Merlin was slightly hesitant as he opened the door for Ceri. "Maybe you shouldn't do this."

Ceri flashed him a cheeky grin that she would never show Arthur. Merlin felt his breath spasm as she even threw him a wink and then threw herself on top of Arthur's covers. "Arthur, Arthur! Wake up sleepyhead!"

Arthur peeked out blearily from under his covers. "Wha-ah-ah."

"They still have Honey here, and I want to take her for a ride about Camelot. Uther won't let me go by myself. Please, please, please come with me."

Arthur smiled lightly at her, "Of course Ceri, we'll leave in a few hours." And then shut his eyes and started snoring lightly again.

Ceri grinned over at Merlin. "Oh you're still sleepy. It's okay Arthur, I can take Merlin and you can join us when you wake up."

Arthur threw himself out of bed. "Go get dressed. I'll see you at the stables in 10 minutes."

Ceri jumped off the bed and tossed her hair over her shoulder, with a secret smile at Merlin that made his lips curve in response.

"I'm sure you have something to be getting on with Merlin." Arthur tossed the command over his shoulder just as Merlin was getting ready to clamber onto a horse. He stumbled halfway up and only just caught himself before tumbling completely over the other side of the saddle.

"I don't think I have. I've already finished everything you've asked me to do today." Merlin shot an exasperated Arthur a confused and pleading look.

Arthur raised an eyebrow, "Did you remember to remember to clean my cupboard and air all my clothes?"

"But-yesterday I-"

"Don't make me ask you again Merlin."

"But you didn't ask-" The horse beneath him began to shift nervously as Merlin panicked.

"Go now Merlin!"

Hurriedly Merlin tried to slid down the side but his confusion and hurt had upset the horse and it bucked lightly to help him off faster. Merlin landed heavily on his bum and curled in on himself in pain. The thud had been light so Arthur only waited for Merlin to get himself to his feet. However, Ceri slid easily down and rushed to him.

"Oh my goodness are you okay Merlin?" Ceri pushed his face up to check he wasn't crying. "Please be fine. Equestrian injuries can be terrible."

Merlin had had the breath knocked out of him and could only shake his head wearily. Ceri helped him to his feet as Arthur jumped smartly off his horse. His face froze as Ceri started dusting hay and dirt off of Merlin's clothes.

By the time she'd decided she was finished Merlin felt better enough to pull himself away gently.

"It's okay Ceri, I'm fine. I'm all better now, thank you."

Arthur eyed Merlin carefully, "That's Lady Creirwy to you Merlin," Arthur warned.

Ceri turned insistently towards Arthur, "You mean Lady Ceri, don't you Arthur?" Though her voice was soft, there was steel beneath the silk.

Arthur backed up, "Yes, of course." His response was smooth with no hint of an apology.

Ceri placed her hand on Arthur's arm and turned her face to Merlin's.

"I guess you have chores left to do. It's a shame you couldn't come with us Merlin, I would have enjoyed your company." She smiled sadly.

I'm sorry he is being so possessive Merlin. I hope one day he will be greater inclined to share.

Merlin heard the soft whisper in his mind and his eyes widened in shock as Ceri's sad smile became the playful grin from earlier.

"I'm sorry Lady Creirwy; I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

"Make sure it doesn't Merlin, I'm rather disappointed. In the meantime good luck with what's left of your chores." She tossed Merlin another one of those heart stopping winks and Merlin wondered if he was becoming too fond of them.

His smile faded as the two steadily made their way out of the stable gates, he was becoming far too attached to the beautiful and vivacious girl. If block headed Arthur was sensing it than things were even worse than he thought. What to do, what to do?

How was he to know that he was a pawn in part of a bigger game that Ceri was weaving?