Disclaimer: I own nothing. The characters should pray for their good fortune.

Title: A Sacrifice for a Friend

Summary: Merlin takes up a second job to help Gaius pay off a debt, but this job involves serving the desires of other men, especially the knights of Camelot. How will Arthur react when he finds out about this? Possibly slash Warning: violent sex

Author's Note- This is the final chapter and I hope you all like the way it ends.

~[~ (Arthur's POV)

Arthur believed that he had the perfect punishment for the knights, one that would also benefit his kingdom. Since they had so much extra time on their hands along the energy to visit brothels every night he decided that meant they were not working hard enough, and that he could push them harder. He had called a meeting to discuss their new workout schedule, and Morgana even volunteered to supervise for him when he was busy.

As he approached the table the knights all looked at him apprehensively, and averted their eyes. He continued to wear his smug smile because he was the prince, and they knew that meant they were in trouble. He was sure that by this point they had heard one way or another about Merlin leaving his night job because of his demands, and he was also sure that they assumed that he and Merlin had taken their relationship to the next level. However, all they could do was assume, because they had no solid evidence, only that the two of them spent an unusual amount of time together lately. Besides, he was not concerned that they would turn him in any way since so much more was at stake for them.

"I'm glad all of you could make it to the meeting today since I have news that will affect all of you." Arthur noted how each one of his knight tensed and looked even more nervous. This only increased his smugness and overall good feeling. "I believe that we have not been doing enough to protect Camelot, and feel that you all have too much time, and energy, on your hands." He stressed energy to get his point across. "Therefore, we are going to double practice time, and will be training as much as possible." The knight's eyes looked ready to pop out their head, and that is when the protests started.

Lancelot was first, and that was no surprise to anyone. He was after all known as the all day and night lover, and charmed many men and women into his bed. "Sire, I live to serve and protect my kingdom, and will gladly uphold my oath until the day I die, but don't you think that this is a bit excessive."

Arthur was about to retort when Gwaine interjected next. "Yes, I agree with Lancelot. Don't you think that we work hard as it is? I mean we will need time to rest and recover so we are ready to defend Camelot in the midst of an attack."

Arthur decided that he would allow the others to argue their pleas, but the rest were not as spirited as the first two. It seemed that they realized that they were losing and that perhaps they should just accept their punishment before more was added to it. Arthur was annoyed by the time they were all finished, even if he had expected it. "Well it seems to me that you all have too much time on your hands, and according to Valco, your energy also appears endless, so I don't think it will be a problem." Everyone froze when they heard the name of their favorite tavern owner, and no interjected after that clearly fearing the prince's wrath. Arthur supposed that he could not blame them; he did have a rather nasty temper. "Next time maybe you won't touch what you know is mine, and you won't keep answers from me either when you know I am clearly looking for them." With that he got up to leave and the knights all began grumbling behind him. "Morgana will be supervising for some time today since I am busy. Have fun."

The knights looked prepared to weep, and Arthur was sure that some would be by the end of day. He had prepared a treacherous training exercise for Morgana to implement and the knight's would be lucky to make it home, let alone to the brothel tonight. He had hoped that he wasn't killing Valco's business too badly.

~[~ (Merlin's POV)

Merlin hoped that Arthur wasn't being too harsh on the knights, since he believed that he was more to blame than them, but he also knew what Arthur had planned for them that day. He wished them luck since he knew from personal experience how hard it was too quell Arthur's temper, and wasn't out of range of it yet himself.

It had been a few days since Arthur confronted him, and he had been healing nicely. Now that he was no longer working nights he was also sleeping better too, and so he had more energy. He had been discretely practicing magic when he was not with Arthur, and it felt so good to get back at it again. Arthur had been taking care of him and making sure he was okay, since he knew Merlin was still a bit off. However, Arthur had been setting a slow pace in terms of their relationship, and although they had been fooling around, they had yet to actually have sexual intercourse. This shocked Merlin the most since he knew that Arthur was eager to claim him as his own.

He was polishing Arthur's armor when said man entered the room. They were in Arthur's room, and it was a nice day outside, prompting them both to be in good mood. Merlin greeted Arthur and went back to work. Arthur rummaged around his room for a few minutes before he came up behind Merlin and wrapped his strong arms around Merlin's waist. Merlin shivered and leaned into the touch allowing Arthur to hold him. Then Arthur suddenly lifted him into his arms carrying him bridal style, and allowing the armor to fall to the floor with a clang. Arthur tossed Merlin onto the bed kissing him feverishly.

