Merlin watched, watched as his shoulders slumped, trembling with exhaustion and the effort to hide his weakness. He watched the relief that swam across his face as he'd realized he had not disappointed his father.
Merlin's eyes followed the weary prince stride away to his tent, head held high. Acting like the prince his father expected of him and Merlin sympathised with him, for he knew what it felt like to have so much responsibility balanced on his shoulders.