I see," Zacharias said, somewhat taken aback by the news, and requiring a moment to gather his wits about him. So Merlin wasn't afraid that he was going to attack or injure him. He was afraid because he was going to.. ravish him?
"Well then. Well." He wasn't sure how he felt about that, but it was the future and Zacharias wasn't going to worry about things that hadn't even happened. A little smile hinted at the edges of his mouth. "Well then," he said again, his voice slowing, turning more velvety. "You really needn't be so frightened then, Merlin Toke. Because I don't force people to bed with me. Which means, if you do... it will be because you want to."