Merlin's impression of the two princes was not improved over the next few days. They made exacting orders of the kitchen and laundry staff, and of Merlin himself. A few days after their arrival, Merlin heard the sounds of a scuffle in Bergam's rooms. He paused by the door, listening, and heard a cry in what sounded like a woman's voice. He made a quick decision and opened the door.
"I'm here to pick up your laundry, your highness," he said cheerfully as he walked into the room. The serving maid whom Bergam had backed into the corner gave a sob of relief and broke out of the prince's grip, slipping out the door behind Merlin. Bergam frowned direfully at him.
"Can't you knock?" he growled.
"Sorry, Sir," Merlin answered, snatching up Bergam's laundry basket. "I'll remember to do that next time." He whisked himself out of the room before the other man could answer.
He caught up with the maid in the kitchen, where she was sniffling in the cook's large arms.
"Is she alright?"
The cook nodded. "Yes. But I won't be letting any of the other girls go to that man's room after this."
"Don't worry; I'll clean it," Merlin answered. "And I'll speak to Arthur."
000
It was easier said than done. "Merlin, you still need to do my laundry and clean in here," Arthur said as soon as Merlin appeared in his chambers. Merlin opened his mouth. "Bisclavret, get off the bed," Arthur added. The large wolfdog whined, but jumped down. "Oh, and Bergam has already been past and has complained that his room hasn't been cleaned yet. I thought you were going to make sure the castle staff saw to that?"
"I am. Sire—"
There was a rap at the door, and Cranog looked in. "Coming hunting this morning?"
"If I can get out from under this mountain of paperwork," Arthur said, gesturing to the documents on his desk."
"That's alright, Cranog," Bergam said, appearing behind his brother. "He's just afraid he's going to lose that wager he made last night. First one to bag a deer, remember? He's just remembering all the times we beat him in Mora…"
"Alright," Arthur said, laughing, and threw down his pen. "Very well. I'm coming." He looked at Merlin, then glanced back. "I'll meet you at the stables."
Cranog and Bergam left, and Arthur turned back. "Now. What is it, Merlin? You look like you swallowed a pin."
"Sire, I—" Now that the time had come, it was difficult to put into words. "I saw Bergam this morning with one of the serving maids."
"Well, you shouldn't have been watching."
"No, I mean—she—she was trying to get away from him," Merlin said lamely. "He was—pressing his attentions on her."
Arthur frowned and was silent for a moment. "Was she upset?"
"Very."
Arthur looked down. "Maybe he just didn't realize…"
Merlin didn't answer, but Arthur could read the look on his face.
"I don't have to tell you, Merlin, that this is an awkward situation," he said at last. "I will speak to Bergam while we're hunting today—try to indicate that the staff are not to be… bothered."
Merlin nodded.
"Meanwhile, get to work on Bergam's room!" Arthur added, and headed out the door.
000
"Arthur!" Agravaine met the three hunters as they returned to the courtyard that afternoon. "There is a messenger here from Bayard."
"Excuse me," Arthur said to Bergam and Cranog, dismounting. Some stablehands came forward to take their horses. "Merlin can take your riding gear to be cleaned." He headed off with Agravaine.
"Merlin," Bergam said, greeting him. Merlin met his eye. Bergam's face was impassive, but stone cold. "I hope my room is clean now."
"Yes, your highness," Merlin said quickly, breaking eye contact. Bergam's expression gave him the shivers.
000
"What's eating you?" Cranog asked Arthur at dinner. "You've barely said a word. Are you still upset that I won the bet?"
Arthur grinned. "No, I'm not a bad loser. But Bayard's messenger came to consult on a question of the exactly location of the border between Mercia and Camelot." He sighed. "I really should go to Mercia and meet with Bayard in person to resolve the question."
"Well, go then," Bergam said cheerfully.
Arthur frowned. "I'll probably be gone a week or two, and I don't want to leave my guests behind."
Cranog shrugged. "I'm sure your uncle will be an excellent host, and Merlin can show us what you do for fun around here." He looked up at Merlin, who was refilling his goblet. "Isn't that right, Merlin?"
Merlin noticed the note of threat in his tone, even if Arthur didn't. But after a moment he nodded. "Of course, your highness."
"See?" Cranog said, turning back to Arthur. "Don't worry about us. We'll still be here when you get back."
Arthur smiled and clapped him on the back. "Then Leon and I will leave in the morning—the sooner we go, the sooner we can return. And the rest of my knights will remain, so they can entertain you." He gestured to Percival, Gwaine and Elyan, who smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Cranog."
"Business before pleasure," Bergam said, lifting his goblet with a smile.
TBC
AN: Sorry for the short chapter. Next one will be longer.
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