Fic: Babe in the woods (Arthur/Merlin) 2/3

[shadecat]

Eating his dinner had been made complicated by the fact that Sylvana had refused to be parted from Arthur, clutching her fists into the material of his borrowed shirt and whining low and in the back of her throat when Merlin tried to extricate her. Arthur looked down in surprise and confusion at his new ‘accessory’. “Well... what am I supposed to do now?” He looked to Merlin for help; only to see his servant standing there with an equally bemused expression.

“Unless you want to listen to her crying all night, I suggest having her sleep with you.” Merlin shrugged and made to pack extra cloths and a flask of milk.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m packing up what she’ll need if she’s staying in your chambers.” Merlin stopped and cocked his head. “Unless you’d like to sleep in here...” he smirked mischievously.

Arthur glared. “I’m not sleeping here. She’s not sleeping with me. I’m not...” Arthur looked down at Sylvana, who just stared back up at him. “You can’t sleep with me, Syl. I’m a man. A man needs his bed to himself. Besides,” he said to her, “what if I roll over and squish you?” The thought had him cringing.

Sylvana just reached up and grabbed his lips. “Aaaawwwr... blaaagrb.” She turned and looked at Merlin, reaching a small hand out to him. “Muurrrn. Aaaawwwr!” She smiled and clapped, then nodded as though that was supposed to sort everything out.

“Well,” Merlin grinned, “at least she knows our names.” He came over and grabbed one of her hands, pretending to nibble her fingers and sending her into a peal of giggles.

“That’s all well and fine, Muurrrn, but that doesn’t solve the problem of her not sleeping with me.” Arthur attempted a frown at the curly-haired head, but wound up smiling as she leaned it trustingly against his chest. He looked up to see Merlin continue to pack together things for Sylvana. The feeling that no one was listening to him began to prick at his annoyance. “It’s my bed,” he muttered.

“Yes, yes, we know, my lord. It’s your bed, your dinner, your manservant and now, your baby.” Merlin smiled and slung the bag over his shoulder. “And now we’re going to your room to put your baby to bed.”

“She’s not mine!” Arthur subconsciously held her closer. “She’s... she’s....” he spluttered.

“She’s yours. Just as you said. Your father gave you the responsibility of deciding what to do with her. So until you find a proper place for her... Congratulations, sire. It’s a girl.” Merlin clapped Arthur on the shoulder, then held an arm out as he waited for the prince to precede him to his chambers.

Arthur stood there for a moment, mouth open in shock. Looking back down at the girl in his arms, he stared back up at Merlin. “But... but... you didn’t even want to let me hold her; now she’s mine?”

“Well, I’d say ‘ours’, but you don’t seem to deal well with sharing.” Merlin smirked.

Arthur snapped his mouth closed and glared. “You can be sure that ‘our’ baby will have a lovely home found for her in the morning.” Purposefully not looking at Merlin, he stalked from the room, also purposefully ignoring the muffled laugh from behind him.

The evening continued along that vein for Arthur; Merlin appropriating a cot to sleep on in Arthur’s chambers - “Unless you want to drag your royal arse out of bed to feed or change her in the middle of the night, sire.” - and requesting more pillows.

“I don’t need that many pillows, Merlin. I doubt she does either.” Arthur felt the need to vent his frustration at his room being taken over by not one, but two unwanted bodies.

“They’re to keep her from rolling off the bed, prat. Just be sure to stay in the middle.” Merlin yanked the bedclothes down and began to outline the middle of the bed with the pillows.

“Roll off?! She could roll off?! It’s bad enough I’m terrified I’ll crush her, now I have to worry about her flinging herself off the bed?!” Arthur felt panic begin to bubble up his chest.

“She won’t roll off if I put the pillows up.” Merlin looked over and saw the fear plastered on Arthur’s face. “It’s okay, Arthur. Really. Your bed is unnecessarily large. There’ll be more than enough room for you and her to sleep comfortably without her rolling off.”

Arthur wasn’t soothed. “Fine, lots of room. Right. Lots of room for me to squash her like a bug! She’s so tiny! What if I forget and suffocate her? What if I hurt her? What if-“

“Arthur!” Merlin came over and grabbed his shoulder. “Stop it. You won’t hurt her, I promise.”

“Why won’t she just go with you? Why can’t she sleep with you tonight? You can have the bed.” Arthur pleaded.

Merlin squeezed Arthur’s shoulder gently. “Because she likes you, you arse. I can’t for the life of me imagine why, but she does.”

“She likes you too. You take her.” Arthur held her out to Merlin, fighting the panic back down.

Sylvana hung from his hands, looking between Merlin and Arthur. “Aaaawwwr Muurrrn.” She nodded.

Arthur growled in frustration. “What is going on in that strange baby head of yours?” He continued to hold her out to Merlin. “Go on, then. Take her.”

Merlin arched a brow and tentatively made to take Sylvana. She giggled and reached for him, pressing a sloppy kiss to his cheek. “Muurrrn.”

