"Are you completely incapable of being on time, Merlin, or is it your intention to frustrate me in this way?" Arthur sighed and drummed his fingers impatiently against the arm of his chair. Merlin was standing before him with a guilty smile on his lips, but Arthur could see the smugness radiating from his eyes.

"I was collecting herbs… for Gaius" he said. Merlin knew Arthur could see through him, but what else could he say?

Arthur matched Merlin's self-righteous attitude. "Well, Gaius certainly has been in need of a lot of herbs lately, as you have missed three of the knights' training sessions this week. Care to explain?"

"Yes. He's making something… for Morgana"

Arthur caught the hesitation. "Is he now? And what does Morgana want that requires such copious amounts of herbs?" Arthur raised an eyebrow questioningly, challenging Merlin to continue with his pretence. He knew his manservant well enough to be able to tell when he was hiding something.

"That tonic to help her sleep. You know the one. Sorry, won't happen again." Merlin grinned and turned to leave, dismissing the trivial discussion.

"Merlin" Arthur was not finished. Would his servant ever learn that he was just that? His servant

Merlin stopped in his tracks and pivoted to face him. "Mm-hm?" He murmured angelically.

Arthur looked Merlin up and down. He supposed he could just let it slide, like he usually does, what could a servant like Merlin possibly be up to? A rebellion against Uthur or the like? Doubtful. Arthur couldn't trust Merlin to shine his shoes, let alone organise a revolt.

At that thought, Arthur noticed the line of mud leading from the doorway to his writing desk. Merlin's boots were covered in filth and he had trailed it all through the castle no doubt. Was there no end to his incompetence? Arthur decided an abrasive comment should be enough to show his discontent. "If you can't clean your own shoes, how can you possibly possess the ability to clean mine? What makes you think I won't tell my father of your utter uselessness? You'd be out of the castle by nightfall"

"Yes sire" Merlin said, cheeks turning red. The servant took pride in his work and knew that Arthur realised that. "Like I said, won't happen again."

Arthur peered at Merlin who seemed to have been holding his breath and chuckled proudly. "Merlin you're too gullible. Tell Gaius I need you to prepare for the tournament this week, I can find someone else to collect the herbs if need be."

Merlin was surprised by this compromise. Arthur was usually so rude. What had changed since yesterday that had Arthur offering relief of his duties as a servant, regardless that they were non-existent? He turned on his heel and quick footed it back to his chamber, contemplating Arthur's rare kindness, but also conscious that usual alibi had just been nullified. He had to think of another excuse before the next time, or Arthur will stop pretending not to notice.

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