A/N: So I took a little longer than I anticipated and have clearly fallen off the wagon of writing every day, but what can you do? I am trying my best to keep going at a steady pace!
Thank you to my two reviewers from the last chapter g02sleep and mersan123. You two rock! To all those who read but didn't review, thank you for reading, I would love to know what you think!
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Ch. 14-What Tomorrow Brings: Visiting Kings and Future Queens
Returning to the land of the living was a slow journey for Arthur and one he did not want to complete. Giving up the first decent sleep he had in…well…from even before he died seemed like a terrible idea and one to be avoided at all cost. Now, if could only get that pesky fly to stop buzzing in his ear.
But it wouldn't leave him alone and the closer to consciousness he approached, the more sense the buzzing made. Only it wasn't buzzing, someone was speaking and now moved onto shaking his shoulder as well.
"Arthur!" He finally understood his name and he grunted in acknowledgement even as he tried to escape the hand dragging him back to present. Why couldn't he be allowed to sleep?
"Arthur, you must release him! Your father will be here soon and he cannot see this!" Uther? Why would his father come to see him? Had he overslept and missed an important (to Uther maybe, Arthur not so much) meeting? Well he could just go away because Arthur was comfortable and he was not getting up just yet. And release who?
"Arthur! Do you want your father to hurt Merlin?" That got the king-prince's attention. Cobalt eyes snapped open and he used one hand to frantically search for his knife that wasn't there. He growled at its absence, ready to search for another weapon when two hands framed his face, forcing him to focus. Gaius's worried expression dominated his vision.
"Thank goodness! I was beginning to wonder if the dose I gave you was too large," the physician said.
"Whaaa' happen?" the blond royal slurred, irritated that his tongue was sluggish in following his commands.
"Later, I promise, but for now you need to let go of Merlin," Gaius explained. It was then that Arthur realized just what he wrapped himself around and was so desperate to protect. Well, not a what but a who. Merlin was still trapped in his slumber and to Arthur's blurry eyes he looked even worse than yesterday. No doubt he would feel it too depending on how well the dragon's magic was working. Being this close to his friend did not bother him. In fact, it was reassuring to know that the other was right there and not off somewhere getting himself into trouble. He wasn't sure he wanted to let go.
"Arthur, your father will be here soon and think of what he will do when he finds you and Merlin like this," Gaius insisted, tugging on the blond royal.
That got Arthur's attention. Uther would be furious, demanding to know just what was going on and none of them would have a plausible reason for this. Just why would his son be sharing a bed (and dare he say cuddling) with a boy that he barely knew.
Explaining that would be so much fun.
Still, it was with reluctance that he released his friend and stumbled over to the next bed, crawling under the thin blanket. His body melted into the not-very-comfortable bed (he would see about getting Merlin a newer one, perhaps more sleep would keep him from being late in the morning), the drug still dominating his senses. He watched, blinking slowly as the physician carefully rearranged Merlin's rebellious limbs, before turning his attention onto him.
"I've told your father that you came to me with a terrible migraine brought on by working too hard on your reports. Low light led to you straining your eyes and brought it on. I prescribed a sleeping draft and recommended that you stayed here as you were already unsteady on your feet when you arrived," the physician fussed with blankets, having conjured another one from thin air (at least, Arthur thinks he did, but couldn't be sure in his drugged state). "I want you to try to sleep some more. I will keep an eye on both of you."
"Merlin…"
"Is resting as best he can at the moment. Hopefully he will be more mobile later this afternoon. When you awaken again we will discuss on how to handle Lady Helen. Sleep."
Arthur felt his eyes drift shut as the wrinkled hand pressed against his brow. Just as he gave into the inevitable, he wondered if Gaius had not put a sleeping spell over him.
The next thing he remembered was a murmur of low voices disturbing his slumber. He kept still, trying to determine just who was there.
"As you can see, sire, he sleeps still. Though I believe that he was will wake within the hour." That quiet voice sounded like Gaius which could only mean…
"Excellent. It would not do for him to miss the feast. Lady Helen was most looking forward to singing for him." Uther laid a gloved hand over his brow and Arthur did his best to contain a flinch. After everything that happened over the years with his father and now knowing the truth about his birth, it was becoming harder and harder to be around the man. When he spoke, he didn't make it much better. How can you love and hate a man at the same time?
