Guardians of the Sky

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/36696022.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Dragons, Mating
Flight (Dragonriders of Pern), Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega
Dynamics, Alpha Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Omega Merlin (Merlin)
Stats: Published: 2022-01-27 Updated: 2022-02-05 Chapters: 5/? Words:
15056

Guardians of the Sky

by Friggas_Flower

Summary

The royal family of Camelot has come on the invitation of the dragonlords to attend the
hatching of the newest brood of dragons. Of course one of the little shits would pick Arthur
and cause a whole range of problems for the dragonlords and the royal family. Having been
separated for most of their lives the two now have to learn to get their shit together in order
to be competitive enough to race in the Mating Flight for the young female dragon Aithusa
and her alluring Rider Merlin.
 Chapter 1

Eight-year-old Arthur’s eyes flitted around in his head as he tried to take in the vastness of the hall
of the Dragonlords. They were moving quickly and there wasn’t enough time to take in all the
detail of the marbled dragons frozen in combat. His mother had to place her delicate hand on his
back to get him to move along faster, his father and their guide getting further and further ahead.
Arthur forced his little legs to move faster to hear what the Dragonlord was saying.

‘How many eggs are there?’ Igraine asked enthusiastically.

‘Fourteen. We are very lucky, we have two females at present both have laid seven eggs each,’ the
Dragonlord replied.

‘Only two females in a Dragon heard of 600?’ Igraine questioned.

‘Females are hatched very rarely. A female hatchling is a great blessing. Our last was hatched 107
years ago.’

‘How exactly does this ceremony carry out?’ Uther interrupted.

‘The children of the dragonlords are gathered around the nest during the hatching. The dragons
will choose their riders moments after emerging from their shell.’

‘And how does a dragon choose its rider?’ Igraine asked buzzing with curiosity.

‘The hatchlings will be able to hear the thoughts of the children, and once the child has been
chosen he will gain the powers of the dragonlords and be able to hear the thoughts of all dragons.’

They walked out into a large cavern and were met by a massive roar. Arthur looked up toward the
source. Hundreds of dragons were perched upon some of the thousands of rock formed ledges that
made up the cave.

‘Every dragon in the heard has come to observe the ceremony,’ the Dragonlord beamed. Down
below Arthur saw what appeared to be two very large bird’s nests, surrounded by masses of people.
The Dragonlords themselves.

‘We will be observing Selima’s nest to the right, now follow me, these stairs can be difficult if
you’re not accustomed to them.’

Arthur watched the Dragonlord children chat nervously as the eggs began to move and crack.
Arthur envied them, yes he was a Prince, but they got to have their very own dragon. Arthur’s prize
pony was looking really pathetic right about now. Suddenly a baby dragon burst forth from its egg
with a massive force, shell pieces flying across the nest. Arthur had seen a foal born once, it had
come out all slimy and moved slowly, trying to learn its legs for the first time. The Dragon
however burst forth with an incredible amount of speed and energy. The newly hatched blue
dragon immediately began running around and flapping its wings fiercely. It seemed really happy
to be free of its confining shell. Arthur understood completely, shuddering at the thought of his
arithmetic lessons. Strangely a sudden calm seemed to come over the baby dragon. He stopped and
stared at the masses of children staring back at him from outside the nest. He just stood there for a
long moment. Arthur huffed, he hated waiting. His mother placed a hand on his shoulder, right
patience, Arthur had to be patient. Arthur really hated being patient. Abruptly the dragon burst
forth and tackled a child among the masses. The full-grown dragons above roared in
congratulations.
The nest became a flurry of activity, baby dragons bursting forth everywhere. The dragonlord
children seemed to become more anxious as the number of eggs dwindled. Finally, there was only
one egg remaining. It just seemed to sit there for the longest time, as though to purposefully cause
the remaining children the most agony as possible. Arthur too was a little bit annoyed, he had
already begun to shift his feet and look about the room for some source of entertainment. Of course
in a cavern filled with hundreds of massive fire breathing dragons, he did not go on wanting. A
sharp crack returned his attention to the egg. The egg rocked and cracked in a rhythm, like
someone taking a hammer to a wall. Then a horn cut through the top of the egg, before
disappearing back inside. When the horn breached the egg for the second time, the shell fell apart
revealing a red baby dragon...with a large piece of shell stuck on the end of the horn atop its head.
The dragon shook the shell loose and let out a hoot in victory, immensely pleased with itself.
Arthur giggled. The baby dragon admired its wings and flapped them furiously as though trying to
gain flight. He gave up in favour of exploring its surroundings. When the baby dragon laid eyes on
the anxious and desperate children it stopped and sat back on its bum, staring at them all. Arthur
giggled again; it was like the baby dragon was deliberately trying to make the children as antsy as
humanly possible. Arthur liked this dragon immensely.

It wasn’t a surprise when one of the children broke. A little boy ran into the nest toward the
dragon, desperate to force the bond. The dragons above roared in outrage. The baby dragon
growled and bent its head low. A dragonlord swept into the nest and picked up the boy before he
could force the bond.

Their guide chuckled ‘There’s always one,’

The baby dragon relaxed back on its bum and resumed its agonising selection process. Arthur
wondered why that boy tried to force the bond onto the dragon. Is being a rider so great as all that?
Arthur imagined himself as a rider. He imagined himself on the back of one of the creatures above
him. He imagined flying, the wind whipping through his hair, running over his skin. He imagined
diving and skimming low above the surface of the ocean. He imagined flying over Camelot
dodging the towers and using the ugly gargoyles as target practice. He imagined having his dragon
breathe fire and destroy his schooling room. He imagined having his dragon scoop up his tutor and
drop him in the great lake. Arthur imagined himself all grown up and leading his armies into battle
atop his dragon. Arthur was shocked back to reality when he felt something heavy hit his chest and
force him to hit the ground very hard.

When Arthur opened his eyes all he saw was red until his vision cleared and made out a hard scaly
face and two golden eyes.

‘Hi,’ Arthur said to the baby dragon currently sitting on his chest and peering down onto his face.
The baby dragon titled his head.

Hi. A guttural yet cute voice spoke in his head.

The realisation hit Arthur and he felt elation. ‘You chose me!’ Arthur could feel the dragon’s
amusement.

‘But I’m not a dragonlord,’ Arthur reasoned.

Don’t care. My human, my choice.

‘My name’s Prince Arthur,’

Arthur. Princeling.
‘Prince.’ Arthur corrected.

Arthur felt the dragon’s amusement again. Princeling.

Arthur felt a hang grab him and roughly heap him up, forcing his dragon to jump off of him. That
was when Arthur realised his father was yelling.

Your sire is very angry. We can hear him from the nest.

Arthur was amazed his dragon was somewhere in the caverns beneath his feet but he could hear
his voice clearly in his head.

He thinks the dragonlords made you choose me.

The dragon scoffed. Stupid. No one can influence the bond.

He wants you to choose someone else.

Tough Tails. A bond can only be broken in death.

You best not tell him that. He had my hunting hawk killed just because it pooped on one of
his stupid documents.

I’ll keep it to myself then, not that he could hear me anyway. Only Dragonlords can hear
dragons.

Can I hear other dragons now?

I don’t know. Talked with any dragons recently?

Just the one so far.

...what’s going on now?

They want me to stay here. I can’t stay here, I’m a Prince! My father says I have to learn to
be King.

You can learn to be King here.

I learn from my father. He can’t stay here, he is King. He has to be at Camelot. Can’t you
come to Camelot?

I don’t know, you should ask them.

...

Well?

They didn’t like that idea.

Why not?!

Father says he can’t let a ferocious dragon prey on his Kingdom.

Arthur felt a rush of pride from the dragon.

And the Dragonlords said that a baby dragon can’t be raised by humans alone. You need to
be with your kin.

You’re my kin.

He said he knows that but having a Rider isn’t enough. You’d end up being more human
than dragon.

The dragon snorted in disgust. He’s right. I should stay here.

Well, I need to learn stuff too I can’t stay here!

The dragon growled and Arthur echoed his frustration. Don’t worry Princeling the Dragonlords
won’t allow us to go through separation. Females are very rare, therefore every dragon is
valuable. They can’t afford to keep us apart.

The Dragonlord elders decided to hold a council over the course of action to be taken under these
bizarre circumstances. In the meantime, Uther was keeping his son as far away from the dragons as
possible. Unbeknownst to him, Arthur was in contact with his dragon the entire time. Eventually,
the council came to their decision and summoned their guests. Arthur felt his dragon’s presence
press forth in his head to observe the goings-on.

‘It has been decided the Prince will return to Camelot and the dragon will remain here,’ one of the
Dragonlord chieftains’ spoke up. Arthur felt his dragon’s despair.

‘It is a very unfortunate situation, however for the sake of both rider and dragon they must remain
apart to learn what is needed.’

‘Very sensible,’ Uther stated.

‘We are not satisfied, however, with this arrangement,’ another Dragonlord stepped forward
‘Under normal circumstances this arrangement would not have been even considered. However
today we were blessed with a female baby dragon, who had the impeccable insight to choose the
son of Balinor as her rider.’

‘Nevertheless, some compromises must be made Uther Pendragon. We cannot allow our decision
to be entirely influenced by our positive dispositions,’ a much older council member added.

‘What kind of compromises?’ Uther asked warily. ‘The Naming, the boy must give his dragon a
name before he departs.’

‘And of course, arrangements are to be made for the reunification. Once Arthur is of age and has
learnt all that he requires he will return here and learn how to become a Dragonlord.’

‘That is out of the question. My son is not one of you, he is not a Dragonlord!’
‘On the contrary Pendragon, your son became one of us the moment he was chosen as Rider.’

‘Now see-,’ ‘Of course, it will be your son’s decision.’

‘We cannot force him to become a Dragonlord. If he does not wish to return and become one of us,
we will, of course, accept his decision.’ Uther smiled rather smugly.

Strangely so did the Dragonlords.

‘Very well,’ Uther was shown over a large desk that displayed the agreement drawn and ready. A
dagger was placed beside it. Uther quickly cut his palm and placed it to paper.

‘Very well, now the task falls to you young Pendragon,’ one of the council addressed Arthur
‘What name will you give your brother.’

