Disclaimer: The tv show Merlin does not belong to me.

A/N: I really really really shouldn't set a deadline for myself, because as you can see I can't go through with it. The only reason I can type the story right now is because we don't have classes, today and tomorrow. I'm quite stressed with my schedule right now because they gave me a full load for this semester but I'll try to balance everything as its just the second week of my classes. I'm sorry for the long wait, please stay with me. Now on with the story.

Chapter 5

Merlin walked leisurely as he collected herbs for Gauis, stopping now and again to note where some herbs are located in case they might be needed at a different time.

Being at Camelot is great but sometimes he craves being out of the kingdom once in awhile with just nature as his company. Spotting the final herb needed growing by the lake he gave a happy sigh. He began to gently snap the plants by their stem so as not to damage the leaves.

Deeming it enough, he made to stand up but the sound of horses' hooves stopped him. It was unusual for anyone to travel in the forest specially here where there are no paths and the trees are quite dense, making traveling by horse quite hard. Could just be the patrol though the young man thought as he packed up.

He found out a little while later that it was not a patrol but the king of Camelot himself. Accompanied by just two guards.

UTHER'S POV

'Ah, just the person I wanted to see.' I thought to myself as I saw Merlin. He immediately bowed his head as soon as he saw me. "My lord."

I immediately signaled one of the guards to bring the horse I specifically picked out for Merlin. The boy looked confused as the guard drew the horse closer to him. I smiled as the horse nuzzled him and he patted the animal in return.

"The horse is yours. Join me for a ride." I said answering his confused look.

I was once again regaled with his wide eyed frightened look. "My lord...I couldn't possibly...this is too much." he stuttered out.

"Are you questioning my generosity again Merlin?" I asked sternly.

"I apologize sire I didn't mean to offend you." he immediately replied.

"I'll only accept your apology when you accept my gift and if you will grace me with your company this afternoon." I said smoothly. I knew he wouldn't be able to deny me as that would seem that he was disrespecting his king. Though that doesn't mean he didn't try to make an excuse as he looked at the bag of herbs that he had collected.

"The guard can deliver that to Gauis." I said motioning to the guard to take the bag from Merlin. He reluctantly gave up the bag and was surprised when the guard helped him up the horse. His hands trembled a little as he took hold of the reins.

"This isn't the first time that you've been on a horse, however you seem quite nervous." I pointed out. "The merchant who sold me the horse assured me that she's a gentle creature." I continued. "Unless of course she's not the reason why you're nervous." and I was given that wide eyed look again.

"You need to stop looking at me like that." I replied, looking away to hold in my temper. I wasn't going to hurt him but he still seems so afraid of me, so unlike when he is with my son. I took in a calming breath, it is not good to compare those situations together. He and Arthur have a close bond and we don't have that yet for him to suddenly be comfortable around me.

"I'm sorry my lord." he said softly, probably noticing my mood.

"You need to stop apologizing." I chastised, he looked like he wanted to say something-no doubt meaning to apologize agian but I cut him off. "Come we are wasting time." I said before urging my horse to a walk.

ARTHUR'S POV

'That incompetent idiot.' I thought angrily as I stalked towards Gauis' chambers looking for my manservant. He was already supposed to be at my chambers with my dinner and bath ready. Instead what do I find? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Oh wait that's not true, my bed still hasn't been fixed, clothes and objects still strewn all over the floor. I know that Gauis also have chores for him to do but I also know that the court physician doesn't keep him occupied until late at night unless of course there was an epidemic or there are many wounded people.

The guards immediately stood at attention as I marched towards the stairs that will lead me to the physician's quarters.

'I'll make sure to make him clean the horses stalls for a week for this.'

"Merlin where the hell have you been?" I demanded immediately as I opened the door, only to see Gauis looking at me his left eyebrow raising up. I cleared my throat. "I'm looking for Merlin."

"Yes, I heard." he replied dryly. "He's not here."

"He's at the tavern again isn't he?" I said, turning around about to drag my wayward manservant from that bloody tavern.

"Actually your highness, if the guard who delivered me the herbs that Merlin gathered this afternoon is to be believed, he is with the king."

"Merlin...is with my father?" I asked in disbelief as Gauis nodded his head in affirmation. "Why?"

"I'm afraid I have no answer for that your majesty, only your father can answer that question." Gauis replied.

I suddenly felt indignant at that, "Are you trying to imply something Gauis?" I asked. Of course he was, I am not deaf I've heard the rumors, the whispers.

"You cannot deny that the king have been awfully interested of him as of late." he told me. That is true, I can't deny it. But he is still talking about my father and I just can't let this pass.

"You better be mindful of the next words that come out of your mouth. "I uttered seriously. "Do not forget that you are talking about your king."

"yes, and that is the reason why I'm worried. Your father is the king and Merlin is just one of his subjects." he replied. "Do not tell me you haven't seen the way he looks at Merlin."

I have. The first time I thought it was just a trick of the lights, the way my father's eyes gleamed as he looked at Merlin...the subsequent ones..."The way he looks at Merlin may not mean what you think it means." I said not really believing my words and I can see that Gauis doesn't believe them either. "My father will not do anything to him, and with the way Merlin is I doubt he will do anything that he doesn't want to do."

Gauis just shook his head at me, "Sometimes Arthur you forget how much power the king truly holds."

"My father is not that kind of man." I simply said. "Tell Merlin to be early for his duties tomorrow." and with that I walked out. His last words hanging over me until I reached my rooms.

Sorry for the mistakes I've made. The next chapter will be posted next time we don't have classes again which will already be during the first week of March after our Prelim exams.

Thank you thank you thank you for the reviews, likes and favorites. Please please please give your comments again for this chapter. Tell me what you think of what's happening. What should Arthur do? What should Gauis do? What will Merlin's reaction be like when I stop making him oblivious? Please just share your opinions with me.