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

[shadecat]

Arthur raised his hand and rapped loudly on Morgana’s door - for the third time. He followed this with, “I know you’re in there, Morgana. I can hear you laughing.” Arthur refrained from tapping his foot as he heard movement behind the door.

It was opened by a chagrined Gwen, who bobbed a hasty curtsy. “I’m sorry, sire. We were... I didn’t hear you.” She lowered her head and stifled a grin as she moved out of the way.

Arthur found it impossible to be angry with Guinevere, who always had a smile or kind word to soothe over Morgana’s sharp snipes. “Yes, well...” Arthur also found it difficult to come up with anything to say to Guinevere. He nodded and moved past her and into Morgana’s chambers, where he found Morgana and Merlin having an epic battle with a multitude of stuffed toys while Sylvana lay on the floor in the midst of a giggling fit. One of the bears had apparently burst open and sprayed clumps of stuffing over both combatants, tufts of white peeking from both heads of dark hair.

“Hah!” Merlin crowed triumphantly as he batted Morgana in the face with an overly large blue bear, sending her toppling onto her side.

“Foul!” Morgana shrieked, leaping up and pummelling Merlin with a bear in each hand.

“Ursine!” Merlin yelled back, using one arm to block his face while the other flailed the blue bear at a maniacally grinning Morgana. He succeeded to beat her to the ground again as she paused and started giggling as the pun in Merlin’s retort hit her. Merlin stood, arms held victoriously over his head.

“Muurrrn!” Sylvana clapped, crawling over and grabbing one of the smaller bears. She crawled over to a still-laughing Morgana and fwapped her with the toy. “Aantee,” she chortled before joining Morgana in sprawling on the floor, laughing.

Arthur turned to Gwen, who had snuck up beside him and was covering her mouth to keep in a laugh. He felt his own lips twitch and gave in. Merlin turned when he heard Arthur’s laugh, a smile splitting his face as he panted, “I won.”

“I see that.” Sylvana opened her eyes and turned her head when she heard him, sitting up and reaching for him. He walked over and complied by lifting her into his arms. “Enjoying ourselves, are we?” Sylvana began chattering in baby-speak, green eyes flitting from his down to her hands as her fingers played with the lacing on his tunic. Arthur nodded along with her, ignoring the speculative look from Morgana and the now-familiar soft one from Merlin. “I hope you’ve worked up an appetite, young lady.” Sylvana smiled and patted her stomach. Arthur chuckled.

“I stopped by Gaius’s earlier and he made up a list of foods she can eat. The kitchen has the list and there’ll be something besides milk for her tonight.” Merlin came over and tickled her cheeks, making her duck away and hide her face against Arthur, giggling.

“Well,” Arthur said, looking at Sylvana as he addressed Merlin, “why don’t you go get it and bring it to my chambers so we can eat? Sound good, Syl?” Arthur played his hands through Sylvana’s curls.

Sylvana turned and looked at Merlin. “Garrl flblabt mooob.” She lifted her face for her expected kiss as she quite obviously ordered Merlin to get his arse in gear and get her food, for she is a baby and her will is law.

Merlin obliged her a kiss, flicking his eyes up to Arthur as he leant in. “Right away, love.” Arthur felt a clench in his chest. “I’ll meet you in your chambers, sire.” Merlin’s lips curled in his impish smile and Arthur felt something lower clench.

Morgana came over as Merlin left, a smile on her face. “Well, Aunty Morgana had fun today,” she said as she reached over and ran her fingers over Sylvana’s smaller ones. Raising her eyes to Arthur’s, her smile stayed. “Thank you, Arthur. It was nice to just...” She gave a small sigh.

“I know.” Arthur felt something pass between them as they both seemed to realise and understand the burden of responsibility that their positions gave them, and the matching joy they felt as they were able to ignore it for however small a moment.

“Yes, well, anytime Sylvana wants to come play, she’s welcome.” Morgana looked over at Gwen, who seemed happy to see her mistress enjoying herself. “Gwen seems to have become quite attached, isn’t that right, Gwen?”

Gwen nodded as she smirked. “Yes, my lady.” She turned to Arthur. “I’ve always been fond of children and Sylvana’s such a dear.” Gwen smiled at the girl, widening it when Sylvana smiled toothlessly back at her. She handed Arthur the bag Morgana had made with all of Sylvana’s necessities in it. Arthur spied the large blue bear’s ear sticking out from the corner.

Arthur took the bag and slung it over his shoulder as he adjusted his grip on Sylvana, noticing how much more comfortable he’d become with holding her. “I’ll be sure to keep you in mind, Guinevere, if I ever have need of a pair of watchful eyes. For now, I’ll bid you ladies good evening.” Arthur dipped his head at the pair and turned to leave, Sylvana still babbling to him as she tugged on his lacing.

