Months had gone by without any word from Kathryn…Arthur was beginning to regret letting her go off alone in search for Vincent and the bracelet…it wasn't that he didn't trust her, he did, simply because Merlin did and if there was anyone that he had complete faith in it would be Merlin. Even though he kept his magic a secret, not that Arthur blamed him much ( he knew he owed his life to that …gift ) but nonetheless any time he could use it to tease Merlin he did.
Merlin bustled into his room, in his arms a platter, there was so much food there that it could have fed the army for at least a three day journey, "This…is…breakfast?" he questioned walking cautiously to the table, Merlin smiled wide "Yes sire, the future king needs a bountiful meal, have to keep that strength up." He quickened slapping Arthur on the shoulder as he opened the drapes, "better than calling me fat." Arthur joked as he grabbed a handful of grapes.
"Isnt it a glorious day?" Merlin oozed happily, which was very unlike his character since Kathryn left. Either Merlin knew something that he was not sharing, or he had gone completely mental, which prior to knowing his magical secret Arthur originally thought the latter, but now….what was going on?
"Merlin?"
"yes?" Merlin asked as he began to make Arthurs bed, "someone had trouble sleeping I see, lots of tossing and turning…" he tsked as he pulled the sheets into their rightful place. Arthur grabbed a piece of bread and sat watching his bright eyed friend, "merlin stop. Come and have some breakfast with me." Merlin gave his I'm not buying that what have you done face that Arthur just shrugged off and handed him his plate, "Don't you have magic that can do that for you?"
"I don't do magic all the time Arthur, only when absolutely necessary, and even then I need to make sure that no one can see." Merlin stalked over and took a seat. Arthur felt his seed of guilt grow larger underneath his heart. "I am sorry Merlin that you were put in that situation…its just…father…"
"I have every bit of faith that this will all work out in the end." Merlin always had moments of wisdom, this felt like it was going to be one of them, it was good to have him as a confidant, a companion, most importantly and advisor. No one could make Arthur understand himself and the way of the people like Merlin could. Gwen was different she made him want to be a better man, a better leader and a better friend. When the day came he knew that he would be a great husband and then…the father that he always wanted. "Arthur?" merlin asked bringing him back to the present, "You alright?"
"I was just about to ask you the same question."
"what do you mean?"
"Ever since Kathryn left you have been brooding about everything later, but today you are…chipper. Something I need to know?" Merlin smiled and looked out the window as he answered "today I think is going to be a day to remember."