Chapter Text
Arthur sat staring, completely mesmerised, at the tiny bundle in his arms.
Less than an hour after giving birth, Merlin had been moved to their bed where he lay dozing peacefully, giving Arthur some quiet time with his new baby girl.
She had Merlin’s nose and Arthur’s blonde hair. Arthur brushed a gentle affectionate hand over the light hair covering the baby’s head in wonder.
He couldn’t help thinking about the months since he’d found out about Merlin’s pregnancy; about everything that had happened to them both.
Looking down at his daughter, Arthur couldn’t imagine what his father had gone through in this moment. The mere thought of Merlin not being here for this was unthinkable.
Arthur glanced at Merlin in that moment and noticed his eyes on them, bemused smile on his face, exhaustion still evident in his features.
“Hi there,” Arthur said quietly, making his way to Merlin’s side “How’re you feeling?”
“Tired, sore, strange.” He said as he attempted to push himself up higher against the pillows.
“Mostly,” He started again when he failed to move fully, “I just want to hold my baby.”
Laughing as Merlin held out his arms expectantly, Arthur lowered the little girl into her other father’s arms before settling on the bed beside Merlin.
Merlin’s eyes were blown wide in awe as he took in every tiny feature on the infant. He gently unwrapped her from the blanket to count all her fingers and toes.
“Look what we did Arthur.” He whispered quietly.
Arthur smiled and wrapped an arm around Merlin in order to gently shift him until he was resting more fully against Arthur. Then, placing a kiss on Merlin’s temple he said,
“She’s Beautiful; absolutely perfect.” he stroked her hand with a feather light touch only for her tiny finger to grasp it in her sleep.
Smiling he asked Merlin, “Is she worth it after everything the past few months have thrown at us?”
Merlin couldn’t tear his gaze away when he replied “She’s more than worth it”
“I think so too”
They lay there together; gaze never leaving their daughter's sleeping form.
Arthur pressed his lips to Merlin's head and lay there, taking in the beautiful sight beside him. Camelot was thriving under his rule, the people were happy and now he had Merlin in his arms and a new baby. Life was really looking up for the young King of Camelot and his new family.
All too Soon there would be a knock at the door; The Knights and their families wanting to meet the new arrival but for right now Arthur and Merlin enjoyed the first quiet moment of their new little family.