Within Your Heart

Sorry guys! Last chapter! I hope you enjoyed it! I hope to post more stuff on here soon!

-x-

“Arthur!” Terror hit Merlin firmly in the chest as if he had just been punched once more. He struggled to breathe as he knelt by the prince. “Oh god! Speak to me Arthur! Please! Say something. Anything.” He could already feel tears escaping his eyes and he wiped at them quickly.

“Anything.” A quiet reply that sounded breathless escaped Arthur’s mouth. Merlin gave a watery smile.

“Prat,” he murmured back fondly. He looked down at his hands that had been resting beside Arthur and saw the blood. “Oh god. Arthur…” his voice caught. “I’m sorry I should have been quicker… I… It’s all my fault. If I had-”

“Shh. Stop blaming yourself. Its better that I go like this. With honour…” he looked intently into Merlin’s eyes, “And having known you.” He took a deep shuddering breath and raised a shaky paw to Merlin’s face, carefully brushing away the falling tears. Merlin nuzzled into it and held it there, “I was nothing without you.”

“Th… that’s not true.” Merlin struggled to talk past the tight knot in his throat.

“Yes it is. I wouldn’t have been like this otherwise. Thank you, Merlin, for helping me see the light… and for guiding me. I’m sorry I hurt you so much.” Blue eyes gazed attentively at Merlin, trying to hold him in focus.

“Y- you didn’t-”

“Do you ever shut up?” A coughed laugh. Merlin closed his eyes tightly, trying not to cry. “Merlin, look at me.” He opened his eyes carefully and looked down at the creature that had taken over his life and could feel himself breaking. “I love you.” A whisper that caught on the wind. Merlin stared at him in wonder, processing the words. He turned his head and kissed the paw that he held. After a shuddering breath of his own, he whispered back,

“I love you too.” But when he looked down he saw blue eyes gazing sightlessly and the erratic breathing had stopped. “Arthur?” Merlin shook him slightly, hardly daring to breathe himself. “Arthur?” He fell against the broad chest and felt nothing but stillness. “Don’t leave me,” he sobbed into the still chest. The tears began pouring down his face, which he then turned to the sky and screamed out his pain and anger. The rain pounded around him, his tears were washed away by the downpour.

-x-

The objects watched the exchange in silence. After their own fight had been won, Gwen, Lancelot and Gaius had rushed to tell their master the good news when they had been faced with the fight. None of them had realised that Merlin had returned. All they could imagine was that he had used his magic to get up to the rooms. They had all seen what had happened.

Lancelot now held Gwen tight the best that he could, as the pitcher cried hopelessly. It wasn’t for their situation, but for the love that had just been torn apart. Both Lancelot and Gaius couldn’t remain unaffected either.

“I never even considered that I would outlive the prince, Gaius said with disbelief. Lancelot remained silent, too shocked to say anything. They all watched as Merlin cried to the heavens, knowing that there was nothing they could do for him. Finally he slumped down over Arthur’s body, shaking violently as his cries were torn from him. All three finally turned away to leave him to his grief, when they heard a voice. A female voice. One they didn’t recognise.

“Thank you, Merlin.” Merlin pulled himself upright to find himself looking at a rather beautiful woman. He frowned at her, tears and rain still rolling down his face.

“Who are you?” The woman simply smiled.

“My name is Nimueh. I enchanted this castle many years ago.” Merlin quickly found a new way to direct his anger.

“Then all this is your fault!” Her smile never faltered.

“In a way. But you have fixed it.”

“Fixed! What do you mean fixed? Arthur’s dead and- and it’s all your fault.” He dropped his head to begin crying again, all of his anger quickly burning out. A gentle hand brushed his shoulder.

“You gave him everything and in doing so you have granted the wish you wanted yourself. To be powerful enough to change one thing into another. But it is not your magic that will do so. It is what you have inside you, your love for Arthur. My work is done here. Enjoy yourself, Merlin Emrys.”

“But-” He went to ask her more, but she had vanished. It was only when he felt movement beside him that he looked down. Merlin gave a strangled sob; he wasn’t sure whether to be ecstatic or shocked. As the rain thundered down around them, it seemed to pour over Arthur and as Merlin watched, the creature he knew began to dissolve away. Finally, Merlin found himself staring down at a blond and very handsome man. Sapphire blue eyes carefully blinked open, looking lost for a moment then finding Merlin’s surprised eyes. The man raised a shaking hand to Merlin’s cheek, just brushing fingertips against the bone. Merlin flinched back slightly. The blond man frowned.

