A/N: In response to a prompt- almost certainly not what LFB72 had in mind, but here it is anyway ;)
And hey, if you have anything you'd like to see in an Advent story please do say so! I only have the last five solidly planned out so there's space for requests :)


"But father, we don't even know if that merchant was telling the truth."

Uther looked at his son with suspicion. "Can you not see the garments?"

Arthur spluttered for a moment before managing to reply, "Of course I can see them. I'm just saying we have no way of knowing if these are anything other than ordinary cloth."

"Hm. Perhaps you are correct. Guard!" One of the ever-present soldiers entered the room and bowed.
"Summon the court physician." Another bow and the man was gone.

"We'll have our answer soon enough."

The two royals stared at each other in tense silence as they waited, Merlin busying himself in one corner to hide the laughter fighting to be free.

Gaius arrived before long, stopping inside the door. "You called, Si- why are you naked?"

The king gave a short bark of laughter. "See? It works! The clothing is visible to all but those who have magic!"

The physician's eyes flicked over to his ward, shaking ever-so-slightly in what he presumed to be a fit of nerves.

"Forgive me, Sire, but what is this all about?"

"This is perfect, Gaius. In a moment I will address my people and all those who cannot see my raiment will be rounded up and executed for their sorcery -with the exception of yourself, of course."

"Pardon my ignorance, My Lord. How will you know they cannot see?"

"Arthur and the knights will carefully observe all the people and their reactions when I step out onto the balcony. I have every confidence they will note a difference between the good people and any foul sorcerers."

And that was when Gaius gave up.

"Ah. Well, if there is nothing else you require of me then I shall take my leave."

The king nodded and the old man made his exit.

Merlin had to bite his hand to keep from erupting in a fit of giggles when Uther turned to his son with a wide smile.

"Just think, Arthur- we could get you a set of these clothes to wear out on patrol!"