Between Us

Chapter Eight: A Kiss

I've missed y'all <3
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Arthur watched as the princess's servants loaded her carriage, passing gifts, bags, and her wardrobe to one another. The Princess was talking excitedly to her lady in waiting and pointed at a bracelet on top of her white glove. Arthur couldn't tell what she was saying but he knew it was important by the way both women were jumping up and down with wide grins. He moved away from his window and slipped on his boats before leaving his room.

There was way less traffic now that the princess was heading home and Arthur couldn't be more grateful for it. He turned down a hall that would take him to the entrance where the Princess was; but before he could reached the stairs he saw Morgana and Merlin walking side by side. Merlin was talking quickly and with bright red cheeks. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest and he looked around with bashful eyes. He quickly caught Arthur's and his cheeks burned been redder. Morgana looked over at Arthur and couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped her lips.

Arthur took her laughter as an invitation, "and what is so funny, Morgana?"

"I can't just laugh?" She looked over at Merlin before looking at Arthur with a raised eyebrow.

"No, so what's funny?" Arthur took a step closer towards Merlin who looked about ready to melt.

"Merlin was just asking for some advice and seeing you was just a bit ironic." She shrugged and opened her room door, "Merlin, dear, come in."

Merlin entered her room barely giving Arthur the time of day before she entered behind him and shut the door. Arthur huffed but decided not to pay Morgana any mind; she was always teasing him about something so this was no different.  He made his way down the stair case and met the Princess just as she was saying goodbye to the king. Uther had a kind smile and Arthur knew he'd hear his father's mouth as soon as she left. She pulled Arthur to the side away from listening ears.

"Your father has arranged for me to come back in five moons, when I return we're to be wed." She smiled and cupped his cheeks, "he believes we are perfect for one another."

Arthur stood there stunned. His mouth agape he struggled to form the words that were rushing through his mind. He could see a bright hope in her eyes and he wanted to run away; she looked at him as though he was all that matter and he couldn't reciprocate. He cracked a small smile unable to maintain his breath. He could feel the blood rushing to his head and he was sure he'd pass out at any moment. She took his silence as quiet happiness and she pulled him into a sincere hug. He hugged her back not sure what to with hisself.

She pulled away and planted a gentle kiss on his lips. Her eyes fluttered shut and her delicate lips pressed softly onto his. Arthur knows he should be over joyed or in love with such a beautiful woman but his heart sank to his stomach. He didn't kiss back and squeezed  his eyes shut still in shock. She pulled away and walked off without a goodbye. Arthur leaned against the wall once he was sure she was gone. He turned to settle his thoughts and spotted Merlin standing near the entrance his eyes wide and his face covered in shame. Before Arthur could say anything Merlin bolted from the corridor.

Arthur sighed and tan his hand over his face before rushing after Merlin. He couldn't believe any of that just happened and now he had to explain something he couldn't even register himself. He caught up with Merlin fairly quickly but missed him by just a hair as he slipped into his chambers. He promptly locked the door and Arthur stood outside his door absolutely helpless.

He carefully knocked on the door and waited to hear any sounds from the other side but he heard nothing. His heart was pounding in his ears and his stomach and chest ached with an unfamiliar feeling. He knocked again feeling like the wind had been knocked out of him.

"Merlin, please open." His voice sounded different, weaker.

He waited a moment but the air between them was still silent. Arthur knocked again and just before he could hit the door a third time it swung open. Merlin stood there with pink cheeks, puffy eyes, and swollen lips. He had never seen Merlin look so broken. It made Arthur feel sick.

"What do you need, sire?" Merlin said in a formal tone.

"Merlin, it's not what it looks like." Arthur started but Merlin shook his head.

"No need to explain anything to me," Merlin's eyes hardened a bit, "I'm just your servant."

"Merlin?" Arthur was taken aback by the statement, "you can't seriously believe that."

"I do." Merlin's voice wavered a bit but he was firm.

"Merlin, that kiss meant nothing!" Arthur stepped forward but Merlin only looked down, "she kissed me, Merlin, you have to believe me."

"I believe you." Merlin's voice sounded empty and his eyes made their way back to Arthur.

"No you don't." Arthur sounded weak and Merlin sighed.

"I need some time alone," Merlin looked away, "can I see you later, your highness?"

"I-?" Arthur wanted to keep pushing but he could tell Merlin wasn't there, "okay."

Before Arthur could say anything else Merlin shut the door and quickly locked it. Arthur let out a heavy sigh and rested his head on the door. He wanted nothing more than to go in there and give Merlin a hug until they both crumble; he couldn't live with Merlin acting like this especially when he didn't even want the Princess to begin with. It was all too much. Arthur sighed and pushed himself off the door.

He trudged out of Gaius's home and made his way back to his chamber. His heart felt as though it was weighing him down and he had no idea what he was going to do. The halls were completely empty and the bustle from the Princess had officially ended. He sighed and turned the corner to get to his room when he spotted Gwen and Gwaine having a hushed conversation near his bedroom door.

Gwen kept looking over her shoulder yet she missed Arthur every time she turned back. He could see her eyebrows furrow perfectly she her nose crinkle in disgust before she loudly spoke up.

"What do you mean he kissed her?!" Her voice echoed the hall and Gwaine quickly shushed her.

They both looked around once more but Arthur stood hidden behind the wall. He knew immediately that they were talking about him and the Princess. He caught bits and pieces of what they were saying and the more he heard the worse he felt. Gwaine had mentioned something about Merlin being heart broken while Gwen decided what sympathy she would make for him. They both started walking in the opposite direction of Arthur still deep in their conversation. Once they both turned out the hall Arthur felt his body sag in relief.

Arthur trudged to his room not making eye contact with either of the guards. Upon entering he noticed that his room seemed a lot more dreary; he realized it was because Merlin wasn't fluttering about talking about what they need to get done for the day. Instead he was welcomed with silence and the sun blocked by his curtains. Arthur kicked off his boats and let out a deep sigh.

He sat on the edge of his bed and stared down at his socks not sure how he was going to fix any of this. He couldn't bother getting up to open the curtain nor did he want to move for the rest of his life. He plopped down onto his bed and shut his eyes. Maybe I can just sleep and ignore the problem.

With enough time Arthur fell asleep forgetting his princely duties for the day. There wasn't a problem to solve if he was unconscious. That Arthur made sure of.