After that morning, there had been no more time for leisure. It was the turn of the season and spring was coming up on them, and with it, several feasts and festivities. The castle was filled with bustle and business, servants and nobles slipping through the halls alike. The Prince and his manservant were especially busy, Arthur having many duties to attend to. The king from a neighboring kingdom had come to visit, with the plan to review a treaty between the kingdoms that had been made the year prior. They would review it and discuss any changes they believed should be added to after the year they had to experience it. Then there would be a feast in celebration of, the anniversary of the treaty and the rearrangement of it. This was one duty that Arthur was particularly invested in. After all, it was the first treaty that his father had assigned to him to draw up. Of course, Arthur's drafts had been reviewed and edited several times, but it was, in essence, Arthur's treaty. As future king, Uther saw it fit for him to begin taking on more responsibility to make peace with the neighboring kings. However, this time, as it was a celebration, the king would be bringing with him members of his court and, his daughter. The weeks of preparation had Uther constantly informing Arthur of how beneficial it would be for Arthur to marry the princess. Arthur had several times reminded his father that he was not interested, but Uther ignored the protests. As it was, Merlin was also as busy, if not more, than Arthur. His regular chores had been added to. Gaius needed him for more deliveries and herb searches. He and a few other servants had been assigned to care for the guests coming in. And, of course, Merlin had to take care of Arthur's extra needs. Which were mostly getting the more fancy clothes that Arthur had to wear for important occasions ready. That involved, washing them carefully, mending them if they needed it, and more. Due to all the work going between them, they barely had a spare moment together.
Merlin came bustling into the Prince's chambers, carrying several things; fresh clothes, lunch, and a few papers for Arthur to review. He stopped short as he saw the Prince at the window. Arthur had been leaning against the pillar, looking out on the busy square, but he turned his head as Merlin came into the room.
"Ah, Sire.." Merlin said, squirming slightly under Arthur's harsh gaze.
"Do you not know how to knock?" He asks, tone rather sharp. Merlin bites his lip, almost sighing. Arthur had gotten grumpier and grumpier as time went on, the stress getting to him. Though, he refused to talk to Merlin about it, which made the warlock increasingly frustrated with him.
"Sorry…I didn't think you'd be in your chambers." He mutters, moving more into the room. He sets the tray of food down on the table, the papers on Arthur's desk, then the clothes in the closet. He hadn't noticed that Arthur had moved until there were hands on his waist, snaking around him. "Arthur!" He says in a jump, trying to turn to look at the prince. However, the male held the warlock tight, bodies pressed together. He leaned in, nuzzling Merlin's nape for a moment before he began pressing kisses there. The warlock took in a shuddery breath, hands reaching up to grab Arthur's arms. The silence stayed between them, neither finding words they wanted to say at the moment. However, Merlin stays still for the prince, letting Arthur have his way. He could feel the prince's hot breath on his skin, making him shiver. A moan left his lips as the male's teeth nipped at a sensitive spot. Though, the moment didn't last long, Arthur pulling away and leaving Merlin with a flushed face. "Arthur?" Merlin questions, feeling a little hazy as he turns around to look at the male. The prince glances at Merlin, back in his position by the window as if he had never left.
"Go get back to your chores." He says dismissively, making Merlin frown. He was about to protest but stopped as he saw how tired Arthur looked. He let out a soft sigh, shaking his head a little bit. Merlin walked over to the Prince and leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips then pulling away and nodding.
"Yes, Sire."