Author's note: This story takes place in the first season, which means Morgana is nice and hasn't come into her powers. The Arthur-Gwen relationship hasn't started, but Merlin has met Lancelot. I hope that clears up the naivety that some of the characters possess.

Three

Merlin couldn't help the small lump of panic that settled in this throat as he followed his prince to the castle library. They had spent so much time together in the last few months that when Merlin wasn't fighting off witches and griffin's and rouge knights bent on killing Arthur and destroying Camelot, he was with Arthur on the training ground or in his chambers. In that time Merlin had come to learn that when Arthur was vague about what he wanted Merlin to do, he usually ended up in the stocks in the center of town or below the castle in his own private cell.

"Look, Arthur, Sire," Merlin pleaded as they bounded down a staircase. "I'm sorry for speaking out of turn. It was wrong of me, but you know how I get when I'm nervous, or when I see something I think is wrong; I just keep talking and talking and talking and…"

"Merlin?"

"Yes, sire?"

"Shut up."

"Right, yes sire." Merlin hurried after Arthur as the prince made his way down the next corridor, his stride confident and purposeful, Merlin forced himself to swallow his fear and study the man before him. Arthur didn't seem like he was upset with him, at least not more than usual. Merlin took that as a good sign and was able to swallow his fear as they neared the small archway that lead into Camelot library.

Arthur made for the table furthest from the door and Merlin felt his apprehension return. Arthur pulled out a chair, making sure to make as little noise as possible, and gestured for Merlin to sit. "Take a seat, Merlin," he instructed.

Merlin did as he was bade and sat down. "Arthur, what's-"

"Merlin, be quiet." Arthur leaned against the tabletop in front of Merlin and crossed his arms. "I know that our familiarity has given you certain privileges that we may have gotten used to, but we're aren't in my chambers or in the practice field; we are planning a war. It's a delicate matter that can turn nasty quick."

Merlin nodded in understanding and shifted in his seat. So, Gaius was right, again, the warlock thought unpleasantly. I better not let him know that or I'll never hear the end of it. Merlin focused his attention back to the Crown Prince of Camelot. "What would you have me do?" he asked, being unusually serious. Arthur smirked, noticing the sudden change in his servant.

"I need you by my side," the prince answered.

"Whatever you need, sire."

Arthur's smirk turned into a natural smile and he laughed, seemingly pleased with Merlin. "Good. Now, get up." Merlin scrambled out of the chair without comment. "What I need is something to eat. Some cold cuts and cheese would do."

With that Arthur moved away from the table and sat down on the chair Merlin had occupied. "And Merlin?"

Merlin turned at the sound of his name. "Yes, Arthur?"

"Make sure you get some for yourself."

Merlin stared at him, his opened mouth at the odd request. "Uh, yes, of course, sire. Thank you."

"Don't mistake me Merlin. It's not as if I want to eat with you, I just don't want you anywhere near Lichen right now. I'm sure he has someone lurking in the shadows waiting for you so he can take some revenge for being embarrassed by a servant." Arthur explained.

"Uh, right. I'll be careful."

Arthur nodded in satisfaction, turned away from his servant and reclined his feet up on the table. "Good," he said dismissing Merlin.

I know that the chapter was super short but it's better than nothing, right?"