Merthur - The King and His Guardian Angel

Chapter 13 - A Friend's Trust

Arthur wakes with a soft smile on his face as he gazes with adoration at the servant beside him. Merlin sleeps with his head resting atop his arms as they lay crossed on the bed. One hand still holds onto Arthur's as he snores quietly, a peaceful expression on his face.

Arthur reaches out a free hand, running his fingers through the boy's hair gently as not to wake him. Merlin stirs only moments later, shifting in his seat as he blinks. He looks up and gives the king a lazy grin.

"Rise and shine," he mumbles sleepily.

"You're late again, as usual," Arthur says with a grin.

Merlin yawns, snuggling his head down further into his arms as he allows the king's gentle caresses to soothe him. "Thought you said it was my day off?" Merlin says cheekily.

"That was yesterday. Today, you need to work."

Merlin puts on a pout, but does nothing to move. The king doesn't complain though, he's rather content with their current position and thus does nothing to move either. They remain that way for awhile, simply lazing about in the morning sun as the world continues to move around them.

Arthur doesn't realize how much time has passed until he hears a knock sound at the door. Immediately, they spring apart. The king pulls his hand away from the soft curls of Merlin's hair and they quickly release their hold on the other as they shuffle far from one another. Arthur tries to look as though he's just awoken while the servant sits up straight and rigid in the chair, his body tense as he looks to the door.

"Enter," Arthur grumbles out, not bothering to hide the agitation in his voice.

Gaius enters the room with Agravaine close behind. Merlin seems to relax slightly at the sight of the old physician, sending the elder a smile. He gets up from his chair, moving aside for Gaius to do his work.

"How are you feeling today, sire?" Gaius asks, standing beside the king's bed.

"Better than yesterday," Arthur replies, scooting up to lean against the headboard.

"That's always good to hear," Gaius smiles, turning away to pull out some supplies.

Agravaine steps over, shooting Merlin a look before turning his attention back on his nephew. He gives a smile. "I'm glad to hear you are recovering, my lord," he says, "Will you be well enough to attend the council meeting today?"

"I believe so. I do apologize for inconveniencing you the previous day. I understand you had to head the meeting in my absence," Arthur answers, giving a tentative smile, not able to look the man in the eyes after what had happened the previous day. A shudder runs down his spine at the memory of Agravaine lighting the pyre, the flames curling up the stake. He knows he can't blame his uncle for what he saw during his hallucination. It never really happened after all, but nonetheless he can't face the man without feeling the urge to punch him.

"It was not an issue. I'm happy to be of service."

Arthur nods, returning his attention back towards the physician as the man begins the examination.

----

Arthur sighs, regretting his decision to attend the meeting today the moment he sat down. Hours had ticked by as the nobles and knights gave their reports on matters in the kingdom. Generally, everything was fine. There were no food shortages or droughts to be found anywhere. The people are content and no bandits seemed to be terrorizing the populace. Even Morgana seemed to be quiet.

His head still thrummed during the meeting, but thankfully the pain had subsided greatly compared to the previous day. The headache though was nothing compared to the boredom of council meetings. He would have fallen asleep on the table on numerous occasions had Merlin not been behind him kicking at his foot whenever he seemed to be drifting off. He needs to remember to give the boy some extra chores once they return to his chambers. Perhaps mucking out the stables?