Within Your Heart

I'm guessing this the chapter most people will be wanting most/most curious about!

-x-

Arthur led Merlin through the castle to his rooms. Merlin had never seen these before and found they weren’t that dissimilar from his own. They were larger but the décor was still the blood red that permeated the castle. Candles were already lit and the whole room glowed with warmth. It was welcoming and Merlin even thought it as romantic. Arthur guided him in and closed the door behind them. He slid his paws over Merlin’s shoulders and down his chest bringing him flush against Merlin’s back. He felt Merlin gasp slightly.

“If you don’t want-” Merlin turned in his arms and placed a hand against Arthur’s scaly cheek. Arthur closed his eyes and relished the touch. It had been the first he had received in years. He could feel tears forming behind his eyes, but held them in check. Merlin leant forward and placed a gentle kiss on the end of his snout. Arthur blinked his eyes open in surprise.

“I do want. I want you. I-” Merlin huffed, “I can’t explain, but you’ve got to me Arthur. Somehow you’ve gone from being an enemy to… a friend.” He gave a small smile. “And I still want more.” Arthur nodded knowing what Merlin was asking without actually saying. Slowly he raised his paws to Merlin’s shoulders seeing how delicate the boy looked under them. Such a delicate thing and he was giving himself to Arthur. Arthur felt truly humbled and the love he now knew he felt for Merlin swelled in his chest, yet he still found he couldn’t say the words. He carefully slid the beautiful coat from Merlin’s shoulders and let it fall to the floor. Merlin took a step back with a smile. “Here, let me.” Arthur watched with surprise and delight as Merlin stripped off in front of him, slowly revealing each inch of pale skin. When he was completely naked he stretched himself over the soft bed and gazed at Arthur longingly. Arthur found it hard to breathe. Merlin truly was giving him everything and he would worship the boy in return.

Arthur found himself taking off his own jacket and shirt revealing a finely scaled chest that changed into golden fur. He knelt on the bed beside the boy. Merlin was completely fascinated and ran his hand across both. He grinned when he felt Arthur purr. Arthur leaned over him and began lapping at Merlin’s ear once more. The smile quickly changed to a look of passion. Merlin felt the pads of Arthur’s paws ghost over his chest and likened it to the feel of warm leather. He closed his eyes and could almost imagine it was leather gloves that were sending shivers down his skin. The warm tongue began to follow the paws, lapping at his body, tracing invisible circles that had Merlin moaning.

Merlin was well aware of the danger he was in. One snap of those teeth or one swipe of those paws could kill a man, but he felt no fear or danger and in a way it thrilled him to know it was there all the same. Arthur was an untamed, wild beast, it was like playing with fire; and oh how Merlin wanted to burn. As the long tongue lapped at one nipple, he felt himself curve, body arching upwards. “Arthur.” A long drawn out moan escaped his lips.

“Shh,” Arthur murmured above him, stroking a paw down the tense, pale chest, “Relax Merlin, there is so much more.” Merlin took a deep breath and tried to calm down, but Arthur was making it extremely difficult.

Arthur watched Merlin with fascination, watched how the slim body writhed under his ministrations, and revelled in the noises that escaped Merlin’s lips. They had barely begun and he wanted, no, needed more. He choked back a groan, knowing he had to concentrate. Losing himself could be too dangerous. Even he wasn’t sure what he was capable of. But the taste of the boy beneath him was intoxicating. He wanted to know what other noises he could pull from that beautiful, full mouth. He trailed his tongue lower, watching Merlin turn his head against the pillow, biting at his lip. Arthur could feel more than see where his tongue trailed, but knew exactly where Merlin wanted it, and armed with that knowledge, completely denied the boy. Merlin whimpered as the long tongue traced around the area it was most needed, bucking his hips a little in hope, but Arthur was already licking across the inside of his thighs and quietly snickering to himself. He looked up at Merlin, removing his tongue completely. Merlin whimpered quietly at the loss.