Arthur visibly sagged in relief. Merlin chuckled and gave a kiss back. “I believe you said something about me taking the bed?”

Arthur waved in the general direction. “Go, take it. I don’t care. I’ll sleep on the cot.” He got up and went to his wardrobe to grab his sleep attire. He felt a strange mix of something in his chest; relief and... loss? He crammed the lid down on his thoughts and went mechanically through the motions of dressing for bed. Coming out from behind his changing screen, he saw Merlin pinning a clean diaper on Sylvana for the night.

Merlin plunked her in the middle of the mass of pillows and gave a satisfied nod. “There, now don’t you feel better,” he asked her. She smiled. Turning, he grabbed a change of sleep clothes from the packed bag, placing them on the bed before reaching for the hem of his shirt.

“Merlin!” Arthur quickly walked over and yanked the lifted hem down.

“What?!” Merlin gave Arthur a look that clearly stated that he was concerned about his mental state.

“You can’t change in front of her! She’ll see your...” Arthur waved his hands at Merlin’s crotch.

“My wedding tackle?” Merlin grinned impishly.

“Yes, your bits. So go change behind the screen.” Arthur pointed at said screen.

Merlin rolled his eyes. “She doesn’t care, Arthur. I told you, it’s different when they’re babies.”

“Yes well, maybe I don’t want to have to look at your bits either.” Arthur sniped.

The grin widened and took on a wicked tilt. “Why? Worried you’ll feel inadequate?”

Arthur spluttered. “What? That’s... you shut up.” He pointed at Merlin, who was leaning on the bedpost laughing. “I’m quite certain there’s nothing in your breeches I haven’t seen before in my own, only a better version of. Now go behind the screen, and keep your ‘wedding tackle’ to yourself, you bloody idiot.”

“Yes, sire.” Merlin grabbed his clothes and, still chuckling, went behind the screen. Arthur stood in front of Sylvana, who tipped over as she tried to follow Merlin with her eyes.

“You keep your eyes over here. We don’t need you scarred for life, now do we? Besides, one mental deficient is all we’re allowed per castle. It’s in the rules, I looked it up.” Arthur perched on the end of the bed and reached over the pillow barrier to prop Sylvana back up. She babbled and grabbed his hand, an ‘oooo’ coming from the circle of her mouth as she stared at the ring on Arthur’s finger.

Merlin was unnoticed as he emerged in his sleep clothes from behind the screen, watching the prince and the baby make unintelligible noises at each other as Arthur twisted his ring on his finger, making it catch the light to amuse her. “She seems to have picked up your love of shiny things...” Merlin grinned and moved over to the bed.

Arthur barely spared him a glance before returning to amusing Sylvana. “We call that ‘taste’, Merlin. Some of us have it.” Arthur returned to squashing down the feelings that kept threatening to stick in his chest. Contentment - sitting here, exchanging banter while making those little bell-laugh’s burst from a tiny throat. Affection - for the tiny harmless and helpless little form that was nestled imperiously in his own bed. Loss - at the thought of handing her over to some nameless person and expecting them to care for her for the rest of her life. Fear - that something so small that had been in his life for such a short time already meant something to him; that it could be taken away or hurt.

Sylvana seemed to sense his mood and reached over to pat his cheek, cooing at him with a baby’s reassurance. Merlin thought his heart was going to melt; thought it possible it already had. “We’ve had a long day, sire. Sleep seems like a good idea.” Merlin climbed over the fluffy barrier, burrowing under the covers and picking up Sylvana to rest against his side.

Arthur sighed and stood. “You’re right, for once. I expect tomorrow to follow the same path.” Arthur stretched, jaw cracking as he yawned. He eyed the cot with distaste but resignedly made his way over. Lowering himself, he flicked the thin blanket back and made to lie down - only to be stopped by a shrill shriek. Looking over at the bed, he saw Sylvana eyeing him over Merlin’s chest, arms reaching for him. Groaning, he covered his face with his hand. “Not again...”

Merlin looked apologetically back at Arthur. “We tried.” He sat up and waited as Arthur reluctantly got to his feet and came over to the bed. “Just lay here and she’ll cuddle right up.” Merlin got off the bed and watched as Arthur gingerly lay beside Sylvana on the bed. True to Merlin’s word, she rested her head on his chest and popped a thumb in her mouth, sighing in contentment.

“If anything happens to her tonight...” Arthur let the threat hang.

“Nothing will. Go to sleep and you can continue to belittle me in the morning.” Merlin went over and stretched himself out on the cot. His eyes flew open at the piercing shriek. Looking over, there was Sylvana, hand reaching out for him.

“Ha! See! She wants you. Get up here,” Arthur started to get out of bed when another shriek filled the room. Merlin came over and both of them looked down at Sylvana, who was reaching one hand to each of them as she piped shrilly.

Merlin looked over at Arthur, who seemed to be taking a little longer to clue into the implications. Merlin watched the pieces slot together in his brain and the shock that followed. Blue eyes rose to his in confusion. Merlin just nodded. “Apparently so.”

