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Arthur’s head hurt.
He tried to blink the dizziness from his eyes, only to realize they were closed. He opened them, wincing from the excess light, to see the relieved face of Merlin.
Merlin – whom he’d thought he’d never see again. Or his extremely expressive faces and voice and gestures.
Whose hand was on his cheek. “Arthur? Arthur! Oh, thank God. Arthur, are you okay?”
“Get out of my face, Merlin,” He said dazedly, trying to recollect what had happened. The maze. Beach. His anger and worry at finding Merlin sitting there like there was nothing wrong. The poison. The goblets. Complimenting Merlin – saying goodbye. Dying for him. He’d hoped it was the right choice for his kingdom, sure, but even if it hadn’t been, he’d been doing it mostly for Merlin. His father would hate how much he cared for his servant. “What happened? Where’s Anhora?” Merlin took his hand off. Arthur tried not to feel bereft of the warm touch.
“You can just tell me you’re fine instead of yelling orders at me, you prat,” Merlin had tried to summon the usual playful derision in the insult, but his voice had shaken too much for that. Clearly, watching Arthur die (had he died? Was he dead? He wouldn’t have thought his idiot of a manservant would be the one he saw, but he didn’t really know much after the afterlife) had not been easy for him. Watching Merlin die wouldn’t have been easy on him, he knew that. It definitely hadn’t been when Merlin had choked and fallen in the peace talks. “Anhora said that that wasn’t poison, it was sleeping draught, apparently.”
“Sleeping draught? All that fuss for that?” Arthur said, without being able to summon any rancor. He was too glad he wasn’t dead.
Merlin cleared his throat and looked away as he helped Arthur sit up. He still felt weak. He realized with a burst of reluctant affection that Merlin had clearly moved his body to a more respectable position after he’d collapsed. “Anhora said that when you – were willing to die for me,” He paused awkwardly as Arthur felt extreme embarrassment as he realized why Merlin had looked away, “You’d proved you were true and pure of heart. So, you passed.”
“You’re making me sound like a girl, Merlin.” He decided he’d ignore the ‘dying for you’ bit. It had been easy to admit when he’d thought it was a choice between his manservant’s life and his own, but it wasn’t so much now. “So you think the curse will be lifted?”
Merlin grinned his bright, hopeful grin. “I hope so. Anhora said so, at least.”
“Well then what are we waiting for? Let’s go back to Camelot.” He stood up, his legs shaking. “And don’t think I’ve forgotten you ignoring my orders, Merlin.”
Merlin ignored him. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked. “Sleeping draughts cause dizziness and nausea and headaches. Fever, sometimes.”
“Well, aren’t you clever.”
“I’m Gaius’ apprentice. Besides, you said so yourself. I’m smart.” Merlin said triumphantly.
“I said you’re smarter than you look. You don’t have to be very smart for that.” Arthur shot back, as Merlin wrapped his arm around his shoulders. Arthur hated that it was helpful.
“You’re an ass.” Merlin muttered under his breath.
“Excuse me? Remember who you’re talking to.” Arthur replied, playing along with their joke.
Merlin grinned. “Sorry, you’re an ass, my lord.” He mocked. “Are you sure we shouldn’t stay on the beach till tomorrow morning and then ride back?”
“Yes, I am. Best to get back to Camelot early. We have no idea where the maze even led us or where we are. We don’t even have blankets or anything.” Arthur said. He had no desire to stay here any longer than necessary. “Get my things, Merlin.”
“The labyrinth,” Merlin corrected. “Yes, sire.” He handed Arthur his scabbard, which had fallen and took a cursory glance at the beach. “D’you want the goblets?”
Arthur snorted. “As a reminder of this wonderful time? Not particularly. You can keep them if you like.” Merin made a face, expressing his thoughts on that. “Now. Why did you follow me when I expressly ordered you not?”
“You said to help where I could,” Merlin said stubbornly, clearly knowing that Arthur wasn’t about to hand punishments out after all this. “And the best place I could be was here. With you.” He cleared his throat. “Besides, I like having money from two jobs. I’ve gotten used to it.”
“I’m glad you were here, Merlin. You were right about it from the beginning.” Arthur said, because it bore repeating. Then he decided it had gotten too emotional. “Let’s get going. We have to get through the maze – labyrinth again. Don’t be too flattered that I’m not punishing you.”
“Or that you were ready to die for me?”
“The stocks it is then.” Arthur decided.
“Arthur!”