Arthur heard a gasp of air, right in his right ear and then a loud bang, followed by shouting. Arthur's eyes burst open from sleep. He was a little slow from drink still, but still managed to grab the man that was currently standing over top of him, and pin him to the bed. It was The Trickler, King Alined's servant. Arthur held him there, while he looked around. Merlin was stood by the servants entrance of his room, watching Arthur intently. It had accrued to Arthur then, that it had been Merlin who shouted.

"He was trying to attack you, Arthur!" said Merlin, looking now, instead of at Arthur in furious worry, but at The Trickler, in great disgust. "I saw him holding something over you!"

Arthur shoved the man into the bed more, kneeing him in the middle of the spine, to keep him there. He giggled, nervously. "I am sure there is some kind of mistake..."

"I am sure, too," retorted Arthur. "The mistake is you got caught."

The man hummed and giggled again. "No...no, I was only leaving a gift...from King Alined."

"A gift?" retorted Arthur, and no, he definitely didn't believe that. "I hardly think Alined's much interested in giving me a gift."

"Ask him...My Lord, ask...he will tell you!"

"Merlin, fetch King Alined. If nothing else, he shall at least be present when I kill his servant," said Arthur, darkly, standing up now, and yanking the man up as well. He had no real intent to kill him, at least not here, he would hand him over to Uther and he would be put in the cells. But Arthur would not pretend he was not tempted, why an act on his life when he had done nothing to this man? It hardly made sense, unless King Alined had something to do with it. Arthur sighed, because he probably did. Merlin still stood there, where he had been the whole time, perhaps he thought Arthur was joking. "Go...Merlin."

Merlin looked perplexed, as if he were worried about whether or not he really should leave. But Arthur was fully awake now, and could easily handle The Trickler, should he try anything else. He gave Merlin a reassuring smile and Merlin frowned at it, still looking worried, but rushed off. Arthur shoved the servant toward the middle of his room, once Merlin had left and said nothing to him, as he waited. It was record time, really, how quickly Merlin had gone and then come back. For once, Merlin was actually being good at his job, but Arthur thought it was only because he didn't want to leave Arthur alone too long. Which, honestly...Arthur appreciated.

"What is this, Sire?" questioned Alined, as he walked in, wearing what Arthur assumed was his sleeping clothes, which were still rather lavish, for only sleep. He looked at his servant with distaste, as if he had failed him in some way, and Arthur figured it out rather quickly. It was not the Trickler's plan, but the King's. Arthur had assumed already, but now it was clear, by the dark, displeased looks Alined couldn't help but offer. "You are suggesting my servant tried to kill you? That is what your erm....boy claims."

Arthur raised an eyebrow at this, and glared at the King. "Merlin," he said pointedly. "Has caught your servant in my chambers, near me...while I slept."

"That is simple to explain, My Lord," said Alined, smoothly, looking at Arthur with raised eyebrows, as if judging him for dare thinking these things. "I had merely suggested my darling servant bring you an offering of my apology. As I worried I had offended you at the feast tonight. It was a token...of good fortune."

"I see," said Arthur, looking around now, more for just show than anything else. Because obviously this was complete rubbish. "Where is this token then...?"

Alined's eyes landed on his servant again and raised his eyebrows, if possible, even higher. "Where is it?"

The Trickler sputtered at these words, and shrugged, the best he could, as Arthur still had ahold of him. "I...I dropped it...when the boy shouted at me."

"Merlin," retorted Arthur again, darkly. "If that is the case than find it, it cannot have gone far."

The Trickler fumbled again, looking around. "I have no idea where it might be...where it-"

"He's lying!" shouted Merlin now, and Arthur sighed...because of course he was lying. But Arthur thought of Uther, of Camelot. Camelot needed these treaties signed, should they go into war with Cenred, or any other rather large Kingdom, they would need allies, help...Arthur sighed, for the second time. He was lost at to what to do, he should report this to Uther, he should have them both exiled or killed, but he was not going to let his people suffer because he was prideful and foolish.

"Neither of us are lying!" spat King Alined then, looking at Merlin now, with the same look he had given his own servant, only much darker. "You should learn to silence your pests, Arthur."

"Merlin is only speaking his mind, as I encourage him to do in my presence," said Arthur, in return, but he had already made his choice, even if he knew Merlin was right. He shoved The Trickler forward and released him. He nearly fell into his King, who took several steps to the left, to avoid him. "I trust you Alined, I see no reason why you should want me dead...we could help each other greatly, in the future." King Alined grinned at this, with a rather long nod. "But should something like this happen again, I will not be so kind."

"Thank you, Sire," said Alined. "I can assure you, nothing like this will happen again. Because if it does...if you waste my time like this again, well..." Alined smirked darkly. "I fear for the future of Camelot."