“But...” Arthur blinked. Lowering his voice to a whisper, he attempted to surreptitiously ask Merlin, “Is there something wrong with her?”

Merlin laughed. “Doubtful. You were right. She likes us both.” Merlin looked over at a dubious Arthur. “Good thing your bed is so monstrously huge.” Merlin clambered over it, settling on the opposite side, Sylvana bracketed by both men.

Arthur frowned in the dark over at Merlin. “She does realise we’re both men, right?” He looked down at the girl. She peered up at him, eyes wide and captivating.

“I’m sure she does. I’m also sure she doesn’t give a whit.” Merlin plunked his head on the pillow and turned to look over at Arthur, who was still sitting; staring at Sylvana. “You plan on sleeping sitting up?”

Arthur blinked and looked in irritation over at Merlin. “Maybe she’s just confused and wants you...” Arthur lowered his feet to the floor. Sylvana whimpered. “Bloody hell!” Arthur pulled his feet back up and shoved them under the covers. He gave a pleading look to Sylvana, who just rolled onto her back and waited for Arthur to lie down. Huffing his displeasure, he flopped onto the bed and turned his back to Sylvana and Merlin both. He ignored the small pats on his back and the inquisitive gurgling.

He could not, however, ignore the small puffs of breath in his ear as Sylvana pulled herself up his shoulder. “Aaaawwwr?” She reached her hand over and tugged at his hair. Arthur closed his eyes tightly and curled into a ball. The tugging hand moved down to pet his ear as she tried to pull herself over to his face. “Aaaawwwr..?” Arthur bit his lip to keep from laughing as tiny fingers tickled inside his ear. He heard her grunting as she continued to try to crawl over him, unsuccessfully. He felt her plunk on her backside and heard a plaintive, “Aaaawwwr...”

Arthur sighed as he gently turned over, rolling his eyes at Merlin’s stifled laughter. “Yes?”

Sylvana smiled a toothless smile and leaned down to place a wet kiss on his cheek. “Aaaawwwr!” She rolled onto her back and sighed with baby contentment. She turned her head over and smiled at Merlin. “Muurrrn.” She patted his cheek too before closing her eyes and curling up against Arthur’s chest with a thumb in her mouth.

Arthur lifted a hand to run lightly over the cap of soft hair resting against him. A small hand stayed fisted in his shirt, obviously insisting on keeping him close as she slept. He looked over at Merlin, who had that same soft look on his face as he watched them. “Goodnight, Arthur.” Merlin relaxed against his pillow and closed his eyes, smile still spread wide.

“Night...” Arthur rested one arm under Sylvana, not wanting to put too much weight on her and crush her. “You’d better not snore.” He shot half-heartedly at Merlin before closing his eyes, the smell of baby sending him into a deep sleep.

Sylvana slept peacefully through the night, happy in her baby joy to be surrounded by the two men she had chosen; chosen to love and chosen to keep. Her red-gold curls were framed by burnished gold and midnight black as the three sleepers passed the night in comfort.

~

The next morning started out in chaos; which was only appropriate considering the night had ended in it. Arthur woke up first, brain taking its time to start. This would explain his confusion at why he felt something warm tangled up in his legs. He opened bleary eyes and the sight of copper mixed with black brought the previous day’s exploits roaring back. Sylvana had turned during the night and was nestled up to Merlin, tucked against his chest with her head under his chin. The sight made something in Arthur’s stomach tighten, a warm feeling spreading in his chest. He reflexively reached up to make sure his chest was dry; letting out a relieved breath when he found it was.

Flexing his toes, he discovered that what was tangled in his legs was Merlin; more to the point, Merlin’s legs. Upon further exploration, he discovered that he and Merlin were awfully close to each other, the small space between them being occupied by Sylvana. A longer perusal of his situation brought to light a certain... discomfort in his lower regions and he groaned to himself. The noise had Merlin shifting in his sleep, one arm reaching out to rest on Arthur’s waist while his knee slid further up Arthur’s thigh. Arthur bit his lip and ran through training exercises in his mind, willing his nether regions to calm down and behave. This was Merlin; certainly nothing for any part of his anatomy to get excited over. His body told him he was a liar when Merlin slid his knee a tad higher, a contended murmur slipping past his lips. Arthur bit his own to keep another groan from being vocalized. The chaos ensued when he opened his eyes and saw a pair of green ones blinking back at him. “Aaaawwwr?”

Arthur flailed out of bed, not wanting to be anywhere near Sylvana with... when his... well, just not right now. He landed painfully on his arse and groaned. He heard a giggle come from the bed above him and he closed his eyes and banged the back of his head on the floor. “Arthur?” He heard Merlin call groggily.

Pulling himself up, he ordered himself to stop blushing as he peered over the sheets. “Yes?”

“What are you doing on the floor?” Merlin rubbed at his eyes as he yawned, Sylvana leaning against his chest with a smile on her face.

