Author's Note: Have the nastiest case of writer's block and work has been crazy! I'm sorry for the delay. I think I made it up to you guys. I like how this chapter turned out.

I never expected to have so many good responses from my last update. I'm happy that many of you liked it! Anyway, here's the new chapter. This is for Blob no. 1. Thank you for helping me with my grammar/wrong spelling thing. I hope that I have done better this time around. And thank you for pointing out the Gaius thing. I didn't notice it at all! Anyway, hope you all like this one.

For this chapter, I only get to choose a number of people to fit the days of the week. I wanted to include Percival but he just doesn't really fit in this chapter.

Warning: Bare with me guys! Secret fangirl (it's very possible), murderous thoughts, obsessive and perverted feelings and brother complex.

When Merlin Became His Queen

Summary: He knew that the unicorn incident would come back to bite them in the future. He just never thought it would be his ass that would be bitten. ManyxMerlin; main ArthurxMerlin.

Chapter Seven Part A Seven Days in a Week

* March 22, morning, 1st day after Chapter Six*

The day started weirdly for Gwen. She dreamt that she saw Merlin and Arthur locking lips and the lithe man running away while the golden-haired prince stared. She step out of her small bed, looking over at her side to notice that her brother is gone, probably off to training. Which means that she is late; another thing that is weird for her.

She was hardly late.

She quickly moved to dress, hastily putting her hair in a messy bun to keep it out of her face. After checking herself, she puts on her shoes and she left her quaint house, almost running towards the kitchen to fetch her lady's breakfast. She noted with confusion that there are many people buzzing in and out, almost knocking her into her feet a couple times. When she reached the kitchen, the cook took one look at her and shoves the tray containing some fruits and small bowl of porridge and promptly went back to chopping a large carcass of something. Gwen look on in confusion, thinking of asking what is going on before catching hold of the time and realizing that she was almost ten minutes late.

She quickly left the kitchen, holding the tray as steady as she could as she practically run towards her lady's chambers. She tried to rack her brain, wondering if she missed something but the events of yesterday were kind of hazy. She remembers the Merlin thing, then the Lancelot-along-with-the-keeping-Merlin-an-eye thing and then Lancelot-spending-time-with-Gwen thing (the dark skin glowed red at the thought).

After that, nothing comes to mind, expect ….the bizarre dream where she heard arguing voices and when she investigate, she saw the two, Arthur and Merlin, kissing. But she shook her head at the thought. That could not happen so fast yet. It was probably one of her (blushes really hard) dreams. Oh, if the others knew that she sometimes dreamt of seeing one of the handsomest guys together with one of the prettiest looking guys together in doing carnal actions, well, she would be mortified.

Shaking her head to dispel her embarrassment and she walks faster to Morgana's room. Though the aristocrat was often kind to her, she does sometimes get into one of her moods and being late to attend to her would not be good when she is in a mood.

She burst inside the room, breathing hard, and one hand on her knee trying to speak but can't really get anything out. After a few minutes, she manages to catch her breath and straighten up to see an empty room.

She frowned, wondering what is going on. She didn't remember any instruction from Morgana yesterday. She sat down on the chair, placing the tray of breakfast absently on the table. Gwen's nose crinkles in thought, trying hard to think back on anything she forgot.

"Did Lady Morgana say anything about not needing my services today?" the brown-skin girl asked out-loud. As expected, no one answered. She cross her arms in front of her chest and thought hard for long minutes. Then suddenly like a click sounding off in her head, she stood up in surprise, proclaiming, "It wasn't a dream!"

She did saw the prince and his manservant lock lips.

She did saw Merlin running away and the uncharacteristic (or really a reverting of character) of the Prince afterwards.

And Morgana did instruct her to give her services to others other than her mistress for the coming of the King of Escetia.

A pandemonium of images flooded her brain.

She remembers now.

Flashback:

She had reluctantly separated from Lancelot to do some of the small chores she usually does for Morgana. As she walks down the deserted hall, she heard voices, which distinctively sounded like Merlin and Arthur, shouting. She went to investigate and she stumble upon what look like a very intimate embrace and lip locking between the two infamous master and servant. She gasps loudly from surprise causing for them to break out of the trance they seemed to be in.

Events after that happen so quickly.

Merlin withdrew from Arthur's embrace, pushing the prince back, a hand place to his lips and eyes wide in disbelief. He quickly ran away after that and Arthur continued to stand in his position. Since Gwen was facing Merlin and Arthur's back, she could not see the expression on the prince face.

Gwen called out to Arthur after awhile of the prince standing there like a statue. But the prince didn't turn to her.

"Is there something you want?"

"I – I saw, you and Merlin…"

Even without looking at Arthur's face, Gwen can tell that Arthur was displeased with what she is trying to say.

"You saw nothing."

"But – you – Merlin!"

He's body went rigid before moving away; not letting Gwen finished her sentence.

"Good day, Guinevere."

