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Arthur pulled weakly at the restraints, eyes burning with anger as he glared at Merlin and Gaius. He wanted to scream and shout at them, but his words wouldn’t form even when he tried. Instead, he slammed back against the cot.
“Arthur, please.” Merlin’s voice was low as he gently ran his fingers through Arthur’s sweat-soaked hair. “It is for your safety that we had to restrain you.” Merlin could see the tears shining in Arthur’s eyes, and he wished that he could give him some more comfort.
But until he was a little bit better, they needed to keep him restrained.
“Let me go.” The words slurred slightly as he pulled against the restraints again, the cuts on his wrists burned as they reopened.
Merlin sighed as he sat down next to Arthur, gently holding his hand. “Listen to me, we cannot let you go at the moment. Once you are better, we will let the restraints go, alright.” Merlin leaned forward. Pressing a kiss against the heated skin.
“What is the last thing you remember?” Merlin's eyes were locked with Arthur’s. Immediately, panic filled his eyes as he violently shook his head.
“I…” Arthur trailed off, tears finally spilling over. Soft sobs filled the room as the memory finally slammed back.
Gaius wanted to move forward to say something, but a soft head shake stopped him, as he could only watch as Merlin gently spoke with the prince.
“Please let me go, Merls. I won’t do anything.” Arthur’s voice broke slightly. His mind was still back in his chambers.
“You tried to kill yourself and then attack two guards, Arthur. I can’t let you go until I am sure that you are mentally alright.” Merlin hated himself for this. But he needed to make sure that the prince was in his right mind.
“They were a threat,” Arthur mumbled, refusing to look at Merlin. Fist clenching. “Was hurt.” He couldn’t admit what really happened there. He couldn’t admit that someone overpowered him, hurt him the worst way possible.
Tears slipped down his cheeks as Merlin whispered soft, comforting words. And he knew deep down that he could trust Merlin, that Merlin wouldn’t hurt him.
But at the same time, all he wanted to do was kill himself; he didn’t want to live with what had happened. Still, when Merlin ran his fingers through his hair, whispering softly that everything would be alright, Arthur truly wanted to believe him.
And for a moment, he could when he ignored the ache that ran through his body the whole time. “Please just stay?” He whispers, tiredness pulling him down.
When Merlin sat down properly next to Arthur, his hand warm against Arthur's, Arthur could almost believe that everything would be alright.