Arthur glared at this, he knew that King Alined had known exactly why Arthur had let his servant go, and now he would hold it against him. Arthur said nothing, but then suddenly Merlin was shoving Arthur out of the way and shouting. "If you so much as touch a hair on Arthur's head, either of you..!"

"What are you going to do?" The Tickler spoke then, not sounding a bit nervous or giggly now. "Tell Uther..?" He let out a rich laugh and crossed his arms over his chest. Merlin glared daggers at him.

"I don't need to the King, I can handle you myself!"

"Merlin..." warned Arthur, stepping forward and pushing Merlin back, toward his bed. Arthur turned back to the King and his servant. "I said we are done here, no harm has come to anyone, I see no reason to keep speaking of it."

"Very well," said King Alined, and yanked The Trickler, by his ear, out of the room. Arthur watched them go. Disappointed almost, at the fact that they were not being hauled off by Knights. He turned to Merlin then, and Merlin seemed really...rather annoyed. He jumped at the chance to start shouting at Arthur now.

"Why would you let them go?" he demanded of him. "You know he was guilty! I saw him...he was holding something over you!"

Arthur sighed yet again. "We have to get King Alined to sign the treaty, his men could be a great help to us, should we ever need them..."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "If he doesn't kill you first."

"True," said Arthur, and then smiled at Merlin. Merlin only pouted, so Arthur dropped said smile rather quickly. "And please, Merlin...the next time we get into a situation like this, allow me to handle it..." said Arthur, and Merlin's pout turned into a rather dirty look then. "I appreciate the sentiment, but you are about as threatening as a baby mouse."

The next morning came too soon, which made it quite hard for Arthur to be awake enough and ready enough for his fight for the day. Luckily, he only had one, and then he was free after to sleep and do as he pleased. He had beaten Olaf's last man in the tournament, and he was rather sure Gwad had not at all allowed him to beat him. He looked rather angry, as he stalked out off to his tent. This win though, meant that there were only two lone Knights left, and then it would be nothing but Camelot Knights. Sir Leon was still in the mix and making rank quickly. Arthur silently and secretly hoped it would be Leon and Arthur in the final battle. For two reasons, because he liked Leon and because then, if Arthur beat him...it would be all the more sweet. Of course he could also lose, as Leon nearly always bested him, but that thought made Arthur a little bit sick, so he chose not to think about it. After all, this was Leon's first year of competition and you hardly ever win your first year, Arthur hadn't. It was three or four years before Arthur was a good enough fighter to win, and he had won ever sense.

Merlin had ducked out, right after Arthur had won, he hadn't known where he had gone, though Arthur had stayed to bask in the glory of his win a bit longer and to watch a few of the other fights, before he decided to head up to his chambers, for that nap he wanted, before the feast. Arthur entered his room, very ready to take this hot and damp armor off, he was starting to take it off himself, when he looked up and noticed Merlin standing near his bed, like he had been looking at it before Arthur walked in, and then turned suddenly, when he had. He looked really very strange there, face done up in lines that Arthur really couldn't understand.

"What are you doing?" he asked, Merlin's eyes flashed between him and his door, and a sad look played on his face, for only a second it was there and then it was gone. He shook his head. This was all very confusing to Arthur, as he stepped forward, staring at Merlin. "What-" But then he saw it...or her rather, the Lady Vivian, in her nightgown...fast asleep in Arthur's bed. Arthur's mouth fell open, as he looked from her then to Merlin, and then back to her and then back to Merlin. "What the hell is this...?" Arthur demanded. "Why is she in my bed? Why is she wearing that IN my bed?!"

"I thought you...left her here," said Merlin, staring at Arthur with a mix of hurt eyes and confusion. Arthur stare back at him now, both disgusted and offended.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" he demanded, again. "What do you think I would be doing with her?"

"I'd rather not say..." said Merlin, darkly, and Arthur shoved him in the arm. That was disgusting! "Well...I didn't see you before the fight today..."

"Because YOU didn't bring me breakfast!"

"I was tired...I was up all night saving your life, remember?!"

"Merlin...I would first like to say, that you should shut up," retorted Arthur. "And second...could we stop arguing over the sleeping princess...IN MY BED!"

"If you didn't put her there, why is she in your bed...?"

"That's what I am asking!" yelled Arthur, but then there was a knock, a rather aggressive knock. A banging really, Merlin's eyes widened and Arthur stare at the door.

"OPEN THIS DOOR, BOY...I KNOW SHE'S IN THERE, MY DAUGHTER!"

"Oh...." said Merlin, as he then leaped onto the bed, grabbed Vivian by the middle and yanked her off the bed and over his shoulder.

