Myes...*wiggles fingers* I completely fell off the face of the planet there for a while. Sorry about that.. RSTA, RL.. etc. But yea, lookit! Update to make it up to You all~

And I am very happy to announce that I shall be seeing THE TEMPEST! *grins like mad and emits squeaky noises* All thanks to my lovely lovely sis, TeganL74! *grabs her and squeezes!* As I said to a few people before, I'm so ecstatic, I'm practically making my own electricity. (And part of the reason I'm so distracted) This one's for you dear~ A lengthy update!

We celebrate 48k~! And huge "Thank you" to all of You for liking this fic and putting up with me ^^; Happy reading and hope you like, and looking forward to read your opinions and observations~

Onward~!

.*.

Arthur often wondered if his mind and his mouth were following different paths at times. He hadn't meant to oppose his father like that, but now it was out in the open; he said it; he done it; and suddenly feeling relieved of all the tension he's been biting back for so long, now he felt empty and a little scared. So much that he felt lightheaded and found himself gripping the back of a chair to be sure he remains on his feet.

He took a few deep breaths to compose himself; to try and calm down the raging storm inside him and regain his control over his heart and mind; his blurry vision; and the situation in whole.

"How dare you…?" He heard the familiar hiss; that sounded very much like searing ember ready to spark into flames again, and he was beginning to fear he may have achieved the opposite of what he was aiming for; but then it trailed off and the angry spark of it was gone and as the prince looked up and met his fathers eyes, he felt taken aback to see something there, that he was unused to seeing. His father looked at him with a sort of sadness and concern, yet there was wariness there and the signature un-approving glare that was present for most everything the young Pendragon did, and his father deemed "un-princely"; - and a prince standing up for a servant was certainly un-princely.

Arthur partially guessed, him hanging onto the back of a chair and no doubt looking pathetic had something to do with it as well, but he did wonder, should his father become certain that his son's health is on the healing path, would he still take measures against his behavior.

Uther made it clear on several occasions that he's a "father" only when he chooses to be, and more often a king instead. Arthur could only hope that the dusty and very much tried friendship of his father and the physician will be enough to persuade the man to see sense. He had said what he wanted, so much so that the effort made him weak, but he started to think ahead.

He was yet to figure out how to deal with the events, specifically the ones that had to do with his clumsy servant, but for now.. he just wanted them to be left alone; they just needed to heal, he had to make sure Merlin was safe and healing. And any time bought, was precious time.

He stood his father's gaze and was unable to read his expression.

The king noticed how tired and sad his son looked, and he realized, the prince was right.

Uther nodded.

"It is clear to me that you have become attached to this boy."

"Not more then to any of my knight. He saved my life."

Uther had to agree with that, was enough to recall Morgause's attempt on the Pendragons; it was Merlin who did intervene and change Arthur's mind about running his father through. But Uther feared, if the boy could convince his son so easily, what other decisions he might influence in the future.

However he was Gaius's ward; and the king knew the old man is not one to be easily fooled, despite his age; if there was something there, the old man would surely know.. that is, unless it had to do with his past.. 'He did promise.. He swore even!' – the king nodded to himself. – But yes, the boy was loyal.

He also remembered that time he found out Merlin had gone to length to have a sword crafted for Arthur, a fine sword too; but he couldn't let this slide. For his son's sake.

"He's your servant, it is his duty. However I cannot let this influence you."

"He is loyal to me." Arthur hissed. He was getting really dizzy now; and extremely annoyed.

"I know, son, but he is just a servant."

"He's proven it. He's as loyal as any knight."

Uther scoffed. "Arthur, you cannot compare the loyalty of a servant to that of a knight."

"Why? Is he any less? What of the loyalty of a man?"

"Arthur.."

And there it was.. the lectures and belittling; and the prince felt should this go on any longer he won't be held responsible for his actions. But again that calm settled on him from somewhere and he composed himself; next time his words came he again sounded collected and somewhat calm.

"You always taught me to recognize loyalty and reward it. Does that not include servants?"

Uther ran a hand across his face in frustrations. Of all the times his son had to bring up his own teachings, he had to pick now.

"He IS my manservant." The young man said with his last effort all pushed into that statement and considered the conversation closed; knowing very well, his father understood he meant it, and hoped the king won't decide to take measures against his son and his servant, just for the sake of having his will played out.

Uther sighed and looked at him and Arthur did his best to pull the most disappointed face he could muster.

"Alright.." he said at last, barely audible.

They glared at each other for a moment or two, then seeing as the king wont talk more, the prince gave a curt bow and turned away and headed towards the door.

„Arthur.."

He stopped but didn't turn around.

"How is the boy?"

The blonde turned his head merely to the side, having a blizzard of a fight with his newly risen anger at the question.

"You've seen him.." he said plainly. "You did that." He added and his breaths got heavy as he took air through his nose to be able to keep his mouth shut, because by the Gods there was so much more he could throw at the man.

„He will need time." He said and turned back to the door to leave. „And so will I.." He didn't care if his father heard him or not.

The guards were tense as ever as he left, but he didn't mind them, he walked with a straight back and determination in his steps. – Least that's how he felt, he didn't want to think of how he actually looked as he made his way towards the physician's chamber.

Arthur didn't know why he was going there. Gaius surely had Merlin asleep, least until he was on a steady healing path. But somehow he just felt he had to go there at that moment.

The chamber door was already in sight when he really started to question his motive about entering, after all he should be resting as well, and there isn't much he can do for a sleeping man, but all thoughts vanished from his mind once he pushed the door open and spotted the scene in front of him.

A physician with tense shoulders standing with his back towards him, hands slightly raised in defense; and an angry looking manservant; with his right arm lifted, fingers outstretched, palm towards the elderly man, and there was determination on his face. Deadly determination.

.*.

to AnimeApprentice: I believe "prat" is strictly reserved for Arthur if it comes from Merlin's mouth :P Arthur has some sense of humor.. :/ Uther is.. the anti-humor. xD

to Irene: Awesome quote there~ True too, I'm the one with the...keyboard! *looks all threatening and stuff* :) Glad you likey~