How about Eunace?

The dragon growled and Arthur sniggered.

No? How about Precious or Daisy?

I may not be able to breathe fire yet but these claws look very promising.

What would you like to be called?

...I don’t know, you’re supposed to choose one for me.

Arthur began to think seriously, jokes aside he’d have to name his dragon something really
impressive. The dragon heard his thoughts and agreed vigorously.

‘Raazjhan.’

Raazjhan! Arthur nudged the dragon with his mind.

Go away.

No.

Leave me alone. I don’t care how bored you are I’m not letting you disturb my nap.

But I’m reeeeaaallly bored. What else am I supposed to do?

You could try paying attention to your lessons for once. Raazjhan yawned and scratched at the
scales of his above his claw.

But he’s talking about farming.

Am I supposed to know what that is?

It’s how we grow our food and it’s a very long and boring process.

Raazjhan snorted. You don’t grow food. Food grows itself until it’s lovely big and fat and then
we swoop down dig out claws into its flesh and carry it somewhere high for feasting.
Only it’s a bit hard to hunt when you can’t fly.

The dragon growled in frustration and anger.

No use getting angry at me, it’s not my fault you’re the only dragon of your nest that can’t
fly.

Raazjhan lowered his head and attempted to ignore Arthur.

Are the others picking on you?

They were the dragon spoke smugly, they quickly learnt from their mistake.

I get picked on.

I thought you were the prince, doesn’t that mean they have to be nice to you?

He’s a prince too, his Dad’s signing some treaty with my father.

What does this Princeling do?

He calls me Prince Precious and shoves me a lot.

Raazjhan chuckled Precious Princeling.

Shut up! Not you too!

Sorry.

What do I do?

You could tell an elder or your sire?

No because then I will be a precious princeling.

You could always do what I do.

What’s that?

Tear a chunk of his ear off.

I’m gonna be a knight!

Arthur I can’t talk now Dragonlord Balinor is teaching me about the dynamics of flight.

But I’m gonna be a knight!

A knight is a warrior, isn’t it?

Yes! Father’s going to have me trained.

You said that wouldn’t happen until you were twelve?

The other prince shoved me in front of everyone so I tried to bite his ear off.

How did it go? Did he immediately submit to your dominant status?

No, he said I was rabid. Father was not happy. There was a lot of screaming. But then I told
him why I bit him and he said that I gave him no choice but to start my training early!
...Raazjhan?

Balinor says that’s very nice but please stop distracting me from my lessons

Have you made any friends yet? Arthur asked across the bond.

No, I don’t need any.

But friends are fun!

I wouldn’t know.

Come on Raazjhan! You don’t like anyone?

No.

Why not?

They don’t talk to me.

At all?

No.

Why?

Because I don’t have a rider.

You have a rider!

I know and they know...but we’re starting to learn to fly with our riders now-

And you don’t have a rider. I’m sorry.

I don’t care. I don’t need friends. I like being alone.

You’re not alone.

...I know.

Arthur! Arthur! Arthur!

Nngh What? I was sleeping.

You’re fourteen!

...I am! I’m fourteen! I get to go on my first hunt!

Raazjhan snorted. Big deal when you’ve killed a two-ton bison let me know.

Oh shut up you show off.

Poor Princeling, too weak to go out into the snow.

Shut up, Arthur sniffed and groaned his nose stuffed and his head ached.

I think I made a friend.

Yeah right and I can breathe fire out of my arse.

I did! Well I think I did.

Well done then, it only took you eight years. Which dragon is it? Is it Finbar?

No, it’s not a dragon it’s another rider.

Oh...whose?

The female Aithusa’s rider Merlin.

Merlin? The one that’s really good at magic?

Yes.

Oh...so how did you two become friends?

He talked to me.

...what did he say?

He said the skies were terrible for flying.

...He talked to you about the weather?

Yes.

Okay. I guess beggars can’t be choosers.

That’s what your mother said.

Shut up!

One of the females flew today. She mated with Kallum.

Aithusa?

No. Her mother Fayma.

...would you have wanted to have flown for her?

No. I don’t think I’m ready for hatchlings just yet. Even if they are raised by the community.
Merlin says there’ll be plenty of other opportunities.

How? There are three females. One of which is your mother.

I don’t mind if I do or don’t. Sex isn’t all that appealing.

Rhaazjhan. I’m an eighteen-year-old man, I can tell you sex is everything.

I did it! I won! My first tournament and I won!

Merlin says tournaments that don’t end with the other man ending up dead are just another
way for men to compare the size of their penises.

This Merlin sounds like an idiot. Don’t you feel the least bit proud that your rider can fall
warriors twice his age and size?

I do, yes. But well you should be being bound to a dragon as fierce as I.

Now whose displaying the size of his penis?

‘The Council of elders will see you now,’ Merlin broke out of his musings.

He walked through the gratuitously large archway and toward the long table where the thirteen
elders were seated; their dragons towering around them.

Welcome Merlin, the voice of one of the dragons rumbled in Merlin’s head.

Merlin met his father’s eyes down the table.

‘Merlin, as you no doubt have already guessed we wish to talk to you regarding Aithusa,’ one of
the elders, Grettir explained.

‘She becomes of age in the coming spring. We had wondered if you both have had any thought in
regard to her having the nest fly for her?’ Edwin asked.

‘My lords we have barely thought of anything else,’ Merlin smiled lopsidedly and the council
chuckled.

‘The first mating flight can appear very threatening,’ Merlin’s Dragon mother Morgause
acknowledged.

But as the rider of a female, it is something that you will go through eventually, Fayma,
Morgause’s female dragon pointed out.
‘Do you think you will both be ready the day Aithusa comes of age?’ Grettir asked.

‘We will not pressure you,’ Morgause comforted and simultaneously warned the male dragon
riders in the room ‘It is a decision only you and your sister can make.’

Merlin nodded. ‘Thank you Dragon Mother. But I believe we will be ready, you may arrange it.’

‘That is very good news Merlin, we will do so at once!’ Grettir beamed.

‘Before you leave Merlin, we have another matter to discuss with you,’ Balinor interrupted.

‘The Camelot Crown Prince, Arthur Pendragon, has reached his twenty-first year and will soon be
coming to Dragon Keep to learn the ways of our people, and he will not be coming alone,’ Edwin
announced.

‘We understand you are close with Raazjhan?’ Talius asked.

‘As close as I can be, he’s very skilled at shutting people out,’ Merlin explained.

‘Yes well we’re all aware of Raazjhan's...prickly disposition,’ Edwin spoke politically.

‘He’s a right bastard you mean,’ Talius franked.

Life in the Dragon Keep has not been easy for him.

‘We have made arrangements for the Prince’s tutelage. However we ask you to take him on as a
student in regard to magic,’ Edwin requested.

Learning magic is not simple for all riders. It requires a bond of trust between the instructor
and the rider and his dragon, Fayma pointed out, You are the only one in Dragon Keep that
Raazjhan will even consider trusting.

‘If it will help Raazjhan I will help in any way I can,’ Merlin nodded.

‘Thank you Merlin, we have laid a lot upon your shoulders this day, it will not be forgotten,’
Grettir acknowledged.

The journey to Dragonkeep had lasted for near a week. The better part of a week listening to
Gwaine’s hair pulling chatter whilst dealing with the overall dissatisfaction of being without a hot
bath a decent meal and a decent bed for a long stretch of time. When they actually reached
Dragonkeep they were faced with the task of climbing the mountain to reach the great halls of the
dragons. Arthur’s men moaned at the sight of the immense climb. There was a village at the base
of the mountain. Arthur allowed his men the extravagance of staying the night at the inn. Arthur
made arrangements for the horses to be looked after at the local stables for the duration of their
stay then joined his knights at the inn. It seemed like they were halfway through a barrel of ale by
the time he got back. Judging by Leon’s singing, Gwaine’s brawling and Percivale’s lewd
comments.

As it would be last time he would be able to let himself go in public Arthur ordered a pint and
joined in on Leon’s ballad. They started their climb at sunrise. Much to the chagrin of several
hungover and mouthy knights. They arrived at one of the cave entrances just after noon. A man in
riding leathers greeted them.
‘Welcome Arthur Pendragon. My name is Toff son of Palor. The entire den has gathered for your
welcome, please follow me.’

Toff wasn’t lying. Arthur’s company stood in shock when they were led inside one of the massive
caverns. Dragons perched on almost every ledge. Brightly coloured and huge. A crowd of
Dragonlords stood around them. Directly before them were the elders garbed in maroon robes.
Arthur walked forward and his men followed.

‘Welcome Arthur son of Uther, Dragonlord of Camelot,’ one of the elders spoke. A huge dragon
flew down from a ledge and landed in front of them. His brilliant shade of red and the exuding
feeling of amusement and excitement gave him away.

'Raazjhan!' Arthur beamed.

Raazjhan lowered his head and Arthur pressed his forehead to his brother's.

You've gotten bigger since last I saw you brother princeling. Raazjhan said in his head exuding
fondness and happiness.

Arthur scoffed

Look who's talking 'Little' Brother

 Chapter 2

Dragon keep was a series of tunnels within the great mountain. These tunnels lead out to the side of
the mountain. There were hundreds upon hundreds of cave openings in the mountainside. Dragons
and riders could take flight from any of them. The tunnels were intricately carved and enormous.
Each tunnel was large enough to accommodate four dragons walking in a straight line. The height
of tunnels were, Arthur would guess, the height of three dragons. Arthur had to reprimand his
knights standing there with their mouths hanging open like a bunch of dunces. They were supposed
to be representing the finest Camelot had to offer.

Raazjhan was told to lead them to the hall where he would be sleeping.

An entire hall? Arthur asked Raazjhan as they walked along one of the great tunnels.

Nests will share a sleeping hall until the day they have flown for a female. Only then are they
considered independent.

The knights were very careful to keep their distance from Raazjhan, Arthur could feel a very smug
satisfaction from Raazjhan as he recognised that.

So a nest, that means your brothers?

I have many brothers. Some three times my age and size, some just hatchlings. Female
dragons mate with the dragon who catches them. For various reasons, this is rarely the same
dragon. Younger, faster dragons sometimes get there first; sometimes experienced older,
fiercer dragons will fight the young ones and claim the female for themselves.

