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Uther wasn't having what one would call a good day. In fact he wasn't having quite a number of not good days. But today especially was not one he was particularly fond of.
King Olaf and his kingdom had shown up the previous night and would be here for the next three days to sign treaties. Which was all well and good except Olaf was far more powerful then Uther.
Which meant Uther was walking on eggshells around the man. Which was his least favorite thing to do. He wouldn't grovel, but he needed everything to go well for himself, as well as the kingdom and her people.
So it was a very stressful time for the King of Camelot.
This morning Morgana had spoken out, which was not unusual. But Arthur had as well. Which made Uther want to smack his son, but refrained from doing so.
But when Arthur’s manservant had slipped and poured wine right onto his lap.
Well Uther saw the perfect opportunity to get back at his son. And take all his anger out in a proper way that was not going to be questioned.
“Sire! Im so sorry!” Merlin cried out trying to clean it up. Trying to make up for his own mistakes. Normally Uther would simply send the boy to the stocks. Or the dungeons. But today he was feeling far less forgiving.
So with full eye contact with his son till that very last second he spoke.
“You're fired.” His eyes flicked to Merlin with such a heated gaze that Merlin actually stumbled backwards. “Get out.” He snarled.
Now to be far he may have gone a bit far, but a beheading would have been way out there. Or even banishment.
The entire room went quiet. Those from Camelot stopped eating or drinking. A lot of them very confused.
This reaction was not surprising as everyone had known about Merlin’s misdeeds in the past. Yet Merlin's worst punishment was two days in the stocks. The boy never even got flogged.
Those from Olaf’s kingdom didn't even bat an eye. A servant getting fired? Wasn't that big of a deal.
Normally the nobles of the court would agree. But this was Merlin!
Merlin gapped like a fish but collected himself after a few seconds and nodded. He set the pitcher down, bowed and left through the servants hall.
“I would have had him hung by his toes.” Olaf said absentmindedly.
The anger that had left Uther with the dismissal of Merlin was back with that one comment.
“Well I didn't see the reason to torture him. He helps our Physician after all.” Uther said still trying to play the nice and good royal.
“Aw. So then what was he doing here?” Olaf asked curiously.
“He was appointed Prince Arthur’s Manservant.” Uther replied coolly. Trying to hide the absolute distaste for this man. As well as not looking at his son.
The last thing he needed was Arthur glaring at him and Uther blowing up for real.
“I see. Well I'm sure the prince deserves someone better.” Olaf replied, waving his hand.
The talks moved on and for the next few days Uther was practically tortured to deal with this man. He wanted the treaties over with and never have to deal with him again.
Once the kingdom left. Uther sagged his shoulders and rubbed his forehead. He didn't look over to where Gaius stood next to him.
“If I never see that man again it will be too soon.” Uther grumbled.
“The treaties went well.” Gaius nodded in agreement.
“Yes. But at the cost of my own sanity.” Uther replied.
“And Arthur’s Manservant.” Gaius said.
Uther looked to his old friend confused but saw the older man's eyes locked on where Arthur was standing speaking to the knights.
He looked….different. His shoulders were stiffer. His arms crossed. His being was closed off. He didn't smile with the other knights. He didn't seem to be saying much of anything. But there was something else off about him.
Something Uther was wondering if he was going a bit mad for nothing. “Is….is Arthur's shadow smaller?”
Gaius hummed. “It would appear as much.” But then without being dismissed the physician left the King to watch his son.
Finally once the knights had left Arthur, the King stepped forwards.
“Arthur.” Uther called, catching his son's attention. When Arthur turned he seemed to be cold. His entire being lacked the heat that he normally held. His ounce of fine gold hair is a dull blonde. His once tanned skin was paled. But when the sun hit his son just right those things that were missed were right back where they were meant to be.
“Yes Father?” Arthur asked. His voice seems to have lost all sincerity.
Arthur was dulled.
“Are you feeling ok?” Uther asked, concerned.
“Fine. If you will excuse me.” Arthur nodded to the training field.
Uther gave a clipped nod and watched his son leave.
The next day Uther invited Arthur for an afternoon meal. One they had, had many times before.
Arthur agreed and arrived on time. Which was odd, Arthur never arrived on time.
His servant stood off to the side. And at first Uther thought it was Merlin but it wasn't, just someone who looked mildly like the previous servant.
Uther watched his son take a few bites before he started to simply push it around his plate.
“Are you sure you're feeling well? You hardly touched your meal.” Uther started. Last thing he needed was his only heir ill and dying.
