A/N: I'm so sorry for being so inconsistent with updates. You're probably all so frustrated with me. I just wanted to say thank you to all of the people who have left reviews on this story; I'll try to reply to all of you. If anyone has any plot suggestions, I'm open to them, but I have the next four or so chapters already planned, I just need my teachers to give me enough of a break to write them. (If you are being subjected to the torture that is standardized testing this week, know that I feel your pain.)That being said, having a laptop at school is useful when trying to write fanfiction. (Though I do prefer pen and paper for some unknown reason) Alright, I'll stop rambling and give you what you want (Assuming you want cuteness and sassy Merlin.)

Merlin was sick of memorizing things, but he figured that Arthur knew what he was doing. They had gone over court proceedings, responsibilities of a king, how to respond to challenges, how to issue challenges.

When Arthur was satisfied, Merlin felt like he was ready to collapse.

"We'll finish this after dinner."

Merlin was tempted to ask what more he had to learn, but he wasn't sure he wanted to know. He knew that he had about twenty-four hours before he was going to have to sign a peace treaty, return to Carlain, or both. From the way Arthur spoke, he figured there was a whole other side of being king that they hadn't even come close to covering.

Turned out, he was right. Arthur had told him about court proceedings, how one dealt with those who broke the law, and several other boring but necessary topics, but they hadn't even touched on how a king was supposed to behave in everyday life.

"Once we finish with this, I think we're finished with everything."

Merlin didn't think Arthur knew how glad he was to hear those words. He had to be ready by the morning, and thanks to Arthur, he actually stood a chance.

The "lesson" consisted mostly of Arthur saying different things to Merlin, as different people in his kingdom might, and Merlin would respond. If he got the response wrong, Arthur would correct him, they would try a similar situation, and once Merlin had it down, they would go to the next one. Several scenarios later, Arthur broke the pattern.

"There are a few more things that you need to learn about, and we can't really use the scenarios."

"Such as...?" Merlin was starting to sound more like a king, and less... like himself, he realized with a jolt

"Who it is appropriate to interact with, and in what ways. A king can interact with his people in order to keep tabs on the morale of the kingdom as a whole, he can speak to servants about things pertaining to their jobs. Friendships with personal servants are quite common, but relationships with anyone not of noble blood are almost always out of the question."

"Relationships?"

"Yes, Merlin, relationships. Not that I expect you to find yourself needing that information any time soon."

"That's reassuring."

Arthur and Merlin both laughed at Merlin's response. When the laughter died down, it left a silence that Merlin was unsure of whether to fill.

It was finally Arthur that did.

"You know why I'm doing this, don't you?"

"To avoid a war?"

"You really are an idiot. I'm doing this because you're my friend, Merlin."

"This still seems like a lot of effort for a friend."

"Good thing we've nearly finished, then. Because you're beginning to irritate me again."

"What's left?"

"Just any questions that you might have."

"Who counts as noble blood?"

"Someone directly related to a king or queen."

"What counts as directly related?"

"Merlin!"

"Sorry."

"I forgot that you were a servant a few days ago. I can't expect you to know all of this within three days."

"But the knights that want me to go with them tomorrow can."

'They can, but they shouldn't."

"And why shouldn't they?"

"They need a king. They aren't going to get a king if they take someone who was a servant three days ago and not teach him anything!"

"They seem to be perfectly fine with it."

"No one likes having a temporary ruler. It makes the kingdom fragile and difficult to defend. They want someone with a birthright to the throne so that they can rule for their entire life."

"Oh that makes sense, but what were you trying to teach me first?"

"You don't listen do you Merlin?"

"Of course I always listen when you're speaking. Your royal pratness."

"Merlin do you know who you're speaking to?"

"Yes, but do you know who you are speaking to? Go on telling me about relationships."

"You actually did remember what I was telling you about,"

"It's hard to forget the things that you tell me."

Arthur smiled before reaching out and pulling Merlin into a kiss.

It took Merlin about five seconds for the shock to wear off, then he gave in and returned the kiss. It was softer than Merlin would have thought (not that he thought about that), but sweet all the same. They only broke apart when they heard a knock. Arthur shot

the door a reproachful look before saying "Enter."

"Sire I, um- just came to say that I will be taking over as your servant since your last one is now a prince."

"Alright. I was just showing Merlin the ropes, considering he has been my servant for some time now."

"Of course. I will wait for you in your chambers."

"Thank you."

As soon as the door closed, Arthur turned back to Merlin and said, "I forgot, what were we talking about?"

"Our relationship, of course."

"Are you sure? Because I don't remember much talking."

"Our relationship so far doesn't need much talking."

"That is a statement that I agree with."

This time it was Merlin who pulled Arthur into a kiss.

Arthur didn't need any time for the shock to wear off, they just started again, right where they left off, this time without any interruptions.

Merlin couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed when he returned to his room that night; he had been hoping to spend more time with Arthur, even if it was just memorizing things.

He was also hoping to find Gaius sleeping. After all, it well past sundown. However, to Merlin's dismay, Gauis was waiting for him.

"Arthur was teaching you all day? How much can you learn in a day?" Gauis seemed genuinely curious.

"We only have a day or two until the treaty is finished and the guards take me back to Carlain. I have a lot to learn."

"I'm not going to argue with you there. When you came from Ealdor, you nearly got yourself arrested within a day."

Merlin laughed, remembering how he had almost attacked Arthur, then quieted down, remembering more recent events.

"Merlin?"

"Sorry. What?"

"I asked if you were all right."

"Oh. Yes. Just tired. "

"You should get to bed."

"Goodnight."

Merlin didn't say another word; he actually was quite tired. He fell asleep almost instantly, dreading the time that he would have to leave Camelot.

(A/N: i apologize if any of you woke up your parents squealing like my friend did when she proofread it for me.)