Merlin felt that this time would be different. He could tell from Arthur's gentle but more sure actions that he wanted more, and was planning to take more if Merlin was willing to give it. Merlin did not resist any of the movements and used a few of his own tricks. Even with all the touching and kissing he still felt hollow though. The feeling was beginning to lessen each time they did something together, but it still lingered, and that made Merlin sad because he did not want it to be like that between them. He felt like he had already caused enough damage, and also knew that Arthur could see the blank look in his eyes. Arthur regarded him sadly and even tried a few more tricks, demanding his full attention. It worked to some degree, but he still wasn't entirely focused.

Arthur had undressed them both at this point and whispered in Merlin's ear for consent. When Merlin nodded he kissed him gently and began to prepare him for the intrusion to come. Arthur was always gentle and used a good amount of lube to ensure that he would not be in pain. His actions were slow and he made sure Merlin was thoroughly enjoying himself, but that feeling lingered and Merlin just couldn't shake it off, not now at least. After they were both finished Arthur kissed again and lay down to cuddle with him for awhile. Merlin certainly enjoyed the cuddling, since it gave him a sense of protection and peace, allowing him to drift to sleep in Arthur's arms.

~[~ (Merlin's POV) A Few Weeks Later

It had been a few weeks since their first time together and Merlin was finally getting used to all the attention that Arthur lavished on him. He would find things left for him to discover, even though they were discrete and had to be hid from both Gaius and Uther. It always made him feel good when he discovered a small present left for him by Arthur, and he tried to return the favor from time to time.

It almost made Merlin sad that they had to keep such a great thing secret from all those around them, even though he was pretty sure Morgana and Gwen were on to them. He could tell by the looks they gave them, but he also knew that they would never tell. He trusted them both after all, and they both seemed happy for him and Arthur. Uther though, was another story. He didn't seem suspicious, but if he ever found out Merlin was sure to be executed, and Arthur would be locked away in his room for good. Gaius was usually open to exceptions, but Merlin was unsure how he would react to such news, and so kept it hidden. The boys always made sure that they did what they wanted in Arthur's room, with the door locked, while being as quiet as possible.

Merlin was beginning to enjoy Arthur's attention more and more and he noticed that the hollow feeling was subsiding, and was being replaced by another warmer feeling. His chest always swelled with said feeling during their time together, and at times he believed that Arthur felt it too. He briefly wondered what the feeling could be, since it was new and exciting, something he had never felt before. Then after thinking for a few moments, he realized it. He was in love with Arthur Pendragon, the crown prince of Camelot. This revelation shocked him more than anything, and was surprised to think that it could even be true, but it was, and he knew that now he had to tell Arthur. So the next time they slept together, he made sure to tell Arthur his revelation, and was only made happier to hear those same words said back to him in the tone that Arthur reserved just for him. He fell asleep happy knowing that his knight in shining armor had arrived, swept him off his feet, and returned his love.

~[~ (Arthur's POV) A Few Years Later

So much had happened in the last few years with Morgana betraying them, and Uther dying. It had left Arthur a mess, and he felt like the only family he had ever known was falling apart. Morgana had been his most trusted friend and he couldn't believe her betrayal. Uther's death had practically crippled his emotions and he was unsure how he was still carrying on. Really he owed Merlin for being by his side the whole time, and even saving his life countless times along the way. They had really been through a lot together, and it had only strengthened their bond. Merlin had tried to protect him from Morgana, and comforted him upon Uther's death. He had even gone out of his way to keep Arthur sane.

Arthur was so grateful for his love, and felt like he needed to give something back to Merlin for his loyalty, but he could not think of anything that would suffice. Merlin had become his world, and his obsession, and he wanted nothing more than for him to rule by his side. It was then that Arthur had a thought, and knew how he could repay Merlin for all his love and support over the years. The kingdom was his, and he could do as he pleased with it. He had been planning to implement some big changes, ones that would make life easier for everyone. Arthur decided right then that his first major change as king was to make it legal for one to love whoever they please, and marriage to that person would legal. He and Merlin would be married, and their relationship would be made official. He was the king and he could love whoever he wanted, and it was fair that he extend the same courtesy to his subjects. He hoped to change the fate of marriage forever, and that love would triumph over all.

Fin

~[~

So that's it, and the story is officially over. I want to thank you all for reading it, and for sticking it out to the end. I hope you enjoyed it, and to everyone who reviewed and voted, thank you, because I couldn't have written this story without you.