Word of Sylvana staying seemed to have spread throughout the entire castle, servants and nobles alike coming up and offering their congratulations to Arthur as he made his way to his chambers. Arthur was particularly amused at the almost stricken look of puppy love Sir Leon gave to Sylvana when Arthur encountered him. Sylvana gave him a coy look as she leant her head against Arthur’s chest, playing shy when Leon addressed her. Arthur felt infinitely glad that he’d tossed his list of allies to rid himself of Sylvana as he was quite sure the entire castle would have revolted and flogged him if they’d found out. He chuckled as he imagined the fight that would have ensued between Morgana and Merlin as to who would get to lead the revolt. Arthur had a feeling Merlin would win that one as well.

He entered his chambers, the smell of cooked meat and spices hitting his nose pleasantly. Sylvana sniffed appreciatively, rubbing her belly and looking up at him hopefully. “Let’s go see what Merlin’s brought up for dinner tonight.” Arthur shucked the bag off his shoulder and let it drop by the wall as he made his way over to the table where Merlin was fussing with a tall wooden chair-type thing. He looked up as he heard Sylvana call his name.

“Hello there, love. Just setting up a chair for you,” he said, cursing as his finger got pinched between the fastenings of the arms and the drop-down tray.

“Where are Chelsea and Molly?” Arthur asked as he sat himself in his chair, settling Sylvana in his lap.

Merlin’s cheeks pinked. “I - uh, may have given them the night off, sire.”

Arthur quirked a brow. “Oh? And why would you do that? Isn’t that what I hired them for? To look after Syl?”

The pink spread, staining the tips of Merlin’s ears. “Um, yes. I just thought that maybe for one last night it could just be... um... us?”

The warm feeling that had been settling in Arthur’s chest blossomed at that. “Us?”

Merlin’s eyes flicked up as he placed a cushion on the seat of the high-chair. “Yes. Us. You, Sylvana and me.”

Arthur bit back a smile as he looked down at Sylvana. “What do you think, Syl? Just the three of us tonight?”

Sylvana looked between the two men before chortling happily. She held out her arms to Merlin, kissing him soundly as he picked her up. He bent his head down and pressed his lips to the top of her head in return. Arthur looked at the two of them and the warm feeling was accompanied by the feeling of mine. A flash of memory of the feel of Merlin’s lips against his earlier that morning made the warmth sink lower. He watched as Merlin placed Sylvana in the high-chair, looping leather ties around her before he lowered the tray over her head. Merlin’s eyes lifted to Arthur’s and something of what he was feeling must have shown on his face; Merlin’s eyes darkening as he inhaled sharply in response.

They ate companionably, both men taking turns to attempt to place food in Sylvana’s mouth, both men getting randomly splattered with bits of food as she decided it was more fun to throw it than to eat it. Merlin managed to coax her between barrages into eating enough to satisfy himself before she discovered the lovely game of ‘time to spit our food all over Merlin, for it is fun and he makes for a lovely target’. Arthur almost choked on his mouthful as she blew a raspberry with carrots and managed to coat the entire left side of his face. “Right then,” Merlin said as he scooped pureed carrots off his face, “I think we’re done for the night.”

Arthur took a sip of his wine to wash down the last of his bread. “I think it’s more a matter of there being no food left to try to get into her mouth, unless you want to let her lick it off your shirt.”

Merlin smirked. “That too.” He lifted the food-smeared tray and began working on her fastenings. “I believe it’s bath time for you, young lady.”

Sylvana reached sticky hands for Merlin, spreading the mashed food over his shirt. “I don’t think she’s the only one,” said Arthur, looking down and flicking at a speck of debris.

“You could share one with her,” Merlin suggested.

Arthur’s eyes widened. “I believe we’ve already had this discussion about naked men bits and baby girls.”

Merlin rolled his eyes as he hefted Sylvana onto his hip. “You need to get over this whole ‘naked’ thing, Arthur. Parents have baths with their babies all the time.”

“Not this parent.” Arthur folded his arms across his chest. Merlin just shook his head as he headed for the antechamber to prepare a bath. “And not that parent either, Merlin!” Arthur called after him. “You’ll have her scarred for life.” He was answered by a laugh from Merlin and a rude noise from Sylvana before the door closed. Grumbling, Arthur sat back in his chair. His mind began forming a picture of Merlin naked behind the door and he quickly got up. Now was as good a time as any to finish his duties for the evening. He brushed off the worst of the food bits and headed out the door, shoving down the thoughts of how warm Merlin was in the morning and how his arms fit around his waist just ri- “Bloody hell,” he growled as he left his room.

