A/N Hey. Sorry it's slightly late. Don't really have an updating plan just whenever it's written. Been slightly hard to write. Read it through but most of it seems like the best I've written. I'll let you be the judge of that *hint* Anyway. I have a new dog now :D 2 episodes of Merlin left :'( Looks epic next weeks.
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin but think I've got Merlin annual for a present.

"Arthur. Wake up." Merlin's voice rang out in the silent chambers. Arthur groaned.

"Few more minutes."

"This is getting old. Come on! The last of the Knight's are already arriving. The tournament starts today. So, unless you want to be late I'd suggest moving your fat butt out of bed!" Merlin shouts. His insult manages to do the trick as Arthur opens his eyes and gives Merlin a glare. "My butt is not fat, Merlin!"

"Well it will be if you don't get out of bed in the morning." Merlin countered.

"Alright, I'm up!" Arthur pouted while getting out of bed. Merlin nodded, content that the Prince is finally up and went to prepare him for the day sine it's one of the only sevant duties he's kept on. "Oh. Your father says you are to greet Sir Walden when he arrives. A messenger arrived early this morning to announce he'll be here by 10 this morning." Merlin informed him. Arthur just nodded and grunted to show he was listening. He was not a morning person. Merlin just rolled his eyes and left the Prince to wake himself up.

It is 9:55 in the morning judging by the sun's position and the King is waiting anxiously for Sir Walden's arrival especially since his son, who was suppose to be waiting with him, has not shown even a strand of hair so far. That boy would do anything to sleep. Uther thought to himself. On the outside he looks calm and composed but inside he is fidgeting with his insides. There was the sound of boots hitting stone. The King turns round to see his son yawning and Merlin walking behind him. Merlin shot him an apologetic look but Uther just gives him a small smile; he knows how hard it is to get him up. "Arthur! How long does it take to get up? Honestly, I have never seen someone so interested in sleep! Sir Walden should be here in just under 5 minutes! You're lucky he's not early!" Uther ranted. Arthur's response did nothing to quell his irritation. Arthur yawned and said that Merlin can be as bad. Uther just threw his hands in the air and ordered him to look presentable as Sir Walden is a very respected Knight. Arthur did as he was told and stifled some yawns with Merlin on his right, trying not to laugh and roll his eyes.

Only mere minutes passed before a party of five horses arrived. It might have been a small group but it had an air of high power around it. Riding the horses were two servants, a groom and a guard. Right in the middle of the group was Sir Walden. Merlin couldn't see him at the moment but for some strange reason, his magic has picked up on his presence and it feels familiar. Merlin shook his head and thought nothing more. The party dismounted and stable boys immediately walked forward and grabbed the reigns. The servants bowed and moved out the way as both, the King and Prince moved forwards to greet the Knight. Arthur was a step behind his father and Merlin a step behind his former master. "Sir Walden, how honoured it is to have you back in Camelot. I hope you'll feel most welcome." Uther greeted whilst clasping arms with each other.

"It feels great to be back. Its always been my favourite kingdom to visit." Sir Walden replied with a grin. He turned to face Arthur. "Arthur! My you've grown. How long's it been? Must be…ahh…9 years?"

Arthur clasps his forearm before replying. "Sir Walden. Yes I believe so. I'll actually be competing against you instead of watching this time."

"Yes you will. I'm awfully excited. After all you are now the best warrior in all of Albion…no it's the truth! Well, let the best Knight win." Walden replies. With that they exchanged a couple of more pleasantries before a servant showed him to his chambers, his servants following. His groom was left to tend to the horses. "Suck up." Merlin voiced when he was out of sight. The royals chuckled. "He takes a while to get used to. He's a respectful Knight though, like I've said. He'll be the dark horse in the competition." Uther informs Merlin. Merlin just grunted. There was something about the Knight that makes shivers run down Merlin's spine. That's never a good sign. Still, he says nothing. "I best get some training in so I ca-" Arthur yawns for what seems like the millionth time in an hour. "I can be on top of my game this afternoon. Merlin? You coming?" Merlin nods once so they say goodbye to Morgana and Uther and left to get Arthur fitted for training.

Meanwhile, in the guests chambers that have only just been occupied, Sir Walden and his personal servant, Michael, were left alone. "Just as we thought. Arthur could barely stop himself from yawning. He might've stifled them but you can tell he was having trouble to. Our plan is working perfectly." Walden announced, smirking. Michael smirked as well.

"You've done well milord. You will surely come out as champion. The spell will gradually drain him of his energy. Not even the sorcerer has noticed anything wrong."