Arthur couldn’t bring himself to be mad. “I fell.”

Merlin snorted. “I see that. Get back up here.”

Arthur flicked a glance down at his sleep pants, which were doing a lousy job of hiding his misbehaving body part. “Uh,” he blushed. “I’m up.” The blush blazed darker as the innuendo of his words hit him. Luckily, Merlin wasn’t in the know and therefore it blessedly passed over his head.

“Mmm, fine. Why don’t you bring Sylvana the milk flask, then? I’m sure she’s hungry.” Merlin nuzzled under Sylvana’s chin with his nose. She returned the favour by fastening her mouth to his cheek and blowing. Then she started suckling his chin. Merlin chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Arthur got up, his mind twitching as he realised he’d been in bed with a baby while aroused over Merlin. The possibility of either of them finding that out was a huge damper to his morning arousal and he was able to return to the bed with the milk flask without concern of anyone noticing anything amiss. He handed it to Merlin and turned to go over to grab a change of clothes for the day. He squelched the warm happy feeling when he saw Merlin sitting propped up against all his pillows, Sylvana on his lap as he fed her; both of them with blissfully happy expressions on their faces.

Arthur changed and poked his head out into the hallway, flagging a passing servant and requesting a large breakfast. He might as well be nice enough to allow Merlin to eat with him since Merlin hadn’t yet insisted on him changing his baby. Arthur shuddered and pushed the thought from his mind. After catching a whiff of her last offering, he planned to continue to avoid that particular task. When the servant returned with a full tray, Arthur took it and brought it over to the bed. Setting it within reach of Merlin’s free hand, he began to eat as he contemplated his situation. “So...”

Merlin broke off a piece of bread and chewed enthusiastically. “So?”

“What am I going to do with her?” Arthur’s gaze drifted over the girl. She kept her mouth locked over the leather nipple, but her eyes met Arthur’s.

Merlin swallowed and looked down at the girl in his arms. He wasn’t ashamed to admit he was irrevocably in love with her already. He was also aware that Arthur was at least halfway there, even if he wouldn’t admit it to himself. “What do you want to do with her?”

Arthur frowned as he thought it over. “I don’t know. I don’t want her to wind up with just anyone. She is rather lovely and she seems smarter than most babies her age.” Arthur looked up at Merlin. “How old did Gaius say she was?”

“He could only estimate, but he thought around seven or eight months.” Merlin stroked a finger over her cheek as she continued to suckle.

“I don’t understand how someone could just leave an infant in the middle of the woods alone.” Arthur shook his head as he took a bite from an apple. He mulled over his options as he chewed, aware of Merlin’s heavy gaze on him. He lifted his eyes to stare at Merlin. “Don’t think I don’t know what’s running through that brain of yours.”

For once, Merlin kept his mouth closed. Sylvana, however, pulled her lips from the flask and looked over at Arthur. A look of confusion crossed her face before she opened her mouth and let out a massive milky belch. Merlin burst into a laugh which brought an answering one from Sylvana. Arthur rolled his eyes and rose from the bed. Merlin took a deep breath, “Well?”

“I have morning training with my knights. I’ll come up with something by the time I have luncheon with my father.” Arthur tried not to let the trepidation that covered Merlin’s face bother him. He left his chambers with the image of blue and green eyes trying to each convey their own messages to him. They stayed with him all morning.

~

The morning passed quickly for Arthur, the question of what to do about Sylvana hanging over his head. He’d listened to the reports from his guards, handed out round assignments to the captain and had gone on to practice. He’d had a page assist him with his armour, since Merlin was otherwise occupied. He thought about that as well; what good was a manservant who didn’t attend to his proper duties? He’d come to rely on the tentative relationship he and Merlin had formed; Merlin not having the sense to understand the difference between upper class and lower class. As he went through his morning routine, he contemplated life without Merlin; unaware of the scowl that crossed his face. He thought of Merlin if he sent Sylvana away to some childless couple. The long face and accusing stares would gnaw at him. After training, he took some time to walk the battlements, the solitude and open air always helpful to his mind when he had something weighing on it.

Just before he was due for lunch, he went to his chambers to grab a clean shirt; his current one a little ripe from his morning exercises. Arthur opened his door, closing it behind him as he walked in - where he stopped dead. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped and he thought the choked gurgling may have been what alerted the two to his presence. Merlin’s eyes filled with fear as he saw who stood there; he rose and put himself between Arthur and Sylvana. “It’s me.”

Arthur continued to gape. “You? You’re doing... this?!” Arthur gesticulated at what had stunned him; a parade of floating toys, dancing around the room. Arthur’s old wooden soldiers bobbed in the air behind a ragged teddy bear. A rag doll in a worn plaid dress bumped against the back of a wooden horse.

Merlin stiffened his spine as he faced Arthur. “Yes. See?” Merlin waved a hand at the toys. “Me. I’m making them - oof -.” Merlin was cut off by a teddy bear sailing into the side of his head. Sylvana fell over on the bed laughing.

