Hello again! Hope you enjoyed my last story and I hope you enjoy this one to. I had nothing better to do, so I just wrote this from my random, but Merlin obsessed mind. Hope you enjoy it and please review, alert, favourite and anything else. And I don't mind what you say in your reviews!
"Hmmm" Arthur thought looking at the clothes he held in his hand puzzling over what to do with them. Merlin was making Arthur's bed waiting for him to say something.
The prince had been looking at the clothes for quite some time now. He'd asked Merlin to pass the clothes to him to change into, but then he just started staring at them.
Dropping the clothes Arthur picked up the one's Merlin had just nicely and neatly folded and put down on the bed.
"Put those away Merlin I'm wearing these." Arthur walked behind the screen and started getting changed into the other clothes.
"I thought that you were wearing these?" Merlin asked holding up the clothes Arthur was going to wear to the feast.
"No I changed my mind."
"Like Morgana does then." Merlin giggled slightly, but stopped when Arthur looked at him and pointed a finger instantly warning him to shut up, so Merlin did so gladly. After he'd waited for a little while Arthur finally came out dressed and ready to go to the feast.
"Come on then Merlin or we'll be late." Arthur stated pointing his finger at Merlin again, something he did an awful lot lately.
"I'm sorry you took so long changing that you've nearly made us late sire." Merlin said. "I'm lucky to know a prat like you."
Arthur slapped Merlin's head making him stop laughing and walk along behind Arthur who was really thinking how lucky he was to have such a strange, but good and loyal manservant.
"This is going to be terrible." Merlin muttered hoping that the prince wouldn't hear, but very unfortunately for him, he did.
"Why?" Arthur asked cocking an eyebrow, but he already had this on theory on the reason formed in his head.
"Because." Merlin started. "All that ever happens at these feasts is that you ask me to keep moving and running around after you and we're late, so Uther's most likely going to kill me thinking that it's my fault your late and that I've made you late and.."
Merlin's babbling was interrupted by Arthur.
"Your over thinking things to much Merlin." Arthur said looking at his servant scraping his feet along the floor on their way to the hall.
"All you have to do is fill up my cup when I ask you to and when it's empty and don't worry about us being just a couple of seconds late." Arthur finished telling his manservant.
Merlin shook his head. "As you say Prince Arthur, the Prat of Camelot."
Arthur stopped walking and so did Merlin as they turned to face each other's gazes.
"What did I say about you calling me that." Arthur scowled down at the boy.
"Um." Merlin, if he was honest, couldn't remember Arthur ever telling him off for calling him that and was pretty sure Arthur was doing this to wind him up even more than he already had that day.
This morning all Merlin got was. "Do this Merlin." "Do that Merlin." and "Clean my armour Merlin make sure it's spotless." and "Muck out my horses Merlin." And so on and so on.
Arthur being the prat of a prince that he was, was always telling Merlin to do something and not be sitting on his ass all the time, which need him say is just what Camelot's beloved Prince did while his manservant worked and worked only to come in in the evening and get more work dumped on to his small aching shoulders.
"I should have known that being your manservant was going to be absolutely rubbish, I really should have Arthur I don't know how the prostheses say that your going to one day be the greatest king Camelot's ever had and I'm supposed to be able to help you do that, because you know personally, at the moment, I can't see that happening any time soon. Prat."
Merlin walked off towards the hall leaving Arthur stood there completely dazed and stunned at what Merlin just said.
He didn't understand a word of it, but Merlin had spoke in English and he'd spoken very clearly like he usually does, he just had the most perfect voice.
Arthur quickly jogged down the corridor after his manservant and quite skilfully grabbed a firm hold on his wrist stopping him in his tracks, whether Merlin like it or not.
"What were you saying I didn't quite get it?" Arthur looked at him waiting for an answer.
"I said you'll be a great king." Arthur's face lit up in thanks not that he, Arthur Pendragon, was actually going to say thank you to Merlin (he never did to anyone. - what was wrong with him?)
"Eventually." Merlin smirked as he broke his wrist free from his masters very tight grip. And once again began his walk to the hall.
Arthur stood watching Merlin walk away from him. His had a small smile on his face.
"Just like Merlin to say that." He thought to himself.
Before, he too, headed off down the corridor towards the hall where the feast was being held.
The only reason he'd given Merlin a head start is well he didn't really know himself he just told himself he needed to.
Shaking his head he entered the room and started walking to sit with his father and Morgana.
Why did he hate her again? He couldn't think why at the moment, but he knew there was a reason he didn't or wouldn't like her in the short time to come.
As Arthur sat down to the right of his father he remembered just how hot his feet were after the earlier incident with the bath he asked Merlin to sort our next time he would use Merlin to check it before sticking his foot in.
