Chapter 1: Secrets

Arthur yawned as he slid out of bed. Merlin stood facing the window, staring with a gaunt face. Arthur frowned slightly, his cheek rising. "Er...Merlin? What is the matter with you, hm? You've been staring at that wood ever since I-" Merlin shot him a quick glance.

"I just don't think you should of killed the poor thing." He said, tears starting to fill up his eyes. "Merlin? Why, are you crying? It was just a bear. I always kill bears, and you never complained before?" Merlin clutched his head and shook it.

"But, Arthur, this one was special! How often do you see a bear with a massive orange belly, huh?" Arthur laughed until tears started to fill his eyes. "Not often, I agree, but it's colour doesn't matter! Whether it is red, or blue?" Tears were now streaming down his face, and he was unable to breath because he was laughing so hard. "But...Arthur, you-You don't understand...Please!" He whimpered. "God, Merlin, you are very weird sometimes." Merlin brushed the tears out of his eyes, and started to fold up the large trousers lying, flung across the bed. He quickly shoved it into the chest of drawers. "I'll go and get your breakfast, sire." He said, and he practically ran out of the room. But as soon as Merlin was gone, he started to feel the same sadness. Not long later, a knock on the door. "What's for breakfast?" He asked playfully, thinking it would be Merlin. But, to his surprise, it was Gwen. "Sire?" She chuckled, and he pulled an embarrassed smile. She curtsied and he chuckled. "Oh, come on Gwen, You don't have to curtsy! Now," He took her hand and raised his eyebrow. "What's for breakfast again?" He smiled, and delivered a small kiss to her lips. When he broke it, she smiled. "Sausages?" They both laughed. Then Arthur started giving looks around the place, and gently slipped his hand out of hers. "Now, why did you come?" Gwen coughed slightly, and looked down at her feet. "I-I can't remem-" Then her mouth flung open, and she held her hand against her mouth. "A meeting of court! I've made you late! Forgive me, I.." Arthur chuckled.

"No," He said, "I made me late." He stoked her cheek smoothly, and planted another kiss on her. Gwen sighed. She loved Arthur, yet she couldn't show it. It was a secret. "Secrets;" She whispered, "Is all our love will ever be." A tear rolled down her cheek, and he walked away, leaving Gwen in tears. Secrets...

Down in the kitchens it was stuffy and hot. Merlin snatched two sausages and plopped them onto the plate. He wiped his brow from the sweat and looked around for more food. Eggs were the second ingredient that landed on Merlin's plate. Then chicken, and lettuce.... "Merlin?" Called a smooth, elegant voice. He looked up from the dish he was preparing. "Gwen? What is it?" Noticing his half-prepared dish, she chuckled lightly. "Leave Arthur's breakfast, and come with me." He obeyed, and placed a white cloth over the food. He slid the food inside a cooling cupboard and followed Gwen to the court. "Oh no, there's court meeting..." He shook his head. "Ugh, I hate them!" Gwen laughed.

"Well, Merlin, we're already late."