Arthur folded his arms and raised his eyebrows at Merlin. “Really... Are you in the habit of beating yourself with stuffed toys?”

Merlin blushed and pushed at the teddy bear that continued to pummel him in the head. “Maybe,” he said stubbornly.

“Merlin, you can barely lace my boots; I highly doubt sorcery is something you’d be capable of doing without blowing up half the castle.” Arthur rolled his eyes.

Merlin frowned as he held a hand up to keep the insistent bear from continuing to copulate with his ear. “I could be a sorcerer. It is possible...” Arthur was quite certain that Merlin was actually pouting. He’d bite his tongue off before admitting that it may be a tad cute. Just a tad.

Arthur turned to Sylvana; Merlin moved in front of her again. “Honestly, what do you think I’m going to do to her, Merlin?”

Merlin lowered his eyes but refused to move. “I don’t know.”

Arthur addressed the girl. “Sylvana,” he said sternly. The smile fell from her face; the dancing toys dropping suddenly from the air.

Merlin lifted his eyes to Arthur’s. “It’s not her fault. She was just born this way...”

“I’m fully aware that babies aren’t normally practitioners of dark magic, Merlin. Now would you get out of my way?” Arthur pushed Merlin to the side, walking over to stand in front of Sylvana, who was sitting up and looking quite serious.

“Aaaawwwr....” She looked guiltily at him.

“That’s right, Arthur. And Arthur is very upset with you.” Arthur frowned as he looked down at the child. All his options flashed across his mind. He froze when he came to telling Uther. He could see the look of content glee and happiness from last night being wiped from his face and a sneer replacing it. Arthur could easily visualise his father ordering the execution of a baby. His father would kill a harmless child; all because it had the misfortune to be born with magic. He saw Sylvana with her head placed on the chopping block; his stomach churned and he fought not to be sick.

“Arthur...” Merlin came over to stand behind him. “She’s just a baby.”

“For the love of God, Merlin. What kind of monster do you think I am?!” Arthur saw the flicker in Merlin’s eyes that practically screamed his answer; Merlin was thinking the same thing about his father that he had been. The sick feeling came back as he was hit with the realisation that this was what so many people had felt. The fear that someone they cared for would wind up dead because of his father’s hatred of magic and all who used it. He felt tears prick his eyes and hastily turned his head to hide them.

Merlin felt his heart break a little as he witnessed Arthur’s revelation of his father. He looked down at Sylvana, who had a tear trailing down her cheek. Reaching down to swipe it off, he picked her up and cradled her against him. “We could leave. I can take her and we can leave. Uther would never have to know.” Merlin pressed a kiss to copper hair and breathed in her scent.

Arthur turned, a fierce look on his face. “You’re not leaving.” Arthur looked down at Sylvana. “Neither of you are.”

“But if Uther finds out...” Merlin fretted.

“My father won’t find out.” Arthur snapped as he made up his mind. He turned a serious gaze on Sylvana. “Now you listen here, young lady,” he pointed his finger at her.

Sylvana blinked her wide green eyes at Arthur and appeared to be listening.

“That will be enough of that, do you understand me? There’s to be no magic done around anyone but Merlin and myself. Not Gaius, not Morgana, not Gwen; no one. Especially not my father. If you want to stay here with me and Merlin, you’re to do as you’re told. Am I making myself clear?” Arthur waggled his finger at her.

She reached out and grabbed it, eyes full of something akin to knowledge. She babbled and shook his finger. Arthur took that as ‘Yes, Arthur, I understand and will be sure to keep this to myself so that no one will ever know and I can be safe and happy forever. Also, I love you and I think you’re magnificent’. A drop landed on Arthur’s outstretched hand and he blinked. Looking up, he saw Merlin wiping hastily at his face. “Sorry,” he sniffled.

“Honestly, you are such a girl.” Arthur held his hands out to take Sylvana. She reached up and tangled her fingers in his hair. “So we’re understood then, are we?”

She gurgled and kissed his chin. “I think that means ‘yes’.” Merlin grinned. “You’re keeping her?”

“So it seems. Father can’t be too upset about it. She’ll become my ward. Since she’s not male, there won’t be any concern about her taking the place of my future heir. And as long as he’s not made aware of her abilities, I can’t see him having a problem. You heard him last night. It’s been a while since there was a child in the castle.” Sylvana clutched his thumb and Arthur ran his finger over her hand.

The smile that spread over Merlin’s face made everything seem like the right choice. “We’ll have to get a nursemaid for her, as well as a crib and some clothes...” Merlin ticked off necessary items on his fingers.

“And you’ll go back to being my manservant.”

Merlin blushed. “I’ve always been yours, Arthur. But you’re going to have to learn to share now, since Sylvana seems to want both of us.”

Arthur looked down at Sylvana, who was watching them both with a look of concentration. “Is that true, Syl? You actually want this bumbling idiot around as well?”

