A/N: Okay, so, as a reminder, Merlin and Arthur were fighting because Merlin dropped a bunch of stuff in front of some guests and embarrassed Arthur, and then Merlin was angry with Arthur because the prince blew up at him. Now, Arthur has worked up his courage to (maybe) try to apologize to Merlin.
Drabble 19: Not So Useless
"Merlin, I-"
Arthur had finally gotten his courage up to go into Merlin's room and ask him why in the world he was so angry with his master. But what he saw shocked him.
Merlin had his neckerchief in his hand – it was a ridiculous clothing item, and Arthur didn't know why Merlin wore it… until now.
Merlin's neck – his pale, thin neck – was covered in bruises. Big ones, little ones, purple ones, blue ones… it was like a rainbow.
A rainbow of pain.
"Merlin, I-" Arthur suddenly forgot what he was supposed to say.
Merlin sighed. "Yeah, I know."