So many of your brothers have different fathers?

Yes. However, it is the female’s decision. Should she favour a dragon over the others, the rest
may as well not have flown.

A small boy walked past them with a baby dragon waddling beside him. The knights gave them
both a wide birth.

So these brothers you share a sleeping hall with, your nest. They’re the ones that hatched
with you, the day you chose me.

Yes. We undergo everything together. We are taught together, we train together.

So all those lessons you told me about, the flying and the fire breathing?

Yes, I learnt with them.

And the ones that made fun of you because you didn’t have a rider?

...yes.

They walked through a large archway and the knight's mouths dropped open once more. Raazjhan's
six brilliantly coloured brothers were strewn about the cavern. Young men and women sat, stood
or laid out beside them. They all turned to look as Arthur, Raazjhan and the knights entered.
So you do have a rider, a purple dragon spoke.

‘We thought he’d never turn up,’ the girl beside the dragon sniggered.

‘Though I am a little confused,’ a boy added ‘do you have one rider or five?’

‘I shouldn’t think you’d worry about it,’ Arthur shrugged ‘by the look of you I’d say confusion was
something that came often.’

The boy glared. Another boy stepped forward with an air of arrogance, Arthur got head of the pack
vibes from him.

‘The knights of Camelot. Are you really so afraid of us Prince?’ the boy asked ‘Do you really think
that they would offer any sort of protection here?’

Raazjhan growled low and terrifying. The grey dragon behind the boy bared his teeth at Raazjhan
in threat.

Who are they? Arthur asked Raazjhan privately.

The rider is Gilli.

So the dragon is Sai?

Yes.

‘Oh they’re not for protection,’ Arthur stepped forward with a smug grin ‘they’re my servants.’

‘Pardon?’ Gwiane asked with raised eyebrows.

‘To do my laundry, fetch my food and clean the cow liver from between Raazjhan's teeth,’ Arthur
ticked off on his fingers.

‘What now?’ Leon paled.

Do they also polish scales? Raazjhan asked openly so the other riders and dragons could hear
them.

‘Whatever you like,’ Arthur nodded.

I would like them to polish my scales. And sharpen my claws.

‘Servants?’ one of the boys snorted ‘You’ll not last the week.’

‘He’ll soon learn,’ Gilli dismissed Arthur with the wave of his hand.

Better to have no dragon, than half a dragon, Sai sniped.

Raazjhan snapped his jaws and spread his wings.

Raazjhan , Arthur soothed we’ll show them.

Raazjhan withdrew his wings at Arthur’s words but Arthur could feel the insecurity buried deep
within his dragon.
Arthur awoke as the ground beneath him shook. ‘Earthquake?’ Arthur sat up quickly.

‘Morning,’ Lancelot corrected and arched his back with a yawn. The dragons were up and moving
about the cavern. Arthur turned and found Raazjhan starring at him.

‘What’s happening?’

We go to hunt. The riders share breakfast in the dining hall.

‘And after breakfast?’

We fly.

Arthur and Raazjhan stood in a large open-mouthed cave in the side of the gratuitous mountain.
They had arrived early for their lesson. Arthur gazed in astonishment as dragons all around them
were taking off and flying out into the brilliant day.

‘This is...unbelievable.’

Arthur.

‘Yes?’

That’s Merlin.

‘Where?’ Arthur followed Raazjhan's gaze.

A beautiful white dragon stood on her back legs and spread her wings. A young man ran full pelt
toward her and leapt on the dragon’s back. She lowered herself and Merlin adjusted his stance to
follow the movement smoothly. Arthur felt his stomach clench with how graceful and really
amazing that looked. This Merlin had some serious skill. Raazjhan made a loud noise in his throat.
Merlin turned at the sound.

Raazjhan, a voice spoke in Arthur’s head, Good luck my friend.

‘I...I heard him, in my head! Like I can hear you and the other dragons! But he's just a
Dragonlord?’ Arthur exclaimed as Aithusa leapt off the cliff face and glided out into the sun.

Merlin is very powerful.

‘Arthur Pendragon,’ a small man walked over to Arthur and Raazjhan with a large grin on his face
‘I am Grettier. I’ve come to teach you both to fly.’

Raazjhan snorted. I know how to fly.

‘Not with a rider you don’t,’ Grettier corrected ‘You must relearn much of your flight style.
There’s the difference in weight, obviously, you will not be able to move around so freely.
Eventually, you and Arthur will learn to move as one, but for you now, you will need to go slow
and easy for him.’

Raazjhan didn’t like that at all.

'Don’t worry I’m a quick study.'

Three boys came into the cavern carrying what looked like an enormous saddle between them.
‘Ah thank you boys,’ Grettier patted the shoulder of one of them ‘attach it to Raazjhan if you
would.’ Raazjhan growled in protest.

‘Raazjhan needs a saddle?’ Arthur asked sceptically ‘I didn’t see any of the other riders using them
to fly?’

‘For now yes, all beginners require a saddle, so you don’t fall off and crack your royal skull,’
Grettier joked ‘We had to get one specially made. They’re normally shaped for adolescent
dragons, much smaller than Raazjhan .’

‘That isn’t humiliating at all,’ Arthur groaned.

‘Alright boys don’t dawdle,’ Grettier directed.

They ran around to either side of Raazjhan to attach the saddle. Raazjhan made a low noise in his
throat as a warning.

‘Relax my friend,’ Grettier soothed.

Once they had finished they hurried away and Raazjhan ...sort of dragon groaned.

I feel ridiculous. I’m glad Merlin isn’t here to see me like this.

Arthur flinched at that.

‘Alright, Arthur, go ahead and pull yourself up onto Raazjhan's back,’ Grettier directed.

Arthur had been looking forward to this most of his life, he didn’t need to be told twice. Arthur
could feel Raazjhan's excitement as well. Arthur grabbed one of the saddle’s holds and pulled
himself up, swung his leg around and fitted it in. Arthur took a moment. He looked around,
admiring what it was like, looking down from the back of a dragon. He reached out and ran his
hand over the red scales on Raazjhan's back. Then moved it up and touched one of the spikes
protruding from the back of his dragon's neck. Raazjhan turned to look at him.

You are magnificent. Arthur felt immense pride from his dragon.

Raazjhan shifted and a grin spread rapidly over Arthur’s face.

‘Alright, so how do we fly?’ Arthur asked.

‘Oh you’ll not be flying today,’ Grettier corrected.

‘What?’ Arthur asked devastated. ‘No today you will get the feel from being astride your brother.
Raazjhan will move as he does when he’s in flight, and I’ll instruct you how to move your body as
he does,’ Grettier explained.

Arthur groaned could this get any more embarrassing. Arthur’s shirt was damp with sweat, they
had been practising for many hours. Arthur had to move quickly to keep up with Raazjhan .
Grettier snapped at him when he didn’t.

‘You move that slowly in the air the wind will knock you right off, reflex quick movements, that’s
it.’ Grettier sighed. ‘You’re tiring, I’ll go get you some water. Keep practising while I’m gone,’
Grettier instructed.

Arthur watched him leave then moved back into a neutral position. Arthur was pushing as hard as
he could. The sooner he mastered the movements the sooner they could fly, what Arthur had been
dreaming of since he was eight. Arthur was so absorbed in his movements he didn’t notice Merlin
and Aithusa returning to the cave. Raazjhan did. Raazjhan shot up and panicked. Arthur felt
Raazjhan's mortification, at being his age in a saddle in front of his friend, his only friend. He
snapped his jaws at the strap around his front leg, the saddle and Arthur slipped from his back and
fell onto the hard stone ground.

To say Arthur was angry was like saying Gwaine liked his hair. Understatement of the ages.

‘You blundering overgrown gecko!’ Arthur cursed and limped upright ‘You may be made of stone-
hard scales but I’m bloody well not. What would have happened if you’d have dropped me on my
head? I’d have emptied my brains on the cavern floor and you’d be without a rider again you-.’

The magnificent white dragon and a young man, Arthur assumed was Merlin, were staring at him
with undecipherable looks.

‘You must be Arthur,’ Merlin failed at hiding his amusement.

‘You must be Raazjhan's friends Merlin and Aithusa, though why you would bother is beyond me,
he clearly has a mind as thick as his hide,’ Arthur cursed.

Arthur felt Raazjhan project shame and embarrassment. Aithusa made a sound in her throat Arthur
was beginning to recognise as a Dragon chuckle.

‘You’ll have to forgive Raazjhan, most dragons learn to be gentle with their riders growing up
around them. It’s a lesson Raazjhan will need to learn and learn quickly. You don’t want to hurt
Arthur do you?’

Never.

‘How was your lesson?’ Merlin asked. Now Merlin was up close Arthur could see how very
handsome he looked all pale skin and cheekbones and piercing blue eyes. His frame was slender
but there were clear muscles under the very alluring riding armour. Arthur felt Raazjhan raise
curiosity at this thought

Do you LIKE Merlin little Princeling? He is entirely out of your league.

Shut up!

'I ah, have been wanting to meet you and to thank you for being Raazjhan's friend.' Arthur held out
his hand.

'I like Raazjhan it wasn't out of any favour or sympathy if that's what you're implying?' Merlin
frowned and crossed his arms.

'No! What I meant to say is that it was hard. To be so far from him, it was really hard. I was there
for him but I wasn't THERE for him. Knowing you were here, that helped. So thank you.'

Merlin studied him closely then broke out in large warm smile and grasped Arthur's outstretched
hand. A very pleasant smell tickled Arthur's nose and he breathed it in deep.

'I'm glad that you are just as Raazjhan described. Raazjhan likes to brag about his knightly noble
Rider I thought he may be exaggerating,' Merlin teased.

I do not. Raazjhan bristled.

You do. Often. Aithusa projected mirth. Arthur felt Raazjhan exude embarrassment at being
teased by the female.

'I was happy to be here for the both of you and will remain so. Do you need help with your
training? Is the lesson over?' Merlin asked.

‘Well we hadn’t quite finished, but as Raazjhan has destroyed the saddle I’d say it’s over,’ Arthur
rubbed his shoulder and winced.

‘Are you alright?’ Merlin asked concerned.

