A/N: I know, its short, but it's a start! I finished one of my stories just the other day and I am committed to finishing this one in a timely manner as well! I finally have some idea of where this story is going and how I'm going to give it a happy ending, its just a matter of actually getting everyone to that point! Ha.

I've learned a valuable lesson about starting things I'm not sure how to finish with this one, and I'm sorry that you've all had to wait as a result of this learning experience. Thank you all for your devotion and support, I'll try my very hardest not to let you down.

Chapter 10

"Are you sure you're feeling alright, Merlin?" Arthur questioned as Merlin was laying out his sleep clothes.

"Yes, fine, why do you ask?"

"You've been unusually silent tonight, and while I enjoy the peace and quiet, it makes me nervous when you aren't constantly chattering on."

"Have I been? I hadn't noticed," Merlin replied airily, tossing Arthur's night clothes on the bed.

"Perhaps he's tired, Arthur," Gwen admonished, sticking up for Merlin as she often did. "It's his first day back having to put up with you all day, after all," she continued cheekily.

Arthur scoffed at the insinuation in her words. "He hardly spent the day with me. In any case, you may go, Merlin."

"Thank you, sire," Merlin exclaimed in mock gratitude, bowing low as he did.

Gwen wished him good night as he left, and he bowed to her with his own good night as well before returning to his room.

Merlin hadn't realized that he'd been more silent than usual, but he wasn't surprised. He'd been distracted, mind constantly wandering between his time with Mithian earlier in the day and wondering when they would have another chance like it.

He couldn't stop thinking about the princess. And every time he did he remembered what a horrible, horrible idea their relationship was. If it could be called a relationship. Dalliance? Sordid love affair? Merlin scoffed at himself as he changed slowly into his night clothes. He was still sore, but no longer felt a stabbing pain in his ribs anytime he moved, just the ache of sore muscles. He hadn't seen the physician again since having his ribs rebound, but thought that may be for the better considering his unnatural healing abilities.

As he lay in bed his thoughts vacillated between memories of the few hours he'd spent with Mithian, and imaginings of what types of horrible things would happen if they were found out. Thankfully he fell asleep with thoughts of the former and not the latter.

xxx

Merlin woke the next morning early of his own accord and crossed to the King and Queen's chambers to help Arthur prepare for breakfast. For once he had a reason to be on time and to serve Arthur, even at such a simple meal as breakfast usually was. He knew Mithian would be there, and that was enough reason for him.

It was a sweet torture, really. Looking, but not touching. Casting sideways glances while remaining unnoticed and inconspicuous.

But as soon as he walked into the room, Arthur sent him back to bed, albeit rather reluctantly, stating that Merlin should go back to bed and that Arthur would send for him when he was needed after breakfast. Merlin was surprised by the king's thoughtfulness until he glanced towards Gwen. She had an expectant look on her face, one that was slightly smug as if she'd just won an argument. He guessed then that she had been the one to convince her husband that his poor, mistreated servant should be able to get all the rest he needed. Any other time Merlin would have been grateful, over-joyed even, for the opportunity to sleep further into the morning. But not this morning.

"No, really sire, I'm feeling much better. Besides, I'd hate for King Rodor to think that Camelot's servants are lazy, or weak," Merlin protested.

"Merlin, one more morning spent in bed won't lessen the king's opinion of our country," Gwen insisted. "Besides, we don't want them to think that we abuse or mistreat our servants, either." She added this with a rather pointed look at the king.

Arthur nodded solemnly. "Eh, right. So, back to bed with you then. Don't worry, you'll be able to showcase what a hard worker you are the rest of the week. You've got four whole days after this one."

Merlin opened his mouth to argue, but could think of nothing else to say. It wasn't as if his presence was needed at breakfast, and refusing extra sleep would be suspicious and elicit questions he wasn't keen on answering. So he returned, rather unhappily, to his chambers and his bed.

Clearly his body and his heart were not in accordance because nearly as soon as he lay back down he felt his eyelids begin to drift close.

xxx

Much to her surprise, it was Rodor, Mithian's father, who asked after Merlin that morning. She had been disappointed not to see him enter with Camelot's king and queen, but didn't dare make mention of it, especially after her confession to Gwen the day before. Looking back she feared that she had said too much, that her moments of honesty with Gwen would make it even more difficult for Merlin and herself to continue to grow what was between them. Her father's thoughtfulness saved her from drawing attention to herself by asking after Merlin.

"He's doing well, your majesty. In fact he was ready to serve me again this morning, but I thought it better that he rest one more morning," Arthur explained.

"That's very kind of you," Rodor said.

"Yes, Arthur's very thoughtful that way," Gwen replied.

Mithian sensed a bit of sarcasm in the queen's statement, and marveled at the ease that existed between the two of them.

Mithian had enjoyed her time in Camelot during her brief and admittedly awkward engagement to Arthur. He had seemed a good man then, and a great king who obviously cared very much for his kingdom. She could easily have been happy being married to him, and though they hadn't been in love at their first meeting, she thought they could have grown to love each other.

But seeing the way that Gwen and Arthur interacted she realized that some people were meant for each other. A relationship built on love above all else was hard to argue against.

Such a relationship seemed like a far of dream for her. As a daughter and an only child of a king she knew that her marriage would be important not only for her but also for her kingdom. Her father never pressured her into a match or tried to force her towards a decision, although he had made a few suggestions over the years. Despite this she knew the responsibility that lay on her shoulders.

Arthur was lucky. He was a man, already king, and while a marriage to a princess of another land would have been advantageous it wasn't necessary for the survival of his kingdom. Mithian had no such luxury.

While this knowledge should perhaps have dissuaded her from continuing and encouraging her growing feelings for a serving boy she found that it instead drove her forward. She refused to deny her heart in this. Perhaps it was true that nothing permanent could come of a relationship with Merlin, but she cared deeply for him, maybe even loved him. Maybe it was true that she wouldn't be able to marry for love as Arthur and Gwen had, but she would certainly enjoy it and embrace it while she was able.