“Merlin, it’s me, Arthur.” He looked at his own hands for a moment in wonder, holding them up to where he could see them, turning them over so he could inspect the pale pink skin. Merlin stared at him, uncertain as to what had actually happened. Arthur tried to reach for him once more, but Merlin moved back further. This wasn’t the Arthur he loved. He didn’t know what this was. “Merlin, don’t be an idiot.” He carefully sat up and looked at Merlin tenderly and held his hand out. After a moments pause and Merlin looking even more uncertain, Arthur finally whispered, “Do you trust me?” It was that that did it. The phrase they had kept asking each other that had solidified their relationship. Merlin gave another sob before throwing himself into Arthur’s now human arms.

“I thought you’d died.” His voice was shaking as well as his body, the shock of everything finally catching up.

“I did, but you brought me back.” He gave him a fond smile and Merlin pulling back, looked at him in wonder. The deep blue eyes and the golden hair. If he had fixed the ripped portrait, Merlin now knew that this is what he would have seen. Slowly he raised his own hand and traced over Arthur’s face, learning all the new features. He brushed through wet hair, across fine brows, down his nose, across his cheek, along his jaw line and gently across soft lips. Arthur grabbed his wrist with a firm grip and whilst keeping his eyes on Merlin, kissed his finger tips. Merlin bit his lip. Using his grip on Merlin, he pulled him closer so they were only a breath away. “Now that I have lips, I can finally do what I wanted to.” He gave a quick smirk, before closing the gap between them. Merlin was too surprised to respond at once but as soon as the soft lips moved against his and a warm wet tongue licked at his bottom lip begging for entrance, he couldn’t help but reciprocate. Arthur pulled him closer and relished the feel of having Merlin against his real body. He couldn’t wait until he could make love to Merlin again, just so he could relearn how to touch and feel. But right now he would settle for the kiss. Merlin was happy to note that Arthur, despite now being human, still had a wicked tongue.

-x-

Around them the rain began to wash the castle, clearing away the darkness, replacing it with a bright, white stone. Anything broken was made whole, anything ruined was fixed. The servants around the castle suddenly found that they had human forms once more. They all laughed and sang, hugged and ran around happily.

Lancelot, Guinevere and Gaius were the last to change. All three looked at each other with delight before hugging each other, much to Gaius’ surprise, before Lancelot took Gwen in his arms, dipping her back and kissing her thoroughly. Gaius stood watching the prince and the sorcerer on the balcony in the rain. Both had become oblivious to the world around them, lost in each other. Gaius smiled. That was how it should be. Arthur could now be the leader he was born and raised to be with Merlin by his side, guiding him as he had done since they had met. Gaius, with a small nod of satisfaction, turned and left the two couples alone in their happiness so he could go and oversee the rest of the castle.
-x-

“I, Merlin Emrys of Ealdor, will gladly and willingly take on the role that is bestowed upon me-” Merlin was almost going cross eyed, as he tried to remember the speech. The long cloak behind him, heavy on his shoulders, the thick and clinging robes weighed him down, the eyes of the many guests in the room burned into his back.

Merlin had never fainted in his life, but right now, he almost wanted to. Only the bright blue eyes looking down at him, encouraging him silently, kept him conscious. “I solemnly promise to guide, support and love his highness, Prince Arthur Pendragon of Camelot as my station sees fit. I swear to advise him in his governing of the country and its people-”

Merlin could feel himself going white. When he had learned the speech he hadn’t thought anything of it, but right now the meaning was sinking in and he was absolutely petrified. Arthur wasn’t smiling, he was serious in a way only royals could be, but his love and pride for Merlin shone in his eyes. Merlin hadn’t consciously realised how much emotion shone in those sapphire depths, but now, he was thankful for it. He was completely ignoring the silver circlet which sat on a velvet cushion that Gwen was holding with delight. This was too much really. He had wanted to move away from Ealdor of course, but to be crowned ‘prince consort’ was more than he could ever have imagined. It was Arthur’s way of showing how much he loved Merlin. A traditional marriage was not possible, but it was the closest they could do. It was enough for Merlin to gain the respect he would need and deserved. That didn’t stop him feeling out of his depth. This, in effect, was their wedding ceremony.

