Disclaimer: llLethall must be credited for this storyline.

Daily Interference

Welcome the Visiting Prince

Merlin needed to walk out his anger. His magic was bubbling dangerously inside him and he didn't think he could hold it in. He needed to talk to someone, but that someone…there was no one there for him. He was all alone. He walked through the forest, kicking up fallen autumn leaves as he went.

He stopped at a small clearing and smiled at the beauty of it. The Warlock walked inside and sat down on a log. He let his magic out then, just a tiny bit to start a small fire to keep him warm. It was a cold day today, nearing winter. He sat there huddled near the fire. He would need to go back soon, but he didn't want to. The only person left for him was Guinevere, if he didn't count Arthur.

Soon, the serving boy knew it was time to go back, so he smothered the fire, leaving it cindering and smoking. He sighed, he would have to face Gaius when he got back.

(Time Break)

When he got back to the castle, he found servant running to him, worry in his eyes. Merlin stopped so the servant could speak to him.

"Hi." Merlin gestured for him to talk.

"The…The…The Visiting Prince. He-He would like to…to.. see you." The servant panted.

"The Visiting Prince? I never knew a Visiting Prince was in Camelot." Merlin said, beginning to walk. The serving boy fell into step beside him.

"Yes, there is and he is in the room on the third corridor, west side of the castle, second off last." The teenager said. "You were supposed to be there within an hour, but it's been more than that now. So um, good luck." The servant quivered before running off to do his chores.

Merlin knocked on the door on the third corridor, on the west side of the castle, second from the bottom of the corridor, like the servant had said. What would a Visiting Prince want with him?

"Enter!" A shallow voice commanded. Merlin swallowed slightly and walked inside. He closed the door behind him and stood gazing at the Prince. The Prince looked at him in disgust and stepped forward. He slapped the warlock brutally across the face, leaving it stinging, burning.

"Do not look at me unless I command you to." The Visiting Prince hissed. Merlin was surprised at this sudden attack.

"Why?" Merlin asked, earning a blow to his ribs. It winded him almost instantly, tempting him to double over, but he refused to. Instead he looked at the ground.

"Do not speak unless I command you to." The Prince hissed again.

"I'm Prince Stephen from the North East and I'm here on business with the King, not that I should be telling you." He snorted. He moved away from the young boy, towards his desk, Merlin was watching his feet.

"You're late. By an hour. I should really punish you." Stephen said quietly but in a very disturbing way. Another fist hit Merlin in the nose, and Merlin cried out this time. Blood trickled down his face, onto his neck, and dribbling down his chest.

"Get out of my sight." The Prince hissed. Merlin, eyes wide with shock turned around and walked as quickly and as calmly as he could.

Walking down the corridor, the Warlock tried his best to try to wipe away the blood, but it was useless. The blood kept coming and it wasn't going to stop anytime soon.

"Merlin?" A voice called from behind him. Arthur. Merlin couldn't be bothered right now so he kept walking. "Merlin!" The sound of metal clashing against stone at a rapid pace filled the corridor. Merlin knew he had been training. "Merlin stop." It wasn't a command, but Merlin did so anyway.

"Yes sire?" Merlin called, trying to hide his face.

"I was going to come and try and explain myself and to apologize, but it looks like your hiding something. What are you hiding?" Arthur asked.

"Nothing, sire." Merlin said.

"I'm sorry Merlin but we both know that's not true, I can see through you easily. What's that red on your hand. Is that…?" Arthur stopped.

"Yeah, it's blood." Merlin sighed, a small smile painting his lips.

"I can see that. Who done it to you?" Arthur asked.

"Um…" Merlin wasn't sure if he should tell or not. "No one."

"Merlin. Who done this to you? Now tell me who it was. It's an order." Arthur said in his 'you-will-do-as-I-say' voice. The warlock sighed and turned to Arthur.

"I shouldn't say anything." Merlin said.

"No harm will come to you, I can promise you that." Arthur said, in a softer tone. "Merlin, believe me. You are… damn it Merlin, you are one of my closest friends, in fact best friend. What I said to you the other day, I didn't mean to. Merlin, who done this to you?" Arthur sighed, a bit embarrassed about admitting his friendship towards Merlin.

"Arthur, I can't."

"Merlin."

"It was the Visiting Prince!" Merlin cried out in a whisper. The Crowned Prince of Camelot looked stunned. "Arthur please don't say anything. Please, I'll go clean your chambers, muck the stables, clean your socks, but Arthur don't say anything, please!"

"Fine. You go and get your nose sorted out." Arthur smiled. The manservant nodded and turned to go to Gaius' chambers.

"Okay." Merlin nodded in agreement.

"Merlin…am I forgiven…from…you know." Arthur sighed. Merlin seemed to understand and smiled his most mischievous smile.

"Of course. Just please, don't take your anger out on me again. It doesn't look good if your favourite manservant has quit his job because of it." Merlin beamed.

"Don't push it Merlin." Merlin rolled his eyes and walked away.

Arthur would keep his promise… by half. He wouldn't tell anyone, but he was going to give a Welcome to the Visiting Prince that he deserved.

Well, there is chapter 2. I didn't know what to do with Arthur and Merlin, so I have them friends again, and Arthur getting embarrassed by it. But I assure you…the Merlin whumph will continue. Well, enjoy the rest of the story! What do you think should happen. I would love some reviews on how I should Merlin whumph, or it will be rubbish.

Thanks!