Gwen heard the silent command not to speak of the matter. She looked at the retreating figure of the prince, turning at the opposite corridor the young manservant did. Discontent with the way Arthur treated her, she resolve to try and talk to him and this – whatever happened with the two.

But first, she had to make sure Merlin was okay. He was looked like he was shaken up badly by the events.

Gwen easily found Merlin at Gaius's workshop. He looks like he was trying to burrow into his small bed, covered tightly by his ratty looking blanket; only a tuff of black hair was showing. Gwen carefully approached the boy and called his name softly. And almost jumped back from the abrupt motion of Merlin's upper body lifting up from the bed, his eyes wide captured within Gwen's.

"Gwen?"

"Yes, it's me." Gwen answered, cautiously waking towards the skittish looking boy, one of his hand was absently rubbing against his swollen lower lip, caked blood visibly seen on the small wound.

"Are you okay?" Gwen asked, looking at his lips in concern. Ideas of Arthur forcing himself on Merlin started to run around her head from looking at the lip wound and she felt even more determined to find out what happened.

Merlin nodded his head absently, still softly fingering his lip, seemingly lost in thought.

"Did Arthur, did he, force hi-"

"No!" Merlin answered in a hurry, stopping Gwen's statement. Gwen look at Merlin in surprise and Merlin blush, lowering his head along with his hand. He continued on, speaking softly.

"The prince (Gwen knew there was a problem now because Merlin is addressing Arthur so formally even without his presence) and I, we – it was an accident Gwen."

"Merlin, you don't really have to cover anything. You can tell me what happen," Gwen answered softly back, finally close enough to sit on the bed close to Merlin. She continued to stare at Merlin's eyes, showing her concern and sincerity. Merlin shook his head and gave a small smile, a small shudder went past his body from the pain of stretching his lips.

"I'm fine Gwen."

"Mer-"

Merlin cut her off, his voice growing into a strangely hypnotic pull. Gwen could feel her mind slowly go into a haze, her mouth frowning in confusion as she slowly feels like fogs forming on her mind.

"In fact, it was nothing Gwen. What you saw was only merely dream. You must have fallen asleep while you were with Lancelot and woke thinking it's real and check up on me. You were just dreaming Gwen."

Gwen felt herself nodding along.

End of flashback.

Afterwards, Gwen remembered, Morgana found her and ask if she was alright since she was in a daze. Gwen remembered replying that she was feeling tired and was going to retire soon. Morgana informed her quickly of the news regarding the visit from the neighboring Kingdom seven days from then. She also informed Gwen that for the following days starting tom, she has offered Gwen's expert services to help around preparing the castle for the arrival of the King of Escetia; essentially making her the head over the chambermaids. Morgana added quickly that she will be most likely busy helping Arthur plan (because the man knows nothing besides whacking his swords around; Morgana's words not Gwen's) for the visit, before letting her go in concern.

Gwen frowned at the memory. How could she forget about all those? And how come Merlin's voice affected her into thinking that everything was a dream? Her brow furrowed even deeper at remembering the eerie way Merlin spoke to her, as if he is manipulating her mind. But that's just silly of her to think. Gwen must have been really tired yesterday to have forgotten.

It is a mystery for her to be so uncharacteristic, especially when she prides herself for her very useful memory. But, she has bigger things to do now. She is already late in conducting her duties and the chambermaids must be flittering around chatting up a storm up while waiting for her. She better hurry along.

But she has not forgotten about her annoyance with Arthur's treatment (regarding Merlin because Gwen can't really forget the image of the confused, lost and hurt look in Merlin's when she mentioned the prince) and plans to show her displeasure the best way she knows how. She may respect Merlin's privacy and grants Arthur's request to keep the matter quiet, but she certainly will not let the prince forget it anytime soon. Knowing the two, they will be avoiding the issue (and probably Merlin, Arthur) and drive the whole castle crazy. Those two can't really sort much of anything out when it comes to them and needs a lot of meddling.

She will know what happened between the two.

She always does.

And Morgana should really stop corrupting her.

Heh.

* March 23, afternoon, 2nd day*

Morgana can fell her eyebrow twitched in irritation. It was not as much as she is annoyed with drawl of those useless, mindless fools (the councils) or the insistent tapping of Arthur's finger on the table.

It was more of because everyone was acting weird.

Well, more weird than usual.

What really annoys her though is that she has no idea why.

Let it be known that Morgana likes to be in everyone's business.

Two days ago, Morgana enjoyed a nice walked with the blonde right-hand knight of the prince. It was nice, entertaining, and she got to make Leon squirmed by occasionally mentioning Merlin and some other in a much coated innuendo manner. She left Leon's company in a great mood (can't be said the same for the high stringed Knight though) and was happily walking back to her chambers when she met up with an irritated Arthur (and suspiciously looking like he just got some, now that Morgana thought about it), lips suspiciously wounded.

