Merlin sat in his chambers, sitting by the window, watching as the sun set on the horizon. He had just finished his light-duty chores and meetings with Arthur for the day. He was taking a moment to relax. It had been a week since Arthur had named him as his Magical Advisor. Both men were still trying to figure out how to navigate the role and what it entailed; all the while, Merlin still carried the role of servant.

As the sun finished setting, the young warlock stood up, grabbing his cane. He decided to go pay his uncle a visit and see about sharing a meal, like in old times.

The corridors were mostly empty, causing the sound of Merlin's cane clicking against the hard flooring to echo throughout. If he were trying to sneak up on someone, they'd hear him coming from a mile away. He hated the cane. Just because he understood the need for it didn't mean he had to like it. The cane was loud against the floor, it felt rough against his hand, and it didn't fit to his height the way it was supposed to.

He'd considered going to the royal blacksmith and requesting a personalized cane suited to him. However, the cane had been a gift from Leon. It had belonged to his father. He didn't want to hurt Leon's feelings after he'd gone through all the trouble. But his comfort during this time was important, wasn't it?

Before he realized it, he was at Gaius' chambers. Before he had a chance to knock, the physician threw the door open and pushed past him, nearly knocking him down. Merlin caught himself by using his free hand to grab onto the door.

After regaining his balance, the young warlock followed after the older man. He figured his uncle didn't realize who he was in a rush to aid in whatever emergency there was. When the two got down the stairs, they were greeted by Sir Leon carrying Princess Mithian. Behind him was an elderly woman that looked older than Gaius.

"What happened?" Merlin asked.

"I don't know," Leon answered. "She and her maid just arrived. She just fainted after getting off her horse."

"Take her to my chambers," Merlin offered. "They're not that far."

Leon nodded and took off in the direction of Merlin's chambers.

No one noticed at the time, but the elderly maid had a look of surprise when Merlin mentioned having his own chambers. But she quickly changed her expression back to concern for the princess.

Leon carefully laid the princess down on the bed. "Will she be alright?"

"I fear it is too early to say. Thank you, Leon," Gaius said, looking at the knight. "You've done all you can. Merlin, hand me some extra blankets."

Leon bowed his head at Gaius and then at Merlin. "Of course."

Another strange look swept across the elderly woman's face. Why would a knight bow at a servant? What had he done to earn all this?

Merlin placed a comforting hand on the woman, pulling her away from her thoughts, and began to lead her away. "I'll show you to your room."

The elderly woman fought against him. "I will not leave my mistress."

"I assure you that she is in safe hands," Merlin said comfortingly, understanding what it meant to be loyal.

"She means everything to me," the elderly woman insisted.

Merlin looked in her pleading eyes and gave in. "Just have a seat at the table."

Gaius then spoke. "Merlin, the extra blankets, please."

Merlin obliged. "Sorry, Gaius." He easily fell back into the routine of helping Gaius.

After helping Gaius tend to Mithian for a good hour, Merlin left to inform Arthur about the princess. As he walked, he thought about what horrors Mithian and Hilda must have faced to ride through the night to reach Camelot.

The young sorcerer soon reached Arthur's chambers and knocked.

"Yes," came a muffled reply. Merlin pushed the door open and found Arthur sitting, twirling a quill.

"How is she?" the king asked, sitting up straight as he looked over at his Court Sorcerer.

"She's weak, and she's clearly exhausted, but she will live," Merlin informed.

Arthur stood up, tossing the quill to the side. "Good. I'll speak to her at once.

Merlin blocked his path. "Actually, no."

"Excuse me?" Arthur asked, a bit taken back.

"She's not to be disturbed until morning," Merlin explained.

"This is important," Arthur stated, trying to push past Merlin.

Merlin continued to block his path. "And so is the health of the princess."

Arthur stepped back, resigned in the fact that he would not win the argument. "Did you just give me an order?"

"Yes, Sire," Merlin answered.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Arthur asked with a small smile.

"I could get used to it," Merlin shrugged.

"Well, don't. I'm still your king, and I can make you my servant again in a heartbeat," Arthur retorted as he walked back to his seat.

"Arthur?" Merlin asked, concerned for his best friend.

"To ride all through the night," Arthur said, not hearing Merlin, "something must've happened."

"We'll know more in the morning, Sire," Merlin assured before leaving.

"Merlin," Arthur called out, stopping the young warlock.

Merlin turned around. "Yes, Arthur?"

"While Mithian is here, don't let her know about your role as my Magical Advisor. Just let her think that you are still my servant," Arthur said. "She's dealt with enough. No need to add confusion to the mix."

"Of course," Merlin agreed as he turned to leave once again.

The man then headed to Gaius'. It was there where he would stay while Mithian used his chambers.

When he arrived at his uncle's chambers, he found the elderly man sitting at one of the many tables. "You mind having a guest for a few nights?"

Gaius gave him a small smile. "Your bed is just as you left it. Now sit and eat."

Merlin sat across from his uncle. It didn't take long for it to feel like nothing had changed.