The Servant's Duty

The sun peeking out of the window awoke the young prince as he rolled to the other side with a groan. They had a great feast the night before, so great he couldn't even remember what they were celebrating, only that there was wine, and lots of it. Therefore today he had to pay the price. Everything seemed to irritate Arthur that morning, the awful headache, the sun blinding him and reminding him that a new day has begun, knowing what is planned for today: training with the other knights, responsibilities as a prince and future king, he also planned a hunting trip. And now his servant, barging loudly into his chambers, forcing him to get up. He does so without a word, his weak state not letting him protest.

"How was the feast, Sire?" Merlin asked fighting back a smile as he watched the man attempt to walk forward and end up going a few steps back

"ShutupMerlin" he grumbled under his nose, sitting back on the bed, trying to make his head stop spinning.

"I'll go and get you some breakfast then" Merlin said after a muffled laugh that any day would earn a boot to his head and headed out to the kitchen to grab something, maybe smuggle something for himself and Gaius while he was at it. The mean old cook was keeping a close eye on him that day though, perhaps because she finally noticed some of her supplies disappearing in the past weeks or maybe because Merlin was still smiling and shaking his head from Arthur's state. His job may not have many benefits but times like those kept him amused for the rest of the day.

The attempt to smuggle a piece of bread and a few slices of meat didn't go as planned and he earned a good swing on the back of his head. Merlin walked cautiously all the way back to Arthur's chambers, still seeing stars in his eyes and rubbing the back of his head, wincing once in a while.

He walked inside and was surprised to see Arthur standing there in the middle of the room like he was actually waiting for him to get back. The look on his face gave Merlin shivers and not in a good way. Arthur looked furious. Beyond furious. For a second Merlin thought that finally someone revealed his secret to him and now he was sure to be hanged or burned. But the look wasn't exactly like that, Arthur was staring at him like a wolf stares at his pray, hungry and ready to rip it to pieces.

The young warlock set the tray of food by his bed like always and watched Arthur carefully. He didn't move a muscle just stood there and watched Merlin with the same look on his face.

"Is everything alright, Sire?" he asked unsurely, walking towards him

"No, in fact it isn't." he said in a tone that was hard to place, still locked eyes with his servant. "All morning I've been feeling absolutely awful because of the sun, the feast, the wine and you, I can't go out and face this kingdom in this state or mood" he explained looking more frightening by the second.

"Do you want me to get Gaius then?" Merlin asked ready to head out of his chambers again

"No. You stay" Arthur stated simply. Merlin stared at the young prince who was yet to dress (not that he ever does without his help) and the sun shining and complimenting his torso, his very well built and muscular torso. The wizard swallowed loudly feeling more uncomfortable by the minute

"Do you want me to help you dress?" he asked trying to get him to move and just do something.

"No" he continued staring

"Is there anything I can do then, my lord?" Merlin asked feeling confused now

"Actually you can" Arthur said smiling just a bit and his eyes gleaming "After all, you are the main reason why I'm feeling like this so you must make it right" he explained, his smile growing wider though it was far from friendly

"What can I do then?" he asked cautiously

"The muscles in my legs are aching and I'm going hunting today, I need to be fit. Massage them" he stated simply. Merlin slumped his shoulders and rolled his eyes, for a minute there he thought there might be something wrong with him, but it's just the usual, weird and practically useless tasks for him to do. He sighed and went closer to him, sighed again just for show and dropped to his knees, and began to squeeze his calf with both hands.