She commented on the unusual wound Arthur got, asking if he happened catch his manservant's affliction of being clumsy that brought him the lip wound. Arthur got all tensed and growled after that, not the normal puppy growls he makes when trying to warn Morgana (because let's face it, Arthur can't really stop Morgana), but an actual angry, filled with some hidden something that Morgana can't tell, growl that stops Morgana in her tracks and looks at Arthur.

Really looks at Arthur.

What she saw was not pretty.

The prince's hair was messed up as if Arthur has swept it back and forth, and probably tagged it hard, a thousand times. His eyes have that somewhat craze-battle look Arthur has when facing an enemy and trying to figured out how to properly disembowel the opponent. His cheeks had two red spots, teeth set into a grinding motion and lips stretch into a thin line, the wound bleeding slightly. The nerves on the prince's neck seemed to stand out and the redness spreading from the neck to the chest area peeking out from his half opened shirt.

All in all, Arthur looks like he went through a battle and lost.

Terribly.

Morgana knew when to fight and then retreat. Whenever Arthur gets into something resembling a cavemen grunt, Morgana wisely knew to retreat. She will not get anything out of Arthur this way. He was not riled up, he looks seriously angry (to whom, Morgana plans to figure out).

Arthur handed, rather harshly, the scroll he was holding, informing Morgana in gruff voice about the visit of King Cenred. He also said, in short sharp words, of Morgana's help being appreciated.

Morgana agreed without fuss and Arthur went on his way to who knows where, informing her of the meetings for tomorrow.

That was about two days ago (or if anyone is being precise, one night and a day ago) and everyone has been acting weirdly since. And yes, Morgana considers Arthur, Merlin and Gwen as everyone; especially since the three has been acting very much out of character.

Arthur has been a mix of a sulking child and angry adult since then. He rarely speaks unless needed and his brows are set down into a permanent frown worthy of Uther's. He looks tired, pale and un-princely. He rarely rises to Morgana's insults and keeps on fingering the healing wound on his lips. Morgana has also caught him unaware and daydreaming more often times than she cares to count.

Gwen, though busy with her own new duties, has been giving Arthur these disappointing and knowing stares every time she reports or passes them by. She would address Arthur in a controlled voice and clip manner that is certainly so uncharacteristic of the normally sweet girl. Arthur would always avoid the girl's stare and Morgana notes that he adopts this guilty looking face.

As for Merlin, well, Morgana has seen neither hair nor hide of the manservant. It's like he just vanished into thin air.

Since Morgana has been stuck with meetings after meetings planning for the arrival of King Cenred with Arthur and the councilors, she tried to pry the answer out of Arthur. But Arthur has surprisingly evaded her inquiry and changed the subject every damn time. She has also tried to ask Gwen but the girl refuses to say anything, always acting innocent of her unusual treatment of the prince.

"My lady, I have no idea what you mean. I have been treating the prince the same as I have always done."

She can't really catch hold of Merlin because she was stuck in the meeting chambers most of the time. She passed by the physician on her way to the meeting this morning, but nothing useful was said aside from the mentioned fact that Merlin has been waking up very early each morning that Gaius is very proud of Merlin's late habits being cured.

Sitting here stuck in a stuffy room full of stuck-up Lords and a temperamental child-man prince, not even close in solving the mystery behind the weird behaviors of everyone, grates on her nerves so much that she's starting to develop twitching disorder.

And she can't have that.

She will get to the bottom of things, or so God help everyone, she will start breaking necks.

* March 24, early morning, 3rd day*

The long haired man whistled quite loudly down the deserted hall; occasionally skipping on his feet. Many would stop and take a double look at the smiling man especially because the sun was not exactly out yet and the mischievous man is very much known of always being a late riser.

It was true that Gwaine prefers to sleep in until the last moments before getting out of his bed to rush to training. But today, Gwaine plans to catch up on his dearest friend and secret (not really so secret) crush. He has not seen the pale, slender manservant of the prince for past two days, he is experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

He was always used to seeing the cheerful servant at least once a day even if he is just passing through on some chore he was ordered. It was hard to adjust at first when he moved out of the small room of Merlin's into his new abode. Gaius can only take so much of his ruckus, the old man threatening to lace his porridge with something nasty the next time he comes back drunk and making a general nuisance of himself during the wee hours of the night.

It was lonely without Merlin's constant presence or his chatter filling up Gwaine's time. He had taken into drinking more and going back to his old habits of picking fights and generally sleeping with anyone who takes interest of him. His fellow knights had each took him aside to talked to him, but he just brushed them off. Until Merlin himself went to have a talked and the younger man expressing his concern of Gwaine's spiraling habits. Gwaine soon started to pick after himself after that, not liking the sad smile Merlin gives him during that day.

He still drinks, still flirts and still acts his happy self but he controls them into a minimum. The brilliant smile Merlin offered him a few weeks after was well worth it.

