Gaius noticed Merlin's upset expression the moment he walked through the door. Having waited for his mentor for a few hours now, Merlin had settled himself on the bench of Gaius' workstation with his head in his hands whilst the new arrival Théa made herself comfortable in the spare room. Listening to the woman unpack still managed to make Merlin's insides wriggle and once the physician was present Merlin raised his head like a puppy who had just seen his master. His master who, with a resigned sigh, shut the door behind him with a shake of his head.

"I take it you here for more than saying goodbye..."

"It shouldn't be goodbye!" Merlin said, rather too loudly, and quietened his voice hastily before Théa could be alerted. "I should still be here in my room, why am I moving to stay with Arthur?"

"The King has his reasons," Gaius replied, placing a bag on the table. "In Uther's eyes Arthur is far more vulnerable to attack now than ever before. He sees you as his personal bodyguard, it makes sense if you are with him all the time that he would be safer..."

Merlin's blank stare said everything he needed to, but the young man still managed to add: "Bodyguard? Me? Have you seen Arthur? I can barely knock out a squirrel with my swordfighting, he can fell a whole tree in one swoop..! If I can't use magic then I can't do anything for him, I can't protect him.... What if he gets in real danger, danger I can't fight against?"

Gaius raised a hand to stop the warlock from continuing. "Your fears are taking hold of your judgement. You must give this a chance. I did not ask for a deeper meaning behind Uther's decision, I simply agreed. As hard as it may be to hear, Merlin, I too think it's best for the both of you. You are often saying about your destiny - now you have a chance to further this, grasp it with both hands..."

"I was grasping quite fine until I was usurped by that travelling woman." Merlin was undeterred by Gaius' subtle roll of his eyes, shuffling over to begin finishing his work. Instead he rushed to Gaius' side, whispering clearly: "I don't trust her."

"The only reason you do not trust her is because Uther gave her the bigger room."

"No it's not! Gaius I can still work for you and watch out for Arthur, I've done it since I got here..."

"No you can't." The tone in the physician's voice implied that this was final and Merlin snapped his mouth shut, albeit reluctantly. He knew now there was no argument to be had, and that he would have to accept this in peace. However, it would not be before Gaius had his final say. "Not only have you been given a hearty promotion, I have been given the chance to teach a fine young woman in something she has a true talent for. You have your destiny, she has hers - I realise it may be difficult for you to digest at the moment but it will take time. Théa is quite a nice girl, if you give her a chance..."

Merlin exhaled, not realising he'd been holding his breath before he nodded slightly. Things could have been, and had definitely been, worse, but though Merlin was used to keeping an eye on the Prince full responsibility was far too big a burden for him to hold right now. With a smile Gaius placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder and squeezed it fondly. "It is not the end of the world, Merlin. You and Uther are both similar in a way - you value Arthur's safety. I am sure as soon as this whole mess blows over you will be able to come back to your old room, how it used to be..."

Despite displaying a very small smile the young man didn't look convinced, but before Gaius could continue with his assurances Théa emerged from her new chambers and began descending the stairs. When she saw the two men deep in conversation she looked at them apologetically and moved to return to her room. "Oh... forgive me, I didn't mean to disturb you both..."

Merlin saw this as an opportunity. "Er, I was just leaving," he said quickly, leaving Gaius unable to argue. "I'll see you tomorrow."

As Merlin moved towards the main chamber doors, Gaius said, "Do wish Arthur well for me..." Merlin nodded, attempted a smile, and exited the room as quick as possible. He wasn't about to linger and try and play happy families when things clearly weren't fine. Théa's arrival may have served to distract from recent weeks, but it had also served to disrupt Merlin's happiness.