The Royal Scandal *Book Two*

It is Destiny, my Love; Destiny and Chicken S2 E10

Ok, so for this episode, a lot of it is going to be from third person POV due to the fact that if it were written in Chelsea's, as it usually is (considering you all know what is coming) her only thought process would be that of Louis and I worry that it would all become quite tiresome to read it if it were like that. Also, this way Arthur and Merlin will be seen more and the changes I have made to this episode will be better achieved.

Third Person POV

Ever since Merlin had screwed up with Chelsea (in the eyes of Arthur), acting out of his brotherly instincts, Arthur had decided to make Merlin's life a living hell until he got word from his sister that that was enough. But until then, Arthur was providing Merlin with enough work for half of the servants, working him and working him to his core. Something that was definitely being noticed by the man himself. Although—not that he would ever admit it to Arthur—his ego was big enough as it was, Merlin did agree that he deserved this. Though it did mean he couldn't spend as much time trying to make it up to Chelsea. But he would, eventually, no matter how long it took. He would wait until she was ready to talk to him. He would wait an eternity. She needed her space and that was what he would give her, no matter the ridiculousness of it.

With his chores starting at the crack of dawn, Merlin rushed around the castle making sure everything was just right for the many guests that had shown up. And speaking of guests, the Prince Louis was already driving Merlin absolutely insane. He was perfect in every way, something that even Merlin could not deny. He had noticed yesterday as the prince eyed up all of the ladies of the court and it took everything Merlin had to not tip the jug of wine over the prince when he looked over at Chelsea, who at the time was laughing at something Morgana had said.

A plate of the freshest fruits in hand, Merlin finished up in Arthur's room before he moved on to his next chore and approached the new prince's room. With his three hand, Merlin knocked on the door and waited for a reply.

"Enter," Louis's voice called through the door.

Plastering on a fake smile, Merlin pushed open the door and entered the room.

"Good morning, Sire," Merlin said, placing the plate on the table, noticing that the prince was already fully dressed and staring out of the window.

"You are very right..." Louis trailed off.

"Merlin," Merlin informed him.

"It is the sunniest, most fragrant, most beautiful morning I have ever seen in my life, Marvin," Louis said, turning away from the window.

"I am glad you find Camelot to your liking," Merlin replied, ignoring the fact he had got his name wrong.

"To my liking? It is my favourite place in this land," Louis corrected. "Tell me something...."

"Merlin," Merlin repeated.

"Martin, right. Do you like your job here?" Louis asked.

"It's Merlin, Sire and yes, I do," Merlin answered.

"We all have a job on this land, don't we, Martino? And my job today I will take the upmost pleasure in. My job today is to woo," Louis said.

"To what?" Merlin asked, unsure if he had heard his right.

"To woo," Louis repeated. "I wish to make a proclamation of love."

"Really? Already? I know she looked very pretty last night at the feast. But don't you think it's a little bit too early for that?" Merlin inquired, unsure that the lady in question would appreciate such a proclamation, especially since she already loved someone else.

"There is no such thing as a bit too early in the field of love, Marcus. By the end of the day, I will have won my lady," Louis informed him, flattening out his hair in the mirror.