“Arthur. Please.” There was a definite cocky smirk on Arthur’s face and Merlin frowned.

“What? What is it you want, Merlin? You have to tell me.” He continued running his paws gently down Merlin’s hips and thighs, it seemed he couldn’t get enough either. The pale hips arched into the touch. The high cheek bones flushed a little pinker than they were already.

“I want... I want you to touch me, Arthur. All over. And I… I want your tongue to lick me.” His voice seemed to lower, almost as if he was nervous about what he was saying. Arthur found it quite endearing as well as amazingly sexy. “I want you to lick my cock, Arthur.” Arthur’s smile widened before he lowered his mouth nearer to his prize. A warm puff of air teased over Merlin’s erection, making it twitch in anticipation. Slowly Arthur lowered his tongue and ran it up the firm length. Merlin gave a strangled sob which grew louder as Arthur repeated the action. He used the tip of his tongue to lap across the weeping head to taste the pre-cum forming there and making Merlin shiver violently.

“Mmm, you taste good, Merlin,” Merlin opened his eyes, dilated and dark with lust. He still managed to look innocent somehow, despite being spread out before Arthur in all his glory. Arthur carefully wrapped his tongue around the thick shaft and used it to stroke the straining flesh. Merlin gasped and panted below him, not knowing what to do with himself, his knees falling apart naturally and tempting Arthur to explore Merlin’s body the best he could. He trailed his tongue down his cock then lower, to tease at the soft flesh of his sac and the sensitive area behind it. He had to hold Merlin’s hips down as the boy was wriggling almost violently with Arthur’s ministrations. When Arthur’s tongue slid even lower, Merlin nearly left the bed.

“Oh god, Arthur!” His voice was now nearer a wail and Arthur continued mercilessly, his long, warm tongue finding the hot, hidden hole. Arthur slowly teased the opening with the tip of his pointed tongue and Merlin shuddered underneath him. The keening wail that Merlin uttered only made Arthur more determined to carry on. He pushed his tongue further into the tight hole, pushing past the tight ring of muscle and wriggling it slightly. Merlin’s fingers tightened in the sheets below, his knuckles going white with the pressure. He continued his teasing until Merlin was breathless and only managing strangled sobs before finally relenting, moving his tongue away. Arthur now truly understood the power he could wield. The power that he seemed to have over Merlin.

“P- Please,” the boy groaned, his hips still trying to lift for attention. Arthur looked over him once more. His pale flesh golden and shimmering with sweat in the candle light, his body open and wanton. Arthur finally gave what was so desperately wanted. Wrapping his lizard like tongue around the straining flesh, he stroked and licked until Merlin spasmed under him, gifting him with his creamy essence. Arthur lapped him clean willingly, tasting every heady mouthful with delight. Merlin lay gasping against the sheets, his mind still spinning some way above. Arthur watched him silently, still longing for what he couldn’t have. Some of what he was thinking must have shown on his face. Merlin spotted the look as soon as he had returned to Earth.

“I’m sorry… I should-”

“Don’t you dare apologise for that,” Arthur snapped. He looked away guiltily. “I just wish I could give you more.” Merlin knelt up beside Arthur and cupped his hand against the cool scales of Arthur’s cheek.

“Why don’t you then?” His voice was a deep murmur, slightly rough from the moaning before. Arthur looked at him with wide eyes.

“I- I couldn’t- I might hurt you or-” Merlin smiled, his cheeks still flushed and his eyes bright.

“No you wouldn’t. Don’t forget, I can be just as dangerous. My magic can easily kill if I allow it and yet you have no fear of it.” He leaned forwards until his lips were a brush away from Arthur’s nose. “I trust you,” he whispered once more. Arthur looked at him with wonder. None of his servants had ever given him that much faith and yet this boy had given more than the prince could possibly have imagined. Arthur felt humbled and wanted to give Merlin all he could.

