Chapter 8
"What do we do?" Merlin asked in alarm.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?! But-"
"What would you tell the King? We found a water mixture on a stair, ergo, someone is trying to kill the Prince."
Ok, so it does sound daft when he says it like that. Sighing, Merlin wiped up the remainder of the mess once they had sufficient samples for Gaius' experiments, before he went down the steps to pick up the fallen plate. He jogged up the steps to find Gaius had returned to bed, a thoughtful look tugging at his forehead.
"I think I will retire for the night, your bed is up those steps, where you'll find a blanket. Oh, here."
The older man handed the boy the extra pillow they had used with which to prop him up. Merlin took it and grabbed the food as he went up to his temporary quarters. Steeling himself, he opened the door and looked around in amazement. There was a cot, a table, a cabinet, bedding and even a window. Wow, all this? He sat down at the edge of the cot, marveling as it gave way ever so slightly. Toeing off his boots, he positioned himself on the bed with the pillow under his head and sighed softly as he relaxed and allowed himself to sink into sleep.
Prince Arthur was walking beside him, his voice washing over him. He raised his hands as he gestured wildly, reenacting some sort of battle. The background blurred from a brightly lit field to the inside of the great hall. The sounds of dozens of voices all talking at the same time nearly knocked Merlin over. Clamping his hands over his ears, he turned back to Arthur, he froze. What-? Where did he go?
Spinning around in a circle, Merlin looked over the heads of the nobles, trying to find any sign of the Prince. He shouldered his way past the King's war, past some knight, he dodged a servant balancing a tray in his hand.
"Arthur!?"
His shout wasn't heard above the voices clamoring around him. The slave ran up to the dais' and jumped on the table. Looking out at the sea of richly dressed royals, he saw the flash of a red coat. Focusing, he saw the Prince as he walks slowly towards the back of the hall, all around him people dodged around him.
"Prince Arthur!"
The slave leapt from the table and dashed after the Prince. He pushed at anyone who blocked his path, he ignored the servants, the knights, the royals, he ignored them as he raced around. He caught another glimpse of the red coast as it neared the hall doors. The Prince passed out of them and stopped just behind it. Merlin, himself had almost reached the doors when pain speared him from his neck and raced down his spine. He lost all feeling of his body as he tumbled to the floor. The great hall doors closed as he fell, the last image of the Prince he saw between the cracks was the painful arc as the Prince fell backwards into waiting arms.
The door slammed shut, echoing around the hall as all other sounds ceased.
"Nooo...NO!"
-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Merlin sat up with a start, black spots danced in his eyes. Swaying, he braced himself with one hand as he waited for his blood to catch up with his body. Quickly, the boy leapt out of bed and hurried down the stairs. Noticing the chill in the room, Merlin tossed several logs and fumbled with the stones before he was able to light the wood. Peering over at the still sleeping Physician, he pulled up the blankets so that the was completely covered. Opening the door he jumped back in surprise.
"Gwen!"
Relieving her of the plates and bowls she had somehow managed to balance in her arms, he moved back to allow her inside. Shuffling around the girl, he quietly laid out the good before turning back to her.
"How is he?"
Tugging at his ebony neckerchief, "he seems to be getting better. Im sorry Gwen, but I really have to go."
"Wait. Here."
Merlin snatched the tossed bread and cheese, rewarding her with a bright smile before he dashed out the door and down the stairs.
0-0-0-0-0
An hour later, Merlin made his way slowly down to the kitchens, only wincing as he pushed open the heavy door. Inside women everywhere were rushing around, each with a specific task in mind. With quick steps the slave moved to the part of the room which was reserved for the upper class food. Snagging a plate, he filled it with even portions of vegetables, fruit, grain and a smaller portion of meat. Satisfied, he balanced the plate as he tried to open the door. It stubbornly didn't budge. He pushed against it but still it didn't move.
"Here, love, let me get that for you."
A sturdy woman reached past him and with a flick of her hand the door swung open. Mouth slightly ajar, Merlin looked over at her, "Wow, thank you!" She held it open as he shuffled through. Concerned eyes followed the boy as he limped his way to the Prince's chambers.
Shouldering open the door, he entered to find the Prince still sound asleep. Leaving the food on the table, he limped over to the bed.
