Goodbye Arthur

Chapter 5

The next morning found Merlin still asleep, Gwen and Gaius keeping vigil over him, Morgana sitting at her mirror not slept any, and Arthur in a crabby mood with a hangover.

"About time," said Arthur turning over as someone entered the room. "You are a complete idiot. I have the most useless servant in the entire castle. Do you not realize what time it .... Oh Morgana. Um... how can I help you."

"Get dressed. Then we will talk." Morgan crossed and opened the blinds to the window. "You don't need a servant to help you do that. You managed before Merlin and you can manage now." Arthur started open mouthed at her in shock. "Do I look like I'm kidding." Arthur scrambled and got himself dressed quickly when he saw her venomous look.

"Um, so what can I help you with?" Morgana crossed the distance and smacked him. Arthur stumbled backwards in shock holding the place where she slapped him.

"I wish I could do so much more than that." She crossed to the window and looked out it. "You know better than to get drunk. Uther has reprimanded you time and time again. As such I have decided to give your manservant a break rather than Uther find out what you have done, which is more mercy that I believe you deserve."

"You didn't."

"What give Merlin a break? Of course. He is to be on a long deserved break. And as for telling your father about you getting drunk. Do I look like I'm kidding? I still haven't ruled it out. A night or two in the dungeon would serve you good, at least some justice would be served however small."

"Morgana, what have you done with Merlin?" Arthur walked towards her.

"Me... I have done nothing, but given him a long deserved break." She turned to face him. "It's more like, what have you done to him?" Arthur looked confused before backing up slowly and running out of the room. "He is a bloody idiot." She muttered before walking after him.

"Arthur," said Uther from behind him. "There you are, I expected to see you last night. Or this morning at the latest."

"Father, I... I was..."

"Yes?"

"It's my fault, Uther," said Morgana walking down the corridor towards them. Cloak on and basket in hand. "Arthur said that he would accompany me today for a ride."

"Morgana," said Uther kissing her on both cheeks. Arthur just looked at her confused.

"I did?" Uther looked confused and Morgana shot him a look. "I mean, I did."

"It's just that the pair of us don't get to spend time together that much anymore. Not since we were younger anyway." Morgana smiled one of her radiant smiles that nobody can resist at Uther.

"Of course," said Uther before turning Arthur. "I expect to see you in my rooms before the sun sets."

"Yes father." Uther walked off leaving Morgana and Arthur in the corridor alone.

"What are you playing at?" Morgana just gave a knowing look before walking on. "Oh come on, can't you just tell me?" She kept going and Arthur just sighed and followed her.

Outside the pair mounted their horses and Morgana took off with Arthur following her.

"I hear horses," said Gwen sitting up from where she sat propped against the foot of Merlin's bed dozing.

"As do I," said Gaius standing and walking to the main room. "Ah Morgana, Arthur. What can I do for you?"

"Is Merlin here," asked Arthur and Merlin started to move in the next room. Gwen sat on the bed next to him and held his hand. Arthur groaned as Morgana elbowed him.