Did I hurt you?

‘How many times have I told you? I am not a precious princeling,’ Arthur rolled his eyes.

Merlin laughed ‘Precious Princeling?’

‘Ah private joke,’ Arthur blushed.

Smooth.

Shut up you Gecko!

Arthur and Raazjhan sat on the stone floor awaiting their first rider/dragon lesson. All around them
children sat with their own young dragons starring at them with curious eyes. They looked just the
littlest bit ridiculous. A beautiful older blond woman and an enormous gold dragon walked into the
cavern and stood in front of the gathered mass of children...and Arthur and Raazjhan.

‘My name is Morgause and this is Fayma,’ Morgause looked directly at Arthur. The large gold
dragon lay out behind her.

Fayma is the mother of Aithusa and thereby making Morgause Merlin’s dragon mother,
Raazjhan explained.

‘I am to teach you of the flying bond and the way of life of a dragonlord,’ she told him ‘You are
already far behind Fayma’s nest in terms of knowledge.’

Arthur looked over at the children supposedly far ahead of him.

This is so not how I imagined things.

Quiet.

‘I’m sorry children but you will have to humour me as I go over the basics from the beginning of
our tutorials,’ Morgause apologised. Some children groaned but immediately shut up when Fayma
let out a deep growl not liking their attitudes.

'The flight bond is the most important component to Dragon Flight. It is where the minds of Rider
and Dragon merge, senses and emotions are shared. Both Rider and Dragon have wings, tail,
claws, hands and feet. This allows perfect synchrony in-flight.'

The stronger the bond the greater the synchrony, the faster the flight, the sharper the reflexes
Fayma explained.
'Is that why during the Mating Flight when the dragons have sex with each other out in the sky
their Rider's have sex with each other in the Mating Cavern?'

Arthur starred at this child in shock, should kids know this kind of stuff?

'That's correct. A Rider and their Dragon share a mental connection, Rider's cannot help but feel
the excitement and passion swelling up from their Dragon's during the Mating Flight and so they
sleep with the Rider counterpart of the mated dragon that has now become a part of the Mating
Ritual.' Morgause replied.

WHAT? Arthur shoved his thoughts privately in the Raazjhan's mind.

Yes, it's completely normal. Raazjhan replied.

So when Aithusa completes her Mating Flight next season and bangs the Dragon that catches
her, Merlin's going to fuck whoever is the Rider of that Dragon? Arthur felt flush.

Yes...this excites you?

Shut up no it doesn't.

You DO like Merlin.

Shut up no I don't!

'So if you have a really strong bond you're more likely to win the Mating Flight?' one of the boys
asked.

It certainly helps. Fayma acknowledged.

'Unless they're Life Mates,' one of the girls spoke up 'If they're Life Mated they only ever mate the
one Dragon.'

' What's a Life Mate? I thought Dragon's rarely mated with the same Dragon twice?' Arthur asked.

Life Mates are a fantasy. Fayma replied.

'In our entire history there have only been four instances of Life Mates' Morgause explained.

' It's really romantic,' the little girl expanded 'They only ever mate with the one dragon and the one
person because they both choose that over anyone else and then they magically have lots of Dragon
Female babies'

You are incorrect little one. The reason why each Life Mated pair bonded was that the
Rider's secondary genders were Alpha and Omega, their high fertility passed through the
bond to their dragons which produced large numbers of Dragon Females. This is also the
reason why there have only been four instances of Life Mates. Alpha and Omega genders are
exceedingly rare.

' But isn't Merlin an omega?' one of the other children asked.

'That is true little one but there hasn't been an alpha Dragonlord in these caverns for centuries.'
Morgause explained.
Arthur flinched.

That's not true. Raazjhan said.

Shut up! Arthur hissed.

All faces both dragon and human turned to the two of them.

Explain. Fayma commanded.

Raazjhan looked at Arthur confused by the human's embarrassment. Arthur buried his head in his
hands.

Arthur is an alpha.

Why do you lie young one? If he were an alpha every Dragon here would know it by smell.
Fayma frowned

' I'm on suppressors,' Arthur mumbled into his hands.

'Speak up Rider!' Morgause commanded.

' I'm on suppressors!' Arthur yelled taking his hands away from his face which was completely red
'It's....completely normal for royals if we, you know, present as an alpha or omega. Our marriages
tend to be political and ah well it also stops...you know. If I go into rut, it stops me from having ah
any illegitimate children.'

Do you swear this is true? Fayma asked.

It's true, I felt it through our bond when he presented. It was very...intense. Raazjhan swore.

'If this is true we must notify the council and stop your suppressors immediately,' Morgause
instructed.

' What why? It's not like Raazjhan and I stand a chance at a Mating Flight, we can't even FLY.'

To suppress an alpha or omega is a grave insult to yourself and to your people. It's
tantamount to castration. What father would do this to their child?! Fayma huffed outrage.

'We will dismiss class for the day, as of now Arthur's education is of the highest importance if
Raazhjan is to be ready by next season to fly for Aithusa.' Morgause directed.

'You're making a lot of assumptions here,' Arthur pointed out 'Even if we were to by some miracle
learn everything we needed to, to complete the Mating Flight, there's no guarantee we will win and
there's no guarantee that Merlin and I are....ah you know going to become Life Mates. Not just any
alpha will mate with any omega...or vice versa.'

'One step at a time young one, first you shall cease taking suppressors, then you will be trained.
Whatever is meant to happen will happen, whatever that may be,' Morgause stated.

Don't you want to Fly for Aithusa? Raazjhan asked If I catch Aithusa you could be the one to
fuck Merlin.

Images burned into Arthur's head of Merlin beneath him all naked and desperate.
Well fuck.
 Chapter 3

For two weeks Arthur was kept in isolation as he was weaned off the suppressants then it was two
days of lectures on how to control his alpha impulses. Which was just insulting really. The
dragonlords acted like he would jump Merlin as soon as he saw him. It’s clear they had no idea
what they were talking about. Arthur had seen several of the best experts on alpha and omega
instincts once he presented. The dragonlord ‘experts’, however, were outdated, to say the least.
Arthur wonders what poor Merlin must have been through when he presented with this woefully
outdated information.

Raazjhan was even grumpier than usual after being separated from Arthur again. Arthur made sure
to remind him often that it was his own fault for opening his own stupid gecko mouth.

When, finally, he was allowed outside he was itching to get back to flight training. It’d been so
long he’d forgotten most of his instructions but there were four teachers’ now constantly watching
and pointing out every single tiny error he made. That foot placement is wrong, you’re not in the
correct position, bla bla bla. Arthur knew they were trying to help but really it was just getting on
his nerves. Plus, there was all the staring. With everyone basically able to communicate thoughts
and feelings with dragon telepathy news of his secondary gender was everywhere. That was
enough to frustrate Arthur out of his mind (his no longer suppressed emotions certainly weren’t
helping). On top of all that no matter how hard he and Raazjhan tried he just could not get this
mind link thing to work. So far every time Arthur had been in the main flight chamber for training
Merlin hadn’t been there, probably by design from their instructors. For some reason though when
Arthur entered with his teacher’s Merlin was there with Aithusa preparing for a flight.

Merlin paused, raised his nose into the air and sniffed before whipping around to see Arthur
standing there with his teachers.

‘Oh dear, you must control yourself Arthur. Remember your control,’ Grettier said.

Merlin breathed in deep and his eyes went cloudy. He stalked over to Arthur, and pressed his
smaller frame right up against Arthur’s body, stuck his nose in Arthur’s neck and took deep
breaths.

Arthur froze, every single muscle and his body when completely rigid as he exerted every ounce of
control not to move. Merlin’s delicious smell flooded his senses and clouded his mind. He got hard
immediately feeling the omega’s body press against his.
He heard everything around him fall silent, and out of the corner of his eye he saw everyone in the
god damn hold watching their interaction, on edge about what would happen.

‘Merlin, you must back away from Arthur immediately,’ Grettier commanded.

Merlin growled like a dragon deep in his throat and pressed his nose into the scent, rubbing his
cheek against the skin at Arthur’s neck. Every instinct in Arthur was telling him to claim this
extremely compatible, delicious smelling and horny little omega rubbing against him like a cat in
heat.

MINE. The thought rang in Arthur’s head and he felt his own growl deep in his throat and Merlin
immediately keened back in response. Oh, this little omega wanted his alpha knot so bad. Arthur
slammed his eyes shut. Control. Control. Control Pendragon.

Merlin please stop, Raazjhan spoke You are causing Arthur a great deal of difficulty. His
control is not without limits.

Merlin jumped back and flushed all the way to the tips of his oversized ears. Which where were
completely adorable Arthur noted.

‘I’m sorry, fuck, I’m so, so sorry,’ Merlin took another two steps back.

‘I’m so mortified by my complete and utter lack of control or sense,’ Merlin rubbed the back of his
head ‘You just smelt so damn good I’d never…that was new to me.’

‘No problem,’ Arthur said and tried to discreetly adjust his leather’s so his raging hard-on wasn’t
obvious.

He mustn’t have succeeded though because Merlin’s eyes flicked down to the movement and
glazed over a little once more.

‘Oh fuck,’ Merlin groaned and bit his lip.

Aithusa flexed one of her wings to come between Merlin and Arthur completely blocking them off.

Come along brother before you can fool yourself any further. Apologies Arthur thank you
for showing a great deal more control than my fool of a Rider did. And thank you Raazjhan
for helping my brother see sense.

Arthur nodded.

‘Merlin I strongly recommend you seclude yourself and go over your training on omega
compulsion control,’ Grettier urged.

‘Right, change of plans I need to go to the bathroom, real quick, and I’ll be ah I’ll be back,’ Arthur
spoke and Merlin groaned.

I’m so fucked.

Yes, you are. Raazjhan’s mirth followed him out of the hall.

I’m surprised Merlin’s control was so poor, he’s usually exceedingly proficient at everything
he does…a little clumsy perhaps. Raazjhan thought to himself in their sleeping chamber.

‘I’m not surprised, the lessons they gave me were outdated and completely unhelpful, who knows
what drivel they passed on to him,’ Arthur reflected.

