A/N: Don't get too excited- nothing happens this chapter. Absolutely nothing I tell you.
All the news about The Tempest is driving me insane since there's absolutely no way I'll get to see it (unless it's released on dvd in future- which I'm hoping it is). *pouts*

Nance: Yeah, I really wished they had done something different with Mordred. We already knew his eventual role so why pull another Morgana? Do something different! But it's too late now, thus I am forced to bend them to my will through fanfiction. And I admit, I rather liked adult Mordred- or his potential at least (child Mordred was a brat, I didn't really feel sorry for him even if his behavior was understandable). And who said Merlin wasn't blind anymore? Though it is getting better, don't worry :)

Arthur settled onto the stool next to Merlin's cot, watching the man twitch occasionally in his sleep, lips moving now and then though little more than hissing breaths could be heard.

Sensing the king was in an odd mood Gaius had excused himself to make his rounds, taking an empty basket to keep busy with herb-gathering if need be.

When he could stand it no longer the monarch grabbed the bed frame, leaning over his friend.
"Merlin."

The servant gave a slight jerk and his eyes popped open.
Arthur had a surge of hope when a bit of the old spark seemed to shine in those blue depths, but both quickly disappeared and the lids closed.

"Arthur..."

It was more akin to heavy breathing than speaking, but he would take whatever he could get.

"Do you need anything? Are you in pain?"
He was exceedingly relieved to see the other man awake so soon, but it couldn't have been good for his heavily abused body.

Merlin reached out to stop Arthur from rising and shook his head slightly.
"Stay."

"Of course."

Silence stretched on as both struggled with what they had to say.

The king finally spoke.
"Guinevere is a traitor."

"No."

Arthur looked up, assuming Merlin was simply in denial, brow furrowing at the adamant expression on the other man's wan face.

"Mor... gana."
His throat worked a bit before he managed to get more out.
"Spell."

"You think Morgana's enchanted her?"
He hated to hope, but how could he not?

The servant nodded, face falling lax as if that one moment of firmness had drained all of his energy- but then, it probably had.

Arthur sighed and rested his head in his hands.
"What am I going to do Merlin? If I lose her, I lose everything."

His companion's lips barely moved, the answer coming out as weak susurrations.

"What?"
The king leaned further forward, only a handspan from Merlin's mouth.

More hissing was all that came out of the mouth slightly down-turned in frustration.
Arthur frowned in consternation, instinctively reaching out and putting a hand on the pallid forehead.

"You've got a fever again- not very strong, but it still needs seeing to. I'll send for Gaius."
His heart clenched slightly- oftentimes it was Guinevere who would do this sort of thing, even now that she was queen.

Pale fingers spasmed as if wanting to reach out, but the king didn't notice as he got up and hastened to the door; conversing briefly with the guard in the corridor beyond.

"There, we'll have you sorted in no time. Back to fetching my dinners, washing my socks, and-"
As he returned to his post the king realized Merlin had fallen asleep during the brief time he had gone.

Arthur huffed.
What he wouldn't give to fall asleep and wake to find this had all been a nightmare.