By morning Merlin was nowhere to be found. The prince had sent several servants to retrieve him but to no avail they all came back empty handed. Sick of searching Arthur had decided to find him on his own.

"Gaius, where's Merlin?" he inquired as he let himself in.

"I do not know sire." Gaius replied barely lifting his head from his work.

"Be honest with me Gaius, there is no need to protect him."

"Surely he is near sire, he only needs some time alone."

"For what exactly? To go sit at the tavern?"

"Sire, if I may, from what I've witnessed Merlin isn't well. He had barely slept a wink or touched his food since last night, and he took off early this morning without a word. Give him time, he will return to you soon sire you have my word."

Arthur studied the older man. Gaius had always been a loyal and trustworthy friend and he did not see deceit in his tired eyes, so he simply nodded and headed back the way he came.

"Thank you Gaius." He replied in a kinder tone as he closed the door behind him.

Later that evening Merlin returned home to a troubled Gaius.

"Where have you been?" he shouted once Merlin took a seat.

"Out clearing my head."

"Merlin, do you have any idea how worried I've been?"

"I'm sorry Gaius, I didn't mean to worry you." He replied as he rose to retrieve the dinner Gaius had offered him. Once he took hold of the stew bowl Gaius gripped it tighter to make him look at him.

"Even Arthur came looking for you."

"Did he really?" Merlin replied, clear surprise in his expression.

"He did and I told him you were out, but that didn't help his mood."

"I'm sure"

"If I were you I'd go and apologize."

"But Gaius-"

"Whatever occurred last night between you two may be unfortunate but you cannot ignore your duties, you still serve the prince Merlin. And perhaps you will reach an understanding once together again." Merlin highly doubted that but he did as he was told and headed up to meet the prince after supper.

"Sire I'm coming in." he called as he let himself in. Arthur was more distinguished this time working hard behind his desk; a quill busy scribbling within his hand. Arthur was obviously very busy at work but the moment Merlin entered the room he set it down and carefully watched Merlin as he drew closer.

"And just where have you been?"

"Out running errands sire"

"Oh really? I've heard otherwise."

"Well believe what you will, I'm here now." Merlin replied in a cheeky tone, stretching his arms out wide beside him.

"Yes I see that" Arthur said, reclining back into his seat; seizing up his manservant carefully. After a prolonged silence Arthur spoke.

"Well I think I'm all set for the night, no thanks to you."

"But sire-"

"Thank you, that is all." He declared, talking the quill in hand again and getting back to work; completely dismissing Merlin's presence. With a quick nod Merlin turned to leave.

"Oh and Merlin, be ready tomorrow I need you up early. We're going hunting with knights."

"Of course"

The following morning Merlin rose early, woke Arthur and got them ready for the day without uttering a single word. He had nothing to say and Arthur was acting as if the other day had not happened at all. As if Merlin's confession was nothing but a dream. So he carried himself as he normally would. Merlin spent the silence wondering if it had even happened at all. But he knew immediately that it had when he passed Arthur his gloves and accidently brushed his hand with his own. Arthur had finally made eye contact in the few seconds but immediately looked away; it was too fast of a reaction. As if he wasn't expecting Merlin to be there staring back.

Arthur was avoiding the topic just as he was. Merlin could only hope that this awkward exchange would blow over soon.

Once everything was packed and the horses were readied Merlin, Arthur and several of the knights were on their way. The hunt lasted several days and each day Merlin prepared meals with each game caught. He hated hunting, but at least he was able to eat well on those trips.

By the third day the silence between them grew to tension. Arthur wouldn't even look Merlin's way unless absolutely necessary; he hadn't even teased him on his comical stealth abilities. And soon Merlin's woeful mood became noticeable to the others.

"I see you've fallen from the princes good graces" Gwaine bluntly said as he sat beside him one evening. Merlin silently shivered by the fire and remained mute to Gwaine's comment.

"Here." Gwaine continued, putting his knights' cape over Merlin's shoulders.

"You seem to need it more than I do." Merlin said nothing at first but slowly met Gwaines eyes and thanked him.

"Mind telling me what going on between you two?"

"Nothing"

"Come now Merlin. You are Arthurs man servant, you two are closer than anyone else, it's obvious there's something wrong if Arthur's not even insulting you." Merlin broke into a shy grin. Gwaine was more perceptive than he thought.

"We've just hit a rough patch."

"Well I hope the two of you smooth it out soon. It's no fun when you two are in a foul mood."

"I'll do my best Gwaine."

"I'm sure you will."