~

When Arthur returned, he leant against the wardrobe, quietly watching the pair on the bed. Merlin and Sylvana - both freshly washed - were sprawled on Arthur’s indecently large bed. Merlin was telling a story and Sylvana stared at him, enraptured. Arthur listened as a magical princess embarked on a magical adventure, complete with magical prince and magic-wielding wizard; who happened to make a magical talking horse that was the magical princess’s companion. Merlin’s hands traced out the story and Sylvana followed them with her eyes. Merlin got to a part about a fire-breathing dragon and Sylvana made an ‘oooh’ noise; although Arthur couldn’t tell if it was from fear or excitement. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. “A dragon, Merlin? Really? You’ll give her nightmares.”

“Hardly. Besides, she likes it, don’t you, love?”

Sylvana clapped her hands and grabbed at Merlin’s lips. “Miiiiie...”

“Regardless, it’s time for bed.” Arthur walked over to his wardrobe to pull out some sleep clothes.

“Don’t you want a bath first?” Merlin smiled charmingly.

“It would take too long to draw one.” Arthur headed for the changing screen.

“Not if one’s already drawn and has been kept warm for you, sire.”

Arthur stopped and turned to look back at Merlin, who just smiled at him innocently. “You’ve been keeping a bath warm for me all this time?”

“Of course. It’s what any good manservant would do for his master...” How Merlin managed to make that sound dirty, Arthur had absolutely no idea, but it did. Very much so.

Arthur cleared his throat. “Well then, I guess I’ll go have my bath.”

Merlin’s lips quirked. “Good, then we’ll have enough time to finish our story, right Sylvana?”

Sylvana clapped, then crawled over to curl up against Merlin’s stomach. Merlin gave Arthur one last undecipherable look, then went back to regaling Sylvana of the magical world of magic. Arthur thought he may have been stressing the ‘magic’ just a tad. He went into the antechamber and as promised, there was a steaming bath waiting for him. He may have taken a little longer than necessary, if only to keep from being pouted at for interrupting the story. When he emerged, clean and dressed for the night, Merlin and Sylvana were both nestled under the blankets, a corner of which had been flipped back for him to climb under. Arthur went around the room and blew out the few candles that had been kept lit for him before making his way to the bed and lifting the covers and sliding between them. Sylvana made a kissy face, clearly waiting for her goodnight kiss before she could settle down. Arthur smiled and bent to give her one. “Goodnight, Syl, Merlin.” Arthur sighed as his head hit the pillow.

“Goodnight, Arthur.” Sylvana stayed sitting up. She made another kissing noise. Merlin chuckled from the other side of her.

“I just gave you a goodnight kiss, Syl.” Arthur lifted himself up on one arm and rolled his eyes at her as he leant in to give her another one. She turned her face away. Arthur gave her a confused look. “I thought you wanted another kiss?”

“Muurrrn.” Sylvana made another kissing noise.

Merlin sat up and leant in to give her what was probably her hundredth kiss from him, but she turned her head away again and stuck her lip out. Merlin frowned for a second before a smile spread on his face. “Ah, I see.”

“You see what? Please inform me of what it is you see, since I don’t understand anything going through that curly head of hers.” Arthur shook his head at Sylvana.

“I believe she expects you to give me a goodnight kiss.” Arthur could have sworn Merlin was gloating.

Arthur groaned and rubbed his hand over his face. “Not again.” He peeked through his fingers at Sylvana, who most definitely was gloating.

Merlin moved around until he was kneeling by Arthur’s legs. “We’d best get on with it unless you want her to ‘help’ again.”

Arthur paled. “She wouldn’t.” His eyes darted over to the child who was sitting with an expectant air about her. Arthur thought he detected a malicious gleam in her eye. An evil, magical, kiss-fetish gleam.

Merlin grinned. “She does seem to take after you with the whole stubborn trait.”

“I would never use magic to-” Arthur stopped as the idea of what he would do if he had the ability flitted through his head. He groaned again.

“See? Just like you.” Merlin tapped Arthur’s knee. “Now, up, before she decides we’re taking too long.”

Arthur pushed the blanket down and sat up, a scowl on his face. He eyed Merlin. “I think you’re enjoying this coercion far too much.”

Merlin’s smile widened. “And if I am?”

Arthur blinked. “Are you saying you’re enjoying being manipulated by an infant?”

Merlin shrugged. “I’m certainly enjoying the end results of said manipulation.”

The clench in Arthur’s stomach was almost painful, but nonetheless pleasant. “Oh?”

Merlin’s eyes dropped to Arthur’s mouth. “Mmhmm.”

