Actions

Work Header

A Heated Problem

Summary:

Stuck in a blizzard after a quest Merlin has run out of his suppressants. Surely he can stave off his heat before Arthur or any of the knights notice, right?

 

Or

A tropey Alpha Arthur and Omega Merlin fic because I love the classics. Quite fluffy for an ABO with a healthy dose of smutty goodness.

Notes:

I had hoped on starting to post a different fic today but the beginning still isn't where I want it yet.

But I wanted to be able to post something for my birthday so I bestow to you a fluffy ABO fic!

I wrote this bad boy a while ago so my writing might not be up to par with my more recent works. But I really wanted to be able to give you guys a gift for my birthday lol. (Even if the day is almost technically over, there's two more hours left of the 19th here!)

Also I do plan on posting this entire thing tonight! I'm just editing through the chapters now so they might come out a few hours apart.

I hope you enjoy~

Chapter 1: Snowed In

Notes:

March 12 2025: Currently going through and fixing some typos. But feel free to still read!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

A rumor of an evil sorcerer had reached Uther’s ears. The king commanded Arthur and his knights to go and vanquish the magic user, despite the blistering winter weather. They had not come across any sorcerers, and if any had been there they were long gone but Merlin hadn’t detected any unnatural magic so he doubted there was ever an actual threat.

 

The trek back to the city from the border had started to take more days than expected.

 

Merlin clenches and unclenches the reins in his hands for the umpteenth time. The snowy weather had caused them to lose three days worth of travel on the way to the border and they have already lost two on their journey back. When at the small village, where the rumor of said evil sorceress came from, they had been lucky enough to stay at an inn, otherwise they have had to take refuge in caves or under overhangs that kept the piling snow away.

 

Mother Nature was not on their side today either. The looming gray clouds spit out fat flakes at a concerning rate, piling onto the thick snow already coating the ground from past days.

 

The frigid wind rips at their faces, the topmost layer of snow violently swirling along the ground, the knight's capes flapping emphatically in the wind. While Merlin is worried about the cold, it isn’t his main concern at the moment. How nice to have the weather be your greatest concern, unfortunately life could never be that simple for Merlin.

 

He hadn’t thought that they would lose so many days, and he used his last suppressant yesterday morning. While Merlin should be freezing his arse off, he is merely uncomfortable, a knowing warmth slowly starting to appear.

 

Merlin logically knows the weather is physically affecting him just the same as all the knights, he just can’t feel it as much, and gods he wishes his magic was to blame.

 

Merlin anxiously squeezes the reins again, trying to keep the blood moving through his hands as their horses trot on. He complained nearly the whole way to the border and the first day on their travels back, doing his best to convince Arthur to stop and rest for the night along a warming fire, but Merlin has since grown silent. He needs to get back as soon as possible. He could stave off his heat for a few days at most, but they are still at least a two day ride out in good weather. What should have taken them four days to reach the eastern border took an arduous seven. He packed a few extra suppressing tonics as he always did, but still, it wasn’t enough.

 

“Oi, Princess,” Gwaine shouts to be heard over the wind. “I think it would be best to stop for the day.”

 

Merlin’s stomach drops, he glances back at the knights behind him. Gwaine’s mouth is pressed in a hard line, snowflakes decorating his hair, his cheeks a bright red, rubbed raw by the icy gale. The rest of the knights are in similar conditions. Merlin knows none of them want to lose any more time, but it’s not safe to keep going. It’s been getting harder and harder to see as the snow keeps falling at a steadily increasing rate.

 

The knights have more layers than the humble manservant, however, they are also all fully dawned in their chainmail, the metal slowly sucking out any body heat they are able to retain.

 

“He’s right, sire,” Leon calls out from behind Arthur. “We need to look for shelter before this storm gets any worse.”

 

Merlin barely hears the gruff sound of annoyance from the prat riding next to him over the wind.

 

“You’re right,” Arthur concedes, turning his horse to face his men. “As much as I don’t want to lose any more time, we can't continue in this much longer.” His gaze flicks over his shivering knights.

 

Lancelot speaks up this time, “If I recall correctly, sire, there is a cave a little ways south of here, we used it on a hunting trip a while back.” The knight shakes his head to rid the snow that has started to build in his hair.

 

Merlin’s always impressed by Lancelot’s directional skills; all the knights have to know the maps of Camelot, but Lancelot’s recollection always seems a step above anyone else's.

 

“South it is.” Arthur clicks his horse forward.

 

“How can you even tell where we are, Lancelot?” Merlin questions the knight riding to his back right.

 

“Merlin!” Arthur dramatically gasps, interrupting before Lancelot can answer. “You’ve been so quiet I was beginning to think your mouth had finally frozen shut.” The prince turns around to look at his manservant, a glint of playfulness in his eyes, “What a shame.”

 

Merlin rolls his eyes and fights down a fond smile.

 

“In all honesty,” Lancelot speaks up as if he hadn’t just been interrupted by the prince. “I had studied the maps of Camelot even before I became a knight. Not only did I want to learn about the great lands, but gods forbid I were to get lost on my way here the first time.”

 

Merlin nods, “Perhaps I should have done that, knowing what I know now it probably took me two extra days to arrive.”

 

There are some chuckles and snickers behind him that can only just be heard above the wind.

 


 

It feels like years later when they finally find their way to the cave, but it couldn’t have been more than three-quarters of an hour. Merlin is starting to seriously worry about the possibility of frostbite when they finally reach their destination.

 

Dismounting from his horse, the snow rises to the top of Merlin’s knees, falling into his boots and quickly soaking his socks. Merlin grimaces at the feeling.

 

Merlin can’t help but look around, hoping by some miracle any of the herbs needed for his tonic would be nearby. But even after using his magic to get a good look under the snow, he can’t sense any. Considering they don't start growing until mid-spring, it isn’t much of a surprise.

 

Thankfully, the cave is rather large, he’ll just have to do his best to keep his distance from the others.

 

They settle their horses at the edge of the cave in hopes to stave off some of their coldness as well.

 

Merlin scuttles about tending to the horses while the others work on starting a fire. Usually, it would be Merlin’s job, but they need to get warm as quickly as possible.

 

The servant tries his best not to think of his impending doom. Omegas aren’t allowed much of anything in Camelot, as most people see them only as broodmares, kept as property of the highest bidder or the first uncouth vermin that happens to stumble upon their scent. Though some Omegas prefer a life raising children and the luxury of not having to work, but Merlin is far from that mindset.

 

If he were to be discovered, he’d lose his job as the prince's manservant and in turn, lose the capability of protecting Arthur at a moment's notice. And heavens only know where he’d end up if he was forced out of the citadel.

 

It’s not as if Merlin doesn’t trust Arthur, he does, more than anybody. Especially since the prince hadn’t given him away as a sorcerer when he had accidentally found out. The prince had come back to his chambers early one night and saw Merlin light the hearth in his room with a simple word and a glow of the eyes. They had argued and talked about everything, once Arthur understood why Merlin had deceived him, he had promised to keep his manservant’s secret.

 

Merlin feels a pang of guilt for keeping his secondary gender a secret still, but it’s something he has to do. And Merlin never had technically lied about his secondary gender; it was just a matter of no one ever actually asking, but he couldn’t risk it, not when protecting Arthur was on the line.

 

The thought sends a shiver down his spine. He hasn’t had a heat in his three years in Camelot thanks to Gaius’ tonics and herbs; he prays that he won’t yet break his streak.

 

But of all the things Merlin is, lucky is surely not one. No matter what others may think.

 

Once finished with the horses, Merlin makes his way to a wall of the cave, away from the knights who are talking around a rather small fire.

 

Merlin sets down his pack and shucks off his soaking boots. Turning to make sure nobody is paying him any attention, he discreetly takes the last of his wilting herbs and rubs them on his neck under his neckerchief. He usually only has to do so in the morning, but without his tonic, he doesn’t dare risk it.

 

Unceremoniously shoving them back into his pack the servant then brings his boots closer to the fire so that they might dry faster. Merlin starts bustling around to put dinner together.

 

He would love nothing more than to sit by the fire and warm his chilled body, even if he doesn’t feel as cold as he truly is, but he has to take care of the knights first.

 

Thankfully, they still have plenty of supplies from restocking at the village on the border.

 


 

The smell of warm spices floats through the air, indicating their stew is ready. Merlin serves everyone their portions, with thanks from Leon and Lancelot. He finally gets his own serving and sits down in his usual spot next to Arthur.

 

Merlin sighs contentedly and brings his socked feet nearer the fire to be warmed. The knights are animatedly talking about some scandal between a kitchen maid and squire, but Merlin doesn't pay much mind, too occupied trying not to worry over his incoming heat.

 

Merlin brings his spoon to his mouth ready to take a bite, but his stomach turns. It’s only then Merlin realizes he can barely smell the stew right in front of him, instead, the scents of all the alphas around him cloud his senses.

 

A strong spike of adrenaline rushes through him, he has no idea what to do in a situation like this. He could try to find another cave but he’d never last in this weather, and if he was alone when his heat kicked in, he’d seriously struggle to defend himself from wandering alphas.

 

“Merlin? You alright mate?” Elyan asks, scrunching his brow, eyeing him from across the fire. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

 

Everyone stops their chatter to look to the servant. Arthur twists his head so he can see his manservant fully. Perhaps Arthur had pushed them in the cold for too long, Merlin might be getting sick. Elyan is right, the lad looks worse than usual.

 

“Wha- I uh- no, I’m fine,” Merlin replies sheepishly. “Just a bit tired and cold,” he tries to shrug nonchalantly.

 

Arthur reaches over and places his hand on Merlin’s forehead a little too forcefully, making a slight thump sound.

 

Merlin glares at the prat and pushes his hand away.

 

“You do feel a little warm,” Arthur’s scent darkens with a tinge of worry.

 

“Oh!” Merlin speaks too loud. “I’m sure it’s nothing, probably just wind burn!”

 

If anyone notices Merlin's unusual behavior all of a sudden, they don’t mention it, as normally Merlin’s behavior is… well, not usual.

 

Arthur squints at Merlin, his shifty-behavior bell going off, but his attention is drawn away by Gwaine calling out, “Here.”

 

A waterskin flies to Merlin over the fire.

 

“Thanks,” Merlin smiles bashfully at the knight.

 

Arthur frowns. Gwaine has always been close to Merlin. It doesn’t bother the prince in the least… So what if Merlin uses his free time to go to the tavern where more likely than not Gwaine is? Who cares that they laugh at their inside jokes, or that Gwaine is overly touchy with his manservant? Certainly not Arthur, he doesn’t care at all.

 

Arthur is brought out of his musings from Merlin sputtering roughly next to him.

 

“Oh,” Gwaine says with a devious smile. “I should have mentioned it was a wineskin, not a waterskin.”

 

The knights chortle at Gwaine’s teasing.

 

Once Merlin is done hacking, he takes a large swig from the wineskin before throwing it back to Gwaine who shoots the manservant a wink.

 

Merlin puffs out an amused breath as he stands to collect everyone’s bowls.

 

As Merlin goes about his cleaning, the other knights go about duties of their own. Arthur, Leon, and Lancelot start going over the map while Elyan and Percival go over what supplies they have.

 

Meanwhile, Gwaine saunters up to Merlin, who is currently bent over the snow at the cave entrance cleaning their dishes.

 

“Hey, Merls.” Gwaine sits and slings an arm around Merlin's shoulders.

 

“Already drink too much?” Merlin playfully bumps the knight with his shoulder.

 

“You know I can hold my alcohol better than that!” Gwaine guffaws.

 

Merlin rolls his eyes with a chuckle.

 

“You do have a lot of practice,” Merlin smiles brilliantly at Gwaine, causing the knight’s heart to do an all too familiar flutter.

 

Merlin has been his best friend for a while now, and he may have developed a small crush on the young man. Nothing terribly close to real romantic feelings, but Gwaine can’t deny he fancies the lad, and well, he is nothing short of beautiful, in an ethereal way that Gwaine has never seen in another person. He certainly wouldn’t mind a tumble or two in the hay with the servant.

 

“The best around,” Gwaine puffs his chest slightly, his alpha taking pride at the compliment.

 

“Good!” Merlin exclaims. “You can help me clean these then.” He hands half of the remaining bowls to his friend.

 

Gwaine removes his arm from Merlin’s shoulder. “Fine. Since it’s you asking.” He grumbles half-heartedly.

 

Merlin laughs again as Gwaine pouts, reluctantly helping clean the dishes.

 

Arthur’s chest tightens, anger bubbling in his stomach as Gwaine puts his arm around Merlin. The prince’s annoyance builds further as the two laugh amongst themselves. Most of the knights know better than to shamelessly touch Merlin in front of Arthur. While the alpha has no official claim on the beta, the knights know that Arthur has always been deeply fond of the servant.

 

Gwaine knows too, he just chooses not to care. He’s always been fond of pushing Arthur’s buttons, their brotherly alpha rivalry has always been a bit more intense than the other knights’.

 

“Sire?” Leon questions loudly, clearly not catching Arthur’s attention the first time.

 

“Yes, yes sorry, what did you say?” Leon and Lancelot share a knowing look as Arthur’s eyes flicker back over to his manservant.

 

Finally done with the dishes, Gwaine rejoins the others around the fire. He stares at the flames for a moment briefly wondering how the damp wood is burning so well.

 

Soon enough though his eyes wander back to Merlin who is laying out everyone’s bedrolls.

 

Percival is in the middle of telling a story that is making the other knights roll with laughter, but Arthur can’t pay much attention as Gwaine’s eyes keep following Merlin around.

 

Arthur bristles but doesn't act, he knows better. It’s not like Merlin is a helpless omegan maid, helpless maybe but not in that sense at least, alpha pheromones won’t affect the beta. Arthur would know. With how riled up Merlin is able to make him at times, Arthur will freely release dominating pheromones, but no betas are ever able to tell, certainly not Merlin with his persistent insolence.

 

It’s not as if Arthur dislikes Gwaine either, the man is one of his best knights and closest friends. Arthur just dislikes his overly affectionate nature towards his manservant. Because Merlin is his manservant, and should only be attending to Arthur and no one else. That’s the only reason.

 

“Hey Merls,” Gwaine calls, voice drawled slightly. “You should put our cots together.”

 

The other knights laugh, and someone whistles at the two.

 

Okay. So. Maybe that isn’t the only reason. As Arthur is doing everything in his power not to growl at the offending alpha. The thought startles Arthur so much he nearly gasps out loud. Yes, he would sometimes get upset over Merlin but he has never felt the need to use his alpha dominance like that before. Merlin is a beta, there’s no need to compete for him in such a way, yet this entire evening something has been pulling at the prince, a protectiveness that has no place given it’s just his knights here.

 

Merlin walks over near the entrance of the cave and plops a cot down.

 

“That one is yours, Gwaine,” Merlin says dryly with the slightest bit of amusement.

 

He then goes on to place the rest of the cots around the fire.

 

Arthur feels a spike of pride at his manservant for not being swooned by Gwaine’s charms, as many others have.

 

Whatever bitter feelings that are stirring inside Arthur vanish, as Merlin places their cots next to each other, not touching but still relatively close. Not that they don’t always sleep next to each other on their journeys, but even at another’s request Merlin makes the choice to sleep next to his master. Arthur’s alpha puffs out in pride.

 

Gwaine trudges up from his spot and drags his cot across the floor until he deems it close enough to the fire, landing his cot next to Percival’s.

 


 

It's getting late enough to relax, Arthur doubts any bandits will be out in this weather, so he calls Merlin over to help him out of his armor. His ego puffs slightly that Gwaine (and the others) have to take their armor off themselves, not due to their ranking but solely that Merlin is the one assisting him.

 

Merlin does his best to make quick work of the prat’s armor, but his hands are shaky with nerves. He wills himself to stay calm, just a couple more days, he’ll be fine, surely. If he starts to panic now, it will just strengthen his pheromones.

 

Once dressed more comfortably they pass around the wineskins. Percival continues one of his stories of Gwaine’s horrid attempts to woo a noble lady, in this instance, the lady’s husband had been right there watching the entire interaction.

 

“Hey, that’s not how it happened!” Gwaine protests as the others listen on amusedly.

 

“Then how do you explain the black eye you had the next day?” Percy chuckles.

 

“I said he could join if he wanted to!” Gwaine says with a smirk. “But I guess he didn’t want to.” The knight shrugs as the others laugh and roll their eyes.

 

Merlin is trying damn hard to focus on the stories and jokes going around the campfire, but his nerves are frayed. He’s constantly on edge, his muscles coiled, waiting for something to happen, waiting for someone to notice.

 

He still has time before his heat, hopefully enough time, but he is most definitely starting his pre-heat.

 

Thankfully, the wine is managing to mute his nerves a bit, keeping him far enough away from a full-blown panic attack. But his mind keeps going back to it, to what would happen, if the knights would report him and send him off to an auctioning house, if Arthur would deliver Merlin in chains to where he belongs.

 

A shiver runs down his spine as he fights off his dread.

 

Stop thinking about it, Merlin woefully commands his brain.

 

He is snapped back to the moment and slightly startled as Arthur drapes his red cape over Merlin’s shoulders.

 

Merlin looks at Arthur, who is now crouched in front of him, focusing on clasping the fabric around his manservant’s neck. His calloused fingers gently brush over Merlin's skin, each contact sending unbidden sparks down Merlin’s spine.

 

Once finished, Arthur brings his eyes up to Merlin’s.

 

The air practically gets knocked out of Arthur’s lungs, he vaguely registers the knights laughing at a joke from Elyan, but his attention is solely on Merlin who is looking at him as if Arthur just handed him his entire kingdom.

 

“You uhm- kept shivering,” The words stumble out of Arthur’s mouth. “It’ll help. Keep you warm, I mean,” he so eloquently explains in all his royalness.

 

Merlin is looking up at him doe-eyed, a pink hue making an appearance across his cheeks. Arthur once again, strangely feels a surge of protective alpha hormones light up his entire body.

 

Arthur has never seen a better sight, in the back of his mind he knows that should be a startling thought but Merlin just looks so beautiful. He stares longer than he should until he becomes all too aware of his own face heating up. The look of pure admiration from his usually disobedient servant his his insides both fluttering and burning.

 

“Thank you,” Merlin says breathily in the most reverent way possible, as if thanking the gods for all that is good in the world.

 

Arthur clears his throat and sits back down next to his servant, if Merlin notices he sits a little closer than before, he doesn't say anything.

 

Merlin’s ears are ringing, a rupture of happiness and hormones currently exploding in his head. He stares at Arthur dumbly as the prince sits back down. He just— Arthur— his alpha just gave him a piece of clothing drenched in his scent. Wait, no, not his alpha, Arthur isn’t his and he isn’t Arthur’s.

 

Well, his brain traitorously supplies, technically speaking Merlin is Arthur’s because he is his servant.

 

Merlin scoots a little closer to the fire but also discreetly closer to Arthur; their knees almost touching now.

 

Arthur goes back to listening to the knights talk. Now focusing on relationships, Lancelot is cheerfully going on about his courting of Gwen, Elyan’s kind hearted sister and maidservant to Morgana.

 

Arthur's eyes drift back to Merlin who scoots nearer to the fire and the prince himself. His servant’s face is still prettily flushed, and his eyes lidded with sleep and wine, glazed over as he seems to be lost in thought.

 

Merlin pulls the cape around him tighter, Arthur's chest swells at the small smile gracing Merlin’s lips as he buries himself into the bright red fabric.

 

That’s when it happens.

 

A buzzing sound, barely audible at first.

 

Arthur looks around for the cause; it’s too cold for there to be any bugs flying about this time of year.

 

But it starts getting louder.

 

The conversations start to die down as the knights hear it too.

 

The source of the sound smacks Arthur like a stone to the face, the knights realizing the same moment he does.

 

Merlin.

 

Now that it is loud enough, he knows, they know, it isn’t buzzing but purring.

 

Betas can’t purr.

Notes:

Hell yeah! ABO baddies unite~

 

Thank you so much for reading! Again the other chapters will be posted throughout the next couple of hours!

 

I hope you all enjoy this birthday gift from me to you! And when the opportunity arises have an extra sweet on my behalf.

Chapter 2: Redolence

Notes:

Woo woo chapter two!

Enjoy~

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The knights all freeze.

 

No one dares to move. Merlin doesn’t even seem to notice, staring at the fire peacefully, soft rumble emanating from deep in his chest.

 

Arthur is hit with a myriad of emotions all at once. First, confusion, Merlin is a beta, except clearly he isn’t. Second, realization of Merlin being an omega because he sure as hell isn’t an alpha. Third, hurt that he has been lied to, again. Fourth, pride, that his cape is what is making Merlin purr. Fifth… he is in a cave of alphas.