‘Hmm, actually I think I might be able to do something to help,’ Arthur reached into his bag and
pulled out a small handheld mirror ‘Morgana, can you hear me?’

It took a moment and then the face of his sister appeared in the looking glass.

‘Arthur, well it’s bout time. I believe I gave you that mirror so that you could give me REGULAR
updates about the goings-on there. Much of what happens amongst the Dragonlord’s is kept
amongst themselves.’

‘I’ve been busy okay. Things here are, really, really weird. Listen though I need a favour, can you
have the books Scholar Alice gave me on Omega’s sent up to me? But send it by hawk or
something it’s rather urgent,’ Arthur asked.

‘Why would I, you didn’t keep your promise to me at all,’ Morgana glared.

‘Morgana it’s not for me. There’s an omega here and the stuff they’re telling him it’s just so
outdated and wrong and I think he’s struggling. They haven’t had an omega emerge in like 200
years so the amount they don’t know is-,’

‘Oh alright, I get it I get it. I’ll send it by magic it’ll be faster. But first I want DETAILS brother
and don’t think I’m not above holding these books ransom until I get it,’ Morgana demanded.

Your sister is as frightening as a Dragon.

Oh, I’m well aware.

Arthur strode up to Merlin and Aithusa’s cavern door (all female dragon’s and their rider’s had
their own domicile). Arthur held up his hand to knock but realised if Merlin answered it things
could get…heated.

Aithusa? Arthur sent his thoughts out into the cave since he didn’t have Merlin’s skill of
communicating mind to mind with other rider’s.

Arthur, I can smell you at the door.

Can you tell Merlin I’m here but not to open the door?

‘Arthur?’ Merlin spoke through the door.

‘Ah hi, how are you?’ Arthur asked.

‘Better, thank you,’ Merlin replied ‘What are you doing here?’

‘I’ve brought you something. When I presented as an alpha my father gathered every expert in the
kingdom to help me. One of them demanded I understand omega’s too so I can properly care for
mine when the time came. I still have the tomes she gave me, I’ve had them sent up from Camelot
for you. If you’re interested?’ Arthur asked.

‘That’s very kind. I appreciate it thank you,’ Merlin spoke.

Arthur felt Aithusa push out her gratitude toward him.

‘I’ll leave them at the door for you, you can collect them when I leave,’ Arthur placed the books
on the floor.

‘Wait!’ Merlin called.

‘Yes?’ Arthur paused.

‘How- How is your training going?’ Merlin asked.

Arthur smiled and rested his back against the door, imagining Merlin doing the same.

‘Poorly,’ Arthur sighed ‘We just can’t seem to get a hang of this mind merging thing.’
Aithusa chuckled.

Typical Raazjhan breathing flame before he has learnt to hunt.

‘What does that mean?’ Arthur asked.

‘It’s a saying. She’s basically commenting on how you and Raazjhan can speak to each mind to
mind over vast distances,’ Merlin commented.

‘What about it?’

‘You realise that is incredibly hard to do?’ Merlin chuckled ‘There are some dragonlords our age
that have yet to achieve it.’

‘Really? I suppose I never thought of it. I remember it being harder at first, Raazjhan’s voice was
very faint but it got louder after a few weeks,’ Arthur murmured.

‘And now it comes as easy to you as breathing?’ Merlin asked.

‘Yeah, it just kind of happened,’ Arthur shrugged.

‘Don’t let anyone else hear you say that,’ Merlin laughed ‘You’ll cause a crisis of insecurity.’

‘I’m sure you and Aithusa have it mastered,’ Arthur spoke ‘You seem to be brilliant at everything
you do.’

Merlin groaned.

‘Please Arthur don’t compliment me. I’m still struggling with the knowledge that you know how to
care for your omega,’ Merlin growled.

Arthur smiled to himself.

‘My point is,’ Merlin said after gathering his composure ‘You were able to achieve distant
communication with Raazjhan on pure instinct. I’m sure you’ll both be able to figure it out.’

‘Thank you,’ Arthur stepped away from the door ‘I’ll leave now before we both push our luck. I’ve
already thought of four different ways to get around this locked door. Enjoy the books.’
Arthur tried to stifle his laugh as he heard Merlin groan once more behind the door.

The next time Arthur approached Merlins’ quarters there were guards outside. They stood to
attention when Arthur approached.

‘Since when does Merlin need guards?’ Arthur asked.

‘Since you were seen leaving his quarters last week,’ the guard frowned at him.

‘Nothing happened I just dropped off some books, we talked through the door,’ Arthur sighed.

‘Best not tempt fate,’ the other guard said.

‘Well Merlin asked me to drop by,’ Arthur said pointing to his head ‘Just now, is that going to be a
problem?’
‘Not if you stay on this side of the door,’ the guard said.

Arthur sighed and knocked on the door.

‘Merlin? It’s me,’ Arthur called.

‘Arthur!’ Merlin spoke clearly past the door ‘Thank you for coming.’

‘Any, anytime,’ Arthur said nervously as the guards starred him down. His horrible attempts at
impressing his crush had an audience, bloody brilliant.

‘How can I help?’ Arthur asked trying to tune the guards out.

‘I ah, I read the books thank you,’

‘Oh, that’s good. Were they helpful at all?’

‘I think so, one of them suggested something I’d like to try to…to calm my inner omega,’ Merlin
spoke ‘Would you mind if you could give me a piece of your clothing?’

Arthur flushed bright red as one of the guards desperately tried to stifle a giggle.

‘Clothing?’ Arthur asked.

‘Yeah, your scent it’s…kinda irresistible. Having some of your clothing might help soothe my
omega whilst also getting me used to it,’ Merlin suggested.

A wide range of dirty images flashed in Arthur’s mind. Merlin clutching Arthur’s shirt all flushed
and horny, breathing in his scent, Merlin lying in bed wearing nothing but one of his shirts, Merlin
lying in bed DOING THINGS whilst wearing only Arthur’s shirt.

‘Oh god,’ Arthur’s voice cracked, and he got hard yet again.

‘Oh, oh your scent it just changed, I can smell it even through the door. Oh, I like that even better,
it smells soo good,’ Merlin groaned.

One of the guards cleared their throat not liking where this is going.

‘Ah yeah, sure I can get you a shirt-I mean a piece of clothing of some kind no problem. Hang on
I’ll just take my undershirt off,’ Arthur said and started to remove his riding leathers.

‘You’re going to give me the one you’re wearing now?!!’ Merlin’s voice cracked.

‘Geez kid, you don’t take anything slow do you,’ the guard murmured.

‘Is that okay?’ Arthur asked doubtfully ‘I can get a clean one if you want?’

‘No! No that’s fine, that’s good, great, I mean it will do,’ Merlin replied.

Arthur shrugged off his shirt.

‘Are you sure, I’ve been wearing it to riding practice and I’ve been sweating pretty hard-‘

Arthur stop. You’re going to give Merlin a heart attack from pure excitement. Just give him
the dirty pheromone shirt.
‘Aithusa!’ Merlin cursed

‘I’ve left it at the door. I'll talk you later Merlin.’ Arthur blushed and walked off trying to ignore
the laughter of the guards and the sound of the door opening and closing.

This is useless Raazjhan roared.

‘I’ll admit in this moment it does seem impossible,’ Arthur sighed.

They were once again one of the main flight launch caverns, filled with riders coming and going
and there they were doing NEITHER.

‘Ugh, this is so frustrating! Merlin said what you and I did talking long-distance is way harder than
this, then why are we finding it so hard?!’ Arthur groaned.

What exactly did Merlin say?

‘That we learnt how to communicate over long distances on instinct,’ Arthur recalled.

We were separated. We had little choice.

‘You think we learnt to do it on instinct because we were forced to? We had no other option?’
Arthur asked.

It is likely the case.

‘I just had a very bad idea,’ Arthur said and looked up at the open sky outside the cavern.

I agree it is a very bad idea. Let’s do it.

Discreetly Arthur removed the saddle from Raazjhan. Raazjhan casually strode toward the front of
the cavern as though he were going for a solo flight. Arthur whistled to himself as he watched his
dragon get closer and closer to the edge. Raazjhan spread his wings and roared, Now!

Arthur ran and jumped on the back of his dragon, struggling to find his natural position and get
seated and stable in time as Raazjhan began lifting off the ground.

‘ARTHUR RAAZJHAN WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?’

‘THEY’LL BOTH DIE’

Raazjhan tore out of the cavern and Arthur’s stomach dropped as they launched into the sky.

‘Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck,’ Arthur yelled as he slipped and slid on Raazjhan’s scales trying
desperately to hold on.

Why are you moving so much, stay on!

‘I’m freaking trying! AAAHH!’

Panic and terror gripped them both as they felt Arthur slip and lift off of his dragon. Desperately
clawing at scales.

‘SHIIIIIITTT!’ Arthur yelled as he was lifted up and away from his dragon by an air current. Wind
roaring in his ears Arthur flailed wildly.

Raazjhan flew up and hit into Arthur much too hard in his desperation to help him. Arthur slid back
toward Raazjhan’s tail.

Crawl back up!

‘Why didn't I think of that?!’ Arthur cursed sarcastically.

Arthur slowly, using what must be every muscle in his body, crawled his way up Raazjhan against
the wind.

Watch out! Raazjhan yelled

A ravine lurked ahead and they were going much too fast to be able to slow down enough in time
to stop or even fly upward. There was a split in the ravine, Raazjhan flew on his side, left-wing
pointed toward the sky so he could fit through the split.

Arthur felt himself slip, he lost his grip and footing. This was it; he was going to die and Raazjhan
could not maneuver in this small space to save him. Raazjhan panickily reached out toward
Arthur’s mind roaring in terror. Arthur madly reached back with both body and mind. Suddenly
everything slipped into place. Grip, footing, balance and mind.

Arthur looked through Raazjhan’s eyes and see the furthest horizon he could ever have to
comprehend, he could hear the fox that was half a mile below them, he could feel the power of his
wings as they thrust through the air and caught the current.

We are one, both said.

They soared out of the ravine, looped around and flew back toward the caves. Several dragons flew
out toward them at speed.