Arthur’s tongue flicked out to wet his lips. “You enjoy-” was as far as he got before Merlin moved in and placed his mouth on Arthur’s. Arthur felt a hand wrap around his side as Merlin sunk into the kiss, lips moving gently over his. Closing his eyes, Arthur kissed back, his own hand coming up to rest against Merlin’s neck. His fingers played in the short strands as his tongue slipped past open lips and delved in to tangle with Merlin’s. Merlin made an appreciative noise in his throat that had Arthur clenching his other hand into a fist in the sheets. The need to pull Merlin closer was building, along with the desire to touch pale skin hidden by overly large shirts and trousers.

Merlin made another noise and the hand gripping Arthur’s waist tightened its grip before moving up his chest, rubbing small circles over it. Arthur did not arch into the touch, he was simply shifting his position in an upward motion. Merlin suckled Arthur’s lower lip into his mouth, nibbling it and placing a light kiss on Arthur’s mouth before sitting up. His eyes traced over Arthur’s face, taking in the dark eyes and flushed face and open and wet lips. He lifted his hand and brushed it over Arthur’s hair. “Goodnight, Arthur,” he breathed before moving back over to lie on the other side of a very satisfied looking girl-child.

Arthur took a few deep breaths, attempting to calm his pulse and... other things before he lay back down. “Goodnight,” he said, low and quiet in the darkness of the room. He looked over to see Sylvana waiting for him to lie down so she could use him as a pillow. His lips curved of their own accord and he moved until he was half on his side, arm held out for Sylvana to curl up under. She did, a smile on her face as she reached up and patted his cheek. Resting her head on his arm, she closed her eyes and grabbed a handful of the material of his sleep tunic.

Nuzzling her hair, Arthur placed a soft kiss in the mass of her curls. His eyes moved over to Merlin, who watched them both with a look of contentment on his face. He shuffled closer, arm resting across Arthur’s waist before sighing happily and closing his eyes. Arthur breathed in the scent of his Sylvana and tasted his Merlin in his mouth as he closed his own eyes to drift off to sleep, the combination locking themselves in his heart permanently.

~

Arthur woke up slowly, feeling unreasonably content for it being first thing in the morning. His brain processed the feel of an arm wrapped around his waist and something soft pressing against his throat. He floated there, half-awake and not wanting the pleasant feelings to go away. Arthur also processed the press of a knee between his legs, a knee that was slowly rubbing its way up and down his thigh, a knee that was producing a delicious friction that Arthur’s lower half was very pleased with. The pleasure was spiking, bringing him more awake with each pass of the persistent knee. He was now awake enough to realise the knee belonged to Merlin, as did the arm and the lips that were sleepily kissing their way down his neck. He also realised that his own arm was around Merlin, hand threaded in his hair as he pressed him closer. Upon figuring all this out, his brain finally processed that there was no small body between them and his eyes snapped open; heart suddenly thudding in fear. He went to raise himself up to find her when he heard her talking nonsense to herself from the end of the bed. Arthur lifted his head enough to peer down and see her amusing herself with the giant blue bear - pink bear - green bear - red bear. Arthur blinked as the bear continued to change colours. He closed his eyes and flopped back down on the pillow.

Merlin’s lips returned to their exploration of his neck, hand slipping under his shirt to trace over the skin of his back as he pulled Arthur closer, knee edging up slightly higher. Arthur bit his lip to keep the groan from slipping out and ducked his head to look down. Merlin’s sleepy blue eyes gazed back at him, a smile on his face before he pressed closer and fit his lips over Arthur’s, sharing with him a soft, slow, lingering kiss. “Morning.”

Arthur grunted something that may have been a reply before pulling Merlin’s mouth back to his. He shifted his leg, winding it around Merlin’s and tugging him closer. He felt the pulse of his arousal as it nudged Merlin’s thigh and he groaned into Merlin’s mouth as he felt an answering prod. Arthur’s arm grabbed Merlin’s shoulder and pressed it against the bed as Arthur rolled to lay half over him, both sets of lips still fused together. His hand reached down to pull Merlin’s shirt up, fingernails scraping lightly over the exposed flesh; leaving faint red trails. Merlin moaned and arched against him, the hand on his waist clenching and pulling their groins together. Arthur thrust reflexively against the body under him, wanting nothing more than to sink into Merlin and never surface. The sound of a high-pitched ‘oooh’ had him biting back a curse and resting his forehead on Merlin’s. Arthur couldn’t resist a smile, though. “Morning, Syl.”

