"Oops"

Arthur glanced around the kitchen, which was now filled with shards of broken glass and pottery. This was all Merlin's fault. The fool had come down with a fever, and was therefore unable to attend work. Gaius had assured him it was nothing serious, but his manservant still had to spend a few days in bed to be sure.

All this was fine, if a slight inconvenience. Despite Merlin's constant arguments otherwise, Arthur was the future king and could manage to look after himself, most of the time. All the servants who had been assigned to do Merlin's jobs had been useless, even worse than Merlin himself. Eventually he had thrown the last one out of his chambers, resigning himself to an evening alone, taking care of himself. This went fine, and Arthur was proud of himself, whatever did Merlin make such as fuss about?

But he forgot to get his snack from the kitchen, Merlin had begun leaving the Prince a few bits of fruit or bread in the evenings, because Arthur often woke during the night hungry, and Merlin didn't appreciate being sent to the kitchens at 3am.

So when Arthur had woken earlier that evening, realising he had nothing to eat, he had walked down to the kitchens, now devoid of servants, in such of a light snack. Then he decided to take something more, a few pieces of meat and cheese ready prepared for tomorrow morning's breakfast. He had opened the cupboard door sleepily, and reached inside for a plate, eyes struggling to stay open in his weary state.

Suddenly a loud crash shook him out of his half slumber, and he looked down to see a sea of razor sharp glass splinters, and large daggers of broken pottery. To add to the mess, as he had jumped away from noise he had somehow managed to knock a pile of meat, cheese, fruit and bread onto the floor, where the fruit had splattered juice all over the kitchen, and finally to complete the look, a jug of wine had descended all over Arthur, staining his hastily thrown on white tunic.

"Oops."

How was he going to sort all this out? He couldn't clear all this up on his own, he could barely even move. Then it occurred to him, it was all Merlin's fault, therefore he should help clear up the mess. Surely he couldn't be that ill? Mind made up, Arthur cautiously walked across the kitchens in a sort of edgy dance. He reached the door and increased his pace, hurrying towards the Physicians chambers. He had to slow down once again upon entering Gaius' quarters, not wanting to wake the elderly man. He made straight for Merlin's room, and was surprised upon entering to see Morgana's maid, Guinevere, sat at Merlin's side, pressing a damp cloth to the mans forehead. It brought memories flooding back.

"Guinevere," he said, a smile already forming on his lips.

"Sire, what are you…" she stopped as she took in his appearance. It was only then that he realised what a state he must look – hair like a birds nest, bags under his eyes, shirt stained with wine, and he only noted now – barefooted. He felt a blush race into his cheeks. Hang on, why was he blushing? This was only Guinevere, a maid servant, why should he care what he looked like to her? Though she was rather beautiful… He had realised this latest fact when they were fighting in Ealdor, along with many other realisations about this surprising maid.

"Sire?" Guinevere was stood in front of him now, breaking him out of his reverie, "Are you feeling alright?" She was worried about him, he grinned goofily, not entirely sure why this pleased him, but it did. When he failed to answer she hesitantly raised a hand to his forehead, the touch sent a tingle through his skin and he realised that she was waiting for a reply.

"I'm fine thank you Guinevere," He smiled gently at her, trying to be nonchalant.

"Can I ask what happened?" She asked, indicating his battered appearance.

"I, um, had an accident in the kitchens. I was hoping Merlin might be able to help me clear up."

She raised an eyebrow "At well past midnight?"

"I was hungry!" He defended himself, and she tried to stifle a giggle. The small sound made him smile through his embarrassment.

"Yes, go on laugh Guinevere, it's alright."

She chuckled lightly and Arthur realised he missed seeing her smile, the last time had been when he had woken from the incident with the questing beast. Then his grin widened, and he indicated to Merlin.

"Have you told him about the man he is inside yet?" He teased gleefully

She blushed furiously and diverted her gaze "No."

"Ahh…so it's just me then is it? I'm a lucky man."

"I told you sire, I didn't say that." He knew she was lying, and he knew she knew it was fruitless, she had been caught out.

"You know, lying to the Prince, I could put you in the stocks for that."

"But you won't." She met his gaze stubbornly.

"Give me one good reason."

She grinned wickedly "Because you need someone to help you clean the kitchens, and Merlin will tease you mercilessly if you tell him."

He gulped, how could he have failed to noticed how beautiful she was when she smiled?

"Maybe I'll take my chances…" he teased.

"Merlin is NOT leaving his bed. He is too ill." He had to smile; she would make an excellent nurse.

"Fine, come on then."

They left the room quickly.

"I'm sure Merlin would have been perfectly fine to help me…and you seemed pretty determined for him to stay asleep…maybe you just want to spend time with me Guinevere?" He shot her a charming grin which she returned with ease.

"Oh yes, I dream of ways we could be alone together." She teased. They both laughed.

Neither mentioned how true her last statement was.

A/N: Possibly to be continued, if people want me to. :)