Broken Crown - Merlin

The search begins

Guinevere looked at her husband. She had always been able to see when something bothered him, and this was one of those times. Although, most of the time it took a while to figure out exactly what bothered him. That's why she went to Merlin, whenever such an occurrence took place.

Gwen was not the only person to 'wield that ability'. To be honest, Merlin did not even have to look Arthur in the eyes to know he was struggling. That's why they were so close, Guinevere thought.

That, and the fact that they spent so much time together. Gwen loved the king with all her heart, but if she had not been the one to wed Arthur, she would've adviced Arthur's choice of a woman to accept that Merlin was just as big part of the king's life, as she was.

That's why she was almost sure it had to do with his servant, this time. Again.

And she knew it had to do with Merlin's disappearance. Arthur had many times before complained about his servant not being around,

"where's Merlin I want him back"

She remembered this. It didn't sound much like complaining, it sounded more like... annoyance. Not having what was usually there. A habit, but much more than that.

An attachment.

"You look troubled" Gwen decided to break the silence. Arthur only sighed and looked her in the eyes, he was frustrated. Not with Guinevere, she had done nothing to upset him. No, he was frustrated with how peaceful everything seemed, with how perfect it all was, then in an extent of three seconds, everything went wrong, everything got darker.

"I'm sorry" Arthur looked down again, his arm wrapped around the waist of his wife.

"don't be. I worry about him too" Gwen answered, looking at him serenely.

Arthur tapped his fingers on the table, in realization. Was it that obvious? Did the knights notice as well?

The king was aware that he honestly cared for his servant, but he did not intend to show it. Not always, that is.

He felt like he wasn't supposed to be feeling this way. Not that it was an unfamiliar feeling – it really wasn't. Merlin had been gone before, and he had quite often not returned for a long amount of time, but there was a difference.

It was fine when he was gone and safe. But this time – Saxons coming out of nowhere, possibly attacking his home – it was not.

That, and the fact that Gaius showed his worries as well. Arthur knew that Gaius was not one for spreading concern amongst the court, so he often hid it. When it came to Merlin, though, he tended to let Arthur know about it.

Arthur was basically the only person who could do anything about it, as the king. Merlin's disappearance, that is.

"Give him till tomorrow. If he hasn't returned, send a patrol out to look for him" Guinevere was gentle as always. It calmed the king. She was right; the last time Merlin was lost he had been wounded too. At least this time he wasn't. They hoped.

-

The following day Arthur had a training session with the knights. Not that he was very focused on it, though.

The knights waited for their turn to fight the king, proving themselves as well as improving.

To be honest they didn't do much training. It was one of those lazy days – Gwaine had obviously been drinking the night before, and he was teasing Arthur from time to time.

It was a spontaneous decision anyway. Arthur had nothing better to do.

It would have taken him a while to get ready if it wasn't for Guinevere. She was the daughter of a blacksmith after all.