Frustrated, he rolled onto his back and sighed resignedly up at the canopy above him, arm flung across his eyes. He heard Sylvana babble at them both, baby cheer making it impossible to be anything but amused. Arthur felt small hands and knees make their way up the small space between him and Merlin, feeling her stop at his chest. He felt Merlin shift on the bed to make more room for her, leaning on his side as he gave her a good-morning cuddle. “Did we have a good sleep, love?”

Sylvana babbled her answer, Merlin adding the occasional ‘Mmhmm’ or ‘Really?’ He felt her pat his chest. “Aaaawwwr...”
Arthur lifted his arm and peeked at her. “Yes?”

She crawled up and gave him a kiss on the cheek, a small smile on her face. She kept one hand wrapped in the fabric of his sleep shirt as she continued to tell Merlin all about her sleep and her morning. Arthur rolled his eyes as the blue bear floated over and she showed him her new trick. “That’s lovely, Sylvana. But I think you’re going to make Arthur’s head explode if you keep that up.” Merlin’s voice was laced with a smile.

Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why would my head explode, hmm? Certainly not because the child I’ve decided to keep as a ward is magical. Most definitely not because she’s not even a year old and is floating toys around and flickering them through the colour spectrum like it’s nothing. All this while living in the kingdom of a man who’s made it his life’s mission to wipe out any and all traces of magic. Now why on earth would that make my head explode.”

Merlin flicked a worried glance between the two. “You know, I was thinking...”

Arthur snorted. “That’s never the beginning of a good plan.”

Merlin poked his shoulder. “I was thinking, Gaius is going to be out of his quarters today.”

Arthur stared at Merlin. “And?”

“And I was thinking it would be a good time to go through some of his books. See if there’s anything in there about babies like Sylvana. Without raising any suspicion from Gaius.”

Mulling it over, Arthur nodded. “That actually is a good idea. I’m somewhat surprised.”

Merlin stuck his tongue out, producing a giggle from Sylvana. “I am more than just a pretty face, you know.”

“Right. You’re a pair of overly large ears too. And gangly limbs. And hair that doesn’t understand the meaning of order...” Arthur counted off.

Merlin grinned. “Admit it, Arthur Pendragon. You adore my ears. Absolutely love them.”

Arthur rolled his eyes. “They may have a certain charm to them. Maybe. Possibly.”

Merlin leaned in, eyes twinkling mischievously. “You love them because they’re on me, and because I’m yours.”

Arthur felt the heat blaze in his stomach at those words. He reached out a hand and grabbed the back of Merlin’s neck, pulling him in for a fierce kiss. He pulled back and growled, “Don’t ever forget that.”

Merlin stayed leaning in, lust plain on his face. “Arthur...”

Sylvana chose that moment to pull Arthur’s shirt and pat her belly. Arthur brought her hand up to kiss it before turning back to Merlin. “You heard the lady, it’s breakfast time, Merlin.”

Something in Arthur revelled in the effort it took Merlin to pull himself together. “Of course.” Smiling he bent down and gave Sylvana a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be right back, love.” He shot Arthur a heated glare as he rolled out of bed and made off behind the changing screen to put on the day’s clothing and head off to the kitchen.

Turning to Sylvana, Arthur tickled her tummy. He smiled as she giggled. “That just leaves you and me to play around until he gets back, doesn’t it?” He arched a brow as the blue bear levitated and hovered near his face. “You wouldn’t,” he said, narrowing eyes at the girl. As the bear flew at his face, he was informed in no uncertain terms that yes, yes she would.

~

After they had eaten and dressed for the day, Arthur had Merlin take Sylvana and told him to meet him at the physician’s quarters. Arthur still had to attend his morning duties, including receiving reports from the night guard and assigning hours and posts. He moved his afternoon training to early evening and after assuring Leon that yes, he would inform Sylvana that he sent his regards and affections, Arthur headed off to Gaius’s room. He arrived to see Merlin and Sylvana in the middle of a circle of open books, Sylvana staring at the pictures in one and Merlin frowning over the text of another. “Find anything interesting?”

Merlin started and looked up, Sylvana pointed at the picture she was looking at and said, “Boooo.”

Arthur walked over to see that she was pointing at a ridiculous caricature of a ghost. He smiled down at her. “Very boo. I ran into Leon and he sends his affections.” Arthur saw her smile and duck her head, smiling coyly up at him. “You just make sure not to break too many hearts, Syl. I do need my knights functional.” She batted her lashes up at him and went back to looking at the book, turning the page. Arthur walked over to a still frowning Merlin. “What?”

Merlin darted a quick look at Sylvana, standing with the book in his hands. He motioned Arthur over to a further corner of the room. “I found something, I’m just not sure...” he trailed off.

Arthur made a forward-moving motion with his hand. “Spit it out.”