He could have sworn that the heat of the water had burned some of his skin off of the sole of his foot or something similar like that.
He could even remember the conversation clearly. It was as if he was having the same conversation with Merlin right now.
"Is it ready?"
"Yep freshly heated."
Arthur dipped his bare foot in only to find it sizzling and boiling.
"AHH. YOU BUMPKIN IT'S BOILING!"
"Boiling?"
He remembered how Merlin had questioned that in such a sleepy manner.
"YOU ARE HALF ASLEEP TODAY!" He had shouted at Merlin the second time already.
"Oh. I'm sorry Sire. Um let me get you some cold." Merlin looked so shocked and well Arthur hadn't known how to describe it at that moment in time, but he did pity Merlin now after what he had done.
"No." Arthur gritted his teeth and spoke through bared teeth. "Let me get you some."
It was that moment that Arthur through the jug of very cold water that was sitting on the table and through it over Merlin.
He could still see the young black haired man shiver and freeze at that moment.
Arthur hadn't cared at that point in time how cold Merlin was or how he was feeling about the prince's action's just a minute ago.
He'd just burnt Arthur's foot and made his foot very hot, so he made Merlin very cold, but he probably didn't need to throw it right over his head shoulder, back e.c.t
"That woken you up?" He'd questioned his servant as he walked away.
"Raring to go Sire." Merlin had muttered before he had let out an exasperated sigh, that told Arthur everything he needed to know.
Merlin was annoyed with him.
Although he obviously wasn't having this morning's conversation over his bath with Merlin as he was in a giant hall filled with people wanting and waiting to sign a peace treaty of some.
And he was currently sitting next to his father and many other kings who he cold clearly remember the names of two. King Olaf and King Alined and King Alined jester Trickler. And of course King Olaf had brought his daughter Vivian with him.
Merlin stood by Arthur. Hesitantly. Or that was what the prince had seemed to notice. He had been like that after Arthur had thrown the jug of water over him.
He'd have to tell Merlin that he didn't mean it later.
"Merlin." He called to the servant who stood at his side waiting for times like this when Arthur would call and tell him to do something.
"Yes Arthur." Arthur looked at Merlin quickly before his father could see and started mouthing a word to Merlin, which the young servant soon deciphered to be the word "Sire".
"Oh right" Merlin quickly rushed to change his sentence before he, as Arthur was signalling got his fathers eyes on him for calling his son Arthur.
Uther hated servants calling there master (Especially if they are royal - like Arthur) and would have Merlin in the stocks for that and Arthur, for one, was completely against that idea and would do anything to ensure that that didn't happen.
"Yes Sire." Merlin changed the sentence to, Arthur nodded.
"I would like some water please Merlin if you don't mind." Arthur passed Merlin his cup.
"Of course Sire." Merlin muttered not sure if Arthur heard.
"Wait a second Merlin." Arthur put his hand up in a sign for Merlin to stop and then ushered him back. "Don't worry I now actually want the wine."
"What!" Merlin exclaimed flabbergasted. "You could have just not said anything in that case as that's what you had in the first place."
"If I didn't say something then you would come back with a glass of water and I just send you back to get me some wine." Arthur said grabbing the glass from Merlin's hand.
"Suit your self Sire." Merlin muttered before standing back where he was before keeping his eyes on Arthur, Uther, Vivian, Trickler and of course the other kings that were present at the feast.
"Arthur?" The king turned to his son. He had been staring at him for the last few minutes after Merlin had handed Arthur back his drink.
"Yes father?" Arthur faced his father a slightly questioning look on his face. "I something the matter?"
"Oh nothing serious just that you're not wearing your cape and you came in late is there a reason?" Uther asked his son.
"Um." Arthur looked at his clothes in all his fussing over what to wear, (Something he never usually did) he had forgotten to pick it up on his way and put it on. "Hang on father."
"Merlin." As soon as Arthur called him the boy was at his side instantly waiting whatever instructions he was going to get given by the young prince.
"Yes Sire what do you need?" Merlin asked being extrextremly careful not to make his earlier mistake of calling him Arthur.
"Merlin. I need you to go to my chambers and bring me my cape that bares the marks of Camelot and I need it now."
"Didn't you bring it?"
"No Merlin or I wouldn't be asking you to get it for me would I?"
Merlin sighed and walked out the hall, moaning, something Arthur was very used to from him, but strangely didn't mind it in fact he liked the fact Merlin would dare to oppose him considering his title - Crown Prince of Camelot.
Merlin walked down the hall and opened the heavy door to Arthur's chambers it hadn't felt that heavy earlier.
