A/N: And Merlin's back to being a servant, poor lad ;)
Gwaine was definitely not perfecting his food-stealing pulley system when Merlin burst into his chambers.
Then again, it was Merlin... yeah, that was exactly what he was doing.
"Merlin! Good to see you!" The servant had a book clutched in one hand, mischievous smile lighting up his face.
"What's got you all excited?" The trouble-making knight could feel an answering grin stretching his own lips.
"Read this," Merlin opened the tome and stabbed the page with one finger.
Gwaine scanned the words quickly, glee overflowing and making him giggle as he came to the conclusion.
"Oh this is just perfect."
Arthur groaned, rolling over in bed as Merlin clattered through the door.
"Merlin..."
The servant seemed to be repressing a smile as he asked, "You're awake?"
"I don't think I slept a wink. I thought adding those extra mattresses was supposed to make it more comfortable. It felt like there was a rock digging into my back all night."
There- he had definitely snorted just then, no matter how much he tried to hide it.
"Is something funny, Merlin?"
"No, nothing. Why would I be laughing? Nothing's funny."
The king rolled his eyes but let it go.
"I want you to be rid of all this immediately. My bed was perfectly fine before and it had better be again."
"Of course, Sire."
Merlin had removed the spare mattresses and was re-making the bed when Arthur saw him surreptitiously reach underneath, pulling out a closed fist.
"What did you just do?"
The servant jumped slightly and spun around, hiding his hands behind his back.
"Um, nothing! Just straightening the linens!"
"Did you put something in my bed yesterday?"
"What? Why would you think that? I don't know wh-"
"Merlin."
"I... may have found a little something underneath there- but it's nothing to worry about! All taken care of now," he smiled broadly, hoping to quash the oncoming confrontation.
"Just show me what it is, Merlin."
Giving up his flimsy ruse, the thin man held out one hand to reveal a small green sphere.
"What is that?"
"It's ah... it's a pea."
"What?"
"Nothing to worry about, as I said. All gone now- as I should be. Too many chores need doing to be standing here chatting!" He shoved the 'pea' into his pocket and turned away, grabbing the laundry basket and making good his escape.
"Merlin- Merlin!"
Ignoring his master's shouts, the warlock managed to contain his laughter until he turned a corner and ducked into the alcove where Gwaine was waiting.
"Well?"
Merlin snickered, "It's confirmed. Arthur is a genuine princess."
S/A/N: For any of you who are confused right now, look up "The Princess and the Pea" (sorry, I'm hoping it's enough of a well-known story to make sense to most of you)