I DO NOT OWN MERLIN. BBC DOES.

Things around the castle where quiet, too quiet. Over a month had past since the battle, and the city had pretty much gone back to it's normal quiet self. Merlin and Arthur still hadn't talked about what had happened, they both knew how the other felt. But they also understood that Arthur was the future king, he couldn't be with her. So they tried to pretend like it hadn't happened. But both of them so desperately wanted to be together, hold each other again. But it wasn't that easy, if word got around that Arthur slept with his servant his reputation would be forever mocked.

On this particularly sunny day, Merlin had been avoiding work like normal. Procrastinating from anything that required too much effort. She was good at making herself look busy. For the last hour she had been sitting on the stairs polishing the same pitcher, her mind not really in her head. She felt nauseous, and she didn't know why. But it was creeping up her throat and she tried her best to push it back.

"Hey Merlin!" Gwaine, jogged down the steps and sat beside her. "Have you finished polishing that pot for the ninth time?" He nudged her playfully.

" I don't know, I think it needs a tenth to be good enough for the prince." She joked, swallowing the puking feeling.

"Well once you're done, get your bag packed. Prince Arthur sent me to make sure you know what going on." He ran a hand through his dark hair.

"And what is going on?" She questioned raising her eyebrows.

"Oh right, I'm surprised he hasn't told you. There's been reports of bandits in some of small towns in Camelot Hamill the place is called. We're to check it out. So right, you in?"

"Nahh I don't really fancy it." She spoke in a serious tone. After a moment she smiled. "Tell Arthur I'm going to be a little bit late." Gwaine smiled at her words.

"Alright, It's not like he'll leave without you no matter how much he threatens." He winked at her, and ran off. It seemed to be becoming a habit of his. Sighing she stood up, the pitcher still in her hand. Quickly she made her way towards the Physicians quarters and stepped inside. Gaius gave her a look, of curiosity.

"What's that Merlin?" He questioned, unsure to why she had a pitcher.

"It's a pitcher Gaius. Not as sharp as you used to be." She teased lightly. "I have to head out with Arthur for a few days, visiting some of the towns." She clarified as she grabbed one of her satchels, and started to fill it with random things she will need. A change of clothes, a water jug, a some food. Not a whole lot, carrying it would get annoying.

"Alright, but first tell me does this taste like peaches?" He walked forwards with a bowl and offered it out to her. She took one whiff of it and felt nauseated. It wasn't peach's it smelt more like fish. Moving towards one of the empty pots she vomited up the little food she had had for breakfast into it.

"What the hell was that?" She gasped , spitting the awful taste from her mouth.

"Hmm? I assume not then. Fish guts." He set the bowl down and wrote something on a piece of parchment.

"Why would fish guts smell like peaches?" She groaned, chugging down some water and spitting it out to clean her mouth.

"It won't . But here Merlin I know you've been feeling under the weather. This should help, take a sip when you feel sick." Gaius handed over a bottle of foul smelling liquid, and she was left to wonder if it had fish guts in it.

"Thanks. Well see you in a few days then." She gave him a quick hug, and ran from the building. She quickly ran towards the front steps of the place. Most of Arthur's knights were already ready, and they rolled their eyes at her as she scuffled to get on top of her horse.

"You're late Merlin." Arthur scolded.

"Sorry I was polishing this." She tossed him the pitcher.

"This is a pitcher."

"Congratulations, you can identify simple household objects." She teased lightly. " Maybe there is hope for Camelot." Behind her the knights laughed.

"Merlin." He gave her a look, but she could see the amusement in his eyes. " Shut up."

He smiled at her, he missed their banter of the last month. But he also missed being able to hold her like he had for that one night. But he was the Prince, and she was a servant. No matter what he felt towards her it wasn't proper. Even if his heart fluttered when ever she walked into his room. And how he found everything about her memorizing. None of it could happen, they already had crossed the boundaries.

She always had hated riding horses, it was uncomfortable and her butt went numb. It was a three day ride out to the town, and she felt sick the whole time. But she didn't want to worry anyone so she stayed quiet, not wanting to draw attention to her self.

"You're awfully quiet today Merlin." Arthur pointed out. " Can't think of anything witty to say?"

"My butt is numb you clotpole." Behind them the knights chuckled, and she smiled slightly to herself, falling back into silence.

"Right, well then. It's getting dark. We'll set up camp for the night. Because Merlin is being such a girl, and needs to de numb her butt." The butt he liked very much.