He walked straight over to the wardrobe and opened the small door, even that seemed strangely heavy to him now. Grabbing the cloak he looked over to Arthur's bed before he shut the wardrobe door and picked up the clothes his master had taken to not wearing earlier.
The black haired serving boy chucked the clothes into the wardrobe really not bothering to worrying about putting them away neatly, after all he could do that later. He shut the door to the wardrobe and picked up the cloak he left on the bed and left the room, heading back to Arthur.
"Arthur, your manservant could try hurrying up!" Uther claimed leaning his elbow on to the table.
"Father I know that, but.."
"But nothing Arthur it doesn't take nearly 10 minutes to walk down the hall grab your cloak and walk back even you could do it your self in less than that boy."
At that moment Merlin walked in the room and headed straight over to Arthur who stood and took the cloak from Merlin's outstretched hand.
"What took you so long Merlin my father's right me or him even could have been quicker than you just were!"
"Sorry Sire I." Merlin racked his brain he needed a reason and he needed one quickly and something that Arthur would believe easily enough. "I put your unneeded clothes that I left on your bed away Sire." Merlin hoped that was believable (because that was exactly what he had been doing all that time) and luckily for him it was.
Arthur nodded and put on the cloak before sitting back down allowing his father to start making a speech to the five kings that had gathered together in Camelot.
Getting bored halfway through, Arthur decided he'd stand up and go for a quick walk, mainly because his poor left foot still burnt from earlier and he wanted to check it, but it would look wrong to do that now, in the court room.
So when his father finished he stood up quickly hoping to make a quick get a way, however his father who was very good at noticing things such as his son's behaviour had seen him get up.
"Is something wrong Arthur?" He questioned his suspicious looking son.
"No father there's nothing wrong I was just." Arthur looked around and saw the closest person to him was Merlin, who happened to be (Luckily for Arthur) standing next to his chair. "Standing up to hit Merlin on the head." He said as he hit Merlin. "Because he forgot to get me my wine."
"Oww." Merlin said rubbing his head, Arthur was strong, but there was no reason for that Arthur asked for water (Which he'd brought him) not wine.
"Merlin please get me some wine now." Arthur told his servant handing him the cup.
"Of course Art - Sire." Merlin corrected himself again as Arthur and his father sat down, so that King Olaf could give his speech and his daughter Vivian if she wished to.
Merlin had to almost thank Arthur though he did get to miss the next speech and Arthur was very entertaining when he stood up and then down again so quickly that Merlin had to hide a giggle on his way out.
Merlin was on his way back now with Arthur's cup filled this time with wine, but was it what Arthur really wanted or had he just done all that as a excuse for his very random moment of which he had stood up for no apparent reason that Merlin or anyone else was aware of.
Merlin was walking quite quickly through the corridors, never keep Arthur waiting, unless that is if you want the consequences.
Earlier that day that Merlin remembered how he'd had to go and change, because Arthur had very rudely and meanly chucked a jug of water over him.
Prat. Merlin mumbled as he recalled the events earlier this morning after Arthur's boiling bath and him being called a bumpkin by Arthur.
"Merlin!" Arthur bellowed walking into Gaius's chambers where Merlin was staying.
"What's wrong Sire?" Gaius's asked a slight bit confused.
"What's wrong where is that little bumpkin now! Have you seen him Gaius?"
"Yes Sire. He came in a little while ago I only heard his voice, but I knew it was him."
"What did he say?" Arthur asked.
"Only that he needed to change clothes Sire." Gaius said before pointing towards the wooden door at the back of the room. "He'll be in there."
"Thanks." Arthur said walking towards the door.
Merlin heard that conversation through the door he'd been listening as soon as he'd heard his name called by Arthur.
The door opened slightly as Arthur peered his head round into the room. Merlin sat on the bed putting on his jacket and boots. Arthur flicked his eyes around the room it was nothing like his.
"Merlin." Arthur said as he stepped into the room. Arthur walked over to Merlin and sat next to him on the bed, which he stood up from immediately.
"How do you sleep in this bed Merlin?" Arthur asked very curious.
Still it haunted him as to where exactly he had fond the courage to say that to Arthur, he was the prince after all.
"I cope unlike you Sire. Honestly if I wasn't there to do everything for you I bet that you wouldn't be able to cope!" Merlin said getting to his feet.
"Where are you going?" Arthur asked. "You have to help me train." The prince said following his manservant.
"Then that would be where I'm going." Merlin muttered as if it was obvious.
When Merlin and Arthur were outside Merlin wished he wondered somewhere else, he really wished he had.
Arthur was grumpy.
"Come on put your back into it Merlin."
