Light filters in through the stained glass windows, making the room seem to almost glow in the afternoon shine. Documents of all kinds are strewn across the table, messily laid out to help ensure they could be viewed all at the same time. The room is silent save for the quiet snore coming from the prince dozing off on the table. His arms are crossed under his head as he sleeps, occasionally shifting to find a more comfortable position. A lazy smile is spread across Arthur's face as he catches up on some well deserved rest. 

The week had been hectic without Merlin around to help him. Indeed, George is an excellent manservant, but he didn't trust the man to do certain tasks, such as writing his speeches. Though Merlin may have been an idiot, at least the boy could write an outstanding speech. George on the other hand was dull not only when he spoke, but in writing as well. Thus, Arthur had stayed up late on numerous occasions during the week preparing speeches for upcoming feasts or knighting ceremonies. He was tired and bored beyond belief without Merlin around to make his witty comments. Honestly, he wanted nothing more than to have a break, but of course, that had to be ruined too. 

In the middle of his rest, the doors to the council chambers slam open. Arthur jolts awake, sitting straight up in his chair, grabbing his quill, and pretending he hadn't just been sleeping on the job. He looks up at the intruder, sending them a stern glare as they enter the room and shut the door behind them. He heaves a sigh after finding his most trusted knights standing in front of him, wide and proud smiles on their faces. If someone were to wake him, couldn't it have at least been for an emergency?

He tosses the quill onto the table before leaning back against his chair, resting his elbows on the armrests. He raises an eyebrow at the group, looking between all of them as he waits for them to state why they were here disturbing his rest. 

"I have an idea," Leon declares, a wide grin on his face that is shared amongst the others. 

"An idea for...?" Arthur asks, looking even more confused than before.

"For your issue with courting Merlin, of course."

Arthur sighs, looking away, eyes filled with sadness. "There is no need. Merlin doesn't love me and he never will."

"You're giving up?"

Arthur gives a small nod. "All I've done is hurt him these past few days. I'm sure he hates me now more than before!"

"You're gonna let him leave? Let some other woman or man take him? Would you be satisfied with that?" Gwaine almost yells the questions, slamming his hands down on the table. 

The prince simply averts his gaze, picking  up one of the documents to examine. "If he's happy then I don't see a problem."

Lancelot stalks over, practically tearing the parchment from the prince's hand. "He has yet to give you an answer. You still have a chance. I know Merlin. He keeps everything bottled up inside. Maybe he loves you too but is just too afraid to say it. You may not believe it, but hiding secrets is one thing he is very good at."

Arthur tries not to laugh at Lancelot's last statement. "Merlin doesn't have any secrets. If he did, I would know."

Lancelot rolls his eyes at the man. "That is not the point. If you give up now, you may lose the person you care for the most. Trust me. I almost lost Gwen to you. I know how painful that can be."

Arthur sighs, looking up at the firm gaze of his most loyal knight. "Alright. What's this new idea you have?"

The group smiles. Lancelot steps back to allow Leon the chance to speak. "I suggest you show Merlin your heroism."

"My heroism?"

"Yes, Merlin isn't a fighter. He can hardly defend himself. Show him you're someone that can protect him. After all, who can resist a knight in shining armour?"

"And how will I do that?" 

Leon places a map down on the table and points at a small forested area. "Take Merlin here. Tell him there's been a bandit attack in a nearby village. Make sure no one else comes with you."

"Then what?" 

Gwaine winks, "You'll see."

Arthur looks skeptical. "The last time I brought Merlin out of Camelot, he fell ill. Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Trust us, sire. We have it under control," Elyan says with a smile.

The prince sighs. "Fine, but..." he stands and points a finger at each of them, "...if something goes wrong one more time-"

He doesn't finish the threat. He doesn't need to. They all fully understand the consequences. They nod vigorously before scurrying off out of the chamber. Arthur slumps back down in his chair once the doors shut. He heaves a sigh, staring down at all the documents in front of him. So much for finishing up his work.

-----

"Ah. Merlin, there you are," Arthur says, strolling into the armoury where the servant sits, polishing away at the prince's armour.

"I'm almost done. Just wait a bit longer," Merlin says, still staring intently at his work. 

"I'm not here for my armour."

Merlin turns to look at him. "If it's about the hole in your favourite tunic that wasn't my fault. A rat did it."

"No, that's not what I'm here for. Wait... there's a hole in my tunic?"

"Nope. There's no hole. Now, what were you saying?" Merlin says quickly, shaking his head and smiling innocently. 

Arthur stares for a moment, considering whether or not to yell at the servant for ruining yet another shirt but decides against it. This is supposed to be a good day. "We need to go... investigate some bandit attacks in a village."

"I haven't heard about any bandit attacks."

Arthur rolls his eyes. "Frankly, I'm not surprised. You can't hear my orders half the time."

"I hear them. I just choose to ignore them." Merlin grins.

Arthur shoots him a glare. "Then next time I'll be sure to throw you in the stocks."

Merlin smiles again. "You wouldn't. You'd miss me too much."