“Well, there are a few scattered stories of ‘special’ children.” Merlin looked over at Sylvana again. “Children of magic.”

“What does that mean, ‘children of magic’? A child born with the ability to do magic?” It was Arthur’s turn to frown.

“No, Arthur. Children of magic. Magic sometimes has a sort of intelligence. It’s a natural chaos. It’s drawn to certain areas and people. And sometimes that magic builds up until it just creates its own life - a child. They’re not ‘born’ in the technical sense of the word. They’re created. And they do so in times of great change. The child will choose a person or people that the magic was drawn to. Us, Arthur. If she’s one of those children, she chose us. Finding her was no accident.”

Arthur stared at Sylvana over Merlin’s head. She was oblivious to their conversation, laughing at each new picture as she turned a page. “What does that mean? Is she,” he lowered his voice, “is she evil?”

Merlin quickly shook his head. “No, no, not evil. She may be a bit more intelligent than a child her age...”

Arthur snorted. “I think I figured that one out already.”

Smiling, Merlin continued, “She’s still just a child. A child that is made of magic. Which explains her being able to use it so effortlessly.”

“How often does this happen?” Arthur tried to peer at the lettering on the open pages.

Merlin shrugged. “It’s not timed or anything. The last recorded child was over two hundred years ago.”

Arthur gaped. “Well... that’s... huh.” He blinked then lifted his gaze to Merlin’s. “So, what does this mean? For us?”

Again with the shrug. “Nothing. She’s no different now than she was when you decided to keep her. Except now we know she wasn’t abandoned in the woods.” Merlin closed the book and placed it on the nearby table. “We will have to teach her about using her magic, though. You were right; she can’t go casting spells everywhere. Uther will eventually find out and then...” Merlin couldn’t finish the thought.

“That won’t happen; I’ll make sure of that.” Arthur fought the urge to grab both Merlin and Sylvana and lock them up in his room forever. They’d be safe there. Maybe not happy, but as long as Uther never found out, they’d be safe. And Arthur would take them safe over happy any day.

Merlin just looked at Arthur for a moment, looking for all the world like he wanted to say something. Then he sighed and nodded. “I know you will, Arthur.”

They both turned at the sudden sharp cry; Sylvana staring down at her hand, a drop of blood making its way slowly down to her wrist. Arthur and Merlin were both momentarily paralysed; all three of them just watching the red stain her hand, blood oozing slowly from where a large splinter had broken off from the floor and now jutted from her palm. Then her lower lip pushed out and her eyes filled with tears. “Owwweeeee!” She held her hand away from her, turning towards both men. Her eyes locked on Arthur’s, the green magnified by the sheen of tears. “Da-deeee,” she wailed.

Arthur had taken an automatic step towards her as she cried, rushing to pick her up. The new title had a strange effect on him; making him furiously angry at the floor and wanting to order the guards to hack it up; wanting to hack it up himself with his sword until it was blunt and he couldn’t lift his arms. His heart fluttered as he panicked at the sight of her blood. She was far too small to lose even a drop. He cradled her against his chest, kissing soothing words into her head as he let Merlin pluck the offending splinter from her hand. Her sobs continued as she cried into his tunic, soaking it with her tears. Merlin extracted the splinter and glared at it, tossing it into the fire pit. He grabbed a clean cloth and dipped in some water to clean the wound. “There, there, now. It’s not that bad, love. Look, see? All better.”

Sylvana’s breath hitched as she turned her head to peer unconvinced at her hand. She held it out to him again. “Da.” Merlin bent and gave it a soft kiss, smile stuck on his face. Sylvana brought the hand to her face, sniffling as she looked at it. “Oweee.”

“I know, sweetling. The bad splinter gave you an owie. And we threw it in the fire.” Arthur turned to the fire pit. “Bad splinter!”

“Baaa speeen!” Sylvana echoed, glaring at the fire pit. She sniffled again as she rested her head on Arthur’s chest. “Da-dee...” she murmured into his shirt, clutching it in her unhurt hand. Arthur actually felt his heart melting and making a puddle around his feet. By the look on Merlin’s face, his was mingling in the pool with Arthur’s.

And that’s when Arthur realised how dire his situation was. He’d gone and fallen in love with his idiot manservant with ridiculously adorable ears that were his and with a baby created from magic that had chosen him and his idiot manservant out of an entire kingdom of people. A baby that was also his. He looked over at his idiot manservant and had to refrain from pulling him in for another kiss. The look etched on Merlin’s face was unadulterated love; for both Arthur and Sylvana. Arthur’s heart stayed in a goopy mass near his feet. And he called Merlin a girl. He looked down and saw Sylvana’s eyes closed, lashes stark against the paleness of her cheek. Her breathing had slowed and her hand had loosened in his tunic. Turning to Merlin, he asked, “Is she asleep?”