Gwaine is sure that everyone thinks he is utterly smitten with the nice, kind man. Considering how often he is under the butt of Leon's sword (he really only allows it to have Merlin fuss over him; though with the strength of an overprotective brother, Leon would have Gwaine run for his money during sparring) and how often the prince tries to steer Merlin clear out of his way, they are not really that far off.

It's not like he really hide it. Merlin was practically the only one who does not notice his overly amorous actions to him; but Gwaine is okay with that. Others, mainly men he spars with, often teased him how he is so in love with the manservant and has his ass whip.

Now Gwaine can't say if he is in love with Merlin, but he really, really likes Merlin and he won't mind to have Merlin's ass somewhere within his, preferably, naked vicinity. He's practically obsessed in seeing Merlin's supple naked skin and tries to suggest activities that would both get them naked. Leon, Arthur or Gaius would always come to the rescue every time; making Gwaine disappointed of his failed attempts and Merlin confused of the frantic (Leon), disapproving (Gaius) and angry (Arthur) looks given out.

Many also thinks that taverns, bar fights and ale are his obsession but that is where they are very far off. It was actually seeing Merlin's face and being surrounded by his gentle and sweet aura that is Gwaine's obsession.

Before, back when he hasn't met Merlin yet, he has been living a vagabond lifestyle. Don't get him wrong, he liked it, but he had those few moments of loneliness, having no friends or purpose in life. He had used alcohol, carnal acts and generally merry-making as a way to numb the meaningless of his life, going from one place to another.

When he met Merlin, a whole new life opened before him. It was ridiculous really, but meeting Merlin was like meeting his destiny. The two of them formed a bond that Gwaine never expected to have with anyone. He had confided in him and felt safe and content being in the young man's presence. Merlin was also able to show him that there is more to life and he could do so much more with his own. He may have sworn his loyalty to Camelot and Arthur but he really did it for Merlin and his strong sense of belief of Arthur's goodness.

Merlin was unlike anyone Gwaine has ever met. He was sweet, kind and so very trusting. He has a naïve and gentle quality about him mixed with a strong sense of justice. Merlin reminds him very much of both of his parents and he finds comfort in that. It was also uncanny how much Merlin can see through him and know him so very well.

Serving as a knight to Camelot and being near to Merlin (despite how others always gets in the way of their Gwaine-Merlin alone time) is something Gwaine finds himself to be content with.

So, after missing Merlin for two whole days (Gaius never seems to know where Merlin is and Leon just really twitches when Gwaine ask for Merlin; Arthur, he has not seen since two days ago), he had decided to track the man down and stay in his presence until he is satisfy.

Gaius has proudly mentioned that Merlin has been waking up early to attend his duties. Gwaine is now going to the prince's chambers to either catch Merlin or camp out outside the room and secure the day of Merlin. After all, Arthur has been cooped up in the meeting rooms all the time and Leon was busy taking over training that this is an opportunity Gwaine is waiting for to have a full Merlin time. He'll take whatever Leon will dish out for him for ditching training tomorrow.

As he reach the corridors nearing the prince's chambers, he heard a crash, a rather loud moan (Gwaine grin at the thought that someone is getting some), some raised voice and then a bang of a door. Once he is near enough to the prince's doors, he instantly sees the hurried figure of the person he seeks, running to the opposite direction. He quickly follows, worry filling him as the manservant continues to ran away despite Gwaine's call.

"Merlin! Merlin! Stop!" Gwaine calls, finally catching up and grabs hold of one arm, giving a hard tug; the sound of metal and porcelains crashing to the floor was ignored by both. The obviously distress man swiftly turns shouting, "Leave me al – Gwaine?"

Gwaine softly gasp at the angry, hurt look on Merlin's teary eyes before it quickly disappears to be replaced by confusion. Gwaine cups one hand to the cold right cheek of the pale man, said pale man winching at the warm hand. He caresses Merlin's cheek, calming the warlock's panting breath as Gwaine examined him quietly.

He noticed that Merlin has dark circles around his eyes and his color is paler than usual, almost in a sick way. His cheekbones seem to stand out more, his hair in disarray and one of his red, pouty lips wounded (Gwaine brush a finger to it softly, wondering where Merlin got that injury from). Combined with the still tearing eyes of those bright blue eyes, Gwaine can feel his heart strings pulled at such sadness Merlin exudes.

Merlin soon calms down and leans into his hand, looking tired and fragile. Merlin's left hand cups his and he seems to nuzzle back in comfort, making Gwaine chuckle at the kittenish action. Gwaine moves closer to the slack body and brought his other hand to touch Merlin's free hand, only to pull back quickly, tugging the said hand up for examination.

"Merlin!" Gwaine let out in a horrified gush, expecting the bloody and glass ridden hand of Merlin.

"Merlin! How did you your hands like this?"

Merlin's body tensed and he tries to pull away from the fussing Knight,

"You know me. I'm clumsy."