Sylvana smiled and pet his cheek. “Aaaawwwr.” She reached over and stroked Merlin’s shoulder. “Muurrrn.” She nodded. Then she squirmed and leaned out of Arthur’s arms, reaching for the bed. He placed her down and she crawled over to rest on a pillow, gaze on both men.

“Well, I gue-,” Arthur was cut off as Merlin flew into him. He instinctively reached out his hands to catch him, leaving a space for Merlin to fit into. He blinked as he felt lips press against his own. Pulling his head back, he saw the same surprised and confused look on Merlin’s face.

“I don’t know what happened. I just-,” the confusion spread as Merlin tried to step back, but couldn’t.

Arthur, similarly, was unable to unwrap his arms from around Merlin. Two sets of blue eyes turned to stare at a smiling pair of green ones that looked far too satisfied for Arthur’s liking. “Aaaawwwr, Muurrrn.”

Both men struggled futilely for a moment before turning resignedly towards the grinning child. “Sylvana, you let Arthur and Merlin go right this instant.” Merlin scolded.

Sylvana stuck her chin out and shook her head. She made a kissy sound at them and stared as though waiting for something.

Both men groaned as the meaning sunk home. “You know, she gets this from you.” Merlin said.

“Me? You’re the stubborn one. Thick and mentally deficient.” Arthur glared. He turned to Sylvana. “Sylvana, you stop this right now. Naughty, naughty, baby.” Sylvana’s lip stuck out and quivered, but she continued to shake her head; making another kissing noise.

Arthur growled and turned back to Merlin, who attempted a shrug. “Definitely takes after you; pouty lip and all.” Merlin grinned.

“This is not funny, you grinning idiot.”

“Actually, it is a little, you stubborn prat.” Merlin’s grin grew.

“What are we supposed to do?” Arthur squirmed, aware of the press of Merlin against the entire front of his body.

Merlin gave another uncaring shrug. “Kiss?”

Arthur frowned. “You really are mental.”

“Would you rather have to explain to your father why you’re having luncheon with him with your manservant on your lap?”

Arthur grunted in frustration. “Fine.” He leaned forward and gave Merlin a quick peck. “There.” He ignored Merlin’s snort and turned to Sylvana. “Happy?”

If it was possible for a baby to look disgusted, she was doing so. She shook her head and frowned at Arthur before making a rude noise with her mouth.

Merlin laughed. “I’ll take that as a ‘no’.”

“Oh shut up, you...” Arthur growled before moving to press his lips over Merlin’s smirking ones. Merlin, for once, listened and shut up; preferring to fit his mouth properly over Arthur’s. Arthur was surprised at the softness of the mouth against his; assuming that male lips were the opposite of female ones. Closing his eyes, he parted his mouth and let his tongue glide along Merlin’s bottom lip; a jolt hitting his stomach as he heard the quick suck of air before hot breath filled his mouth. Merlin opened his lips and slid his tongue out to twine with Arthur’s, gasping as Arthur’s hands slipped under his shirt to touch his skin. They stood lost for a moment; mouths hungry and tasting, hands eager and searching. Arthur felt the press of Merlin against his leg and groaned as he drew his head back; eyes heavy as they took in Merlin’s reddened lips and dazed expression. He thought he probably shouldn’t be as pleased with that as he was, but at the moment, he couldn’t bring himself to care.

They both turned at the happy chortle that came from the bed. Sylvana clapped at the two of them, smile bright. Arthur felt Merlin’s heart thundering where their chest’s pressed together; neither unaffected from the kiss. Merlin had to clear his throat a few times before he found his voice. “Well...” his eyes dropped to Arthur’s lips; his hands fisting in the material of Arthur’s trousers.

Arthur blinked through a haze of warring emotions. “Father.” He saw Merlin blink. “I have to go have luncheon with my father; now.” The urge to back away fought with the urge to continue the kiss - to hell with his father. He compromised and placed a light peck on Merlin’s mouth. Turning to the bed, he scolded Sylvana. “We’re going to have to have a serious discussion about things we can and cannot do to Arthur and Merlin when I get back.”

Arthur had almost made it to the door when Merlin called, “Remember to ask your father for a nursemaid. I can’t look after her and you. One child’s enough for me.” He grinned.

Arthur nodded. “Then I can finally have my manservant back.” He took in Merlin perched on the edge of the bed, Sylvana climbing on his lap; both with special smiles aimed at him. “Although, I think I can live with sharing you with her.” And her with you, he added in his head. Arthur turned and left, preparing to have the joy of telling his father he was a grandfather, of sorts.

~

The luncheon went well, as far as Arthur was concerned. Uther had been surprised by his son’s decision, but Arthur could tell by the lingering smile that he was far from displeased by it. Uther had agreed to a nursemaid and an extra servant to see to Sylvana’s needs. Heading back to his chambers to further discuss ‘things’ with Merlin, he was waylaid by Morgana. “Arthur.” She fell into step beside him.

“Morgana,” he acknowledged with a nod.

“I hear we have a new addition to the castle.” Arthur saw the lift of her lips.