Hunith stood to the side with Gaius, crying her eyes out with happiness against the old man’s shoulder while he patted her back absently. Beside her, Mordred stood looking a little nervous. Merlin had found him in the castle and had taken him home to Ealdor. Hunith had seen him and had perceived nothing but a lost and lonely little boy who needed a mother’s love. She had taken him in as soon as she had heard Uther was dead. Uther’s men had left Ealdor promptly after hearing the news, along with a few others. Most of Ealdor had celebrated. The revelry had increased when they had heard about Merlin being crowned. He wasn’t such a bad boy after all and from their own little town. Everyone in Ealdor had been invited to the celebrations. Arthur had also got in touch with other nobles and had invited them. Many were more interested in seeing what had become of the young prince through the many years of silence, than in seeing a country boy being crowned.

Lancelot and the knights stood on either side of the dais at attention, resplendent in their ceremonial armour. Despite being on duty, there was a small smile on Lancelot’s lips and he kept throwing a glance at Gwen every so often. He could see how proud she was to be playing her role and her happiness meant the world to him. As soon as they had returned to being human, he had gone down on one knee and proposed to her in the rain. She had squealed and laughed and yelled her agreement before he lifted her up and swung her around. They had both blushed furiously when they had realised they were being watched by the two young men.

“To be fair, lawful and devoted in this task bestowed upon me. I swear to lay my life down for the prince should the need arise and I give my heart unconditionally.” He stared straight at Arthur as he had said those words, to make sure that Arthur knew he meant every single part of it. Arthur nodded and looked around the room.

“If there is anyone present who does not believe that-” His speech was cut off mid sentence as the grand doors crashed open. A group of guards marched in and saluted. Merlin rose and looked around in shock. A woman strode in wearing a beautiful golden gown. Her hair was almost as golden as the dress, and her bright blue eyes looked straight at Arthur. To Merlin, it seemed as if the sun had just walked into the room. Everyone around them gasped many bowing and curtsying. She was strikingly beautiful and held everyone’s gaze the moment she had walked in. She marched up to Arthur with intent.

“Stop this ceremony right now!” her voice was commanding. Merlin looked away nervously, bowing his head; he really didn’t want to be a part of the confrontation that was sure to happen. “Arthur! What is the meaning of all of this?”

“Mother,” Arthur said uncomfortably. Merlin’s head whipped up with surprise.

“I’m gone for a few years and all hell breaks loose. I have heard stories, Arthur. I knew I should never have left you. Silly boy.” Merlin stood in wonder. This was Arthur’s mother. He had wondered why Arthur was just a prince not a king, which he should have been if he was the sole ruler. The Queen was alive and well, so it seemed. “So are you going to introduce me then?” She turned to face Merlin who stared at her, eyes wide with horror, feeling more uncomfortable than he ever had. Even Arthur looked awkward.

“Mother, this is Merlin Emrys from Ealdor. Merlin, may I present Queen Igraine, my mother.” Merlin bowed carefully trying not to fall over despite his nerves.

“How lovely to meet you, Merlin.” Placing a gentle finger under his chin, she moved him upright so she could look at him. She smiled brightly, liking what she saw. “Such a handsome boy and such manners. More than you ever had, Arthur. Perhaps he could teach you some. I think you will be very good for my son.” Merlin tried not to splutter.

“Y- Your majesty?” She smiled brightly,

“Oh, you are such a darling!” she almost cooed at him. “I certainly approve, Arthur. What title are you bestowing on him?” Arthur turned a fetching shade of red.

“Prince Consort,” he mumbled quietly, avoiding eye contact with the Queen. She smiled sweetly at Merlin.

“And you will be wonderful, I’m sure. Keep my Arthur in check. He can be such a stubborn boy. If he tries to talk too much, just kiss him.” It was Merlin’s time to blush. He couldn’t find his voice either, being too surprised at how accepting the queen seemed to be of him. “Now don’t be shy, besides it will be like having a second son. I hope you don’t mind that Merlin dear.” Merlin stood in his spot, stunned. The queen moved on, almost giggling over Merlin’s behaviour. “Now, who is this fine woman?” She turned her gaze on the red eyed Hunith, who was still trying to wipe away traces of her tears in a hurry.

