Chapter two

"Where is Merlin?" Arthur wonders aloud as he tries to find all of his clothing. A knock at the door halts his quest for a matching sock. He strides over to it, whipping it open. "About time, Mer-" A puzzled look comes over his face. "Gaius? What is it?"

Gaius enteres the prince's chambers, fingers knit together. "I came to inform you that Merlin is ill and cannot aid you today."

Arthur frowns. "Is he alright?"

The old man nods. "Yes. He just needs some rest and medicine is all."

Arthur sighs. "I thought he was looking a little paler than usual yesterday. I just wish he'd told me…"

"If that is all, I need to be on my way, sire," the physician says, heading for the door.

"Would it be alright if I looked after Merlin for a while?" asks Arthur.

Gaius frowns. "If you wanted to, I suppose that would be okay. Just make sure he takes the right medicine, drinks a lot of water, and gets plenty of rest. Oh, and he seemed a bit off-balance, so please try to keep an eye on him so that he doesn't fall."

Arthur nods, spotting the sock he'd been searching for hiding under his bed. "Medication, water, rest, balance. Got it." He puts it and his boot on.

"Good luck, sire," Gaius says, leaving with a bow of his head.

Arthur laughs, exiting his chambers to head for the physician's quarters. "I don't need luck."