@merthurmicrofic prompt bruise (90 words)
canon-era | Arthur POV | soft and tender
Today fortune turned her back on the king at the gaming table and—by some impossible twist—clung to Merlin instead.
And yet, bruised pride and all, Arthur found himself glad for it. Glad to see that pure joy on a face that had been so grim recently; glad for the spark of mischief in blue eyes that, these past few days, had looked anxious and sad.
It was a welcome change, even if it cost him coin. Arthur could lose a dozen games, if it meant Merlin kept smiling.













