Authors Note: Thank you for such a positive response for the prologue :D I'm really glad you all enjoyed it. Hopefully, I should get some more inspiration for this story soon otherwise this may be the last chapter for a while! Anyway, without further ado, Never Say Never, Chapter One.
Disclaimer - Again, I unfortunatly do not own... *Cries*
Chapter One
Picture, you're the king of everything
Far as the eye can see under your command
Its official; Merlin hated his job.
"And don't forget that foot massage you promised me!" He watched as Arthur grinned audaciously, raising a boot as if to reinforce what he'd said.
Correction, he loathed it.
"Yes sire. Heaven forbid I should forget the needs of your feet when there's a country that needs running." Arthur patted Merlin's head in a way he found extremely condescending.
"Good to see you finally have your priorities sorted," Merlin almost resisted rolling his eyes as he continued to polish the Prince's armor.
Merlin Emrys, wielder of powerful magic, polished armor for a living.
Talk about wasted talents.
"You missed a spot," Shooting Arthur a scathing glare, he turned his attention back to the task at hand, silently cursing the stupid law on usage of magic.
If he could use his powers, he could have finished this ages ago and saved himself a sweaty brow and aching arm. Or better yet, could have Arthur polishing his armor on his hands and knees.
Of course, he'd have to get some first.
"Stop smirking and keep working." Merlin didn't have to turn around to know that cocky, self-assured smile was still plastered in place.
"What are you, the Prince or the courts jester?"
"I thought we'd been over this before, Merlin," Arthur knelt down beside him, boyish mischief shining in his eyes "I'm the prince and you're the jester," The grin spread "You really are slow, Merlin." Another condescending pat.
"Of course sire. Sorry sire." Stupid prat.
"That's quite all right. Now go and fill the tub, my feet are aching."
"Oh, I don't doubt that." Merlin let the sarcasm run thick as he swept his hands off on his trousers "Standing around and doing nothing except causing me misery has got to be testing on them."
"Are you mocking me Merlin?" Arthur raised one blonde brow, arms folded across his broad chest, eyes intent on his servant.
"No sir. I was merely trying to put myself in your shoes, or rather, comfy leather boots." Merlin grit his teeth, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace on his face. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a tub to fill."
"Never again." Gaius watched as Merlin collapsed face first onto his bed and into his pillow as if his legs could hold him no more.
"A little bit of work never hurt anybody Merlin."
"Whoever said that is a liar. It hurts me… daily!" As if to reiterate the point, he felt his own feet throb as the excursions of the day swept over him.
"Really." Gaius chastised, hiding a smile as Merlin groaned, attempting to sit up.
"Really! You haven't just spent the last hour attending to his royal highnesses royal feet," He felt himself cringe as he reminisced "The only thing royal about them being how royally dreadful they smelt!"
"Now Merlin-"
"Not now Gaius please. There's only so much wisdom I can take in a day; regardless of whether it's Arthur's definition or yours." Slumping back down on his bed, Merlin closed his eyes, feeling as if the stresses of the day were dragging them down.
"It's your destiny Merlin; you've got to keep that in mind. Through thick and thin he'll need you," Gaius' brow furrowed as he realised just how much hung on the fragile shoulders of the boy "He'll depend upon you and you'll in turn-"
Merlin suddenly snorted.
"Merlin! You may not like what I have to say but-" As he approached the bed where Merlin laid, the sounds of deep breathing could be faintly heard and Gaius laughed internally at himself for not realizing earlier.
"I have faith in you boy." He whispered, footsteps light against the wooden floor "You are destined for great things." And with that, he departed.
AN: Like I said, hopefully more to come soon as I love this story so far! Comments may help clear the block :) But the main thing is I hope you enjoyed it :D
xx