"I would if I could get a chance you are bloody beating me to death, Arthur." Merlin complained
"Merlin your supposed to be helping me train which means I'm supposed to take my best shot at getting you down. It's not at all helpful to me if you just let me win and don't try." Arthur said, but never once stopped while he spoke.
"Yeah, but you could do this with your knights rather than me! They do this often and I really don't know how they stand training with you." Merlin replied as Arthur's sword just missed his right arm.
"Pay attention Merlin! If you stop babbling on you'll find that you do better."
"Arthur even if I was to fight you for a whole week I wouldn't get any better." Merlin told him.
"Probably true Merlin, probably very true." Arthur smirked. "And you will probably never learn that right now I can see an opening in your defence."
"Oh really and where would that be?" Merlin quizzed keen to know if the Prince was bluffing or if that was supposed to be a distraction to give Arthur an opening.
"Look who's coming towards us Merlin." Arthur stopped fighting Merlin for a moment and pointed on the direction of the other knights.
"Good they'll stop you hurting me."
"How will they do that." Arthur questioned raising an eyebrow in fake interest.
"Because you can train with them instead." Merlin replied.
"Merlin look at me." Merlin did as Arthur said being the loyal person he was only to find Arthur with his sword back in his hand. As soon as Merlin was facing him Arthur had already tried to knock him to the ground and Merlin had felt for a moment that Arthur's sword was far to close to his head and neck for his liking.
Back stepping in a very bad attempt to get away from Arthur, Merlin who never could stay on his feet tripped. Arthur didn't see that coming and had already make a aim for Merlin, a safe aim of course, he wasn't planning on hurting him.
But he did.
Arthur's sword collided, and from what he saw of Merlin's face, quite painfully on to his shoulder cutting in to the servant's skin causing red blood to instantly flow out of it.
Dropping the shield Arthur had given him Merlin placed his left hand up to his right shoulder. Only to see that all that was then covering his hand was blood.
Pure red blood.
Arthur walked over to Merlin and went to slowly put his hand on Merlin's shoulder, after all he hadn't meant to slash the boy's shoulder open, but he did and he felt so guilty and responsible at the moment. It was his fault as much as he didn't want to think that it was and the thought wouldn't leave him alone.
Leon and the other knight's were with the two shortly after Arthur had walked over to and stood with the boy. They all liked Merlin.
"Merlin are you alright?" Leon asked.
"He doesn't know he's not Gaius." Arthur said instantly getting the same idea as Leon.
"You should (More like Must from Arthur) go and see Gaius!" The two said simultaneously.
"No he'll worry to much about how I was clumsy to get a cut as deep as this. And besides he won't know any different I'll cover it up some how and he won't be there he'll be down in the town by medical stuff this afternoon." Merlin replied before beginning to walk off.
"Oh and Arthur I'll be waiting for you in your room and just to let you know you're a real Prat." (Especially for this -Merlin thought to himself as he walked away.
"He's brave to speak to you like that." Leon said no one would ever speak to Arthur like that - Apart from Merlin of course.
"I hope he's okay." Arthur said his face dropping he was going to say sorry, but Leon and the others just arrived to quickly for Arthur to say the word to Merlin - who he was now deeply worried about he felt like he couldn't feel his feet. Well one was burnt from earlier of course.
"Why? He's a servant! No offence Sire, but the boy called you a Prat and your worried? In my opinion he should be put in the stocks for that, I enjoy watching as well I hate him." Percival said before receiving a slap around the head form Arthur.
"Say anything like that again and that goes for any of you, you'll be the ones in the stocks. Merlin is not a Prat if anything he's right I just might be the prat!" Arthur said annoyed.
He just thought it typical Merlin hadn't heard the last part of the conversation.
Now Merlin almost wished that he'd just gone to help Arthur train in wet clothes he wouldn't have got trashed like he did. Painfully thrashed like he did, but what hurt him most of all was Arthur didn't say a single sorry or thank you to him all day! (Probably, because he was annoyed and grumpy with Merlin for being late again.)
As he began to walk up the stairs his vision went black for a second allowing him to see nothing, so that he didn't know how many stairs were even left to go.
He made it to the top as his vision came back to him in a flash of white and water, wait water?
He looked up and there stood Arthur, oh joy!
"Merlin you cold try and hurry up sometime soon." Arthur said taking his cup from the servant and walking back into the court room. Cup and empty jug of water in hand - water that was, for the second time today - all over him.
Merlin knew that he and Arthur had already fought today and he didn't intend for them to fight again for the third time today.
Merlin walked back into the hall he didn't particularly want to be there, but he had no choice but to stay there.
1. He had to watch over Arthur - As that was part of his destiny to make sure that Prince Prat was fine all of the time.
2. He was Arthur's servant and Arthur couldn't do anything by himself.
But in all fairness he didn't really want to go, he liked being near Arthur and that was a good enough reason for him to stay.
