This is for Nerdofall and daily-chan.
Nerdofall: I'm not sure if this is what you wanted exactly, but I did try my best.
daily-chan also mentioned something about him getting attacked by dogs or the head servant. I know Cook isn't exactly the head servant or dogs, but I hope this works for you.
Thanks for reviewing, alerting, and favoriting last chapter. Like I said before, if you want to see me attempt something just PM me, and thanks for reading.
Remember, if Merlin were mine I'd be one happy gal and drop me a comment if you can.
Gwen had seen Merlin early Sunday morning, getting yelled at by Cook. He nodded at everything she said, stammering apologies, clutching tightly to the empty tray in his hands. Eyes narrowed slightly, Gwen stepped forward to say something, but froze when she noticed Gwaine heading towards Cook and Merlin.
"What's going on here, Merlin?" the knight asked curiously, one arm snaking around Merlin's shoulders, his brown eyes settling on Cook.
"This imbecile spilled my porridge all over the floor," Cook screeched, gesturing to a goopy mess splattered across the stone floor, a copper pan sitting upside down, smack dab in the middle of the mess.
"I believe I was asking Merlin," Gwaine snarked back, his eyes flicking to the younger man. "So, what happened?"
"N-nothing," Merlin stuttered, his blue eyes downcast. "I was getting Arthur's breakfast," he started, voice still slightly shaky. In fact, if Gwen looked closer, his whole body seemed to be shaking, but she knew it couldn't be because of Cook. Cook hadn't scared Merlin in years, her bark way worse than her bite. Something was definitely going on.
"And he spilled my porridge," Cook snarled brandishing the stirring spoon in her hand.
"Shut it," Gwaine snapped, glaring at the woman. He then turned back to Merlin and gently asked, "What happened next?"
"Well, I was looking for a plate, you know for Arthur's food, when I got a little dizzy," Merlin explained softly, looking up at Gwaine. His face was paler than usual and he looked about ready to fall down. Gwen had a feeling, if Gwaine hadn't been holding him up, Merlin probably would have collapsed already.
"Merlin," Gwaine started carefully, quietly, virtually ignoring Cook. She huffed, muttering about terrible servants. "When's the last time you ate?"
"Um…" Merlin's eyes fluttered closed and for a moment Gwen actually thought he passed out, but to her immense relief they reopened. Her relief was short lived when he merely shrugged, shaking his head.
"Okay, here's what's going to happen," Gwaine started slowly, wrestling the tray out of Merlin's hands. He placed it next to the stove, steering Merlin towards a pan cooking on the stove. "We're going to get you something to eat."
"But Arthur…"
"Can wait," Gwen stated, finally stepping forward, casting a dark look Cook's way before moving towards Merlin and Gwaine. "Or, better yet, I'll take him his breakfast."
"But you're the queen, you shouldn't…"
"Merlin, I was a servant for many years. I may be the queen now, but I still know how to bring people breakfast," Gwen stated kindly. "Arthur can survive one day without you."
"I doubt that," Merlin muttered and Gwaine chuckled. Gwen smiled at his words before moving towards the a plate, she proceeded to load it with food. She could tell that Merlin thought it was for Arthur, but his eyes flashed with uncertainty when she offered him the food.
"I won't take no for an answer," she stated stubbornly. "You will eat every last bite, and Gwaine will tell me if you don't."
"To right I will," Gwaine agreed nodding his head.
"T-thank you," Merlin said carefully taking the plate from Gwen, his hands shaking slightly. Gwaine nodded at Gwen, she smiled, and then the knight proceeded to steer Merlin out of the kitchen, taking his plate when he nearly dropped it.
"What about my floor?" Cook asked sharply and Gwen turned to look at her, eyebrows furrowed, and Cook seemed to wilt slightly. "I-I'll get the mop."