“But how can I-?” Merlin gave him a grin that was positively dirty. His eyes flashed gold for a moment before he turned away from Arthur and grabbed a small bottle filled with oil. He showed it to the prince first before lying back on the bed. The prince was impressed, conjuring objects out of thin air certainly proved that Merlin’s magic had come on in leaps and bounds, but now wasn’t entirely sure where to look. Merlin held his gaze as he ran long fingers across his chest and teased at his nipples. He was sure he heard Arthur gasp quietly. A small smile tugged at his lips.

It wasn’t the first time he had done this. As a young teenager he had found his life and sexuality frustrating. He had quickly found ways to alleviate that frustration. Vivid fantasies had filled his mind to help him. But this was something else. To have someone watching him while he did this, it was new and nerve wracking and exciting all at once. He couldn’t keep his eyes open, he needed to concentrate and relax but he knew Arthur’s eyes wouldn’t leave him. Those too human eyes watching as he slid his own hands down his body, teasing himself, making himself hard once more. His hand curled around his penis, feeling it stiffen at his touch.

Merlin shuddered as he felt a cool liquid drizzle over his heated flesh. His eyes fluttered open to reveal Arthur sitting beside him, oil in paw, trickling it over his skin. The boy was thankful for the thought. It was one less thing he had to worry about. He slicked his cock while letting his other hand roam lower. He massaged his balls carefully, enjoying the gentle movement and couldn’t help the groan of satisfaction escape his lips. He heard another moan and knew that the sound wasn’t made by him. His eyes fluttered open revealing wide, dark pupils surrounded by a fine ring of deep blue, turned darker by passion. A small, knowing smile crept on his lips. He seemed as if he was holding Arthur by magic, yet he knew his ability was being held in check for the moment. He had never felt more powerful as he did then and he relished it.

Letting his eyes shut once more, he raised one leg and let his fingers stroke down further following the curve of his buttocks and between them seeking out the puckered hole there. His whole hand was coated in oil so the movement was smooth and comfortable as he gently began breaching the hole with his finger. Doing this himself meant he was able to tell when his body could accept more. It wasn’t long before he had two fingers stretching himself and he had to bite back the moans that wanted to escape. Eyes opened in surprise as the weight beside him shifted off the bed. Merlin looked up to see Arthur removing the rest of his attire. Despite the fact that Arthur’s back was to him, Merlin could sense the nervousness radiating off the prince.

“Let me see you,” he asked breathlessly, his fingers still moving inside him. Arthur turned around slowly, eyes not quite meeting Merlin’s. The sorcerer was finally able to see how Arthur looked as a whole. The strange crossing of creatures that he was. The smaller chest scales of a dragon ran from Arthur’s neck down to his navel where it blended into fine golden fur. The rest of his body was covered in the same fur apart from the streak of scales down his back which ran head to tail and included his wings which were tucked tightly against his back. His tail thumped nervously against the floor. Merlin would have laughed if he knew that it wouldn’t have been interpreted wrongly. He could understand it was intimidating for Arthur to truly reveal himself like this. It warmed Merlin to think that he had. His eyes wandered down the scaled and furred frame taking in every part. Merlin wondered if the man that Arthur had been was as muscled as the creature that stood in front of him. There was a hidden strength there, a side that Arthur had never really shown, like Merlin he had a power that he kept in check. It came like an epiphany to Merlin. Perhaps he and Arthur weren’t so different after all.

His gaze couldn’t help but follow the inevitable trail downwards until it rested on the more serious matter. Merlin bit his lip to stop himself from making, what could have been considered, a very girly squeak. To say that Arthur was impressive would have been an understatement. Merlin briefly considered if this was such a good idea after all. But when he considered everything, he realised he had never really thought about the size of a man’s penis. Compared to his own, it wasn’t actually that different. He slowed his breathing slightly. It was just his nerves getting to him.