"He's so pale. Gaius, are you certain it's nothing else?" Uther's concern rattled because Arthur had a hard time telling if it was actually for Arthur or his heir, the crown prince.
"Very certain, sire. Arthur works hard, pushing himself past his limits on many occasions. This is not the first time that he has come to me with a full-blown migraine."
"I…I didn't know that."
"I do believe that he didn't want your majesty to know," Gaius admitted, sympathy peeking out through his tone. "Perhaps he thought it was too much like a weakness."
"No more, Gaius. You will not keep such things from me again," the steel permeating the king's tone raised Arthur's hackles and he wanted nothing more than to rise up and defend the physician. But no, he was playing opossum at the moment.
"As you wish, sire," Gaius acquiesced.
To hell with that promise. Arthur was reaching the stage where he never wanted to tell Uther a damn thing again. And there was his promise.
"Is that the boy, your ward?" The abrupt change in conversation sent Arthur reeling.
"Yes, he is." Gaius answer was cautious to those who knew to look for such tones and who else to be wary around than Uther Pendragon?
"The damage is just as severe as Arthur described it." Well of course it was, I hadn't been exaggerating. It was bad enough that there was no need to exaggerate. Knowing that, Arthur could not believe that he let Merlin talk him into traipsing over half the castle. Just what had they been thinking? The dragon was magic, Merlin was magic, couldn't they talk to each other using that magic?
He'd have to ask next time something like this happened (or didn't because Arthur was adamant that it would not).
"He suffered a broken arm and fractured rib along with numerous cuts and bruises," Gaius stated, his tone slipping into the professional, "Given the severity of his injuries, if Arthur had not intervened, those trainees were well on their way to killing him. As it is, he is very lucky to be alive."
Hearing it laid out so methodically once more followed by the pronouncement of potential death, nearly sent Arthur bolting from his bed in the direction of the dungeon. Awake or not, his body was refusing to do more than groan which pulled both men's attention back to him.
"Arthur, can you hear me?" Uther's voice was too close for comfort, as was his gloved hand upon his brow. The king-prince flinched, turning his head away as best he could. A quick word and Arthur found a cool cloth draped over his eyes, relieving an itch he hadn't even known he was suffering.
"Easy, sire," Gaius's voice was just as soothing as the cloth and Arthur turned towards him unconsciously. A not so subtle snub towards his father that the man may or may not catch. "I suspect you will still be sensitive to light just yet. Lie still and do not remove that cloth until you feel more comfortable."
"Yeeeesss," he murmured, not happy to find his speech was still slurred. Hopefully that would pass soon. Just what the hell had Gaius given him anyway?
"Will he be able to attend the feast?" Uther wanted to know. "He still seems very ill."
"Yes, I believe that he will be, both of them in fact. Arthur needs a bit more sleep and Merlin needs to be up and about so that he does not become too stiff. Though I do not like the idea of him remaining on his feet for so long."
"Then a chair will be provided," Uther offered, surprising everyone (who was awake) in the room. "See to it that they are both present at the feast. I have a feeling that it will be a performance that no one will soon forget."
"I have no doubt that it will be, sire."
There was the sound of cloth moving and the door opening and closing but Arthur remained in place, unwilling to give too much away at the moment. A hand carded itself in his hair and at first he flinched, but relaxed when he heard the owner's voice.
"I know you are more awake than you appear," Gaius informed him. "You should try to get some more sleep. It's still early yet."
"Wha' happen wi' Uther?" he wanted to know.
The physician chuckled, scratching his scalp lightly. It was all the king-prince could do not to purr at the sensation. How long had it been since Gaius had taken such liberties so freely? Not since Arthur was a little boy at the very least. And yet, it seemed almost natural now where it had not been before. "He began demanding your presence early this morning and I headed him off by telling him you had come to me with a migraine. Naturally he wished to see you which is why I had to separate you and Merlin. No need for extra explanations just yet," Arthur hummed in agreement, "He is correct though, you are very pale."