Walden let out a laugh. "Most powerful sorcerer my arse! Although, he has gave me funny looks. We'll just have to be careful. It is known that the Prince loves his sleep so who would guess there was something wrong. Now come Michael. I have to train for this afternoon."

The atmosphere couldn't be more excited if it tried. The stands around the tournament grounds were full of Camelot's citizens and even citizens of neighbouring kingdoms coming to support their Knights. There was a buzz in the air that you won't believe unless you were there. In the midst of the crowd was a middle-aged, brunette lady scanning the crowd for a mop of unruly raven-hair. She suddenly spots it. There might be plenty of raven-heads but no-one can match her sons untidiness. She makes her way through the crowds until she reaches him. "Merlin!" she exclaims. Merlin turns around at the sound of his name. "Mother!" he gasps before embracing her. They just stood there for a few minutes before Merlin pulled back. Identical smiles were on their faces as they looked one another up and down. "You look great." Merlin told her.

"I'm glad to see that you've put some weight on!" Hunith told him. He's always been skin and bones. Merlin blushed. He does eat, he just has a fast metabolism! "Anyway, I think I should introduce you to Uther. He's with Arthur. Come on." Merlin walked away before she could say anything. This should be fun. Hunith thought as she followed her son.

Arthur was getting his armour on when the tent flap opened. Both, father and son turned their heads to see who was there. Merlin stood beside the entrance. "Ahh. Merlin you're here. I thought you weren't going to show up because you'd fallen down somewhere." Uther said in a teasing voice. Merlin laughed. Uther had became such fun in the past year. "Arthur wishes. No, I've been looking for someone. Uther, I'd like you to meet my mother, Hunith." he stepped aside to reveal his mother. Hunith gave a respectful curtsey but Uther waved it off. "Hunith. No need to do that. Your son is like a son to me now. You don't need to curtsey." Uther told her. He walked forwards and kissed her on the hand in greeting. "I must say, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. You look a lot like your son if I may add." Hunith looked at Merlin then to Arthur and back to Uther. "Thank you milord. It's a pleasure to meet you in person as well. I'd also like to thank you for being merciful to my son about his powers. Also for the invitation to sit with you for the tournament. It is an honour."

"It was no problem. Now I believe it is time to begin the tournament. Arthur, good luck." he patted his son on the back.

"Thank you father. It's a pleasure to meet you again Hunith." he smiled a charming smile at her. She's like a mother to him even after one meeting. Hunith just smiled broadly at him before wishing him good luck and being led out of the tent with the King. "That will be all George. Merlin can take over." George bowed once and left but not before shooting a jealous glare at Merlin. Arthur and Merlin both noticed and laughed. "You better be careful Arthur. You never know what he might do." Merlin teased. Arthur gave him a back hand on the head. "I think you have to be careful. He might kill you in the dead of night." they bantered a bit more while Merlin did the finishing touches to his armour. Once Merlin had tied his cloak, he turned to look in Arthur's eyes. "Good luck. Don't get killed either."

"You know just how to encourage someone, don't you Merlin." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yep." Merlin just grinned his stupid grin that he knew Arthur loved. The Prince just shook his head. Merlin gave him a quick lopsided grin before they left; Arthur to join the competing Knights and Merlin to take his seat in the royal stands.

"Welcome Knights of the realm." Uther started once all the Knight's had assembled on the grounds. "These next couple of days will show your strength, your bravery and your skill with a blade. You are the best Knights of your Kingdoms. Fight at your best. Don't falter or make silly mistakes. Your prize will be 100 gold coins." he gestures to a chest with the lid open revealing the coins inside. "But the best prize of all will be being able to say you beat my son, Prince Arthur!" At the mention of Arthur's name a roar of cheers travelled through the crowds and Arthur couldn't help a small tug of his lips curling into a slight smile. A few Knights turned their heads to acknowledge the Prince and one of them was Sir Walden. "So. Enough of the introduction, let the tournament begin!" His words were followed by cheers and the ruffling of flags being waved about. The Knights bowed before leaving the grounds.

While the Knights were preparing themselves, Camelot's decided to gather for a bit of banter before they begin. "Looks like Princess is up first." Sir Gwaine announced. "I swear Gwaine, if you call me 'Princess' one more time while there are visiting Lords and Knights, you will not only have your butt kicked fighting me, if you get that far, but will also be banned from every tavern and any alcohol for the next two months!" Arthur threatened. Gwaine's face morphed into one of horror at the Prince's words. "You wouldn't!"