“Hunith Emrys, Merlin’s mother, your majesty.” She bobbed in a curtsy. Igraine approached her with her hands out and took Hunith’s in her own.

“You must be very proud of your son. And don’t be afraid of showing your tears, they are proof of how much you love him.” Hunith smiled shyly, “And I expect us to be the best of friends. Your stories will be far more interesting than anything I should ever hear in court.” Hunith smiled and nodded, unable to say anything, just as surprised as her son had been. “Now where were we, ah yes, I believe I am the monarch here, if you would be so kind, Arthur.” The prince bowed to his mother and stepped to one side. Igraine turned to look at Merlin, who was still as white as a sheet. She took his hand carefully and indicated for him to kneel once more, which he did thankfully, it wasn’t so far to fall from there. “Don’t be so afraid,” told him kindly. Merlin gulped anyway. “By the power that is vested in me, I bestow the title ‘prince consort’ upon you. May you bear it well.”

She took the silver circlet from Gwen, giving her a small wink in the process, which had the maid giggling. She raised it so that everyone could see the beautiful object, before lowering it onto Merlin’s dark head. “Rise, Prince Merlin Emrys of Camelot.” He did so, on shaky legs, still feeling a little nauseous. He turned to face the room nervously. Arthur moved to stand beside him and gifted him a beaming smile filled with pride; he carefully took Merlin’s shaking hand in his own and squeezed it gently. “I now give you, people of Camelot, Ealdor and friends, Princes Arthur and Merlin.” The whole room clapped and cheered and Merlin couldn’t help but grin, his nerves showing slightly. Hunith burst into tears again, this time Gwen joined her.

A voice by the princes’ ears made them both jump slightly.

“Go on you two, get out of here. I’ll be enough to keep this rabble occupied for a while,” Igraine encouraged them, then sat down on the throne and watched as the pair walked past the crowd, who bowed to them as they left. Igraine smiled; at last she had seen her son into the hands of someone who could handle him. She indicated for Hunith to come and sit beside her.

-x-

Merlin sat on the edge of the bed, arms resting on his knees and head slumped forward. His cloak was left on the floor near the door, its heavy weight far too constricting. He was finding it hard to breathe, the air sticking in his throat. He could feel his pulse racing as if he had just run from the ballroom. A gentle hand on his shoulder made him jump. Looking up, he saw Arthur kneeling in front of him, eyes filled with distress and delight, it was a strange mixture but it began to calm Merlin down. Arthur’s deep and alluring voice broke the silence.

“You did well today. I’m so proud of you.” Merlin shrugged and looked away.

“I never want to do that again.” Arthur cupped his hand against Merlin’s cheek, making him look back once more.

“You will never have to, love. You are officially mine now.” Arthur grinned. Merlin gave him a tentative smile as he couldn’t deny the claim. He was definitely Arthur’s through and through.

“That sounds nice.” He felt a shudder roll through him; his nerves were still shaken from his ‘ordeal’.

“Hey.” Arthur shifted forwards, parting Merlin’s legs and kneeling between them. He ran a hand through Merlin’s hair, in a gesture of reassurance. “Are you alright? You’re shaking so much.”

“I’ve just… never had to do anything like that before.” Arthur gave him a warm smile.

“Then, I think you deserve a reward.” Gently holding Merlin’s neck, Arthur leaned forward and brushed his lips against Merlin’s. As he felt Merlin respond, he deepened the kiss. He finally broke away with a sigh.

“Mmm. Maybe I’ll make a few more speeches if this is my reward,” Merlin murmured against Arthur’s mouth. Arthur kissed him again, pressing more firmly and running his tongue against the soft skin, begging for entrance. Merlin granted it, opening his mouth and letting Arthur’s tongue stroke along his. The blond prince finally broke away when the need for air became too much. Merlin opened his eyes slowly. Arthur’s hand stayed at his neck, playing with the fine hairs at his nape.

“Merlin? Let me?” Arthur whispered, his lust making his voice husky. Merlin gave him a bright grin.

“You were the one who wanted to wait until I was crowned before we made love.” Arthur dropped his head with a smile.