"Tired, head hurts," the blond royal admitted.
"Stress-induced no doubt. Considering what you've told me it's hardly surprising. Seems my story to the king wasn't such a story after all."
Stress indeed. How exactly do you measure the stress involved in dying, coming back to life with all of your memories from your previous life (with the added potential of potentially being the only one that does remember), to discovering your best friend's greatest secret (that he's lied about for years—understandably, but he still lied), hoping that said best friend will also remember everything that you do but having to wait to find out, and then learning that, oh, your father keeps a bloody dragon chained up (cruelly) in a cavern below the castle.
No, nothing stressful about any of that. And that wasn't even a complete list!
Gaius tugged lightly on his hair, no doubt sensing the direction of his thoughts.
"Sleep, sire, it will do you good. Merlin is near and safe, you can rest assured."
"Merlin?" It was not that he didn't trust the physician, he did, but he wanted to see for himself. They had been through too much already in this new life and he felt…twitchy…when separated from his other half. A few whispered words, the sound of a scraping cot and Gaius captured his roaming hand, laying it on a warm arm.
"He is safe under your hand, Arthur, now sleep."
The king-prince had no problem following that command.
~Merlin~
He did not want to wake up.
Waking up meant hurting, no matter what concoction Gaius forced down his throat, magic the dragon had done, or what his own magic was up to it was still going to hurt and Merlin had had plenty of that to last him for a while thank you very much. At the moment he was floating on a disconnected cloud and waking would mean plummeting back to earth.
Nope, staying asleep.
Asleep or not, he was aware of the voices around him, though didn't bother to try and decipher what was being said. He felt Arthur being taken from him and thought about protesting, but sensed he did not go far so let it be (for the moment). Silence reigned and he nearly travelled back into oblivion when someone new (besides Gaius) invaded the room.
Uther.
Now he was definitely not waking up. While the (current) king did not quite conjure that same feeling of terror as he had in Merlin's first life, it was still stressful. Even then, it had not been the man that he had feared, but the idea of him discovering his secret that worried him so. As time had gone on and he had accepted his destiny, keeping his secret became of paramount importance. Arthur was his number one priority (Gaius and his mother a very close second, Gwen and the knights not far behind) and if his secret was ever discovered…well, he wasn't entirely sure what would have happened. With Uther in power, especially now, there was no doubt that he would meet a crispy end on the pyre and Merlin was not going to let that happen. It was not his safety he was thinking of (that thought had long ago ceased to be important), but all those he cared about. He couldn't protect them if he was dead! And while Merlin was not exactly keen on a repeat of the time he lived under Uther's reign, it would be easier (at least he hoped) with Arthur knowing of his magic.
Or not. One could never tell with the prat-prince-king!
The voices murmured almost too low for him to understand, but the concern that the king had for his son did manage to filter through. It was that concern and love (though he had a terrible, horrible time showing it) that kept Merlin from completely despising Uther. Through the years he had managed to gather bits and pieces of what had happened with not only Arthur's birth, but before and after. No one, except perhaps Gaius and Uther, knew the full story and neither one were inclined to share. Even the story of how the two of them had become friends (or how they met) was not something he had been able to discover.
Frustrating.
But even with that love and concern, Merlin hated the way Uther treated Arthur. More often than not Arthur was the heir, not a son. Any thoughts that he had that would contradict the king's own were shot down and ridiculed. Any accomplishment of Arthur's was never quite good enough in the king's eyes and Merlin had firsthand experience of how much Uther's dismissal of his son hurt Arthur. The raven-haired youth had wondered many times, too numerous to count really, if Uther had even known how to interact with his son. Arthur, as emotionally constipated as he could be at times, had a better grasp on the thoughts and feelings of his fellow man and could empathize with them. It's what made him such a great king. And while Uther was a decent king, he would never achieve the greatness of Arthur because of his inability to connect to those around him. And perhaps it was because of his own luck in having such a wonderful mother that made him so angry on his friend's behalf because he knew the value of having a loving parent in your corner. Someone you could count on to guide you to be the best possible person you could be.