Arthur rode a bit farther off the path and stopped, hopping off his horse. Within an hour the tents were set up, and a fire was going. Everyone was drinking and laughing around the fire. Except Merlin, she was freezing cold so she sat as close as she could to the warm blase huddling herself tightly.

"Merlin." Arthur walked up behind her. " I need help with my armour."

"Right." Her teeth were chattering and she stood up, following him into his tent. It was grander than the rest. " Just stand still and don't move to make it easier."

"Are you trying to give me orders?"

"Shh." She muttered, her shaking fingers working with the cold metal. pulling off his gloves and chain mail she sighed.

"Are you alright? You're shaking." Arthur grabbed one of her hands.

"Fine." She mumbled.

"You're freezing. Why didn't you say something?" Before she could respond, Arthur had taken his cloak off and wrapped it around her fastening it." You should rest." He led her over to his cot, and she gave him a look as he made her sit.

"Arthur this is your bed."

"It's warmer than yours." He mumbled a slight blush on his cheeks. " Just lay down."

Hesitantly she did as he asked and let him place warm blankets over her small body. Normally the roles were reversed , but something about Arthur acting so caring towards her made her smile.

"How do you feel now?" He questioned looking down at her.

"I'm actually still freezing." She mumbled. huddling tighter into the blankets.

Arthur nodded and moved peeking his head out of his tent at the sleeping knights. Taking a seat on the edge of the cot he ran his fingers through her hair, and after a moment she lifted the blankets wanting him to come in and share. He complied, sliding under his arms under to encircle her waist, holding her shaking frame tightly against him.

"How about now?"

"Better."

- - -
Morning came and passed and they were on the road again. Gwaine was whistling to himself, while all the other knights constantly yelled at him to stop, which he didn't. He was happy annoying people. But the sickness seemed worse today, before she could fully stop. Merlin hopped off her horse and doubled over on the ground. Vomit came out of her throat and she coughed. The acidy taste filling her mouth.

"Merlin! Are you alright." Arthur doubled back to her. "You're sick."

"I'm fine." She mumbled quickly washing the taste from her mouth. " It's just a little illness. Probably from the food last night."

"You should head back, you can't ride while you're sick."

"No, I'm fine. I'll walk then." She responded easily.

"I won't let you walk if you're sick either." He groaned at her stubborness.

"I know." Gwaine cut in a smile on his lips. "Merlin can ride with you on your horse sire." He winked at the pair, and she noticed Arthur flush.

"Right well, yes. Come on Merlin." He reached his hand down, and she took it letting him pull her up so she sat in front of him. His hands were around her on the reins, and felt so much better in his arms. The rest of the journey was spent like that, the two passed bickering throughout the day. That seemed to amuse the knights, but soon she found herself growing tired. Her vision swayed with mountains and trees, and she leaned back against his chest her eyes slowly closing. The knights silenced at the sight of the tired girl curling up against the Prince. One of his arms wrapped around her to keep in her place, and keep her from falling off while she slept. An hour passed maybe two, but the next time she opened her eyes it was dark out again. Nobody noticed her as she woke.

"I'd say he's in Love." Gwaine spoke with a laugh.

"I am not." Arthur whispered through his teeth, his cheeks flushing a bright pink.

"Come on, you two argue like an old married couple, but protect each other with everything you have." He retorted continuing to laugh. " Deny it all you want, you're In love with her."
" Will you just shut up for once Gwaine."

"Yeah Gwaine." Leon, jumped in a smirk on his lips. " We can have his Royal Highness wake his Princess."

The blush on Arthurs cheeks had risen to a bright crimson and he was thankful for the dark of night. Merlin had her own blush, but it was covered by Arthur's chest.

"It's still half a days ride to Hamill, we camp tonight again." He announced trying to change the subject. The men chuckled some more remarks, which he ignored. Merlins head still rest against his chest, and she could hear his heart beating through his chainmail.

Thirty minutes passed and Merlin felt the horse beneath her stop. There were some muttering, and then a soft voice in her ear.

" Wake up Merlin. I know you're lazy, but this is ridiculous." Arthur muttered. She could hear the smile in his voice.

"What do you need your diaper changed?" She mumbled. " Because it's not my turn."

"Funny, don't fall." He slid off the horse behind her, and glanced up at her tired swaying figure. Reaching to her, her grabbed her waist and slowly pulled her to the ground. " I don't think I've ever seen you so tired after doing nothing all day."

"Mmm I'm just hungry."

"You ate this morning? Did you not?" He questioned, letting his hands fall from her waist.

