Guys I can't apologise enough. I'm not even gonna make excuses because a gap of more than a month is inexcusable (except-that-I-did-have-loads-of-homework-and-tests-and-I-had-to-study-and-it's-nearly-Christmas-and-I-have-so-much-to-do....)

But I'm so so so sorry. But I'll try and catch up over the holidays- only 6 days left of school yay!- so it shouldn't be too long :-) I hope!

In other news, I'm really quite ill :-( So this drabble is very personal to me. *grumbles and sniffs*

abridge

Arthur sniffed pathetically, reaching for a tissue and blowing his nose loudly. He slumped back into his pile of pillows, cold and shivering despite the layers of blankets and covers. He closed his aching eyes, feeling very sorry for himself.

A knock on the door sent a burst of pain shooting through his sore head. "Come in," he croaked hoarsely. Sir Leon, the captain of the guards, poked his head tentatively around the edge of the door.

"I have the daily report, sire," he said, looking alarmed at Arthur's condition. "But I can come back later if you want..."

"No it's alright Leon," mumbled Arthur, hauling himself upright, horrified at his own weakness. But just give me the abridged version, please? And if Gwaine is involved at all, please save it for tomorrow."

Leon glanced down at the list in his hand, mentally crossing off half of the items. "Umm... Well, all is good in the lower town. One man slipped on a patch of ice and broke his arm, but he was taken straight to Gauis so he's fine. Preparations for the Yule celebrations are under-way with very little mishaps. People are saying that it looks like snow, but we are well-stocked with food and other assorted things so we should be okay on that front..." Leon scanned the list. Gwaine had knocked over some stalls while chasing a man who hadn't actually stolen anything. Gwaine had broken the chandelier while swinging from it. Gwaine had twisted his ankle climbing a tree..."That's all, sire."

Arthur nodded, eyes drooping. "Thank you Leon," he said, sneezing. "And could you ask Merlin to bring me a hot drink please?"

"Oh," said Leon, remembering. "Merlin's waiting outside the door; he said he'd wait til I was done." Arthur smiled despite himself.

"Okay, send him in."

Leon dropped his head respectfully and left. Merlin stepped into the room, carrying a tray carefully in his hands. He gently bumped the door closed with his hip and walked over to the bed.

Arthur glowered at him. "You idiot," he said, but it was weak, and lacking its usual venom. He sneezed.

Merlin chuckled, sitting down on the edge of the bed. He sat the tray down on the red quilt, taking various items off of it and putting them on bedside table.

Arthur grimaced at the sight of the strange coloured concoctions and pastes. "Do I have to take them?"

Merlin smiled. "No, those are from Gauis. He'd probably like you to at least try them, but I have something else." He gingerly lifted a mug over to Arthur's lips. "Here, taste this."

Arthur frowned. "Can't you just magic me better?"

Merlin frowned at him. "No, if I magicked you better every time you caught a common cold your immune system would be completely incapable of fighting off anything. Now drink this."

Arthur grumbled under his breath but obediently took a sip and then gasped in surprise as the heat spread through his body. "Oh that's fantastic,"he said, taking another drink. It tasted like lemon and honey, with hints of other herbs as well. As daft as it seemed, he could actually feel it working already.

He drank the rest of the mug without saying anything, then flopped back on the cushions, exhausted but already feeling better.

Merlin put the empty mug down on the table and gently tucked the covers around Arthur. "Sleep, and you'll be better when you wake up." He bent his head, pressing a kiss into Arthur's hair.

Arthur smiled, eyes already closed, and feel asleep with Merlin's hand in his.

I wish I had a Merlin to help me get better. But failing that, reviews will help! *apologises for blatant guilt trip and then sneezes*