Rating K+

Word Count: 300

Challenge Given: Series 3: Beyond Words: Write 100-300 words as a response to this prompt, making sure you don't go above 400 at the absolute maximum. You may use whatever genre, characters, pairings, ratings you like, but you MUST include the word below in your drabble.

Word: Devotion
Definition: profound dedication; consecration; earnest attachment to a cause, person, etc.

You may also use: devoted

A/N: Early Series 1. Again!

Devotion

A loud clatter sounded across Arthur's chambers as a tray of food hit the floor. The prince raised his eyes to the ceiling.

"Honestly, Merlin."

"S-sorry, Arthur. I'll... I'll go and get something to clean this up. Won't be long."

The servant scurried out of the door whilst Arthur tried not to look at Morgana who was sitting on the other side of the table, one eyebrow arched in amusement.

"I don't know why I keep him on," the prince complained. "He's even more useless than the others."

"Although, to be fair, I can't imagine Merlin thought it much of an reward when Uther gave him the job either," Morgana replied.

"He should appreciate what an honour he's been given, and be fortunate that I didn't fire him weeks ago."

"Aw, Arthur, I don't really think you mean that." Her voice turned to a worryingly familiar teasing tone. "I think you're growing quite attached to him."

"Attached?" He gave her an incredulous look.

"You just need to be kinder to your poor little puppy and feed him better," she continued, smiling brightly. "I'm sure then, he'll be of far more use to you."

"Puppy?"

"Well, that's how I think of Merlin whenever I see you two together. A cute little dog who's so devoted to his master." Arthur gave her a suspicious look, not quite certain where she was going with this. "The way he bounds and frisks after you as you walk down the corridor is quite adorable." She smirked, obviously getting into the role. "Either that or the boy's in love with you."

"Morgana! Don't you ever take things seriously?"

She beamed at him. "Not if I can possibly help it."

~o~0~o~

5/7/13