Arthur, Raazjhan hold one we’ll save-

They tore past them at great speed. The mind combination that was now Raazur was elated. Joy,
and adrenaline coursed through them as they flew faster and faster, they dived toward the earth,
opened their wings wide and caught the wind to speed across the ground, toes almost touching the
Earth. They twirled through the air, even upside down Arthur’s human form moved effortlessly
instinctually moving with his dragon in perfect synchrony. They were FAST. They were STRONG.
They were going to FUCK the living daylights out of Merlin and Aithusa.
 Chapter 4

‘I hear you’re grounded,’ Merlin spoke through the door.

Arthur kicked at the ground pouting.

‘It’s so stupid, they’ve been trying to get us to fly for weeks! We finally do it and now we’re
forbidden from leaving the caves.’

‘I think it was the blatant breaking of rules and the reckless life-endangerment that you’re being
punished for not the flying part,’ Merlin laughed.

Aithusa projected her laughter into his head.

‘Oh, don’t act all high and mighty Aithusa, you’re impressed with Raazjhan admit it,’ Merlin
remarked.

I am not. Raazjhan is certainly consistent in his blatant disregard for Dragonlord rules.

‘Oh, do you like bad boys Aithusa?’ Merlin smirked.

Aithusa scoffed Do not project your inappropriate crushes onto me. I am above petty
emotions.

‘So, any feelings through our bond, those are clearly mine?’

Precisely.

Arthur laughed ‘I’m glad it’s not just Raazjhan and I that bicker like that.’

‘Well, I wanted to congratulate you,’ Merlin placed his hand on the door ‘We both knew you could
do it.’

‘Thank you, we actually got the idea from you, you know. Your insights as to our bond instincts,’
Arthur smiled.

‘Please don’t tell anyone that’ Merlin pleaded.

‘No promises,’

‘So what training are they putting you through now?’ Merlin asked.

‘I think they’ve given up teaching me magic, I’m about as magically gifted as a wardrobe,’ Arthur
sighed ‘that talent went all to my sister Morgana. I hear it’s your specialty?’

‘Ah, I mean yes I do like magic quite a bit,’ Merlin replied.

‘Modesty doesn’t suit you Merlin,’ Arthur grinned ‘Raazjhan says you’re brilliant at it.’

I’m surprised Raazjhan can compliment someone other than himself.

‘He doesn’t like the people he cares about to know he cares or thinks highly of them,’ Arthur
admitted ‘But he did let it slip that he thinks Aithusa is the most graceful and agile flyer of the
entire Weyr. He made me watch you and Merlin to try and learn something.’
Did he indeed? Well of course I am but it is gratifying to know that Raazhjan acknowledges
my superiority over him.

Merlin snorted ‘Oh dear it looks like I’m projecting feelings again.’

Silence Merlin.

‘So, no magic then?’ Merlin asked.

‘No, they said it was non-essential for a dragonlord, especially since I’m proficient in hand-to-hand
combat anyway,’ Arthur recounted.

‘You are? How proficient?’

‘Well, they asked me to demonstrate to the children of age to begin learning,’ Arthur explained
‘And Valiant keeps challenging me duels and losing. Badly.’

‘I’d really like to see that,’ Merlin sighed.

Arthur smiled to himself, and the guards sniggered.

‘Must you two ruin everything,’ Arthur whispered.

‘This is the best guarding gig I have ever had,’ Guard A said.

‘We’re rooting for you buddy,’ Guard B whispered and gave a thumbs up.

‘So not magic, no combat training,’ Merlin ticked off.

‘Yeah, I think the plan is to teach me the more boring stuff like protocols, rituals, rules-,’

‘All the things you keep violating?’ Merlin laughed.

‘Yeah, I’ve probably brought this on myself, to be honest. And apart from that Raazjhan and I will
spend every other opportunity flying…once we’re no longer grounded,’ Arthur explained.

‘Flying can get rather addicting after the first time,’ Merlin acknowledged.

‘Yes well, that and we also have a pretty strong motivation to get as fast and agile as we possibly
can in a very short amount of time.’

Suddenly the guards slumped down to the floor in a heap and the door in front of him burst open.

‘Don’t worry it’s just a harmless sleep spell,’ Merlin promised, grabbed Arthur by the shirt and
pulled him into the cavern.

Merlin has negotiated ten minutes of your presence in this room. No inappropriate fondling.
Aithusa warned him.

‘Right okay,’ Arthur said breathless.

Merlin pushed Arthur up against the door and buried his head in his neck breathing in the strong
alpha musk.

‘I just need to, scent you a little bit,’ Merlin moaned and rubbed his cheek against Arthur’s neck.
‘Marking your territory?’ Arthur teased.

Merlin growled and pressed their bodies close together. Arthur growled back and clutched his
hands in the back of Merlins’ shirt. He turned his head into Merlin’s neck and breathed in that
strong wafting spot of omega pheromones.

MINE. Arthur began to scent mark Merlin in return.

‘Every single dragon in the Weyr is gonna smell you on me. Know I broke even more rules,’
Arthur groaned as he felt Merlin’s hips make tiny movements against his.

‘Don’t care,’ Merlin growled ‘Just need this, just ten minutes of this.’

Arthur felt Merlin thrust his hips and his cock rubbed against Merlin’s through their trousers.
Growls erupted from their throats. Merlin did it again and again. Pleasure rocked through their
bodies as they desperately rubbed their cocks together through their clothes. The air became thick
with pheromones and suddenly an amazing fruity smell hit the air and Merlin keened.

‘Is-is that?’ Fuck that was slick. Merlin was leaking slick for him. His omega wanted his cock so
bad he was leaking slick in his trousers.

Arthur felt the overwhelming need to bite down on the skin beneath his jaw right in that mating
spot. Arthur jerked his head away in fear. Merlin looked at him in alarm. Looking into those
glazed eyes was a mistake.
Arthur dove forward and Merlin met him enthusiastically. They kissed hungrily. Tongue’s
thrusting together in desperation. Gods he tasted good too. He was so close to coming in his
trousers just from a bit of scenting, kissing and dry humping.

That’s enough. Ten minutes have passed.

They both ignored her and kept moving their bodies against each other. Pleasure humming through
them, they were so so close.

Enough!

Aithusa’s claw wrapped around Merlin and yanked him away.

Time to cool down small one.

Arthur banged his head against the door and tried to gather some semblance of composure enough
to leave.

‘Arthur? Before you go, could I ask another favour?’ Merlin asked ‘Can you leave your shirt? The
scent has faded from the one you left me last time and…and your scent is so much better when
you…when you’re…excited.’

‘Ahuh,’ Arthur said in a complete daze.

Arthur shrugged off his shirt and opened the door.

‘Goodbye then.’

Goodbye Arthur.

Arthur tried to stroll down the hallway with as much dignity as possible reeking of desperate
omega pheromones and sporting a massive hard-on.

Arthur lost his door speaking privileges. It had been a month since Raazjhan and he first flew.
They were getting fast. Very fast. The separation from Merlin was almost painful at this point.

Raazjhan was hunting when he spotted a white dragon sunbathing next to a fresh kill. Raazjhan
swooped down and landed next to her. She opened one eye at him and then closed it.

No princeling today?

He’s occupied moping about the place his thoughts full of Merlin.

Aithusa scoffed.

Merlin is likewise pouting and terrible company at the moment. I’ve started to enjoy these
hunts alone.

Their attachment to one another is illogical. They’ve not yet mated.

Agreed. Though Arthur’s infatuation is understandable, Merlin is exceptional.

Arthur is likewise.

Aithusa scoffed.

He is an undefeated warrior and a future king Raazjhan bristled we learnt to thought speak
when I was a hatchling!

Merlin is the greatest sorcerer in the realms and probably the wisest.

The two dragons growled at each other. Raazjhan lifted his wings to fly away in a huff but paused
and folded them again.

I do…agree that Arthur chose well.

Aithusa raised her head and cocked her head at him.

When Arthur was in Camelot I always thought Merlin was…the best dragonlord in the
Weyr.

Yes he is. Aithusa said smugly Hmmm. Fine I will also agree that Arthur is also very
impressive. I admire his fearlessness.

You’re referring to our first flight?

Indeed.

Do you also…admire that quality in me?

Aithusa looked him up and down.

You Raazjhan are brusque, grumpy, reckless and idiotic. You never do things the correct
way in the correct order, you have no respect for our ways or our leaders. But…yes you are
also fearless.

Raazjhan preened Arthur did say you liked “bad boys”.

Aithusa flared fire through her nostrils at him in anger as he flew off laughing.

Arthur had received a request from Merlin for yet another shirt. He had waited until Raazjhan had
left for his hunt and the cavern he shared with Raazjhan’s brood mates to empty before he barred
the door with a piece of furniture. The separation from Merlin was harsh and the words Merlin had
spoken last time they were together rattled around in his head “your scent is so much better when
you…when you’re…excited”. Arthur wondered how Merlin were to react if he were to give him a
shirt he had just….he had just.

Arthur stripped off all his clothing except for his shirt. He lay down on his bed and wrapped his
hand around his cock. He teasingly lightly grasped it and slid his hand up and down allowing
himself to harden. He licked his palm and grasped more firmly smoothing his thumb along the
ridge before starting to pump his cock in his hand. He imagined Merlin wearing this shirt, covered
in the smell of Arthur’s arousal, Arthur’s cum, madly thrusting his fingers inside of his slick hole.
Crying out and begging for Arthur to shove his cock deep inside of him. To force his knot inside
his hole and fill him up with his seed. Arthur’s body began to jerk and his pleasure mounted higher
and higher. The thought of Merlin cuming on his fingers breathing in the smell of Arthur’s spunk
had Arthur shooting ropes upon ropes of cum all over his damp sweaty shirt.

Arthur heard giant wing beats down the dragon entrance to the room. He quickly shoved on some
fresh pants and stashed the soiled shirt in a bag. He threw on a clean shirt and practically ran from
the room.

Aithusa Arthur cast his mind out for the female.

What! the white dragon snapped.

Ah, sorry to disturb you. Would you mind telling Merlin I’m on the way with his shirt if he
could take care of the guards for me?

I’m not there to supervise I disapprove.

I promise all I will do is give him his shirt.

I will know if you break your word Princeling.

I swear.

Fine, he will be ready for you.