A brief memory flashed through his mind of Uther riding his stallion through Ealdor. Merlin had had Morgana with him at the time and the stallion, it appeared, took a very quick liking to Morgana. The mare had been less than impressed however, but it had been enough to brand into Merlin’s memory forever. Arthur certainly wasn’t hung like a horse. A saying that a few men in Ealdor bragged about. Merlin was definitely glad that rumour was literally that. No, daunting Arthur might be, but he wasn’t about to stop this. Merlin reached out his hand towards the prince, showing that his presence was very much wanted. Finally, a shaking paw took it and Merlin led him back to the bed.

Merlin sat up and gave the prince a reassuring smile before turning around and grinning cheekily over his shoulder. Arthur knelt on the bed and kneeled behind him. He wrapped gentle paws around Merlin’s waist, pulling himself close.

“Are you sure about this?” he whispered in Merlin’s ear.

“Absolutely,” Merlin whispered back. Arthur slid his paws to Merlin’s hips, once again thinking how skinny the boy was. Merlin leant forwards, bracing himself on his hands and raising his arse to Arthur. He looked over his shoulder once more. Arthur looked more nervous and excited than he had ever seen him. Slowly the prince shifted himself closer, Merlin could feel the heat of his erection against his buttocks and he trembled with anticipation. He felt the head of Arthur’s cock press against his entrance and slowly push in.

Merlin bit his lip to stop himself from crying out with the intense burning that accompanied the intrusion. He would not let Arthur stop. His fingers clawed into the sheets below and he felt his head hang down. His breathing was escaping in harsh pants.

“Are you alright?” Arthur’s voice was filled with concern, “Merlin, you’re shivering.” A soft leather pad ran down his spine.

“I’m fine,” he hissed out, feeling the beginnings of tears form behind his clenched eyes.

“You don’t have to do this…”

“I want to,” Merlin gasped, the pain beginning to ease slightly. “Please. I don’t want to stop.” Arthur waited a moment longer before pressing further into Merlin’s body until he was buried in the tight heat. Arthur had to close his own eyes to help control himself. The last thing he wanted to do was really hurt Merlin now. He could see the beads of sweat forming on the pale back in front of him. Arthur groaned when Merlin wriggled against him. “Move. Please.” Arthur was sure Merlin was still hurting but he couldn’t deny his own wants either. He slowly withdrew, sliding from the glorious warmth to slide back in again. Merlin gave a strangled sob. Arthur didn’t know if it was pain or pleasure. “More,” Merlin finally ground out when Arthur failed to move again. The movement eased the pain and the burning was quickly turning into something else.

Another thrust and this time Merlin groaned. The slide of Arthur’s cock sent vibrations all the way to his stomach which twisted eagerly. He moaned in appreciation. Arthur was encouraged by the sounds that Merlin was now making. His initial fear began to subside and lust began to dominate. Merlin felt good beneath him and around him. He began to find a rhythm, drawing another moan from Merlin with each thrust. His own growls escaped his throat as he thrust into the tight heat.

Merlin panted harshly, it was getting more difficult to breathe. He was only aware of Arthur’s cock pounding into him. The prince had quickly found a rhythm and Merlin was eager to match it. He thrust his own hips back to meet Arthur’s, making Arthur groan with pleasure. Merlin was only vaguely aware of a slight stinging as sharp claws dragged their way down his back. He arched into the pain anyway, enjoying the moment too much to care.

“Arthur. Harder,” the whine escaped his lips but was paid little attention as he promptly got what he wanted. With a harsh growl Arthur increased his efforts, almost slamming his hips into the boy below him, who only gave longer, deeper moans and gasps of pleasure, even when his arms gave out and he was resting his head against the sheets below. Cat like mewls were escaping that full, open mouth now and it only fuelled Arthur’s desire. He watched as Merlin slipped his hand between his legs and began pumping his own cock in time with Arthur’s thrusts. The other hand held the sheets in a death grip, it was the only thing grounding the boy. Arthur closed his eyes, doing his best to not think of the picture Merlin made. He would make him come first. Arthur would not stop until he had seen Merlin break apart once more. It didn’t take much.