Arthur was so bored and just wished to leave the speeches were boring him to death and he just wished for one something exciting would happen at this feast.
But he didn't want to leave because Merlin was there serving him and Merlin he considered to be his friend, his very good friend.
But Merlin wasn't himself today Arthur could clearly see that. Whether it was because of the feast and he didn't like them (The most likely reason) he didn't know, but Arthur purely wished that he did.
He'd been like this all morning, he'd come to Arthur in the morning with his breakfast woke him up and then had started preparing Arthur's bath like he'd asked him to.
Then he through the jug of water over him and Merlin had done everything Arthur told him to he'd even mucked out his horses, but then he'd gone and changed his clothes and the prince ended up going into Merlin's room (he didn't like it), trained with Arthur and then came to the feast to serve him.
But something wasn't right. Merlin was quiet, to quiet.
It seemed like Merlin had no energy to do anything the same energy that he always had when they went hunting - even though the boy despised hunting.
Before today he and Merlin had been like brothers, but sometimes today Merlin had called him Sire and then nearly called him Arthur at the feast, but it was this morning that Arthur had realised that something was wrong with his manservant when he'd said
"Raring to go Sire."
To him this morning after having water chucked over him usually in that situation he would call him a dollop head or whatever he called him and more importantly Arthur not Sire!
Merlin in Arthur's opinion at the moment was like a dead battery he didn't have his usual energy to jump around and make stupid comments with it just wasn't there, it was gone.
Arthur had a plan and he just hoped that it would work.
"Merlin." Arthur said looking over his shoulder at Merlin. "Do you remember when I asked you to help me and you were to lower that rope and you let go and I fell?" Arthur questioned not taking his eyes off of his servant.
"I remember what about it?" Merlin shrugged looking really unbothered. When Arthur had mentioned that thought before tonight Merlin had busted out laughing before he could even finish reminding Merlin. One time he'd laughed so much he'd got hiccups.
Arthur remembered that clearly he'd been the one who had to try and get Merlin to Gaius - what a struggle that was for him.
Merlin was probably just bored Arthur didn't blame him, what with him being bored at the moment King Olaf was boring him to death more than his father's speech nearly had.
Olaf finished a second later and Arthur sighed in relief until he found out it was Vivian's turn, she was still looking at him lovingly although that had been an enchantment a long time ago he had the feeling she still loved him.
"Okay. Well to start off good evening everyone." Vivian started her speech - perfect another thing to sit through.
Arthur went back to his thought's of Merlin he knew he probably shouldn't be thinking like that, but he was and no one would stop him, no matter what they threatened him with they could never control his mind.
He quickly came to the decision that if Merlin got over what ever was making him like that he'd be the normal Merlin that Arthur really liked to see again.
A little way into Vivian's speech there was a bright startling flash at the window.
Vivian jumped. Stopping where she was in her speech. Arthur flicked a glare at Merlin he had to ask a favour, well more of an order.
"Merlin." Arthur hissed as his father Olaf the other kings and Vivian talked quickly about the sudden thunder and lighting and rain storm that was outside.
"Yes Sire." Merlin muttered. Wondering what in the world Arthur wanted now! He'd heard none of Olaf's speech clearly and had a terrible feeling that maybe Leon and Arthur where right about earlier.
"I need you to check on the horses make sure their all tied up safely and aren't lightly to be able to run away in a panic considering the sudden change in the weather."
"But Arthur it will be cold and wet outside?" Merlin questioned whether Arthur knew that and was really going to send him out in that weather.
"I know Merlin, but you can run."
"But I could catch a cold." Merlin moaned had Arthur forgotten about the water he chucked over him on the stairs an little while ago?
"Please Merlin it will only take five, ten minutes at the maximum if you run." Arthur nearly begged he do it himself, but he was Arthur and he had to attend this feast.
"Okay I'm going." Merlin moaned again as he walked out of the door.
Arthur was warm in the hall and realised that Merlin must have been as well, he'd get cold if he took ages a reason Arthur was sure that he would be back very soon.
"Arthur making me go out in to the cold just to check on his horses." Merlin muttered as he entered the stables.
He walked in checking the horses by peering over the doors and checking that the bolts were locked securely in place. They were all okay so far, but Merlin was waiting for the one that wouldn't be okay - there was always one after all.
As he got to Arthur's newest horse's stable there was another rumble of thunder and a loud crash as the wind, rain and lightning hit the roof.
The horse pulled backwards untying it's self in the process.
Typical. Thought Merlin as he unlocked the door and walked in shutting in behind him to ensure the horse didn't just walk out and get him in trouble.
