Arthur came back later that evening, he was clearly pleased with himself.

"You missed the feast." Arthur said.

"I know, sorry." I said. "How did you do at the tournament today?"

Arthur frowned as he dumped his things on the table in front of me, he slowly took off his armour "I thought you were watching."

"I was, but I couldn't stay for long, I was sick again." I told him.

"Right." He replied, "Did Gaius come to see you today?"

"Yes." I replied, I was beginning to get nervous again.

"And?" Arthur asked.

Just as I was about to answer Merlin came strolling in, so I didn't say any thing.

"Sire?" He asked.

"Merlin, I want you to polish all my armour for tomorrow." Arthur said.

"Tomorrow?" Merlin asked, "But how am I meant to get all of this done?"

"I'm sure you'll think of something." Arthur told him, he then slipped into bed.

"Right, good night Sire, My lady." Merlin said huffing as he dragged the armour out.

"Good night, Merlin." I replied and gave him a small smile.

"Aren't you coming to bed?" Arthur asked once Merlin had gone.

"Hmm?" I murmured, "Oh, yes, coming."

I climbed into bed next to Arthur and snuggled into the warm sheets.

The next morning Merlin came in early to help Arthur into his armour, I watched them as I sat on a chair with a bucket on my lap, as I was feeling sick again.

"You never told me what Gaius said." Arthur said as Merlin finished putting the armour on him.

"It doesn't matter, I'll tell you later, it's nothing life-threatening." I said.

"That's good." Arthur replied.

I put the bucket on the table and walked up to Arthur, I gave him a small peck on the lips. "Good luck."

"Thanks" he replied and kissed me back before he and Merlin left for the tournament.

The day passed quickly and it wasn't long before Arthur and I were back in our chambers eating dinner together.

"You're quiet." Arthur commented.

"Yes, I haven't been well recently." I replied.

"You still haven't told me what Gaius said." Arthur reminded me.

"I know." I whispered.

"If it isn't life-threatening then why won't you tell me?" Arthur asked.

As if right on cue Merlin walked in. He quickly began a story about Knight Valiant who was fighting in the tournament and a keen rival to Arthur. The snakes on Valiant's shield had come alive and tried to attack Merlin so he cut of the head, he plonked the head of the snake on the table for emphasis. I subconsciously shifted uneasily in my seat.

"You?" Arthur asked.

Merlin nodded.

"You chopped its head off." Arthur tried not to smile.

"Yuan was bitten by a snake whilst fighting Valiant, you can talk to Gaius you can see the puncture in his neck." Merlin tried to explain how one man was already almost dead thanks to Valiant. "Yuan was beating him, he had to cheat!"

Arthur practically rolled his eyes.

"Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot."

"Yuan was pinned under Valiant's shield, no-one could see the snake bite him." Merlin tried to explain.

"I don't like the guy, but that doesn't mean he's cheating." Arthur replied standing up to face Merlin.

"Gaius is preparing an antidote to the snake venom, when Yuan is conscious he'll tell you what happened." Merlin said.

"Perhaps you should listen to him Arthur." I said quietly.

Arthur turned to look at me.

"The last time Merlin made an accusation he was correct and saved your life, I think you should listen." I said.

Merlin took this opportunity to try and persuade Arthur further, "If you fight Valiant in the final he'll use the shield, it's the only way he can beat you."

Arthur was still unsure whether to believe him or not.

"Look at it!" Merlin said holding up the snake head, I slinked away from it a little but Arthur took a look, "Have you seen any snakes like this in Camelot?"

Arthur picked up the snake and inspected it a little further.

"I know I'm just a servant." Merlin told him, "And my word doesn't count for anything, I wouldn't lie to you."

Arthur looked at Merlin directly.

"I want you to swear to me, what you're telling me is true." Arthur said.

"I swear it's true." Merlin replied sincerely

"Then I believe you." Arthur replied.

I smiled slightly that Arthur was finally becoming less arrogant.