I do not own Merlin! This is completely AU! (sorry if that wasn't clear earlier)
Arthur fumed as he made his way through the citadel toward the physician's chambers. He'd planned to have an easy day in the morning, but no, his father had insisted that they should go on a hunt together. Now he had to go and inform his manservant, who he had dismissed early, about the change of plans. He could just imagine the absolute joy on Merlin's face . . . not.
He reached the door to Gaius's chambers and prepared to knock, only stopping when he heard the soft voices. He paused to ensure they weren't having a private conversation.
"A-a-gain," Merlin said.
"Very good. Keep going," said Gaius.
"Again, he m-made his way t-t-tow-wards . . . ." Merlin groaned. "I can't do this, Gaius!"
"All right. Let's rest from reading. Can I see your penmanship?" Arthur pushed the door the chambers open just enough to peak in. He watched Merlin hand Gaius a slip of parchment and the old man grinned.
"Your letters are getting neater every day," Gaius said. "Here, let me show you something." Gaius dipped a quill into an ink pot and scribbled something on the parchment. "Try and read it." Merlin bent over the parchment, his mouth moving silently as he sounded the letters out.
"Merlin. That's my name!" Merlin grinned, laughing. Gaius handed him the quill.
"You try." Merlin dipped the quill and slowly wrote his name.
Arthur stepped back, knocked, and waited for Gaius to let him in. When he heard the man call out, Arthur opened the door and entered. Merlin glanced up from the parchment, and Arthur watched as his face turned bright red. Was Merlin embarrassed that he didn't know how to read or write? It made sense, seeing as he had come from a poor village.
"Father wishes for me to hunt with him," Arthur said. "You'll be attending to us, Merlin."
Merlin groaned.
"Is that all?" Merlin asked. Arthur stepped closer and glanced at the work Merlin had put into writing his name. The letters were a bit crooked, but they were otherwise neat. Merlin hadn't let any ink drip and blot the letters.
"No, not today," Arthur said. "I shall leave you to your lessons." He patted Gaius on the shoulder and swiftly left the chambers.