting yourself in! Please just-"
"Just what, Merlin? You heard what my father said. If I don't do this, then I don't belong here."
"Of course you damn well belong here, you're the future king! And a good one at that."
Arthur frowned, then his lip twitched up into a smirk. "A good future king, eh? You're not as moronic as you look."
Sighing loudly, Merlin looked at Arthur, blocking the prince's path with his own body. "As your servant, prince Arthur, I am obliged to protect your incredibly valuable life. Because of this, I am begging you not to go into those woods."
"Why do you think the danger is so great? Is it because they know magic? Don't forget, Merlin, that I have dealt with magical beings before."
Merlin shook his head, turning away as he mumbled, "Not without my help."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Right. Listen to me Merlin." Arthur clamped a strong hand on Merlin's thin shoulder, squeezing just a little harder than necessary. "Stop worrying about me. There is work to be done here; the stables, my chambers, etcetera. Make yourself useful and be sure to have a good meal and a large goblet of wine ready for me when I return."
Knowing that Arthur was beyond reach as far as convincing him not to go into the forest was concerned, Merlin nodded weakly, shoulders sagging as he told the prince to be careful.
"I told you not to worry, now go and... clean, or something."
"Of course, your majesty." And the warlock slumped off to the stables.
* * *
After several hours, Merlin's hands were burning raw, his back aching and knees weak. But the stables were tidied and Arthur's chamber was spotless, his sheets washed and bed made, clothes cleaned and folded neatly away, floor swept and scrubbed, furniture polished. Bowls of fresh fruit were put out on the table, and even the glass of the windows was cleaner and clearer than ever. Arthur should be pleased.
Returning home, the warlock washed his hands and face, splashing water through his hair and down his neck.
"Been working hard, I see." Gaius.
"Yes." Merlin turned to the physician. "Needed to keep my mind occupied. Arthur hasn't returned yet. I should never have let him go."
Smiling lightly, Gaius put a hand at the small of Merlin's back, guiding him toward a chair. "You have to remember that you do not have the authority to stop him. He is strong-minded, and nothing you could have said or done would have stopped Arthur from doing his duty. The day is not through yet, there is plenty of time for him to return safely. And if by nightfall he has not, then we will look for him, just you and I."
"What chance do we stand, Gaius?"
"A better one than any and all of Camelot's bravest men. We understand them. And I do believe that though it may be slim, there is still a chance for a peaceful resolution."
"How can that be? They are going to hurt Arthur! Blind him, even."
"Yes, because they want him to replace their dying clansman. But that does not mean that all is lost. There is something we can do, Merlin, though it may take some time."
"Tell me."
"We can find a man worthy of taking Arthur's place."
"What... no! We cannot just sacrifice an innocent man! That's not a peaceful resolution, Gaius!"
"It could be."
"How?"
"What is the one thing a blind man would wish for above all else?"
"...Sight?"
"Precisely. And Merlin, the disciples can grant a blind man sight, though not of the typical kind. Remember what I said about seeing with their minds?"
"Yes."
"Well then, do you see where I am going with this?"
"I think so... yes. We find a blind man and trick him into trusting us by offering to return his sight. And then we offer him to the Shadow Disciples so they may do as they will with him."
Gaius tsked impatiently, staring intently at the warlock. "You are being far too cynical. We are not going to trick anybody, Merlin. We will find a man, blind and good of heart, and tell him of our circumstances. We will then give him the choice of joining the Shadow Disciples in Arthur's place. If he refuses... then that is something we must accept."
Merlin felt doubt seep through his skin, weighing his body down. "Its a long shot, Gaius. And probably impossible, but we must try."
"Yes, Merlin, we must. And it may not be as impossible as you think."
* * *
It turned out that, by some miracle, or just sheer, beautiful luck, that Gaius knew such a man as the one they were looking for. An old friend, blind since birth, widowed and childless, poor and alone. But, Gaius assured Merlin, with a heart worth more than gold. "He has nothing left," Gaius had explained. "And he has never known sight. His heart is pure, and I have faith that he will see this offer as an opportunity to restore purpose to his life."
