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By the time Gaius arrived, Merlin had stopped convulsing but was nearly unconscious, moaning pathetically. Gwen had tears running down her cheeks as she held a cold cloth to Merlin's forehead. Her other hand was tightly clasped in Merlin's and she was trying to soothe him. Arthur was standing stone-faced at the end of the bed.

"Let me see him!" Gaius exclaimed, hurrying towards the bed. Gwen stepped back and Gaius took her place.

"Merlin?" he asked, gently lifting Merlin's eyelids to inspect his pupils.

"Gaius," Merlin groaned. "Something happened."

"I know," answered Gaius. "Gwen and Arthur sent for me. Try not to talk."

Merlin's eyes slid closed and he nodded.

"What is it?" Arthur asked.

"I'm not sure, my lord."

Gwen moved next to Arthur, who put his arm around her reassuringly, while Gaius continued to examine Merlin.

"When did the boils appear?"

"Not long ago," answered Gwen. She explained about the bath and how Merlin woke up.

"I've never seen sores like this associated with scarlet fever," Gaius admitted. "I'm not sure what I can do to help him apart from making him comfortable."

"There has to be something, surely." Arthur said.

"If I could determine exactly what has happened to make this occur, there probably would be something to be done but I don't know what's causing these symptoms."

"Can you figure it out?"

"I'm afraid I can't," Gaius answered. "The initial symptomology and circumstances all point to scarlet fever but the disease appears to have mutated in Merlin's body. That's the only explanation I can give."

Or, thought Gaius, the only explanation I'm willing to give. Obviously this was magical, at least to some extent. Heading Hunith's words, he had been reading about magical healing into the late hours of the night and had continued as soon as he'd woken up this morning. The physician was still poring over his books when the guards had come to fetch him. His work had not been in vain, however, as he had found a spell that should ease the effects of harm caused by a rebounded healing spell by calling up and harnessing the power of the sorcerer to effectively heal himself. The properties of the Old Religion always exalted a perfect balance; that which harmed could also heal.

"I'd like to take him back to my chambers," Gaius told Gwen and Arthur. Both protested immediately.

"We're in quarantine," Arthur said. "My father would never allow it."

"Who is going to tend him? Surely you'll need some help." Gwen added.

"I will speak to Uther and I will tend him." Gaius answered both of their questions and without waiting for a second round of objections, looked at Gwen.

"Keep bathing his brow," he instructed. "I'll be back soon."

He strode out of the room and walked swiftly through the halls to the throne room.

"Sire," he said, bowing upon entrance. "I must speak with you. It is a matter of some urgency."

Uther looked up from his papers.

"Is Arthur alright?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Then what is it?"

"It is about Merlin, Sire."

Uther didn't say anything, waiting for Gaius to continue.

"He has taken ill in the worst way," Gaius explained. "While I initially diagnosed him with scarlet fever, undoubtedly a result of being in closed quarters with Prince Arthur, his symptoms have expanded and I believe he is now suffering from a mutated form of the disease."

"It is unfortunate, surely, but why concern me with it?"

"I am seeking your permission to remove Merlin from Prince Arthur's chambers and take him back to my own so I can keep a closer watch over him."

"Can't you do that in Arthur's room? The entire purpose of the quarantine would be void if I allowed you to take Merlin back to your chambers."

"I understand, Sire, but I worry about the effects this mutation may have on Prince Arthur."

"How do you mean?"

"Your son has made a remarkable recovery and is nearly well. He has healed much quicker than I anticipated. I would hate to risk a relapse or re-infection because Merlin is so ill."

"Does Merlin pose a risk to others?"

"I cannot say for certain, my lord," Gaius admitted. "At the very best, he is considered contagious for scarlet fever."

"And the worst?"

"I do not know how this disease mutated. If it is nothing more than a poor reaction limited to Merlin, the mutated form will not spread. If the sickness itself has been altered, there is the possibility it will prove catching to others. I will add," continued Gaius, knowing he had to convince the king to allow him to move Merlin. "That Prince Arthur is more susceptible to sickness right now as he is still recovering."

"Of course," Uther said. "Will you keep Merlin in quarantine in your own chambers?"

"Yes, my lord."

"What about you?"

"I will stay with him."

"What if I or members of the court require your services?"

"I shall come at once."

"Will that prove a risk to us?"

"No more a risk than me being here now."

Uther sighed.

"Very well," he said. "You may remove Merlin from Prince Arthur's chambers and quarantine him within yours. You are not to leave the room unless summoned by me and I do not want you to treat the people of Camelot until Merlin is recovered."

"Yes, Sire."

"Prince Arthur will remain in quarantine until you are sure he is no longer in danger."

"Very good, my lord."

"Who is with Arthur now?"

"Guinevere volunteered to nurse him and Merlin."

Uther frowned.

"Is that entirely appropriate?"

"Excuse me?"