"Sire?"
The Prince didn't even move. The slave reached out a hand and tapped him on the shoulder. No answer. Frowning, the boy shook his shoulder; the Prince snapped his arm up as if trying to shoo something away, Merlin had to dodge the arm. Thinking he had accomplished his goal, he picked up the pitcher and filled his glass with water. When he didn't hear the tall tale sounds of rustling sheets, he peered over his shoulder to find the Prince sprawled on his stomach. That lazy...Prince!
Scowling, the boy looked around the chambers. No, not long enough; too sharp; ah...just right. Fingering the handle, he turned it over so that the blunt end was pointed at the Prince. Quietly, he crept up to the Prince's bedside armed with a broom in hand. He crouched behind the armoire, next to the bed and leaned around it, extending his arm to se the broom to poke Arthur's exposed back. He pulled back as the blonde grunted, before burying his head deeper into the pillow.
Alright, you asked for it. He poked the Prince several times, incessantly. Pulling back, he wasn't fast enough as the Prince reached around, snagging the stick and easily pulling from his weak grasp. He threw it away from him, it hit a bed post, snapping it in half. Wide eyed, the slave gulped. Thoroughly frustrated, he blew his bangs out of his eyes. Pursing his lips, he got up and marched determinedly to the window, looking back as if giving one last chance to the slumbering Prince.
Taking a deep breath, the slave threw open the curtains, "Rise and shine your highness! Oh, what a beautiful day, Sire. Look the sun is shining, the birds are singing."
"Argh!"
A pillow bounced off Merlin's face, courtesy of the irate Prince.
"Now, now my Lord, you have a busy day. You-must-get-up-and-eat."
The slave emphasized his point by pulling the sheet off of the Prince who tried to hold onto them and his dreams. Merlin braced himself with one foot on the bed frame and pulled with all his strength. They each tugged at the sheet until the boy's stomach reminded him of breakfast and then the Prince let go. With a yelp, the slave careened backwards with a thud; pulling all the bedding off with him.
Tutting loudly, Arthur sat down at the table and helped himself to the food, "You do realize, those will need to be washed now."
He smirked as he bit into a chunk of cheese.
"Oh, I was going to wash these anyways, whew!"
The slave dangled a corner of the sheet between two fingers, while using his other hand to plug his nose.
"I beg your pardon! I do NOT smell."
"There's no need to beg, Sire. Ohhh, is this one of those things you don't mention to royalty?"
Merlin adopted an innocent face and nodded sagely.
"What do you mean, one of those things?"
"Uh, nothing. Nothing." He held up his hands in surrender.
"Are you patronizing me?"
"I am sure that if I knew what that meant I would be saying: no, my lord."
Arthur smirked as he set the bread, "Oh, allow me to define it for you. To patronize someone is to...well, it's the same thing as helping."
"Helping? Well, why did you not just say that?"
"I did, just with a different word."
Rolling his eyes, Merlin grabbed the bedding and headed for the door.
"Once you are done with that, meet me at the training field, you King wants a demonstration of he can expect at the tournament. The mention of his Master's name felt like a large stone was dropped in his stomach; slowly sinking to the bottom. With a shallow bow, he backed out of the room. With arms full, the slave tried to navigate his way through the halls, every once in while peering out the side, around the linens. Other servants hurried on their way and the slave averted his eyes when they neared him.
Too intent was he on avoiding eyes that he failed to turn at the proper place and walked straight into a wall. His hands and arms tingled at the impact. Swearing under his breath, he righted himself an bent to retrieve a fallen sheet when he hit the wall. Groaning, Merlin lifted a hand to his throbbing head. Blinking, he saw the highly polished boots of a Camelot knight.
"You should watch where you are going, slave."
"Yes sire, sorry sire."
Merlin kept his head down, not moving from his fallen position. He waited. The knight didn't move. Gulping nervously, the slave risked a quick glance towards the knight. Merlin's head snapped to the side, pain radiating down his already sore neck. He felt a trickle of blood meander its way from the corner of his mouth, down to his chin.
"My Father had slaves."
A chill raced down the fallen boy's back at his revelation. A sense of foreboding throbbed in his temples.
"They knew their place. We were fine, but one of them thought they were better than their station; he wanted the same privileges as the family. He thought he deserved better."