"What are you doing with her?!" whisper-shouted Arthur, as the door was being almost damaged by a very angry father. It was a wonder how the man didn't realize the door was unlocked and he could just walk in.

"Getting her the hell out of here!" retorted Merlin, and then ran from the room, through the servants entrance. Arthur sighed, steeling himself, as he walked over to his door and yanked it open. There was Olaf, fat and red faced, breathing heavy.

"WHERE IS SHE?!"

"Where is who?" asked Arthur, casually. Olaf shoved him out of the way and walked inside the room, but was halted when he saw no one else in the chambers but Arthur. "Sire...I am afraid I am confused, who are you looking for?"

"My daughter..." seethed Olaf, turning back to Arthur with much dislike in his eyes, which was not normal for King Olaf, he had always been very kind to Arthur. "I was told she she was seen coming in here, in her nightgown!"

"Who told you that?" asked Arthur, really very interested in knowing this information. Olaf seethed for another moment before turning back toward Arthur and grunting, he shook his head.

"King Alined's servant," he said, looking around a bit more, as if she might be hiding somewhere.

"Well, that is impossible, as I was at the tournament all day," said Arthur, still in a calm voice, but he felt the anger rise in him, at the mention of King Alined and the Trickler, why was it Arthur they were targeting? He sighed, again. "And I hardly think it is unknown to any, that your daughter though lovely...doesn't seem to care for me much."

"She is like that to everyone...since her Mother," said Olaf, and his voice was suddenly steady and without labored breathing and growls. He shook his head, again. "I'm sorry, my boy, I must've been given wrong information. You'll forgive me?"

"I see a Father's love for their child nothing to be sorry about," said Arthur, as regal as one might be. Olaf grinned.

"Good man," and then he turned on his heel and walked out. Arthur lingered by the door, just in case Olaf might come back for round two. But when he heard something behind him, he turned back and saw Merlin re-entering from the servants quarters. Arthur wasted no time.

"It was The Trickler...he told Olaf she was here," said Arthur. "He must have knocked her out and planted her in my bed..."

"I tried to wake her..." Merlin shook his head, but his ears had turned red all of a sudden and he looked mad, which was odd for Merlin. He didn't normally get mad, unless Arthur said something a little too much, which was known to happen. "Why does King Alined want you dead...?"

"Because he is trying to find a way not to sign the treaty," explained Arthur, annoyance lingering, right under his skin. Unlike most years, suddenly Arthur couldn't wait for this tournament to be over and for their company to be gone. "That is why I let them go last night...I had to, for the betterment of Camelot."

"Even if that means your life is in danger?"

"It almost always means that, Merlin," said Arthur and Merlin huffed, but smiled at Arthur either way.

"At least it wasn't...you know," he said then, his ears still red, but now his cheeks too. "What I thought..."

"Which I am still mad at you over and offended about..." retorted Arthur.

"I'm sorry," offered Merlin, stepping forward and suddenly starting to take Arthur's armor off. He allowed this, because he still really wanted it off. "What else was I supposed to think?"

"I don't know...anything else but that."

"She is a pretty girl," said Merlin, as he removed Arthur's chest plate, Arthur glared at him. "And you are...sometimes attractive, when you're not a prat."

"Sometimes..." Arthur rolled his eyes.

"And...one thing can lead to another."

"One thing is going to lead to you being sacked, fairly soon, I imagine."

"These things can happen...it's only natural..." Merlin continued and Arthur thought longingly of shoving a sock into his mouth. "You are still sort of young...you might have an urge to-"

"MERLIN!" Arthur yelled out a warning. "Shut up!"

"What?" said Merlin then, with a dark grin and even darker eyes. "That is what your Father would say, after all..."

Just to make Merlin's life harder, and after all that, he deserved it, Arthur requested a bath. He knew Merlin hated when he wanted a bath. He only smirked as Merlin grumbled, filling the tub. Arthur was just about to take off his clothes, when suddenly there was a knock at the door. Another one. Both of them froze, staring at each other, neither moving to open it.

"Arthur...my Love!" said a voice, and both of them, still staring at each other, looked very confused. "Oh...please let me in, Arthur!"

"If that is Lady Vivian and King Olaf see's her here..." said Arthur and Merlin nodded, still looking in alarm at the door. "Get rid of her, Merlin!" said Arthur, as he quickly hid behind his changing screen. Not two second later, his chambers door burst open and in ran the Lady Vivian. Arthur watched through the holes in his screen, as Merlin caught her, by the arms and stopped her from reaching the bed.

"Where is he?" asked Vivian, desperately. Arthur had heard her speak few times, and the times she did, she did not sound like this.

"Where is who?" asked Merlin, trying to shove her back, back toward the door.