 

Arthur's eyes dart around to his knights. No one is moving, all staring at Merlin bewildered and partly disturbed or disgruntled. Each knight’s gaze slowly makes their way over to Arthur, waiting for their pack leader to act first. Arthur can’t help but notice Lancelot’s and Gwaine’s gazes seem more fierce, as if ready to defend Merlin if Arthur gets any ideas. He isn’t stupid, Arthur very well knows where his knights' loyalty lay, they would all give their lives for their prince without question, but Arthur knows that some knights are here more for Merlin than himself. But the aggression from the other two alpha’s puts Arthur on edge, his hackles rising slightly.

 

The prince looks from his knights to Merlin. They need answers. God forbid Merlin go into heat in a cave in the middle of the woods, surrounded by alphas, with no villages around for miles.

 

“Merlin,” Arthur calls softly as to not startle him.

 

The servant doesn’t move.

 

Arthur glances around at his knights again, they all look at him expectantly, waiting for his decision.

 

Leon gives him a reassuring nod when their eyes meet.

 

“Merlin,” Arthur calls cautiously again, placing a hand softly on his manservant’s shoulder.

 

Merlin looks over to his alpha- no not his alpha, his prince, with a happy glaze in his eyes, still unaware of the current situation.

 

Merlin lifts a brow, waiting for Arthur to say something, but the prince doesn’t speak up.

 

He can’t quite distinguish the expression on the prince’s face, confusion maybe?

 

Merlin looks around to the others all the knights are frozen in place staring at him with varied expressions of disbelief.

 

His confusion has the daze in his mind fading into the background.

 

It’s then he notices it.

 

Merlin’s lungs suddenly refuse to work as the air is sucked out of him.

 

The purring stops.

 

Arthur doesn’t remove his hand from Merlin’s shoulder, afraid to move at all.

 

An immediate spike of distressed omega pheromones saturates the air. Merlin’s face turns sickly pale before quickly reddening, he lets out a whimper so faint Arthur isn’t sure if he imagines it.

 

“I- I-” Merlin panics, mouth opening and closing trying to figure out what to say. His eyes dart to the cave entrance, vying if he should try to make a run for it or not.

 

“It’s okay” Lancelot speaks softly, staring at Merlin with a gentle gaze, “It’s okay Merlin, you’re okay.”

 

Merlin’s panicked gaze darts from knight to knight.

 

Arthur would have removed his hand if he wasn’t afraid Merlin would make a break for it. Seeing Merlin, the bravest man Arthur has ever known, so scared, it makes the prince’s stomach clench.

 

Instinctually wanting to calm the omega, Arthur starts releasing calming pheromones into the air, the other alphas follow suit.

 

Merlin’s shoulders only drop a fraction but at least it’s something.

 

Merlin slowly slides his eyes to Arthur, the panic and confusion are clear on Merlin’s face. “I- I’m sorry,” the omega starts releasing barely audible whimpers of distress.

 

Gods Merlin is fucking mortified, acting so submissively, especially in front of Arthur. If it were other alphas Merlin would have no problem standing up for himself, but these are his friends, who he has lied to and betrayed. He can scent their hurt and muddled emotions mixing with the calming pheromones.

 

Arthur’s heart tightens more and more with each sad sound that escapes Merlin, seeing his strong-willed servant and best friend so nervous pains his chest.

 

“I- I didn’t mean to,” Merlin’s eyes are wide, boring into Arthur’s soul. “Arthur please I’m sorry, I’m so sorry” Merlin whines, unshed tears pooling in his eyes, he bares his neck in submission, “Please I- I’m so sorry, I don't wanna go.”

 

Bile rises in Arthur’s throat seeing Merlin being so subservient out of fear, his usual fight and wit long gone, it’s beyond disturbing.

 

Some of the other knights avert their gaze out of respect for Merlin’s dignity. Baring one’s neck, especially as an omega, is one of the most intimate things someone could do, giving the other party all the power.

 

Arthur has a million thoughts flooding his brain, mostly about Merlin’s neck and his mating gland peaking just out from underneath his neckerchief; but the clear and blatant fear rolling off his manservant pushes those thoughts back for the time being.

 

“Merlin,” Arthur says softly but sternly enough to get through to the panicked omega “It’s okay, you’re not in trouble, nobody is going to report you, I promise. Everything is okay.”

 

Merlin’s whimpering quiets down, he peeks up from where he is presenting his neck. Merlin raises his head a bit more and looks at the other knights. His gaze is rimmed with red but his tears don’t fall.

 

The knights all give him encouraging looks.

 

Merlin cautiously looks back to Arthur .

 

“You’re not mad?” Merlin questions quietly.

 

“No, I understand, as I’m sure the rest of the knights do, why you didn’t tell us.” Arthur calmly states, releasing more calming pheromones to back up his statement.

 

The other knights follow, and the air becomes a conglomerate of relaxing and familiar alpha scents, the sour sting of their hurt slowly fading away.

 

Merlin's shoulder relaxes a bit more under Arthur’s hand.

 

The servant’s stomach is still rolling. It could be so much worse, yet it isn’t, they’ve accepted him. Not that Merlin didn’t think they would, but he was unsure if the betrayal would be too big for them to accept him.

 

Merlin releases a long breath, still fully aware of Arthur’s hand on his shoulder, but he doesn’t know if he wants Arthur to let go, so he doesn't say anything.

 

“Are you alright Merls?” Gwaine breaks the stiff silence.

 

Merlin just nods, he is still jumpy but he knows he’ll be okay, that his friendships aren’t ruined forever. Though his hormones aren’t helping the situation either, all his emotions are going a bit haywire as if they’re emphasized to the highest degree.

 

“Merlin,” “ Lancelot practically winces out, “this is hard to ask but we need to know. Are you going into heat?”

 

Merlin snaps his head to look at the knight, mortified by such a sensitive question being asked in front of everyone, but he knows why they need to know.

 

“No” Merlin pauses biting his lip, “Well,” he pauses again, slightly hoping the ground will open so he can fall away from this conversation. Although, he supposes he could make that happen… he ponders it for a moment but decides against it. “Yes, but not right now or anything.” He adamantly keeps his eyes on the ground in front of him, face burning. “It’s just pre-heat, usually lasts a couple of days before my actual heat.”

 

“How long ago was your last heat?” Percival asks.

 

“Ah.” Merlin rubs the back of his neck nervously and mumbles “At least three years ago.”

 

Arthur makes a choking noise next to him, “Three years?

 

Merlin wants to laugh at Arthur’s dumbfounded voice but stops at the last second, “Gaius makes me tonics that suppress it.” He looks around, his embarrassment slowly fading as he gets to the more medical parts. “I brought extra with me, I always do. But with how many days we’ve lost… I would have made more but the herbs only grow in spring, Gaius keeps them stockpiled.” Everyone is looking at him with interest and more than anything curiosity. It makes Merlin feel pleasantly warm. Usually, the knights don't really listen to his medicinal rants or about his work under Gaius. “And I use herbs to hide my scent,” he lets out a bashful chuckle, “I just rub ‘em on me,” he shrugs, “and no one’s noticed, well, until now,” he gives a small smile that looks more like a grimace.

 

As Merlin’s body starts to calm down, a faint fuzzy feeling starts to form at the back of his mind.

 

“Your pre-heat,” Leon speaks up, his body stiff with awkwardness, “is there anything we need to know? Or anything we can do to help?” A small blush works its way onto the knight's face as he realizes how that sounds.

 

Merlin chuckles at the sudden embarrassment reeking off the alpha. “No, uhm, it just- how do I explain it,” His lips fall into a pout as he sighs, “I should be fine. I may just seem more spacey than normal. Usually, pre-heats are when Omegas perfect their nests or stockpile food. But…” he pauses, embarrassment heating his face once again “…Omegas also get more- they get more reliant on others, softer in a sense.” Needy.

 

“Oh!” Merlin exclaims before anyone can ask another question, “Water is good, extra water, When the body temperature starts to rise you burn it off much quicker.” His embarrassment fades to unsurety. “But, I- I don't want this to change anything, I don’t want you to treat me differently now.”

 

“Merlin,” Elyan finally speaks up since the whole big reveal, “ No matter what happens, we will keep you safe, you have and will always be one of us.”

 

Merlin would have sworn his insides turned to goop right then and there. They really are accepting him, not only that, but they still see him as a friend, and the idea of having a pack of alphas to protect him isn’t bad at all either.

 

“Hell yeah!” Gwaine cheers and takes a swig from his wineskin. “I always knew you were too pretty!”

 

“W-What!” Merlin flushes.

 

Merlin has never considered himself the typical omega, far from it. But some of his features do undeniably lean towards his secondary gender.

 

Percival playfully smacks the flirty knight on the back of his head and is met with chuckles from the group.

 

Arthur nods to his knights, mollified that they are all on the same page.

 

Percival goes into another embarrassing story of Gwaine, Merlin can’t help but muse how the two seem to spend a lot of time together.

 

Arthur still doesn’t remove his hand from Merlin’s shoulder, not really sure why, but he feels as if he has to reassure himself that Merlin is still there and that he isn’t about to dart out into the snowstorm.

 

After a couple of minutes, Merlin is able to fully relax again, panic leaving his body. He’s sure his scent is filling the air, but for the first time, he doesn’t have to care.

 

The servant surreptitiously peeks at the hand on his shoulder then up to Arthur, who was already looking at him.

 

Arthur seems to realize, finally removing his hand.

 

Merlin is disappointed by the lack of contact, a big part due to his unregulated hormones. But as he is already so close to Arthur, he stealthily pushes his leg out just enough so their trouser clad knees brush together. A scent Merlin could only describe as content joy seeps from the blonde next to him.

 

Merlin subtly glances back again only to see Arthur puffing his chest out a bit more, as if he’s done some great feat. Merlin has to fight back his smile.

 


 

The knights slowly start to turn in for the evening, hopeful that they can continue their venture home in the morning.

 

Arthur and Merlin are the only two still sat up on their bedrolls watching the flames crackle. Merlin wiggles his socked toes, now fully dried and warmed from the fire.

 

“Not tired?” Arthur murmurs to his manservant.

 

“Not really, a lot to take in,” Merlin says honestly.

 

Arthur exhales in amusement, “yeah.”

 

Merlin can smell the curiosity coming off the prince, mingled with the relaxed scents of the others who have settled in.

 

“Hmm?” Merlin turns in his spot so he’s facing Arthur.

 

“What?” Arthur asks, quirking up a brow, not taking his eyes off his servant.

 

“You want to ask something,” Merlin states easily.

 

Merlin watches as realization washes over Arthur. All these years his servant has been able to detect his mood since he is indeed not a beta and Arthur had never noticed, “Ah,” the prince chuckles slightly embarrassed. “I suppose, I just can’t imagine how you did it, all these years surrounded by alphas.”

 

Arthur feels a tightness in his chest at the thought. If someone had discovered Merlin he would have been taken away.

 

Merlin eyes Arthur, thinking over his response, “I-“ he pauses, “It wasn’t easy, it never has been and never will.” He resigns with a shrug. He’s sure to keep his voice low as to not disturb the others, “But it's better than the alternative. And I care about you, I would never want to leave.” Merlin's hazed brain catches up to his mouth, “Ah- I care about all of you,” he can feel the flush heat his cheeks, he keeps his eyes on the small amount of ground between him and his prince.

 

Arthur hums in acknowledgment.

 

“You can keep asking,” Merlin says after a minute, bringing his gaze back up, “If you have more questions.” The omega pulls Arthur’s cape tighter around his shoulders as a strong breeze blows into the cave.

 

Arthur contemplates only for a moment. Merlin suspects he is just acting as if he doesn't have a million questions loaded and ready to fire.

 

“You don’t act like an omega at all!” Arthur says, his expression clearly very amused and baffled, not unlike the first time they met.

 

Merlin snorts and brings his hands to cover his face so as to not wake the knights.

 

Arthur continues, “I mean Omegas are typically supposed to be really submissive, but you’re nothing like that. Imagine if you were!” Arthur snorts this time, “Maybe then I’d have a decent servant.” Arthur playfully pushes his socked foot forward against Merlin’s leg for a playful tap but doesn't pull it away.

 

Merlin can’t help but chuckle at that, leave it to Arthur to make his secondary gender about work. Merlin’s chest is alight with how Arthur isn’t treating him differently. Well, the lingering touches are different, but a good different.

 

Arthur’s scent changes again, and it’s funny knowing that Arthur is now aware Merlin can scent him. The prince seems a bit more flustered. Though Arthur has never been good with emotions.

 

“Might as well get out all your questions while we are at it.” Merlin smiles shyly but reassuringly at Arthur.

 

Arthur pauses, actually thinking about his question this time.

 

Merlin eyes his more serious demeanor.

 

“Omegas,” Arthur starts but pauses again.

 

Merlin raises an eyebrow in a silent question.

 

“Omegas, only purr when they’re happy, right?”

 

Gods if Merlin thought he was embarrassed before the fires of hell must have just crawled through the ground and up across his face. It’s obvious what the alpha is truly questioning.

 

But Arthur’s scent remains more curious than anything else, even if there’s a teasing undertone. It eases a bit of Merlin’s shyness. And the Omega has to admit being able to freely talk of such things is something he hadn’t even realized he wanted.

 

“Yes.” Merlin fiddles with the bottom of his shirt.

 

“Do you like my scent?”

 

Merlin's head snaps up at Arthur’s question, Arthur can be rude and arrogant but he isn’t typically blunt. Even Betas know it’s crude to speak of such things.

 

Arthur’s expression remains serious, yet his curious scent sweetens with a slight playfulness as he tilts his head, awaiting an answer.

 

Merlin exhales a puff of amusement before averting his eyes to the sleeping knights, trying to shove his embarrassment down. Just like with his magic, now that Arthur knows he deserves the truth.

 

Merlin nods his head honestly, not willing to look at the prince. Arthur’s scent has always been his favorite, the best he’d ever come across, of course he is royalty so that is to be expected, but even better than Morgana’s or any of the other royalty that have visited the castle. Even alone in a room Merlin would never admit that aloud. Arthur is already a pompous prat with a large enough ego as is, he doesn’t need more fuel for his alpha superiority.

 

Merlin can’t help but feel embarrassed at the admission, but he’s also somewhat giddy being able to be so open about his last secret.

 

A gentle hand stops Merlin’s fingers from fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

 

Arthur’s fingers encircle his wrist, Merlin glances back up. Keeping his eyes locked with Merlin’s, Arthur slowly draws the omega's wrist closer until it’s just in front of his face. All the while Arthur keeps his grip loose so Merlin can pull away if he wants, but the omega just watches, eyes shining with curiosity.

 

Arthur lowers his head slightly, nosing against Merlin's wrist to smell his scent.

 

Fire. Arthur’s lips twitch in amusement. A befitting scent for Merlin’s personality. Yet there is also something else, pine trees maybe, or just forest, there’s something bright about it all as well that he can’t quite distinguish.

 

Merlin watches intently as the the corner of the alpha's lip curls up, his pupils dilating. Arthur must not find it unpleasant at least, that’s a good sign. But deep down Merlin’s Omega really wants Arthur to like his scent.

 

Arthur takes the omega's wrist and slowly brings it to the underside of his jaw, slowly rubbing their scents together. Merlin doesn’t dare to breathe.

 

Arthur keeps steady eye contact to read Merlin’s feelings, watching for if he doesn’t want this, but the omega doesn’t pull away, he only seems surprised at the moment. His cheeks dusted with an endearing shade of pink.

 

Merlin’s breaths are slow and quiet, opposed to his fluttering heart.

 

The prince gently releases Merlin’s arm in its owner's lap only to gently pick up his other wrist and do the same thing on the other side of his jaw.

 

Arthur indulges himself a little this time, rubbing circles on Merlin's wrist scent gland with his thumb, causing more pheromones to release. All the while they never break eye contact.

 

Merlin lets out a quiet gasp and the smallest of flames catches in Arthur’s stomach, but the prince knows better. Just because Merlin is letting Arthur scent him does not mean he wants more. Omegas are very physical, they rely heavily on the touch and comfort of others, Merlin may just be giving into his omegan tendencies.

 

Arthur rubs his manservant’s wrist under his jawline, coating it with his own scent, claiming Merlin as… well one of his packmates, it’s still too early to claim Merlin as his omega, but he sure as hell wants to be the first one to scent him. The prince not notice just how possessive the scent he is rubbing onto Merlin actually is.

 

When Arthur is done with the second wrist, they are both breathing a bit harder, hearts pounding a little louder.

 

As Arthur leans forward to place Merlin’s hand back in his lap he doesn’t pull back to where he was sitting.

 

Instead, he stares into Merlin’s wide eyes, searching. Slowly, very slowly, giving Merlin all the time he might need to pull back, Arthur glances at the omega's neck then back to his eyes, a silent question to continue scenting.

 

Merlin is awestruck, his head growing fuzzier with Arthur’s heady scent filling the little space between them.

 

As Arthur leans closer into his space, Merlin tilts his head slightly to the side in permission.

 

Arthur reaches back and unties his manservant’s neckerchief letting it fall into Merlin’s lap.

 

The alpha maintains eye contact for as long as he can until his face nears the crook of Merlin’s neck.

 

Here the scent is much stronger, Arthur unabashedly takes in a long breath before rubbing his own jaw along Merlin’s.

 

Merlin tenses at first, his body unused to someone near such a sensitive spot, but he quickly melts into the comforting feeling. Arthur’s familiar scent of sunny grass and patchouli envelopes him, the strongest Merlin has ever scented from the prince.

 

Merlin’s breathing picks up a bit more at the feeling of Arthur coating him in his redolence. Merlin knows Arthur is most likely claiming him as a part of the pack, but he can’t help how his thoughts run wild, the alpha he has loved for so long is scenting him. The rough feel of Arthur’s stubble satisfyingly rubs at his skin.

 

Arthur moves from Merlin's neck to his hair, the omega lets out a soft chuckle, overwhelmingly dazed with happiness. The fuzzy sensation tingles across Merlin’s skin, he lets himself enjoy the feeling.

 

Arthur pulls back just enough to see Merlin’s gleeful yet shy smile, his eyes peacefully closed. The prince’s heart soars.

 

Arthur moves to the other side of Merlin’s neck and starts to scent again.

 

The prince takes his time as he has always wanted to do this, but alphas don’t usually scent beta’s so he never had an excuse with Merlin.

 

Merlin can feel as Arthur’s lips turn up into a smile against his neck.

 

When Arthur moves his jaw to Merlin’s hair, the omega nuzzles back, causing Arthur’s stomach to flip.

 

Merlin’s hair is soft as he pushes into Arthur’s ministrations, seeking more. With the added movements their scenting grows more confident, both putting more pressure into their nuzzling though it remains gentle and caring.

 

That’s when Arthur hears the soft lull of an omega purr again. He is pretty sure now Merlin doesn’t even realize when he does it. But Arthur gives back a short low rumble of his own as the two scent each other.

 

Arthur isn’t sure how long it’s been, surely far longer than needed to properly scent the omega, but Merlin seems to be basking in it as well.

 

Arthur pulls back, knowing it’s getting late now and that they should sleep.

 

Merlin stares at him, doe-eyed and full of admiration again, though he has a blissed-out look about him that gives Arthur’s inner alpha a guttural sense of pride.

 

Arthur huffs in enjoyment at how he is able to affect his manservant before speaking, “We should get some sleep, Merlin, it’s getting late.” He makes sure to keep his voice low so as not to wake his knights, though he doubts they are all truly sleeping.

 

Merlin nods but just keeps staring at his alp- Arthur.

 

Arthur raises a questioning brow, amusement clear on his face.

 

Merlin then near violently thuds against Arthur’s chest.

 

The prince lets out a quiet ‘oof’. But before he can say anything, Merlin starts to nuzzle and scent the alpha's chest, the omega's arms coming around his torso in a hug.

 

Arthur’s heart somehow melts and spikes at the same time as Merlin scents him back.

 

The two have always been close; in fact, Merlin was probably the most important person to Arthur. Merlin was always there as a friend, never wanting anything, never having ulterior motives, never asking for favors. Merlin treats him not as a Prince but as a friend. Well, friend doesn’t seem right, they’re more than friends, best friends? But that sounds wrong to Arthur too. More than friends, more than best friends but not lovers or anything. Not that Arthur hasn’t thought about that countless times.

 

But the prince knows they could never be. Arthur needs an heir to the throne one day that Merlin couldn’t… His brain seemed to sputter for a moment. He.. Merlin could give him an heir now. Who cares if he’s royalty or not, omegas are so rare to come by as is, let alone a male omega.

 

And if Merlin wants to, Arthur fucking hopes he would want to, they could become mates. If Merlin didn’t want to… he’d be someone else’s, someone else’s mate. The thought alone of his omega manservant belonging to anyone other than him nearly has Arthur growling, but Merlin’s nuzzling keeps him grounded. Arthur nuzzles the omega back on the top of his head, not that he needed to as he was already scented, but he’d get any touch that Merlin would allow.

 

Arthur breathes in his scent once more as Merlin pulls away. His manservant’s face fully flushed, eyes wide as if waiting for Arthur to do or say something.

 

Arthur feels rather abashed now, only because this was so new, he scented Merlin! His head was too fuzzy with pheromones to properly care about the repercussions though.