Arthur didn't/hadn't have/had that.
And Merlin had to wonder, if Gaius had not been there for Arthur the first time (and this time) around, just what the prat-prince-king would have been like. Probably not fit to live with!
Or dead.
Gaius had confided in Merlin the numerous magical protective charms that he had weaved over Arthur when he was a babe and how he had updated them as often as he was able until it became impossible to hide what he was doing and he'd been forced to stop. Frankly, Merlin didn't know why he hadn't thought of that to begin with and had done his best to reestablish them. He had never quite managed it (obviously) but maybe now that Arthur knew, he would be able to.
With that thought in mind (and the voices gone), Merlin welcomed the encroaching darkness.
There would be plenty of work to do when he woke.
~Arthur~
Chicken.
Bread.
Herbs?
The smells filtering through Merlin's door and invading his room, teased the king-prince's nose, coaxing him from his sleep. Arthur moaned, but did not open his eyes. He did not want to wake. Waking up meant facing reality beyond the physician's rooms and he wasn't sure he was up for the yet. Nor was he ready for the pain of the migraine. Gaius's story turned out to be true, Arthur's body protesting all that he had made it suffer by splitting his skull open. He had suffered a few migraines in his past life, all stress-induced, and knew from experience that sleeping them off (if possible) was his best option.
But those smells! They infiltrated his body, taking a direct passage to his stomach and made it growl loudly in the otherwise quiet room. It startled Arthur enough that his eyes flew open. He was hungry! He was never hungry when he had a migraine, only sometime after. He blinked at the relative darkness in the room, a lone candle providing the only illumination. Well then, this was better than he could have hoped. Perhaps more sleep was all he needed. A quiet sigh drew his attention and Arthur discovered just who else was there with him.
Merlin.
The low light did nothing to disguise the dark bruising of the warlock's face, nor how pale it made his skin seem in contrast. His bed, originally across the room against the wall, was now butted up against the one that Arthur occupied. The king-prince vaguely recalled questioning Gaius (and had his father been there to check on him?) on Merlin and Gaius moving the bed. Using magic? Perhaps, but Arthur couldn't really remember, but the prince-king would not put it past the old codger.
Another gurgle of his stomach reminded him of the smells that were still teasing his nose but he was reluctant to release his hold on his warlock. The idea of being separated even by a wall from the other man seemed intolerable. The prince-king didn't yet fully understand what had taken place the night before, but he had an inkling that Merlin's magic had intervened to answer the question that the warlock was so reluctant to. Part of him was viciously denying that the dark-haired youth had done…that on the thin hope that Arthur might live again, while another part was equally vicious in promising that the warlock would never be put into such a position again.
It was an irrational promise but one that the king-prince would do his utmost to uphold. He did not, as of yet, have the full picture of what the other had done for him, mere inklings and half-baked guesses truthfully, but that would not be true forever. Soon enough Merlin would be at his side as before and then he would have the entire story.
His stomach let out a terrible growl and Arthur grimaced at the volume. It was a wonder half the castle hadn't heard that! To quiet his stomach he was going to have to leave the warlock alone and despite his stomach's protests, he wasn't certain he could. No, he would have to. Despite his wish otherwise, Merlin would not be able to be at his side all the time. It was best to get used to that now. Merlin would be fine on his own for the moment (he better be anyway) at least until Arthur found some food. If there was any planning to be done, it certainly couldn't be accomplished on an empty stomach! Throwing the blankets aside he staggered to his feet. Sometimes the absence of pain was as nearly disconcerting as the pain itself. He always felt unaccountably light afterwards which threw his balance completely off. Still, despite that, he made it to through the door and down the steps.
He found the source of the delectable smells. As well as the one who brought it.
Gwen.
And of course, all he could manage was to gawk at her awkwardly.
Thank goodness for Gaius!
"Sire! I expected you to sleep longer than this," the elder man fussed, bustling to his side. Arthur's knees threatened to buckle when he tried to take a step and only Gaius and Gwen's quick reflexes kept him from meeting the hard floor. A burning blush spread over his face even as the two hustled him over to the nearest table. Great, just great. The first time he'd honestly been face to face with his (future) wife and he practically faints!