Picking up the rope he carefully walked the horse around to the hay and started tying it back up again.
However the weather really decided it didn't like him tonight loving making him stay out longer in the cold.
He'd been in and out all evening thanks to Arthur. He wasn't a donkey that could carry everything for Arthur, even if he was just a servant and Arthur was a prince he liked to think of the two of them as friends, brothers or maybe something else.
The weather crashed down again making the horse jump nervously in a fit of panic.
Merlin tried to calm the horse down as it jumped about frantically stamping his feet.
Stopping after a while, Merlin went to try again at tying the horse up, so that he could get out of there already and back in to the nice cosy feast hall. Serving Arthur was better than this.
But the weather really did prove to hate him. He'd been in and out all day and up and down stairs all day and now the weather and the horses hated him and were giving him this trouble.
Then the worst blast of the weather hit.
A loud noise echoed through the barn some horses such as Arthur and Merlin's usual horses that they always took hunting didn't mind and kept eating the hay that was in front of them, but some like the new horse of Arthur's (Who was already giving Merlin a huge amount of trouble.) didn't.
This time rearing up and pulling the rope from Merlin's cold, blistered hands, he knocked him to the ground forcefully.
The horse put his feet back on the floor, one of them, however landed painfully on Merlin's injured shoulder causing him to scream as much as he didn't want to.
The stallion moved around as Merlin stood up carefully trying not to anger the already aggravated horse as he carefully moved for the door to the stable.
Another horse jumped causing a huge bang to echo through the place. Merlin 's head shot round to the aggravated horse he was stuck with.
He was pushed against the wall and in his panic screamed again causing even more distress to the horse as it jumped around.
Merlin found his vision fading to black like it did earlier on the stairs. He felt his bleeding and much worse than earlier shoulder injury.(From Arthur's training) Before suddenly his vision came back in the same flash of white.
Then a wave of fear washed over him. Merlin had forgotten the horse when his vision had suddenly gone, but as soon as it had come back he remembered. A bit too late as something extremely heavy landed on his ribs, pulling his breath from him.
His already hot temperature that was some how related to his shoulder injury since this fever like thing came on after that strike of Arthur's sword, seemed to get worse as his breath drifted with the cold winds. Leaving him lying on the floor of the stable with a young, scared untied horse a open stable door that could easily be pushed open and … and …
All faded as Merlin lost his only remaining consciousness.
Arthur was worried the weather had got worse and Merlin was taking longer than expected he'd been about fifthteen minutes when they agreed that it would only take him about ten to go there, check the horses and come back, but no he still wasn't back.
Vivian had nearly finished her speech and then it would be time for Trickler to perform some magic as a jester, then it was King Alined's turn to speak, but Arthur had no intention if sticking around.
Vivian brought her speech to a close and walked over to sit down next to her father. Arthur stood up abruptly.
"Arthur is something the matter?" Uther asked.
Arthur ignored him.
"Arthur what's wrong dear. You can tell me." Vivian said sweetly.
Arthur once again ignored her.
"Arthur sit back down now." His father ordered.
"No." Arthur said everyone heard and gave a slightly shocked gasp.
"Arthur for heaven's sake sit back down, so that we can get on with the feast and the speeches." Uther said again this tome through gritted teeth and a lot of annoyance towards his son.
"Father I said no!"
The weather got worse at that moment and Arthur had no debate on whether he was staying or going.
Merlin needed him, so he was off to the place he'd sent Merlin to - The stables.
As much as Arthur wanted to stay in the warm room, that hadn't stopped Merlin and Merlin needed him.
Arthur charged into the stables like a mad thing.
Some of the horses were stood quietly and not really bothered by the weather, but some were jumping around.
Having no clue where to start looking Arthur looked for the obvious. And there it was.
Stood in front of in looking him in the face was his new stallion, he had been told it would only need some minor training, but he wasn't now so sure if that was necessarily true anymore.
Taking the rope attached to the halter Arthur started to slowly walk with the horse towards the open stable door, maybe Merlin hadn't locked it, however Merlin must be here, because he never came back in.
That's when Arthur got the shock of his life. In the horses stable Merlin lay on the floor against the wall.
Tying the horse up outside the stable, quickly, but securely he ran over to Merlin kneeling on the dirty floor. He didn't give a dam what he was wearing, fancy or not Merlin needed him.
Scanning the boy for injuries he saw the earlier shoulder injury from training it was still bleeding and the make shift bandage Merlin had make had slipped off of his arm.
Added to that his forehead was covered in sweat and he was wheezing although Arthur could see no noticeable sign as to the reason why this was occurring.
Carefully Arthur went to pick him up, however nearly dropped him as he pulled a hand back.
Merlin was frozen.