Arthur can't help the smile that tugs against his face because Merlin's right. He would miss him too much. "Anyways, let's go. The sooner this is dealt with the sooner we can come back."

-----

The two ride out into the forest, leaving Camelot and it's spiralling towers behind them. The sky seems to be clear today with nothing more than a couple of white clouds here or there. There's a gentle breeze that whistles through the trees, making the summer air feel much cooler which is a welcomed change to the blistering heat of the past couple of days. 

Arthur holds the map in his hands, trying to follow the path Leon had marked out for him earlier. Merlin rides beside him, trying to peer over the prince's shoulder to figure out their destination. When he can't pinpoint where they're going, he slumps back against his saddle, leaving Arthur alone to fiddle with the map. 

After another few moments of silence and Arthur cursing to himself whenever they take a wrong turn, Merlin decides to speak. 

"Why aren't the knights here with us?" He asks.

"They were on patrol. We're meeting them in the village," Arthur replies, keeping his eyes on the map.

"Shouldn't we have brought other knights then? Isn't it dangerous to go out alone? You are the prince."

Arthur turns to face his manservant. "Merlin, has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?" 

"Yes, you have. Multiple times."

"Then you should know to shut up!"

Arthur turns back around. Merlin remains silent for a moment, glancing at the passing trees then up at the clouds in the sky. He chuckles, "That cloud looks like you."

"Merlin... What did I just say?"

Merlin laughs, "But it really looks like you!"

Arthur glances up and frowns, seeing nothing but a cloud in the shape of an arse. "I don't see it."

"You don't? It's that one, right there." Merlin points towards the cloud.

"That? It looks like someone's arse."

 "Arse, royal ass. Same thing. I can't see the difference."

It takes a moment for Arthur to realise what Merlin is implying. "Are you calling me an ass?"

"I'm not calling you an ass. I'm saying you are an ass."

With a quick shove from the prince, Merlin topples off the side of his horse. He groans as he hits the ground, rubbing at the back of his head. "See! Royal ass!" Merlin shouts after him.

Arthur stops his horse, pulling on the reins of Merlin's so it couldn't run off. He's about to retort when an angry cry rings out from the tree line. Arthur turns towards the source of the noise, suddenly alarmed. He swings himself off his horse and unsheathes his sword. 

Merlin still lying on the ground as he flicks his head back and forth, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise as it seems to be coming from everywhere at once. He scrambles to his feet, seeing Arthur slowly backing up towards him with sword in hand ready to defend if need be. 

"Bandits?" Merlin whispers, searching for the enemies through the trees. 

"I don't know," Arthur replies, keeping a hand outstretched defensively in front of Merlin. 

Suddenly, five men appear from the bushes. They all have their swords raised, ready to strike as they steadily approach. 

Arthur stares at the group, watching their movements. They all move with practised ease. The way they hold themselves sends a strike of familiarity through the prince. He squints at the group, examining each man's features. They all have their faces covered, tattered clothes drape their shoulders as they stalk towards their prey. The man in the lead has curly blond hair underneath the bandana on his head. The man next to him is by far the largest of the group, his biceps almost bulging out of the sleeves of his tunic. 

Arthur heaves a sigh. He watches the five men advance, now knowing that they were none other than his own knights: Leon, Percival, Gwaine, Elyan, and Lancelot dressed in bandit armour. He feels embarrassed just watching them.

-----

Merlin stares at the odd assortment of bandits charging them. He raises a curious eyebrow at the group, feeling as though he recognised them from... somewhere. 

The one in the lead, a man with a bandana on his head, attacks first. He raises his sword at Arthur, yelling menacingly before the prince knocks him on the top of the head with his fist. The man collapses, lying still on the ground. Merlin tilts his head at the fallen man curiously when he doesn't stand. The blow shouldn't have been enough to knock him out. He would know, Arthur's smacked him over the head enough times and besides, he can see him shifting in the dirt. Clearly, he's still conscious.

The next man to attack is one with almost shoulder length brown locks. He thrusts his sword forward, aiming at Arthur's chest before his blade is deflected. The bandit staggers back, glaring at the prince before his eyes skirt towards the servant behind him and smirks. Merlin gives a small yelp of surprise when his feet begin to float off the ground. He turns to see a large man with even larger arms holding him up. He kicks with his feet, attempting to free himself only to be held more tightly, but not tight enough to hurt. 

Arthur turns after knocking down the brown haired man. He scowls when he sees his servant being held aloft in the air by the large man. The last two bandits flank his side, swords raised and ready to fight. 

Before Arthur has a chance to react, another chorus of shouts echoes from behind them. He turns, eyes widening at the mob of bandits charging them. The noise must have attracted more attention than he thought. Suddenly, an arrow comes flying towards his chest. It hits its mark. The prince collapses onto his knees, gripping at the shaft of the arrow in his hand.

Merlin stares in horror as Arthur drops to his knees. No. Arthur couldn't die like this. Not by some silly bandits in the middle of a forest! He's supposed to be the Once and Future King. The man that will bring magic back to the land. Anger boils in his gut as he glares at the new mob of bandits now charging towards him. He glances down towards Arthur, finding his eyes fluttering shut.

