Hey all! I'm back! Here is the sequel to "Twists & Turns"
For those of you unfamiliar with my fan-series there is a character that was introduced in "The Plant" Milasande (Mila) who is Gwen's handmaiden.
For those who have been following and sending me questions- I just want to clarify- No- Mila and Merlin's relationship is not really a romantic one. I think it is more of a Doctor/Donna dynamic (where everyone thinks they are together, but they aren't)
ANY-HOO
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin and I have 3 bottles of Merlot and a huge box of chocolates to help console me over the matter...
Please enjoy!
Merlin entered the king's room, placing down a plate with his lunch. Arthur was staring at a scroll, clearly not really reading.
"Everything ok, sire?" Merlin questioned, as he gathered some laundry from around the room.
"Nothing you would understand, Merlin," the young King sighed, not looking up.
"You'd be surprised," Merlin pressed further. "You're mind is clearly not on the Melaite's treaty..."
Arthur looked up for a moment and let out an annoyed sigh as he turned his eyes to look at his servant.
"It's a bit too much for you to handle, Merlin. You should keep to the simpler, easier tasks that you still find yourself unable to do..."
"Simpler, easier tasks..." Merlin snorted. "You don't know how hard it is to be a servant, especially yours. Polishing, cleaning, mucking, carrying.."
Arthur stood up accepting the challenge,"You don't know how hard it is to be King. Petitions, war threats, challenges, famine, taxes..."
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" Came Mila's voice from the doorway. The two men looked over at the short girl who was holding two of the queens dresses. She made her way over to the wardrobe. "Don't mind me," she stated. "Please carry on...
Merlin and Arthur glanced back at each other, both with lips thinned. Arthur sat back down to his scroll and Merlin finished grabbing a couple of shirts and followed out the door after Mila.
"You two quarrel like my parents did," Mila cracked. "Though they were not as amusing as the two of you. The guards clearly appreciate the show."
Merlin looked at her almost sheepishly. "We keep each other on our toes."
"Clearly."
They made their way down the stairs and turned into the main corridor. Merlin quickly grabbed Mila and pulled her to him against the wall.
"Watch your back!"
They waited while a parade of servants passed by with Yule decorations.
"Thanks," Mila looked up at Merlin, "that could have been messy..."
Merlin laughed.
"Merlin," Gwen called as she spotted the two. "When you are finished with my handmaiden, Gaius is looking for you..."
Merlin released his arms from Mila, who pulled away quickly, both red from embarrassment. Merlin looked at the two girls and gave a small nod before heading towards his chambers. Mila looked at Gwen and sighed as Gwen smiled crossing her arms.
"Is there anything I can do for you, my lady?" Mila asked, clearing her throat.
"I'll need my gown for this evening finished and prepared," Gwen instructed.
Mila curtsied and made her way back to the king and queens chamber (which had now officially become their shared chamber).
*M*
The bustle in the kitchen was crazier than usual, as everyone was preparing the grand meals that would be a part of the evening festivities.
Pots clanked and many were working hard.
Merlin entered into the kitchen, avoiding the head cook who was not a fan of his, and made his way over to one of the older servants.
"Madrina?" He asked.
The woman looked to him and gave a pleasant smile. "yes?"
"Gaius sent me with this," he held out a vial of red liquid. "Just make sure to eat something before taking it."
"Oh thank you," Madrina took the vial and looked to Merlin. "Such a kind, helpful boy. Always working and helping. You should be a lord."
Merlin gave a smile back. "That's kind. If only it were that simple..."
Madrina gave him a wink. "The war you speak to the king, one might think you were..."
Merlin laughed, "Well I'm lucky I don't lose my head. But the king needs to know the views of those that serve him."
"Indeed," the old woman said. "Thank you Merlin... One moment..." She turned and grabbed a plate of food and handed it to him. "A dinner made special for the king. Give it a taste and tell me what you think. I know I'll never get feedback from him."
Merlin smiled and tasted a bit of the meat and potatoes. "It's delicious." He said with a smile. "I should bring him the rest before it's all gone and he just ends up eating a big meal tonight. Can't have the nobles thinking he's getting fatter."
The woman smile and nodded to him as he took his leave.
*M*
"Milasande," Arthur nodded to her as he entered the chamber. She was putting the finishing touches on Gwen's gown.
"Sire," she responded, not really looking up.
"It's beautiful," he remarked.
"Well, it'll look a lot better when it's finished and on your wife."
Arthur smiled. He went over to the table and sighed as he looked at the unfinished paperwork. Mila glanced up at that.
"Is everything alright?" she inquired, stopping her sewing.
"Yes," he responded. Then he sighed again, "I guess sometimes I'm just scared I can't handle it all, sometimes. My father managed, and even did so without a queen. I don't know what I would do without Gwen."
"You're a wonderful king that is adored by his people," Mila reassured him.
"Adoration aside, am I enough for them?"
"More than enough," Mila said with a smile. "You try to over achieve- which it's a good thing Merlin can slow you down..."
Arthur laughed at that. "Yes, I suppose you're right. I don't know what I do without him either, or Gaius, or the knights, or you..."
"I'm flattered."
Arthur looked at the papers.
"I think you do know what to do- you're afraid of the consequences that each choice leads to..." Mila observed.
"You're right," he replied. "It's not easy."
"What's not easy?" Merlin asked as he entered carrying the tray of food.
"Nothing you would understand," Arthur replied as the tray was placed before him.
"Yes, well I know how to dress myself..."
"It's only been mere moments since you walked through that door and you two are at it already?" Mila asked. She stood up with the dress and started walking out the door. "I'm going to finish this in my room..."
Arthur started eating his food. It had become a thing to eat a bit before banquets and festivals, so he didn't appear gluttonous. "This is really good," Arthur commented. "Hilda didn't make it, did she?"
"No, actually it was..." Merlin didn't finish his sentence, as he dropped onto the floor. Arthur fell forward over his plate, his head landing on the table.
Both men had fallen into a deep sleep.
Short but sweet opening to lay down the path... :-) Hope you enjoyed. Please read and review!