“I am fine Father.” Arthur replied. Then the servant leaned over Arthur’s ear and whispered something. Arthur nodded. “Sorry Father, I have training.”
He stood and left.
Morgana entered just as he left, sitting in her normal spot.
“Arthur has been so down lately.” She voiced, concerned as her own Servant, Gwen poured her drink.
“There is definitely something wrong. He refuses to tell me.” Uther replied.
“I'm sure it's nothing.” Morgana replied. “But I will talk to him. See if I can get anything out of him.”
“Thank you.” The king muttered.
He went out to the training field and spotted Arthur sitting out. Leon walked up and asked him if he was alright.
“I'm fine. Just a headache. I will be fine tomorrow.” Arthur replied.
“Why not go see Gaius. Rest.” Leon said gently, nudging the prince towards the castle.
“Mmm yes.” Arthur agreed.
That reminded Uther he needed something for his shoulder.
So he went to Gaius’. But he beat Arthur without having to remove his armor after all.
When he arrived he spotted the boy Merlin sitting on the steps to Gaius books. He looked up suddenly from the book he was looking over.
He scrambled and stood bowing instantly. So unlike the boy. “Your highness. What can I assist you with today?”
“Is Gaius here?” He asked.
Merlin shook his head. “No, he went to check on something. But he should be back in a few moments.”
Uther sighed. And sat down. “Do you know where my shoulder ointment is?”
Merlin hesitated thinking before nodding. “Yes. I made some this morning. Would you like me to get it for you?”
“Yes.” The king nodded.
And Merlin shuffled around just as the door opened and Arthur stepped in. He spotted his father sitting there and hesitated. Looking like he was about to run, but then Merlin stepped out.
“My prince.” Merlin greeted with a less exaggerated bow.
Arthur clenched his jaw but nodded and entered as Merlin handed off the potion.
“IS there anything your Highness?” Merlin asked with a tilt of his head. Curiously looking to please.
“No. But I think I shall stay to talk to Gaius.” He said taking the potion.
“Of course. He should be back very soon. It wasn't a long errand.” Merlin replied and motioned for Arthur to sit. “What seems to be the matter, sire?”
Uther didn't miss the wince Arthur had at the title.
“Headache.” Arthur replied.
“I see. Injury? Stress?”
“Just tired.” Arthur muttered.
Merlin nodded and went about the chambers pulling this and that. “If you have a few moments I can put something together for you. As well as a sleeping draft.”
“I have time.” Arthur agreed as Gaius entered the chambers.
“What do I owe for this visit?” Gaius asked, setting his bag down.
“Shoulder.” Uther replied.
“Headache.” Arthur muttered.
“Merlin?” Gaius called and Merlin poked his head out from the cabinet.
“I have given The King his potion. And am currently putting together a sleeping draft and medicine for the headache.” Merlin said matter-of-factly.
“Well done.” Gaius acknowledged. Then turned to Uther. “Is there something else you wish?”
“What news is he in the lower town?” Uther asked.
“No new sickness. We have had a few injuries but nothing too terrible. Why?” Gaius asked.
“Just checking in on the well being of my people.” Uther replied.
Merlin stepped out and handed Arthur the draft and potion. “Take the draft with something to eat. And no wine. Only water. Make sure Gorge knows you will be taking it.”
“Of course. Thank you.” Arthur replied. And Merlin handed him a bit of bread. Gratefully Arthur took a bit of it before downing the potion and grimacing. He pocketed the draft and kept munching on the bread as he left.
Merlin went about cleaning up the chambers, putting everything away that he had used.
“Why did you tell him those things?” Uther asked. He never received instructions like that.
Merlin’s brow furrowed then he remembered what he had said and hummed as he worked. “The more powerful the potion the more it upsets Arthur’s stomach. We have found if he eats something it helps. And the draft is powerful so if George finds the Prince asleep he will know that he will not wake till morning.”
“Shouldn't such powerful potions and drafts be saved for something more important?” Uther asked. With a scowl.
“The prince hasn't been sleeping well these last few days. So I'm just trying to give him as much sleep as possible.” Merlin replied.
“Merlin knows quite a bit when it comes to what Arthur needs. It comes in quite handy.” Gaius said.
“Well I hope he picked something up as Arthur’s manservant.” Uther snorted as he stood. Missing the absolute heartbroken look to Merlin’s face as to the reminder of losing his position.
Gaius just nodded as the King left.
Uther wasn't too terribly fond of keeping an eye on his son's well being when it came to anything that wasn't physical. As long as Arthur could do his training and still go to meetings Uther didn't need him to be anything else.