Merlin’s smile deepened as he nodded. “Poor thing.” He traced her cheek with his finger, watching as she snuggled further into Arthur’s arms. Merlin’s eyes lifted to Arthur’s and Arthur felt his heart shoot back up into his chest, fully formed and pounding hard at the heat in that single look.

“You’re the worst manservant ever, Merlin. Trying to get me riled up when I have a baby in my arms.” Arthur tsk’d at Merlin.

Merlin’s grin turned feral. “You could always put her down, sire...” How Merlin was capable of filling one word with so many dirty connotations was beyond Arthur, but it was a talent he was beginning to enjoy.

“I’m not having you grope me in the physician’s quarters, Merlin. Learn some control.” Arthur said with a smirk.

Merlin stepped into Arthur’s personal space, voice low. “Then may I suggest returning to your quarters to procure the proper privacy for groping?”

Arthur tried to come up with something witty, really he did, but he found himself nodding instead and following Merlin out the door.

~

They’d found Chelsea, the nursemaid, in Sylvana’s quarters; conveniently placed beside Arthur’s. She’d clucked over the sleeping girl and taken her gently from Arthur to put down for a nap. After assuring him that Sylvana would be fine and safe with her and that she’d be sure to send for him or Merlin if anything happened, Arthur and Merlin escaped next door. Arthur walked over to the bed and turned at the sound of the bolt being thrown on his door. Merlin leant against it, a wicked look carved into his face. “Alone at last,” he said, breath thick as he stalked towards Arthur.

“You’re not playing very hard to get, Merlin.” Arthur grinned as Merlin slid against him, pushing him back until he bumped into the bedpost.

“Oh no, stop. My virtue,” Merlin feigned in a falsetto, before grabbing Arthur by the waist and pulling him close. He ground his erection against Arthur’s groin and smiled satisfactorily at the groan it produced. “Is that hard enough for you?”

Arthur may have muttered something about impertinent cheeky servants before he crushed his mouth to Merlin’s. His hands eagerly slipped under the baggy blue tunic and roamed over the slim form. He felt Merlin begin to rut against him and he ran his hands down to grab his arse. Arthur held him in place as he slowly rubbed himself against Merlin, nipping at Merlin’s lower lip as the shiver of pleasure shot through him. “Bed,” he ordered.

Merlin quickly complied. Arthur noticed how eagerly he followed orders when they suited him. He was just glad this was one of those times. He undid his belt and let it fall to the floor, soon to be followed by his tunic, boots and trousers. Merlin was already undressed by the time Arthur’s tunic hit the ground. Arthur crawled onto the bed, eyes tracing over Merlin’s exposed skin. It was the first time he’d seen him naked and he was taking his time. He was pale, a light brush of curls in the middle of his chest. A small line of dark hair started at his belly button and led down to the patch at his groin. Merlin’s cock jutted from the curls, tip already pulled from the foreskin and glistening. Arthur lowered his head and nipped at the protruding hip bone, watching Merlin’s eyes roll back. He pressed soft kisses on Merlin’s stomach and chest as he continued to crawl up his body, lowering his pelvis to let his cock drag against Merlin as he moved; painting him with his own pre-come.

Reaching Merlin’s mouth, he lowered completely on top of him, tongue slipping past opening lips and playing with Merlin’s. He felt hands reach down and caress the top of his arse as Merlin arched his lower body against Arthur’s. Arthur broke the kiss and lowered his mouth to Merlin’s neck, biting his mark into it. “Don’t stop,” he said, licking a path down to Merlin’s shoulder.

His eyes widened in surprise as Merlin rolled them both over, winding up straddling Arthur. “I don’t intend to.” Merlin reached a hand down and gripped Arthur’s cock along with his own, pressing them together as he continued to rock his hips. Arthur’s hands slid up Merlin’s legs and gripped his hips, fingers digging in as he pulled Merlin against him.

Arthur lifted his hips up as Merlin stroked down, a rhythm that increased in tempo as sweat started beading on their skin. Looking up at Merlin, Arthur took in the half-closed eyes, dark blue just peeking through, the flush that spread down his chest, the lip that was being bitten between his teeth and he felt the tingling start at the base of his spine. “Kiss me,” he said, hands moving up to Merlin’s back to pull him down.

