Attempt #3

Taking a long, thorough bath to get rid of the horrible stable stench had one extra benefit - Merlin had time to cool his head and think of a new strategy.

So, Arthur didn't believe him... He thought his manservant was making an elaborate joke. While it meant there was hope that the delayed reaction would be less violent when the King finally realized he was being serious (and with Arthur's embarrassment over his thickheadedness, he might even forget about the throw-the-sorcerer-into-the-dungeon part), the downside was that it made the course of future events dangerously unpredictable. Merlin had no choice now but to throw all of his previous what-if-scenarios out of the window, as well as his backup plans.

Strangely enough, Merlin had never even considered Arthur being in denial. Threats, anger, betrayal, accusations - those were all expected responses. But outright dismissal? After the warlock confessed, twice? He still couldn't quite wrap his mind around it.

Perhaps he just needed to be more persuasive, Merlin thought. He would show Arthur he was a real sorcerer! Merlin knew he had to get this over with as soon as possible, preferably today. Third time's the charm, as they say.

After all, there was no way convincing Arthur that he had magic could possibly be more difficult than the King's reaction, right?

...Right?

Much to Merlin's annoyance, the guests occupied the King's time for the rest of the day. Arthur and Gwen ate all the meals with company, making it impossible for Merlin to find the former alone for a single minute. By the evening Arthur was exhausted, irritated and - of course - completely pratty. Regardless, Merlin decided to give it a shot.

"Arthur, listen, about earlier today-"

"Oh shut up, idiot!" Arthur snapped, tossing a quill at Merlin. "It's your fault the speech was all messed up!"

"The speech?" Merlin blinked in surprise. "You mean, the one you were writing in the morning?"

"Yes, Merlin, that one! It was a complete disaster!" Arthur angrily pointed at him. "And you're to blame!"

"Me?"

"Who else?! You should have double-checked it for me, but you were too busy mucking the stables to even take a quick look! I was embarrassed in front of my subjects because of you!"

"Forgive me, my King," Merlin said ostentatiously "for doing exactly what you told me to! You didn't mention anything about correcting your speech!"

"Not correcting, you idiot, just double-checking to avoid ridiculous errors such as this one!"

Arthur shoved the parchment into Merlin's face, pointing at the last paragraph. The warlock grunted, glancing over the much-to-be-desired penmanship. When he finally found what Arthur's rage was all about, he couldn't help but snort in amusement.

"Oh, funny, is it?" Arthur growled.

"Did you seriously say 'the utmost importance to exorcise caution'? In front of a crowd?" Merlin snickered. "I can't believe I missed that!"

"It was supposed to be 'exercise caution', Merlin, but because you're such a lazy, incompetent servant, it took you until the arrival of the guests to finish your chores! And then it was too late!"

Merlin huffed. "Well excuse me! You should have said you needed my help ahead of time!"

"I did not need your help, I am perfectly capable of writing my own speeches!"

"The 'exorcised caution' of this one tells me otherwise," Merlin smirked.

"In case you forgot I am the King, Merlin, and you will treat me and my speeches with due respect!"

"Oh I am so sorry - the 'exorcised caution' of this one tells me otherwise, Sire."

Arthur chose that moment to throw an empty goblet at Merlin's head. Thankfully, Merlin had been prepared and ducked flawlessly.

"Tomorrow, you are polishing every armor of every knight in this castle," Arthur declared, glaring at Merlin.

The warlock's eyes widened in horror. "What!"

"Perhaps this will teach you to hurry up with your duties in the future."

"But...!"

"So you better hurry up to bed, Merlin, you have a long day ahead of you," Arthur looked unbearably, unfairly smug over what he considered his victory in their verbal sparring. Merlin fumed with frustration.

"Well, just so you know," the manservant crossed his arms. "It doesn't matter to me at all, since I'm going to use magic to polish them all anyway!" He pointed at Arthur's chest triumphantly. "You know, because I am a sorcerer!"

Arthur deadpanned at him.

"Alright, that's it. Who was it? Was it Gwaine?"

"What?" Merlin blinked in confusion. "What does Gwaine have to do with anything?"

"Who made this ridiculous bet to have you convince me that you have magic?" Arthur replied as if it was obvious. "Because, just to be clear, it isn't going to work."

Merlin's jaw dropped in outrage. "You think this is about a bet?!"

"I know it is, Merlin," the King rolled his eyes. "We all know you're too much of an idiot to comprehend magic, let alone be a sorcerer."

"But I am-!"

"You are what, Merlin?" Gwen suddenly entered, looking curious. "What are you talking about?"

"Uh..." Not good, Merlin thought nervously. "I am... cleverer than I look?"

The Queen turned an unimpressed gaze upon her husband. "Arthur, did you call Merlin an idiot again?"

"Well he is one, Guinevere, you know that as well as I do," Arthur said defensively.

"Whatever," Merlin mumbled, strangely relieved and disappointed at the same time, knowing they would not be finishing this discussion today no matter what he did. "I'll see you tomorrow, prat."

"One more word Merlin, and I swear to God, I'm arranging a long meeting between you and the stocks. I'm sure they've missed your company."

Gwen sighed tiredly. "Arthur."

The King coughed awkwardly. "Very well..."

Merlin closed the door behind him, rubbing his face with exasperation.

That's it. Tomorrow, he was using magic in front of Arthur, all caution be damned. There's no way the King wouldn't believe him after that. After personally witnessing Merlin perform spells he would have no choice but to acknowledge him as a magic-user, right?

...Right?

Author's Note:

Enter, Gwen! Was she in-character? Were Arthur and Merlin in-character? Will any other characters be in-character?

Who the heck knows! I guess we'll found out next chapter! :D

You're welcome to give tips and ideas for future "attempts" - I have most of them planned, but I'm always open for new inspirations.

Thank you very much for reading, please review, follow and favorite if you can, but most importantly, don't forget to read on and enjoy! ;)