Dark eyes study the fidgeting man, not allowing him to pull away. He tries to capture the bright blue eyes into his, but Merlin refuses to look at him, opting to stare at the sides.

"And your lip?"

"I bump into a door."

"Merlin," the bigger man growled out. "If that stupid prince did any-"

"He has nothing to this with this."

"Merlin. You can tell me if he – "

"He has nothing to do with this. Please."

This time Merlin turns to look at him with a pleading look. Gwaine wanted to tell him to stop lying and just say what that man did; but the tired look on Merlin's face swayed him from asking again. He gave a sigh and feels slightly hurt that Merlin would not confine to him. He obviously seems trouble and deeply hurt by something the princess (for all the preening Arthur does, Gwaine feels he deserve to called that) probably did. Though the thought of Merlin's wound on his lip and Arthur in the same sentence does not sit well with the easy-going knight. It makes some dark emotions churned inside Gwaine. He quickly brushes his dark thoughts away and softly smiled at the pale man in a reassuring way.

"Come on then."

"Where are we going?"

"To have your hand treated obviously. I really don't want your soft hands to be tarnished."

Merlin blush at the compliment, Gwaine enjoying giving color to those sickly pale cheeks. Gwaine tugs Merlin to walks toward the infirmary, picking up the fallen tray in one hand, the other gently cradling the injured hand.

"They are not soft! I have you know that I work very hard."

"Oh, I am not contesting that. You just have natural, soft, delicate hands. Woman from all over Camelot envies you."

"Are you calling me a girl?"

Gwaine just gave him a cheeky as an answer to which Merlin gave a glare (as if he can really properly glare; it looks more like a pout than anything else) and half hardly swats him with the good hand. They soon reached the infirmary and Gwaine went about in taking care of the injured hand; lovingly removing the small embedded glass, cleaning the blood off and wrapping a clean bandage around it firmly.

All the time, Merlin keeps his eyes down.

Once Gwaine is finished, he cleans the mess and returns to Merlin's side, pulling him into a half embrace that surprised Merlin.

"Gwaine?"

"Hmm?"

Merlin seems to be silent after that before answering, "Nothing….this is nice."

Gwaine smiled at Merlin's answer, enjoying how Merlin lean closer to him, his upper body flush close to his and head pillowed on his shoulders comfortably. He tighten his hold on Merlin and wish that he could just crab the smaller man and put him in his lap. But that would bring about problems that he can't really afford. Unless Merlin was willing to take care of it *leer*.

He will not push Merlin for answers. Gwaine didn't want to stress the man. Besides, even if he doesn't like it, it was always the prince or about the prince that affects the lithe man so badly. It makes him mad that Merlin cares so deeply for the man and will practically do anything for the prince; yet the said man is not worthy of Merlin's devotion.

Yes, he has come to acknowledge Arthur as a worthy noble, comrade, prince and future King. But when it comes to Merlin, all bets are off.

Gwaine knows Arthur did something and Gwaine will find out.

And he will protect Merlin even if it's from his beloved prince.

* March 25, morning, 4th day*

" I've finished arranging the bottles according to your list. Is there anything you need me to do?" The eager young man pop out of nowhere beside the old physician, almost giving him a heart attack and making him drop his ladle and bottle on the floor.

"Merlin! Will you please reframe from driving me to my grave?" Gaius scolded, placing both objects down on the table beside the boiling cauldron and sitting down to settle his nerves. The boy sheepishly gave him a weak smile, mumbling an apology.

Really, ever since Merlin became his apprentice, his heart has been put through a lot.

"Merlin, don't you have other duties to attend to? Like preparing for the upcoming visitors?"

" They removed me from the stock room," Merlin answered, a red tinge appearing on the alarmingly sunken cheeks. Gaius guessing that his clumsiness acted out there to. The horror of what Merlin must have cause to actually be kicked out.

"How about the prince?"

Gaius observes Merlin, seeing the small tensing of the slender youth. Merlin didn't give an answer and Gaius really didn't expect one.

On the third day that Merlin woke up early in the morning, Gaius knew that something was wrong.

Yes, Merlin is not the best manservant around but he really just does badly sometime on purpose to rile his master. He has often times seen how exasperated Arthur is with Merlin and how Merlin would just grin back. Not that the prince really complains. He gives those poorly hidden fond looks at Merlin whenever he thinks no one is looking.

Seeing how much Merlin puts an effort in actually arriving on time to bring the prince his breakfast for the third time in the row, has set alarming tones in his head. When Merlin woke up even earlier today to bring the probably-not-even-prepared breakfast of the prince, Gaius' eyebrows went into the mix of rising as high as they can go.

Unlike the others, Gaius knows well enough not to badger the man about what's going on. He will come to him when it is time. But Merlin's insisting presence today in his lab tempts him to just drag the matter out of him.

