The rain pelted hard on the cobblestone road of the courtyard. Candles and braziers were being lit in many places throughout the whole citadel as the dark cloud cover was making it difficult to see. Camelot has never before experienced such a storm and this one is sure to be spectacular.

Common folk were pouring in through the wide open doors of the throne room. Council men stood besides the throne engaged in a discussion while several servants were gathered in one corner gossiping away. Village elders were also present on behalf of their village. The whole room was packed, waiting for their king who arrived shortly wearing his favorite red leather jacket and brown trousers with his ever present Camelot red cape. Everybody bowed to him as he made his way to his throne.

The council member debriefed him on everything the minute he sat on his throne. For Arthur, however, everything was a hazy blur. He might be present in the room physically but, mentally, his thoughts were elsewhere. His gaze was steadfastly fixed on the door waiting for a certain manservant/best friend. He hadn't seen Merlin since last night and this unusual morning didn't sit well in his gut. He felt incomplete.

Agravaine, the king's most trusted adviser, entered and stood beside Arthur. Arthur leaned towards him and whispered.

Arthur: "Have you found Merlin?"

Agravaine looked at Arthur with one eyebrow raised and just as he was about to reply, Arthur's eyes caught a figure entering the throne felt his world getting back on his axis the minute he laid his eyes on Merlin. Relief and joy burst in Arthur's heart and out of nowhere and in front of his 50 council members he spoke out-loud.

Arthur: "MERLIN! Where the HELL have you been?"

The whole room went pin drop silent. Various people looked at the king with bemusement while others looked at Merlin in shock. Arthur, on the other hand, was looking at Merlin with a huge boyish grin pasted on his face. Merlin didn't said anything and, with a blank face, came in front of his king, bowed and stood with the other servants. Arthur was, now, even more puzzled with this behavior. Merlin never bowed to him, not if he was mocking Arthur, even when they first met, so why today? Arthur kept looking at him, trying to discern his friend while Merlin kept his eyes locked on the floor like a good servant.

Agravaine witnessed Arthur's undivided attention towards his servant and tried to distract him so that he can focus on the current problems.

Agravaine: "Sire, I believe now it's time to address your people. They are waiting for quiet sometime."

Arthur didn't heard a word his uncle said. His thoughts and his eyes both were fixed on his best friend. Merlin's behavior felt off to Arthur and he can't quiet put his finger on what seems to be the reason and it kept bothering him. Agravaine touched the king's shoulder when he got no response.

Agravaine: "Arthur, your audience awaits."

Arthur: "huh? Oh... umm... Yes Uncle."

Arthur got up from his throne and faced his subjects.

Arthur: "There seems to be a bad storm descended upon Camelot and I know all of you are worried about your livestock, your fields and your loved ones but I assure you the castle will provide its walls and will assist you in any way possible. The knights will be on constant patrol, giving you their full service. The citadel doors are open for shelter for those who need it. Camelot's walls are strong to withstand this storm and so are its people. I would request the common folks to stock their supplies as much as they can so that you are equipped with all the necessities until the storm pass. That will be all."

As soon as he finished his speech, his people bowed to him but instead of furthering his discussion with his council, Arthur ran straight towards Merlin who was about to leave the room.

Arthur: "Merlin? MERLIN!... Where are you going?

Arthur came in front of him to stop his progress. Merlin didn't look at Arthur and kept his head down.

Merlin: "Sire, can I assist you in anything?"

Arthur's confusion deepened. Merlin was never like this. He never acted this way, like a boot-licking servant, with Arthur and the king appreciated that. Arthur never considered him as his subject or follower. Merlin was always his friend and sometimes more than that.

Arthur: "What has gotten into you today?"

Merlin: "Sire, I beg your pardon?"

Arthur: "This." (gestured with his hands.) "What is wrong with you? Why aren't you addressing me by my name like you usually do?"

Merlin: "Sire! It's not appropriate to address my king by his first name like a simpleton and I would never break my manners, Sire."

Arthur was now getting irritated and frustrated by this new Merlin.

Arthur: "MERLIN! You listen-"

Merlin: "Sire, I understand my position in this castle and I think you should too."

His response and the fierce look in his eyes gave a clear sign that Merlin was angry and maybe he is mad at Arthur.

Arthur was dumbfounded and upset by Merlin. His face fell and he felt a sting behind his eyes. He kept looking at Merlin but the servant didn't look up. He felt his heart about to break and he was sure that if it did, the whole of Camelot will hear.

Merlin: "Will that be all, Sire?"

Arthur: "Yes... that will be all."

Merlin bowed but Arthur couldn't bear the sight of it anymore so he looked away and squeezed his eyes shut. Merlin stood straight and left room. Arthur's gaze was fixated on his friend's back but Merlin never looked back.