I'm back! After a month or two, so sorry about the long wait! Due to work, school, and my chaotic social life I had no time to sit down and think and write it out. But now I am home for the summer! So more time for me and hopefully my creativity. A HUGE thanks to TruffleHead for Beta-ing this story! It flows so much better thanks to her, at least it does for me! =D For anyone who reviewed thank you so much! I appreciate every one and hope no one is disappointed with the update. I own nothing. :(

Guest: nope it's not finished. I'm sorry if Arthur may not be perfectly in character, but I am trying. Hopefully his character in this chapter is a bit closer to the one in the show. I may make some changes to other chapters later on.

Arthur sat back in his chair, placed his legs on the table, and let out a sigh. He had finally finished sitting through a meeting about the failing of some crops and the signing of all those political documents. He had begun to forget what the documents were about. He had so many to sign. Now it was time to focus on what was really important: Merlin. He really wanted to visit the boy, but he knew he must first to talk to Gauis. He walked to where Gauis was usually found around this time of the day: a small house on the outskirts of the village. He walked around the busy streets, trying his best to avoid running into someone, before he came upon the front door and paused before knocking. Hearing nothing in response, Arthur opened the door and walked in to see Gauis gathering his supplies while speaking to a small woman. She was standing next to a young boy in a bed made of what looked like rags. He closed the door behind him, and the sound caused the woman and Gauis to turn around. The woman quickly bent both knees on the dusty floor and muttered something Arthur could not understand. Arthur simply bent on one knee and smiled. He took her hand and lifted himself up along with her. He looked at Gauis.

"If I may have a word?"

"Of course, sire."

Gauis exited the house after Arthur and they began to walk side by side back to his place. While walking amidst the loud and chaotic village, Arthur looked at Gauis and began to speak to him.

"How is Merlin?"

Gauis' expression immediately turned serious and, as they were walking, he looked everywhere but Arthur.

"He is healing and asleep. When I was treating him, he woke up but refused to tell me anything. If I may, I believe he will only tell you, sire. Of course, only after a little persuading, or if you can somehow make him feel bad for not telling us."

Arthur let out a big sigh and looked forward.

"Gauis, do you know anything about Draven?"

"Actually, sire, I do. I was curious myself and went to Geoffrey to see if I could discover a clue, of sorts."

"Who is Geoffrey? More importantly, did you? Discover something, that is."

Gauis immediately stopped, making Arthur halt, and performed the 'Gauis eyebrow raise' in disbelief.

"Geoffrey of Monmouth. He is the keeper of Camelot's library, sire. As King, you should know this for the future when you must research. As for your second question, I did, but it is sadly not of much help. His father is Sir Fredrick of Othanden; he lead Othanden's knights to victory in the Battle against Wales. He is now captain of the royal guard there. That is all able I was to find out."

Arthur rubbed his chin in contemplation and looked to Gauis.

"It is better than nothing, so I thank you, Gauis. I am guessing that you also found Draven to be of a suspicious nature, do you not?"

"Unfortunately I did, sire. I worry for Merlin. Something does not sit right."

"I was hoping I was wrong, but it seems not. A person does not get that sort of appearance just by not getting enough sleep."

"I almost wonder if..." Gaius trailed off.

"What is it, Gauis? You know you never need to hold back with me, correct?"

Arthur looked at Gauis expectantly, and gestured for him to continue. Gauis sighed.

"I almost wonder if Draven caused those injuries to Merlin. Before Merlin left, he looked out of sorts, but nowhere near his current condition."

Arthur's eyes widened in realization. He rubbed his head with a painful look. In a matter of seconds it turned into defeat. Arthur sat on a nearby bale of hay and put his head in his arms. He looked up with tears threatening to fall from his blue eyes.

"If that's true, Gauis, then I am the cause of his injuries. Had I not given him the day off, he would be fit as a fiddle. Well, not exactly, but you know what I mean."

Gauis slowly bent down and almost fell to the ground, but thanks to Arthur's quick reflexes did not. Arthur slowly guided Gauis to the bale of hay and sat him down. Gauis looked at Arthur and silently thanked him before he laid his hand gently on Arthur's shoulder and looked him in the eye.

