~o~

I just can't stop thinking about Gwen and Merlin. Why did my actions hurt them both? I thought Gwen liked me, and Merlin, does he not understand simple humour? Why is my life so confusing!

So now I'm just sitting here, waiting for what, I don't know.

"Arthur, can I come in? I have a message for you and I really need to finish the packing."

"Very well Merlin. Who's the message from?" I'm kind of hoping it's from Gwen, a message seems like the sort of apology she'd make.

"It's from the king; he wishes to speak with you immediately, but he warns that he will not hesitate to punish you if you continue with your previous insolence. What did happen when you talked to him earlier?"

"I wouldn't expect you to understand, Merlin." And I really don't want to think about it.

"You don't know that, give me a chance." I look at him, and his face is concerned. I suppose if I were to tell anyone, Merlin would be top on the list.

"It's nothing really, I just got really angry... and scared... when he told me that he was coming on the quest."

Merlin hesitates for a moment. "Look, Arthur, Uther, I think... wants to protect you."

"Protect ME! It's the kingdom as needs protecting!" I slam my hand on the table. "Why do we even have to go on this quest anyway?"

"Maybe you should go talk to him and find out, sire." I sigh, but I suppose he's right, I should go talk to Father.

"Merlin, will you come with me?"

"I really shoudn't, I have to pack..."

"Yes, right, well... See you, then."

"Yeah." I wonder what he's thinking right now?

I walk down the corridor and all I can think of is how horrid this day has been, I mean really, look at all that's happened to me!

"Actually, sire, I think I will come with you. You never know, I might have to get you out of trouble. Again."

"Merlin! I didn't hear you. And you never need to get me out of trouble, it's always me that needs to get you out of trouble." I reach over to give him a nudge, but he dodges around my arm, only to crash into me and knock us both against the wall.

"Merlin!"

"Sorry, small hall... Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. You?"

"Alright." Then he starts to laugh, and so do I, because I wasn't really angry.

"You dunce Merlin."

"Why do you always have to be such a prat Arthur?"

"I'm not a prat! I'm the most polite gentleman you'll ever meet!" My indignance is fake, of course.

When Merlin just laughs, I give in and laugh too.

~o~

A/N: Okay, sorry for the shortness of this chapter, but it was have this much now, or wait another couple of days for a longer one. I also apologize for not writing more quickly; I've had the flu for a week now, sleeping and all I can't write, you know. So, I hope you like it, and please comment!