Picking him up again Arthur placed the black haired boy's head on his lap.
"Merlin. Merlin answer me are you okay. Answer me please Merlin answer me." Arthur begged the boy. Only to get more of Merlin's poor breathing.
Merlin shuffled trying to move his back off of Arthur's knee.
"Merlin." Arthur called to him desperately worried about this shuffling.
"Ar - Arthur." Merlin choked out feeling his body heat increasing slowly.
Arthur sighed relived. He still had to get him inside though. There was the hard job.
"Merlin." The said boy nodded slightly letting the blonde know that he had his full attention. "I need to get you inside, so I'll carry you. Okay?" He didn't know why he left as a bit of a question Merlin couldn't answer even if he wanted to, but to Arthur's surprise he mumbled a slight yes.
Arthur decided to carry Merlin over his shoulder for speed.
Merlin let out a yelp of pain as Arthur put him over his shoulder instantly putting him back on his lap.
"Merlin. Hang on." Arthur was panicking. What was he to do.
Deciding another way of carrying him in.
Arthur brought Merlin up the stairs it was only when Merlin saw Arthur heading for his quarters that he said something.
"My ro- room's t - that way Ar - Arthur." He once again struggled to speak his wheezing continuing.
"I'm not taking you to your room. Your bloody struggling to breath I'm not letting you sleep in that bed in your condition Merlin." Arthur said firmly.
"Okay, b- but you for - forgot to put the hor - horse away."
"Horse doesn't matter at the moment Merlin."
Arthur kicked the door open walking to his bed and placing Merlin down on the soft sheets.
"I'll be right back. I'm going to get Gaius." He walked out before Merlin could answer though.
"Gaius." Arthur said as he walked back in. "I need you help for a minute."
Uther's head flipped round as he stood up looking devil eyes at his son. "Where did you go and what do you need Gaius for?" He quizzed.
Gaius was already standing next to the young prince as he and Arthur began to walk out the room.
"Arthur."
"Father, other people enjoy the feast I won't be joining you tonight I habe something I mean someone more important to be with."
And with that he left the room.
Gaius left Arthur's chambers a little while later heading back to his own. Arthur sighed. This was his fault.
If he hadn't hit Merlin's shoulder earlier it wouldn't now be infected. And if he hadn't chucked water over Merlin this morning and made him really cold he wouldn't be shivering and he wouldn't be struggling to breath, because that stupid horse (That he was promise was friendly, safe, didn't mind the weather and only need minor training) had forced Merlin to the ground and broke two maybe three of the servant's ribs oh and Merlin's fever.
"Oh Merlin what did I do to you." Arthur moaned as he suddenly felt the realization of how wet his clothes actually were.
"I'll have to change my clothes again."
"Like I said earlier. Like Morgana always does."
Arthur snapped his head up to see Merlin smiling at him and although he looked terrible he was happy.
Why? Thought Arthur before voicing it.
"Why are you happy?"
"Why, because you're here and you came looking for me I saw how concerned you were and I could her it in your voice."
"You forgive me for sending you out in the rain to check on the horses then and all of these injury's I've caused you?" Arthur was about to ball his hand in to a fist, but Merlin's hand stopped him.
"You'll make your knuckles go white by doing that."
"Your probably right. I'm going to change my wet clothes."
"I'll get you something to wear Arthur." Merlin said as he went to force himself up, but his body said otherwise.
"No Merlin you need to stay in bed."
"You mean your bed." Wincing in pain as he said it.
"Yes I suppose I do.
"Merlin your really cold."
"Your really warm."
"Well you have been lying on the floor of the stables for fifthteen minutes."
"And you've been sitting inside all evening."
Arthur was happy he wasn't still at that feast being bored to death by speeches by the gathered king's.
Merlin was all he ever needed to smile and live and didn't exactly know how he'd make up for this.
He knew one thing for sure, first thing tomorrow that horse was gone! He wasn't going to keep it and risk this happening to Merlin or anyone else, but mainly Merlin again. Never again would he buy a horse from that guy.
"Merlin?"
"Yes Arthur." Merlin said looking up at the boy who said this name.
"What would you like?"
"What!" Merlin nearly screamed as his ribs hurt again from screaming.
Arthur rushed over to him as he slipped his top back on. "Are you okay."
"Yeah I am sorry to worry you."
Arthur nodded. "So what do you want."
"And by that you mean." Merlin quizzed.
"I mean it's my fault your hurt and I want to get you something that you would like and something that you want."
"Um, well there is .."
"What?" Arthur question inquisitively
"Oh it's okay it's nothing I just thought, …" Merlin paused. "No Arthur don't worry it's nothing."