This was all Merlin's fault.
"I think I've slept enough, Gaius," he murmured, allowing himself to be installed at the table. The physician harrumphed and draped the blanket Gwen handed him over the prince-king's shoulders. Arthur fisted his hand to keep it in place. He sent a grateful smile to the man (whom in many ways was more of a father to him than Uther) for his fussing. It was clear that now that certain secrets were out in the open (at least with Arthur), Gaius would open up to him once more, just as he used to. His theory was confirmed just that much more when the man visibly softened under Arthur's smile.
"Just as stubborn as Merlin," the physician muttered and Arthur could not contain the grin that comment conjured. Yes, he had firsthand experience on just how stubborn his warlock could be. Unfortunately for Gaius, he knew (or would know) just how hard-headed both of them could be. It was a wonder the man had not soundly slapped the both upside the head for their sometimes foolishness. He'd certainly scolded them enough and his eyebrow of disbelief was something to be feared.
The man deserved to be sainted.
"How is Merlin?" Gwen asked anxiously, setting a steaming bowl of broth in front of the blond royal. Any humor was instantly sucked from the situation and Arthur felt the first stirrings of anger re-awakening in his gut. It had not dissipated, merely sent to sleep until such time that it would be useful. Despite the way it writhed and coiled, large and as fierce as a dragon, he tamped it down once more. Now was not the time.
Gaius sighed, patting the king-prince's shoulder. The blond royal didn't doubt the other had sensed his rising temper. "Recovering well, all things considered. If it were not for Arthur, I don't doubt that it would have been much worse."
Arthur was horrified to feel his cheeks heat again with the praise, only to have them blaze hotter when Gwen turned a grateful smile in his direction. "It was very kind of you to look after Merlin," she said and for some reason, Arthur could not find it in himself to share her joy.
"It's my fault he was in that situation in the first place," he confessed, "It only seems fair that—ouch! Gaius!" he shouted, rubbing furiously at his ear, nearly missing Gwen's disbelieving gasp.
"And what did I say about blaming yourself?" the physician demanded, unrepentant.
Arthur scowled at the elder man, trying his best to ignore Gwen stifling her giggles. "That if you couldn't, I couldn't, but Gaius…" and oh great kings he was reduced to whining! In front of Gwen no less.
"Do not whine, Arthur Pendragon, you are much too old for that! Now, eat this food that Gwen was kind enough to bring us while I go and see to Merlin." And with that Gaius left him.
Alone.
With Gwen.
Wonderful.
Thank you so much Gaius!
~Merlin~
Waking up the second time that day was a much more pleasant experience for the warlock. For one, he was in very little pain all things considered (thank you Kilgharrah) and two, someone was petting his head. Merlin had always been a tactile person, his mother had helped with that, but coming to Camelot (the first time around) he had had to stifle a great deal of that. Out of everyone, Gaius received the brunt of his affectionate touch and even then it was not to the full extent that he wished. He had seen the same urges, trapped inside the physician's eyes and had to wonder just why the other was holding back. Merlin knew that Gaius viewed him as his son (as opposed to his nephew) and despite having met Balinor, Gaius would always be his father. Aside from Gaius, Gwaine, Gwen and Lancelot had been the recipients of his 'monster hugs' as Gwaine termed them.
"Like bloody vines on a tree, Merlin! You're all limbs," Gwaine had mock complained.
Well, he couldn't deny that.
Out of everyone though, Arthur had received his touch the least, which seemed odd considering his duties. The prat-prince-king had an almost invisible barrier around his person that did not invite affection. The only one that Merlin had known ever to get away with it was Gwen and even then it was not the same type of affection. There were many times that Merlin had longed just to throw his arm over his king's shoulder whether in happiness or consolation. Merlin could proudly say that he could get the closest out of everyone and he never abused that trust, always making sure that Arthur knew he was coming. Even when he did, the man still flinched.
Merlin blamed Uther for that.