Merlin came back quite early after leaving and requested a list of things to do from Gaius. Since Gaius was in the process of making as many stomach, hangover, headache, body aches and food poisoning remedies (visiting nobles always without a fail cause some type of problem, not to mention how much problem banquets and tournaments brings) as he can, he decided to take up Merlin's offered services; which he soon regrets as Merlin's clumsiness and absent mindedness rose to epic proportions.

So far, he gave him the wrong ingredients for the hangover remedy, causing an eruption of liquid; trip and crash into the table while cleaning said spilled liquid; splash some of the food poisoning remedy on his notes, and those where in dark violet; and broke some of the newly brewed potions. Oh, and let's not forget almost killing Gaius via heart attack.

Gaius sighs softly.

He knows that Merlin means well. He is not actually a bad assistant but today, he is just horrible. Gaius is sure that the reason is because of whatever it is that happened between him and the prince. That fight he heard three days ago must have ended badly.

Gaius has also seen the prince's lip injury (now healed) and connected it to Merlin's own (still healing). He was teasing Uther (it was a nice change of pace to have the man seem more human than a tyrannical king) when he said they will kiss and make-up.

Apparently, they did kiss, just that the make-up part was left out in the equation.

Gaius sighs louder this time.

"Merlin, maybe we should take a break. We went pass lunch already. And I really don't fancy anymore accidents to happen until I have satisfied my hunger."

Merlin winced at Gaius words but move to immediately clearing out the table as Gaius brings out harden bread and the unknown glop called soup mixed with small meat. No mishap fortunately happened within that span of time.

The two settled themselves down soon and ate in silence. Half way through, Merlin cleared his voice rather loudly, catching the attention of the older man. He turns to look at Merlin, waiting for him to start. Merlin seems to gather his wits about him first and Gaius wonders if he will finally confined to him what is going on between the two.

"Gaius….I have been meaning to ask you."

Gaius gave a nod to show that he is listening, slightly disappointed that the boy will not be talking about the issue between the prince and himself soon after all.

"I have been having problems…"

"Problems?"

"Well..It's not exactly a problem…but lately…I think my emotions have been confusing and my magic is harder to control at times."

"Your emotions?"

"I mean…they changed like lightening and I seem to be overly …..emotional. And recently, as if I have no control over myself or how I feel…." Merlin finished softly, almost planting his face on the table in embarrassment.

Gaius wisely refrained from commenting, prodding Merlin to continue," And your magic?"

"Well, three days ago (here Gaius can see the flush on Merlin's face deepens to crimson), I kind of….manipulated Gwen's memories?"

Gaius' eyebrow went up at the uncertainly in Merlin's tone.

"You are not sure if you did?"

"I think I did it, but I'm not sure. I wasn't meaning to. She saw something (Gaius watched in fascination as the crimson turned to deep burgundy as Merlin continues on) that she wasn't and she was persistently asking and I just didn't want her to and my emotions were all mess up that I wanted her to forget it. I kind of, I think, made her go into a trance and deeply suggested that she was dreaming…and my magic just reacted. She went off in a haze mumbling about her dreaming."

Gaius inwardly wonders if that memory Merlin manipulated has something to do with seeing Arthur and Merlin most probably kissing that day. He thought about what the boy had said and tried to filter through his mind for possible reasons of Merlin's problem. A sudden arching of his eyebrow was the only indication Merlin needed to know that he has the answer.

Gaius idly wonders if Merlin attracts more problems than Arthur.

The poor boy is just a magnet for trouble.

* March 25, early morning, 3rd day*

Whack!

Swoosh!

Clang!

"See how I easily disarmed him? Learn when to duck your opponent instead of trying to block and met him head on. You must also be able to analyze quickly your opponent's strength and weakness to be able to judge your skills against his," Leon lectured the new and younger knights, a handful of around five to six of them. Across, a few feet away from them, the more experience and older ones continue their sparring, preparing for the coming tournament that seems to be mandatory whenever a visiting noble or Lord arrives to Camelot.

The young eager knights nodded enthusiastically as he continues on lecturing them, using one of them to show a demonstration when needed. The tournament prepared is planned for the second day of the arrival of King Cenred. Of course, as new knights, a lot of them are at a disadvantage but they are encourage to participate since it would give them better experience than their usual sparing during training. Leon himself will enter the lancing competition while the Regent Prince, after much persuasion from Morgana, will enter the sword competition.

A familiar lanky figure moved passed Leon's peripheral vision. He stopped speaking immediately and called Owain over.

"Take charge of the rest of the training. Make sure that they don't strain themselves too much before the tournament."

"Leon, whe-"

Leon moved away from the knights, waving his hand down to cut off whatever Owain was going to ask. He quickly followed the dark-haired man before he lost sight of him.

Really. Leon's temper has finally reached the end. He can only take as much stomach cramps as the next person. For the past few days, he's instincts have been going haywire. It didn't help that the day after his and the Lady Morgana's walk, Arthur called on to him to informed about the visiting royals; he spotted the injured lip of the prince and gave a start as Merlin's own injured lip came into mind when he saw him earlier on.

