Arthur woke at the soft whisper of his name, momentarily surprised that he had heard neither key nor door.

But there was one who used neither of those things, one who came to him at night and knelt, waiting.

"Osric?" Arthur asked, his voice rough until he cleared his throat.

"Your Majesty," Osric replied, his presence a shadow among shadows. "Forgive the late hour."

"It's fine."

Arthur listened quietly as Osric gave his report, and just as quietly he unbuttoned his sleep shirt to bare his neck and shoulder.

"Take your reward," Arthur said softly.

He smiled at Osric's bite.