"Arthur...my love, my sweet...I must see him now!" said Vivian, gasping after every word. She froze and Merlin nearly knocked her over, from trying to push her out. "Fetch him, NOW!"

"No..."

"Why not?!"

"Because I don't want to..." said Merlin then, trying to get her to move, but she shoved his hands away, looking offended.

"You will do as I say, you are a servant!" And alright...that was how she sounded most often.

"Hm..." Merlin shook his head, face scrunching up, and Arthur knew that look well. Merlin would not do something simply because he was a servant and told to, at least not by anyone who wasn't a King. He had very little respect in that area. Arthur couldn't blame him, even if he still used these words too, he could understand how demeaning they were. "I don't think so." Vivian only glared at him , and tried to step around him, to get back to Arthur's bed. Why did she want to be on his bed so badly? It made Arthur feel dirty, for some reason. Merlin had to grab her around the middle and pull her back, and then she kicked him in the shin. "Look!" Merlin said, pointedly then. "You need to go!"

"I will not...I need my love...I have to see my love...we must be together!" said Vivian, bypassing Merlin again, and now jumping onto Arthur's bed and rolling around in his duvet. "I can smell him...as if he is close," she mused and Arthur felt rather violated all of a sudden, he cringed, trying to hunch himself a little more, just in case she may see him. "He smells of summer heat and forest musk..."

"That's disgusting!" retorted Merlin and looked rather annoyed and very displeased, which Arthur could understand why. Arthur himself, was also feeling rather gross. "Arthur doesn't love you...and you shouldn't be here."

"Yes he does!" retorted Vivian, suddenly reaching into her cleavage, which seemed to have gotten...more pounced since the time, an hour ago, when Vivian was also in his bed. "He says so in this letter!" She pulled out a parchment and Merlin ripped it off of her, looking it over in distaste. "See...I told you. And I shall wait here, until he returns for me."

Merlin sighed, rolling his eyes, looking over his shoulder at where he knew Arthur was. Almost as if asking for help. Arthur didn't know how to help him, as he did know was...he certainly had not written any letter. "Arthur is still in his tent, at the match, I was preparing this bath for his return...but maybe if you run fast, you can still find him there," Merlin explained, lying quite plainly. Vivian jumped up suddenly, staring at Merlin with interest. "It is very private...in Arthur's tent."

This seemed to do the trick, because suddenly Vivian was running, nightgown hitched up, around her knees, as she bolted for the door. Merlin walked after her and once she had flung the door open and ran out of it, Merlin shut and locked it behind her. Arthur sighed in relief then, as he came out from behind the screen, Merlin shook his head.

"I didn't know you were such a poet with words, Arthur..." he said, rolling his eyes and offering the parchment for Arthur to read. "You should have told me you were so skilled in love letter writing...I would have asked for a lesson."

"Shut up," Arthur retorted, reading over the words, in hand writing that was most definitely not his own, or even Merlin's who often writes things for him anyway. "'Dearest, Vivian...I love you, I love you, I love you...words cannot express my love for you. Please come to my chambers, I will be there waiting for you, we can explore our love together...forever. Your Father cannot keep us apart, I know my heart can only belong to you...Arthur.' What complete rubbish!"

"I thought it was lovely," offered Merlin then, grinning that dark grin again. "especially the I love you...I love you...I love you part. Very nice, I can see why she's ready to jump into your bed."

"MERLIN!" Arthur shouted. "I SWEAR TO GOD!"

'...such a way with words, ughhh...my heart is almost aflutter..."

Arthur ignored this now, because clearly Merlin was not going to take this seriously. "If Olaf had seen this letter..."

"Which is exactly what Alined wanted, Arthur," Merlin said seriously then, surprisingly. "You have to tell your Father."

"But the treaties..." Arthur let out a deep sigh. "Camelot needs allies, Merlin."

"Camelot does not need an ally like King Alined."

Arthur took in a heavy breath and nodded, because he knew Merlin was right, but he still didn't know what to do. Instead, Arthur returned to his pervious idea of a bath. He frowned then though. "Do I really smell like summer heat and forest musk...?"

Merlin laughed and nodded. "I think it's actually just called dirt..."

(A/N: So, here is another update. I just wanted to say thank you all sooo, soo much for how supportive you are of me and my story, it means so much to me, you all have no idea. I love all of your feedback and I can't wait to share more of this story with you. We're getting to the really good parts now. I mean it doesn't really look it, as there is still (supposed) attempts on Arthur's life, but these few Vivian Chapters are meant to be more light hearted. We get some good banter, a low key jelly!Merlin. I love it. But no seriously, I got some bad news tonight about my job and basically I've lost it due to the pandemic and I'm kinda sad, but you guys and reading your comments have really cheered me up. Thank you and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!)