His hand buried itself in the slave's unruly locks and pulled the boy's face near his.
"Now, you don't believe that, do you? You may have the privilege of serving our Prince but make no mistake. You are worthless and don't even warrant the kindness our Prince has shown you by allowing you to accompany on his patrols. To ride on his horse with him."
Merlin groaned as the knight pulled him by his hair even further, "No-no sir."
"My Lord. You will address me as my Lord."
"I am sorry sir, but under the laws it would be treasonous to call any but royalty by tha-"
"Are you refusing me, whelp?!"
"No Sir, well, yes Sir. Please-"
The knight's hand moved him his hair to grip the boy's jaw painfully tight.
"What do you think you are doing?! Unhand him at once!"
The hand released its hold immediately causing the boy to slump back to the ground. Rustling robes spoke of the man standing to face his challenger. The soft swishing of many layers of fine cloth punctuated by the sharp clacking of high heels.
"Lady Morgana, I was merely teaching the slave his place."
"Oh, of course, now let me teach you, yours. Leave us. Now."
A pregnant pause followed her orders before the knight tipped his head, "As you wish."
Merlin flinched as the knight passed by him, his cape slapping him int he face. The boy remained where he was, waiting for the King's Ward to also pass by him; so he was surprised when her shoes came to rest in front of him. Tanned hands entered his line of vision gathering the fallen linens into her hands. Automatically the slave took the bundle from her with a quiet, "Thanks."
"You're bleeding."
The slave twitched at the soft concern of the Lady Morgana. Folds of silky fabric fell in soft waves as she knelt down, reaching one hand to cup his chin. She gently tilted it up, inspecting the damage. Her eyes darkened in anger as she saw the blood trailing down his chin.
"You should see Gaius."
"Thank you, my Lady, but it is not necessary. It is not that bad."
He studiously stared down at the linens in his hand.
"Why will you not look at me?"
"I am unworthy to look upon such a beautiful woman."
Morgana blinked at his honest yet sweet reply. Her eyes searched the boy's face for any sense of guile but his eyes were clear and honest. Her cheeks turned a little pink. She released her hold on him and slowly stood.
"Please rise."
The slave did as she commanded, gathering his feet beneath him and stood. With eyes averted, he waited her next order. She reached into her dress and removed a handkerchief, which she laid on top of the mound in his arms.
"At least use this to clean up."
"Thank you, my Lady."
With sad eyes, she bid Gwen ahead and left the boy where he stood; understanding that he would not be able to finish his work until she were gone. Just before she round the corner she glanced back and saw the boy finger the fine ilk with respect and reverence. A smile graced her features as she turned on her way.
Merlin dropped off the laundry and was making his way back towards the training field when he passed Gwen in the hallway. He smiled at her when she said hello before continuing on her way.
"Gwen! Oh, Gwen thank goodness I found you!"
A young maid came running down waving her arms frantically. Her face flushed with stress.
"Sara, whatever is the matter?"
"It is Bethia! She was taking food to King Severus and she hasn't come back! So I though maybe she had stopped by David's, you know how they are sweet on each other, and well, she has done it in the past-"
"Sara! What. Is. Wrong?"
"She's still in his chambers! And I heard crying and -oh-I am so worried, I did not know what to do. Please help!"
Merlin broke into a run, dread freezing the blood in his veins. Behind him, he could hear the two young women hurrying after him. Soon, he was much farther ahead. Approaching the doors, he slowed down to a brisk walk. Taking a breath, he knocked as was custom before opening the doors. Immediately he sought the source of the sobbing and found it. With her back pressed against the side of the bed, her arms crossed protectively over her chest was a young maid with soft blonde hair in disarray. Part of her dress was ripped at the shoulder. She gasped, and looked up, her eyes red rimmed from crying.
Holding his hands up in peace, he took several steps in her direction but in a wide circle around her.
"Bethia, is it?"
Her sobbing softened into hiccups at the slaves soft voice, but her arms tightened around herself.
"Is the King here?"
She barely moved her head, instead choosing to allow her eyes to dart around, allowing her to keep track of the boy.
"No. Som-someone came to get him."
Her body trembled as the tears welled up in her eyes and spilled over her cheeks.
