I do not own Merlin all the credit goes to BBC. I only one those characters that I place into the story line for plot reasons. ( Trust me if I owned Merlin Merthur would be real.)

There seemed to be a never ending buzz in Camelot, the constant chitter chatter of the townspeople mixed with those of the royal house always seemed to make for some interesting news. Whether on that day the news was true or not, didn't change the fact that it could spread like wildfire through the kingdom. On one particularly dreary autumn day, the rumors had been fluxating to a new high. It was strange to wonder how some people seemed to be able to believe these topics, but all the same if they had a boring life why not talk about someone who had an interesting one. Someone like Prince Arthur. It wasn't strange to him, often did he find himself the topic of rumours. But after one small misunderstanding from what seemed a simple nosy kitchen maid with red hair and a freckled face, the young prince found himself in a rather awkward situation

"What?" The blonde prince raised his eyebrows, a mix of shock and disbelief crossing over his structured face. " You're joking."

"I'm afraid not sire, half of Camelot is truly under the impression that you are the mysterious man who is seen running around the street...naked My lord." Gaius had overheard the talk this morning, with a seemingly very amused Merlin whilst he had been running his errands.

Across the room, Merlin was leaning against the the wall dressed in one of her normal olive coloured dresses. It wasn't anything fancy, no where near Morgana's dresses. But she never complained, clothes were clothes. She trying her best not to let her giggles escape her full lips, as the scene played out in front of her. The look on the princes face was priceless, it wasn't very often one would see him so baffled and embarrassed.

"Who is the source of these rumors!" Arthur demanded, his face now bright pink.

It was that moment that Merlin finally chose to speak up, once she was certain she had gained her composure.

"Well Sire." She always teased the word, only ever using it in front of the royal court. "Have you thought that there might be sources of the rumours, you know maybe the people who saw you naked?" The look Arthur sent her was enough to silent her, though a small smirk remained on her lips.

"Merlin?"

"Shut up? Right" Stifling another laugh she swayed from foot to foot.

"Good. Now, I would like a full investigation on this matter!" Arthur declared. " I need to know who started this, and quickly have the matter put to an end before it spreads farther than Camelot!" Abruptly storming out of the hall, he stopped in the door frame giving Merlin a look that told her to follow. With a sigh she complied pushing herself off the wall and trailing behind the tall man.

"Well just look at it this way." She tried to reassure, " It's not as bad as the female rumour, you know the one where-" She was cut off before she could finish her sentence.

"Yes Merlin, I know the one. We agreed to never bring that one up again." Once again the prince was blushing as he spoke through his teeth. Merlin couldn't help but think it was cute, not like she'd ever actually admit that to him.

"Oh right, because that one wasn't all rumour." She replied letting out a laugh.

"Merlin." Arthur groaned. " You are the worst servant, it's like you don't have a filter on you."

"Dollophead." She muttered under her breath.

" What was that?"

"I said, would you like a loaf of bread?" She gave him an innocent very Merlin smile. She knew Arthur had heard what she really said by the unamused look on his face. But she just kept her grin.

"Yes and while you're at that, I need you to wash my laundry, muck out the stables, and polish my armour." Arthur returned.

" Oh is that all?" Merlin muttered dryly.

"For now, I make sure to think of some more chores for you by the time you're done." He gave her a teasing smirk and headed down the hall. Maybe she had chosen the wrong day to resume their normal banter. The whole rumour thing had the prince somewhat on edge. But with a sigh she made her way down to the stables.

-

By the time she had finished the chores, the sun was starting to set over the horizon, and she found herself walking alone through the halls. By walking it was more of a hurried run, already she was an hour late to delivering Arthurs dinner. The silver platter in her hands had an assortment of bread cheese and meat. A much nicer meal then anything she would ever eat. Without bother to knock she walked into Arthur's chambers, it was dim but she could hear voices. Silently she set the tray down and started to slowly head out of the room before she was caught and yelled at for being late once again.

"Merlin." Instead of Arthur's voice calling her, it was Uther's. " You always seem to be good at solving trouble." The king was sitting at Arthurs desk, while the prince was looking out the window. She heard him scoff.

"You're talking about Merlin right?" The blonde had a skeptical look on his face. " She's normally the one causing the trouble Father." He gave her a sickly sweet smile, and she narrowed her eyes in return at him.

"Yes well she is also very good at fixing it. I want you to find out who started these rumours. I have reason to think it might be another maid, and I want you to find out who. Do you think you can handle that?" Uther questioned, before she could answer he stood up. " Good, now my dinner is waiting." He strode out of the room in a very kingly manner, leaving the two alone. Turning to leave after the King, she was stopped by Arthurs voice.

"Not so fast, you're late." He acknowledged, raising his eyebrows. " How many times this week is that? Four?"