 

Merlin is still gazing at him when he breaks the silence, “Good night,” Merlin’s voice is soft even for a whisper.

 

The omega tucks into his bedroll facing Arthur. With a sigh of contentment, his eyes drift close.

 

Arthur smiles at how endearing Merlin looks swaddled in his cape and a blanket.

 

“Good night, Merlin.” Arthur tucks in facing his servant, wishing there wasn’t any space between their cots.

 

Arthur allows the calming omega scent clinging to chest to lull him to sleep.

Notes:

*Does a cartwheel kicking down your door*

Lol idek.

Anywho, thank you guys so much for the comments and kudos already! I'll be sure to reply to you tomorrow as I plan on editing all night tonight lol, but I see you though! And I really appreciate it! And thank you so much for the birthday wishes! It really means a lot <3

Oh also this fic isn't going to be terribly long, I think it will be either four or five chapters, I'll keep you updated as I post more chapters though.

See you in a few hours again 😂.

 

I know I already said it but seriously thank you so much for the support so far!! <3

Chapter 3: A Rude Awakening

Notes:

So ... you come here often? Oh, me? Just ever couple of hours. BAM welcome to chapter three!

I forgot how much I liked the start of this chapter lol.

Enjoy~

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

“Gwaine!” The harsh whisper stirs Merlin.

 

His instincts immediately jolt awake, the hair on the back of his neck and arms stands up. Something is off.

 

Merlin very cautiously opens his eyes. Only to be met with very intense amber eyes staring back.

 

“Uhm, Good Morning Gwaine.” Merlin greets, confused.

 

Gwaine’s arms are propped up on either side of Merlin's head, the knight’s amber eyes slowly drag along Merlin’s face. The knight’s face is uncharacteristically contemplative, he doesn’t even return Merlin’s greeting.

 

“You know,” Merlin says airily, “if I ever woke up next to you I didn’t think this was how it would go.”

 

Gwaine huffs, the hot air ghosts over Merlin's face.

 

Merlin isn’t scared, he knows Gwaine would never actually hurt him. But waking up with his intense stare less than an inch away was not how he was expecting to wake up. He could always throw him off with his magic too if need be, but he’d have to do something about the onlooking knights then as well.

 

Gwaine doesn’t say anything, just stares, eyes tracing everything on Merlin’s face.

 

Merlin tilts his head just the slightest amount to look toward the other knights, though he can’t really make any of them out at this angle.

 

They are all awake, all but Arthur at least. They are also all staring, some with their hands on their swords, others' hands raised in a placating manner.

 

“Gwaine,” Lancelot calls again, louder and harsher now that Merlin is awake.

 

A faint growl comes from Gwaine as he locks eyes with Merlin.

 

Ah. That’s not good.

 

Even though Gwaine is one of if not the most outwardly aggressive knight, Merlin had thought he’d still have a better grip on his inner alpha. Though perhaps the stress of travel and his best friend’s secret second gender weighed on him more than he let on. The man is a gentle soul after all. Merlin can’t deny Gwaine of all people being upset or aggressive towards him really hurts. Maybe after his lie, the knight doesn’t want Merlin in the pack. The thought has a lump forming in Merlin’s throat.

 

The sorcerer doesn’t really know what to do in this situation. He doesn't want to accidentally hurt Gwaine with his magic but also doesn’t want to submit to him either.

 

Thankfully, or not, Merlin doesn’t have to think about it very long as Gwaine is knocked off of him.

 

The omega is quickly yanked into a firm surface which he now recognizes as Arthur. The prince protectively wraps his arms around Merlin. Holding his servant to his chest Arthur gives a dangerous snarl towards the offending alpha.

 

Great. Merlin dryly thinks, wholly unamused by the situation.

 

Gwaine gets back up into a sitting position, glaring at the prince’s challenge. But he knows better than to challenge Arthur.

 

“Relax princess,” Gwaine averts his gaze first by rolling his eyes. “I was just curious what Merls smelled like.”

 

Arthur lets out another low growl Merlin shoulders the prat.

 

“Gwaine!” Merlin guffaws, genuinely baffled. “You can’t just go sniffing people while they sleep!”

 

“Well, I knew if the princess was awake, he’d get his knickers in a twist.” Gwaine pouts and gestures to the prince.

 

Merlin doesn’t know what to say to that. His face heats slightly but he is too focused on what Gwaine just did to pay it much mind.

 

And to not help the situation whatsoever, Arthur starts to scent the top of Merlin’s head, his eyes still narrowed at Gwaine.

 

Ugh, would you-,” Merlin pothers, rolling his eyes, alphas, always so possessive. Merlin pushes Arthur, his hand squishing against the prince's face in an almost playful manner.

 

Arthur pouts but stops his scenting.

 

Merlin goes to get up but Arthur holds on to his hips.

 

Arthur,” Merlin shoots the alpha a glare.

 

Arthur has always been quite possessive of his belongings since he is a prat of an alpha, who as a royal, can always get what he wants at the snap of a finger.

 

Arthur huffs but lets go… and doesn’t pout because princes don't pout, no matter what the others might say.

 

Once he’s stood up Merlin holds his arm out towards Gwaine who is still on the ground, “Here.”

 

Arthur gapes. There isn’t much he can do as his brain goes completely blank as he watches the interaction.

 

Gwaine smiles almost goofily up to Merlin before pressing his nose to the omega's wrist and inhaling. The scent of the omega is able to drain any lingering anger from the knight.

 

“There.” Merlin smiles. “Now you won't have to disturb my sleep.” His gaze turns deadly on Gwaine.

 

“Right.” Gwaine rubs the back of his neck. “Sorry.” The knight flicks his gaze to Arthur briefly.

 

“Merlin,” Lancelot speaks from the other side of the dying fire. “May I as well?”

 

“Me too!” Elyan pitches in.

 

Merlin can’t help but laugh. He understands the curiosity, he knows what all the knights smell like so it seems only fair.

 

“Sure.” He holds up his wrist in their direction.

 

In a few minutes, Merlin has nearly every alpha snuffling and briefly scenting him in the process. They all flit around him curiously as most have never encountered an omega before.

 

Though Arthur would expect to find himself jealous, he isn’t. In fact, he is quite proud at the sight before him. Merlin being properly accepted into his pack and the soft laughs that Merlin emits have Arthur’s chest feeling light.

 

That and even though Merlin seems happy at everyone’s acceptance, he isn’t purring. Arthur wonders if that’s reserved for him, he can’t help how that strokes his ego.

 

Merlin’s scent grows stronger as he becomes more giddy and the hormones kick in a little more at all his pack mates' scents.

 

Arthur risks a gaze to the mouth of the cave. The wind seems to be even stronger than yesterday, and the snow is still falling at too rapid a rate to travel in.

 

They have to get back soon. They can’t risk Merlin going into a full blown heat trapped with multiple alphas, packmates or not.

 

“Merlin,” Arthur calls from where he is still sat on his cot.

 

Merlin pokes his head out of the circle of knights, his hair thoroughly ruffled.

 

Arthur has to stop himself from snorting.

 

“Tend to the horses, would you?” Arthur orders with a dismissive way of his hand.

 

“Right, of course, sire.” Merlin nods and ducks out of the range of the knights and slides his boots on.

 

His boots aren't fully dry from yesterday, but nearly there. He frowns at the slight squelching underneath his feet as he goes to give the horses some feed they had picked up when they resupplied.

 

“I’ll go get some more firewood,” Lancelot announces.

 

“I’ll join,” Elyan says, nodding to his fellow knight.


By the time Merlin has finishes with the horses, the fire is strong and slowly warming the air around it.

 

He removes his boots again by the fire and sticks out his feet to dry his socks.

 

“We can’t travel in this weather.” Arthur resigns. He had been hoping that it would blow over quickly after they awoke, but there seems to be no end in sight.

 

Merlin hums in acknowledgment.

 

“Think you’ll be okay Merls?” Gwaine sits next to his friend.

 

“Yeah,” Merlin shrugs. “there isn’t anything we can do, it’d be suicide to go out there. And I’m fairly certain I have a few days left.” Merlin tries his best not to grimace at the thought.

 

“Well, since we’ve nothing to do Merlin, I'm sure you’d love to polish my armor, as it’s your favorite thing to do.” Arthur’s voice lilts teasingly, referencing his manservant’s lessons with George not all that long ago.

 

“Yes, sire.” Merlin accepts the request much easier than normal, without even a surly remark.

 

Arthur isn’t sure how he feels about that, but he wants to keep Merlin’s mind off of things as best he can.

 

Merlin is thankful that Arthur is still treating him the same, as his servant, he craves the normalcy of it and is happy Arthur isn’t going to treat him any differently.

 

Merlin grabs the polish and rag from his bag and gets to work.


By the time he has finished, the knights have grown restless with nothing to do but wait for the weather to pass.

 

Arthur walks over from where he is going over fighting techniques with a few of the knights and plops down next to Merlin, their sides completely touching one another.

 

Merlin gives him a curious side glance, but Arthur just huffs looking at the fire.

 

Almost two minutes go by until Arthur groans out. “I’m boreeeeed.”

 

“You could study your map more,” Merlin answers easily enough.

 

Arthur grabs a handful of his hair tightly.

 

“Ow ow ow okay, okay,” Merlin chuckles out.

 

Arthur playfully pushes his manservant.

 

Merlin laughs and stands up, retreating.

 

He wouldn't admit that he is bored too, heavens know Arthur would somehow find more chores for him to do.

 

Merlin simply goes about moving the knight's armor against the walls of the cave, giving them all slightly more space to meander about.

 

It isn’t until the second to last set of armor that Merlin realizes that he hasn’t placed any of their capes back down. He is holding them all in his arms, he only noticed because he couldn’t pick up Leon’s armor as his hands were already full.

 

Merlin freezes for a second, a wave of anxiety hitting him again. He is gathering materials for his nest he realizes, embarrassment floods his cheeks.

 

The knights are quick to notice his sudden distressed scent, they all look over worriedly.

 

Merlin turns around from where he is facing the wall to meet their gazes, his arms overflowing with their capes.

 

“I- uh I’m sorry.” Merlin would be staring at the ground if the mound of capes didn’t block his view. “I didn’t realize,” Merlin says softly. Everyone is silent, the only noises come from the crackling fire, wind, and the occasional horse noise.

 

“It’s okay.” Leon comforts from where he stands with Perceval and Lancelot, they have been practicing their footwork. “You can have mine.” Leon nods to the one at his feet.

 

“And mine!” Gwaine jumps in.

 

The other knights quickly agree as well.

 

“And you already have mine,” Arthur says smirking at his manservant.

 

Merlin puffs up a bit. Arthur can’t help but wonder if he takes pride in wearing his alpha- his prince's cape.

 

But Merlin’s eyes quickly begin to fill with tears.

 

Arthur panics. “Ah, I didn’t mean it in a bad way Merlin.” Arthur's stomach sinks.

 

“No, no,” Merlin chuckles, bringing an arm up to his eyes to wipe away the tears while simultaneously dropping two of the capes in the process. “I’m just happy,” it’s embarrassing but he knows that the knights know he can’t help it. “Stupid hormones,” Merlin tacks on at the end.

 

He gains some soft chuckles throughout their temporary camp.

 

“But,” Merlin worries his bottom lip between his teeth. “You’re all sure?”

 

Everyone nods, their expressions soft.

 

“Okay.” Merlin is still ashamed at his sudden emotional outburst, but the joy of having the knight's capes outweighs any other emotion.

 

He gathers the two he had dropped and reaches Leon’s whose he had yet to pick up. But when he does, another falls out of his arms. If his head wasn't so fuzzy, he would have thought to make multiple trips. But instead, he just keeps trying to pick one up and subsequently dropping another.

 

God Arthur just wants to squeeze him. He wants to hug the omega until he can barely breathe, wants to show Merlin how cute he is and that he deserves all the capes in the world.

 

After about a minute of the knights all admiring their packmates' adorableness Percival walks over to Merlin. “Need a hand?” The large alpha said with his gentle smile.

 

Merlin eyes him for a moment before nodding his head.

 

“Here, I’ll carry them.” Percy holds out his arms.

 

Merlin does his best to stuff Percy’s arms full, but his arms are so large he still has plenty of room.

 

Merlin then picks up the two last capes on the ground and places them atop the pile in Percy’s arms.

 

Merlin glances around and the knights quickly pretend they aren’t staring.

 

The omega walks over to his cot with the hulking alpha in tow.

 

Merlin stops just before stepping onto his bedroll and turns around to Perceval. “Here is good.”

 

“Right here?” Percival asks.

 

Merlin humms brightly in confirmation.

 

Percy, the gentle giant he is, places them all down rather than just dropping them, seeing as they are important to Merlin.

 

Merlin looked up at the large alpha with a shy smile, and Percy smiles back.

 

Merlin thuds into the larger man's chest and gives a quick singular nuzzle. “Thanks,” his voice is bashful as he turns around to face the pile of fabric, the wheels in his brain already turning.

 

Percy’s smile only grows, “You’re welcome,” he ruffles Merlin’s hair and walks back to Leon and Lance to continue their training, head held high.

 

Amusement bubbles in Arthur. Even though he has always been possessive of Merlin even before he knew he was an omega, he was damn near elated to see him meld so seamlessly into the pack. The Omega was already strengthening their group dynamic.

 

Arthur's chest fills with pride, his scent flaring out a bit, but it is soon taken over by curiosity as he watches Merlin pace about his cot and newly acquired capes, Arthur's own still hanging around his shoulders.

 

It is as if Merlin is a predator hunting his prey with the way he eyes and circles around the fabric.

 

Arthur isn't sure how much time has passed by the time Merlin goes to work on whatever it is he has been thinking so thoroughly about.

 

Merlin folds his blanket and places it on the ground as a makeshift extension of his bedroll. Then, he goes to work placing the capes in a circle, leaving a small gap in the direction of the fire. He scrunches them in certain places and folds them in others.

 

Arthur's curiosity is fully peaked at this point, he doesn't care that he is staring at Merlin doing whatever it is he is doing.

 

A few times when Arthur thinks Merlin will move on to the next part, Merlin paces around and looks at his creation from a different angle, only to pick the fabric up and start again.

 

Leon and Perceval offer to get more firewood as it gets later, they slip out past the omega hard at work.


Once Merlin places the last fabric where he wants, he paces around again, considering his nest from all angles.

 

Merlin seems to have deemed it good enough as his scent suddenly bursts with pride, quickly filling their cave.

 

Arthur really doesn't know much about omegas as they are so rare. He had gotten lessons when he was younger in case he’d be able to find a mate that wasn't a beta or another alpha, but he hadn't cared enough to pay attention at the time, and he is regretting that immensely now. Merlin, his manservant who is always at his side, has been an omega this whole time. He has been repressing his way of life for years. Arthur can't imagine what it would be like if he had to pretend not to be an alpha.

 

Merlin starts scurrying around preparing dinner once again, humming as he moves about, his great mood infecting the others.

 

Once everyone is served, Merlin grabs his own portion and, surprisingly to Arthur, he doesn't sit amongst his new pile of capes but instead to the side, practically squished against the prince himself.

 

Arthur gives Merlin a curious side glance, but the omega doesn't seem to notice.

 

Not that Arthur minds the contact with Merlin, if anything he prefers it. They always seem to have soft brushes against each other, but Merlin being so blatant with his contact has Arthur's insides fluttering.

 

As Arthur eats and listens to Perceval and Leon go on about some bandits they ran into during the warmer season, his eyes keep lingering back to Merlin. Arthur isn't the only one either, all the knights can’t help but glance over at the omega every so often.

 

Arthur can't help but notice that all the knights seem to be sitting closer together.

 

They have always been a pack, a pack of alphas, as nearly all packs nowadays are made up of. But before omegas were deemed the lesser gender, packs would consist of all secondary genders, even betas.

 

But with the lack of omegas and their caring and touchy nature, most packs have lost the sense of need for physical touch, as alphas don't crave it nearly as much as omegas.

 

It seems Merlin's scent and acceptance into the pack has already brought them all closer than they ever were before.

 

Arthur has always struggled with expressing his emotions, as a lot of alphas do. But seeing his men being softer and more caring to each other fills him with genuine joy and a sense of security further than the physical one his knights have always given him.

 

It gets Arthur thinking about how touchy Merlin has always been, and it makes so much sense now. Had all those times Merlin asked for hugs been because he was an omega? Arthur had always turned Merlin's requests down, most of them had seemed to have been in jest, but perhaps Merlin had genuinely needed the contact as an omega. And Arthur had always turned him down, turned down his ome- his manservant when he needed him. It was Arthur's job to take care of Merlin, yet he had turned him down in what were probably real moments of need.

 

Arthur very slightly leans into Merlin a bit more. Merlin glances over in question, but Arthur keeps his eyes forward.

 

They pass around more wineskins as they eat, Arthur has quickly learned that's what ninety percent of Gwaine's saddlebags consisted of.

 

By the time they finish eating, Arthur is feeling the alcohol's effects, a relaxed and very slightly tipsy feeling settling into his limbs.

 

The others look to in a similar state as well. Merlin bursts up onto his feet, nearly scaring the life out of Arthur. His servant diligently collects the dishes and goes to work cleaning them in the snow again.

 

Some of the knights have already taken to trying to sleep, the alcohol taking its hold and hopefully they’ll need their energy to travel in the morning.

 

Arthur takes this time to inspect Merlin's cot and pile of capes in more detail.

 

The prince has scooted himself closer and nearer the space in the fabric facing the fire, with only having a few capes to work with, Merlin has somehow managed to make them seem much thicker and fluffier with how he placed them.

 

Arthur wonders why Merlin hasn't decided to use his cape as well, it still hangs around the servant’s shoulders. Arthur isn't sure if that is a good or bad thing.

 

He doesn't notice Merlin approaching.

 

Merlin prowls around the other side of the capes, very intensely staring at Arthur, his eyes flicking back and forth to his nest.

 

Merlin crouches down next to Arthur, his nose nearly brushing his the prince’s cheek.

 

"Do you like my nest?" Merlin tilts his head, intense stare not leaving the prince's face.

 

Arthur hears a voice in his head then, very distant, the sound of his old teacher explaining how an omega's nest is extremely important to them and that you should only ever enter one unless invited, as it is the safest space for an omega to be.

 

Arthur turns his head, nose nearly bumping into Merlin's, but neither makes an attempt to move.

 

"I do," Arthur says, his gaze extremely soft as he looks at the omega in front of him. "Genuinely, it's very impressive. You make it so fluffy and full with little to work with." Arthur finds the words easily slipping from his mouth.

 

Arthur swears had Merlin been facing the mouth of the cave his smile would have melted all the snow in Camelot.

 

The omega's scent radiates with even more pride.

 

"Thank you. It's the first one I've ever made!" Merlin whispers excitedly as to not wake the knights who are already trying to sleep.

 

Arthur's heart sinks a bit, "First one?" He asks genuinely confused.

 

"Yeah, well," Merlin shrugs. "I couldn't risk building one here as I could have been revealed… and back in Ealdor, we… my mother and I, didn't really have any materials to make one with."

 

"Well, I would have never been able to tell." Arthur earnestly whispers back.

 

If Merlin lifts his chin any higher, he’d be looking at the ceiling, Arthur muses to himself.

 

But he does genuinely mean everything he is saying, and to be able to be this open with his manservant feels incredible.

 

"Thank you, Arthur." Merlin's tone becomes more serious, it makes Arthur's heart skip a beat.

 

"Only telling the truth," Arthur smiles.

 

Merlin looks down, suddenly feeling bashful, heat spreading across his cheeks.

 

God, Arthur wants to kiss those lips so badly. He always has, for years. Ever since their first encounter, he has been enraptured by Merlin. He always shoved those thoughts away as he knew they could never be, but now, there is a chance. Of course, it would be an arduous task to convince the council, but he could still have an heir, so there is a chance.

 

Arthur realizes he has gone too long without saying anything and clears his throat awkwardly.

 

He expects Merlin to look back up, but his eyes are locked onto something, head tilted and eyes calculating.

 

Arthur looks down, but all he sees is his own cot and blanket.

 

 

Oh.

 

As much as Arthur would rather sleep with a blanket, he wants nothing more than to give Merlin everything he wants.

 

Arthur rolls the blanket up in his hands, Merlin's eyes jump back to his with that glazed look again.

 

"Would you like to use this as well?" Arthur asks. He thinks his face might get stuck with all the smiling he's been doing the past twenty-four hours.

 

Merlin's brow furrows, confused as to how Arthur could have just read his thoughts.

 

"Is..." Merlin pauses, glancing to his nest. "Is that okay?" he asks in the same tone a child would slyly ask for sweets.

 

"Yes!" Arthur says a little too loudly before lowering his voice. "You should use something of mine too since you are wearing my cape."

 

Merlin can smell the flare of pride in Arthur's scent at the statement.

 

Merlin suddenly feels shyness flood his system. He isn't used to Arthur being so genuinely kind towards him. But he still reaches out to take the blanket and pulls it into his chest.