Feeling a little less like the weight of Arthur's future were sitting on his shoulders, slowly breaking him bone by bone, Merlin managed a smile as he helped Gaius prepare for their trip to visit the physician's blind friend. "You're not coming with me, Merlin."
"Excuse me, but yes I am. There is no way you're leaving me behind."
"You should stay. Wait for Arthur, he may still return. And if he does, and you are not here, it will cause him more frustration that its worth. Not to mention the fact that you would surely find yourself spending a week in the stocks as punishment for your absence. This trip poses no danger, Merlin. The path is safe and fairly short. The only thing you have to fear is whether or not I come back with hope, or alone."
"You're right." The warlock nodded, glum as he bid Gaius farewell. "Have a safe journey."
"I assure you that I will."
* * *
All afternoon Merlin worried. About Gaius and Arthur.
He worried until his head hurt and he desperately needed something to do.
Returning to the prince’s chambers, Merlin looked around for something to clean. Of course, there was nothing. He occupied himself for a short time by laying out fresh clothes at the end of Arthur’s bed, filling a pitcher with water and setting it next to the fruit.
There was no point arranging for a meal to be prepared yet, as it would most likely just sit on the table and go cold.
Merlin sighed, feeling useless and pitiful.
He took a seat on the edge of Arthur’s bed and stared at the wall.
Sometime later, though he wasn’t sure just how much time, Merlin woke to a very angry looking face - a handsome face, with blond hair and blue eyes - a face that looked so much like Arthur’s…
“What do you think you’re doing, you pathetic excuse for a servant!? Get up, now! How dare you sleep in my bed! GET UP!”
Merlin was too shocked, too scared to move. He just lay there, eyes wide and staring up at the prince. Arthur grabbed him violently, dragging him from the bed and crushing him against the wall. His face was close now, his breath hot on Merlin’s ear. “All of my men died today, you bastard. All of them. And you think you have the right to fall asleep in royal chambers? You make me want to hurt you Merlin, make me really want to just…”
“I’m sorry.” The warlock couldn’t actually speak, reverting to silently mouthing the words.
Arthur snapped then, his eyes glazing over and filling with tears. His bottom lip trembled, fingers twisting tight in Merlin’s shirt. “They let me live… I don’t know why.” His head dropped forward onto Merlin’s shoulder, and the warlock had no idea what to do. He couldn’t speak, and his hands seemed permanently glued to his sides.
Arthur shook, little sobs escaping his lips. Merlin noticed he smelt of sweat and dirt, and blood. His hair was slightly damp, sticking to his neck. Despite all that was happening right now, the one thing the warlock found himself thinking about most was the mark on the prince’s back. It was no time to ask Arthur to show him how it was looking, but he wanted to, really wanted to.
Finally he found his voice. “Arthur, let’s get you out of these clothes, this armor. Come on, you need a bath. And then I’ll bring you dinner and as much wine as you could possibly drink.”
Sniffling, Arthur lifted his head, refusing to meet Merlin’s gaze. He stepped back then, hands falling limp by his sides. He looked utterly hopeless. Dirty and tired and sad and hopeless. Merlin regretted now that he didn’t hug him before. Stupid arms, he thought, stop working when I need them most.
* * *
Merlin didn’t bother with rose petals or chamomile tonight. He just concentrated on washing Arthur’s body clean of sweat and blood. He took his time with Arthur’s blond hair, massaging his scalp with gentle hands. He smiled to himself as he coaxed a tiny moan from the prince’s lips.
Rinsing the suds from his hair, Merlin trailed his fingers down the curve of Arthur’s neck, rubbing his shoulders gently, moving down his spine, removing dirt as he went. He lingered when he reached the small of Arthur’s back, trying not to be obvious as his fingers traced the star that was now clearly visible.
“Stop it, Merlin. I know what you’re doing.”
“Sorry. Its so clear now, though, like it were drawn on with ink.”
“I don’t care.”
“You should.” Merlin mumbled, pulling his hand away.
* * *
He helped Arthur dress, smoothing his hands down his hard chest after lacing the prince’s shirt. “I’ll get your dinner now.”
“Merlin.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t forget the wine.”
“I won’t.”
“And Merlin?”
“Yes, Arthur?”
“Bring extra, for yourself… if you’d like.”
