Hello everyone !

Here is my third chapter ! A little later then what I planned but I really had no time at all. But still it is before tonight's Merlin episode ! (I'm so excited about it !). I'm not absolutly sure how to continue so if you have anymore idea, tell me ! I've already recieved one idea which I will try to get in the story !

I will once more thank RudyAB for his lovely review ! And thanks to everyone who is reading !

Enjoy !

Chapter 3:

When Merlin awoke some time later it was with a pounding headache, a sore throat and a feeling of being both warm and cold at the same time. He groaned. Despite his frail constitution he had never been so much of an ill-catching person. He could only remember a few times when he had had a cold back during the harsh winters of Ealdor. He recognized the signs though and just hoped that the illness will go away as fast as it had come. He let himself sink further in his cover and hugged his knees to keep warm. He closed his eyes, willing his headache to go away. He wondered if he could sneak in Gaius' office to take a potion or if he could just magically erase his pain. He however decided against both possibilities as he was feeling too good in his bed and too bad at healing spells. He tried to go back to sleep but he hadn't been able and so, when the sun began to rise, he did the same and forced himself out of his bed. He shivered violently when he leaved the warmth of his cover and dressed himself more warmly then necessary for the season before exciting his room.

He found Gaius still soundly asleep and decided against waking him. Instead, he took a smile of bread to eat later and leaved a note to his mentor before going out in the corridor. He took the road towards the Royal Kitchens to fetch Arthur's Breakfast while forcing the bread down his sore throat. He winced each time he swallowed and sighted when he had finally finished. When he finally reached his destination the Kitchen's Staff eyed him critically but he hadn't been able to tell whether it was because he looked ill or because they weren't used to see him so early and not in a rush because he was late. The cooks however gave him what he asked for and Merlin hurried to go out to escape their stares. Back in the corridor he slowed down his pace and it took him longer than usual to reach the Prince's Chambers. Outside them he took some time to regain his breathing before opening the door quietly. He went to the table with surprising agility and silently places the food on it being careful not to wake Arthur who was still fast asleep. He then eyed the dimly lit room and noticed there weren't any discarded clothes lying everywhere for him to pick up in punishment for his absence. He wasn't able to complain about it thought because by this time he really wasn't feeling well and a little less work looked like heaven. He resisted the urge to sit down on one of the comfortable-looking chairs and went to open the curtains.

The rising sun immediately entered the room, blinding him for a second. He took a look outside and saw a thin layer of mist covering the crops outside the city announcing a finally sunny day and creating a beautiful scenary with an aura of mystery. He was interrupted in his contemplation by a groan and turned his head to see the Prince of Camelot trying to escape the light.

"Time to wake up Sire.", said Merlin in a raspy voice that surprised himself. It however succeeded in waking Arthur for he pushed himself in a sitting position and observed his manservant as if he had grown a second head.

"Merlin! What are you doing here so early?"

"Well… I thought that you had training today and wanted to be waked early.", answered hesitantly Merlin after clearing his throat with a cough.

"You're… Right… But it's the first time you actually do as I say."

"First time for everything. Your breakfast is ready.", said the Warlock, turning to prepare Arthur's clothes for the day and escape his master's scrutiny.

"Thanks, I suppose then."

Arthur continued to watch his servant as he sat at his table eating. The boy seemed paler than the day before and Arthur didn't like the way his voice sounded scratched. The Prince couldn't see other signs of illness. Merlin was, for once, doing his job silently and effectively. Arthur knew he should have been grateful for that but a quiet Merlin didn't sit right with him and that's why, a few minutes later, he pushed his pride down and asked:

"Are you feeling alright Merlin?"

"Yes, of course yes, Sire", answered the boy after a moment of bewilderment. "Why should I not be?"

"I don't know. You tell me."

"No reason", lied Merlin without looking at Arthur. "Is there anything else you want me to do?"

"Well, you have to go fetch my armor and then I'll need you at the training field."

"Of course. I'll go and take the plates down to the kitchen if you're finished."

Arthur had barely time to respond before Merlin grabbed his plates and exited the room. The Prince blinked. Never before had Merlin be so close to be a perfect Servant. This was surely proof enough that something was more wrong with Merlin than what he thought. Sure lately he had been less retired a quiet but not suite like that. He sighted and resolved to get dressed while waiting for Merlin to return. Once that was done he went to the window and watched the people of Camelot begin their day. He was glad that the storm had finally got away. The sound of the rain on his window always had grated on his nerves, preventing him for sleeping much. It was much longer than usual before Merlin returned, breathing heavily and a layer of sweat on his forehead. He put the armor he was carrying down and proceeded to cough roughly a few time before looking up at Arthur. The Prince was watching him with an expression which was part exasperation and part concern.

"Merlin…"

"I'm fine", interrupted Merlin before the Prince could ever begin to scold him.

"You don't look fine."

"It's just a cold. And now, time to get yourself into your armor or you'll be late."

Arthur wanted to protest but Merlin had already begun to work, leaving him no time to think. In no time, Arthur was in his armor and set out for the training field, Merlin beside him. Arthur kept in mind to walk more slowly than usual as Merlin seemed to be easily out of breath. Merlin for his part hadn't really noticed because he tried to stay focus on his breathing and on putting one foot before the other. His throat wasn't feeling better, nor his head which felt as if it was pierced by a dagger. He was also slightly shivering again but was determined to carry on his working because it, at the last, kept him from thinking about his new non-magic existence. He was glad when then finally arrived at the training feeling and he get to sit down on a bench in the sun while Arthur get to talk to the new Knights. They soon began the training and Arthur forced himself to forget his concern about his manservant.

Loved ? Hated ? Tell me please !

And other question : I know you're Merlin fan but would you like that I translate my french Doctor Who fic ? [No compulsory answer ^^]