“Word travels quickly. I’m on my way to gather her and Merlin to go hunt up a decent nursemaid.” Arthur slowed his strides to accommodate Morgana’s slower pace.

Morgana blinked and turned her head to look at Arthur. “You’re keeping her? I was under the impression that you wanted to get rid of her.”

Arthur arched a brow. “Well, you were misinformed. I’ve decided to make Sylvana my ward.”

Morgana stopped dead in the corridor, causing Arthur to pause and tip his head in her direction. “Your ward? But you’re not... You’re... you’re you.” She waved her arms to encompass him in general.

Arthur turned towards her, grinning as he folded his arms. “How astute of you, Morgana. I am, in fact, me. Good of you to notice.” He turned again and continued on his way to his chambers. He stifled a grin as he heard Morgana hasten to catch up.

“That’s not what I meant, Arthur,” she huffed. “I meant that you’re a headstrong and selfish boy. What do you know about raising a child?”

Arthur shrugged. “About as much as anyone who’s never had one does. And it’s not like I’m doing it alone...”

Morgana’s eyes narrowed. “That’s right. Merlin will be helping you, won’t he?” Arthur repressed a shudder at the curl of her lips. “So, which one of you is ‘Mommy’?”

Arthur’s eye twitched. “Neither.”

Morgana’s smirk widened. “Really?”

They were nearing Arthur’s chambers and he raised his voice to let Merlin know he was coming with someone; just in case Sylvana was in the middle of ‘playing’ with her toys. “You’ve got a very filthy mind, Morgana. I’d say it doesn’t suit you, but sadly, it does.”

“Touché.” They entered his chambers, allowing Morgana to see Sylvana for the first time. She was in the middle of the bed with Merlin on the far side waging a vicious war between the raggedy teddy bear and the wooden horse. “Oh, well isn’t she just darling?” Morgana strode over to the bed and sat lightly on the edge, holding her arms out to Sylvana.

Sylvana’s eyes found Arthur’s and she cocked her head quizzically. “It’s alright, Syl. I don’t think she’ll bite... hard. At least not until she knows what you taste like.”

Merlin turned his head to hide a grin and Morgana shot a glare at Arthur before turning back with a smile to the dubious baby. “It’s alright, Sylvana. Aunty Morgana just wants a cuddle.”

Sylvana looked between Arthur and Morgana before turning to Merlin. “Muurrrn?”

Merlin smiled at her. “It really is alright, Sylvana. Morgana won’t hurt you. Arthur’s just being silly.”

Sylvana turned back to Arthur. “Aaaawwwr?”

Arthur walked over and sat on the other side of Morgana, lifting Sylvana onto his lap. “Merlin’s right, Arthur’s just being silly. Morgana wouldn’t do anything mean to you, sweetling.”

Sylvana turned her eyes to Morgana and stuck her tongue out while making a rude noise. “Miiiiie Aaaawwwr,” she screeched at her before turning and clinging to Arthur’s shirt, hiding her face.

Merlin covered his mouth with his hand, shoulders shaking as he fought not to burst out laughing. Morgana glared at Arthur and crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re completely wretched. You’ve made her think I’m an ogre or some child-eating beast.”

Arthur didn’t bother hiding his grin as he bent his head and pressed a kiss to the top of Sylvana’s head. “It’s alright, Syl. I really was just joking. Morgana won’t take you away. You’re staying here with me.”

Sylvana brought her head up to stare at Arthur. “Aaaawwwr, Muurrrn? Miiiiie?”

“Yes, Arthur and Merlin are yours.”

A bright and toothless smile spread over her chubby face. She reached up and pulled his head down, giving him a loud kiss on his chin. She turned and faced Morgana. “Aaaawwwr, miiiiie,” she chortled before climbing from Arthur’s lap over to Morgana. Morgana held out her arms and Sylvana hesitantly took one. A look of contentment crossed Morgana’s face as she pulled the girl onto her lap and crooned to her.

Merlin leaned over the bed and whispered, “Wonder where she got that possessive streak from?” Then he got up and said in his normal tone, “Right, well, if you’re here to watch her, I’ve got chores that need to be done before my very cranky master decides to beat me with a spoon.” Merlin walked over and bent down to place a kiss on Sylvana’s upturned and pursed lips. “I’ll be back before dinner.”

“I thought you’d want to help choose a nursemaid?”

“I would, but I can’t do that and today’s chores.” Merlin paused in the doorway. “You’ll be fine - you’ve got wonderful instincts,” he grinned, “when it doesn’t concern stray, evil babies from the forests.” Then he left.

Morgana laughed as Sylvana tickled under her chin. “Stray evil babies?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Arthur twitched his nose and held his hands out for his baby. “We need to go and find a nursemaid and servant.”

Morgana sulked, something that didn’t sit quite right on her face. “Oh, let Gwen and I watch her while you nanny hunt. It’ll probably be easier if you don’t have to cart her and her nappies and such around...” Morgana pleaded.