Merlin bent over, hand still stroking a fast tempo over both cocks, thumb occasionally sweeping over the heads and the gathered beads of come. He breathed Arthur’s name into his mouth as he licked into it, lips meeting and locking. Arthur palmed the back of Merlin’s head, keeping him pressed to him as he continued to thrust up into Merlin’s hand. He felt the stutter in Merlin’s rocking as he plunged his tongue into Merlin’s mouth, swallowing the needy groans that crawled up his throat. “Mine.” Arthur said against Merlin’s lips as he began to thrust erratically.

Merlin choked out a cry as he came over his hand, coating Arthur’s cock and chest. The destroyed look on Merlin’s face and the broken gasps sent Arthur over into his own orgasm, adding to the stripes on his chest. Merlin continued to slowly milk the last few drops from both of them, dropping his head against Arthur’s shoulder. “I think I went blind.”

Arthur chuckled and pulled Merlin down beside him. “How many fingers am I holding up?” Merlin peered at Arthur’s hand, which was cradling his crotch.

“Haha, prat.” Merlin nuzzled into Arthur’s neck, arm draping across his chest.

Arthur laid a kiss on the mop of dark hair. “You love it.”

Arthur felt him smile against his skin. “Maybe.”

Smiling, Arthur tucked Merlin closer to him. “No maybes. You love me and my prattishness.”

“You have your moments.”

“I am a moment.”

Merlin snorted. “What does that even mean?”

Arthur rubbed a hand up and down Merlin’s side. “I don’t know, but it sounded good.”

Merlin laughed. “You’re going to be a wonderful role model, Daddy.”

Arthur felt himself flush at that. “Was there ever any doubt, Da?”

Merlin nuzzled Arthur’s neck again. “Mmmm. Possibly. Evil stray woodland babies are susceptible to the prattish teachings of certain blond princes.”

“You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?” Arthur groaned.

“Probably not. Just wait until she actually has teeth. Then you’ll really have to worry about her eating everything.” Merlin poked the chest in front of him.

Arthur rolled over and pinned Merlin beneath him. “I’ll show you teeth.” He lowered his head and sunk his teeth around one of Merlin’s nipples.

He was rewarded with a hand fisting in his hair and Merlin’s back bowing. “Not fair.” Merlin said, breath catching.

“Who said anything about fair?” Arthur slid a leg between Merlin’s as his tongue sought entrance in his mouth. He proceeded to show Merlin exactly how unfair he could be, reducing him to a writhing, moaning wreck; something Arthur thought should happen more often. He began to plan ways to make this happen. His planning was interrupted by Merlin’s hand reaching down and cradling him, begging him to stop torturing him. Arthur generously conceded; multiple times.

~

As they were getting dressed, they heard a soft rap on the chamber door. “Sire?” A feminine voice called softly. “It’s Molly, sire. Sylvana’s up and requesting you, if you have the time.”

Arthur pulled his tunic over his head, sneaking a quick kiss from Merlin as he handed him his belt. “We’ll be right there.” He continued to distract Merlin from fastening his belt with soft kisses.

Merlin’s fingers fumbled over the belt as he leaned into Arthur, mouth trying to capture his. “Tease.”

“Mmmm,” Arthur murmured in agreement as he caught Merlin’s lips.

“We - have - to - go - see - Sylvana.” Merlin punctuated each word with a chaste kiss. Arthur’s lower lip stuck out and Merlin tried not to laugh. He nipped it instead, smiling into Arthur’s mouth. “Let’s go, sire.”

Arthur gave Merlin’s arse a quick smack as he turned and headed for the door. He grinned at the squawk of outrage. They walked to the next room, Arthur opening the door and spotting Sylvana sitting on Chelsea’s lap as Chelsea read her a story. She let out a squealed, “Da-dee! Da!” Holding out her arms, she smiled as Merlin came over and plucked her up. He made his way over to a table that had already been set for lunch for all three, Molly and Chelsea quickly bobbing curtsies and promising to be back after they’d eaten.

“Did you miss me, love?” Merlin said, kissing both rosy cheeks before placing one on her forehead.

“Da, miiiiie,” she said, hands clutching his shirt and reaching up to give him her own kiss.

“I love you too.” Merlin bounced her on his knee, both of them turning to eye over the platters of food that had been left for them. It was much better fare than Merlin would have normally had if he’d been eating on his own, spiced cold meats and cheeses, sliced apples and warm, fresh bread. There were bowls of stewed apples and peas, along with a custard that was mildly flavoured for the palate of a baby.

Arthur stood by the table and watched Merlin sit with Sylvana on his lap, both of them smiling adoringly at each other. Arthur thought that as far as dire situations, this one wasn’t all that bad. Pulling out a chair, he sat down and prepared to share his lunch with the two people he loved; as he prepared to share his life with them as well. The look on both their faces as they turned to him let him know he was probably making the best decision of his life.

~End~