Does he know about you?
Those were the first words out of Merlin's uncle's mouth when he saw him coming out of the bedroom. When he got no answer, it was clear as day that Lancelot did indeed know, and it wasn't news Gaius had been prepared for.
Merlin, you need to be more careful…
Stop, just stop. His ward quickly interrupted him with a troublesome, stormy expression on his face, but the moment he looked directly into Gaius' eyes, his anger vanished.
I just… He focused on going on:
I had no choice, the beast was on me and my powers weren't working after yesterday's fight. I ran, and if it hadn't been for Lancelot, I would have died. But even with his skills and powerful blows, the beast wounded him too deeply, Gaius. There was too much blood, and I couldn't...
Straightening up with determination on his face, continued:
And I wasn't going to let him die. I had to force my powers and my mind to work together to bring the healing spell to life. It had worked! It really worked, but Lancelot heard me, and he's not as dumb as Arthur sometimes, and he knew that the blow he'd taken from the beast was indeed fatal.
So I had no choice, and I wasn't going to use my magic to make him forget. I would never do that!
The longer he spoke, the more emotion appeared on the medic's face. From sadness to pride to understanding. This sight relaxed Merlin's heart and posture. After a while, he fell into his uncle's arms with slightly tear-streaked eyes. A warm hand patted his back.
I understand, I'm just worried. You are braver than I ever was, but I have to ask…
Before he got a chance to ask a question, his nephew already answer: Lancelot won't tell a soul. He's grateful, and I don't think he was brought up in a family that hated magic.
Good.
It was just one word, but it felt like a final acknowledgement from the medic. For a while, they both stared at each other. Gaius frowned at the sight of his nephew's teary and bloodshot eyes. Merlin, thankful that he could count on his uncle to always put him first.
The twelve o'clock bell snapped them out of their reverie.
You better go, my dear boy, Arthur will be waiting for you.
Merlin's long, weary, sigh at his uncle's words expressed more than a thousand words. Yes, I know, I know. Is there anything you can give me to help me with the pain? My bruised ribs are killing me, I don't know if I can go back to work.
I didn't know it was that bad. I can send a messenger to tell Arthur that you are not ready to return to work.
No, it's okay, uncle. You know how Arthur is. The prat will be unbearable if I don't show up. I just need something to ease the pain, it got worse after the best.
He drank a painkilling mixture, smiled at Gaius, and set off to find the prince. The day had only just begun and Merlin was already tempted to go back to bed and let the whole world down, especially an upset Arthur, who certainly wouldn't forgive him.
He headed for the kitchen to get some food.
Merlin!
Angrily, the Prince turned at the speed of light towards the opening door to his chamber, but instead of his servant, he saw a terrified Gregory carrying a large tray of food.
Where's Merlin?
He asked, even more irritated. He was about to launch into a litany of complaints when a mop of black hair and rolling blue eyes with a grimace of displeasure appeared next to Gregory's.
There you are! Why aren't you alone?
Arthur could not let go of the tone. Even training with the knights did not help him forget about Lancelot, Merlin, and the beast that had attacked him. He was worried, and that meant he had to be outwardly very unpleasant in response. Gregory, as usual, was horrified at every sound and began to spread the food on the table, pretending he wasn't there.
All attention was now focused on his manservant.
Well, sire, as you know, I was attacked by the beast. I can't lift heavy things, and you eat a lot. As he said this in his mind, he added: You inconsiderate prat, everyone sees that, except self-centred prince.
Merlin…
There was a warning in Arthur's voice. Clearly, laughing at the fact that he eats a lot in the company of others is not welcome. As I was saying, I can't lift heavy things, and Gregory volunteer to help me serve your majesty.
At these words, the other servant looked away from the table he had set and smiled at Merlin with a blush on his face.
This irritated Arthur even more. How dare he look at his servant with that smile. Okay, pull yourself together. You can let your temper get the better of you. Gregory hasn't done anything wrong. Merlin hasn't done anything wrong, either. Apart from pronouncing the word "sire" and "majesty" as if it were the greatest insult, but that is nothing new… You stopped disciplining him for that a long time ago. He chastised himself in his mind.
Thank you, Gregory, that will be alone.
When he spotted Merlin trying to escape from the chamber with the other servant, he quickly stopped him.
Merlin, you're staying.