Arthur’s brow wrinkled. “I don’t know...”

Morgana widened her eyes and fluttered her lashes while smiling in her most disarming way. “Please?”

Arthur looked down at Sylvana, who was switching her gaze between Arthur and Morgana. “What do you think, sweetling?”

Sylvana turned to look up at Morgana. “Aaaawwwr, miiiiiie. Muurrrn, miiiiiie.” She narrowed her eyes at Morgana.

Morgana grinned. “Yes, Sylvana, Arthur and Merlin are yours. Trust me when I say I have no interest in acquiring either.” Sylvana clapped and nodded, as though that had all been sorted out and yes, she was quite fine to go with Morgana as long as the lady in question understood that both men did, indeed, belong to Sylvana. “I’ll grab her things; you can come get her from my quarters when you’re done.”

Arthur bent and kissed the proffered kissy face Sylvana was making. “I’ll come get you before dinner. Be good...” Arthur tilted his head down and gave Sylvana a look that clearly said ‘remember what I told you about magic and not doing it in front of people’. He received a somewhat cheeky ‘I will take your suggestion under advisement and consider it, but will probably wind up doing whatever I please since I am a baby and that is how this works’ look in return. Arthur snorted and left to go procure a nursemaid and additional servant, as well as inquiring about sorting out chambers and possessions for his girl. Something in him warmed at that phrase. His girl. Now he had his manservant and his girl. Arthur debated on having signs made for both of them to wear around their necks, “Property of Arthur Pendragon. Do not touch or look or anything upon severe penalty of a very painful death.” He grinned and rolled his eyes as he imagined the combined looks and noises both persons in question would give him regarding that idea. The thought had him entering the steward’s rooms chuckling.

~

Having sorted out the details with the steward regarding quarters for Sylvana close to Arthur’s and having picked a suitable nursemaid and a young servant for his new ward, Chelsea and Molly, Arthur went to his chambers to grab a few moments to think before gathering Sylvana for dinner. Settling himself in his chair, he rested his chin on his hand and pondered the events of the last day and how drastically his life had changed, and would probably continue to do so. He had the responsibility of a child now; an adorable, cheeky, impertinent and angelic little girl. A little girl that reminded him a lot of his equally cheeky and impertinent and not-so-angelic manservant - whom he’d kissed, thanks to his impertinent and cheeky child. He, Arthur Pendragon, had kissed and been kissed back by Merlin. Lanky, gangly Merlin. Lanky, gangly, cheeky Merlin. Lanky, gangly, cheeky, endearing Merlin - who kissed far better than Arthur would have given him credit for. Who had a mouth that ran away from a brain that Arthur sometimes wondered if it worked at all; a mouth that was just as quick to smile and profess loyalty and faith in him; a mouth that had eagerly worked against his own and had felt so familiar and... perfect. Arthur sighed.

Somehow, it didn’t seem that strange for him to want Merlin that way. Merlin knew far more about him than anyone else - servant, knight or lord. Merlin saw past the sneers and the insults and the glares; knew when he was angry or in pain or... Arthur rubbed his eyes. Merlin had been there for him, was still there for him. Merlin put up with him when he was in a childish mood and felt like being an utter prat. Merlin would just shake his head or roll his eyes and treat him like the child he was behaving as. Merlin never cowered from him; never let Arthur get away with anything just because he was royalty. Arthur had come to expect that; to need it. Merlin made him feel like a man; just a man. And as a man, remembering the way Merlin had felt pressed flush against him, the lustful noises that had crept from his throat, the way Merlin’s hand had fisted in his trousers as he pulled him closer, harder against him - it made him react in a way that let him know he was not at all displeased with what had happened. In fact, if the current tenting in his trousers was anything to go by, he was very pleased with the thought and would most assuredly like to progress further along that line.

Having sorted that out, he was brought to the fact that the child he’d come to care for and maybe love and wanted to keep from any harm, was magical. Logically, he knew he was setting himself up for the possibility of pain and hardship, but he found himself unable to care. The look on her face when she stared up at him, the trusting way she cuddled against him - as though she knew that he would protect her, keep her safe - the small hand that clutched him close; they all had found tiny crevices in what he had thought was a secure wall around his heart. If he thought about it, the fact that Merlin was still his servant and not living permanently in the dungeons should have clued him in to his defences having fissures.

The fact that he was indeed fallible to love and its consequences did not lead him to an answer of what to do regarding Sylvana. A large part of him just wanted to close his eyes and hope for the best - hope that no one in Camelot discovered her abilities, hope that his father didn’t find out. The smaller, more reasonable part realised that as the one responsible for her well-being, he’d have to come up with a contingency; a way out for her... just in case. Arthur began to formulate a plan to save his girl from harm; a small bubble of fear making him consider that losing her would mean losing Merlin as well. This only strengthened his desire to keep Sylvana safe.

So Arthur sat in his chair, alone in his chambers and plotted the best way to keep what was his, his.

~

Part 3