"Bethia!"
Merlin flinched as Gwen skidded to a halt beside the girl and gathered her up in her arms.
"Gwen."
Holding the girl in her arms and rocking her gently seemed to soothe her. Gwen looked up questioningly at the boy who motioned to the softly crying girl.
"We need to get her our of here before he returns. Is she injured? Can she stand?"
Nodding, she murmured quietly into Bethia's ear. Sniffling, the girl nodded. Holding tight to Gwen, she rose on shaky legs, trying to move forward. Her legs collapsed beneath her, forcing Gwen to hold her up.
"Bethia, if it is alright with you, I can carry you." Merlin offered.
The blonde shrank back a little and turned to Gwen, a question in her eyes.
"It is OK. He is really nice and wont hurt you."
Turning her head, Bethia nodded. Merlin kept his hands up so she could see what he was doing as he knelt beside her.
"Ok, now Bethia, I am going to put one arm under your knees, and the other behind your back. Are you ready?"
Squeezing her eyes shut, she nodded quickly. He pulled her into his arms and with slow movements stood, eliciting a soft gasp from the girl.
"Are you OK?"
He felt her nod against his shoulder.
"If it helps, you can put your arms around my neck. Do you want to go to Gaius' for treatment?"
Frantically she shook her head, as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck; burrowing into his hold.
"Do you want him to take you home?" Gwen asked.
Bethia nodded.
"OK, here we go." Merlin warned her as he turned towards the door, pausing to allow Sara to open the door she had previously closed for privacy when she and Gwen had arrived. He nodded his thanks, he exited and waited for the girls to follow him out and secure the door.
"I will let Jon know she's going home," Gwen said.
"Gwen!" Merlin called before she left, "make sure that no serving girls are assigned to him. If requested relay the request to a male servant. No one is to be alone with him. Please."
Her eyes flickered to the still trembling girl, hardening at the sight of the distressed girl. She nodded.
Merlin turned to Sara, "Do you know where she lives?"
"I do. It is in the mid level." She led him out towards the city.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Gwen nearly bumped into Morgana as she made her way to the Servant's Coordinator.
"Oh, there you are."
Gwen courtesied, "I apologize, my Lady that I wasn't around to attend to you."
"Was that the slave?"
The servant noticed her gaze fixated over her shoulder.
"Yes. There was an incident he as helping with."
"What sort of incident?"
Gwen bit her lip, her eyes flickering from her mistress' gaze to the ground.
"I do not wish to cause problems-"
"Gwen, if there's a problem and I can help then it is my duty to do so."
"One of the serving girls was attacked."
Morgana gasped, "What? Who was it? Can she identify him?"
"She can, but my Lady, it would not matter."
"Of course it matters! We can not let this go unpunished!"
"My Lady, you do not understand. It was the King."
Her hand flew to her mouth, horror written into every line of her face, "Uther?!"
"What? Oh, no, no; the visiting King."
Breathing out slowly, Morgana calmed her racing heart as her mind churned the information.
"You are right, Uther would never believe the word of a serving girl, but we must do something. Gwen, do not allow any maids to attend him. That pig!"
"Yes, my Lady. I was just on my way to let the Coordinator know."
The Lady Morgana nodded approvingly, "I shall accompany you to make sure he understands the severity of this. By the way, where is she now? With Gaius?"
"No. He is taking her home."
"He?"
"The slave."
0-0-0-0-0-0
"Where have you been?"
Arthur hissed as he jerked Merlin's arm when he finally made his appearance. Panting, the boy rested his hands on his knees as he huffed out, "Helped...Gwen."
"Well, you were supposed to be helping me."
"Yes, my Lord, Sorry my Lord; won't happend again, Sire."
Arthur cocked an eyebrow at the excessive submissive nature of his apology. Confused, he continued to stare at the boy as he hunched in on himself as heavy footsteps approached. A movement caught his eye, glancing down, he noted Merlin's right hand clenched tightly, so tight it was white knuckled. With an obvious effort the boy relaxed his hand with a shake and hid it behind his back.
Merlin's head snapped to the side, a red flush immediately staining his cheek. Arthur looked from the slave to the still extended him.
"Wha-why did you do that, my Lord?"