" Three actually." She started to set up the small table in his room. " But your food might not be so late if you weren't such a royal prat." She glanced over at him with an amused smile.

"You do realize I am the future king of Camelot you're talking to right?" Arthur though always amused by her feisty personality had to pretend he wasn't.

"Royal Prat." She corrected herself.

"Merlin." He drug her name out in annoyance, which just made her smile.

"Yes Sire ? " She questioned going back to her innocent act. He huffed at her, never could he beat her when she pouted her lower lip and batted her eyes. Instead he always found himself caught in a daze of her beauty.

" N-nothing, just stop being such an idiot." He retorted. " You can pick up the tray in the morning, for now you're dismissed." He waved his hand and gestured her to leave. Unlike most serving girls she didn't bow when she entered or left a room, she just walked out smiling a bit to herself.

-
The next day, Merlin found her self at work early, which happened on very few rare occasions. But she lingered outside the servants quarters before slowly pushing open the door. It was a small room with a few tables and a couple beds. She received a few dirty glares, from some of the lower class girls. But others smiled and welcomed her. The room was dusty like normal, though most of them spent their day cleaning for the king. They never had time to clean their own residence, not like they'd want to after a long day of doing it for someone else.

She glanced around the room at the faces, she recognized most of them some she talked to in the halls, others just because she'd seen them around. All but one, a small girl with bright red hair and a very freckled face. She wore a worn dress , and looked rather pale and fidgety. Merlin felt herself drawn towards this girl. She was sitting alone at one of the old wooden tables that was covered with dust. She walked over to her and took a seat in the chair across from her.
"Hi." Merlin chirped, making the smaller girl jump. " Oh I didn't mean to scare you." She apologized quickly. " I'm Merlin."She reached her hand out to the other girl, and after a moment she took it.

"My name is Slyvia." She dropped Merlins hand, and gave her an awkward half smile.

"New around here right?"

" Yes, h-how did you know?" She had a nervous stutter to her that drew Merlins suspicions. She always did have a good gut when it came to people.

"I just haven't seen you around before, how are you liking it here? Any friends?" She questioned trying to make idle chit chat.

"I uhm, yeah I guess." She gave Merlin a wary look.

"What about stories? Have you heard any good ones? Stumbled upon any misleading information?" So maybe Merlin was about as subtle as being run through with a sword.

By the girls reaction she new she may have just found the key to it all easier than she had planned. The girl stood abruptly eyes wide, and quickly exited the room. She felt bad for her, she probably hadn't meant to start this, but she was new here. After moment of sitting there she stood up and followed the girl down the hall.

"Hey wait!" Merlin called out chasing after her. " I didn't mean to spook you off."

She turned around, her eyes still wide.

"I know who you are, you're the princes maid. He'll have be beheaded! I didn't know oh please don't tell him, it was a misunderstanding! I only told one person, I didn't think all this would happen. I feel so bad." She spoke in a quiet rushed voice. " I can't get fired from here, I have a little brother and my parents are ill and-"

"It's alright, I won't tell anyone." Merlin gave the girl a reassuring smile. Sure she was meant to find out who had started this mess, but the girl seemed genuinely sorry. "If you ever hear anything suspicious, just be careful who you tell it to to prevent something like this from happening again."

" Thank you so much! Of course!" She bowed her head smiling up at her.

"No problem, I have to run there's a prince who can't tie his own shoes looking for me." She joked lightly, before running off down the hall.

A smirk played over Slyvia's lips as she watched Merlins retreating back.

-

" What is this nonsense!" Arthur shouted, pacing angrily across his chambers still only half dressed. Merlin picked up on how the muscles in his chest rippled when he slammed his fist down on the table. " I can tie my own shoes! Who ever started this rumour will be fired!"

A slight wave of betrayal passed over her, and she knew who had passed this one around. She had trusted that girl even protected her, and here she had passed around her joke like it was reality. An annoyed sigh passed through her lips, she'd have another talk with Slyvia.

"Merlin, what's up with you today? You're not the one who has to deal with this." Arthur gave her a look of annoyance. He let his gaze linger on her taking in her pale skin, and long tangled dark hair that was tied up in a bun to stay out of her eyes.

"Nothing, I'm going to go uh fetch a couple books from Gaius." She turned on her heel and headed from the room, hearing the princes voice call after her.

"You're not done helping me get dressed!"

"Red shirt, top drawer." She called over her shoulder. Turning a bit too quickly she ran smack into another figure. She felt her face brush up against something cold, chainmail. and tilted her head to notice Gwaine face, an amused smile on his lips.

"Do you two ever not act like an old married couple?" He questioned raising his eyebrows.

"What? We do not!" Her cheeks flushed a bright pink, that just furthered Gwaine's amusement.