After Gregory had closed the door, the Prince watched as the servant's arms fell helplessly to his sides. Merlin did not turn to face him, but stared at the closed door. Arthur couldn't stand it any longer. He walked up to Merlin, turned him around and said:
Have you nothing to say to me?
He could feel his servant tense up all over. He wasn't sure where it was leading, but Merlin didn't look well. The longer he looked at him, the more signs of illness he saw. His linen tunic was showing through, and underneath it, he could see large bandages around his entire chest, he had bloodshot eyes, bruises on his neck that weren't quite covered by the scarf. He said Lancelot saved him, and it looks like he fought the beast himself. So what has happened to him? The prince was jolted from his reverie by the grimace on Merlin's face, clearly trying not to say anything he would regret.
The servant looked down at Arthur's hands, which held his arms in an iron grip. Sire, would you please stop squeezing me? Gaius' potion had not yet begun to work.
Start talking, Merlin. What happened when you went to work for Gaius? I can see you are not well, but I need to know everything. My father has ordered me to hunt down and kill the beast. Every detail is useful, and after that… Then swallowing, Arthur force himself to show concern… You can go and rest, I'll give you a few days off to heal properly. I don't want you to suffer.
Merlin was surprised at the concern in his voice. Of course, deep down he knew that Arthur cared for those close to him, including the community of Camelot, but it was so rare for Merlin to experience it himself that he was equally surprised each time it happened.
I was angry after our morning talk and didn't pay attention to my surroundings. I saw the beast too late. And so Merlin, sitting down uninvited — as always — to the table, pointing at Arthur to eat, told of Lancelot's heroic feat and description of the strange winged beast. The prince listened with interest, jotting down important details about the monster on the side, but right along fought the jealousy that haunted him every time Merlin spoke admiringly of the new man. His knight in shining armour.
I'm glad you could count on someone to help. I promise we will defeat the beast. What about Lancelot? Are his wounds serious? Despite his dislike for the stranger, Arthur did not want to show Merlin his unpleasant thoughts. So he concentrated on the facts.
Having talked for so long, and with Arthur not being his usual blustering self, Merlin calms down, forgets their fight this morning and simply answers the question his prince has for him. He will be fine, Gaius says 3 days rest will do wonders. So I welcome him to my room, we will recover together.
You won't do that!
Excuse me?
You're not going to share a room with Lancelot, are you crazy? How will it look to the people of Camelot, Merlin? You represent me and the crown, you can't be seen sleeping in the same room with a man you don't know.
He did not say that. Did he really imply THAT? Merlin's mind was racing again, and his anger at Arthur was growing. How dare he! His thoughts urged him to say them out loud, but the servant knew that would not end well for anyone. Taking a deep breath, he decided to give Arthur a chance to back out of the conversation with a simple question:
What do you mean, sire? I'll be helping a friend. I can't see how this will reflect poorly on you and the king.
Tensing, the prince, understood that he was indeed crossing a line, at least a line of some kind of "unspoken friendship" with Merlin. With any other servant, it wouldn't even be a discussion. He would not allow it and that would be that. But his jealousy was showing, and he couldn't stop there, so he said: Merlin, you rode into the citadel with your arms around this stranger. You held him as a man holds his wife. You probably didn't think about it, but people talk, and my father's court is very strict when it comes to relationships between men. It is forbidden. If the rumour gets to him... You know what can happen. I won't be able to help you. Do you understand what I'm saying?
A dark blush rises to his servant's ears, and it would be a wonderful look if it weren't for someone else. But if his look was fluffy, his words were sharp. Are you telling me, Sire, that I can help someone because I can be punished for a theoretical love for another man? He didn't wait for an answer. I'll help him anyway. Standing up, Merlin decided that he had to get out of Arthur's chambers, or he'd turn the fool into a frog.
Merlin, I forbid it!
That was the last straw for the servant. You forbid it, sire? Well, I didn't ask for permission. I'm free to do as I please after hours, and I have no intention of destroying a crown picture, so you can rest easy.
He could leave it at that, Merlin knew. But his mind was in a bad place, so before he slipped out of the chamber, he looked back at his prince and said with determination. I can have anyone I want, in bad shape. I like men and women, but I don't tell everyone. So if you have a problem, sire, perhaps it's time to find another servant.