 

Arthur watches him intently, curious how he'd use the blanket in his nest.

 

But suddenly, his vision is obscured as Merlin shoves the blanket in his face. Arthur is utterly gobsmacked for a moment until Merlin starts to rub said blanket over his face and his neck.

 

Arthur huffs out a quiet laugh and reaches forward for Merlin.

 

When Arthur's hands wrap around Merlin's waist, the omega's brain fizzles out, he lowers the blanket slightly so Arthur can see once again. The light from the fire illuminates Merlin's flushed face beautifully.

 

Arthur pulls Merlin onto his lap so he is straddling the prince. Arthur begins to scent the blanket himself, though he repeatedly leans forward cheekily scenting Merlin in the process.

 

Arthur smirks, having fully scented the fabric, he leans forward just enough to nuzzle the top of Merlin's hair.

 

That seems to sober Merlin up at least a little. His eyes become unclouded, his face flushes even further.

 

"Thank you," Merlin whispers, his breath warm on Arthur's mouth.

 

Arthur hums back, enjoying the scent and weight of his omeg- manservant in his lap.

 

Arthur's eyes drift over to Merlin's nest, and Merlin slowly slides back off his lap. Energy seems to fill him as he grips the blanket and begins soundlessly pedaling around, deciding where to put it.

 

Arthur's gaze follows him, eager to see what he will deem the perfect spot.

 

It doesn't take very long for Merlin to lay out the blanket on top of his own blanket and cot, covering the entire floor of the nest.

 

Once it is placed, Merlin looks over to Arthur almost as if seeking the alpha's approval.

 

Arthur gives an encouraging smile and nods.

 

Merlin can’t stop the gleeful chuckle that escapes him as he curls into his nest, smile on his face. The smile quickly fades, however. His features scrunch together in confusion. He changes positions, tries moving around, but nothing seems to work.

 

His eyes slide back to Arthur, who is still curiously watching. He raises an eyebrow in question.

 

Merlin doesn't bother to stand and instead just crawls the few paces he needs to reach Arthur.

 

Merlin's warm fingers grasp at his wrist and tug at him to move.

 

Not thinking, Arthur easily follows until Merlin is trying to pull him into his nest.

 

Arthur stops a moment, knowing how important it is not to invade an omega's space.

 

The unwritten question of 'are you sure?' is clear on Arthur’s face, Merlin tugs again so the alpha will know it’s okay enter.

 

Arthur is careful not to accidentally touch any of the walls or move any of the fabric, Merlin's heart swells with how unusually considerate he is being. Arthur doesn't think before speaking and his words can be rather harsh sometimes, but to see him openly be thoughtful and caring of Merlin. The omega’s insides melt.

 

Arthur just sits kneeled there, clearly not sure what to do.

 

Merlin huffs in amusement then guides Arthur to lie down on his side.

 

"Are you comfortable?" Merlin can't help but ask as he lies down facing the prince, eagerness clear in his voice.

 

"I am," Arthur answers in what Merlin can only describe as the softest tone he's ever heard.

 

Arthur's face is filled with such adoration Merlin feels the smallest of rumbles start up in his chest.

 

Arthur's expression somehow softens even more as Merlin starts to purr even louder.

 

Arthur watches relaxedly as Merlin curls up next to him, their faces only a few inches apart.

 

If Arthur was able he would have run back to Camelot with Merlin at that very moment and made him consort on the spot, if Merlin was willing.

 

They stare at each other for a bit, eyes easily roaming over the other as they enjoy their peaceful silence together, other than the few snores of some of the knights that could be heard and the occasional snuffling horse.

 

Arthur isn't sure how much time has passes before Merlin starts very slowly, as if not wanting to be detected, scooting closer.

 

Merlin comes to a stop when his head is pressed against Arthur's chest, the top of his black hair tickling Arthur's nose. Merlin’s purring increases to a more prominent but still very soft rumble.

 

Merlin then hesitantly drapes some of his cape over Arthur as a makeshift blanket to share.

 

Arthur can't see his face, but he can smell the slight hitch in embarrassment that must be coating Merlin’s cheeks.

 

But the gesture is so kind and caring he can't stop his own chest from rumbling back, and his need to scent the top of Merlin's head rears back into his head.

 

Arthur nuzzles Merlin's hair as he drapes an arm around his waist pulling his omega closer. He scents more possessively this time. Forget the knights teasing, he can deal with it, Merlin is his and his alone.

 

Merlin nuzzles back into Arthur's chest as he is pulled closer. Arthur slips a leg in between his so they can get as close as possible.

 

Their scenting only lasts a short bit as Arthur can feel the faint tug of arousal in his stomach, and teasing about that from the knights would be another matter.

 

Merlin sighs contentedly and relaxes in his hold, chest still rumbling.

 

Arthur allows the soft breaths and soothing rumbles to drag him under into a deep sleep.

Notes:

I am being pulled away from my computer for a few hours lol. So the next chapter might take a few more hours that the previous one!

Either way the next two will be out today!

It's looking like this story is going to be 5 chapters btw but I'm not certain yet. It'll be either 5 or 6 but most likely 5.

See you all in a while. Again thank you so much for the support! <3

Chapter 4: Rising Tensions

Notes:

Sorry this took so much longer than I thought it would. I wish I was joking but my brother's cat died out of nowhere so I have been helping him cope.

Unfortunately since I have fallen behind in my editing I don't think I will be able to get any more chapters out today and I have class tomorrow so it is most likely the next chapter will be coming on Thursday! I'm super sorry about the inconvenience.

But anywho, I hope you guys like this chapter! It's the longest yet.

Enjoy~

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The shuffling of bags and the faint chirps of snowbirds wake Arthur from the most restful sleep he has had in years.

 

He is pleasantly surprised to find Merlin still warm in his arms. Typically his manservant wakes first, as it is his job to wake Arthur up nearly every day.

 

The prince does his best not to jostle Merlin as he looks around, knights are already packing to continue their journey. They have taken on Merlin’s tasks of preparing breakfast and readying their supplies, allowing the omega to sleep.

 

Though it’s rather concerning that Merlin is still asleep. He is always the first to awake, and he hadn’t been particularly active the day before to require the extra rest. The looming threat of his heat hangs over them, getting closer each day

 

The knights nod their heads to the prince when they make eye contact, some trying to hide their knowing smiles, others not even trying at all.

 

In any other circumstance Arthur would let Merlin sleep in as long as he liked with his upcoming heat, but they need to make haste, for his sake.

 

“Merlin,” Arthur softly murmurs to his manservant who has wrapped all his limbs around the prince in one way or another.

 

He doesn’t stir.

 

“Merlin,” Arthur says a little louder, giving Merlin a slight shake.

 

Merlin groans, pushing his head further against Arthur’s chest.

 

Arthur can’t help but smile, he has always thought Merlin was endearing, irksomely so. But now, his inner alpha has risen to the cause of protecting and providing for the fool. The fondness in his chest is almost overwhelming.

 

Merlin, you have to get up. We have to eat so we can get back to Camelot.” Arthur gives a rough nuzzle to the top of his head.

 

Merlin pulls back, hair completely tousled sticking up in every direction. His eyes are foggy with sleep. But the haze rapidly clears.

 

Merlin shoots back, cheeks turning a brilliant red. “I- uhm,” Merlin opens and closes his mouth like a fish out of water.

 

“Food’s ready,” Lancelot calls by the roaring fire to everyone who is getting ready.

 

Arthur scurries out of the nest, not wanting to overwhelm Merlin whose scent is ripe with embarrassment.

 

The knights line up to get their breakfast, and Merlin follows trepidatiously behind. But thankfully no one says anything about Arthur sleeping in his nest.

 

As Merlin’s brain starts to catch up he can’t help but notice all the knights are dressed in their armor as well. And the horses are nearly all packed up and prepared.

 

His brow furrows. Lancelot made breakfast? He supposes out of all the knights he would probably be the best bet. But that’s Merlin’s job. As is getting the firewood and preparing the horses. They are all Merlin’s jobs. It is his duty to take care of the knights. He feels his familiar stubbornness rear its ugly head.

 

“Thanks,” Merlin says tersely as he accepts a bowl of… gruel? From Lancelot.

 

The knight raises his eyebrows in shock at the omega’s tone but doesn’t say anything.

 

The knights are all in great moods this morning, rightfully so as they are to finally continue their journey back. Merlin knows he should be happy as well, but he is too upset at the knights taking his jobs from him.

 

He had told them he didn’t want to be treated any differently, and they agreed. Do they think he is incapable of his duties now because he’s an omega? If they take all his duties Merlin will lose his reasoning for being able to tag along in their quests and won’t be able to protect them. And as much as Merlin complains he does enjoy taking care of the knights. It’s instinctual for an omega to want to care for their close ones. And given Merlin’s hormones are firing off in his head and he wants to take care of them more than ever, he can’t help but feel pissed off that he can’t.

 

Merlin sits down with an angry pout next to the prince, Arthur gives him a sideways look but doesn’t say anything.

 

His gruel is definitely better, Merlin thinks angrily to himself as he spoons the food into his mouth, he always adds blueberries or nuts to it. At least Lancelot won’t be taking his job from him again. Merlin will do better, he won’t sleep in again. Merlin shoots a glare at the knight who looks back in confusion wilting slightly, hurt lacing his scent. But Merlin can’t bring himself to care at the moment.

 

Arthur huffs in amusement, watching the interaction. “What’s got you all riled up this morning?”

 

“Nothing,” Merlin spits out, continuing to eat his gruel, simmering in his own angst.

 

The knights share some concerned looks, but Arthur has seen similar brattish behavior from Merlin countless times, he knows it is nothing to be bothered by.

 

Merlin finishes his food quickly, he stomps around collecting the bowls from the knights once they are finished.

 

The servant makes his way to the cave entrance to clean the bowls in the snow, the prepared horses standing by making his blood simmer even more. This is exactly why he didn’t want to tell them, they’ve already started treating him like some pitiful maiden. How dare they try to take away his duties, he’s just as capable if not more capable than any of them.

 

He shoves the bowls into their rightful saddlebag. There isn’t much left to do, and as all the other knights are fully dressed and packed, he knows he should dress Arthur though.

 

As he makes his way back into the cave, Leon is already been on his way towards Arthur’s armor.

 

No.

 

Merlin gives Leon the benefit of the doubt, maybe he isn’t going to pick it up. Obviously, the knight doesn’t intend to dress Arthur, but he will most likely hand Arthur his armor so he’d dress himself.

 

The omega makes his way over, Leon leans down to grab Arthur’s chest plate, Merlin growls.

 

It certainly doesn’t have the same effect as an alpha’s growl but it’s enough to startle the knight.

 

Leon shoots up and spins around.

 

Shock covers Leon's face, his scent is a mix of confusion and amusement as he looks down at the glaring servant, “Merlin?” The knight questions, raising his hands in a placating manner.

 

Everyone is watching now, the air fills with Merlin’s most dominating scent, which in all honesty is just rather charming rather than the aggressive pheromones of an alpha.

 

“You all have already taken all my duties this morning,” Merlin growls out, stepping into the knight’s personal space, “You will not take another. It is my job to look after you lot. Merlin is now nearly chest to chest, challenging the tall alpha.

 

Leon, being the ever calm and knowing knight, would never accept a challenge from Merlin, omega or not. And still, Merlin is no alpha, he’d would never stand a chance in a physical altercation. Thankfully, Leon, the oldest and most responsible of their pack, isn’t one to let something as fickle as pride and heightened emotions get in the way of logic and friendship.

 

“Okay, Merlin,” Leon soothes averting his eyes in submission to the omega, the knight takes a few steps back. “It’s okay.”

 

“Merlin,” Gwaine interjects softly. Merlin whips his head around, still growling. “We didn’t want to wake you up this morning, you looked too…” Gwaine doesn’t finish his sentence, fairly certain Merlin does not want to be called cute at the moment. “We thought we’d give you a break for once.”

 

“No,” Merlin growls but it is nearer a whine. “I don't need a break,” He looks around to the others, “It’s my job to care for and protect you.” He can feel his eyes filling with tears, even if they are angry tears it makes the situation no less embarrassing for him.

 

“Okay Merls, we know now.” Gwaine appeases, and Merlin seems to calm a bit, his growling stops at least.

 

“Fine,” Merlin huffs as he picks up Arthur’s armor. He marches over to his prince, who is looking all too smug for his liking.

 

Merlin gives a quick glare to all the knights to get them to stop staring and go about their business. He turns back to Arthur.

 

The prat, opens his mouth surely to say something prattish but Merlin cuts him off with a low growl before he can even speak.

 

The alpha’s eyes light up with amusement, and something else Merlin can't place, but it once again reminds him of their first meeting.

 

Merlin busies himself, making no conversation as to get his job done as efficiently as possible, to show that he is indeed the best one for the job, for all his jobs.

 

Merlin finishes in record time.

 

He looks up at Arthur daring him to say anything.

 

But the prince just gives him a smirk and hums in approval, his eyes raking down Merlin’s frame. Arthur’s tone is low when he rumbles, “Good job.”

 

All of Merlin’s rage is immediately snuffed and replaced with a different kind of fire. One that he doesn’t let last long, or others will quickly notice. Though his omega inwardly preens at the praise. After freezing for a moment, he turns and makes his way toward the group of knights who are huddled vehemently discussing something Merlin can’t hear.

 

Their discussion comes to an abrupt end as he approaches.

 

“What’s wrong?” Merlin asks not unkindly.

 

No one speaks up, Arthur’s footsteps are right behind him.

 

“Merlin,” Lancelot says almost painfully, kindling a sense of dread in Merlin’s chest.

 

“There are only a few more things to pack up,” Elyan braces himself for Merlin’s reaction.

 

But from what Merlin can see, all the saddlebags are loaded up on their horses.

 

Merlin turns around to Arthur, who is standing much closer than expected. But when he peers around the prince, he knows what Elyan meant, Merlin feels his heart nearly shatter.

 

The only thing left in the cave other than the ashes of the fire is Merlin’s nest.

 

It’s not as if they can take it as a whole with them. He needs to take apart his nest, and the knights need their capes back.

 

It is a strange feeling, a sadness so deep that it turns numb and empty.

 

He can always make another, but he knows it won’t be the same. And once back in Camelot, he can’t risk being discovered lest he is dismissed as the prince’s manservat.

 

The first time he is ever able to nest and he has to take it apart before he can even properly use it. There’s something morbidly poetic about the situation. But it does nothing to ease the despondency taking hold in his chest.

 

Before Merlin can think about it too much, his feet start moving. He slowly starts to take off the first cape when there is a nuzzle to his head, then another, and one to his shoulder.

 

He hadn’t even felt his own tears at first but he feels them now as the knights scent him and nuzzle him in attempts of comfort. Even Arthur joins in the pack scent session this time.

 

Merlin’s jaw is tight as he tries to fight off the tears. Usually he’d be embarrassed to cry in front of the knights though he can always blame his pre-heat addled mind, but this is more than that, after getting a moment to give himself to his nature it is ripped away. It is the reality that although the knights have accepted Merlin, he will have to hide his true self once again once they return.

 

He hands off the capes to their rightful owners as he works, heart cracking with every deconstruction. He finally gets to his cot and blanket, he rolls them up neatly and brings them to his saddlebag.

 

His crying has subdued, but his breath is still hitching every so often.

 

No one speaks as they know there is nothing they can say to ease the hurt.

 

Just as they are about to mount their horses, Merlin realizes that Arthur still is lacking his signature red cape as well.

 

Merlin undoes the clasp at his neck and walks over to Arthur.

 

Merlin simply calls his name, the alpha turns, giving Merlin the perfect opportunity to drape it over its owner's shoulders once again. Although Merlin has done this countless times, he’ll remember this one forever.

 

“No,” Arthur says going to unclasp the fabric.

 

“Arthur,” Merlin says sternly, his eyes still red from his tears only moments before. “You need to keep warm.”

 

You need to keep warm!” Arthur argues back, voice raising only the slightest.

 

Merlin huffs out in morbid amusement, “Trust me, I’ll be plenty warm.”

 

Arthur’s expression falls, he could argue but the last thing he wants to do is make matters worse. He just purses his lips and gives a curt nod to his manservant.

 

Once Arthur gets onto his horse, Merlin mounts his own.


The sun reflecting off the newborn snow has been blinding Merlin for their whole ride.

 

It's been hours since they left their makeshift abode, the sun is already starting to set behind the trees, lengthening the shadows on the snow.

 

The sun has melted some of the snow, but not enough to actually make a difference. As the sun starts to set and the air cools even more, the snow begins to ice over, the horses' hooves snap through the icy layer.

 

“How much farther do you expect, sire?” Elyan calls from the rear of their small battalion.

 

“Shouldn’t be more than an hour,” Arthur announces from the front.

 

They agreed to make for the hot springs that are just out of their way. They'd rather take an extra hour and a half than freeze to death at nightfall. The springs are magical in origin, connected to naturally enchanted stones underground that Merlin knows better than to fiddle about with. He absently wonders if the knights would be so willing to stop there if they knew.

 

But at the moment, Merlin isn't paying much attention. His head has been going fuzzy on and off all day, like he has drunk too much. He is still fully cognizant, retaining all of his critical thinking skills, but they seem to be ever so slightly slowed. It isn't a bad feeling, if anything it’s quite enjoyable. It’s his ability to remain focused on anything that has dulled the most. Thankfully, it only comes in waves.

 

What had only seemed to be about 20 minutes for Merlin has clearly been over an hour as they are already coming upon the clearing.

 

The steam from the water drifts up through the trees, refracting the sun's golden setting rays. The trees around have far less snow on them due to the heat and there’s even less on the ground.

 

The springs are a popular resting spot for adventurers and travelers on their way to and from Camelot, but it is fully barren of any travelers as no one would journey in such weather.

 

The trees tower high in this part of the forest, surely due to the hidden magical stones Merlin assumes.

 

The heat radiating from the springs sends an invigorating shiver down Merlin’s body, his brain fog clears once again today.

 

The sun is nearly set. They’ll have to use what little light they have left to set up camp.

 

Merlin gets off his horse and stretches his legs out, even after three years, he hasn't grown accustomed to riding all day.

 

The servant quickly gets to work undressing the horses. The knights go about their usual duties not wanting to offend Merlin again by trying to help like this morning.

 

By the time the knights have gotten a fire started, something they frequently do so Merlin lets it slide, the only sunlight left is the pink hues that can be seen peeking through the trees.

 

The temperate air has Merlin’s hair curling more than normal, he can feel the change of texture against his ears and nape.

 

“We should bathe now with what little light we have left,” Leon proposes from where he pokes the fire.

 

Arthur gives an approving nod. The knights waste no time scrambling their way over to the hot springs. The water reflects the dark blue of the sky that breaks through the canopy above them.

 

Merlin goes over to Arthur to remove his armor. The prince easily wraps his arms around his manservant’s middle and starts nuzzling the top of his head. Now that Arthur knows what it’s like having Merlin soft and pliant in his arms it was near torture having to ride out all day with the sweet smelling omega at his side but unable to touch.

 

Merlin is quick to pull away, mostly in surprise, face hot with blush. It’s still going to take some getting used to, having the pack members scent him. As pack leader it is Arthur’s duty to do so most often, it’s a kind of security claim. And while Arthur does scent the other alphas, it isn't something that is needed nearly as often. Though in all honesty, Arthur is being quite excessive about it. The prince clearly amused as Merlin pulls away but he relents, letting Merlin go about dutifully stripping him of his armor.

 

Once Merlin has fully undressed the prat, Arthur rambunctiously jumps into the spring, splashing the knights who carelessly abandoned their clothes on the ground to get into the water more quickly.

 

Arthur relishes in the warm water surrounding him, he dips under taking a moment to run his fingers through his hair before resurfacing.

 

When he remerges, there is a strange tension in the air, not in the dangerous sense but something that doesn’t sit right with him. He does a quick glance around only to see his knights strangely stiff for having just entered one of the most relaxing places in all of Camelot.

 

It is then that the shuffling of clothes reverberates through his head, the realization hits him like a sack of stones.

 

He looks over to see Merlin, who has already removed his boots and jacket and is currently removing his neckerchief.

 

Merlin lets his neckerchief fall to the ground, excitement for a hot relaxing bathe flickers across his skin, his magic buzzes happily with the swell of natural magic in the area.

 

A few rather loud splashes have Merlin looking up, only to see a very nude Arthur unashamedly encroaching on him. The heat from the spring clings to his body, steam rises of his muscled body into the cooler air.

 

“Arthur?” Merlin’s eyes go wide, unsure of what he did wrong. But he knows that look on Arthur’s face, he is royally pissed about something.

 

The naked prince stops right in front of him. Merlin makes sure to keep eye contact, not in a challenging way, but more so his eyes won’t wander.

 

“What do you think you are doing?” Arthur spits, nearly growling.

 

Merlin’s brow furrows, confusion clear in his scent.