Arthur snuck his way to Merlin’s domicile and smiled down at the sleeping guards.

‘Merlin, it’s me,’ Arthur whispered.

Merlin threw aside the door and smiled brightly at him.

‘Arthur!’ Merlin stepped forward and Arthur took a step back ‘Sorry I made Aithusa a promise and
I don’t want to break her trust I don’t think it’s easily earned.’

Merlin nodded ‘No you’re right, good call.’

Arthur blushed ‘So I got you a shirt.’

‘Thank you,’ Merlin beamed ‘Here are the old ones, I figured you might be running out.’

Merlin held out his arms for the new shirt and Arthur hesitated.

‘What’s wrong?’ Merlin asked.

‘Oh god please don’t think I’m a pervert,’ Arthur doubted himself.

‘What?’ Merlin asked confused.

‘Here,’ Arthur handed over the bag resigned to his fate.

Merlin opened the bag and the smell hit him like a punch in the face.

‘Oh gods,’ Merlin’s eyes glazed his mouth fell open and he felt slick immediately seep into his
pants as the smell of Arthur’s cum registered to his system.

‘You…you, touched yourself while you wore this…this is covered in your-’ Merlin blabbered.

‘Yeah I did,’ Arthur admitted ‘I thought about you wearing it, getting all slick and thrusting your
fingers inside yourself.’

Merlin growled primally and swayed forward.

Arthur swayed forward and immediately yanked himself back. CONTROL PENDRAGON.

‘So I’ve delivered the shirt and now I’m going to leave so Aithusa doesn’t rip my head off,’ Arthur
coughed.

‘Arthur, every shirt, I want it to be like this from now on,’ Merlin looked up at him with blazing
eyes.

‘Sure, ah no problem,’ Arthur swore.

Arthur strode off down the hallway. Just as Merlin called out.

‘By the way, that is precisely what I am going to do with this shirt!’

Another day of walking away from Merlin's rooms with a massive fucking hard-on. Must be a day
that ends in Y.
 Chapter 5

It was Arthur’s first time experiencing a funeral and mourning of a dragon and its rider. A dragon
cannot live without its rider and vice versa. As a result, rider’s lived unnaturally long lives,
extended to match that of the dragon. But eventually even a dragon’s life, however long, reaches its
natural end.

Kilgarrah was a very, very old dragon. He and his rider Gaius had passed away in the night, the old
rider sleeping against the stomach of his best friend and brother. Arthur had never seen mourning
like it. Every dragon’s life was precious, the loss of a dragon and rider was a devastating affair.

There was a grand ceremonial ritual to bid farewell to the pair of them. Arthur stayed in the back,
he was still unfamiliar with how to act or behave in these instances and didn’t want to be
insensitive. To his surprise Merlin was permitted to take part in the ceremony, in fact, he seemed to
have a central role in the procession. He was so far away from Merlin it took him a minute or two
for the scent and emotions coming off of Merlin to reach him.

Despair. Overwhelming grief and despair were rolling off of Merlin in waves. Arthur could see
now the boy was barely holding it together. He was crying and shaking where he stood. Arthur
moved forward out of instinct.

Don’t. You must not interrupt the ceremony. Raazjhan spoke into his head projecting his only
feelings of grief.

He’s falling apart! Arthur turned back toward his dragon

You mustn't. Merlin has a very important role to play, interrupting would be a great
dishonour to him, yourself but more importantly to Kilgarrah and Gaius.

Arthur’s hands curled into fists as he resisted every urge in his body to run over there, pull Merlin
into his arms and shower him with feelings of warmth, comfort and safety.

Raazjhan is right Arthur, Aithusa spoke from her position in the cave, reptilian eyes focused on
them This is one rule you and Raazjhan must not break.

Aithusa’s presence in his mind had become familiar, he could feel the depth of her own grief and
immediately felt guilty for interrupting the ceremony with his own compulsive feelings. Arthur
projected his feelings of regret and comfort toward her.

She gave him a look of surprise, then nodded.

They were close weren’t they? Arthur asked Raazjhan.

The giant red dragon nodded.

Kilgarrah was Great Sire to Aithusa, making Gaius Merlin’s Dragon Grandfather. Gaius
was a great mentor to Merlin, he taught him magic as well as many other important lessons.
Kilgarrah, though closer with Aithusa, also took an interest in Merlin and was a source of
guidance at times of distress. Their loss, though not surprising given their great age, is still a
keen blow to them both.

At the end of the ceremony, the bodies were set aflame with Dragon Fire and Merlin used his
magic to send their glittering golden life force up to the sky where they became two stars shining
down upon the Weyr.

It was a beautiful sight, but Arthur could not help but stare at Merlin’s back as it shook and
trembled.

The funeral leading procession had duties to attend for the rest of the day. Arthur couldn’t focus on
a damn thing; he gave up his studies altogether and tried to distract himself with catching up with
what his knights had been up to.

When night fell Arthur lay in his bedroll starring up the cavern stalactites. He lay there sleepless
and restless for several hours before he threw aside his covers.

Arthur’s not proud of the way he incapacitated Merlin’s guards, but he’d be lying if he said he
didn’t enjoy it just the tiniest bit.

Arthur knocked on the door.

‘G-go away!’ Merlin’s voice broke ‘I wish to be left a-l-lone.’

‘Merlin it’s Arthur, I-,’

The door flung open and a very teary faced Merlin. His eyes were bloodshot, his cheeks were puffy
and his jaw was chattering.

Arthur this is not the time for your blundering courtship attempts! Aithusa said outraged.

Arthur walked inside and shut the door behind him.

‘I’m not here for that,’ Arthur promised ‘You’re both in pain. I can’t be on the other side of the
Weyr pretending I can’t feel it.’

‘Arthur,’ Merlin whimpered and grasped Arthur’s sleeve like a small child would.

‘Come with me,’ Arthur lead Merlin over to Aithusa, he settled Merlin’s back against her warm
hide.

Distressed omega’s ran cold, very cold. Merlin's entire body was shaking despite wearing what
looked like 4-5 layers of clothing. He walked over to Merlins’ bedroll. He gathered the pillows, the
blankets and dragged them over to Aithusa and tried to make the very best nest he could. Nesting
was an omega’s skill but he was gonna bloody well try.

He moved Merlin over to the nest and seated him down, he searched about the room gathering
blankets, towels, throws, cushions and soft fabrics and tossed them on the nest.

‘Your shirt!’ Merlin cried as he started rearranging Arthur’s desperate nest on pure instinct.

Arthur nodded it wasn't hard to find by scent. He found his dirty shirt under Merlin's bed and
brought it over, holding it out to Merlin. Merlin grabbed it and pulled it to his chest like a comfort
object. Arthur’s heart clenched before he quickly went about resuming his task.

Using his keen alpha senses, he found Merlin's stash of teas. He went over to the hearth in the
corner of the room, relieved to find hot water already boiling. He threw more logs on the fire and
put together a hot tea scalding his hand in the process.
Arthur handed the cup to Merlin who began sculling down the scalding liquid quickly. Arthur sat
down next to Merlin, pulled the omega onto his lap and then covered them in what had to be six
layers of blankets. Merlin shifted into place and wrapped his limbs around Arthur. Alpha's ran hot
if felt so comforting and cozy. Finally, Arthur wrapped his arms around the smaller omega and on
pure instinct released his alpha pheromones into the air. Merlin’s eyes teared up and he let out a
sob as Arthur’s scent hit him, he smelled like safety, home and adoration.

Merlin nestled his head into Arthur's shoulder shivering and began to openly weep. Tears, snot and
drool seeping into Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur rubbed the omega’s back.

‘You lost someone you love, someone who knew you inside and out, understood you and loved
you. You’ll never see them again and it hurts, it really, really hurts. It’s the worst thing in the
world,’ Arthur acknowledged Merlin nodded into his shoulder and sobbed loudly ‘I’m going to
stay with you as long as you need. I’m not going to leave you I promise. I’m yours, Merlin. You
have to know that I'm yours?’

Merlin nodded and clutched onto Arthur tightly.

Arthur could feel the distress but gratitude radiating from Aithusa. Arthur reached up with the
hand that wasn’t wrapped around the omega to run his hand over Aithusa’s scales on her belly.

Thank you, brother Arthur.

Arthur felt Aithusa’s sense of loneliness hit him like a truck. Arthur didn’t think she did it
intentionally. Despite the polyamorous nature of dragons, Arthur could tell she was despairing at
not having a mate who would give her everything she needed intuitively without asking and
without thought to themselves.

Arthur exuded feelings of comfort with both scent and mind toward this pair that become so
integral to his life.

Merlin's shivering began to subside, he could feel his body warming up from Arthur's radiating
heat. Merlin wept at the loss of the man that was like his father, in Arthur's arms surrounded by
Arthur's scent, he felt safe to let his guard down and let himself feel that grief. That even though he
was shattered and devastated, he was not alone. Merlin buried his nose in Arthur's scent gland in
his neck and took a deep breath. ALPHA. RIGHT. SAFE. MATE. LOVE. Merlin didn't think
Arthur meant or knew he was releasing that scent and Merlin's eyes widened in surprise before he
clutched harder and breathed in deeper and faster to smell more of that delicious scent and curl
himself up in it to release his despair knowing that no matter what Arthur loved him and he would
be okay.

When Merlin awoke he found himself lying on his side head nestled under Arthur’s feeling warm,
protected and safe. He was bone-tired from crying so much but also oddly at peace. Aithusa raised
her head and looked down at him.

How are you feeling?

Merlin sent out his feelings of peace and contentment toward his dragon.

Good. Aithusa said and shifted her gaze to the alpha who had Merlin pressed to his chest even in
sleep.
You have chosen a fine mate.

I know. Merlin smiled to himself and tightened his grip on Arthur's shirt.

I have decided you no longer require my supervision.

That’s unlike you Aithusa, what about the rules? You like rules.

This is more important, she said.

Sounds like you’re giving Arthur your approval.

I am.

Aithusa stood up and walked toward the cave entrance. I shall leave you two alone and look
upon my Great Sire’s star. Good night, Merlin.

Good night my sister.

The noise and vibration from Aithusa leaving stirred Arthur.

‘Is everything okay?’ Arthur frowned.