It didn't take a genius to figure out what made those injuries and it won't take a genius to figure out that Leon wanted very much to shake Arthur for answers; even if he is the prince.

He barely managed to hold on to his instincts and managed to walk away without actually being sentence for treason.

He really couldn't ask the prince what was wrong; Morgana came to him some time ago and ranted how much Arthur is acting up and she is certain that it has something to do with the missing Merlin. Leon wanted to get the answers out of his honorary baby brother, but as Morgan mentioned, the manservant practically vanished. Leon was only able to catch a small part of the boy a few times over the past days.

The last time was when he encountered the wayward Knight ditching practice and molesting Merlin (if that bloody pervert thinks that he can disguise a tickling war as a cover for molesting his brother, he better think again). Unfortunately, that infuriating knight managed to flee, pulling Merlin with him, before Leon could actually catch them.

He made sure to use Gwaine as the dummy demonstration very thoroughly.

All these worries (because even Gaius came to him to ask if he knew what was the matter with Merlin and Gwen always looks like she wanted to tell him something but couldn't) churning inside him was making him have stomach cramps. He decided that he really didn't want to die at such a young age and the minute that he saw even one small glimpse of Merlin, he will capture him and get the answers out.

Which is why, he is now dragging the captured man back to his quarters, not allowing his grip to lessen even if it didn't sit well to him that he might be hurting his brother.

Tough love.

Leon pulls the door open rather harshly, continued to pull Merlin into the room and sits him, gently, on his bed. He then gave a stern look to the protesting man, making him quiet and meekly lowered his head obediently. Leon nodded in satisfaction, going back to close the door and lock it. He took a stool and place it in front of the subdue figure and sat himself down.

"Okay Merlin. What is going on?"

Merlin kept quiet and seemed to draw into himself, making him look quite fragile and small. Leon brushes his hair back and sighs.

"Merlin," Leon called out, a stern warning in his tone.

Merlin just bit his lip, forgetting his injury and promptly flinches at the surprise pain more than the pain itself. Leon narrowed his eyes at that and decided that asking him would be best if he was actually specific.

"Merlin, if anyone did anything that you did not like, no matter who is it, you can tell me. No one has any right to force you to do –"

"It wasn't!" Merlin quickly answered, interrupting what Leon was saying. Leon gave him a look that says "don't lie to me".

"It's true. Nobody forced me….it was an accident."

"You don't sound sure Merlin."

"No, really. It was an accident. Art-"

Leon's eyes narrowed while Merlin's head snap up and eyes widen in horror at his slip.

"The prince?" he said in a dangerous voice.

He knew that the prince has some sort of feelings for Merlin. He has always been possessive of Merlin but Leon has seen no reason to fear because he believes that the prince would never act on his feelings. He is the prince of Camelot and knows his duties to the kingdom regarding matters concerning love, marriage and consorts. Leon knows that Merlin is more than worthy to be with Arthur if one so chooses, but the prince being with another man is just not done, unless it is only for a physical relationship and Leon believes that Arthur respects Merlin too much to do that.

Apparently, he was wrong. On what accounts, he is not sure.

" No! Please Leon. It's not what you think. Nobo – he didn't force himself on me. It was an accident. We were having an argument and he was just so augh! And he push too hard and my legs and then I feel and we kiss," Merlin quickly explains.

Leon relaxes his tense shoulder a bit before saying, "Tell me what happened."

Merlin stared at him for a while, before giving out a defeated look.

" I really don't know where to beginning."

"The beginning would be good."

" *sigh* Okay. After I finished the prince, Arthur's, list of chores, Gaius came to me to help him with the King. Arthur – he was mean all day (Leon nodded to this, not liking how the prince verbally attack the manservant that day) and I really don't want to deal with him so I went. I didn't expect to see him in the King's chamber but he came to visit his father. I was clumsy and broke a glass and Arthur – he was being nasty. In front of the king, saying how incompetent I was and he didn't want to have his father killed by my clumsiness. I was angry at him but didn't want to start anything so I left.

Arthur followed me. He caught up with me and I couldn't take it, I exploded said some stuff (here Leon raises an eyebrow at the "some stuff"). I got out of his grip afterwards but he still pursued me. He caught me by my arm and pulled to hard. I was surprised and my feet were not cooperating. I feel. On him. Right on his lips….rather hard."

Leon can see a bright red coloring on Merlin's cheeks. A whispered of "He took my first kiss" was heard and he felt his radar going off, urging to confront the prince, but comes himself down and continued to listen.

"I felt like everything stopped and I was confused on the events. It was Gwen who brought me back to my sense. She saw and gasped rather loudly. I ran away after that. I haven't seen Arthur much since then, I have been trying to avoid him actually, bringing his meals before he wakes up, cleaning his room when he is not there and just basically doing things outside of his view. He's words hurts and I was really too embarrassed to face him after that. I was also feeling very confused about everything…"

Leon felt a sense doomed at Merlin's words. The young man has never once mentioned anything romantic regarding himself and hearing him talked about his "confused" feelings in that soft voice makes Leon nervous.