I'm resigning.
The prince was speechless. How could this day have gone so incredibly wrong? And how dare Merlin shirk his duty? He won't let him, but he knows that letting him go is the best strategic option. Merlin is a sweet little ball of sunshine, but when he is angry, nothing can make him do what I say.
No, for now I will let him sleep it off, in peace, of course. As for Lancelot… His servant can indeed do as he pleases, as long as the nobles at court don't find out. It's enough to break Arthur just thinking about it, but he has no power over his servant. I mean, I would never force him, even if I have the power.
The servant was furious. Once again, Arthur was showing his true prattling colours, and Merlin had had enough. And now he was out of a job.
He stopped there.
It was a stupid move, but how could he live like that? His magic secret, his sexuality secret. Everything about him could lead Uther to murder him, and if it wasn't enough... his son, his son would...
Well, Merlin knows that Arthur wouldn't kill him for sleeping with a man. The prat was more upset that Merlin was not giving him his full attention as a prince, that much was clear.
It was clear especial after, he gave him a few days to recover, and after he learned that those days would be filled with Merlin looking after another person — not the prince. So it was an ego problem, but if Arthur knew about his magic...
Well, that was another story. He would probably banish me and really hate me. He wouldn't accept me, and how could I protect him if I wasn't at his side?
As he walked out of Arthur's chamber and deep into it, he bumped into another servant. Looking up, Merlin saw the shock but kind face of the beautiful Gwen. His best friend in the castle.
Merlin? She asked in surprise, what happened to you? You're bleeding! She pointed to his tunic, and to Merlin's surprise, his bandage was starting to get wet.
Oh, don't worry, Gwen. It's nothing, I'll go to Gaius, he'll fix me. I'm actually in a hurry, so if you'll excuse me...
But she doesn't really excuse him, he takes his hand and opens the guest room next to Arthur, pushing him in and closing the door. The two of them were not aware that all that so Pier, servant who with a bucket of warm water was led by Gregory to Arthur chamber in preparation for bath the prince demand after the practice.
Knock, knock. Sire?
Silence
Knock, knock. Sire? It's Gregorye, we're bringing water for bathing.
Come in!
Just two words were enough for Gregory and Pier to know that the Prince was angry, probably with Merlin. The question was, did he know that Merlin and Gwen were so close that they occupied a room right next to his? Gregory knew better than to say anything, maybe he didn't understand Merlin, but deep down he was a good boy. If he had a crush on Gwen, he wouldn't betray him by telling the Prince, but Pier had no such reservations.
Sire, would you like me to get Merlin from the other room? He asked innocently.
Gregory knew at once that Pier was a stupid, stupid boy. Everyone knew that the Prince secretly has a thing for Gwen, and that Merlin was his favourite person in the castle. Does Pier think that something good will come with the discovery that they are together and alone? He thought as he backed away from the tub to escape.
The Prince nails Piero's to the wall with nothing more than his eyesight. Merlin has a day off, he is ill. What are you talking about?
Forgive me, sire, I didn't know. I saw him with Lady Morgana servant. They are hiding in the room next to your chamber, I thought you knew.
Focusing on the fleeing servant, Arthur ignores Pier.
Gregory? What on earth is he talking about?
He didn't want to give Pier the satisfaction of knowing his name. Even if Merlin had drilled it into his skull along with every other member of the court staff.
Sire, Merlin and Gwen are indeed near. I didn't think it's worth mentioning, I know there are friends. Do you need any of them now? I would be happy to get them for you.
The prince remain calm, but his mind runs wild. So my love and Merlin are close, huh? Well, even if I have a problem with that, I'm not going to complain about it in front of Pier or anyone else who works with Merlin. It's a private matter. And it's none of their business to know that his manservant resign from the position because Arthur as the prince will not accept it. Calming his thoughts and taking a deep breath, he decided not to comment on Piero's insinuation and give him the satisfaction of making imaginary troubles for Merlin in Arthur's eyes.
Thank you, Gregory, that won't be necessary. As I said, looking Pier straight in the eye, Merlin has been given a few days' leave. When the bath is ready, I have another task for you.
Gregory, polish my armour and come back later with a late supper. I would like for you to cover for Merlin, his main duties. As for you, Pier, muck out my stables — and do it well, I'll check in the morning.
You are dismissed.