Merlin nodded and buried his face in Arthur’s neck again.

‘Yes, everything is perfect,’ Merlin spoke but then stiffened.

‘What is it?’

‘I really like you, Arthur, so so much,’ Merlin confessed.

‘I really like you too,’ Arthur frowned confused about why this was a problem.

‘Our feelings...what you feel for me. Is that real? Or is that because we’re omega and alpha?’
Merlin asked 'Because...I really want it to be real.'

‘I swear to the gods, I’m bringing some proper experts up here to deal with the complete and utter
bullshit the Weyr believe about secondary genders,’ Arthur muttered under his breath.

‘No, this is not only because we’re omega and alpha,’ Arthur sighed and ran his fingers through
Merlin’s hair ‘When I presented, I had to go through my first heat before I could go on suppressors
otherwise it would stunt me. Omega’s may be rare here but they’re not where I’m from…well I
mean not as rare. I was around quite a few at a time when my alpha instincts were most high and I
never had the same reaction to any of them that I have to you.’

‘Really? What does that mean?’ Merlin asked.

‘It means we’re highly compatible,’ Arthur smiled ‘Our scents help us pick a partner that we are
more likely to...develop strong feelings for.'

'So it's not causing our feelings?' Merlin frowned confused.

'Exactly... in fact,' a blush spread across Arthur's cheeks 'I already sorta kinda liked you, before all
this.’
‘Arthur, you met me once before all this, don't tell me it was love at first sight?’ Merlin teased.

‘No, I mean...I sorta had a thing for you before I even arrived,’ Arthur confessed.

‘Me? How?’ Merlin asked, ‘What could you have known about me in Camelot?’

‘Raazjhan’s been talking about you for YEARS. I admit when he first mentioned you I didn’t like
you. I was a bit jealous I think but in my defence the way he described you made you seem like
you were an ass.’

‘I’m sure,’ Merlin rolled his eyes.

‘But, the more stories he would tell me of your little adventures the more I got the real impression
of you and the more I liked you. I had this image in my head of the brave, powerful, kind-hearted
but secretly devilish Merlin. I would constantly bug Raazjhan to tell me about you and what you
were doing. I managed to throw off his suspicion of my interest as boredom in whatever I was
doing. So yeah, I already sort of liked you, even when I had no idea what you looked like. Then I
came here, and I saw you, met you and… Raazjhan knew straight away how bad I was crushing on
you after that. Infernal gecko teased me about it a lot,’ Arthur sighed ‘And that was before I even
knew you were an omega.’

Merlin looked at Arthur in wonder ‘Seriously?’

‘Yeah,’ Arthur winced ‘pretty pathetic huh?'

‘No,’ Merlin smiled beautifully ‘That makes me really happy. Thank you for telling me.’

Arthur smiled sheepishly.

‘Are you satisfied now that what’s between us isn’t just biology?’ Arthur asked 'I mean think about
the reasons you like me, they can't just be because I smell really good.'

'You don't just smell really good Arthur you smell amazing! Honestly, you have no idea what your
scent does to me it's the best thing ever, better than magic...almost,' Merlin maoned.

'So it is the only thing you like?' Arthur asked slightly panicked.

'No! No sorry you're right. You're right. When I think about how much I like you, it's because, you
know beyond the obvious physical things, I find you really...endearing,' Merlin smiled softly.

'Endearing? Really? Not really rugged, mysterious, brave, true and masculine?' Arthur asked.

'You're just so...thoughtful, you're always looking out for me, sneaking away to see me, taking care
of my needs, breaking the rules for me. The way you keep sneaking by to sit at my door is really
endearing, like a puppy,' Merlin smiled hands coming up to hide the blush beginning to stain his
cheeks.

'Like a puppy??' Arthur looked down at Merlin horrified then fell back onto his back 'I'm like a
puppy....not a chivalrous knight or a super noble Future King...a puppy.'

'You can be those other things to other people, but to me you're sweet and caring and attentive,'
Merlin beamed.

'Like a god damn puppy,' Arthur sighed then abruptly turned to Merlin 'You can never EVER tell
Raazjhan about this.'
Merlin laughed and Arthur's heart clenched and seeing the smile back on his face.

‘So...you’ve never reacted to any other omega as you have to me?’ Merlin asked, ‘how did they
make you feel?’

‘Well…it depends on the omega. The one I had the most chemistry with was probably my sister’s
handmaiden Gwen. And whilst she smelt pleasant and I thought she was very pretty-,'

A tiny growl slipped out of Merlin's throat and Arthur raised an eyebrow at him.

'She didn’t make me feel the way you do. Not even close,’ Arthur finished.

'So you never did anything with this Gwen?'

'Nope wasn't really that interested. I was more hung up on this guy hundreds of miles away,' Arthur
replied 'Besides I'm pretty sure my sister plans on weaning off her suppressants and mating her the
next time Father goes on an envoy since I won't be around either there won't be anyone to keep a
close eye on her to stop it. Not that I would have stopped them if that is what they both really
want.'

'Rule-breaking runs in the family then?' Merlin smirked.

'In this generation it seems,' Arthur smirked 'Not very puppylike is it?'

'Sorry, puppies break rules all the time. It's why they need so much training,' Merlin laughed.

'Gods damnit.'

'You said the way Gwen made you feel and how I make you feel are different?' Merlin’s cheeks
went bright red ‘How...do I make you feel?’

‘Right now? Veerry uncomfortable,' Arthur coughed 'Me leaving this room in such a state seems to
be a regular occurrence.'

'Oh?' Merlin smirked and nudged his hip against Arthur's erection. Arthur's hands grasped Merlin's
hips and pushed them away.

'Gods why do you enjoy riling me up so,' Arthur cursed and rested his forehead on Merlins.

'I can help you with that now,' Merlin teased.

'I'd rather leave with an awkward boner than have Aithusa rip it off thank you, Merlin.'

'Aithusa gave you her approval. She said she won't rat us out anymore,' Arthur studied Merlin
carefully 'Is this a trick?'

Merlin leant forward and began laying kisses all over Arthur's neck.

'Nope.' kiss 'That's why.' kiss 'She left the cave' long slow lick across Arthur's mating gland.

Arthur growled and released his grip on Merlin's hips to bury his hands in that mop of dark hair and
pull that tantalising, dirty mouth toward his. The kiss turned dirty quickly, Merlin slotted their
bodies together and rubbed against him like a dirty little omega in heat.

'Oh god, you feel so good. And SMELL so good,' Merlin groaned 'Ah, make a mess of me, my
alpha.'
A dragon growl erupted from Arthur's throat. He grabbed ahold of the waistband of Merlin's pants
and yanked them down to his thighs then did the same for himself. Merlin cried out at the feeling
of skin on skin. Of his bare cock rubbing against Arthurs and oh god Arthur was BIG. Heated
breaths and pants filled the room as the two boys desperately frotted against one another.

Merlin keened 'Oh you're fucking huge oh that is going to feel so good inside of me.'

Arthur leaked precum all over Merlins' cock.

'Mother fuck,' Arthur cursed 'you're going to fucking kill me.'

That beautiful amazing scent of Merlin's slick hit Arthur's nose and he cursed. Arthur reached
behind his lover with shaking hands and pull his ass cheeks apart. Merlin cried out and a strong
waft of scent punched the air and Arthur's senses. Arthur felt his eyes shift to alpha red and Merlin
shivered to see that primal side take over. Arthur's hand reached down and let a finger graze the
soaking wet little bud.

Merlin sobbed with pleasure and buried his head in Arthur's chest his own eyes flaring omega gold.

Arthur brought the slick soaked finger to his mouth and wrapped his tongue around them, his eyes
rolled back into his head Fucking divine!.

Arthur reached down again and began to rub that little hole in tiny circles as he continued to thrust
his cock against Merlin's leaking member. Merlin's breaths were rapid and shallow, he was so
turned on the poor boy was out of his mind on lust, alpha scent and mind boiling pleasure. Merlin
keened.

'I know, I know, I have you my omega,' Arthur whispered and pressed a digit inside of the hole.

Merlin cried out, the sound echoing off the cave walls. Immediately Merlin began to fuck his hips
back onto Arthur's finger. Arthur pressed a second in and a third with no difficulty at all Merlin
was so sopping wet. Merlin was shaking and desperate leaking precum, slick and drool. Arthur
hooked his fingers and pressed HARD against the spot that was deep inside of Merlin. Merlin
roared and spurted cum all over Arthur's cock and stomach.

Arthur brought his fingers to his mouth and sucked on all dripping fingers as he wrapped the other
hand around his cock and came all over Merlin after three strokes. Arthur continued to lick the
slick from his fingers until there was no trace of it left.

Merlin's eyes slowly blinked open still reeling from his orgasm. Arthur looked down at the
completely wrecked naked omega covered in both their fluids and panting with a satisfied flush
across his cheeks.

'How could any other omega compare to you,' Arthur sighed 'You've ruined me for anyone else.'

Merlin smiled sweetly and pulled Arthur down for a kiss.

Raazjhan flew the empty skies as the horizon broke. Few dragons flew this time of day and he
enjoyed it, it felt like he owned the skies.

He spotted a white dragon sleeping on an outcrop near the Weyr and curious he flew down toward
her.
What are you doing sleeping out here?

Aithusa growled frustrated with the disturbance of her sleep.

Allowing Merlin and Arthur some privacy.

Raazjhan reached through the bond and briefly felt what Arthur was up to before cutting it off
sharply.

Ah. Still I’m surprised I thought you disapproved of them breaking the Weyr’s rules
regarding their closeness?

I changed my mind.

Raazjhan projected his feelings of approval toward her.

I care little for your approval Aithusa snorted.

You have it regardless, however, sleeping out here is dangerous it leaves you exposed. You
should seek an alternative den.

Aithusa huffed Where were else am I meant to go?

Hmmm, I may know a place. It’s safe, warm, secret, quiet. No one to disturb you…

Aithusa raised her head, he finally had her attention.

Where?

You wouldn’t like it, it’s against the rules.

Where?!

Very well, follow me. It will be nice to share a tawdry secret with a female.

I am already regretting this, Aithusa grumbled as she unfolded her wings and flew following the
large red dragon.

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