"WHAT IN THE NAME OF WORLDS IS THIS ARTHUR!"
Arthur and Merlin looked to the door to see Uther stood there looking at Arthur, but then he saw Merlin.
"And WHAT IN THE WORLD IS YOU SERVANT DOING LAYING IN YOUR BED."
"Father please listen to me."
"NO!" Uther bellowed. "You listen to me Arthur. What in the world is going on?"
"Father I asked Merlin to check on the horses considering the bad weather and he got hurt and he's broken 2 of his ribs and I brought him here, because it's comfortable and warm in my room, unlike his." Arthur said as he looked away from his father. How he hated that man.
"Arthur. Take him to his room."
"NO!"
"Uther looked at his son in pure shock. "No. What's that supposed to mean?"
"Father it's a two letter word spelt n o and means I won't do that."
"Arthur I know that I mean why won't you?"
"Because Merlin's needs rest and he won't get it in his room."
"Arthur do as I say or I'll do it for you."
"No." Arthur placed his hand on Merlin's after seeing his worried looking face at Uther's comment. It scared Merlin slightly.
"Father he's staying with me now could you please leave?" Arthur asked nicely.
"Arthur that's done it."
Uther stepped forward, Merlin inched backwards hitting his head on the wall and then quickly sitting up screaming as he hurt his ribs once again. Arthur sat holding Merlin and looked at his father.
"Don't come near him."
"Arthur move away."
"I refuse."
"Arthur." Uther walked towards him as Arthur quickly leaned down and picked his spare sword up from under the bed and pointed it at his father.
"I told you to stay away from him. And I meant it."
"You wouldn't dare Arthur."
"I would."
"You wouldn't."
Arthur looked at Merlin pure fear written on his face as Arthur held him close.
Surprisingly for Uther Arthur flicked his sword round just missing his father's arm. "Next time I won't miss. Now go or I will not hesitate in using this sword against you." He said pointing it at his father while looking at him with pure hatred in his eyes.
Uther left to Arthur's satisfaction and Merlin's relief.
"You were saying there was something you wanted?"
"Yes if you don't mind."
"Of course I don't all the times you've saved me with your magic and." It was then Arthur realised what he'd let slip and noticed Merlin quick shuffle backwards in the bed. Arthur grabbed Merlin and pulled him towards his chest.
"Plea - please don't t - tell your f - father." Merlin begged as he began to cry into Arthur's shirt.
"I wasn't planning on it." Merlin looked up shocked Arthur didn't mind. He actually didn't mind.
Merlin flung his arms around the blonde cried in happiness until Arthur pulled him away and kissed him.
Shocked Merlin didn't attempt to stop him, to be honest, he liked it.
"So about that gift."
Arthur helped Merlin stumbled outside. Gaius had agreed for Merlin to go if Arthur stayed with him, which with no hesitation, he said yes to.
"Well there you go." Arthur said pointing to the horse Leon was holding in his right hand next to Llamrei who he held in his left.
Merlin was confused for a minute to what Arthur meant, Llamrei was Arthur's horse and the black mare was Arthur's as well, he just borrowed her a lot.
She was black and had big feet that she plodded around on. She was quite clumsy sometimes like Merlin and it was him who suggested to Arthur about buying her and he hadn't been wrong.
Arthur took Mystery's reins from Leon and thanked him. After all Leon had been secretly helping him all weak by either getting him something sending notes to people or sitting with Merlin he was willing to help.
"I'll help you on." Merlin nodded still confused.
"I don't get it?"
"I thought you'd say that."
"Really? You did?"
"Yes Merlin let me explain. It was your idea for me to buy this horse and you weren't wrong in telling me to do that. She's perfect for you I've noticed that, She's clumsy, had black hair and she's pretty like you are and lastly she's your horse now not mine."
"What!" Merlin exclaimed shocked your giving her to me?"
Arthur nodded as he helped Merlin on to the mare enjoying the look of happiness on the boys cute face as he got on his own horse and took a hold of Mystery just in case he had to stop, because of Merlin's situation.
"Thanks Arthur."
"Your welcome Merlin. Now let's get to Ealdor."
Merlin nodded as he and Arthur set off. This was great Arthur accepted his secret, kissed him, gave him Mystery, was waiting on him hands and feet all the time and actually doing stuff fro himself and now he'd agreed to take Merlin to Ealdor to see his mum.
"Arthur something bad is going to happen I can feel it maybe we shouldn't go."
"Merlin we're going and don't worry I'll protect you."
"Thanks"
Arthur smiled at him. "You know I've always loved you."
Merlin nodded. "I do now."
Please review XD Thanks for reading love you people for that x and if you review I'll love you more and give you a virtual cookie?
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Note: I will probably continue this story.