 

God, his scent, Arthur clenches his firsts. Without his neckerchief to cover his neck, it is drastically more aromatic. Arthur can practically feel it seeping into his lungs, smokey flames laced with the mouthwatering sweetness of an omega on the cusp of heat.

 

“I’m undressing?” Merlin replies warily, looking at the prince as if he’s lost his mind.

 

“No.” Arthur's voice rumbles, aggression leaking into his scent.

 

Merlin is utterly confused at this point. He would look at the other knights for clarification, but he can’t see past Arthur’s presence.

 

“But,” Merlin pauses, “that is what I’m doing?” The manservant is utterly lost now.

 

A bolt of panic shoots through Merlin for a moment, wondering if the springs have been enchanted somehow, though he doesn’t feel any unnatural magic.

 

Arthur scoffs, rolling his eyes with pure annoyance none of his usual amusement anywhere to be found.

 

“No. You can’t bathe.” Arthur glares at Merlin almost in a challenge.

 

“What?” Merlin’s pitch rises in offense.

 

“You can’t expect to bathe and be nude in front of a pack of alphas,” Arthur raises his voice, he can feel the gazes of his knights on his back.

 

Merlin’s confused stare turns steely, anger flooding his scent.

 

Arthur,” Merlin warns in a low tone.

 

“No,” The alpha growls, not letting Merlin speak.

 

“You utter prat,” Merlin growls back, never one to back down from the prince.

 

“Merlin, you can’t- ”

 

“No Arthur, you can’t. You can’t tell me what to do,” Merlin puffs his chest out in defiance, a clear challenge, each word sharp as it passes his lips, “I have bathed with you lot countless times! We have all seen each other naked! Just since you know I’m an omega now doesn’t change anything! I was an omega before! All those other times, I’ve always been one, The only difference is that you know now.” Merlin’s seethes.

 

Arthur knows logically that Merlin is right, he has always been an omega, it doesn’t change anything. He is still in the same amount of danger as before. Not that there was real danger, he knows his knights would never jump Merlin, unless God forbid he were to go into heat in front of them. But even then the prince knows the knights would do their best to fight their natural instincts for the sake of Merlin, as would Arthur.

 

But Arthur also knows that isn’t what this is really about. No, what this is really about is Merlin is his and he doesn’t want any other alphas seeing him exposed. Merlin is his omega manservant and so only the one who should see him nude is the prince himself. Merlin belongs to him and only him, the thought of others ogling him, it has Arthur’s inner alpha snapping its jaws.

 

Christ, Arthur had been protective of his manservant even before he knew he was an omega. How the hell is he supposed to deal with this newfound alpha possessiveness on top of his regular protectiveness? Arthur wants, no, needs Merlin to be his. Even before all of this. And now every instinct inside of him is blazing, demanding he make Merlin his.

 

But he knows he can't, not yet at least. Fucking hell does he want to though. But he needs to follow the proper steps, he has to court him and seek Gaius’ permission. As much as Arthur’s alpha detests it, he isn’t a brute. And Merlin deserves to be properly courted.

 

Arthur huffs in annoyance, he runs a hand down his face subsequently breaking eye contact first.

 

“Fine,” The prince glowers.

 

Merlin is suddenly pulled against a very naked Arthur. The servant thumps against his chest with a yelp as Arthur starts to scent him.

 

Merlin immediately shoves Arthur away, the prince stumbles back a few paces.

 

The alpha looks back truly furious, eyes blazing, low growl emitting from his chest, his lips pulled into a sneer just large enough to expose his canines. The perfect image of an alpha demanding an omega to submit.

 

Normally Merlin would have no problem standing up to Arthur. But Arthur, naked, water droplets running down the curves of his muscles, growling for Merlin to submit. It has the omega's stomach fluttering.

 

If any alpha would be able to get Merlin to submit it is undoubtedly Arthur. Not because of his pheromones though. It’s more so because Merlin wants to submit to Arthur. That doesn’t mean he’ll make it easy for the prat though. Merlin wants to show Arthur just how much it takes for him to submit, and that Arthur is the only one who he’d ever fully submit for. Merlin wants to make sure Arthur knows he wouldn’t bow to just any alpha.

 

So, Merlin stands his ground, a little weaker than normal but still defiant.

 

With Arthur now a few paces away Merlin can see the other alphas. Lancelot is holding back Gwaine with a pointed look, they all look on anxiously. Merlin knows they won’t interfere unless he is in true danger, they won’t stand against their pack leader unless necessary.

 

Arthur stomps back over, the sharp scent of anger has an eager chill running down Merlin’s spine. But Artuhr’s scent is quickly overtaken by forlorn hurt though the prince shoves it down.

 

To not allow an alpha from your pack, let alone the leader to scent you, it’s the equivalent of a slap in the face.

 

“Merlin-” Arthur’s voice is calm, past the point of anger. “Either you let me scent you or you are not going in.” There’s an eager glint in his eyes, almost wanting Merlin to disobey him. It goes against everything Arthur has ever learned about secondary genders. But it will make it all the more satisfying when he is able to get Merlin to submit to him.

 

Merlin’s brain is yanked to a sudden stop at the prince’s words. There have been a few times he has clearly noticed Arthur’s possessiveness, but Merlin had chalked it up to Arthur being a spoiled prat. But now, Merlin swears he can see more glittering under the surface, the hurt look on Arthur's face has seemed more than that of a pack leader. Merlin’s heart soares, he might actually have a chance with the alpha he’s been pining over for years.

 

The hope washes away some of his anger though. “Arthur,” Merlin says sternly. “I am not going to have you rubbing against me while you are nude.” He can feel his cheeks heat for what must be a record in the past forty-eight hours.

 

Arthur narrows his eyes at him, but the blush creeping up his neck and on his cheeks gives the prince away.

 

Arthur’s hurt is replaced by amusement but his anger still hangs heavy in the air.

 

With a begrudging sigh, Arthur takes both his wrists and lefts them up, slowly rubbing them on Merlin's face, causing the omega’s angry pout to squish ever so slightly.

 

This time, much to Arthur’s relief, Merlin doesn’t fight against it. The indignant anger starts to slowly fade from Artuhr. Even though his manservant is staring daggers at him, it doesn’t have nearly as much heat as moments before. He can feel Merlin start to relax under his touch, but the omega stubbornly refuses to stop his glaring.

 

Merlin feels like a baby kitten getting a reluctant tongue bath. He wouldn’t have minded if Arthur wasn’t nude or had explained himself. But given the prat is still naked, now rubbing his scent all over him, Merlin wants this over as fast as possible. Especially with their audience. Gods all he wants to do is wash and relax after these crazy past couple of days.

 

Arthur brings his wrists over Merlin’s neck and then up to his ears and his hair. Arthur much would have preferred to use his own neck, but he respects Merlin enough to at least give him the dignity of not being nuzzled by a naked man in front of the knights.

 

By the time he is finished, Merlin is impatient waiting to get into the freaking water.

 

“Done?” Merlin asks bitterly, though he is just trying to stick to his gall, he isn’t truly upset.

 

Arthur squints his eyes as if checking to see that he is properly scented, which is ridiculous as it can’t be seen.

 

Merlin knows Arthur is just dragging this out as long as he can.

 

Merlin huffs in annoyance when Arthur doesn’t say a thing. So the omega brazenly starts to strip his shirt so he can finally bathe in peace. However, instead of withdrawing back to the water Arthur simply stands there and stares.

 

“If you’re wanting a show it’ll cost you three gold.” Merlin drawls.

 

There’s a rather loud snort from one of the knights.

 

Arthur getting the hint retreats back into the water. With his back to Merlin, the prince glares at his knights, daring any of them to watch Merlin.

 

The servant rolls his eyes but is slightly grateful, as they have all been staring since their fight began.

 

He makes quick work of the rest of his clothes and enters the spring. The water is deep with no shallow entrance, so he lowers himself in from the edge. The heated water prickles against his skin as he gets accustomed to the temperature. He gives a pleased sigh as the water envelopes him.

 

Merlin, nor any of the others, can reach the bottom so they all paddle their legs to stay afloat as they bathe or lean their arms against the ledge.

 

Merlin dunks under and scrubs his face and hair; he can feel dirt and dust from the cave coming off him as the warm water makes quick work of his muscles.

 

When he re-emerges, Gwaine and Elyan seem to be having some kind of competition as they are nearly wrestling in the water. Surely, Gwaine is looking to make a quick coin with whatever this is, Merlin muses.

 

The servant swims over to the others, a few of the other knights start placing their own bets. Their roughhousing is a bit more competitive than usual, given there is an omega approaching heat nearby. It’s fun brotherly competitiveness though, it’s also a great way to expel their pent up energy. Merlin doesn’t join in on their horseplay, not that he ever did before they knew he was an omega either. But he does have quite a few splashing battles with his friends.

 

They continue about with their horseplay and other games until they are all well wrinkled.

 

Merlin eventually rests his head on his arms at the edge of the spring, breathing in the humid air, and lets the water fully relax his muscles. The mossy lining of the spring is soft against his chest and stomach, almost like a blanket, The water laps at his shoulders as he kicks his legs every so often. He closes his eyes enjoying the encompassing comfort, such a luxury is far and in between.

Notes:

Thank you so much for reading! I'll be sure to update and get back to comments as soon as I can! <3

 

Oh! Also, I have a question for you all! Of course don't feel obligated to answer, but I've never actually seen anybody ask this and I am genuinely so curious about my fellow omegaverse enjoyers. And feel free to be as appropriately specific as or vague as you wish. We have all thought about it before, so, are you an alpha, beta or omega?

Me personally, definitely an omega girlie. But I am so curious to see if most readers feel the same way or differently.

 

I hope you guys have a lovely day!

Chapter 5: As Luck Would Have It

Notes:

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you're all doing well!

There is one chapter left! At the very latest it will be posted late afternoon tomorrow (est)!

And thank you so much for so many comments! I really appreciate it! I will get back to them soon, but know I am seeing them and they all been making me smile. <3

Enjoy~

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

He isn't sure when he had closed his eyes, but he opens them when he hears an all too familiar “Merlin.”

 

The manservant pries his head up, his cheek donning a red mark from where he laid his face on his arms. The water of the spring has grown quiet, the knights already having made their exit at some point. Merlin couldn’t be bothered to exit yet, perhaps with his incoming heat he is seeking more comfort, but even on a normal day, he’d be remiss to let such a luxury pass.

 

“We are going to starve at this rate if you keep lazing about,” Arthur speaks, dressed once again but lacking his armor.

 

The sorcerer can't find it in himself to care at the moment. Let Arthur dress himself for once, that way, Merlin can enjoy the hot spring. It’s quite the turnaround from this morning, but he’s in a bit of emotional disarray. However, in Merlin’s humble opinion, his flighty moods are well within his right given the circumstances.

 

The reality of the prince’s statement settles in, Merlin has to suppress a groan. He did say this morning, quite fervently, that it is his job to take care of the knights, but he is slightly regretting his words now.

 

But the idea of someone else taking his duties makes his stomach turn.

 

With a grumble Merlin climbs out of the spring on wobbly legs and goes about drying before redressing. The fog lingering just outside his mind and his well relaxed body leave him oblivious to the spike of restlessness from the others as exits the water.

 

The servant forgos his jacket since the surrounding air is warm enough already, but he still chooses to don his neckerchief.

 

Merlin retrieves the ingredients for their dinner with pruned hands before sitting by the flames. He starts peeling and cutting the selected vegetables for their stew, unaware of the gentle rumbling coming from his chest. He hasn’t felt this at peace in a long time. His taut muscles conquered by the springs, the pleasant yet distant hum of fog lulling through him, that he should honestly be more worried about, plus being able to take care of his pack. It’s just so, right.

 

“Merlin.” Lancelot moves to sit by him, “Would you like any help with that?” the knight gestures to Merlin’s paring knife. “Of course it’s okay if you don’t though.” He adds on quickly. There’s an unsurety to his scent, but Merlin knows the man is trying to bridge the gap formed by this mornings misunderstanding. The knight is so kindhearted, it has a comforting warmth settle in his chest.

 

Meanwhile, the others watch on with an intensity not called for such a situation, the very start of true alpha aggression whispering between them. Thankfully they are all disciplined enough to not let it settle in, at least for now. After all, they are an extremely close knit pack, they would never truly challenge one another.

 

As much as Arthur would like to walk over there and snatch Merlin up, it’s clear what Lancelot is doing, and a good pack leader would never interfere with pack bonding.

 

“Oh, it’s okay.” Merlin’s eyes flick over to his friend, “But thank you for asking.” Merlin replies honestly with a bashful smile.

 

“Of course.” Lancelot can’t help but smile back, though it falters after a moment, “I am really sorry about this morning. I never wanted to upset you.”

 

Merlin’s face heats up, he turns his eyes back to his hands, “No, it’s okay. I’m sorry I got so upset. I know you were just trying to help. You’re always quick to help with any of my tasks and I do really appreciate it.”

 

“Think nothing of it.” Lancelot’s chest puffs out slightly, his scent lacing with pride.

 

Merlin looks back to him with another bright smile, earning him a ruffle of his hair, Lancelot’s wrist briefly scenting him in the process.

 

“You seem happy.” The knight says after a moment, Merlin turning back to his work. Each chunk of vegetable gives a satisfying plop as it is added to the heated pot.

 

Merlin briefly wonders if his contentment is that obvious only to notice the rumbling coming from his chest. Gods how long has he been doing that?

 

He makes a mental note to be more cautious as they approach Camelot.

 

Mmm.” Merlin hums companionably. His purring is replaced by a softly hummed tune as he goes about preparing a rather hearty stew.


As the scent of their meal fills the air, the knights' stomachs start grumbling in anticipation.

 

Once finished cooking, Merlin serves everyone their portions and takes his place next to Arthur as he always does. Merlin becomes vaguely aware of the purring starting up in his own chest once again, but he is so content he doesn’t bother fighting it off. He might as well take advantage of it while he can.

 

The daze laps to and fro again with the mix of relaxed sleepiness that comes with the hot spring.

 

The knights discuss their plans for the next day and tell stories of days past as they enjoy the meal prepared for them by the omega. Merlin listens whenever he can, but he’s just so content his mind keeps going blissfully blank as he enjoys the sounds of his pack’s voices and scents.

 

There is a cool hand placed on his forehead, Merlin opens his eyes yet again unaware he had even shut them.

 

“You’re getting warmer,” Arthur murmurs from beside him.

 

Merlin shoots up from his seat, nerves on end, suddenly aware of how dazed he is. Maybe he is just tired, they have traveled far today, and pre-heat takes a lot of energy too.

 

“Merlin?” Gwaine asks, voice laced with concern mirrored in the other scents.

 

“I-” Merlin flounders for a moment. “I’m okay, sorry. I just got nervous for a second,” he looks around to the tight expressions of the others. “I’m just tired,” he adds quickly before sitting back down. What is left of his soup has cooled a bit, but he finishes it anyway.

 

Gwaine gives him a skeptical look but nods nonetheless.

 

Once finished, Merlin, having shaken off his daze, goes about cleaning the dishes.

 

When finished, he sets up everyone’s cots with what little energy he has left, then crawls into his own wrapping his thin blanket around his body despite the warm air.

 

The murmurings of the knights slowly die down as they all retire for the night as well.

 

Unfortunately, even with his exhaustion thoughts anxiously run around in his head, forcing the sweet release of sleep just out of his grasp.

 

Merlin tosses for a bit, then turns over, only to find Arthur watching at him. The prince sits on his adjacent cot only a few paces away, back pressed against the large trunk of the tree.

 

Merlin gives up his attempt to sleep and sits up, looking to the fire, the embers flying away to the stars peeking through the branches.

 

“What’s the matter?” Arthur finally breaks the silence.

 

Merlin contemplates for a moment before relenting, “I’m worried,” he sighs.

 

“About?” Arthur asks staring at the flickering light across his manservant’s face.

 

Merlin gives him an incredulous look.

 

The expression has Arthur fighting down a smile despite the seriousness of the situation.

 

“It’s just-” Merlin continues after a moment, “I don’t think I have much time left.”

 

A spike of worry shoots down Arthur’s spine. If Merlin is admitting it his heat probably isn’t too far off. Seeing such anxiety on the omega has Arthur antsy to do something about it. But he has no idea what to do in this situation, it’s not as if he can brandish his sword and fight off Merlin’s heat. The image that puts in his head is rather amusing.

 

“It’ll be alright.” Arthur says earnestly, “We won’t let anything happen to you.”

 

Merlin turns back to the fire, the prince’s sincerity doing things to his stomach he’d rather try to ignore.

 

“Can I ask you something?” Merlin speaks up again.

 

“You just did,” Arthur smirks.

 

Merlin half tosses his blanket at the prince before pulling it back over his legs.

 

“Of course, Merlin,” Arthur faces the fire as it pops loudly.

 

The servant purses his lips, his brow furrowing.

 

The air quickly fills with Merlin's scent, doused in embarrassed distress, and something else Arthur can't quite pinpoint. The prince lets Merlin take all the time he needs, but his interest is certainly piqued.

 

“If we don’t make it back in time, if I don’t make it back in time. Would… would you… help... me?” The servant’s voice comes out a bit scratchy.

 

Arthur nearly snaps his neck with how quickly turns to Merlin, eyes wide with shock. But Merlin is adamantly looking at the ground.

 

“It’s just,” Merlin continues, face flushed pink, “I don't want to put the knights through that, or gods forbid force them to do something. And I wanted to ask now while I still have my cognizance. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to,” Merlin rambles on, “like out of a sense of duty or anything I would never ask that, and if you don’t want to I completely understand but I figured I might as well ask just in case and…”

 

Arthur patiently waits for the omega to finish.

 

Merlin looks up, facing him sheepishly. “And… if I had to pick someone to help, I’d want it to be you, Arthur.”

 

Merlin stares at Arthur, who stares back, expression unreadable.

 

Arthur’s mind is going so fast he can barely keep up. Merlin would choose him to help him through his heat? Does he mean out of the knights present or out of anybody? Arthur has never helped an omega through their heat, hell, he’s only ever met two other omegas, that he knows of, his brain supplies. But they were both mated royals. What if Arthur takes it too far and bonds with him? What if he accidentally hurts Merlin somehow? What if Merlin doesn't want anything more after this one time?

 

But… this is a chance, an opportunity to show Merlin that he is the best alpha to bond with. He has gold, a castle, land, a title, there is nothing he couldn’t give Merlin if he so desires, hell, he even has an unending cavern of love in his chest for the idiot already. This is Arthur’s chance to prove himself. And contrary to what the prince might usually say, he knows the omega is smarter than most, Merlin knows the risks, yet he still asked him, Arthur.

 

“Yes, of course Merlin,” Arthur's voice comes out husky, he clears his throat.

 

This time it's Merlin’s turn to be shocked, he hadn’t thought Arthur would agree, let alone so easily.

 

The pride that explodes in alpha's scent is staggering, an indicator of his seriousness, but Merlin doesn’t allow himself to think about it, lest he give himself false hope.

 

“Thank you,” Merlin nods and turns back to the flames, his face still red with blush, but the distress in his scent has significantly decreased.

 

Arthur hums, unsure of what to say to that, saying ‘you’re welcome’ doesn’t feel right. It’s certainly not as he’s been given a hardship in the least.

 

They sit there for a while amicably, lost in their own thoughts. Merlin eventually begins anxiously fiddling with the sleeves of his shirt.

 

“Can I scent you?” Arthur asks out of the blue.

 

Merlin turns to him, shocked once again.

 

Not that Arthur has been aware of his secondary gender for long, but he hasn’t vocally asked to scent him before. The prat must have felt bad for intruding in his personal space earlier, trying to scent him before they bathed. It warms Merlin to think that Arthur is considerate enough to ask.

 

Merlin simply nods, Arthur uncrosses his legs, inviting Merlin into his space.

 

Merlin crawls the few paces over and settles between the alphas legs, facing him.

 

The prince slowly unties the omega’s neckerchief before leaning forward to nose at his neck. Arthur’s hair brushes Merlin’s ear, it’s a ticklish yet pleasant feeling. The sensation of Arthur’s skin on his lower neck causes goosebumps to erupt down Merlin’s arms. Arthur moves higher rubbing his jaw along Merlin’s neck.

 

Merlin feels the purring bubble up inside of him with how prominent it is, he doesn’t fight it off. He lets himself get swept up in the moment, nuzzling back as he relaxes and leans against Arthur’s shoulder to stay upright as he melts into the ambrosial alpha.

 

A chuckle rumbles through Arthur’s chest as he wraps his arms around his manservant’s waist, pulling him as close as their bodies will allow.

 

Merlin closes his eyes, settling into the crook of Arthur’s neck, where his scent is strongest. The omega allows himself to enjoy safety, enjoying being cared for, enjoying being touched, things he has craved and suppressed his entire life, he takes this moment to fully bask in it.

 

As Arthur moves to scent the top of his head, he begins to run his fingers through his omeg- his manservant’s hair.