"If that is true, it is by no fault of your own, Arthur. It would be by Draven's, and we are not even certain that it is him. It is only an idea. Only Merlin can confirm or deny it."

Arthur nodded and stood up. He looked up at the sky with his hands on his hips.

"It is time, then, I confront Merlin about this. We need some answers."

Gaus nodded, and Arthur began to walk away, until Gauis called him back. He turned around and retraced his steps toward the physician.

"Keep in mind that he is still injured, and a little skittish. Be gentle, please, sire. He is still in your chambers, and may still be resting."

Arthur nodded and left in a jog, trusting Gauis would get back with no obstacles. He got back to the castle in relatively good time. He arrived at the doors of his room and slowly opened the door, trying to make as little noise as possible so as to not startle Merlin. He opened the door to see the head of the dark-haired young man, a healthier color than before but still not quite to normal, peeking out of the heavy covers on the bed and sleeping away. He was quiet, and, upon closer inspection, peaceful. Arthur smiled and sat at the foot of the bed. Merlin's breathing echoed in the big room and was soothing for Arthur's heart, which was still beating rapidly from the jog there. Gently, he brushed a stray piece of hair out of the manservant's face. Softly, he began to brush his hands through Merlin's hair and whispered, "Merlin, Merlin. Rise and shine."

After a few minutes, Merlin began to wake. He opened his eyes and let them wander around the room until he saw Arthur. His eyes still partially closed from sleep, it took him a moment to react. His eyes widened with surprise when he did. He rubbed his head and stretched his arms. His eyes closed for a moment.

"Arthur? Give me a moment and I will get you your dinner."

Arthur rolled his eyes, unnoticed by the sleepy young man. Merlin moved into a sitting position and slowly stood up, only to be stopped by Arthur gently pushing him down. Merlin looked up with question and attempted to shove Arthur away, only to gasp in pain. Slowly his eyes widened in memory of the recent events. Arthur titled his head to the side.

"Do you need anything? Food? Water? A slap upside the head?"

Merlin simply shook his head no.

"Now to the important question. What happened yesterday?"

Merlin looked down and shook his head. Arthur let out a sigh and sat down next to him. He reached out and gently and slowly turned Merlin's face to him. His face betrayed his worry.

"Merlin. I need you to answer me truthfully. Does Draven have anything to do to your current state?"

Merlin bit his lip and shook his head no. If this had been anyone else, they would have dismissed the thought right then, but Arthur was not anyone. He could see Merlin's expressive eyes sparkled with unshed tears. Knowing now who had hurt this amazing person who was so important to him made him tear up a bit. He scooted closer to his now shaking friend and gave him a big, comforting hug. That is when Merlin lost it and his tears fell down his pale cheeks. Arthur put his head on Merlin's and, despite the slight discomfort due to the slight height difference, it made both the young men feel much better. As Merlin let it out, and Arthur rubbed and kissed his head. "Why didn't you tell me? Don't worry, I will take care of this."

Merlin immediately untangled himself from Arthur and shook his head rapidly, eyes wide with fear. Arthur looked at his friend in confusion.

"Why ever not?"

"You just can't. Please let it be. I'm fine."

Arthur got up in anger. He scowled at Merlin.

"You having your hair messed up is fine. A little dirt is still fine. You getting a scar that big is not! Don't you get it?! If I let this slide, he will not only continue to do this while he's here, but to others as well!"

"Please, Arthur! I beg you! Do not do something stupid! For me!"

Merlin set his eyes on Arthurs' and gave him the 'kicked puppy look', knowing Arthur could not deny him with that. Arthur, knowing what would happen, attempted to shield his eyes in time, but Merlin was too quick. Arthur groaned and glared but it was no match for the 'look'. After a few tense moments, Arthur nodded.

"Fine."

Merlin smiled.

"On one condition."

Merlin smile immediately dropped.

"Wherever you go, whatever you do, someone must always accompany you. And don't give me that look. It is either that, or I confront him. "

Merlin sighed and nodded, knowing Arthur would refuse to budge. He would follow Arthur's wishes. For now.

I hope it was good for you guys. Please review! It helps me make it better and helps me feel better.