Who else? If the (current) king had ever bothered to show his son even an ounce of human understanding, then this wouldn't be an issue that Arthur was still battling. It was a wonder that Merlin had been able to get away with so much these last few days, but he supposed that after dying and coming back to life, Arthur might have found a little inner peace.
Or he was just really glad to have Merlin back. Not that the warlock didn't share the same sentiment. The world would suffer if Arthur was taken from him again.
Perhaps Gaius (that had to be who was petting him, no one else made sense) could help Merlin make Arthur more comfortable with them if no one else. The warlock had a fair idea that Gaius saw Arthur as his other child so it shouldn't be too difficult. And he could keep right on petting the warlock too.
"I know you are awake. Honestly, you two. I've already had Arthur try to pull that stunt once, I'll not have the same from you," Gaius chided, tugging gently on his raven locks.
Blast! Arthur was going to keep him from getting away with anything.
"Ga'us?" he yawned, wincing when his split lip pulled. Waking up after being injured was absolutely not his idea of fun.
"You are doing much better than you should be, which I suppose comes down to your magic and Kilgharrah," the physician went on, sliding his hands under the warlock's shoulders to sit him up. "But you still need to take it easy so that you may be ready for tonight. Stay here and I'll fetch what Gwen was kind enough to bring from the kitchen."
"Gwen's here?"
"Yes. She brought up broth, bread and I suppose you might try some of the chicken."
Merlin nodded, reclining back into extra pillows he had been provided when he suddenly noticed just who was absent from the room. He shot up, heart hammering in his chest. "Where's Arthur?" he demanded, trying not to sound as worried as he no doubt appeared.
Gaius did not comment on his panic, merely offered him an understanding smile. "Eating, as you soon will be." The physician placed a gentle hand on the warlock's shoulder. "He is fine, Gwen is watching over him."
And just like that the warlock sagged, nearly all the tension draining from him. Gwen was safe, Merlin trusted her, and yet he did not like not being able to see his king. He huffed. Would he ever be able to tolerate it again? The two of them were a bit obsessed with each other's safety before (Merlin especially), he could only imagine what heights it was bound to reach now. His brow furrowed. Wait, had Gaius said…
"Gwen's out there right now?" he sought to clarify. Gaius nodded warily, sensing the change in his charge.
Merlin grinned. Oh, this he had to see!
"You know, Gaius, I think I'm ready to be up and about. Mind giving me a hand?"
~Arthur~
This was the first time he had seen his (future) wife up close since his second life began. Before this, he had avoided her, much like he avoided Morgana though for entirely different, yet very similar reasons. Just how do you act around someone whom you've shared part of your life with, whom you trust and love, whom you've married? The king-prince had felt as though he were shifting ground every hour of every day until Merlin had shown up and provided a bit of stability. The moment he had discovered that Merlin remembered their old lives together was the first moment he felt he could properly breathe. Despite his newfound anchor, he hardly felt up to tackling the potential battlefield that lay before him in a simple maidservant's dress.
Still, Gwen had the loveliest smile and she was sending it his way. She hadn't really done that this early before, had she?
As he ate, he watched as she puttered around the room, tidying up the perpetual disorganization of the physician's chambers, humming quietly under her breath. He did his best not to openly stare, to drink in the sight of her fully. Rather, he forced himself to be content with small glances, tiny sips of her vision. As she passed close, his entire body twitched as he contained the urge to slide his arm around her waist.
This was maddening! It was like being trapped in chains, in a dungeon, starving and food just out of your reach. If he were to follow through with his instincts and treat Gwen as his wife, even though she wasn't yet, she would think him mad, insane!
Or worse, think him one of those nobles who took advantage of the servants.
No, if he wished to have her as his wife and queen once more, he would have to woo her properly once more. But did he want to do that to her again? While Gwen had loved him and he loved her, she had suffered terribly because of him. All her pain could be traced back to him and was that really fair to her? As much as he loved her, and he did, there was no doubt, would it be better to let her go?
Still, it couldn't hurt to show that he wasn't a big, royal, spoiled prat.
"It's good."
Gwen paused in her humming and glanced curiously in his direction.
