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The royal chamber was bathed in the golden light of late afternoon, when the sun bids farewell, painting the walls in shades of orange and pink. The fireplace crackled softly, and the air carried the familiar scent of dried herbs and candle wax.
Arthur was reclined against a mountain of pillows, his enormous belly forming a hill beneath the covers. The four babies were especially active that day, and he felt every kick, every turn, every small movement that reminded him how much he loved his life beside Merlin.
Speaking of Merlin, the sorcerer was lying between his legs, his head resting on the king's belly, eyes closed and a low purr vibrating in his chest. His hands rested on the stretched skin, feeling the babies' small movements as if they were the beats of his own heart.
"Okay," said Arthur, breaking the silence with a casual voice. "Come on, I have a question for you."
Merlin didn't open his eyes. A lazy smile formed on his lips.
"Oh no, here we go."
"You don't even know what I'm going to ask."
"I know you have that voice that says 'I'm going to ask a question that sounds innocent but is actually a trap.'"
Arthur rolled his eyes, but didn't deny it. Instead, he placed his hands on his belly, feeling the babies' movements against his palms.
"What would you like to have waiting for you when you came back from a particularly complicated meeting or battle?"
Merlin finally opened one eye. "Is this a trap question?"
"It's a legitimate question."
"You're making that face that says you're planning something."
"Merlin."
"Alright, alright." Merlin turned slightly, resting his chin on Arthur's belly, his blue eyes meeting the king's. "What are the options?"
Arthur smiled, satisfied to have captured Merlin's attention.
"Option one: me, all dressed up and handsome on the bed..."
The image formed in Merlin's mind — Arthur lying down, his blond hair spread across the pillow, a teasing smile on his lips, bare skin gleaming in the candlelight. He licked his lips, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.
Arthur rolled his eyes, but was smiling.
"Option two: your favorite dinner on the table, accompanied by good wine and a whole night of peace."
Merlin began to smile, his fingers drumming lightly on Arthur's belly.
"Option three: the news that your schedule is clear and you'll have the next day with nothing to do."
Merlin pretended to think, his gaze softening as he considered the options. Then, a slow, mischievous smile formed on his lips.
"Any chance I can get a fourth option?"
Arthur frowned. "Huh?"
"A fourth option." Merlin sat up, just to face Arthur with shining eyes. "There should be a fourth option, my king. It's the most important option!"
"What option?"
"That would be coming home from a hard day and finding you happy and satisfied!"
Arthur blinked. Laughter began to bubble in his chest.
"Merlin..."
"That's all I needed when I came back from a stressful meeting or a difficult battle." Merlin was gesturing now, his voice full of enthusiasm. "Because when you're in a good mood, everything is perfect!"
Arthur fell back against the pillows, laughing. "That's nonsense, Merlin!"
"No, but I'm serious!" Merlin leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. "Look, if you're in a good mood, the birds sing, the plants bloom, the castle becomes more beautiful, and everyone feels at peace..."
"Wouldn't you rather have a whole stress-free day?" Arthur asked, trying to contain his laughter. "Or a quiet night alone?"
"No!" Merlin exclaimed, as if the idea were absurd. "Because when you're in a good mood, I already feel at peace and well-nourished! Hunger doesn't exist when you're smiling at me, my king!"
Arthur fell back again, holding his belly as he laughed. The babies trembled in his womb, as if they too were laughing with him.
"When you're happy, I'm happy," Merlin continued, his voice softer now. "The knights are happy, even the horses are happy!"
"Okay, okay, I get it!" Arthur managed to say, wiping his eyes. "But of the three options I gave you, which one do you prefer? Choose just one!"
Merlin pretended to think, biting his lower lip.
"Just one of the three? I can't choose the fourth option?"
"No."
"Well..." Merlin sighed dramatically. "If that's the case, then I choose the food and the peaceful night. A nice dinner would be great after a stressful day."
Arthur crossed his arms, amused, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of fun and affection.
"Oh, so you prefer eating food more than seeing me waiting for you in our bed?"
"But I have you waiting for me in bed every night, my king!" Merlin argued, with an innocent smile.
"You prefer food over me!?"
"Of course not, my love, don't be silly." Merlin reached out and pulled Arthur into a hug, his lips meeting the king's in a tender, passionate kiss.
Arthur melted into the kiss, his hands finding Merlin's shoulders.
"You're being too sappy, don't you think?" Arthur murmured against Merlin's lips. "Be honest. What do you want?"
Merlin pulled back just enough to face Arthur, his eyes gleaming with a light that wasn't just magic.
"Nothing," he said, his voice lower. "Just want you in a good mood, my king. You are my life. Your happiness makes me happy."
He began making exaggeratedly sappy declarations, kissing Arthur's face as he spoke.
"I love your smile, my king. I love the way you roll your eyes when I make stupid jokes. I love the way you hold your belly when you laugh. I love the way you look at me when you think I'm not paying attention."
"Merlin..." Arthur tried to protest, but he was laughing too much.
"I love the way you snore softly when you sleep on your side. I love the way you always put your hand on your belly when the babies move. I love the way you pretend you don't like it when I stroke your hair."
"Merlin, for the love of the gods..."
"And I love it even more when you get all red like this, because I know my words are working."
Arthur was blushing from head to toe. His ears were red, his neck was red, his cheeks were on fire.
"You're insufferable," he murmured, finally managing to push his sorcerer away.
"I'm adorable, my dear — it's part of my irresistible charm." He winked provocatively and tried to get closer again for another round of little kisses.
Arthur didn't respond. Instead, he pulled Merlin closer, burying his face in the sorcerer's neck.
"I love you," he whispered, his voice muffled against the skin.
"I love you too." Merlin ran his hand through the blond hair. "More than any dinner or peaceful night."
"You're still choosing the food."
"I'm choosing you, you idiot. The food is just a bonus."
Arthur laughed — a low laugh that vibrated against Merlin's chest.
And they stayed there, embraced, with Arthur's belly between them and the four babies moving as if celebrating their parents' love.