"Oh but I would." Arthur gave a sickly sweet smile with his words. Gwaine just stood there, paralyzed with the thought of no alcohol and taverns for two months. It doesn't even appear in his worst nightmares. The other members of the 'round table' (as they took to calling themselves after helping win back Camelot after Odin briefly took over. If it wasn't for stupid magic restrainers it wouldn't have happened.) caught the whole scene and couldn't help but laugh. Everyone knows that Gwaine can't even go a full patrol without having at least a sip of ale. Suddenly their minds drifted to thoughts of a sober Gwaine. It was very hard to imagine. Merlin and Gwen appeared and catching the look on Gwaine's face, Merlin turned his attention to his blonde friend. "Threatened to take away his trips to the tavern again?" Arthur's smile answered for him.

"And all alcohol." Percival added. Merlin and Gwen gaped at the Prince.

"Taverns and alcohol! What did he do?" Gwen asked while Arthur walked towards her and put his arms around her waist.

"Gwaine called him Princess." Lancelot answered.

"But he always calls him Princess. I know you don't like it but why is it so different now?" Gwen asked confused.

"Because there are neighbouring Knights and Lords within earshot. You know what Arthur can be like. Gotta set a good impression." Leon informed her.

"Still here ya'know." Arthur decided to remind them. "And yes I do need to set a good impression. I am future King after all."

"Well you won't be here much longer mister-future-King as the match is ready to start. Now go on!" Merlin informed the blonde. Arthur smiled and grabbed his helmet. He kissed Gwen on the cheek and left with the Knights shouting good luck after him. They then departed to watch the match where they were allowed; Knights looking on from the grounds entry and Merlin and Gwen from the royal stands.

After five matches of the tournament over with, the afternoon came to an end. Dusk will be upon Camelot soon so everyone departed on a high from the excitement. The Knights and Lords trudged up to the castle to freshen up for the meal tonight. Amongst them was the Prince, his lover, his best friend and must trusted Knights. "You did great for the opening match, Arthur." Merlin exclaimed.

"It had nothing to do with me but more the fact that he wasn't very skilled. Even you could've defeated him without magic." Arthur replied but couldn't stop the grin from forming on his face from the praise he received.

"He's got a point." Gwaine seconded Arthur's modest comment. There was a murmur of agreement form the other Knights. "I can't wait until I'm actually competing tomorrow. It will be proper fun." Gwaine said out loud.

"Do you know who you're all versing?" Gwen asked, intrigued. There was a wave of bobbing heads from the Knights. "Who?"

"I'm up against Sir Rufus of Mercia." Leon informed the others.

"That will be a match. Sir Rufus is one of the best in Albion. That being said, he should be no match if you're on your top form." Arthur told him.

"Thank you Sire." Leon said, a faint blush forming under the praise of his future King. Arthur just smiled.

"Anywaaay. I'm up against Sir Lucas from I-dunno-where." Gwaine announced. There was the sound of snorting. Sir Lucas has to be a poor excuse for a Knight. He may as well forfeit. The others proceeded to inform the others about their opponents. By the time they had finished, the had reached the top of the stairs so they said their goodbyes and parted ways to freshen up.

It was only 11 at night when Arthur decided to retire for the night. He was usually at attendance at meals with guests until well past 12. Still, no-one said anything. Arthur can be quite strict when it came to tournaments so everyone brushed it off. Arthur could barely stay awake so Merlin dragged him to his chambers. Merlin tended to care for him when it came to feasts as he's usually under alcohol influence. This time though he was completely sober. When they'd reached their chambers, Merlin got Arthur dressed and into bed. By the time Arthur's hit the pillow, he was out like a light. Merlin just stared at him while he was sleeping. Arthur had never been like this before. Something felt fishy here and Merlin dreaded to think what might happen. Maybe this has something to do with what he felt earlier with Sir Walden. Whatever it is, Merlin will keep a close eye on both; Arthur and Walden. He should figure out what's happened and preferably before the final. He made his way towards his own chambers. He'll be the dark horse in the competition. Uther's words rang in his head before he fell into an uneasy sleep.

A/N Sooo. What d'ya think? I was watching Two and a Half Men when I picked out the name Walden ;) Also the whole sleep spell actually came about when I couldn't think of how to start the chapter as felt as if starting in bed was a bit old since that's how the last chapter started. :D So yeah. I didn't get any responses for first chapter. Did you like seeing the Knights? Couldn't really fit the others in since Morgana taking over Camelot never happened but I managed to. :D Hope to get more response for this chapter cuz it's made me think you don't like it. If i don't then i might just continue doing the slash version. Also check out my profile for news on this story and more. :) x