"Sire," Merlin said, avoiding Arthur's eyes. "Your armor is polished. It's ready for your and Uther's ride today."
"I'm not going," Arthur said carelessly. "I told Morgana to tell him I was ill."
"But-sire-" Merlin said, glancing at Arthur. "What-what are you going to do all day? You can't just lay in bed all day."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "I don't know, Merlin, what could I possibly do in the castle, in my room, alone except for you?"
"Arthur!" Merlin whispered urgently. "You can't possibly be thinking- I mean, not in the castle- I mean, what if someone- Morgana- one of your servants might-"
Arthur shoved Merlin on the bed. "Merlin?" He asked, pulling his shirt off of himself.
Merlin swallowed. "What?" He asked, sitting up.
"One, shut up," Arthur said, leaning over his manservant. "And two, no one will walk in on us. The doors and windows are locked, the curtains are drawn, and Gaius won't need you for the rest of the day."
Merlin licked his lips. "Well-" he said, fingers twitching. "If you're sure- I mean, if no one's going to walk in on us, what's the harm? What Gwen doesn't know won't hurt her-"
Arthur kissed Merlin. "Exactly," he whispered. "Now, please-"
"I know," Merlin said. "It isn't my first time."
