Chapter 1

A/N: This story is quiet old, I think I wrote it at the end of series 2, though I'm not sure, so I'll leave it to your imagination to tell me where it is to be placed within the series.

Enjoy :)

Merlin walking into the royal chambers. With a glum look his face, he looked around, feeling slightly better to be in the room he felt was more a second home. He went over to the window, passing his master Prince Arthur, who was fast asleep.

Merlin had to force himself not to go over to him and kiss him sweetly, but he didn't have the nerve to dare tell his master he couldn't stop thinking about him. He sits down looking out the window, mind wondering, worrying about news that he'd only just found out last week, he found himself becoming more and more agitated about what could happen.

He already has Arthur breakfast laid down on the table. He got up earlier than Arthur thought every morning; He just walked out of the room when Arthur was waking up, this morning was totally different.

Merlin was so deep in thought about the fantasy of Arthur loving him to. He almost jumped out the window when Arthur says,

"Merlin?" his loving master asked half sleep, Merlin collects his thought and answers him

"Yes, Sire?" Merlin smile at him the best he could achieve, Arthur sensed the pain in his eyes

"What's wrong with you lately?" he asks getting out of the furry warm blankets, coming over to stand at Merlin's side. Merlin smiles again, this time finding his heart completely

"Nothing that you could be concerned with sire" Arthur sighed

"Fine Merlin... but I would still expect you to fetch my breakfast, now" Merlin looks over to the table, Arthur looks where he's gaze is and realizes that he's breakfast is on the table. Now this sends Arthur into confusion and concern. He had to look twice because he is so used to Merlin being late and eating his breakfast slowly trying to miss the meeting his father makes him attend. He looks at Merlin with confusion

"Now I'm getting worried..." he laughs a little trying to make it seem a joke, but Merlin wasn't listening. He was deep in thought. Arthur sat down and started his breakfast, when Merlin finally spoke up Arthur found himself regretting ever asking him what's wrong

"It's my mother... she's getting married to a man I don't know and I want to be there to see if he'll treat her well, like my father did before he... Died, but I know I've used all my days off and I know I shouldn't worry but home isn't like here where magical beings are banned. She could be marrying something ugly, something dangerous" Arthur nodding in understanding. But didn't say a word as Merlin paced the room and poured out his understandable worry for his mother's safety.

Merlin finally turned to Arthur and saw something he never thought Arthur would ever show toward him. Worry, yes that's right Worry was written all over Arthur face. Merlin continued reassuring him that he would do his duties

"I will see do my duties and I apologize for unloading on you like this... Gius is already there, so I can't leave his work to be undone and you need tenting to as well" Arthur smiled to himself at that last comment.

If only Merlin knew he would do anything for him, he needed to repay him for saving his life because Merlin didn't know that he knew about his power, knew he risked his life time and time again for me, a prince that don't deserve that protection, but he wasn't going to confront him about it. He slowly saw all the good things Merlin was, the magic being the best part of who he is. Arthur said

"No Merlin... it's ok I understand, no need to say sorry, Just let me tell the king I'm going away for a week..." Merlin stumbled back a little.

"But sire?" Arthur shook he's head

"No Merlin... I need you at your best and if this is what it takes then ok!" Merlin smiled, knowing Arthur really meant he's his friend and if he needs to go home he's coming this, this is why he couldn't help but love him.

VVVVVVVVVV

Arthur walked into the throne room

"My lord?" Kind Uther smiled

"Yes my son?" Arthur looked nervous

"I wish to go away for a week to Merlin's home town?" he's father seemed shocked and angry to say the least

"No never... Merlin is just a slave, he's expendable." Arthur sighs at his father's cold heart and repetitive argument that his life was more valuable to the world than Merlin, what he's father did not know is that Merlin is what keep Arthur the man he is, to keep he's attention on his duties when needed and taking his mind of them to help him relax, . Arthur said, defending his friend.

"No more expendable than I!" He father glared at him.

"NOOO... Merlin is JUST a servant!" Arthur was losing his temper

"NOOO father... he's someone who risked his life time and time again to save my life and I would not be a very good king if I would not at least return the favour in some way... so whether you agree or not, I and Merlin are going to his mother wedding!" Uther was silent knowing his son was right, he just growled and walked away he's head high.

Arthur growled and cursed under his breath as he walked down the hall he bumped into Merlin. Merlin asked

"So how did it—"Arthur cut him off. Pulling him down the hall to the ready horses in the courtyard.

"He said that your life is more expendable than mine... I told him he was wrong" Arthur put his hand on Merlin shoulder, sending sparks through their body, both going slightly red, but neither willing to admit they felt it. Merlin patted the horse and says looking up at his master

"Sire he is right... you are the next and only heir to Camelot I'm just a stumbling manservant!"Merlin climbs onto his horse; they patted the animals to trot along, side by side. Arthur signs

"Nonsense... I'm just a man" Merlin laughs and mumbles

"Try acting like one then..." as they rode out of Camelot into the wildness. They start arguing again; just their way of hiding they love one another, more than they could ever understand.