This was written for the 'Seven Deadly Sins' drabble challenge on the Heart of Camelot website:
The objective of this challenge is to use one of the seven deadly sins as the theme for your response. These are: Wrath, Greed, Sloth, Pride, Lust, Envy, and Gluttony.
A/N Many thanks to beta LyricalSinger
Gluttony
Lord Clifford's visit started out the same as that of any other esteemed visitor.
During the obligatory greeting ceremony, Merlin stood in his usual place behind Arthur and tried not to yawn as Uther droned on about friendship and the benefits of continued collaboration between the two nations.
Afterward, Clifford took his turn at droning. Merlin could not help but notice that most of the speech was devoted to Camelot's reputation for fine food and wine, and Clifford's hope to confirm that it was still deserved.
"That was …inspiring, wasn't it?" Arthur said as the nobles filed out of the hall.
"Incredibly," answered Merlin with a laugh.
"And I knew you would be anxious for more of the man's company, so I agreed to Father's request to assign you to Lord Clifford for his stay."
Merlin rolled his eyes in reply, but was not surprised. Uther seemed to think his guests would feel honoured by having the use of his son's personal manservant. It had been happening more and more frequently now that that Merlin's skills had improved to where he was no longer an embarrassment.
It did not take the young servant long to realize that the man had only one interest - food. "This is the fifth time I've been down and it's not even dinner yet," Merlin complained.
Cook smiled as she handed him a laden plate. "It's always the same with him. The King encourages it, since it makes the negotiations better or something," she said.
By the time Clifford departed Camelot, Merlin was disgusted. What the man had eaten by himself during his visit could have comfortably fed several families in the servant's village over that same period of time.
"Don't worry," Arthur reassured his servant. "His gluttony will ultimately benefit Camelot."
"How?" Merlin asked, confused.
"The man is so unable to control his appetite that he spares no thought to the agreements he commits to," Arthur explained. "He's more concerned about getting his next glass of wine or plate of sweets. As a result, we've got a very good deal on grain and pork along with hunting rights on his lands. Too good, really."
Merlin finally understood, but it was a sad thing indeed to know that a man could be so ruled by his desires that he was no longer able to do the right thing for his own people.