"No, I was feeling ill." Taking a few steps she backed away heading towards the small clearing they had chosen to sleep in. " I'll make due till morning though, I should set up your tent." Turning quickly she felt his hand on her arm.

" Merlin, stop." Arthur, started to lead her towards an old log. " You're sick, and you're hungry. I may be a bit needy sometimes, but I'm not a terrible person."

" A bit needy?" She let out a laugh.

"Shut up." Reaching into his pack he pulled out a small loaf of bread and offered it to her. " Eat, I'll get someone else to help pitch my tent tonight."

"Arthur-"

"Merlin, that's an order."

" Yes sire." With that she slowly started to nibble at the bread, her eyes watching him as he struggled to set up his tent, a small laugh escaping her lips. " Sure you don't need my help?"

"Merlin?"

"Shutting up."

- -
When dawn came, they hit the road again. Hamill was only half a days ride, and the reached it by noon. The village had been ransacked, and some of the villagers were being held in cages. At the sight of the knights their eyes seemed to light up with knew that their saviours had come.

"Leon, Percival. Free the people of their cages. Everyone else on me." Dismounting their horses, they filed into the village. Silently Arthur took down the first of the bandits, but it seemed he had a friend. The bandit shouted and soon the streets where clattered with half drunk men baring swords. They attacked in complete chaos, coming from all angles. The only weapon Merlin had on her was a dagger at her side. She attacked the odd man as they came her way, but her gaze was mostly on Arthur. He fought with great skill, taking on three four components. As a fifth came towards him Merlin glanced at nearby bucket. Raising her hand and throwing it at him her eyes glowing for a half a second.

"Isn't she a pretty one." A gruff voice called from behind her.

Turning on the spot with her dagger raised she swung, but another grabbed her wrists. Both men were slightly overweight with dirty faces and clothes to match. Her dagger was tossed across the ground, under a nearby pile of hay.

"Oh yes, we could have our fun with you." He ran a rough finger of her cheek.

Her lips were about to mutter an incantation when a familiar battle cry pierced through the air, and a blonde head rushed towards them. Arthur had his sword drawn, anger in his eyes as he cut the men down. Without another word he grabbed Merlin, and tugged her into a nearby house.

"Stay here." He turned on the spot and headed out. Once he was out of view she stood up and walked through the back door. The knights were winning, but they were still outnumbered.

She ran into the field, ducking under the strike of a sword. Casting a spell knocking the man onto the ground. She continued to one of the cages fingers fiddling with the lock. When no one was looking she opened it with magic , letting the people inside free.
"Run to the woods until it is safe!" She ordered, motioning them towards the trees. Once the last of them were hiding she ran back into the streets. The bandits were pretty much finished off, and the Knights were starting to rest. Arthur caught her gaze and groaned.

"Merlin what did I say about staying put?"

"Arthur, since when have I ever listened?" She grinned up at him.

"Fair point." He sighed.

Out of the woods the townspeople slowly made their way back into the town. They would stop to thank the Knights. Some of the towns woman even hugged Merlin. They all insisted they stayed for the night and had dinner. They agreed. But Merlin was hesitant, not because she didn't trust the towns folk. But because her stomach seemed to be disagreeing with her. So she waited outside tending to the horses while the nights ate. It wasn't long till she noticed someone helping her.

"I didn't know you knew how to groom a horse." Merlin teased Arthur. He shook his head.

"I'm a Prince, I grew up with horses."

"Still you're a prat." Glancing over at him she smiled.

Arthur shook his head a small laugh escaping. Taking a few steps towards her he placed a hand on her waist hesitantly. Relieved when she didn't pull away. His fingers trailed over her jaw, sending shivers down Merlins spine.

" Arthur." She mumbled. " Should you be this close to me? In public?"

Instead of responding, he leaned down and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips. Her heart could have beat right out of her chest.

"Does that answer your question?"

"Mmm you could say that." She whispered, a small smile on her lips. " I'm a servant Arthur."

"I know, look I want us to be together. But...my father. Once I am king Merlin, I promise you that we won't have to hide."

She nodded, at him. It would be hard, A prince was supposed to marry a beautiful princess. Not a servant girl, let alone a sorcerous. If he ever found out about her magic she'd be thrown from the kingdom no doubt. Could he ever forgive her for hiding something like that from him?

"That's all I need to know." He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers in another sweet kiss. All he wanted was the moment to last forever. Because with Merlin in his arms everything was perfect.

This was mostly just fluff and rambles, I don't want to rush straight into the main plot. But it's coming soon! Next chapter things really get rolling.