Chapter Text
The moon was already high over Camelot. From the window of the royal chamber, the wind carried the scent of burning torches and the distant sounds of the night watch. Inside, Arthur’s room glowed softly with the crackling fire in the hearth.
Arthur, now king, shed his clothes and removed the crown with the relief of one lifting the weight of the world from his shoulders. He let the cloak fall over a chair, kicked off his boots, and threw himself onto the bed with a deep sigh.
“You look like you’ve just fought ten dragons at once.” Merlin’s voice came from the door. “And lost.”
Arthur turned his head, blond hair tousled.
“I was at the Council meeting. Ten dragons would have been easier to deal with than those old fools.”
Merlin chuckled as he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. His sleeves were rolled up, smelling of earth and rain—he had likely spent the whole day among the druids. Without ceremony, Merlin undressed and slid under the blankets beside Arthur, shoving him with his hip to claim more space.
“I still don’t understand why you insist on taking up so much room.”
Arthur snorted, eyes still closed.
“I’m the king, remember? I’m entitled to the whole bed.”
“Well, I’m the sorcerer who kept you alive all this time. I think I deserve at least half.” Merlin shifted until he found a comfortable position, his arm brushing against Arthur’s waist.
Arthur cracked one eye open and raised a brow.
“Half? Lately you’ve been taking more than that.”
“I don’t complain when you sprawl,” Merlin retorted, his voice heavy with sleep. “But of course, you’re the king, you can lie across the bed if you want.”
Arthur chuckled softly and slipped an arm around him, pulling him close without resistance. They stayed like that, pressed together, as if their bodies had been made to fit one another.
The next morning, the door creaked open slowly. A servant stepped in carrying the breakfast tray. He froze, choked on his own breath, and stumbled back two steps, eyes wide.
Merlin was practically draped over the king, an arm across his chest, their legs tangled together, both fast asleep. Arthur snored softly, his mouth slightly open.
The servant stood there, hesitant, until Arthur stirred and muttered:
“Shut the door and leave…” without even opening his eyes.
The poor boy scrambled out, red as a strawberry, shutting the door far too quickly.
Arthur opened one eye and found Merlin awake, watching him with a lazy smile.
“You do realize it’s not just rumors anymore, right?” Merlin said. “We’ll have to make our relationship public at some point.”
Arthur yawned, in no hurry to move.
“So what? Let them know. I’m the king. I don’t have to hide from anyone.”
Merlin blinked, surprised at the ease in his tone.
“That’s new.” He sighed contentedly and rested his head on Arthur’s chest.
Sunlight flooded the room in golden warmth, and for a moment Arthur thought this was the true treasure of his life: not the crown, not the throne, but the peace of waking like this, beside the one who had always stayed, even when no one else had chosen to.
Merlin closed his eyes, chuckling softly.
“So… now I can say I share the king’s bed without it being considered a great crime?”
Arthur pretended to think.
“Not a crime. A scandal, maybe. And before, it wasn’t a crime either—just easier for my father to accuse you of enchanting the prince into your bed.”
“Your father was a fool. I never needed magic to get anyone into bed.” Merlin yawned. “Besides, I’ve always liked causing scandals. I think I’ll enjoy telling everyone about us.”
Arthur laughed, kissed the top of his head, shut his eyes again, and sighed. There was no rush. The kingdom could wait a little longer before they got out of bed.