"I was mostly successful in avoiding him, until that day…." Merlin trailed off, bringing his bandaged hand close to himself, his knees tuck underneath his bottom. His cheeks redden even more, but there is a sadness and hurt look in his eyes.

"I – I (Merlin takes a deep breath) I accidentally walked in on Arthur and his – his partner in the middle of um…" Merlin's flush face gave an embarrass look towards Leon, his eyes begging him to understand.

Leon's face twisted into a grimaced, waving a hand as a sign that he understands what Merlin is not saying.

"He, well, I was so surprised that I dropped the tray, and he, Arthur started to insult me again. He always does, but recently, it was more hurtful like he really means it and wants to hurt me. Like he doesn't care about me at all and doesn't see how much I am willing to do for him. I felt hurt and pained how much I don't matter to him. He told me to go away and take the broken dishes out of his sigh (Leon now understands the injured hand). I left. I haven't really seen Arthur after that."

Leon can feel his eyes twitching, knowing that he has to "talk" with Merlin.

Yes, he is angry with the prince (and believe him, he will have some sorting out to do with Arthur, prince or no prince). It is obvious that the prince is taking out his frustrations on Merlin. It is obvious as well, even if Leon doesn't even want to think about it, the prince wants to be with Merlin in the physical sense and possibly even more (because Leon will not settle for anything less). And since he can't, he did it with someone else (it's been a long time since the prince has actually done that; Leon was quite aware of it) and was really horrified that Merlin saw that side of him and acted out again. And now Arthur is feeling very much guilty of his deeds (if Morgana's intense rant regarding Arthur has any indication).

Leon knows how Arthur feels Merlin (the evidence glaring obviously at him), Leon knows how other men and women feel about Merlin (over his dead body will he let those perverts near his baby brother) but he doesn't know how Merlin feels about anybody (because he really doesn't want to think about that).

But Leon knows he has to figure how Merlin is feeling romantically, if he actually likes someone, likes Arthur in that way and fix everything to stop the madness going on the castle or else he will really die of stomach ulcer.

After he sorts out Merlin, he will sort out Arthur; when he is not feeling so murderous.

It will not do if he is sentence for treason and leave Merlin alone.

Those perverts would pick on his baby brother's innocent body like a bunch of hungry wolves.

Gah. The things he does for Merlin.

TBC…

Author's Note: Bwahaha! I think that the fic is long enough to make it up to you guys. The last two days of the week is in the next chapter. I already have about two-thirds of it done so I can assure you guys you won't be feeling hanged for long. Guess whose POV is the last two days?

Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

Reply to Reviews: Thank you to all who took time out from their lives to actually read this story! I hope you guys continue to like it! More reviews please!

Helen: Wow! You are always the first one to review. Thank you! Err….I'll only be really concentrating on Merlin, Arthur and maybe some part Uther and Morgana. Sorry.

XDevil-Wolf-Chanx: Woohoo! Thank you! I know it's getting repetitive, but really thank you! I love that you are loving my portrayal of the characters. I'm more confident now that I'm not butchering them up.

Ms. Take the third: I really love your reviews! I live to read them! It always inspires me and makes me laugh. Thank you very very much! Merlin is for now still pretty oblivious of Arthur's manliness but with just the right amount of nudging, I'm sure he soon develops his own "Morgana-voice". Bwahaha!

Beizanten: Thank you. Uther's not really repulse because as Gaius said, he had his own fair share of experience. Besides, all he knows is that Arthur is only attracted. He pretty much thinks that that's all there is to it. Since Arthur is still in denial and has done nothing really alarming, Uther has nothing to worry about.

Hyper Kid007: GAH! THANK YOU! =p

Airabella: I'm happy you thought so. I was expecting people by passing this one or just think it's plain weird. Thank you!

Blob no. 1: Thank you! I don't mind. Write longer! I appreciate your help. I didn't really notice the mistakes. I guess I was just speed reading when I was rechecking my work. Anyway, I hope you continue to like my future chapters despite how atrocious my grammar/spelling/lack of words. I'm groping around for other words, but at times, I'm too brain dead to think of one. Oh and I agree with your assessment. Gwen has been with Morgana for a long time to not have her deviousness rub on her.

sans toi: Haha, I hope I didn't disappoint you for not updating earlier. I was just glad that I finally overcame my writer's block. Hehe, Arthur will soon stop being an ass courtesy of Morgana.

Kat Nightfox: Woohoo! Thank you! I feel very much honoured to have you on board.

A Slice above the others: Haha, I'm glad it didn't scare you permanently. I'm sure you will like the next chapter then. *winks*winks*

Emwebbstack: Phew! That is a relief. I didn't think I can pull the UtherxMerlin off. But I'm glad you liked it.