A Hunting Trip

Sorry

"It's alright, it's okay..." he mutters little nothings at the scared-looking figure in the bush.
"Y-you... l-left me..." Tears stream down his face, and Arthur slowly moves forward. Merlin stays put, shaking.
"I'm sorry, I was... shocked, and angry, confused... please come back to Camelot with me?"
"Y-you'll kill m-me..."
"No, Merlin, I wouldn't ever execute you." The King's voice hitched at that one word, execute. Merlin wasn't just his servant, he was his best friend. Yes, Arthur was brought up to hate people like Merlin, but he knew now that the judgement was wrong.
"B-But you h-hate me, hate m-magic." Only now did Arthur realise Merlin's pupils were blown wide, the tears had stopped falling, but he was still shaking... in fear. Merlin was... scared of Arthur. Not in a thousand years had the King imagined his own servant fearing him.
"Uther was wrong, I know now that he was wrong, okay? I'm sorry for everything... but, please? Come back to the castle with me." Merlin's lips curved upwards into a small grin.
"You r-really think that?"
"Yes, you idiot, now hop on!" Merlin made his way out of the bush and Arthur picked up his sword from the ground next to his dead half-sister. He then got on his horse. Since there was only one, Merlin climbed on the back and they rode, in silence, back to Camelot.

The ride back was quiet, too quiet. Merlin would be blabbering on if this were a normal day, and now Arthur wished he could hear his friend's voice again. Even if it were the 'dollophead' or 'clotpole', which would usually tick him off. Neither had the courage to break the silence, so it was, until they reached home.
"Arthur!" The Queen came running to her husband and he hopped off and let her hug him.
"Guinevere..."
"Oh, sorry. No-one had any idea where you went..." She trailed off as she saw Merlin slowly clamber down from the horse. Arthur followed her gaze to his servant walking up the stairs of the castle.
"What is it?"
"I heard..."
"What?"
"Nothing, probably just some people wanting attention. Probably Gwaine!"
"What is it? Tell me."
"Um... everyone's been talking about Merlin killing Morgana, is it... y'know, true?"
"Y-yes, but he says he can't remember it."
"That's... strange."
"I know... maybe the shock..?"
"Well ask Gaius to check on him, make sure he's alright."
"Okay, but not now. Has there been any news on that illness?" The couple walked back to the castle, talking about their royal duties.

MERLIN'S POV:
I enter Gaius' chambers and he turns his head. He walks over and hugs me tight.
"Merlin! Thank God you're alright!" He was hugging a bit too tight.
"Gaius... can't breathe."
"Oh, sorry." He let go and beckoned for me to sit. "Would you care to tell me what happened?" I told Arthur I didn't recall anything, so I had to keep that up.
"What?"
"The note, escaping, killing a High Priestess!"
"I don't... know."
"Merlin, tell me the truth!" He's almost threatening, but I can keep a secret... I have for the past what, nine years?
"I am! I can't remember anything after that attack!" I raise my voice, just as he had, matching his tone. Just for the effect, I make a single tear roll down my face. Gaius stops then, and he starts asking me questions.
"Where was the bandit attack?"
"Somewhere near the Valley of the Fallen Kings."
"Who was with you?"
"Only Arthur."
"How did you get injured?"
"Bandit hit me on the side. Why are you asking these questions, anyway?"
"I think you might have amnesia from the injury."
"Amnesia?"
"Yes. Now, let's continue. So, what happened after you got hit?"
"I... used my magic and I fell to the ground."
"How did Arthur react?"
"I'm sure bloody well you'll know that answer!" My cover slipped, and Gaius was shocked.
"Merlin!"
"What? He rode off and I was dying there, alone! Only because I was born with something I couldn't control! He didn't understand, I bet he still doesn't, yet he says he forgives me! He hates me! Hates who I am! If he wasn't such a coward, he'd have killed me by now!" The anger towards that selfish prick was rising, and I could hardly control my emotions. Gaius stared at me, utterly confused. I storm straight up to my room, yet I don't recall standing up. I fall onto the bed, this was going to be harder than I thought!

ARTHUR'S POV:
Someone is nudging me awake, and I open my eyes.
"Finally, you're up!"
"What're you doing, Merlin!?" Why is that idiot here, he should be resting!
"I'm fine, Arthur, I don't need rest." I must've said that out loud.
"I'm serious, take the day off or something." I can't even believe I'm saying this, but it's true. He was obviously in shock and I think Morgana did something to him, because of the note. I suspect Gaius talked to him, checked him over, so I'll ask later.
"I think you're the one who needs rest, you giving me a day off? That's insane!" His louder voice stirs Guinevere awake.
"Merlin, I'll take it back!" I hiss at him, and he goes to leave.
"Fine, Sire," he whisper-yells at me as he exits. His sarcastic tone is back, and I can't help but give out a small chuckle. It's good to have that dollophead back.

A/N: So, how'd you like this chapter? Sorry for not updating, school's getting busy but I have another story of one-shots, and if I reach 100 reads, I'll post a few of the stories on it! Hope you have a great weekend!
xo