 

Merlin’s purring increases in volume as Arthur’s blunt nails start at the nape of his neck and slowly thread upwards through his hair.

 

It feels so good Merlin has to stop himself from rolling his hips forward against Arthur. But he isn't been able to stop the quiet pleased whine that comes from his throat.

 

Arthur feels Merlin freeze in his arms. But the prince doesn’t mind, he doesn’t think he’ll mind anything Merlin ever does again after making a sound like that. Arthur can’t help himself, he curiously runs his fingers through the soft ebony locks again, exactly like before but adding a bit more pressure.

 

Merlin doesn’t make any noise this time, but he leans up heavily into the touch, and by doing so, he pushes his hips down.

 

God. Oh god.

 

Head chef Alice. Lady Catrina the troll. The dragon.

 

God anything Anything to not think about the glorious pressure Merlin has just put directly on his cock. But with such a pleased scent sweetened by approaching heat makes it almost impossible to calm the sudden urge rushing through every fiber of Arthur’s body. Eventually, thinking about the troll his father had almost married is able to calm his lower regions enough.

 

From what he can tell, Merlin didn't notice thankfully. Arthur goes back to softly running his fingers through Merlin's silky hair, being careful not to draw any more noises out of his manservant.

 

Once Merlin is so relaxed he is practically sleeping on his chest, Arthur maneuvers them around so Merlin faces the other way, now sitting snugly between Arthur’s legs instead of on his lap.

 

Merlin snuggles back into Arthur turning his head to the side to nuzzle into the alpha's chest who gives a purr of his own.

 

Merlin smiles sleepily, his scent thick and syrupy with drowsiness, it’s an intimate openness the prince has never experienced before, an omega fully relaxed, letting their guard down. Arthur brings his blanket over the both of them.

 

Merlin’s purring last into his sleep.

 

With Merlin sleeping so snugly on him Arthur can’t bring himself to move away from the tree to lay down himself, he falls asleep with the hard bark pressed against his back.


The first thing Arthur notices as he wakes is the humidity in the air. The second is the lack of weight on his chest.

 

His eyes fly open in a panic searching for his omega, only to find him swaddled in his blanket sitting on the ground near the horses, adamantly arguing with Leon and Gwaine in hushed tones.

 

Arthur stands up and makes his way over, being sure not to bump into any of the knights still sleeping.

 

“Merlin, you can’t,” Gwaine protests sternly, there’s a stubborn annoyance mixed mixing with a small, unintentional, amount of alpha dominance wafting off the knight.

 

“I’m sure I’ll agree with you, Sir Gwaine,” Arthur drawls as he approaches, “but what is it that Merlin can’t do?”

 

Gwaine turns his chest to Arthur but doesn’t take his eyes off Merlin.

 

“Princess, Merls isn’t doing very hot, or should I say too hot?” Gwaine’s stare harshens on the omega, a grimace playing the corners of his downturned mouth, “He is in no state to be making breakfast.”

 

Merlin?” Arthur asks his manservant. But as the prince looks closer, he can see how Merlin’s cheeks are flushed more than usual, a few droplets of sweat on his forehead, even his pupils are wider than normal.

 

“I’m fine!” Merlin protests loudly, either forgetting or uncaring of the sleeping knights, “And it’s my du-”

 

“Leon?” Arthur interrupts before his servant can go on one of his rants.

 

“For the sake of his health, I highly advise against it,” Leon confirms.

 

“Traitors,” Merlin grumbles under his breath, still loud enough for all of them to hear.

 

Arthur rolls his eyes and walks up to his manservant, who is glaring at the other two knights.

 

Arthur bends down and puts his hand to Merlin’s forehead. The omega closes his eyes and leans into the touch without thinking.

 

“You are burning up,” Arthur says truthfully.

 

Merlin makes a displeased sound but doesn’t open his eyes.

 

The prince pauses for a moment before speaking again. “Gwaine, fetch me a water skin, Leon, you start on breakfast.”

 

The two split off quickly to attend their orders.

 

“Arthur,” Merlin complains in his usual miffed tone, his eyes now open.

 

“You need to hydrate and rest, Merlin. You are burning up, your body is surely already working overtime.” Arthur says in the commanding voice he uses on the knights during training.

 

Merlin wants to argue, he really does, but his alpha is giving him a command, and everything in him is saying he should listen.

 

“Alright,” Merlin says softly.

 

Arthur nearly has to do a double-take. “You’re actually listening to me for once?” he guffaws. “Imagine having a servant who does as he’s told! All the things I’d get done so efficiently!” The prince teases, trying for normalcy as he does his best not to panic.

 

Merlin snorts, “Yeah yeah, don't get used to it.”

 

Gwaine arrives once again, handing Merlin a full water skin.

 

“Thank you, Gwaine,” Merlin smiles up at his friend.

 

Gwaine smiles warmly giving the omega a nod. “Of course, Merls.”

 

“Gwaine, go wake up the rest of the knights.” Arthur glances at Merlin then quickly back to his knight. “The sooner we make for Camelot, the better.”

 

“Aye, princess, let's get a move on the moment we can,” Gwaine agrees and goes to wake the others.

 

Merlin easily downs half the water skin. He can feel the slightest fog in himself, unable to fully clear it away now. The stronger bits come and go, but there is a giddy feeling he can’t seem to shake.

 

The moments blur by and suddenly Merlin has some oats and berries, he finds himself sitting by the fire once again.

 

All the knights, including Arthur, don their armor. Although a part of Merlin is upset, he knows that more than anything they have to make haste.

 

Merlin eats as fast as he can, although his body does not want to eat, each bite makes his stomach turn a bit more. But he knows he needs all the energy he can get.

 

Merlin downs the other half of the water skin before putting his jacket and neckerchief on. He makes to put his blanket in one of his saddlebags and nearly topples into Percival, Merlin's reaction time considerably slower than usual.

 

“Ah,” Merlin frowns, brow furrowing. “I’m sorry, Percy.”

 

“Nothing to apologize for,” the knight gives his shoulder a friendly grasp. There’s a reluctance as he lets go of the omega before scurrying away to continue his duties.

 

Merlin sighs but puts his blanket away.

 

It takes the knights a few more minutes to get ready, and Merlin knows better than to try helping, he’d just slow them down.

 

Finally, everyone mounts up leaving the safe warmth of the hot springs back into the snowy forest once more.


With each hour that passes, their steeds still clomping away at the snow, Merlin finds the cold more and more welcoming as he starts to feel uncomfortably warm.

 

It looks to be about two hours past midday, giving them another two hours before the sun starts to set. Of course, this had to happen when the days are so short, gods forbid Merlin ever catch a break.

 

Merlin is vaguely aware of Gwaine riding on his right, he usually stays towards the back of the pack unless pestering or flirting with Merlin, but no one said anything when he brought his horse to the front. Arthur flanks Merlin's left as always.

 

The manservant focuses on willing his heat back, not that he can actually do anything, but maybe if he just thinks hard enough about suppressing it he can.

 

It suddenly feels like he’s had far too many drinks the previous night, the world tilting underneath him.

 

“Ah, ah, don't think so,” Gwaine grunts as he sticks his arm out, pushing Merlin back upright on his horse, saving him from falling.

 

The rush of adrenaline manages to sober Merlin up. “Gods, I’m sorry. Thank you Gwaine.”

 

“What are friends for?” Gwaine shoots him a wink, “But, are you alright Merls? We can stop if you need to.”

 

“No.” Merlin frowns, “That's the last thing I need.” He wiggles in his saddle, trying to shake some of the lingering fog, “I’m sorry, was just a bit dizzy. I feel alright now.”

 

He keeps his eyes forward, hearing the knights' worried murmurs behind him, he doesn’t dare turn towards Arthur.


The sun is practically fully set, the air around them tinted with a dark blue hue. They have traveled as long as possible without stopping, Merlin’s thighs burn from riding nonstop.

 

“Sire,” Elyan grimly calls out, the rest of his statement not needing to be said.

 

Arthur heaves a heavy sigh. He glances at Merlin, who is sternly keeping his face forward, “Let’s look for a place to camp.”

 

It only takes them about fifteen minutes to find a rather large overhang, giving them enough ground that isn’t covered in snow.

 

No one makes conversation, the atmosphere heavy with layered tension. Merlin can feel the gazes on him, he feels horrible for putting this kind of pressure on his friends. Merlin has always been able to take care of himself, he has always cheered up the alphas as he’d go about caring for them. Now all he is doing is weighing them down, he feels useless.

 

When he dismounts, Merlin’s legs give way underneath him, and he hits the ground with an ‘oof.’

 

“Merlin!” Various voices ring out. Merlin nearly laughs at how ridiculous this all is.

 

“I’m fine,” Merlin smiles, trying to play it off. “Just been riding for too long is all.”

 

Gwaine and Leon are there in an instant, helping him to his feet. Merlin is completely oblivious to the tension between the alphas until an almost indecipherable rumble starts in Gwaine’s throat, his hands tightening on Merlin’s left arm. Merlin’s heart drops to his feet at the sound, a slightly louder growl spills past Leon’s lips, his hands tightening on the omega’s right arm as he glares at the other knight.

 

Arthur’s snarl fills the air the same time as Merlin’s whimper of distress. Both knights immediately let go of the omega, taking a few steps back with pained looks of guilt. Arthur marches up, moving Merlin behind him. Tensions rising with Merlin getting closer and closer to his heat is expected, as their leader, it’s Arthur’s job to deescalate the situation the best he can. Even if he wants to snap his jaws at the knights he has a responsibility.

 

“Elyan, you’re on dinner duty. Gwaine and Percy, get firewood.” Arthur's voice is authoritative but softens in the next moment. “Merlin, you… drink some more water.” He gives his servant a look daring him to argue, but the omega doesn’t have it in him, he simply nods. Though that seems to worry Arthur more.

 

“Leon, unpack the horses. Lancelot, you’re with me, let’s look over the map.” Arthur finishes.

 

The knights quickly disperse, going to their duties, leaving Merlin alone with his waterskin.

 

Don’t think about it, don't think about it, don't think about it. Merlin repeats in his head like a mantra. He doesn’t dare think of the situation or his impending heat, if arousal makes its way into his scent all hell will surely break loose.

 

One more night, then they’ll surely make it to Camelot the next day. Just a little longer.

 

He drinks as told, the water leaving a cool trail as it descends into his body.

 

Once the fire is started, Merlin sits on the ground, focusing on anything he can other than the growing warmth inside of him.

 

Elyan has passed around the soup he made, and everyone starts eating.

 

Gwaine tries to tell a few jokes and stories, trying to lighten the mood, but he is met with only half laughter and fewly worded responses.

 

Merlin tries to focus on the coolness of the ground through his trousers. Mind over matter, that’s all it is, just a little longer, just get through the night.

 

It’s becoming too much. Merlin’s brain starts to reel on him. He starts breathing through his mouth, the scent of all the alphas starting to truly affect him. But gods they all smell so good, and they’re so strong, he’s so lucky to have such a competent pack, all muscled and capable alphas, able to protect and provide for him.

 

It hits everyone else the moment it hits Merlin. The first few embers of spark in his stomach, his scent flares out in an irresistible beckoning of sweet omegan heat.

Notes:

Ahhhhh hahaha I'm so sorry to end it there but it's the perfect splitting point before the next section 😅.

The next chapter will be out within the day so don't fret too much!

Thank you guys so much for the support for this story so far! I've seen that a few of you guys are new to ABO and I'm so honored to introduce you to the omegaverse lol. I totally get it can be quite intimidating especially given its reputation lmao. This fic is pretty heavy with the ABO tropes such as nesting, scenting and (minor) pack dynamics, that you don't always see in ABO fics so I feel like it's a good little intro to the possibilities you can find out there. But anywho, I'm super happy be able to properly introduce the omegavserse for some of you!

Again, thank you guys so much for all the kudos, comments, bookmarks and subscriptions! I am so glad so many of you are enjoying this so far! <3

Chapter 6: A Ride To Remember

Notes:

Arhg Guys I'm so sorry, looks like there is going to be one more chapter. This one would have been way too long if I included the next one, but this way you get it earlier! Next chapter will be out tomorrow and I promise it's seriously the last one this time 😅.

This was a really fun one to write and edit so I hope you like it!

Enjoy~

 

Update: Next chapter has been pushed back until tomorrow! Sorry about the inconvenience. See bottom notes for more info!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

All of the alphas have been keeping a close eye on Merlin, especially today after their long ride from the hot springs. Arthur is proud that they all care so much for Merlin, a bit jealous, but more so proud that they all have still accepted him very easily.

 

He even appreciates Gwaine’s attempted tries at normalcy even though they fall flat.

 

Arthur is nearly finished with his stew, he is bringing his spoon to his mouth when it hits him. Every instinct in his body howling at him to bend over his manservant and take him right there in front of the knights.

 

The decadently hedonistic scent that Merlin inadvertently expels is near-instantly over taken by an explosion of raw panic and fear from the omega.

 

The pungent smell of fear grounds Arthur. The knights don't dare to move.

 

Merlin reaches out gripping at Arthur’s arm, his manservant looking to him with pure fear in his eyes. Arthur’s protective instincts come storming with all the force possible.

 

“Leon,” Arthur demands, breaking the heavy silence, “load Merlin’s bags onto my horse.” Arthur doesn’t bring his eyes away from Merlin.

 

Merlin’s confidence and attitude have always made him seem larger than he is, but when struck by such primal fear, Arthur can’t help but see how fragile Merlin really is, even with his magic.

 

Leon gets up stiffly and makes his way quickly to the horses.

 

The prince emits all the calming pheromones possible, but it doesn’t seem to help Merlin’s panicked state, the omega’s hand digging into his bicep like a vice.

 

Arthur goes to stand, helping Merlin along the way.

 

“Arthur,” Lancelot calls sternly, the remnants of a growl underlacing his tone, “What do you think you are doing?” The knight stands from his spot opposite the fire, bringing his hand to his sword. “You can’t just take Merl-”

 

“Merlin asked him to.” Gwaine interrupts, his voice tight, “last night, Merlin asked him when he was still of sound mind.” Gwaine’s expression is rather pissed but he’s never been particularly good at keeping his inner alpha in check.

 

Arthur had assumed the knight’s affinity for his manservant a while ago, but Gwaine can’t make it more clear with the alpha aggression rolling off of him. Whether that be the knight’s alpha interested in Merlin or Gwaine himself Arthur doesn’t know.

 

“I’m going to take him back to Camelot.” Arthur says gruffly. Merlin wraps around the prince’s arm in fear, holding the appendage close to his chest, the distress and growing dominance seeping from the alpha’s is suffocating.

 

“You can’t make it that far!” Elyan protests.

 

“He sure as hell isn’t staying here,” Arthur growls at his men, the light of the fire casting dark shadows on his face, “He asked me to protect him so I am going to do exactly that.”

 

“Arthur,” Gwaine growls. “You need to leave. Now.” The knight’s hands are balled in tight fists, his jaw clenched painfully tight.

 

Arthur yanks Merlin, wrapping his arm around his waist and starts quickly ushering the shivering omega to his horse. He takes the reins from Leon, who is very clearly holding his breath, once the prince has the reins the knight scurries back a few steps.

 

Arthur lifts Merlin helping him on before climbing on behind the omega.

 

“Good luck, sire.” Leon says from where he had taken a few steps back.

 

Arthur nods at his knight, truly appreciative of his words.

 

“I’ll see you all back in Camelot.” Arthur says, giving a once-over of all his men before stirring his horse forward.


Arthur thanks every deity he has ever heard of for the full moon tonight. The silver light reflects off the bright snow, making it much easier to navigate.

 

The moment they are far enough away from their camp Arthur asks, “Are there any spells or anything you can do that can help?”

 

“No.” Merlin grumbles.

 

The prince doesn’t push for more conversation not wanting to stress the omega out any more than he already is.

 

As they make their way further from the knight’s Merlin’s panic seems to be calming ever so slightly. He sits stiff in front of Arthur, caged in by the alpha’s arms.

 

As the omega calms Arthur can smell it more, Merlin’s pine and fire scent is now more of a forest fire, laced with the best damn fragrance Arthur has ever been in the presence of. But instinct to protect Merlin still far outweighs his arousal.

 

“Are you alright?” Arthur murmurs in his best attempt not to startle the omega but clearly fails as Merlin nearly jumps into his lap.

 

“Yes,” Merlin answers, his voice tight. “Are you?”

 

“Yes, my main priority right now is to keep you safe,” Arthur answers truthfully.

 

“And what if we are attacked?” Merlin argues, “Who is going to protect you?”

 

Arthur snorts, glad to see Merlin’s usual haughty attitude. “Merlin, lest you forget I am the best fighter and surely one of the strongest alphas in all of Camelot.” Arthur peacocks, unable to resist the urge to impress the omega.

 

Merlin chuckles, “Whatever you need to tell yourself to sleep at night.”

 

Arthur would usually retort, but Merlin’s panic has died down even more and he wants it to stay that way.

 

So Arthur just chuckles at his cheeky omega.

 

Merlin relaxes, leaning back against Arthur now for support, they fall into an easy silence.

 

The longer they ride, the more Merlin calms, and the more Arthur has to remind himself to focus on getting them to Camelot. Hopefully, Gaius will have something to help, Arthur helping Merlin is a last resort. Not that he doesn't want to, but he can't let his mind go there, not when Merlin is smelling the way he does sat in between his legs.

 

Nope. Don’t think about it.

 

He focuses on the snow-covered ground in front of them.

 

It can’t have been more than two hours when things start to take a turn for the worse. Well, for the worse against Arthur’s restraint at least.

 

Merlin has been resting against his chest, making mindless chatter every so often, his heat still a few mere sparks in his belly.

 

It’s been a bit since the omega has said anything, but the very slow increase of intensity in his scent is starting to unknowingly ensnare Arthur.

 

Merlin hums and presses back a bit more into Arthur.

 

“You okay?” Arthur asks not unkindly.

 

Mmm,” Merlin replies.

 

“Talkative, I see,” Arthur says dryly.

 

Merlin chuckles and turns his head to the side, pressing his cheek into Arthur’s chainmail covered shoulder. The prince doesn’t mind, if this is what Merlin needs to do to stay calm, so be it. He can ignore Merlin for the time being to keep him protected.

 

Merlin’s chuckle fades into a purr, though it's different from the few Arthur has heard from his manservant thus far. This one is lower in pitch and gnaws at the walls of determination Arthur has built in his mind, his hands tighten on the reins.

 

Merlin, the devil he is, then decides to stretch and lean forward, giving Arthur a full view of his backside, sat beautifully between his own legs.

 

Merlin takes his time lithely stretching, arching his back as he pets the horse's neck.

 

Arthur can’t look away, he knows Merlin is doing this on purpose, the omega’s scent clearly teasing.

 

Merlin,” Arthur rumbles in warning.

 

“Hmm?” Merlin peeks back over his shoulder enticingly.

 

Arthur wraps an arm around Merlin's torso and pulls him back against his chest, much to the omega’s delight.

 

“Knock it off,” Arthur growls with no real menace behind it.

 

Merlin’s purr grows in volume. Arthur ought to smack him upside the head to knock some sense into him. But The prince knows he is only using these thoughts in a feeble attempt to distract himself.

 

A few minutes have passed, and Merlin’s purring has died down. The omega has since become quiet, suspiciously quiet.

 

Just as Arthur is about to speak, Merlin starts to jostle around, pushing Arthur every which way.

 

“Mer- Merf-” Arthur keeps getting limbs to his face, he does his best to keep the horse straight in the flurry of movements. “Wha- MERLIN!”

 

The omega is now fully turned around in the saddle facing him, the slimmer man’s thighs resting atop his own.

 

“What?” Merlin blinks innocently, “You don’t have to shout. I’m right here.”

 

Arthur glares at his manservant, his reply dies in his throat at the expectant look Merlin is giving him.

 

What is he expecting, for Arthur to take him right here? For him to remove the omega’s trousers and No-. Don’t think about it, he silently reprimands himself.

 

“I was getting sore,” Merlin shrugs, unsuccessfully trying to hide his self satisfied smile.

 

Arthur takes a deep breath and counts to four before releasing. The prince says nothing as he brings his attention back to keeping them in the right direction.

 

Merlin, trying to be discreet but failing as it is only the two of them, wraps his arms around Arthur and leans into his chest once more.

 

His manservant starts nuzzling and scenting him. Arthur keeps his eyes forward trying to prevent any thoughts at all from entering his head.

 

However, that plan immediately fails as Merlin pushes higher and starts nosing against Arthur’s neck.

 

Arthur can feel Merlin greedily taking in his scent, his labored breaths puffing hot air against the alpha’s skin. The prince swears he can feel as Merlin’s scent travels into his lungs in an attempt to suffocate him with desire.

 

“Merlin,” Arthur strains, looking up to the skies above.

 

The alpha’s desperation only fuels Merlin more as he whines needily, rubbing against Arthur’s neck.