" Whatever you say Merlin." He winked at her, and continued on his way starting to whistle a happy tune.

She stood there for a moment waiting for her blush to disappear before heading down to the kitchens in hope of finding the same redheaded girl as yesterday. To her dislike she found that she wasn't there. After a brief conversation with the cook she was on her way down to the armoury. Apparently she was taking on another servants duties for the day polishing the knights armour. Silently Merlin moved through the castle halls and down the stairs till she reached the the armoury doors. Over years over working here she knew where every creaking stone was and how to avoid it.
Inside the armory she noticed Slyvia, she wasn't polishing any of the armour. No she was admiring herself in one of the knights shoulder plates, a smile on her lips. When Merlins reflection appeared in the background she dropped it a loud clang echoing through the cramped space.

"Oh- Merlin." She turned and bowed her head. The whole bowing thing confused her, she was just a servant like her. " I guess you're here to tell me off?" She looked at the ground.

"Why do you bow to me? I'm not of noble blood there is no need." A sigh escaped her lips. " Yeah, I guess. Why did you spread another rumour?"

"You're so close to the Prince, I figured that-" She shook her head trailing off. " I just...I can't help it. I like when people notice me and when I have gossip they want to talk to me. I'm sorry."

"You need to stop this okay? Arthur is willing to fire whoever is coming up with these rumours." Merlin warned with a stern tone. " I'm not going to cover for you again okay?" She could practically see Arthur frowning at her, she always believed in the good in people. And normally that got her in trouble

" Yes, thank you so much!" Before Merlin could respond the girl rushed from the room. A confused look passed over her face, and something about the situation made her decide to follow her. She didn't return back to the servants tunnels, but instead went deeper into the castle. Through the winding halls, and down the old stone one point she felt the ribbion fall from her hair, and she knew picking it up could get her noticed. So she left it there. Once in awhile Merlin would step a bit too loudly, but still she managed to go unnoticed. Or at least so she thought.

"Good you're still there." She turned around a smirk playing on her lips. " I had to get you somewhere no one could walk in and...see you."

"What are you getting at."

"What you haven't figured it out yet? She gave her a dark smile and walked forwards. " I've been trying to lure you away since the day I got here. It's why I started the rumours." She laughed. " And you actually believed my sob story."

"So this was all just a plan so you could get me away from everyone. You know if you had just asked me to talk in private that would have worked as well." Merlin cocked her eyebrow.

"It would have been less fun though." She sighed. " I just need you out of the way, I see the way the Prince looks at you when you're not looking. If you're out of the picture then someone else can walk in. Of course with a little help." She raised her hand, and it was then she noticed the flask with a bright pink liquid in it. " He'll be under my spell so to speak."

Merlin felt her self fill with anger, she wouldn't let this woman lay a finger on Arthur. If she even touched a single hair on his beautiful head, she would make sure she was thrown from the castel her self.

"I won't let you." Stepping forwards she reached for the flask.

Before she could realize what was going on she noticed the girls fingertips glow a bright blue and a ball fly towards her. It felt like a thousand little bolts of electricity where suddenly running through her veins. It stung, her body tingling.

"Magic?" She choked out, glancing up. About to mutter and incantation of her own she noticed the smirk on her lips, then the sudden rushing metal of the chandelier above her. Before everything went black.

" Merlin!" Arthur called impatiently banging on the door to the small house that he shared with his physician. It was wasn't unusual for the girl to be late, and show up at noon. But it was almost seven at night and still no sign of her . The Prince was poorly dressed since he didn't have the help of his favourite ( Though he won't admit it) maid. " Merlin!" He called door was swung open by a very worried looking Gaius.

"I am afraid she is not here sire." He replied. " I thought that she had been with you since yesterday. She never did come home last night."

With his words he was suddenly filled with worry, sure Merlin disappeared from time to time. But normally it meant there was some sort of trouble going on. And normally Gaius had a clue to wear she was.

"I fear something may have happened to her, she isn't one to leave without telling anyone." Gaius sighed.

" I will have my knights search the castle for her, I will find the reason to her disappearance." With that he turned and headed out of the small house and moved swiftly back towards his quarters. His mind was filled of images of Merlin, her pale skin, full lips, beautiful sapphire eyes. The ones that always had such a playful gleam in them. The way the odd strand of hair fell from her bun, and all he wanted to do was pull the ribbon from it and run his fingers through the dark waves. How he always craved to hear her laugh in the mornings with his wakeup call, and always wished to make her smile. He would always be there to protect her.

-
The knights had searched long and hard looking for some sign of the small girl, it was well into the next day before they finally came across a lead.

"Merlin? Oh she was around here looking for some other girl. Sent her down to the armoury I did." The cook responded easily. "Why where's she at?"