King Severus lowered his hand, "discipling him, of course, Arthur. He has gotten lax since coming to Camelot. I aim to rectify this, immediately."
"Of...course." Prince Arthur tried not to draw attention to the slave, whose eyes had darted to his in that brief second.
"However, seeing as it was I he has wronged, I wonder if you would allow me the...pleasure of teaching him the lesson?"
The King eyed the Prince speculatively, who straightened in response; his shoulders squared ad head held aloft.
"Very well, in the mean time; assume the position."
Without a word, Merlin sunk to his knees, keeping his back straight, head bent and knees at a 90 degree angle.
"Now, shall we continue, Arthur?"
They returned to the field, swords in hand. Sunlight glinted off their chain-mail, causing the illusion of glittering lights. They danced around each other, each probing the other for weakness. They traded blows, Arthur gaining the high ground and then loosing it moments later. They battled long after their tunics became saturated in sweat. The match ended when Arthur swiped the King's feet from beneath him, sword at his neck. The defeated King relinquished his hold on the sword; instead grasped the hand the Prince offered allowing him to be pulled to his feet.
"That was some impressive swordsmanship; your footwork is excellent."
Arthur beamed at the praise bestowed so generously by Uther's friend.
"Thank you Sire. I think you could give my Father a run for his money."
The proud smile adorning the King's face slipped slightly.
"Oh, that won't do. I shall endeavor to improve myself for just such a match."
Arthur nodded approvingly, eyes coming to rest on Merlin, who sat in the same exact position from some time ago. His attention returned to the visiting King as he felt his hand clasp his shoulder, the smile once more tugging at his lips as he conversation turned to various techniques of sword fighting and the merits of hand to hand combat.
The small crowd that had gathered to watch the match gradually left, Knights going back tot heir training, servants cleaning up after the fight and squires spoke amongst themselves critiquing the moves they saw.
"See, I told you he is the best."
Merlin tried no to react to the sudden appearance of Sam. His slight movement was caught by the King.
"Hey, did you hear me?"
Sam stood in front of the slave, bending over slightly in an attempt to catch his eye and elicit a response. Merlin kept his head down as was custom but he took the initiative to press his lips together and try to motion with his eyes. The young squire didn't understand. He waved his hand in front of the slave's face.
"Stop. Please."
With lips barely moving, the slave whispered the two short words.
"What?" The boy leaned in to hear but never got the chance. The King was on the slave in seconds, having heard the boy and knew his slave had tried to communicate with him.
"Five lashes should teach you to hold your tongue!" His hand fisted in the slave's hair, jerking his neck back daring the boy to look into his eyes as was instinct.
Sam gasped, staggering back as the realization that his actions brought punishment to the slave. The squire bumped off something from behind and he turned to see the Prince there, his face impassive. The boy opened his mouth to plead for help but choked on the words.
"Your highness."
Arthur's words caused the King to pause.
"I would like to ask for a favor, a pardon, on behalf of the slave. It was through the fault of our squire and his ignorance of the laws that caused this infraction."
"As a favor to the Prince, I will overlook it. Show your gratitude."
Merlin prostrated himself before the Prince, "Thank you, my Lord." His forehead was pressed into the dirt. When the slave made no move to get up, Arthur cleared his throat nervously, "Uh, that will do. You may get up."
The slave resumed his previous position. King Severus bid the Prince farewell and left the small crowd to get ready for the trade negotiations.
"Get back to work," Prince Arthur barked at any remaining loitering servants. Once satisfied that the gawkers were gone, he placed a hand lightly on the slave's shoulder, "You can stop now, Merlin."
The boy peeked up from beneath his bangs for the King. Not seeing him, the boy relaxed his muscles, which gave out. His legs spasmed with the effort.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed? What were you doing? All you had to do was drop off the laundry? But, no, you had to dilly dally about. This has earned you a day in the stocks."
The slave looked up from his position, fear in his eyes. He cried out, his hands immediately going to his calf muscle. Arthur could see the the muscle clenched beneath the thin fabric.
"Knead it." Arthur called to him, Merlin stared at him incomprehensibly. The Prince grabbed his hands and dug furiously with it, "Continue to work the muscle. Here, brace your foot against my shoulder and push your heel against it."