 

Arthur takes the reins in one hand and brings his other to the back of Merlin’s neck, pressing the omega into him so he’ll stop moving.

 

Arthur’s heart is nearly busting out his chest, he has trained his restraint since birth, he can do this; even with every nerve in his body is telling him to rip off the omegas clothes and stuff him full with his cock.

 

Arthur starts scenting Merlin back, making his scent as possessive as possible, letting anyone who dares come near Merlin know the omega belongs to Arthur, the prince of Camelot.

 

He scents from Merlin’s shoulders to the crown of his head, drenching him in a heady alpha scent. This seems to satiate the omega for now as he relents and goes pliant against him, nearly asleep but not quite.

 

This gives Arthur an hour of semblance before Merlin starts to stir again.

 

The omega starts to fidget against him once more.

 

“Are you alright?” Arthur peeks down at the head of raven hair pressed to his shoulder.

 

“Been better,” Merlin says dryly. The embers of his heat have been slowly growing and expanding, but it’s not in the painful stage, yet.

 

Arthur is relieved to see Merlin have his wits about him again.

 

“Reach to your bag and drink some more water, you should have no problem with the way you’re facing now.” Amusement laces Arthur’s tone.

 

Merlin sits back just enough to glare at Arthur. “Fine.”

 

Merlin presses forward, reaching to the saddlebags behind Arthur, making sure to press their hips together, not that it helps the situation for either of them, but pestering Arthur is always worth it.

 

Arthur sucks in a sharp breath but doesn’t rise to the bait.

 

Merlin drinks from the water skin awkwardly given the little space he has to maneuver. Once he drinks his fill, he puts the skin back, focusing more on not dropping it than bothering the alpha this time.

 

“Aren’t you cold?” Merlin asks, leaning back enough to see Arthur's face again.

 

“No, you’re practically my very own fireplace, quite convenient actually.”

 

“Yes, because this situation screams convenience.” Merlin deadpans.

 

Arthur snorts.

 

“Honestly, though, you have to be a little cold.” Merlin places his hands on Arthur's shoulders. The prince doesn’t stir, focused on guiding their horse in a straight line.

 

A cold breeze passes through them as if trying to make Merlin's point. Arthur looks at Merlin suspiciously.

 

“Plus,” Merlin slyly continues, “We could get you so much warmer if we took your armor off.” Merlin fiddles with the straps on Arthur's shoulders.

 

Merlin,” Arthur warns once again.

 

“Hmm?” Merlin isn't even trying to hide that he is playing dumb.

 

Though it’s no wonder why Merlin is being so forthright with him, Arthur pretty much lets Merlin get away with anything he wants. Arthur wonders if Merlin would be so teasing or relaxed with any of the other alphas. Merlin does have some close friends, but the omega tends to spend his time with Arthur, whether he is working or not. And Arthur has always taken pride in that, even before knowing Merlin was an omega, and now that he knows it just inflates his ego more. But what if Arthur hadn’t been there, would Merlin have chosen one of the others?

 

The thought makes jealousy gurgle deep in his gut.

 

Merlin looks up, curious at the sudden change in the prince's scent, and tilts his head in questioning.

 

Arthur sighs, relenting.

 

“If I wasn’t there,” Arthur pauses, squeezing the reins in his hands. “Who would you have chosen?”

 

Merlin seems surprised by the genuine question, it’s not like the prince to talk about such things in regards to Merlin. But the servant knows where the question is coming from, an alpha’s arrogance, always needing to be the best. Though Merlin wishes it was for a different reason.

 

Before getting upset thinking about it too much, Merlin does what he does best, deflects. “Well, I wouldn't have been there if you weren’t,” he answers diplomatically. “It is my job to serve you. If you weren’t there, there’d be no reason for me to go.”

 

Arthur's scent fills with sadness and just the slightest bit of distress that stirs an uneasy feeling in Merlin’s chest.

 

Arthur doesn’t reply, he keeps his eyes forward, keeping the horse steadily stomping through the snow at the safest, faster-than-average speed in the snow.

 

"But," Merlin pauses, dumb hormones making him want to be honest with his alpha prince. "If you weren’t there… hypothetically… I would have ran." Merlin turns his head to the side in embarrassment.

 

"What?" Arthur startles out of his mopiness. "You know that in this weather, in the middle of the woods, the scent of a lone omega in heat would attract any rogue alphas. If you were even able to survive in this cold." Arthur’s tone is laced with both confusion and anger at the idea that Merlin would do something so dumb.

 

Merlin shrinks in on himself slightly, solely out of embarrassment. "Well, I would never want to put the knights through that, or risk losing our friendship."

 

"Then why ask me? Are you more willing to lose my friendship?" The sadness and anger are coming off the prince in waves now, nearly gagging Merlin.

 

"No!" Merlin sits up straight, turning his head quickly, nearly banging into Arthur's face. "I-" Merlin’s gaze flickers between the prince's eyes before quickly dropping to his lips, then settling on his chest. "You… you’re the only one I’d want… in that way. Not only would I not want to put any of them through that or risk our friendships… but I wouldn't want it either, not with them." Merlin cheeks feel so warm he wonders if they’ll start steaming.

 

It’s silent for a moment, the only sound is the rustling of the saddlebags and horse hooves muffled by snow, even the wind seems to freeze.

 

Merlin… wants him? He wants him as an alpha and more than a friend?

 

Merlin tucks his head under Arthur’s jaw, trying to hide from the embarrassment that is encompassing him.

 

"You-" Arthur’s voice cracks, but Merlin interrupts.

 

“I know, it’s selfish. It’s so selfish. I’m sorry. But I made sure to ask! I didn’t want to weaponize my heat to get you to sleep with me or anything. It’s why I asked, if this changes things then I understand, I don’t want you to feel like I’m using you.” Merlin grimaces before he continues ranting, “But just- and I mean I know you’re a prince, who wouldn't want to be with you? You have the pick of anyone you want, but I want Arthur…just Arthur, and I know I have no right to say that as a mere servant and that none of what I think or want actually matters in the grand scheme of things. I know it’s selfish, but I can’t help that-”

 

“Merlin,” Arthur interrupts Merlin’s nonsensical ramblings, and Merlin, for once, actually takes the hint and stops talking. Arthur puts his hand to the back of Merlin's head, keeping him pressed against his chest, leaving Merlin unable to see the blush quickly spreading on the prince's face.

 

“I’m glad you chose me,” Arthur continues. “I would have challenged any one of the knights had you picked them and not me.” Merlin tries to whip his head up but Arthur keeps him pressed close, “Merlin, I want to be with you. You are the most important person in my life,” Arthur starts to scent the top of Merlin’s head once again, still not letting him go. “I would never be able to stand you being with someone else, omega or not.”

 

“Oh,” Merlin says meekly, his breath cascading over Arthur's neck.

 

“And I’m the prince, so I can do whatever the hell I want.”

 

“Or whoever?” Merlin's smiles into Arthur’s neck.

 

Merlin.” Arthur groans at the poor jest.

 

Merlin chuckles, Arthur’s scent erupts with happiness, only causing Merlin to laugh even more.

 

A weight is lifted off Merlin's shoulders. Arthur wants him too. He couldn’t have stopped the loud purring if he wanted to. The omega starts to scent Arthur’s chest once again.

 

As they continue on, Merlin gets more and more restless. He starts fidgeting and twitching more, clearly trying to hold himself and his heat back, but one can only fight against it for so long.

 

Arthur picks up on the sound of a familiar stream, moving too rapidly to have frozen in the weather. They’re nearing Camelot, they’re actually going to make it. How Arthur’s horse has managed so well, he doesn’t know, but he’ll be sure she gets extra feed and treats.

 

Merlin’s hips grind against his once more, a low whine can be heard in the back of his throat.

 

Arthur has been in many battles, ever since he was a boy, and he can remember scant times where he was more grateful to be wearing armor. Thankfully, with the metal he can’t fully feel Merlin writhing against him. If he could, he is sure they wouldn’t have made it this far.

 

“Sorry,” Merlin chokes out as his hips sputter against his restraint seeking friction. Merlin, trying to fight back the throes of heat, cannot stop from moving against his alpha. He needs Arthur inside him so badly, he needs to touch him, to taste him.

 

The one thing Merlin has been hanging on to, the one thing he has been willing to not happen finally does. His backside wettens with slick, coating his already needy entrance.

 

Arthur stiffens against him.

 

Merlin looks up to see Arthur’s pupils wide, his nostrils flared.

 

Normally Merlin would have been mortified, but he is far past the point of any kind of embarrassment now. He wantonly nuzzles against Arthur’s jaw, rolling his hips forward.

 

“We are almost there, Merlin, just… hold on a little longer.” Arthur strains out, his grip on the reins is bruising as he does his best to not roll his hips forward to meet Merlin’s.

 

Merlin whines again, his breathing picking up, he rubs his cheek against Arthur's face, needy scent flaring in the process.

 

Merlin.” Arthur rumbles.

 

“I like it when you get mad, smells so good,” Merlin whispers before giving Arthur’s cheek a kitten lick.

 

The years of Merlin’s impudence suddenly click in Arthur's brain, it nearly has him laughing. Though he can’t say he doesn’t understand, loving to rile Merlin up constantly.

 

Merlin licks again, dangerously close to Arthur’s lips. The prince feels something coming dangerously close to snapping in his brain.

 

Arthur forcefully noses Merlin's head to the side with a low growl and plants an open-mouthed kiss just above the omega's neckerchief.

 

Merlin lets out a breathy moan as Arthur marks his manservant’s neck roughly, leaving bruises in plain sight.

 

Merlin tilts his head, giving Arthur easy access as he groans and writhes against the alpha, taking anything he can get.

 

Arthur isn’t sure how much time has passed when he pulls away from Merlin’s neck, the heavenly scent of the omega’s slick bringing Arthur’s restraint dangerously close to the breaking point.

 

Their horse has started picking up speed. There is less snow here, much less. In the moonlight, Arthur can see the towers of the citadel.

 

He is so overjoyed at the thought of getting Merlin to safety that his arousal takes a backseat for a moment, much to Merlin's displeasure.

 

After just over a half an hour, they finally reach the gates of Camelot, the moon now low in the sky.

 

The guards let him in right away, asking no questions as to where his men are or why Merlin is reeking of omegan heat.

 

His horse's hooves clop against the ground through the powdery snow that lines the streets and dusts the houses.

 

Once they reach the citadel, Arthur wastes no time dismounting, quickly pulling Merlin down as a stable hand approaches.

 

Arthur pulls Merlin’s blanket from his saddlebag and wraps it around the omega, trying to hide some of his scent at least.

 

Though it doesn’t seem to work very well as the stable boy nearly trips over his own feet when he gets close enough.

 

“Sire?” The young alpha seems panicked and unsure of what to do. He is no threat though, Arthur can see that he can't be more than fourteen winters, surely having just presented recently. But Arthur still pulls Merlin into his chest defensively, his alpha scent flaring in warning.

 

"Give my horse extra feed and hay tonight, she’s worked hard," Arthur unclamps his cape. "My father doesn’t need to be woken at this hour for my arrival," he says loud enough for the guards to hear as well. "My men will be back tomorrow, Merlin is…unwell. I have brought him back to see Gaius." Arthur clasps his cape around Merlin, who is already covered in a blanket. Not helping matters Merlin can't stand still, he grapples at the prince, seemingly unaware of the eyes on them. Merlin leaves the prince no choice but to pick him up and carry him like a bear cub as the omega wraps his arms around his neck and legs around his waist. “That is all," Arthur dismisses tightly, making his way to the stairs of the citadel.

 

Merlin's writhing against him makes it no easier to carry him nor any easier to ignore the excruciating desire that fills him. Though he is thankful Merlin can't feel his hard-on through his mail, he is sure Merlin would have torn his armor off right there in the hallway, and Arthur wouldn’t have stopped him.

 

They burst into the physician's chambers, the door banging against the wall, startling Gaius awake.

 

"Sire?" Gaius asks blearily, rising from his bed in his sleeping clothes.

 

Thankfully, Merlin stops incessantly rubbing himself against Arthur at the sound of Gaius’ voice. The prince peaks down to see Merlin sobered up just the slightest, the mortification of being seen in such a state by his father figure is enough to cut through his heated daze.

 

"It’s Merlin," Arthur says quickly, nodding his head to the man in his arms.

 

"Merlin? Is he alright?" Gaius makes his way over quickly before stopping when Arthur’s arms tighten protectively around his manservant, an almost inaudible rumble starts in the prince’s throat but is cut off just as quickly.

 

"Ah," the old man states simply, "I knew he had been gone too long." Gaius sighs but also eyes Arthur wearily.

 

"He is safe with me. I have no plan to send him away," Arthur says, primal protectiveness hitting him again. "Merlin explained everything to me." Gaius seems to relax a bit at that. "Is there anything we can do for him? To stop his heat or help him or-" Arthur looks near pained as he asks the old physician.

 

Gaius gets a little closer to glance down at Merlin, who refuses to look at him. But the physician can see the telling flush to his skin.

 

“I’m afraid not, sire. There is only one thing that can help him now.” The physician gives the alpha a knowing look.

 

Arthur feels his face heat. The words spur Merlin to purr against him, only fueling the prince’s embarrassment in front of the beta.

 

“Right,” Arthur awkwardly clears his throat as Merlin nuzzles into his neck. “I uhm- I suppose we will head back t-to my chambers.” Arthur is looking everywhere but Gaius now.

 

“Right,” Gaius says, clearly amused. “I will be sure to tell the King that you need your rest and not be bothered.”

 

Arthur's eyebrows raise in surprise. “Thank you.”

Notes:

Update: Next chapter has been pushed back until tomorrow! Sorry about the inconvenience, I am having a bad migraine come on and I can't keep looking at my computer screen tonight. I'm so sorry. I promise the next chapter will be worth the wait! 😣

Were the horseback riding physics a bit questionable? Probably lmao. I feel like it would be possible to ride like that on a big horse but I have no idea lol.

Me? Writing / editing on more than I expected? Absolutely not shocking 😅😭. The next one will be out tomorrow though! And I promise it's the last one.

Thank you guys so much for al the support, you have all been so freaking sweet. <3

Chapter 7: Tied Together

Notes:

Hello! So sorry for the delay, my dad ended up surprising me and taking me to a comedy show for my birthday yesterday since we hadn’t gotten a chance to celebrate yet. But either way, welcome to the last chapter!

 

Enjoy~

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Arthur practically sprints to his chambers, taking two stairs at a time. Thankfully, the halls are nearly void of life at this hour. The few servants and guards they do pass either bow their heads, hiding their smiles, or scamper away from the prince’s glare. Arthur is pretty certain they can’t see Merlin's face due to their position and the two fabrics wrapped around him, so he doesn’t bother to stop.

 

Arthur slams his door open and shoves it shut before sliding the lock into place. He should be exhausted after riding through the majority of the night and carrying Merlin across half the castle. The omega’s wriggling certainly didn’t make such a task any easier either. But Arthur’s alpha instincts are raging inside his chest, unable to resist the maddening scent radiating from his manservant.

 

He pushes Merlin’s back against the door to distribute his weight allowing Arthur to rip away the cumbersome fabrics. A wave of warmth and mouth watering omegan heat wash over the prince as the blanket and cape drop to the floor.

 

Merlin whines canting his hips forward, his hands scrabbling at the back of Arthur’s neck.

 

“God, you're beautiful.” Arthur rumbles as he looks over his manservant. Merlin’s face is flushed, his eyes lidded with blown pupils, his chest hitching with needy labored breaths.

 

Merlin’s face somehow heats up even more at Arthur’s words. The heat growing inside Merlin still isn’t painful, perhaps it's because his inner omega knows he is going to be well taken care of. Instead of pain he’s thrumming with unadulterated want, his magic restlessly stirring under his skin. He is achingly hard in his trousers and he’s sure his slick has soaked through the fabric. Arthur looks divinely disheveled as his eyes roave over the servant’s face. Merlin thrusts his hips, tightening his legs around the prince’s waist to draw him closer but his damn armor is still in the way.

 

Arthur noses the underside of Merlin's jaw as he slides his servant’s jacket off. Merlin manages to kick off his own boots, they thud to the ground behind the prince. “Fucking hell Merlin, you smell heavenly.” Arthur licks over one of the marks he had left on Merlin’s neck early as he unknots his neckerchief.

 

The fabric flutters to the ground listlessly, completely unaware of how it has just forever changed the prince’s life. The uninhibited scent that fills Arthur is so staggeringly euphoric the prince’s knees nearly give out. Any restraint the alpha has left flies out the window. He shoves his nose into the crook of his omega’s neck, snuffling the utterly intoxicating perfume akin to honeyed caramel and Merlin’s natural smokey forest-fire redolence. The prince laps his tongue against the gland, earning him a filthy moan from Merlin, his hands curling into Arthur’s hair.

 

As much as Merlin is reveling in the attention, he is growing more annoyed by the second at Arthur’s armor. He tugs at the prince’s hair to get his attention but the prat refuses to leave his neck.

 

Merlin gives an annoyed growl, finally drawing Arthur’s attention.

 

The prince’s hair is tousled, his eyes glazed yet sharp and dangerous. He eyes Merlin concernedly, worrying he has done something to upset the omega. He’s never slept with an omega let alone shared a heat, maybe it’s more different than he was expecting.

 

Merlin pouts, whining petulantly as he runs his blunt nails over Arthur’s chainmail to get his point across. “Off,” he growls out though it sounds more like a groan.

 

Relief and amusement flicker across Arthur’s face. He slides his arms under Merlin’s thighs and grabs his arse in a plan to move him to the bed so they can both undress. However the prince’s mind sputters to a stop when his hands feel the slick-soaked fabric.

 

Fuck.” Arthur grunts, his hips grinding forward on their own accord.

 

“If you don’t get out of your damn armor in the next minute I will lead an insurrection.”

 

Arthur snorts, leave it to Merlin to be a bossy omega. Using his moment of clarity Arthur hauls Merlin up, doing his best to ignore the slick smearing onto his hands. Merlin’s eyes flash gold as they shamble past the hearth, it jumps to life with eager flames.

 

The prince steps out of his boots before setting Merlin down on the bed.

 

Desperate to get out of his clothes, Arthur starts yanking his armor off, not allowing a chance for Merlin to help.

 

The omega sits there dazed for a moment, yet highly amused as Arthur fervently fights his chainmail. Merlin smothers his laugh and starts undressing as well, uncaring where his clothes end up.

 

Arthur is close to growling at the damn armor for impeding his ability to get to the wanton omega on his bed, but he is finally able to untangle himself from the tiny villainous rings of metal.

 

The prince shakes his hair out after being so mussed in his battle, only for the air to be knocked out of his lungs.

 

Merlin is fully nude on his bed, bent over, presenting.

 

His chest and shoulders pressed into the silken red blankets covering the mattress, pale thighs spread comfortably, pert arse propped up into the air, the smell of his slick heavy in the air in a devilish invitation. The omega’s eyes are pleading as he looks back over his shoulder yet there’s something so inexplicably, vexatiously, Merlin about his gaze.

 

He is submitting to Arthur, a silent plea to be filled and bred.

 

Arthur doesn’t bother taking off his gambeson or trousers, needing to get his hands on the divine being in front of him. A possessive almost feral snarl rips out of him as he pounces on Merlin.

 

Arthur grips his slim hips and flips the servant over onto his back, the omega lets out a startled yelp that only fuels the prince’s primal instincts. Merlin’s eyes are wide in surprise, having expected Arthur to just take him then and there as he presented. The prince’s possessive growls don’t stop as he brings his mouth down onto Merlin’s.

 

The omega keens as Arthur’s tongue slides past his lips, Merlin’s hands tangle into the alpha’s hair, he wraps his ankles around the back of Arthur’s thighs, pulling their bodies flush. The kiss is heated and ravenous as Arthur all but devours Merlin’s mouth. The servant’s hips hitch upwards, he sputters a moan into Arthur’s lips as their groins grind together, one bare one still irritatingly covered.

 

The prince’s demanding mouth and hedonistic scent have Merlin’s mind growing cloudy with rapacious desire, the heat in his abdomen swelling to a blaze. Merlin’s fumbles through the blissful haze, his fingers blindly pulling at the laces of Arthur’s trousers.

 

Merlin whines, his breaths quickening as the want starts to become overwhelming. “Please,”

 

The words reverberates through Arthur’s entire body. It’s as if he’s possessed and can’t help but relent to the request. Every part of him yearning for nothing more than to please his omega.

 

Arthur shucks off the rest of his clothes in a flurry of movements, Merlin gives another one of those low lascivious purrs that goes straight to Arthur’s stiff cock. Which happens to be exactly where Merlin is looking when the prince looks back to him. The alpha preens, happy to be deemed satisfactory by his omega.

 

Merlin tugs him back down, running slender hands down Arthur’s toned chest. The prince can’t help but puff out with pride at Merlin’s blatant admiration of his body, especially as Arthur knows the fool is stubbornly difficult to impress.

