Merlin couldn't sleep that night; he tossed and turned as he pondered the plan that had begun to form in his mind. Could he go through with it? Did he really have the nerve; the courage…

Yes, Merlin concluded, I can prove myself.

The next morning came far too soon for Merlin; as he hadn't slept much the night before. He rubbed his tired eyes, the dizziness clouding his vision as he stood up. He swayed where he stood for a moment then righted himself. He had a busy day ahead, but part of that included keeping Arthur in a good mood, he couldn't afford to be late this time.

He rummaged through the clutter on his bedroom floor for his clothes, only to find his boot missing. A few minutes later, after a long search, Merlin finally found it hidden under his bed. He retrieved it and stuffed his foot into it, whilst still hopping around on the other leg towards the door. He had just managed to get to the door, through the maze of untidiness, when someone opened it from the other side. It bashed the unprepared Merlin in the face. He took a step back, then, too late, remembered the Magic book he'd left on the floor from yesterday's reading, tripping backwards into the heap of clothes.

Merlin moaned in pain rubbing his nose where the door had hit him, as Gaius stepped into the room.

"Come on, Merlin!" Gaius said, seeing Merlin wriggling around on the floor in a tangle of clothing.

"Or you'll be late!"

Merlin groaned.

By the time Merlin reached the Princes chambers, Arthur was already up, looking around for his breakfast.

"There you are Merlin…" he yawned, eyeing Merlin's empty hands.

Merlin gulped.

"Okay, Merlin, I've had enough. Yesterday, you get moody at me after the hunt, and now you arrive an hour later than you're meant to, without my breakfast. One mistake I can understand but really Merlin; is your job really that difficult?", Arthur sighed. "Of all the servants in the castle, why did I have to get one who was so dim-witted?"

Merlin looked at the ground, itching to retort but he knew if his plan was to work that he mustn't.

"Well, run along then", Arthur gestured, with a look that clearly read: how stupid can he get…?

Merlin hurried to the kitchens' to get Arthurs breakfast, a plate of ham, cheese and bread, then rushed back to the prince's room, almost colliding with several people in his haste.

Arthur was pacing around when Merlin returned, admiring himself in the mirror, Merlin supposed.

He stood in the far corner of the room as Arthur ate, watching his every move as he tried to make out which mood he was in and whether he should set his plan into action.

"Arthur…" Merlin said cautiously, so that Arthur wouldn't suspect anything.

"What do you want, Merlin?" Arthur grunted in between mouthfuls, without even looking up.

"Well…"Merlin hesitated.

"Spit it out Merlin!" Arthur growled impatiently, "If you're trying to get time off work, you can forget it! After today…"

Merlin gulped, this was going to be harder than he thought.

"Well actually" Merlin said, deciding to give it a try anyway despite his chances, "My mother's really ill you see and I was wondering…" he trailed off.

"Hmmm Really Merlin? To me, this seems like one your lame excuses for getting out of working this tournament season." Arthur's lips twitched, "Well too bad Merlin, there's too much armour for you to clean, and I don't want you to miss on all the fun!" He sneered patronisingly. "You don't want to miss out on all that lovely washing do you Merlin?"

"No, sire", Merlin hissed through his teeth as he bit back his retort.

"Sorry, what was that?" Arthur said, clearly enjoying taunting Merlin.

"Actually I would! It's easy for you to say, because all you'll be doing is prancing around showing off in your wonderful shiny armour and marvellous horse" Merlin shouted rather louder than he meant to.

Arthur looked up from his food for the first time since he'd received it, aghast at Merlin's bluntness.

Merlin covered his mouth, horrified at what he'd just said. He muttered an unintelligible apology to Arthur before running quickly from the room as Arthur yelled after him "MERLIN! I haven't finished with you yet!"

After his outburst, Arthur seemed harsher on Merlin than he usually was, so Merlin tried to stay out of his way as much as possible, but being the Prince's manservant made this increasingly difficult.

"Merlin, go polish my armour" Arthur said for the fifth time that day.

"Yes sire" Merlin replied grudgingly as Arthur gestured him away without even a glance.

Merlin walked hurriedly down the stone corridors of the castle dragging his feet along the hard ground and he thought over his situation.

His plan was failing miserably, Arthur was giving him extra work and the dragon wouldn't approve so he could not ask it for help.

Merlin stared dejectedly at his feet, forgetting to look where he was going.

"OW"

"Oh, I'm so sorry" Merlin mumbled bending down to help the maid pick up her fallen basket of bed sheets. Without looking at her face Merlin handed them back with a forced smile before turning to walk away.

"Merlin?" Gwen said placing a hand on his shoulder.

Merlin whirled around nearly knocking the sheets from Gwen's arms once again."Gwen!" Merlin beamed, "Sorry I didn't realise it was you"

Gwen smiled, "I did wonder why you didn't say something. I mean you usually talk to me; not to say I really wanted you to, or that you talk a lot I mean… Well"

"It's okay" Merlin grinned as Gwen stuttered awkwardly.

"Well, bye Merlin" Gwen blushed.

"Bye Gwen" Merlin shouted back, as she walked away.

Considerably cheered after his encounter with the awkward Gwen, Merlin continued through the corridors; thankfully looking where he was going this time, towards the armoury.