"That's the fifth case of assault this week, My Lord." Gaius reported to the king, who sat tensely on his throne. "And what do you think is causing it, physician?"
"I can't be certain. Those who attacked seemed to have no memory of it afterwards."
"Well, we need to stop it. Arthur, I want you to organise patrols throughout the citadel. Gaius, do all you can to find the cause. That is all."
"Yes, my lord." Gaius replied, bowing, and Arthur nodded slightly, before walking out of the room and towards the armoury. Merlin followed Gaius closely. "Do you think it's magic?" he whispered. "I fear so. I just don't know what sort." he said gravely.

The next afternoon, Merlin strolled into Arthur's chambers, carrying a heap of freshly-washed clothes to be hung in the wardrobe. He was startled slightly when he heard the door to the chamber slam suddenly, but relaxed when he saw it was Arthur. "Bad day with the knights?" Merlin joked, assuming that Arthur would laugh it off, or at least smile, but was instead met with a furious snarl. "You should treat me with more respect." he said, beginning to advance towards his servant.
"Arthur, what's going on?"
"I'll teach you to make fun of your future King." Arthur hissed, continuing to move menacingly towards him, fists clenched. Merlin backed away from him until his back hit the wardrobe. "Arthur, this isn't you." he said desperately. He knew that he didn't have a choice but to use his magic now, but before he could do anything, Arthur let out a roar, and leapt towards him, grabbing his shirt and throwing him to the floor, knocking the wind out of him. As he struggled for breath, Arthur drew back a strong arm, then brought it forwards until it made contact with Merlin's ribcage with a sickening crack.

Merlin let out a loud cry, curling his knees into his chest to protect himself. When Arthur brought his fist back down, Merlin managed to catch hold of his arm, and there was a brief struggle, before Arthur managed to elbow him in the face, splitting his lip and dazing him enough to let go. With nothing now restraining him, Arthur was free to rain hit after hit onto the slender body of his servant. After a while, Merlin stopped crying out, but Arthur didn't notice. Eventually, chest heaving, he stood up, kicked Merlin once more, and stormed out of the chamber.