A/N: This chapter gives you Arthur's thoughts. I know it starts the same as Chap 1, but keep reading; it is different.

Still don't own Merlin.

"Now, Merlin, after you muck out my horse's stall, I want you to clean my room and draw a bath for me," Arthur ordered Merlin, having become used to the ritual every day.

"Yes, sire," Merlin answered, and he helped Arthur on with his armor. Normally, Arthur would be thinking about what routines he would have his knights go through, but not anymore. Now he could only think of Merlin. How his raven-black hair was always mussed, how his face turned serious as he was making sure not to forget any of his sire's armor. How his fingers nimbly fastened the armor on Arthur…

"What there something else you wanted, sire?" Merlin asked, and it was then that Arthur was snapped out of his thoughts, discovering he was holding his sword.

"Oh, uh, no. That's all. And if you're not finished by the time I get back, you'll spend tomorrow in the stocks," Arthur said and gave Merlin a smirk for good measure. He knew the last thing Merlin would want was another day spent having vegetables thrown at him.

As he made his way down to where his knights would be waiting for him, he let his thoughts turn back to Merlin. His clumsy, incompetent, incorrigible manservant. He never did what Arthur told him, and always talked back to the Prince. But that was one of the things Arthur loved most about Merlin- he wasn't like everyone else; he didn't humble himself before the once and future King of Camelot. He constantly challenged him, insulted him, and put Arthur back in his place when he was being his arrogant self. Merlin was his better half, the sweet, kind, goofy half. He may have been clumsy, but he saved Arthur's life once, and Arthur will forever be grateful for that, not only for the obvious reason of his still being alive, but Uther rewarded Merlin by letting him be Arthur's servant.

But he and Merlin could only ever be friends, if they could be even that. Arthur would be king one day, and he would need to have an heir. And he didn't want people to think he took advantage of his servants; that would not only hurt him, but it would hurt Merlin, as well. No matter how much he longed to tell Merlin his feelings, he couldn't. Doing that would jeopardize their friendship, since there was no way Merlin could feel the same.

So Arthur went on with his day, training with his knights, and praying that just once Merlin would finish his chores so Arthur wouldn't be obliged to put him in the stocks…

When Arthur returned to his room, he was shocked that Merlin had actually finished his chores. "Well, Merlin, for once you've actually done as I've asked," Arthur said.

"I tend to do that a lot," Merlin replied defensively.

Arthur raised his eyebrow.

"Sometimes," Merlin added.

Arthur laughed at his ridiculous servant. "You really are amazing, Merlin."

And he was. He may have been pale and skinny, but he had the most amazing cheekbones and gorgeous blue-grey eyes. Not to mention he was the most loyal friend Arthur had ever had. He was pulled out of his thoughts by the suddenly serious look on Merlin's face.

"Is something wrong, Merlin?"

"No, sire," Merlin answered.

"You know, you're an incredibly bad liar, Merlin," Arthur said. "What's on your mind?"

You can trust me.

"Uh, nothing," Merlin replied quickly, "Um…Gaius asked me to run an errand earlier today, and I still need to do that…"

"Well, you may." Arthur gestured towards the door. He wouldn't keep Merlin from leaving.

"Thank you, sire," Merlin said, and rushed out of the room, the door closing behind him with a slight bang.

Arthur shook his head and stepped into the tub. Something had Merlin upset, and Merlin didn't feel like he could talk to him. Arthur felt hurt. It was then he decided that something must be done about his feelings towards Merlin.

He would tell him. Tonight. If he got rejected, then so be it. At least it would let Merlin know he could trust Arthur with anything.

A/N: Please review! I'll try to get the last chapter finished ASAP! Not sure if Merlin shoul tell Arthur about his magic...Any thoughts, anyone?