"Sorry, sire?"
He held up the slice of bread. "What you brought, it's very good." And it was, though he wasn't sure he could eat much more of it, despite only having consumed half. Oh well, he would make Merlin eat it. Too skinny, his warlock.
She offered him a tentative smile. "I thought it the best choice for Merlin, and you!" she added quickly, "Not just Merlin, but you as well."
Arthur's insides warmed and not just because of the soup. No doubt she had heard about both Merlin and him from Morgana and for once, he couldn't find that he minded her gossiping. "That's very thoughtful of you; it's just what I needed. Merlin too when he wakes."
He was rewarded with a bigger smile and a few steps closer. "I'm glad it's sitting well. Headaches can be tricky things."
"If you don't mind my asking, how did you know I would be able to tolerate this?" he gestured to the bowl. "Sometimes just the thought of food is too much and yet this smelled too heavenly to ignore." He offered her a toothy grin. "Have I thanked you yet for that?"
She started visibly and he internally cursed just how big of a prat he was in his first life. "You didn't…but you don't have to! I just thought…" she trailed off when he waved a hand.
"I should thank you. You didn't have to do this for either one of us, but you cared enough to take the time and the effort to see that Merlin and I had something we could not just tolerate, but enjoy. Thank you, Guinevere." And that, perhaps, was the longest that he had ever spoken to her for as long as he (supposedly) known her.
The frank astonishment that settled over the maidservant's expression was both satisfying and disheartening. Had he really allowed his father to dictate so many of his actions? His father had never thanked any servant (except Gaius and Arthur wasn't sure he counted) ever and didn't see anything wrong with that. All he had ever wanted when he was younger was his father to be pleased with him, to be praised for a job well done. To that end, he had done his best to emulate the man.
But even that wasn't enough. After a while, Arthur had given up because how do you please a man who is never happy?
He would have to talk to Gaius about that.
"Yo-you're welcome, sire," Gwen stuttered, dropping into a curtsy. The prince-king's heart constricted—such formality. "I'm glad you are enjoying it. I try to fix the same for my father when the heat of the forge gives him a headache. It's always worse in the summer time." And that would make sense. Sometimes Arthur could not be more thankful for his queen's 'humble' beginnings. She had more sense than many of the giggly-peacock princesses he had suffered over the years.
Before he could scrounge around for a way to either keep the conversation going, or decide to let it end there, Merlin's bedroom door opened and through it stumbled the warlock himself. Arthur rose, half-way across the room to lend a hand before he even realized what he was doing.
"And just what are you doing up? Shouldn't you still be sleeping?" Arthur ranted, steering the warlock to sit next to him and, after relieving Gwen of it, plopping the bowl of broth before him.
"I can be up Gaius said so! And I've done enough sleeping," Merlin groused, slapping at Arthur with his good hand when his king tried to put his blanket around the warlock's shoulders. "Since when have you decided to train as a nursemaid, dollop-head?"
Gwen snorted out a laugh, desperately trying to contain it behind her hands and Gaius was coughing quite suspiciously behind them. Arthur could feel his face turning red again and it was all Merlin's fault.
"You can't address me like that!" he snapped, finally succeeding in getting the blanket around the skinny shoulders.
Merlin rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry," he paused and Arthur swore internally when those ocean blue eyes twinkled. "Since when have you decided to train as a nursemaid, my lord?"
Despite feeling his heated cheeks, Arthur could not contain a grin.
End Ch. 14
A/N: Hah! Done! Long chapter is long, nearly as long as the last one. You can see why it took a while! The next one is promising to be just as long if not longer! Hopefully it won't be that long of a wait, but we will see.
As always, I eagerly await your wonderful reviews! They always give me the warm and fuzzies. Thank you to mersan123 (you leave the best reviews, thank you!), g02sleep, ShivaVixen, Argetaie, Audriel, alyaha, Kateri1, Crazyperson8, Rowenna J. Anderson, Saxophonebookworm, rifremeau, , Wisperwind, Loulou2a and anyone that I may have missed, I have read them all. Thank you so much and I look forward to any others that you send my way!