"Arthur and Guinevere are alone in a quarantined chamber. I am beginning to think he has feelings for the servant girl and I wouldn't want to encourage anything."

"Gwen has been very faithful to Arthur and has seen to his nursing care in an admirable way, Sire," Gaius reminded him. "And it's been at great personal risk. She will need to remain in the chamber until the quarantine is lifted."

Uther didn't look happy at this idea but he nodded.

"Very well. Is there anything else?"

"No, Sire."

"Thank you, Gaius."

Gaius bowed his head and hurried from the throne room and back to Arthur's chambers. He told the guards outside the door to fetch a stretcher before entering.

"Alright," Gaius said, once inside. "Merlin is going to be moved back to his room but the king has ordered you," he looked at Arthur. "And Gwen to remain here until the quarantine is lifted."

"No." Arthur said. "I don't want him to leave."

"He'll be with me, my lord, and I promise I will take very good care of him."

"It's not right," argued Arthur.

"I'm sorry but I have the king's permission."

"We'll see about that." Arthur turned on his heel and strode out of the room.

"Arthur, stop! You're in quarantine!" Gwen called after him but it did no good. Arthur had no trouble making the one guard left outside his door stand down and he strode throughout the palace until he found his father.

"Father," he said clearly, coming to the spot Gaius had stood mere moments ago. Uther looked up with surprise. He didn't seem bothered by the rash or the healing burn marks still evident on Arthur's forehead and neck.

"You're supposed to be in quarantine," he said, sitting back in his chair.

"You can't let Gaius take Merlin from my chambers."

"I already have."

"It seems poor thanks, does it not?" asked Arthur. "The poor man worked himself into this state taking care of me and now that I'm better, we shunt him out of my room?"

"I have to consider what's best for you, Arthur."

"For once can we think about someone other than me?"

"Not today," Uther replied. "I need to consider your health and Gaius has said you're still susceptible to re-infection. Merlin is a loyal servant but I cannot let your fondness of him cloud your judgement concerning my priorities."

"You would place my life over Merlin's."

"Without hesitation."

"How can you possibly say that? He may be a useless servant but,"

"But what?" Uther interrupted. "You care about him? He's your friend?"

"Yes on both accounts," answered Arthur coldly. "He is my friend and I would die for him like I would any of my knights."

"He is still being tended by Gaius."

"What if Gaius needs help? Why can we not offer him the use of my room, my bed?"

"My decision is final." Uther said in the calmest voice he could manage. "Please return to your chambers."

Arthur glared at Uther.

"Guards," Uther said when his son didn't move. Two guards at the door stepped forward.

"Fine," Arthur said. "But if anything happens to him, be it on your head."

He turned and stormed from the room. He was rounded a corner on the way back to his chambers and came face to face with Gaius. Behind him was Merlin, tucked underneath a blanket, on a stretcher borne by two guards.

"Take good care of him," he told the physician. "And keep us updated."

"Of course, my lord."

Arthur nodded and stepped to the side for the party to continue and then returned to his room. Gwen was pacing in front of the fire.

"I'm assuming you had no success in convincing your father to change his mind."

"None," Arthur sighed, falling into a chair.

The guards brought Merlin into the physician's chambers and Gaius eased him off the stretcher and onto his bed.

"Thank you," he said to the guards as they left. Merlin was still on the verge of unconsciousness and Gaius laid his hand on his forehead. Not surprisingly, it was burning with fever. Gaius studied the boy he had come to love so much for a moment before turning and going to the table that housed his stacks of books. He selected the top one – a large, black leather bound book – and took it to Merlin.

He flipped open to the page he had been reading and his finger underlined the spell that must be used. Closing his eyes, Gaius drew in a deep breath. It had been a long time since he'd performed magic and he felt incredibly hypocritical doing so. It wasn't a choice, however, and the only thing that mattered now was finding the power deep inside him.

After a few more steadying breaths, Gaius opened his eyes and laid his hand on Merlin's chest.

"Magus, cura teipsum."

Nothing happened, though Gaius felt his powers leave him. He took another deep breath and focused intently on Merlin's chest.

"Magus, cura teipsum!"

The feeling was stronger this time but Merlin still didn't stir.

"Magus, cura teipsum!"

The surge of magical power was so strong that Gaius fell backwards onto the floor. On the bed, Merlin's eyes flew open and he screamed as the searing pain shot through his body. As quickly as it had come, though, it left and he lay panting.

"Merlin?" Gaius asked, painfully pushing himself into a sitting position. "Merlin?"

"Gaius," Merlin said in a clear, strong voice. He saw Gaius on the floor and quickly got up and offered Gaius a hand.

"Merlin!" Gaius exclaimed, throwing his arms around the boy. Merlin hugged him back.

"Come, come, back in bed," urged the physician. Merlin did as he was told and then looked at his father-figure quizzically.

"What did you just do?"

Gaius repeated the entire sequence of events.

