The snow was almost seven inches thick. Merlin walked through the market, herbs in hand, and try as he might he could not keep the smile off his face. It was his birthday. His 21st, actually, which was apparently a big deal. To everyone but Arthur, of course. The moody prince had landed him with a ton of jobs; cleaning his armour, washing his clothes, polishing the boots of every knight in Camelot.
As Merlin walked along the path that lead to the castle, when out of nowhere, a sharp, cold pain ran through his head, and he fell to the ground. Laughter echoed behind him, as did the sound of scurrying footsteps. Merlin heard a strange ringing in his ears, and lifted a hand to his throbbing head. Pulling it away, he was shocked to find a sliver of blood on his hand.
'Merlin!' A worried voice called, from somewhere near. Merlin scrambled to his knees just as a worried Arthur knelt beside him, hand on his shoulder.
'Are you alright?' Merlin looked up at him and beamed his usual smile.
'Of course, perfectly fine sire.' Merlin got to his feet. He balanced for a moment, before falling backwards. Arthur instinctively reached out, his arm slipping around Merlin's waist.
'Idiot.' Merlin heard Arthur grumble, as he led him into the castle.
Leading him over to his bed, Arthur gently pushed on Merlin's shoulders, and the man sat.
'What hit me?' Merlin asked, shyly. Arthur chuckled.
'The knights have been aiming snowballs at people's heads all morning,' Merlin bowed his head, embarrassed. 'One of them had the bright idea to add stones to the mix.'
'Oh?' Merlin huffed, lifting his head as Arthur walked over to him, a bowl of water and a rag in his hand.
'Sit still.' Arthur ordered, lifting Merlin's chin. He lifted the damp rag to Merlin's forehead, gently dabbing at the blood surrounding the cut, and the faint line of red that lead from it to the tip of Merlin's nose. Merlin couldn't help but giggle when the cool rag reached his nose, and Arthur's eyebrows knitted together, a small smile on his lips. He took his time, gently wiping the cut and inspecting it to make sure no gravel was lodged inside. Merlin had never seen him so gentle, and to be honest it came as a bit of a surprise when the king ran his thumb gently across his cheek, wiping away a stray drop of water that had rolled down from his forehead.
'Are you sure you're alright?' Arthur asked, a tone of worry in his voice. Merlin nodded.
'Yeah, just… a little dizzy.' Arthur dropped his hand and frowned.
'How dizzy?' he asked. Merlin ruffled his hair, a look of confusion on his face.
'For god sake, Merlin, why didn't you say anything?' Merlin shrugged his shoulders.
'Didn't want to worry you, sire.' Arthur rolled his eyes and looked down at the blood-soaked rag in his hands.
'Don't call me that.' He ordered.
'Uhhhm, alright. What do I call you?' Merlin asked, warily.
'My name.' Arthur stated, obviously. Merlin smiled and looked around the room. He hadn't noticed it earlier, but the table had been set, and a feast was laying there, waiting. Merlin looked around to Arthur, who smiled back at him.
'Expecting company?' he asked, eyebrows raised.
'Yeah,' Arthur smiled, getting to his feet. 'You.' Merlin's eyes widened, and he looked at Arthur, shocked.
'Wha- what?' he sputtered. Arthur laughed and took Merlin by the hand, pulling him to his feet and pushing him forward. Merlin stopped in front of the table that held the grand feast, his mouth wide open. Arthur placed his hands on Merlin's shoulders and leaned in close.
'You didn't think I'd forget your birthday, did you?'
And with those words, Arthur leaned in closer and gently kissed Merlin on the cheek.
