For Your Entertainment

[ayoungboy]

The circus comes into town in the late afternoon. It's a quiet caravan, but the whispers start immediately. It's not a regular circus. This one - this is the Camelot circus. One of the most esteemed traveling acts in the country, and not for the faint of heart. This one has a flaming sword eater and a terrifying magician.

A few brave people try to peek at the preparations, but once the big tent is up, all that can really be seen are food stands being set up, and a few podiums for acts unknown. Everything else is hidden from view. You want to see? Come buy a ticket.

Comments

[ayoungboy]

Merlin makes a soft sound and presses up against Arthur's chest, lips moving in sync.

[royalpratness]

Instead of pulling away, Arthur slips his hand under the hem of Merlin's shirt, running it over his chest.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin groans in pleasant surprise, pressing into Arthur's touch.

[royalpratness]

"I have a feeling this is going to work out nicely." Arthur grins, very pleased. He pulls his hand back, looking at Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

"Me too." Merlin breathes, cheeks a pleasant pink.

[royalpratness]

"Good." Arthur presses one more chaste kiss to Merlin's lips before getting back to his feet. "I better go to my own room now. My staff can be quite... nosy."

[ayoungboy]

"When can we - I mean - " Merlin watches him closely, doe-eyed.

[royalpratness]

"Eager, aren't you?" Arthur smirks. "Soon, I promise. I want you to fully recover at first. A few days, give or take."

[ayoungboy]

"No I meant - ah - yes - " Merlin's a little flustered.

[royalpratness]

Arthur grins. "We'll have to be discreet.. which might be difficult, considering that almost my entire staff lives here, too."

[ayoungboy]

"Of course." Merlin nods seriously.

[royalpratness]

"Good. I'll see you later." Arthur smiles and turns to leave. He has an important meeting with another landowner in a few hours and needs to get ready.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin is in a state of bliss. He touches his lips every few minutes, marveling.

[royalpratness]

Over the next few days, Arthur makes sure that Merlin gets enough rest and accompanies him for short walks around the garden. He also informs the staff that Merlin will be staying with them over the winter as he can't possibly return to the circus and live in a tent when it's snowing outside, due to his fragile health.

A week later after dinner, Arthur pulls Merlin to the side. "If you want, you could come to my room tonight.."

[ayoungboy]

Arthur is so kind to him. Merlin makes up his mind that he will not be a burden on the man at all for the duration of his stay.

But when Merlin hears that offer, his mouth goes dry with nerves. "Y-yes I'll - I'll meet you."

[royalpratness]

"Make sure that nobody sees you." Arthur reminds him, briefly squeezing Merlin's arm and walking upstairs.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin is very careful, and he makes it to Arthur's room undetected. He slips in nervously, pressing flat against the door after he slips inside.

[royalpratness]

Arthur is sitting on the bed, putting away his book when Merlin enters. "Hey. Lock the door?"

[ayoungboy]

Merlin turns and does so, cheeks pink at the thoughts of everything he'd been denying himself. "Hello."

[royalpratness]

Arthur waves him over to sit down on the bed. "I was thinking... can you lock the room with your powers? And maybe sound proof it as well?"

[ayoungboy]

"I...can try." Merlin nods, eyes flashing gold.

[royalpratness]

"Guess we have to trust your abilities now since we can't go and check if it worked." Arthur frowns.

[ayoungboy]

"It should work." Merlin nods, slowly approaching the bed.

[royalpratness]

"Let's hope so." Arthur smiles, reaching a hand out for Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin bites his lip and takes Arthur's hand, slowly sitting down.