"How is that possible?" Merlin asked, referring to the spell Gaius had just performed. "What if your spell had rebounded and you ended up ill?"

"It wasn't a risk," explained Gaius. "Unlike the healing spell you used to cure Arthur, this one did not rely on my power to heal. It simply acted as a catalyst for you to heal yourself."

"Arthur!" Merlin exclaimed, suddenly remembering. "Is he alright?"

Gaius smiled.

"He is fine," he assured Merlin. "Your spell, while damaging to you, made his experience with the disease short lived. I daresay he owes you a great deal."

"He won't ever know."

"Perhaps not," Gaius said with a glint in his eye.

"I know that look," Merlin said. "What are you up to?"

"How are you feeling, Merlin?"

Merlin was taken aback by the question.

"I feel fine," he said. "Nothing is the matter, your spell worked perfectly."

"Wrong," Gaius answered. "Arthur must never know that you were cured with magic. When you were taken from his chambers, you were deathly ill. He cannot see you healthy again so soon."

"What are you suggesting?"

"You must feign being ill for the next few days."

"You're giving me permission to fake sick so I don't have to go work for Arthur."

"More than that, I'm helping you to do so."

"How?"

Merlin very quickly found out how and was soon disguised as a scarlet fever patient complete with pock marks and painted on boils.

"I'll leave this here," Gaius said, setting a phial on the bedside table. "Should someone come in, you must drink it straightaway."

"What does it do?" Merlin asked sceptically.

"It makes you perspire."

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"That doesn't sound so bad."

"Wait till you taste it before deciding," Gaius said with a smile. "Now, enjoy your time resting. I daresay you've earned a few days off."

"Thank you, Gaius."

Gaius patted Merlin's leg through the blankets and closed the door behind him. Once he'd assured Arthur and Gwen that Merlin was resting comfortably due to a strong potion he'd made, Gaius returned and fell into his own bed for a much needed nap.

Three days later, Merlin was still in his bed pretending to be sick when he heard a knock on the door to the chambers. Gaius was out doing his rounds – the king had given him permission to resume his duties when he learned Merlin was no longer contagious and making a steady recovery – which meant he'd have to answer the door. Of course he couldn't, though, because there was no telling who might be on the other side.

Merlin didn't have much time to think about how to handle the situation because the door swung inwards, pushed open by the insistent visitor.

"Hello?" Arthur called. Merlin quickly reached for the potion bottle that was still sitting there – it had been refilled twice now as Gwen had come to call – and drank the terrible tasting liquid. The effects were almost instantaneous and he felt the sweat beads building on his brow.

"Merlin?" Arthur called.

"In here," Merlin answered, trying to get the awful taste out of his mouth. He heard Arthur crossing the floor and he came into view coming up the stairs.

"Merlin," Arthur greeted him. "Good to see you looking better."

"And you," replied Merlin. "Out of quarantine?"

"Yes," Arthur answered, sitting in the chair Gaius normally occupied by Merlin's bed. "Thankfully. I was going crazy being cooped up in there, even with Guinevere for company."

"You can't tell me you didn't honestly enjoy having her there."

"No, no, of course I did," Arthur said hurriedly. "But there is only so much of each other we can take."

Merlin raised an eyebrow suggestively but then smiled. Arthur smiled back.

"How are you feeling?"

"Much better," Merlin answered. "The fever's finally broke."

"I can see that," Arthur said, watching the sweat run down Merlin's cheek. "But I thought the fever broke yesterday. Guinevere said you were sweating it out when she came to see you."

"Uh," Merlin stammered. "Well, yes, but it came back last night and now it's gone again. Gaius said that's normal."

"I'll take his word for it," Arthur said, reaching into the basin of cool water and wringing out the cloth – both of which had been left there entirely for show. "Here."

"Thanks," Merlin said, slightly surprised by the bedside manner. He pressed the cloth against his forehead.

"I should be the one thanking you," replied Arthur. "Gaius and Gwen both say you didn't leave my side."

"I was just doing my job."

"No, doing your job would have been changing the sheets and doing the laundry," Arthur corrected. "But you care about me too much to be limited to that."

Merlin shrugged.

"So thank you," Arthur repeated.

"You did the same for me."

It was Arthur's turn to shrug.

"Speaking of sheets," Merlin said, a sly grin coming to his face. "Gwen told me you actually know how to change a bed."

"Does that surprise you?"

"A little bit," Merlin admitted. "Maybe you should do it more often."

"Why? That's what I have you for, among other things."

And it was true. Merlin would always be Arthur's servant, destined to change sheets and muck out stalls, but Arthur was learning more and more each day that his servant was so much more. He was a friend who took care of him regardless of where they were or what they were facing and while it had been a long week of feeling sick, it would have been infinitely longer without Merlin to help him through it.

Reviews are always appreciated, thank you!

And that, my friends, concludes A Long Week. I sincerely hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

Happy reading and writing,

StoryLover18