Happeh Easter and all that! May chocolate and plot bunnies come around~! Happy Fool's Day! (April 1st)
Update in the morning instead of the evening this time! "Growing Secrets" update didn't come around, I know, I know.. I had some technical issues with my PC, but thank the Gods it's fixed now so update shouldn't be far. Please accept early update for this fic as apology until I get around to grip the reins of GS again.
I know it's becoming slightly repetitive, but.. wow, THANK YOU for your continued support for this fic. Thank you to CarolynneRuth for the lovely words, I'm still gobsmacked by it all; and thank you to ErinNovelist as well, for recommending this little story in her fic, "The Forgetful Reincarnation" (Do head over and read, it is brilliant~) *feels swept away*
As for you, my lovely lovely crowd, here's the next chapter, I hope you will enjoy this week's updates as well :) So on with the fic~!
Enjoy!
.*.
"A shave?" Gaius looked at the prince baffled, then glanced at his ward.
"Yes."
"I see." Of course that made sense, but he feared it for some reason. Merlin always cleaned himself up; (except for those couple of times when the old man had to remind him to take a bath), but the physician figured he could just let him do it once the boy is up and awake, however this seemed important indeed.
Merlin had much of his mother in his features, but this time Balinor's traits also showed; it wasn't too much, but apparently it was enough for Uther to act on it.
Arthur looked at him with determination and a little bit of excitement at his plan. Merlin's face was always smooth. Truth be told he was surprised to notice the raven-hair getting a stubble when a few days passed in their cells. With his skinny physique he looked so much younger. Much more fragile than he would have thought.
"We can't, sire." Said the old man, sounding very dejected.
"What? Why? He is asleep. He won't notice."
"Maybe. But what if he does? I'd hate to think how he'd react if he wakes to someone hovering over him with a blade in hand. Not.. not after what has happened." Gaius shook his head.
Arthur wanted to point out that Uther used a hot red iron not a knife but he figured that's not necessarily something the physician would want to hear right now, but it also wasn't something that was going to change his mind. Difficult or not, this had to be done. For Merlin's sake.
"Gaius." He had to make him see reason. "If there's anything that's putting Merlin in danger then we must do something about it until it doesn't. You know how my fa.."
"I know." Gaius cut in. He of all people knew the most how Uther acted on even such small things. "But it is dark now. We should.. wait until its daylight. And I will tell him once he wakes. So he doesn't startle."
"Alright." Arthur nodded and put a hand on the physician's shoulder, gave it a slight squeeze and a weak smile then glanced at his servant and turned to leave. "Good night, Gaius" He turned back for a moment before heading out the door.
"Good night, Sire."
Gaius settled back onto the chair next to the sleeping figure's cot and let out a sigh as he looked over his ward again. He pressed the back of his fingers against his pale cheek, then his full palm over his clammy forehead, trying to gauge for his temperature. There was improvement; he noted with slight relief. The hours have stretched on since Leon and Arthur brought him in, but finally there was change.
The physician replaced the cooling cloth, then knowing Merlin was probably not going to wake any time soon, he took a piece of bread and took a bite out of it, while he waited for the servant girl to come back. He already made his mind up to check on Morgana first thing tomorrow. The bruise surely wasn't serious; and it wasn't the first time she earned one from Uther, being as stubborn and outspoken as she is.
"You know, you're lucky." The physician said looking over at the tray of food, and the small pot of broth. "It's not every day Audrey cooks something especially for servants." Gaius smiled at his unconscious ward, even though the smile didn't last long on his lips, since there was no reply.
Merlin was no longer thrashing. His fever went up and down but the boy just seemed too exhausted to react anymore.
.*.
To Irene: *cough* (whenareyoumakingthataccounta lready?) *cough* Thanks for the review once again~! Balinor's relation to Merlin is a tricky bit there, no spoilers tho, of who's handling it how, it would ruin the purpose, ey *wink*
Myea, Gwen was little miss perfect as a Queen. I think her character was so much more vivid while she was a servant.