“I know. But now you are, Prince Merlin.” Merlin used the tips of his long fingers to raise Arthur’s head up so he could look into his eyes.

“Yes I am, so make me truly yours, Prince Arthur.” Arthur nodded before moving in to kiss Merlin again. He broke from Merlin’s lips to trail across his jaw line and up to an ear where he began to nibble and lick mercilessly. Merlin writhed under him, whispering promises and threats if Arthur didn’t stop it. When he had decided he had teased his lover enough, Arthur’s lips followed the line down, his hands already making light work of the layers of clothing Merlin was wearing.

His lips kissed over as much flesh as he could manage, learning all the soft spots and smooth contours that he couldn’t touch before. Carefully he mapped out Merlin’s skin, saving it to his memory so that he could do it all over again and relish his human form. A loud gasp escaped Merlin as Arthur lapped at his nipples, and his back arched into the sensation. Arthur’s hands continued to move, tracing patterns over the pale skin as his tongue had done. Nimble fingers found breeches that were strained tight over the obvious hardness enclosed within. Deftly, he pulled the fabric apart and freeing the straining flesh inside, wrapped a gentle hand around it. Merlin tried to stifle a moan. Arthur moved to whisper in his lover’s ear.

“Let me hear you. I want to hear what I’m doing to you.” Merlin gave a long, drawn out moan then, which went straight to Arthur’s own cock. He gaze wandered down Merlin’s revealed body, his eyes landing on the reddened hardness, begging him to take it. With a predatory snarl he moved his hands to Merlin’s thighs and took the length in his mouth. Merlin cried out, trying to buck his hips, but was held down by firm hands. Supporting his weight on one arm, Merlin’s other hand tangled itself in blond hair.

“Arthur… can’t, I’ll… too much… don’t… want you in me… make love to me.” Each word was a groan or gasp, but it was the last that made Arthur stop. Looking up to see Merlin’s flushed face, he nodded. Merlin almost sighed with relief. He lay back against the bed and let Arthur pull the rest of his clothes off. As he lay naked upon their bed he watched Arthur remove his own attire, watching intently, never having seen Arthur like this. He began touching himself subconsciously.

“Couldn’t wait for me love?” Arthur purred as he knelt on the bed beside Merlin, with a smug look that Merlin was slowly becoming accustomed to. Merlin had never seen anything more beautiful as Arthur sitting there in all his glory. A golden prince in his shining palace and he was all Merlin’s. As much as Arthur had enjoyed watching Merlin pleasure himself, that first time still remained vivid in his memory, he wanted to do that, he wanted to learn how to pleasure Merlin fully, learn about all the little things. He moved over Merlin, lying between his thighs. Merlin brushed his fingers through Arthur’s hair.

Using the oil that Merlin once again produced from thin air, he began the slow task of preparing his lover, learning what Merlin liked and what made him whimper and call his name. Arthur was particularly thrilled when he found the spot within Merlin that made his whole body tense as tight as a bow string and words became mere noises. When he decided that Merlin was ready enough, despite his lover moaning he was ready before, he carefully entered him, delighting in the feeling of the tight heat welcoming him and drawing him in. The feel of sweat slicked skin against him only added to the sensation.

Curling his legs around Arthur’s waist, Merlin begged him to move and to not hold back. Arthur found he couldn’t refuse. Their movements were as fluid as a perfected ballroom dance. Sliding against each other, gasping each other’s names.

With Arthur’s hand around his cock, Merlin came hard, knowing those deep sapphire eyes were watching him intently and it was only moments after that Arthur followed. Shivering with the intensity of his pleasure, Arthur slumped against Merlin, his blond head resting against the pale chest. He could hear Merlin’s heart still beating out a frantic rhythm. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur, never wanting to let go and praying this wasn’t a dream, and if it was, that he would never wake up. Finally he broke into the peaceful quiet that had fallen on them.

“I can’t believe that I was nothing more than a country boy with no future and now I’m a prince, lying in the arms of the most handsome man in the world.” Arthur blushed at the compliment.

“But I haven’t always looked this good.”

“Yes you have. It was never what was on the outside that mattered. I could see you for what you were. It just needed a lot of patience and a little bit of magic. You were a beauty in a beast.”

-x-

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