The boy complied, his hands digging and rubbing the calf as he stretched his leg out at the Prince's command.
"Come on, don't be such a girl. It is just a cramp."
The slave forgot himself long enough to glare at the Prince, who simply smirked in response. Merlin used his propped up foot to push harder than before causing the Prince to fall backwards on his royal behind. Triumph froze on the slave's face, melting into horror. Eyes wide, the slave stared at the Prince who stared back, shocked.
"Enough mollycoddling, get up."
The slave scrambled to his feet, wincing as his one leg protested.
"Don't favor your leg, it will only teach it to get used to it and then you will be even more clumsy."
"Me? What about your foot work? Must be embarrassing being a push to a slave."
"Push over? Hang on!"
Footsteps sounded just behind the slave as a knight passed on his way to join a trio off to the side. The slave's mouth snapped shut and he ducked his head. Arthur glanced from the slave to the knight. He sighed heavily, motioning with his head, "Let's get back to my chambers, I want to get out of this armor.
What is wrong with me? If the Master had seen that...I need to keep my mouth shut. The walk back was a quiet one as the slave resolutely kept his mouth shut. The Prince led the way, his mind churning. He ignored the servants who bowed as their paused to show respect before continuing on their way. Most gave the pair a wide berth, including the servants of Ulbein. A grunt followed by a thud dragged him from his musings.
"Idiot."
A servant was standing over the fallen slave, an angry scowl marring his face. He had honey colored hair, dark blue eyes aimed at Merlin. The servant snorted derisively before moving past Merlin, his foot shot out, hitting the boy's shin as he went.
"Must you be so clumsy?"
"Sorry, Sire."
The Prince continued up to his chambers and paused allowing Merlin to grab the door. Once inside, Arthur put his arms out to allow Merlin better access. Licking his lips, the boy approached and with fumbling fingers managed to unbuckle the shoulder protection and slip it off. Arthur removed the belt from around his wait before holding his hands above his head. The boy lifted the chain-mail from the bottom and pulled it up, grunting at the weight of it. Arthur frowned when he didn't feel the metal being pulled off his shoulders and over his head. Frowning, he turned with his hands still raised, "What are you doing? I can't stand around like this all day. Hurry up!"
"Yes Sire."
The Prince felt a faint tugging sensation and the metal rings moved slightly but as it was he was still trapped. His ears caught the faint sounds of coughing, he's laughing! That twit is doing it on purpose. Embarrassment heated his cheeks. He pulled back from the slave and bent over so that he could look through the tunnel of the partially removed chain-mail, his hair completely askew.
"MERLIN!"
Arthur tried to shrug it off himself, only succeeding to make himself look ridiculous which caused the slave to grab himself around the middle as he laughed at the trapped Prince.
"Y-you look like a turtled trapped in his-shell!"
He broke in another round of laughter. The Prince retaliated with a sharp kick to his shin. Merlin yelped, hoping up and down on one leg.
"Prat! It is not my fault you still can't undress yourself."
"What would you know about it? You wear the same thing everyday. Speaking of which, we really need to do something about that. You look like a dark cloud following me everywhere. I know."
The Prince wiggled his arms, Merlin obliged him by grasping onto the arms and with Arthur bend over, Merlin pulled one way while the Prince leaned backwards. After a brief tug of war, both fell backwards the chain-mail slipping off with Merlin.
"You know, you may want to go up a size if you have this much trouble getting it on and off."
"Did you just call me fat? Because I am not fat."
Glaring back at the boy, Arthur rummaged through the bottom of his armoire, pulling things out and holding them up. Frowning, he left several out before moving on.
"Here we are." The Prince chucked the wadded clothing ball at the boy's face, smacking it dead center. Merlin caught the clothes as they slid down. Grasping a gray blue cloth he held it up. The shirt was a little big but much nicer than anything else he had worn before despite it worn around the edges. He also found a dusty red, and vibrant blue shirt as well as a two pairs of trousers.
"Are you sure? These are very nice clothes."
Arthur noted the way the boy was fingering the cuff, almost reveling in the feel of something so fine. He felt a small flush heat his neck, I wouldn't be caught head in that and he treats it as if it were new.
"I suggest you wait till tomorrow to wear these."
"My Lord?"