* * *
Arthur was onto his third goblet of wine, and Merlin was barely halfway through his first. It felt strange, drinking with the prince in his chambers. It felt unnatural.
But nice, nonetheless.
“I know its not my place to say, but I don’t think you should get too drunk tonight. Perhaps you should finish off what’s left of your dinner and go to bed?” Merlin braced himself for a verbal battering from Arthur, but it never came. The prince just shrugged, tipping his head back as he swallowed the remains of his wine.
“I don’t particularly want to sleep.”
“What would you like to do? Can I get anything for you?”
“You could tell me the truth.” Arthur’s face was hard and tired as he stared at the warlock. “Or, if you can’t manage such a feat, then you could leave.”
“The truth about what?”
“Oh come on, Merlin, you might be stupid, but I’m not! Don’t you think I can see that you’re hiding something? You and Gaius, always keeping secrets when the safety of Camelot is in jeopardy.”
“That’s not fair.”
“You’re a poor, undernourished servant boy, Merlin - your existence is not fair.”
Merlin cringed, his stomach dropping and tightening uncomfortably. “I’m so much more than that, Arthur. You just… don’t know how to see me.”
“What are you talking about? Do you think you’re important to me, Merlin? Let me tell you something about importance - those men that followed me into the forest today, they were important, and they died protecting me. I watched every one of them fall, and then I waited for my turn, but it never came. One moment those monks were there, doing… terrible things to my knights… and the next they were gone, leaving me untouched. I need to know why. If you can give me an answer Merlin, then please… do.”
Sighing, Merlin ran a hand through his hair, looking at the floor. “I can give you answers, but only if you stop drinking. Drowning your sorrows won’t bring your men back, nor will it cause anything to make sense. Finish your dinner, and drink some water, then I will explain what I can.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.”
“I’m not telling, merely suggesting - with your best interests at heart, sire.”
* * *
Merlin cleared away the dirty dishes, refilling Arthur’s goblet with water. The prince stayed seated at the table, gesturing for Merlin to do the same. Sitting down, the warlock clasped his hands in his lap, making eye contact with the prince. “It all started when we went into the woods two days back. The Shadow Disciples were there, watching us, I think. Gaius has told me that they can see into a person’s soul, into their heart. What they saw in you was something great, Arthur, something truly magnificent. That mark on your back is sort of like… a branding, they have marked you because they have chosen you to join them. One of their members is dying and they need you to take his place. That is why they spared your life today.”
Arthur frowned and said nothing. His eyes were glassy, and he chewed on his bottom lip.
“I won’t let them have you, Arthur. I won’t let them have you.”
“How can you stop them?”
“Gaius has gone to find a man… who can take your place. He is blind and lonely, and Gaius believes he will find good purpose in joining these monks. It will be alright.”
“So I am to sacrifice another? I cannot continue to let the good people of Camelot give themselves up for me. I should be protecting them.”
“Even the strongest men need saving sometimes. There is no shame in that, Arthur.”
For a long while both men sat quietly. Arthur sniffled and wept softly, and Merlin fought with himself, not knowing if it were better to just sit and do nothing, or move closer and embrace the tormented prince.
In the end he did nothing. And then a thought hit him. “Arthur, have you spoken to Uther? I know he told you not to come back without the disciples, but… surely he understands, given the circumstances?”
“He does not wish to see me. Though, obviously, I am not banished from his kingdom.”
“I don’t think he ever truly meant to banish you, Arthur. He is irrational sometimes… or, a lot of the time. He threatened you only in anger, I’m sure.”
Arthur nodded weakly. “Maybe.”
“Are you ready for bed, now?”
“I doubt I will sleep tonight, but I think I will lye down anyway.”
“Of course. Is there anything you need?”
Shaking his head once, Arthur slipped beneath his sheets, lying flat on his back, hands across his chest. Merlin bid him goodnight and made to leave his chamber. “Merlin, I want you to stay. Just for a while.”
The warlock stopped with his hand on the door handle. “Okay.” He took a seat beside the prince’s bed.
“Talk to me, Merlin.”
“What should I talk about?”
“Anything.” Arthur sighed.
Merlin shifted, feeling uncomfortable. Clearing his throat, he searched for something to say.