Merlin dumped the king's clothes and went to go exit his chambers.
"And what do you think you're doing?" asked Arthur, intercepting Merlin as he made his way to the door.
"Well I've polished your armour, scrubbed your boots, cleaned your room, laundered your clothes and now I am asking to be relieved of duty," the manservant spoke quickly, before adding a "Sire."
"The stables haven't been mucked out in a while..." Arthur grinned at Merlin's exasperated expression. "i'm just kidding. Tell Daegal I hope his recovery is going well."
"How-?"
"Merlin, I know you've been visiting him and grown quite fond of him. Must be hard though."
"What must be hard?"
"Being stuck in bed, unable to move, with only you for company," teased Arthur.
"Just because you don't like my storytelling, clot pole, doesn't mean others don't. At least Daegal appreciates what I have to say."
Arthur was curious, crossing his arms and blocking the doorway. "So tell me. What riveting stories have I been missing out on?"
Merlin stiffened and ducked quickly around the king through the door. "Maybe one day," said Merlin wistfully, leaving the confused king to his chambers.
Merlin had been telling of his magical feats he had accomplished ever since he had arrived in Camelot, at Daegal's insistance. The boy had been enthralled, leaning as forward as his wound would allow, eyes wide. It had become a custom now, Merlin would complete his chores for Arthur as quickly as he could and when he came back to the physician's, Daegal would be waiting eagerly for the next instalment of his tale. Both parties enjoyed it. Merlin felt some of the weight come off his shoulders as he shared his story. At first it was strange, divulging his secret that he had held so long to someone, but it became therapeutic. Gaius of course knew, but it was nice having someone else know.
"You promised me a unicorn tonight," said Daegal, smiling in anticipation. Merlin smiled back. Arthur was right, he had grown quite attached to Daegal, despite the circumstances surrounding their first encounter and was glad he had survived the assassin. Merlin was beginning to think him as a surrogate younger brother. Daegal, similarly, thought of Merlin as the brother he never had and was glad he had forgiven him for the poisoning fiasco, as he had yet to forgive himself.
"So, I was out hunting with His Pratliness..." begun Merlin.
Gaius looked on from Merlin's room, where he was now sleeping temporarily while Daegal as recovering in his bed, smiling. He was glad Merlin had found another friend to share his secret with. He hadn't seen his ward light up like this in weeks. The old physician worried constantly about the heavy burden the young warlock carried with him, grateful that he could now share some with someone else.
He shuddered to think of what would have happened if the poor boy had died.
Arthur finished his amusing tale of Gwaine's spectacular fall during training that day and wrapped his arms around his queen, who chuckled at the story.
"You tell marvelous stories, my love."
"Well, apparently my story-telling skills are nothing compared to Merlin's. He assures me that the boy who saved my life a few days ago is enthralled by the tales that Merlin spends his spare time telling him," said Arthur dryly.
Gwen's eyes snapped open. That boy had seen her with Morgana. If he and the meddling serving boy were close, he no doubt would tell Merlin, and be witness to testify against her.
"Does he?" Gwen asked sweetly.
"I feel sorry for him. He can't escape Merlin's nattering as he's still recovering from a wound."
"I'm sure he's fine," murmured Gwen, as Arthur rolled his eyes before closing them.
Not for long thought the queen, as a plan came together in her mind.