But he was starting to notice how closed off Arthur had really become. Due to an injury on the training field.
The king had been watching when a throwing knife missed its target and landed in Arthur's thigh. Uther had yelled for Gaius before making his way down to the field. The knights surrounding the area moved to protect the royals now in harm's way and vulnerable just in case.
It was Merlin who showed up a few moments later. His side bag bounced as he ran up huffing.
"Gaius is busy with sickness in the outer walls." Merlin said as he kept down and eyed the injury.
"I'm fine, Merlin." Arthur hissed bitterly as he rested back on his hands.
It wasn't a tone the king had heard his son speak in a long time.
"You have a knife in your leg." Merlin snapped back, glaring at the prince. Uther was ready to step in and scold the young boy but Arthur just dropped and covered his face with his arm.
"Fine. Just make it stop." Merlin snorted.
"That's why I am here." He muttered.
Merlin looked at the injury and hummed. "Luckily you are fat. It didn't hit anything important."
"I am not fat!" Arthur yelled, sitting up suddenly.
"Well in this case it's a good thing." Merlin rolled his eyes. Arthur growled but laid back down.
"And you're an idiot." Arthur replied bitterly.
Merlin was about to make his own reply when his eyes suddenly stopped the king and he stopped. Mouth clicking shut but going back to his work quietly.
Odd. Uther had watched the two become almost friends and suddenly without the King even saying anything Merlin stopped and quieted.
Arthur who had clearly been expecting something I replied sat up mouth open but also seemed to remember the scene and stopped.
Suddenly the cold Arthur was back and he was quiet. And calm. Closed off. And Merlin was just the same.
"Bite, your highness." Merlin muttered, placing a stick between Arthur's teeth. "On the count of 3 alright?" Merlin said, touching the knife.
Arthur nodded and closed his eyes in preparation. "On-" and Merlin pulled it out.
Not even finishing one. Arthur gave a muffled scream in pain.
But Merlin with diligent fingers moved to bandage the injury.
"Sir Leon." Merlin called as he stood. "If you would be so kind as to help me bring the Prince back to the chambers?"
Leon nodded and stepped forwards to help the prince up and back into the castle.
Uther watched as Merlin took up the other side. But the king found it odd that despite Leon clearly being the one who could carry Arthur and being on the side that prevented weight from being placed on his injury, Arthur was leaning towards Merlin.
The next day Arthur joined him for the morning meal with only a small limp. Much less than one would think such an injury would cause.
"How are you feeling?" Uther asked as Arthur sat down in his seat, not even wincing. Maybe the injury looked worse than it was.
"I'm fine. Merlin and Gaius said it wasn't as bad as it looked." Arthur replied easily.
But he didn't have the glow he had when he had been speaking to Merlin on the field. And others hadn't realized how long it had been missing till it was back.
He waved over a servant. "Bring Merlin here when Arthur leaves." The servant nodded and stepped back.
When Arthur left it was only a moment after that Merlin was standing awkwardly in front of Uther.
"You stay in the castle." Uther stated.
"I am Gaius' apprentice, sire." Merlin stayed clearly.
Uther eyed him. "Arthur has grown cold since I fired you."
Merlin flinched and looked away. "I don't see what that has to do with me."
Uther hummed. "Apparently I was wrong in firing you. Arthur has changed for the worse since then."
Merlin didn't reply.
"I fired you because I was stressed. Arthur had spoken out. And I wanted to get back at him. It's been 3 months since then." Uther explained.
Merlin's raised an eyebrow. Clearly not sure where this was going.
"I was wrong in firing you. I am rehiring you as Arthur's manservant."
Merlin's eyes went large. "Really?" He breathed.
Uther nodded. And before he could reply with words. Merlin was gone.
He ran out the hall leaving the King alone and stunned. But then he heard a shout for Arthur's name. He went to one of the windows and watched as Merlin slammed into the prince.
The two landed in a pile on the ground. The knights laughing next to them clearly confused but obviously happy by the sight.
Arthur looked angry but Merlin started rambling and the anger left Arthur’s face and a grin broke out. Then his own arms wrapped around Merlin as he laughed holding the servant close to him.
Where he should have been all this time, Uther now realized. Merlin and Arthur were never meant to be separated. And he would never be the reason such a thing would occur again.
Because even though Merlin wasn't a good servant he was good for Arthur whether anyone liked it or not.
The next day when Arthur arrived at the council meeting late, Merlin was right next to him grinning like an absolute idiot as they walked through the doors. But the grin left and he grew serious as he stood behind Arthur ready to tend to him at a moment's notice.