"It's the stocks for you after you bring me my lunch and get something for yourself. Oh, and have a replacement sent up to cover while you are otherwise occupied.
"Ah, um, yes...my Lord."
"You might as well take those clothes with you."
Merlin nodded before he turned and left to do his bidding. He quickly stopped off at the Physician's chambers to leave the clothes as the Prince had suggested. He swept through the kitchens, filling a plate and asking Maryana if she had any suggestions for a replacement. She nodded and called out to several servants who were passing through. The slave looked them over carefully before grinning to himself. He directed the chosen one to the Prince shortly after he estimated he would be gone.
Maryana handed the slave a hunk of cheese and break as he hurried out the door. He smiled his thanks and ducked out.
He kicked open the door with a little more force than necessary.
"Merlin."
"Yes, what?"
Arthur sighed, "Nevermind."
He sat at the table and tucked into his lunch. A knock at his door caused him to look up annoyed.
"Come in."
The door opened to reveal a very tidy looking servant. Everything about him screamed propriety.
"Who are you?"
"Your temporary manservant, George."
"George-"
Another knock interrupted the Prince, he groaned in annoyance.
"Yes?!"
"Apologies, my Lord, but we have come for the slave. He has a standing appointment with the stocks."
The two guards grabbed the boy by the upper arm, and with a bow left the Prince and George to finish his meal.
Throughout the afternoon, the Prince struggled to keep his mind focused on the current task. While in a meeting with his Father and Severus he had to listen extra careful and reread the Trade Agreement so that when his Father questioned him he could answer. Something was nagging at the edge of his mind.
Finally released from the meeting, Arthur shrugged off George in favor of taking a short walk before dinner. As he passed by a window that showed the courtyard, he glanced down to see Merlin still hunched over, locked in the stocks. That will teach him not to be late.
"My Lord?"
The Prince turned to see Morgana's maidservant behind him.
"Begging your pardon, Sire, but I wonder if I might inquire as to the whereabouts of your attendant."
"Ah, here he comes now. Right on time."
Gwen looked around, her eyebrows puckered.
"My Lord?"
"George, he's attending me while Merlin is learning a lesson."
"Merlin?"
"That slave; that is his name."
Embarrassment burned her cheeks as she realized that she had never inquired after his name despite all the help he has given her.
"And where is Merlin?"
"The stocks."
"What? Why?!"
"He was remiss in his duties; he was late."
"Did you think to ask him why?"
"No, why should I? I gave him explicit orders and he disobeyed them."
Gwen's hand flew to her mouth, as red highlighted her cheeks.
"You should have let him explain. He-he had a reason. I must find my Lady. If you will excuse me, my Lord."
Abruptly, she spun on her heel and raced away; nearly bumping into George in her haste. Arthur's face reflected his bewilderment as he just stared after the girl; other than Morgana told him off.
"Women."
He was accosted a short while later by another woman, Arthur sighed, suddenly wishing he hadn't send George off to fetch his laundry and make his bed. The sound of angry heels clacking through the hallways gave him enough warning to school his features into something appropriate.
"Arthur Pendragon!"
"Morgana."
"Don't you Morgana me. Gwen tells me that you had Merlin thrown into the stocks for being late, without allowing him to explain."
"What is there to explain? I told him what I needed and he was late. End of story."
"No, it is not end of story, you arrogant prick!"
"Prick?"
"Yes. I will tell you why he was late. One of our maids was attacked and he was kind enough to come to our aid, even carried the girl home. So, yes, Arthur he was late because he helped us."
The Prince staggered backwards as if struck, his eyes seeking the window. Faintly, he could make out the boy still bound in the stocks as well as Gwenievere, she held a cup and was attempting to help the slave drink. That's right, it has been a particularly warm day.
"I will have him released immediately. Why did he not saying anything?"
"Would you have listened if he did?
That question haunted him for the rest of the night.
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A/N: Sooooooo sorry for the delay! I busted this one out in a few hours so all the mistakes are mine and I apologize for them. I will edit it later. ALSO: I have a poll on my profile if you're interested.
H.D.S 11/18/12
Fire to Rain: No fear, I was just a little behind on my update and it will NOT be left unfinished. I am flattered you wish to translate it. I will need to edit the whole thing soon, so you might want to wait for that.