“Come for me, Merlin,” Arthur panted as much as his breath would allow. With a keening wail and words that the boy should never have known, Merlin came hard, proof of his pleasure spraying across his chest, hand and the sheets below. His convulsing muscles gripped around Arthur making it hard for him to thrust further, with a deep growl, he released his own seed into Merlin. Arthur collapsed beside the boy, careful not to land on him. He knew that there was no way the skinny youth would be able to support his weight. He felt Merlin curl up beside him before he drifted off into the darkness of the sated.

-x-

When Arthur came to, he realised he had his arms full of a warm sorcerer. Blinking his eyes open he realised Merlin had his back to him. He took a quick look down the best he could and winced. He could see the deep gouges he had left on the pale back. They had bled slightly but were not life threatening. He could already feel guilt burning him up.

“Don’t apologise,” a sleepy voice told him. Arthur’s eyes grew wide with surprise. “They don’t really hurt. Besides, you’ve marked me now.” Merlin rolled over. Arthur couldn’t help but give a grin at the ruffled, ‘just had sex look’ that Merlin had. “I’m yours,” he added with a grin. He rested his cheek against Arthur’s chest. Many things were burning on Arthur’s tongue, there were so many things he wanted to say. Only one managed to escape.

“Merlin, are you happy here?” There was a long pause. Arthur wondered if he had gone back to sleep.

“More than I ever thought possible,” a contemplative reply. “I never thought I could belong anywhere. I might have lived in Ealdor, but I never considered it home. I was always considered odd or strange. Here, somehow I fit in. I feel almost like I belong.” There was another pause. Arthur waited, he could tell there was something else. “But I wish I could see my mother again. I miss her so much.” Arthur hadn’t heard Merlin sound so sad since the day he had arrived.

“There is a way. Get dressed and I will show you.”

-x-

Arthur led him to the south wing. Merlin realised he didn’t feel so intimidated now that he was with Arthur. He pointedly ignored the memories from when he was here last. As he entered the darkened room, his gaze fell once more to the beautiful rose under the jar. Arthur bypassed the flower and picked up something else. He held out a silver mirror to Merlin who took it carefully.

“Tell the mirror what you wish to see and it will show you.” Merlin nodded then looked down at the object.

“I wish to see my mother,” he told it quietly. The mirror glowed brightly in the dark and Merlin had to close his eyes against the intensity. When he opened them again he gasped loudly. “Mother!” By the distraught look on Merlin’s face Arthur knew it was not good news. Merlin looked up at Arthur sadly, tears forming in his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” he encouraged gently.

“She- she’s lost. In the forest. She’s sick. I- I think she is looking for me.” Arthur didn’t miss the guilt that laced the voice. He sighed sadly knowing what he was about to do would destroy all his hopes.

“Then you must go to her.” Merlin looked at him startled.

“But-”

“I release you from your promise. You are no longer a prisoner here.” He brushed a pad of his paw against a cheek bone. “She needs you. Go to her.” Merlin nodded.

“Thank you. You have no idea how much this means.” He went to hand back the mirror. Arthur shook his head.

“Keep it. That way you can… you can look back and remember me.” Merlin nodded. He moved forward and kissed Arthur on the end of his nose, gave a small smile and hurried out of the room. Arthur watched him go. Gaius hopped into the room soon after.

“I believe that it went well tonight, sire.”

“Gaius, I- I let him go.”

“That’s wonderf- you did what?” Arthur looked out of the window and sighed heavily.

“I had to. Someone else needed him more. I let him go.”

“But- but, sire, why?” A single tear filled sapphire eye turned to the small vial.

“I love him, Gaius. I would give him the world if he asked for it. He asked to go. I let him.” Gaius turned away sadly. All because of love they were doomed to remain as they were. Arthur had found his heart, only to have it taken away again. Gaius hopped out of the room. Arthur stood by the window. “If only I had told him I love him.” It was a desperate and now impossible, ‘if only’.