 

As much as Arthur just wants to rut senselessly into the omega, the omega is Merlin, he can’t mess this up. He wants to be the perfect alpha, wants to show Merlin he would be a worthy mate. But that is getting harder with each of Merlin’s needy mewls as he writhes underneath him, thrusting his hips up so their cocks rub together, his hands greedily grip at Arthur’s muscles.

 

Merlin tosses his head back, lightning shooting down his spine as his leaking prick slides against Arthur’s. “Mmph please Arthur.” The omega’s voice is sensually breathy.

 

Arthur nips at the fluttering pulse point under Merlin’s jaw, “please what?” the alpha drawls, a hand sneaks between them to softly pinch one of Merlin’s nipples.

 

Prat.” Merlin hisses, arching into the touch.

 

“Please what? What do you want?” Arthur asks again, his voice far more commanding yet still smug and prattish in nature.

 

Arthur’s challenging gaze and flare of aggression have Merlin’s inner omega eagerly baring its belly, all fiery insolence snuffed by the need to be filled and dominated by this perfect alpha. By Arthur, the other half to his whole.

 

“Fuck me, please, alpha.”

 

Another pleased growl tumbles out of Arthur. The prince shifts his weight, one hand threading through Merlin’s hair to pull at his tresses, sending delicious sparks shimmering straight to the omega’s wanting hole. Arthur’s other hand caresses Merlin’s knee before slowly sliding down his inner thigh. The omega’s entire body is wrought with warmth but the heat is magnified as Arthur’s hand slowly makes its way to Merlin’s sodden entrance.

 

Arthur’s knot throbs when his fingers slide through Merlin’s slick. It’s warm and viscous and deliciously fragrant.

 

“God you’re so perfect,” Arthur coos, “so wet and ready for my cock, hmm?”

 

“Please Arthur,” Merlin sobs out, tired of all this waiting.

 

Arthur presses a finger to the source of the slick before gently pushing in. Merlin gasps, his eyes fluttering from finally being touched where he needs it the most.

 

Arthur’s own arousal explodes as he leans back to watch his finger disappear into Merlin’s glistening hole. He gives a few perfunctory thrusts of his finger but when he’s met with no resistance he adds another.

 

“Gods yes,” Merlin groans, his cock dribbling precum onto his stomach.

 

“God, look at you. Your hole is just begging for more.” Arthur says, genuinely astounded when he still finds no resistance with two fingers.

 

Merlin plants his feels onto the mattress on either side of the prince before grinding his hips downward onto the callused digits needing more.

 

Shit.” The prince groans, watching stunned as his omega so beautifully fucks himself on his fingers, each movment causing obscene squelching sounds. Every puff of air that escapes Merlin is practically a mewl as he loses himself to the burgeoning heat expanding inside his stomach.

 

Arthur takes a deep breath trying to ground himself, but it only has Merlin’s thick scent further filling his lungs. He pulls his fingers away, earning a distressed whimper from the omega.

 

Present.” Arthur rumbles in a low demand.

 

Goosebumps erupt down Merlin’s body as a chill runs from the base of his skull down to his toes. He scrambles up, Arthur gives scoots back to give him enough room. Merlin bends over again, flush cheek pressed into the bed as he displays his entrance for his alpha, he sways his hips ever so slightly trying to entice the larger man. The omega lets out a startled gasp as three of Arthur’s fingers press into him. Even with all the slick there’s a slight sting, but it's a pleasant kind of pain.

 

Finally sensing some resistance Arthur goes as slow as his eagerness allows, after a few moments Merlin starts meeting each thrust with his own hips. The prince, unable to ignore such a divine sight any longer leans forward to lav at the muscle enveloping his fingers.

 

A beautifully broken moan spills from Merlin as he hitches forward from the unexpected feeling. But he is quick to start canting back into the feeling of Arthur’s hot tongue lapping up his slick. The sensation is enough to push Merlin to the deepest throes of his heat.

 

A pleased growl that sounds a bit like a whine rips out of the prince as the decadently sweet slick coats his tongue. He maneuvers his fingers in and out of the omega, slick dribbling out with each thrust of his fingers. The prince spreads his three digits making sure Merlin is well prepared, and perhaps so he can ravish him with his tongue a bit more.

 

It isn’t until Merlin is a babbling mewling mess and tries to reach for his prick from some kind of relief, that Arthur pulls back, slapping Merlin’s hand away.

 

Merlin is shocked once again when Arthur manhandles him onto his back.

 

The omega gives a confused and pitifully upset sound, his brow furrows not understanding why his alpha still won’t take him.

 

“I want to see you.” Arthur brings a hand to gently cup Merlin’s cheek.

 

Merlin bashfully averts his gaze, as much as he tries to he can’t stop the scent of affection and adoring love from flooding his scent.

 

The alpha’s sunny delight and deep love cut through the heady scents of their mixed arousal and desire.

 

Merlin turns back to him, mouth agape at the prince’s soft smile.

 

A disbelieving laugh bubbles out of Merlin and Arthur is quick to follow, but soon the alpha cuts them off with a soft yet searing kiss. Their tongues dance together in a familiar game of push and pull, Merlin keens at tasting himself on Arthur.

 

“Please Arthur,” Merlin breathes out between them, “I need you, please.”

 

“Yeah, alright. I’ve got you, I’ll take care of you.” Arthur breathes back just as reverently. He grabs a pillow and slides it under Merlin’s hips before lining himself up. Merlin squirms restlessly waiting, Arthur can’t help but smile at his omega’s endearingness.

 

The prince slowly pushes forward, the head of his cock pressing against Merlin’s furled entrance, with all the slick it doesn’t take much effort for him to slip in. They both gasp at the feeling.

 

Arthur tries to take his time but Merlin’s hands reach around his neck and grip at his shoulder, pulling him closer, encouraging him to slide in more.

 

Merlin’s face scrunches in pleasure at the halfway mark, his lips are part and his eyelashes flutter at the sensation of being filled for the first time during a heat. It’s the best feeling he’s ever experienced, like something that has been missing his entire life snapping into place. But maybe that’s because it’s Arthur.

 

The prince leans forward, rating his forehead on Merlin’s shoulder as he sheathes himself to the base. His hands dig into Merlin’s hips as he fights against his primal urge to rut into the boy and stuff him with his knot. Merlin may be in heat but he will not risk hurting his omega.

 

Merlin’s soft keens start to break into needy whimpers, “please alpha, move, fuck me please alpha!

 

Arthur leans back to see his omega’s needy little whines. The prince slowly drags his hips back just until only the head of his prick is still seated, earning a groan from the man below him.

 

In that moment Arthur vows to himself that he will do whatever it takes for Merlin to be his, he will woo him for years if that’s what it takes.

 

The alpha snaps his hips forward, pleasure tears through both men at the feeling. No longer able to hold himself back Arthur falls into his alpha instincts. He sets a slow yet deep and thorough pace, prying pleased moans from his omega.

 

Merlin’s cock bobbles against his stomach each time their thighs meet in thorough thrusts.

 

“Fuck,” Arthur groans, “So good, feel so fucking good Merlin, God.”

 

“Yes! Nngh fuck, alpha. So good so full, please, more.”

 

Arthur doesn’t give in, wanting to take his time with his omega, he doesn’t want it to be over too soon. He takes time to admire how Merlin’s arse clutches him tightly, how the slick squelches between them, how Merlin’s flush tapers off on his chest, the glistening of his kiss swollen lips.

 

So fucking pretty, taking my cock like a good little omega.”

 

The praise has the fire in Merlin flare through his limbs, the hearth grows a bit brighter. “More please alpha, need more. Want your knot please.” Merlin eyes are wide and begging as he pleads for more.

 

Arthur’s hips sputter forward with a growl, “Fuck, want your alpha’s knot? To be stuffed full by your alpha?” His thrusts start to speed up, Merlin’s dribbling cock bouncing fervently with each movement.

 

“Yes!” Merlin cries out, his scent somehow pullulating further, dripping with unrestrained want. “Please alpha!”

 

The prince’s heart stops in his chest as Merlin lolls his head to the side, exposing his mating gland. Arthur’s body keeps moving with the guttural need to satiate his omega even though his mind is thrashing at him to take what is his.

 

“Merlin,” he grits out, fighting a losing battle against the beast raging inside him, “Don’t, not if you don’t mean it.”

 

The seriousness of Arthur’s tone has a bit of the fog cleaning in Merlin’s eyes but not enough. The omega whines, shoving his head into the pillow trying to further show off his unmarked skin.

 

“Merlin.” Arthur doesn’t realize he is using an alpha command until it’s too late, but it’s the only thing he can do to stop himself at the moment. “Look at me.” He says, unwilling to demand anything else of Merlin while he can’t refuse.

 

Arthur’s thrusts down slightly as Merlin slowly turns to look at him, the shock of Arthur using a true alpha command on him clearing up a majority of the fog.

 

The omega slides his hands from the back of Arthur’s neck to cup either side of his face, his lashes still fluttering as Arthur’s prick drags in and out of him. The smile on Merlin’s face is soft and so loving Arthur almost wants to look away, but he doesn’t, he can’t. He’s not sure he’ll ever be able to look away from Merlin again.

 

My alpha,” Merlin purrs calmly. Another pleased rumble forms in Arthur’s chest. “Always wanted you Arthur. Perf- mmph- perfect alpha; strong, caring, resourceful, prat.” Merlin’s smile grows on the last word. “My alpha,” he repeats steadily.

 

There’s the faintest smell of fear in Merlin’s scent but it strikes Arthur in the nose so harshly his hips stop, fully seated in the omega. Arthur searches Merlin’s eyes, he can see the clarity along with the worry that he’s said too much, pushed too far. It’s more than enough for Arthur to know he means it.

 

The prince leans down for a deep kiss filled with adoration. When he opens his eyes Merlin’s gaze is searching his. Arthur places a gentle kiss to Merlin’s lips before breathing out a soft, “I love you.”

 

Merlin’s smile lights up his entire face, he can’t stop his purring as he speaks, “I love you too.”

 

Arthur smiles and noses under Merlin’s jaw, placing gentle kisses along his path, “My omega.”

 

Merlin’s hands move back to Arthur’s hair and his shoulder, “Your omega.”

 

The words purred from Merlin’s lips have Arthur spurring back into action. He wastes no time, giving a sharp roll of his hips. The motion brushes right against Merlin’s prostate, he tosses his head back with a salacious moan.

 

“Fuck, nngh ri-right there, mmph- yes, alpha,” He speaks through his purrs.

 

Arthur’s thrusts quickly become unrelenting, pushing each moan and mewl out of his little omega at a punishing pace. Every sound that spills past Merlin’s lips pushes Arthur closer to his primal instincts until he is merging with them, snapping his hips in sporadic thrusts that have his omega crying out.

 

With each of his alpha’s thrusts blots of lightning sear of Merlin’s spine as he repetitively hits that wonderful spot inside him. The soft grunts of pleasure and the movement of coiled muscles flexing under his fingers have Merlin rapidly approaching his climax.

 

“Please alpha! Arthur! Yours,” Merlin tilts his head to the side again needing his alpha.

 

Mine.” Arthur snarls, he bites Merlin’s lips before viciously licking into his mouth, “My omega. All mine.” The base of Arthur’s prick starts to swell, his knot catching on each thrust in and out of his omega’s sopping hole.

 

“Yes! Mark me alpha! PLease Arthur! Al- mmph Always yours.”

 

Arthur pants into his omega’s mouth until he feels his knot even further. The prince grunts, forcing it into the omega’s entrance once last time.

 

Merlin gives a shout of pleasure as Arthur’s knot slips in. A feral growl reverberates through Merlin as Arthur bites down on his mating gland in the crook of his neck.

 

A beautiful keened whimper tumbles out of Merlin as his orgasm shudders through his body, his seed smearing between their bodies.

 

Merlin’s hole clenches around his knot, his orgasmic scent flooding Arthur’s senses. The alpha’s hot cum spills into Merlin in long drawn out spurts, milked by the omega’s arse. He gives another animalistic growl sinking his teeth even further into his skin.

 

Merlin goes limp under him, fully submitting to his alpha, reveling in the cum filling his arse, unable to escape with the alpha’s knot tying them together.

 

Arthur gives a pleased purr, only increasing the volume of Merlin’s own purr. They stay there for a few moments until Arthur finally removes his teeth. Merlin gives a hiss at the feeling but lets Arthur clean the fresh bonding mark.

 

Once done Arthur rolls them on their side, unable to separate until his knot dies down.

 

Merlin smiles at him bashfully.

 

Arthur smiles back. They lay there lazily enjoying the sensation afterglow of mating, Arthur’s prick still spurting cum every now and then, much to Merlin’s enjoyment and amusement. Arthur starts slowly scenting him in calming post-mating pheromones. Merlin chuckles but returns the favor, scenting Arthur in pheromones that aren’t rife with arousal.

 

“Are you okay?” Arthur asks once he’s fully scentint his omega.

 

“More than okay.” Merlin purrs, not opening his eyes.

 

“And your heat?” Arthur places a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

 

“Better, for now.”

 

“Mmm.” Arthur hums in acknowledgment. He runs his hand through Merlin’s hair for a while, just watching his omega’s beautiful face and how the light of the hearth flickers across his skin. “I love you.”

 

Merlin’s eyes crack open, a sleepy smile creeping onto his face, “I love you too Arthur.”

 

“Rest.” Arthur kisses his forehead, “I’ll fetch us some food and water when my knot dies down.”

 

Merlin chuckles but cuddles closer, “Mmkay, g’night.”

 

Arthur glances to the window, the first rays of sunlight starting to appear in the sky. “Goodnight Merlin.”


Arthur struts into the throne room with a hubristic confidence only a freshly mated alpha could expel. His knights give him respectful and knowing nods as he enters.

 

Merlin on the other hand, is uncharacteristically meek, scampering right on the prince’s heels, trying to hide behind his larger frame, his neckerchief nowhere to be seen. A few of the council member’s eyes flick to Arthur but their expressions are as plain as always. As usual they pay no mind to the prince’s servant.

 

“Ah. Arthur.” Uther hands the parchment he had been reading over to a servant, “I am glad to see you well. When your return was delayed I presumed the weather to be at fault.” The king’s expression is listless but his eyes narrow in the next moment, “Gaius had said you were unwell and needed rest. Are you alright now? It isn’t unexpected to catch the cold having been delayed so long.”

 

“Yes father. I’m alright. But that is not the reason I wish to speak with you today.” Arthur’s confidence doesn’t waver in front of the king in the least. Though the distress slowly starting to seep from Merlin has him wanting to get this over with as fast as possible, solely to be able to comfort his omega.

 

“What is it then?” The man asks imperiously from his throne.

 

“I have bonded.”

 

Uther stares unblinking for far too long before he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, “I believe I misheard you.” It is clear in the king's tone that he did not misheard, but he is giving Arthur a chance to retract the statement. Dangerous dominating pheromones waft off the king, daring Arthur to repeat himself.

 

“I have bonded father. I have found my mate.”

 

“Arthur.” The king growls out. Arthur’s knights stealthily bring their hands to their pommels.

 

Arthur takes a half step to the side to show Merlin, bonding mark on display for all to see. Though Arthur is sure to stay postured in front of the boy, he knows Merlin is well capable of protecting himself, but the prince’s instincts won’t allow him to make his omega any more vulnerable than he is, especially with his growing distress and trepidation.

 

The utter shock of his son’s mark on the serving boy has the king faltering for the first time Arthur has ever seen.

 

“You bonded a male peasant beta?!” The king seethes, he stands up from his throne, his rageful eyes snapping to his moronic spawn.

 

“What?!” Arthur guffaws, offended. It’s fruitless for an alpha to mark a beta; the bite does nothing for either alpha or beta as they aren’t able to properly mate. “No.” Arthur shakes his head, his nose scrunching in distaste, “He is an omega.”

 

The king marches down the steps of the dias. “The boy is a beta Arthur! He has been serving you for years!”

 

Merlin’s distress spikes, the pungent pheromones are quick to fill the air. Arthur steps in front of him again, a warning growl low in his throat has his father stopping before he can get any closer. The knights fidget restlessly as murmurs come from the council members.

 

Uther’s eyes are locked onto the serving boy over his son's shoulder. Even with his acrid distress he meets the king with a strong gaze. “You’re an omega.” The king states, now seeing the truth in his son’s words.

 

“He is.” Arthur answers tersely, not liking how close his father still is.

 

A myriad of emotions flash across Uther’s face, something he has spent years perfecting on not doing.

 

“Sire.” Geoffry of Monmouth speaks up from amongst the council members, “You know the laws.”

 

Merlin turns his head to the man in confusion, but Gaius sits next to him perfectly at ease, as if this is an everyday occurrence.

 

Arthur watches warily as Uther grimaces thinking over what to do.

 

“Sire, if I may,” Geoffry speaks up again, the king looks to him waiting for him to continue. “Omegas are rare creatures, let alone male omegas. That alone is a prize enough for the prince to boast. The bonding of alpha and omega does not only guarantee healthy heirs but it is a near unbreakable bond of fidelity, one that will show Camelot’s strength and power.”

 

Uther’s narrow eyes slide back to the omega, “A rare commodity indeed, tell me boy what is your lineage.”

 

“Your majesty, I really don’t think you want to know.” Merlin winces.

 

“Now.” The king uses an alpha’s command.

 

Merlin’s words spill out of his mouth over Arthur’s infuriated growl, “My mother is a farmer, my father…” Merlin tries to fight the words down, “he… I, I grew up without a father.” Not a lie technically.

 

“You may be a male omega but you are a peasant and a bastard.” The king glowers.

 

“Father!” The prince snarls, “If you dare command him like that again I will not hesitate to usurp you.”

 

Uther’s eyes flick between his son’s and the omegas before he releases a weary sigh, he knows the laws. The laws that give control of an omega to their bonded alpha, laws that protect the bond of alpha and omega. Uther hadn’t written them out as he never thought Arthur would come across an omega, at least not one that hadn’t already been bought by royalty. And if another kingdom was able to offer him a bond then the laws would even further protect them.

 

The sacred bond between alpha and omega is one even Uther knows better than to interfere with.

 

“He will be put through extensive training. Do not think for one moment I will allow him to embarrass our name.” The king says sternly. What they lose in potential blood bindings with other kingdoms will be made up with from the power of the bond, Uther knows that all too well.

 

“Merlin is my mate, I will be the one to oversee him.” Arthur stands tall, head held high.

 

There’s a swell of unexpected pride in the king’s chest, his son is finally starting to come into his role not only as crown prince but as an alpha. He is no longer the brash and arrogant boy he was those years ago. And begrudgingly Uther knows who is to blame for that.

 

“Merlin.” The king’s voice comes out far less menacing this time.

 

“Yes, your majesty?” The boy asks tensely.

 

The king's tone is dry as he speaks, “When I had asked you to watch over him, I hadn’t meant like this.”

 

A red flush creeps up Merlin’s face to the tips of his ears.

 

The faintest smell of amusement is almost undetectable in Uther’s scent but it's there. Everyone in the room relaxes all at once, though Merlin is still a bit on edge, not sure what the king had truly intended by his words.

 

The king turns back to his Arthur, “Very well son, the boy is under your protection, any matters related to him will go through your first.”

 

The pride and elation that explodes from Arthur’s scent nearly has Uther fondly rolling his eyes. His idiot son must truly be besotted. At least they will be guaranteed an heir, and if that heir is also a dragon lord, well, Uther certainly doesn’t need to know.

 

Arthur turns around to his mate, smile plastered onto his face.

 

Merlin opens his mouth but is interrupted by Arthur pulling him close and happily scenting the top of his head.

 

The knights slyly make their way over to congratulate their leader and his omega where they all fall into a group scenting session. Uther goes back to matters of the court with his council, and if his eyes sneak prideful glances at his son, no one says anything.

 

That night Arthur, Merlin, and their pack, spend the evening celebrating with tankards of ale, games, and drunkenly affectionate pack bonding. The reality of Merlin becoming a royal doesn’t hit him until much later, but everyone knows he will make an excellent leader, ruling side by side with the once and future king.

Notes:

I need you all to know that the sentence “I have bonded father” tried to autocorrect to “I have bonded with my father”... The utter horror that washed over me from that sentence was palpable lmao.

Also it was so interesting to write Uther as not awful lol, but as far as he knew there was no correlation to anything magic.

 

Thank you guys so much for reading this fic! It was a blast to edit and to be able to finish the story up so I could post it. Your support has been so amazing and I really genuinely appreciate it! I should be able to get back to all your comments within a few days as well! ABO has such a special place in my heart and I'm so happy to be able put some more out into the world. It is definitely a genre I will be revisiting in the future.

Thank you for reading! <3

 

Psst.. hey kid, you like... ABO? 👀
If you like this story might I suggest my fic ‘Ironing out the Kinks’. While it's not an ABO it IS heavy Dom/Sub that I took huge inspiration from the omegaverse. Shhh don't tell the others that~ (jk lol) But of course don't feel obligated to check it out! It's there if you wanna have a peek though!