Title: sweet like honey AO3 username: kairennart (personaje) | @kairennart Rating: Mature Warnings: Choose Not To Use Warnings Medium/Word Count: Digital art Pairing/main characters: Lancelot/Arthur Pendragon Up to 10 tags: Shade Lancelot

Summary:

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/60072397

Art by @kairennart for "Coronet and Witch Iron" Based on the Wheel of Fortune Tarrot Card

Arthur had barely opened his eyes the next morning when he heard Cenred’s voice calling, “It's time to do some experiments with Witch Iron!” 

Cenred came into view beyond the gate to their cell, a wide grin on his face.

Arthur stood slowly trying to ignore the aching pain in his body and the swollen painful eye. He crossed their small cell towards Cenred, a scowl on his face. Then a voice came from behind him, “You’re going to pay for how you hurt him.” Arthur tried to gesture for Merlin to shut up. He should have known better.

Merlin stepped forward instead. “Does hurting us make you feel like a powerful king?” he asked, scathingly. “Ooh wait! A powerful king wouldn’t need to do this. You are nothing but a pathetic excuse for a leader. Let alone a person. How does it feel to be so weak that you have to result to being a childlike bully to feel good?”

Arthur swore internally and grabbed Merlin's shoulder pulling him back. Merlin agitating Cenred was not surprising but after what he had said last night Arthur had hopped for a bit more restraint. Then he realized Merlin might be doing this on purpose in some sort of stupid self sacrificial attempt to make Cenred focus on him. But this was also Merlin. He couldn't be sure he could just be saying whatever he felt like. 

Cenred leered at them. His tone was not angry… more almost joyful. “You really are remarkably annoying. I will be entertained by shutting you up.”

Arthur stepped forward again ready to fight when the cell door opened.

“Arthur!” Merlin's word of warning and then coughing caught his attention. Arthur turned only for orange gas to hit his face. It was coming out of a vent above them. Immediately Arthur’s eyes started to water. He began to cough. 

Arthur dived, grabbing Merlin and tackling him to the ground amongst flailing limbs. Pure instinct drove him to try to protect. It would not be enough. That was Arthur's last coherent thought before he fell into darkness.

Read it here!

Art by @kairennart for "Nine Lives" Based on the Five Of Swords Tarrot Card.

Arthur smoothed Merlin's hair again, trying to calm his own breathing. “He’s not waking up,” Arthur’s voice cracked.

“Give it a moment. His body has been through a lot,” Gaius told him. Arthur nodded and tilted Merlin's face upward again. “You’re alright,” he whispered again, “you’re alright. Everything is alright.” Except it wasn’t, and Arthur had no idea how the curse would strike next. 

He watched Merlin, trying not to hyperventilate as he cradled the other man’s cheek. His thumb stroked it gently. “Come on…” Arthur begged, “wake up… You’re alright…” He had to be alright.

Finally, Merlin’s eyes slowly flickered open. The blue that reminded Arthur of a night sky flicked around the room quickly before meeting Arthur’s own eyes and focusing slowly. It was the most beautiful sight Arthur had ever seen. 

It was all he could do not to kiss him right then and there. Let him breathe, he reminded himself. Let him breathe. His thumb continued to stroke Merlin's cheek. He bent forward and kissed his forehead again. Pulling back, he discovered Merlin's eyes still focused on him. 

“Merlin…you can hear me?”  Arthur asked.

Merlin gave a very slight nod, eyes still staring up into Arthur’s. 

“Good, it's about time you woke up from your beauty rest.” It was all Arthur could do to keep his tone even and his voice from cracking as he spoke. 

Merlin’s gaze instantly switched to being utterly incredulous. His eyes practically screamed “you ass”. 

Arthur started to laugh hysterically, and he leaned down, embracing Merlin with both arms. Taking a few deep breaths of his own before pulling back, he sat on the end of Merlin’s bed and pulled the other man close. One hand rubbed up and down Merlin’s back while the other caressed the nape of his neck and the bottom of his black hair. Arthur’s lips pressed over Merlin’s skin wherever he could reach.

Internally, he continued to panic, because this could never happen to Merlin again. And it would if he didn’t do something. An idea struck him, perhaps he could plead with the witch— convince her that her revenge was better if the victim of it was him. 

Fic found here!

Art by @kairennart for "Treat Me Warmly"

Arthur returned to the bed and pulled Merlin close to him. Then he looked away. 

“Have to stay close for warmth,” Arthur stumbled over the words, likely due to the cold, his tone almost apologetic. Merlin had to reassure him! 

“It’s fine. I enjoy it.” The words came tumbling out of Merlin's mouth before he could stop them. He wanted to hit himself and started screaming internally. WHY HAD HE SAID THAT!?

Arthur froze, turning his head so his eyes met Merlin's. Then his blue eyes narrowed. “Wait, you enjoy it? You enjoy me holding you?”

Merlin panicked. “No! I didn't mean– I mean, yes, but no! It doesn't have to mean anything, and yes... no… I… enjoy the warmth… I mean you holding me is a bonus! NO! I mean, I don’t enjoy it at all! I mean…”

“I enjoy it too,” Arthur mumbled as he held Merlin against him. A grin started to form on his face. “So, stop rambling.”

“I mean, we never have to talk about or, or do anything about it. I mean, not that there is anything to do anything about. I mean…” Merlin broke off as Arthur’s words registered. “You enjoy it too?” he stammered in disbelief. 

“Yes, Merlin.” Arthur looked at him and sighed.

Fic found here