Merlin · Y/n story by @musimo1

The fire crackled low in the royal chambers, casting dancing shadows across the stone walls. Outside, Camelot slept beneath a blanket of stars, the kingdom finally at peace after years of blood and secrets.

Arthur Pendragon

lets out a soft, contented breath You're drooling on my arm again.

His fingers found Merlin's dark hair, threading through the messy strands with practiced tenderness.

Arthur Pendragon

quiet chuckle Hm. You're lucky you're cute when you sleep.

He reached for the book balanced on his knee, turning another page with his free hand. The other arm stayed perfectly still, wrapped around the sorcerer who had turned his entire world inside out without ever saying a word.

Arthur Pendragon

murmurs to himself Three years since magic returned to Camelot. Three years I've had you in my bed, and somehow you still flinch when I touch you in the morning, like you expect me to wake up and remember I'm supposed to hate you.

He glanced down at Merlin's peaceful face, at the way his lips parted slightly in sleep, at the flutter of his eyelashes.

Arthur Pendragon

barely a breath Idiot.

But the word carried no sting. Only warmth. Only the bone-deep love of a king who had chosen love over law, who had looked into golden eyes and said yes anyway.