[Merlin braces himself for shouts, maybe even violence. He's pledged his loyalty to the prince in a thousand little ways, but he doesn't know if it'll be enough when weighed against this betrayal. He doesn't even care about the actual danger that he's in, what the king will do to him when he finds out. All he can think about is Arthur sending him away, not being able to be by his side.

But it doesn't come, at least not yet. Merlin starts gulping the air, not in relief, but at the pure sweetness that's invading every part of him.]

Of course I would.

[For all his lies, all he has to do is imagine Arthur brushing his lips against his skin and he feels compelled to tell the truth. He starts to chase after that perfect mouth right as Arthur curves it into a smirk. Smug, even in this. Merlin's eyes are bright with wanting, even with the herbs still in his system.]

I'd fight for you and I would win. You'd take my knot, and I'd fill you until there was no space left. And in the morning we'd be weak and clawed, and you'd complain that you smelled like sweat and come and demand a bath. Only I'd end up fucking you over the edge of it. But we would be. Happy.

[The words catch in his throat. A lot has been expected of him since he became the prince's servant. Most of it Merlin has expected of himself. But it doesn't change the fact that he wants the same things as everyone. The straining at the front of his trousers is proof enough of that.]

But I'm just a servant.