Eeeep! I have not updated in FOREVER! Sorry guys, but I've been getting ready for finals this week. And next week….I actually have finals. Great. I love finals. Not.

But, that's beside the point. I will try to get an update next week, but I doubt it. And I'll be out of town this weekend and next weekend. So if I can't get it this week then I PROMISE another update will be up on Monday, the 20th. Yeah, 10 days is a long time, I know. I'm so sorry. But, blame finals, not me.

Also, I have a Merlin Christmas special up. It's called "A Very Merlin Christmas." It's a gift for YOU, my wonderful readers. So, check it out!

And, this chapter is dedicated to ruby890 because this fanfiction user gave me the idea for this chapter.

Merlin rolled his shoulders wearily in attempt to roll the stiffness out of them. Merlin had followed Arthur all day while he was training the other nobles intending to be a knight. Whilst following the Prince of Camelot Merlin had to carry many heavy things like spears, armor, shields, helmets, and all sorts of other countless things. That causes quite a pressure on Merlin's tender upper body.

"Well," Arthur commented as he plopped down in a chair in his room, "I must say that was a very progressive day. I think we'll make great knights out of them soon, don't you think Merlin?"

"Oh yes, very much so. Are you ready to undress? You must be exhausted after a long day."

"I suppose so. You sure that sleeping tonic will work?"

Merlin turned his face away to hide a smile, "I hope so. You know I'm not very good at-"

"-Merlin, you're not good at anything. You're a useless servant, you can't fight for your life, and I suppose that if I wasn't in your life you wouldn't have a reason for living."

The young warlock rolled his eyes, "That's it."

Arthur jumped out of the chair, "Glad to see you agree. Alright, help me get ready for bed."

When Arthur was dressed for bed, the bed turned down, and the sleep tonic was drained from its small bottle Arthur finally lay in bed.

"Will there be anything else, Arthur?" Merlin questions, standing by the door.

"Yes. If this sleeping tonic doesn't work, Merlin, you'll be target practice tomorrow."

Merlin frowned at the thought. Perhaps he shouldn't say the spell tonight? On one hand, Merlin absolutely hated being the target. On the other hand, Merlin didn't think Arthur had learned his lesson quite well yet. Arthur learn a lesson, target practice. Target practice, Arthur learn a lesson. Merlin's decision was made.

"We can only hope it works, Arthur. Is that all?"

"Yes, now go. Leave me to my peaceful sleep."

Merlin grinned and left but not before uttering a quick spell.

Arthur sighed, content, and pressed his face into one of the several pillows on his bed. The young price closed his blue eyes, and fell off into what he hoped a peaceful sleep.

But he was wrong.

…

Arthur's dream:

Everybody had left the castle. Everybody. No one was left, not even a single servant. Except Arthur.

King Uther decided it was high time that his castle was cleaned, and not just slightly. Fully. He wanted every inch scrubbed, dusted, and waxed. There was not to be a single spot. So, he took all his court to spend the summer in the castle of the ancient kings. Uther left only one servant to clean. And that was Arthur.

Arthur still couldn't believe that he wasn't Prince. MERLIN WAS NOT A PRINCE! Arthur was. Not was, is. Is. Is! But instead he's left to clean the whole castle? By himself? What has happened to Camelot?

Arthur got down on his knees, wrinkling his face as his hands touch the dirt infested floor. He dipped a torn up rag into a bucket full of suds. His nose scrunched up when he felt grime swirl around his hands. How disgusting is that?

The young man flopped the rag on the floor and began moving around in circles. Cleaning the throne room took a whole day, and it was a very messy job. He had many cuts and bruises, because he'd slipped on the wet floor. Arthur cursed. He was a strong man! And he's getting beat up by the floor. The floor. Even the lowest of servants could take on the floor.

When it became too dark to clean Arthur stood up and glanced around the room. He had approximately seventy-three more days to go. A tear slipped out of the blue eye and rolled down the soft cheek. The should be prince of Camelot sat in the corner with his arms folded. It just wasn't fair.

…

Arthur's eyes flew open, and he grabbed at the pillows around him. Thank goodness he was still in his princely bed! It was all a dream!

Heat scorched across Arthur's face. That dream was absolutely humiliating. And it was all Merlin's fault. If he had created a tonic that worked Arthur wouldn't be in this mess. He sat up with an angry glare. Merlin was going to pay.

"MERLIN!"

Short, I know. But I'm super tired. Forgive?