6I know what you must be thinking... FINALLY.
Well, wait no more. I know it's quite short, but the next chapter will be longer.
Enjoy!
The next few days weren't anymore special than the first. Merlin had various random tasks to perform for Gaius which required him to run all over Camelot and back. He did not run into Arthur again, but found himself missing the encounters with said arrogant prince. Gwen was his constant companion, something he was grateful for. But he hoped she knew where they stood, as friends.
The next day Prince Arthur happened to be in a particularly bad mood, having Merlin accidently bump into him being the last straw. He thought back to it as he left the small hut in which he shared with Gaius.
Flashback:
They had a small spat near the corner on the side of the castle, only a few spectators to witness it. They argued, Merlin calling him a "Prat." In which Arthur named him "Useless," which snapped something in Merlin, baiting him into a fight with maces.
It didn't go too well, the fight. Merlin stood his own, basically meaning he wasn't being killed; A large feat for the clumsy young man. He wasn't being killed, but Arthur was perfectly fine. A little irritated at the fact that Merlin was leaping away from him like some kind of a rabbit. But fine. His mace caught on something, answering Merlin's silent prayers. He tried to leap away but Arthur by this time was again on his heels, a fire in his eyes that didn't look as furious as expected.
Merlin, knowing it was dangerous to do so but having no other choice; used his magic to knock over some boxes to his right and momentarily stopping the royal. Merlin ran, but knew he wouldn't get far. Finding a weapon that had been dropped by someone he stood his ground, berating himself on such stupidity. This man was twice his size.
But Arthur stopped in his paced, staring strangely at the boy with dark hair. "You're an idiot…" He spoke, dumbfounding Merlin. Knights surrounded Merlin within seconds but before they could close in, Arthur held up his hand for them to stop. "But you're a brave idiot." He walked away, leaving Merlin standing in someone's stall with what looked like a spiked mace in his hand.
A few villagers backed away slowly.
End Flashback:
He hadn't seen the Prince since then.
A few days passed in a strange peace, but today happened to be slightly different. Today Merlin was to deliver something of importance to someone in the castle. A lady Helen was what Gaius told him. So he walked slowly to the vast Castle of Camelot, still tired from the restless night, a night of one deep and ominous voice calling his name over and over. Merlin, Merlin… All night, until finally he awoke.
He arrived at the castle, thinking briefly about the new guest Camelot now held. Apparently, she was a very famous singer here to celebrate the anniversary of 20 years without magic in this kingdom; something Merlin didn't think was cause to celebrate. All the same he wished he could hear her sing, but for that he'd have to be in the castle. He'd have to be invited.
He told the guards where he was heading to, nodding when he had a destination. He strolled up the many stairs and entered what he knew what Lady Helen's courters were. The room was spacious and beautiful, and empty. He had hoped to at least say hello to the famous singer but luck never was really on his side.
Gaius had given him an elixir for her voice, to sooth it. He placed it on a dresser and was about to leave when he spotted a small poppet with dark brown hair. He reached to grab it, but just then a woman who resembled the doll entered the room with a small grimace on her face.
"And who are you?" She spoke softly, but much too nicely. The woman was obviously the Lady Helen and was very annoyed.
"I-I'm… leaving. I only came to give you this." Merlin gestured to the vial, telling her what it was for and who to thank for the concoction.
She smiled, still irritated but dismissing him with a, "Well thank you. I shall take it with gratitude." With a slight nod, Merlin was dismissed and took no time at all to exit the room.
The door behind him was shut firmly, just barely being slammed in his face. He thought back on the poppet, knowing there was something he was forgetting. He knew it wasn't just a doll. But what was it used for…?
He heard a grunt, having run into something and was now flat on his bottom. He stared up, surprised and highly embarrassed. The Prince of Camelot was smirking down at him, not condescendingly, but smirking none the less.
Merlin blushed furiously, the red tinge contradicting nicely with his pale skin. "I didn't see you." Was all the young sorcerer said. Arthur bent down to his knee's, holding out his hand.
Merlin just stared at it, confused.
"… Well?" The blond man spoke impatiently, still holding out his hand. Merlin finally understood, but was hesitant. "I'm not going try and kill you, just take my hand already.
Merlin held on to the hand, blushing harder at the warmness he felt.
"Thank you…"
And review, please! ^-^