"We don't know. Thank you." Arthur ran from the kitchen, Percival and Gwaine on his flank. They checked the Armoury last night but there could have been something they missed. After another quick look over of the place, the Prince found himself getting antsy and nervous.

" She'll be alright Arthur." Gwaine soothed. " It's Merlin."

"That's exactly why I'm worried!" Arthur spat trying not to show why he cared, but it was too late. All the knights were very aware of the feelings he had for her, but he couldn't act of him due to him being the future prince of Camelot, and her being a serving girl. " It's Merlin! Now go check down the halls." He ordered them out.

Standing alone in the silence for a few minutes he heard a commotion, and his name being shouted. Running into the hall he was faced with a red in the face Gwaine.

"I found this." He held out a ribbon, it looked ordinary at first glance. But then he noticed the colour, it was an ocean blue. " Merlin." Before another word could be said he bolted down the hall in which Gwaine had came, he didn't even stop though the fire in his lungs was screaming at him too.

A dim candle showed a figure moving ahead of him, they were walking weird and hunched over. Every step looked like it pained them, and he could hear the small whimpers from where he was standing. His eyes widened.

"Merlin!" He called running forwards to her, she had one hand wrapped around her ribs the other on the wall keeping her on her feet. Her hair was loose and tangled, and there was dried blood on her face. " What happened to you? Is that blood." He examined her forehead.

" I was trying to find that rat, the one that ate the hole in your boot." She whispered in a small voice, a smile playing on her lips. " But you seem worried."

"That was three years ago!" He was thankful for the darkness in the tunnel for it covered his flush. " Yes well, who else is going to clean my chambers right? Everyone else puts things in strange spots." He gave her a soft smile. " Let me help you."

"No Arthur I'm fine." To her dismay and relief, he didn't listen. She felt her feet picked up from under her as now she was being cradled in Arthur's strong arms. It was nice to be off her feet, she had been struggling down here since she woke up two hours ago, and was certain that she had fractured her ankle.

A part of her liked to be cradled like this, she felt safe in his hold and soon she found herself leaning into him. Her head rested against his chest, and she felt like she needed to tell him something, but her memory was still fuzzy from the blow of the chandelier falling. Why had that fallen on her again?

Oh

"Arthur, there's a servant girl and she plans on giving you a love potion." She rushed the words out so quickly she was amazed that he managed to actually understand her. " She's also the one who has been spreading the rumours, and the one who left me down here. She has magic of some sort and she dropped a chandelier on me."

" Slow down Merlin." He soothed, glancing at the wide eyed girl in his arms. " You can tell me all the details once we're out of here, and you're not so shaken." He spoke softer than normal. " You'll sleep in my room tonight It's closer, I'll get Gwaine to get Gaius to check your wounds over."

"Your room?" She gave him a skeptical look. " Arthur your rooms far too fancy for me."

" It's closer, and you don't get a choice in this."

"Prat."

A smile crossed Arthur's lips and he chuckled softly.

-

Gaius looked over Merlin frowning.

"Why is it you always get yourself into these predicaments?" He questioned with a sigh. " I feel like I bandage you up far too much." She had two broken ribs, a fractured ankle and a large dark bruise on her side. He told her that she should remain on bed rest until she is healed, and to her surprise Arthur agreed.

"Sorry." She mumbled sheepishly. Her cheeks had a rosy tint to them as she could feel Arthur's eyes on her form behind the thin sheet that closed around his bed. She was half naked so Gaius could wrap her ribs. Even if he couldn't make anything out, she still felt nervous having him there. Once he had finished wrapping her wounds she slipped into the nightgown she had on and let the curtains be drawn back around her.

Arthur had to do his best to keep his eyes on her face and not the thin material that barely hid her body.

"How are you feeling." He questioned walking forwards.

"Tired, worried. Percival is trying to find Slyvia right?" She asked stifling a yawn.

"Yes, I expect news from him still." He gave her a small smile. " If you're tired sleep."

"How can I sleep when you're dressed so-." She yawned. " Terribly, you really can't go without me."

"Sorry I was a little too busy trying to save you to worry about clothes." He muttered sarcastically.

"I can save my self."

"No you can't."

Their banter was disbanded when the a knock drew their attention. Percival stepped in. He bowed his head, eyeing the two.

" There is no report of this Kitchen maid ever being a part of the staff let alone here. Nobody has ever heard of her before." He gave Merlin a wary look.

"What? I didn't make it up! Do you think I go down to tunnels alone for run and like getting hurt?" She snapped.

"Merlin." Arthur soothed. " Thank you Percival."

With that they were alone again.

"I'm not crazy." She mumbled.

" I know." He laughed a bit. " Go to sleep Merlin." With those last words ringing in her head, she did.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! The chemistry will definitely be built a lot more in the next chapter so keep an eye out for that!