Merlin turns towards the man holding him and with a quick flash of his eyes he's thrown backwards The two bandits flanking his sides freeze, they stare in horror as Merlin turns on them. He holds out a hand, eyes flashing gold. The two are blown off their feet, backs smashing against the trunk of a tree. They both groan, heads throbbing.

Now, the servant turns towards the mob behind him. The bandits stagger back under the menacing glare of the lanky boy, sensing the power he holds through his eyes. With a quick flick of his wrist, fire begins to burn through the crowd. Most of the men scatter, screaming and flailing their arms as fire leaps onto their clothes and armour. The warlock gives them no further heed. He picks up his fallen prince and carries him off into the trees.

-----

Arthur wakes to the sound of quiet sniffling. He turns his head, feeling the stiffness in his neck as he cranes it towards the source of the of noise. What he finds is Merlin huddled by a small campfire. He's stoking the flames as tears slowly drip down his cheeks. He frowns, wondering what had happened and why his servant is crying.

He struggles into a sitting position, apparently making enough noise to catch the sniffling boy's attention. Merlin whips his head around, eyes widening in happiness at the sight of his prince awake and alive. He almost knocks the breath out of Arthur as he tackles him into a hug. He pulls away quickly though, remembering how much Arthur seemed to dislike close contact.

"Sorry..." he mutters, wiping the tears from his eyes with a smile, "I thought you were going to die."

Arthur scoffs, but can't help the smile from forming. "I never knew you cared so much."

"Of course I care. I can't lose you. I..." his voice trails off. He looks away.

Arthur stares, wondering what he was about to say, but decides to push the question aside in favour of the elation building in his chest. His heart flutters at Merlin's words, for once feeling like he has a chance. Perhaps he doesn't have to throw his knights in the stocks after all.

Merlin looks back and grins again before leaning over to check on the wound in Arthur's chest. Thankfully, the spell seems to have done its magic. The wound is closed, leaving nothing but a small scar. The servant breathes a sigh of relief. 

Arthur glances down, seeing the small mark where he presumed the arrow must have hit. How did it heal so fast? He turns towards Merlin again, seeing the relief on his face as he examines the wound. 

"What happened?" Arthur asks, keeping his eyes trained on his servant.

"Bandits came. One shot a poisoned arrow in your chest, which thankfully had been mostly blocked by your chainmail. The poison still managed to reach your body though so you collapsed. I had to drag you out," Merlin explains.

"How did you manage to get away?"

"Oh... um... the bandits that attacked us first turned and ran when they saw the mob. I pulled you to safety during the commotion." Merlin gives a nervous smile.

The prince narrows his eyes. He knows Merlin's lying. Those 'bandits' were his knights and they wouldn't just run, especially not when he or Merlin were in danger. He decides not to pressure him. Perhaps he has his reasons. Merlin can tell him when he's ready. 

"I see..." Arthur mumbles before leaning back against the makeshift pillow Merlin had made with his cape. 

Merlin lets out a breath before turning back towards the fire. He stares into the flames for a moment before he hears Arthur's voice again. 

"And Merlin..." The servant turns his head to look at him, "Thank you. I know I can always trust you."

The words send a stab of pain through Merlin's chest but he doesn't let it show. He's had years of practise at hiding, which by now has become more of a habit than anything. He fakes a smile before turning his back on Arthur to stare into the flames, wondering if the prince would watch him burn if the time came.

-----

When the last of the bandits have left the area, Gwaine staggers to his feet, rubbing at the knot that's formed on his head from the prince's bashing. He turns towards the others who all look equally as stunned as he is. All except Lancelot that is.

"Did you all see that?" Leon asks, getting to his feet and watching the remaining fire diminish.

They all nod.

"Merlin has magic..." Elyan mutters, hardly able to contain the disbelief in his voice.

"He's a sorcerer..." Percival finishes for him, still staring at the remnants of the fire.

Gwaine turns to look at Lancelot, who seems to be unfazed at the new discovery. He sends the man a glare. "Why aren't you surprised? Did you know about this?" Gwaine says, slightly peeved.

Lancelot looks away, which is all the proof Gwaine needs to get his answer. He grits his teeth, not angry at the thought of Merlin with magic, most certainly not, but rather that Lancelot had known and thought they aren't worth telling. Aren't they supposed to be friends?

He grabs at the collar of Lancelot's tunic and rams him against the trunk of a tree. Leon is the first to intervene, peeling Gwaine off the man and holding him back. "Calm down," Leon hisses in his ear, "There is no need to fight."

Gwaine scowls and shakes off Leon's grip. He gives Lancelot another glare. "Why didn't you ever tell us? Did you not trust us enough?!"

Lancelot returns the look with a glare of his own, causing the others to flinch slightly. Lancelot was always the calm one, the one that could control his emotions, seeing him angry is a first to them all. "It's not my secret to tell. Merlin asked me to keep quiet about it. I'm sorry I couldn't say something sooner, but know that I trust you all with my life. I would never hide anything unless it was necessary," he says in his defence, anger leaving him with each word.

Gwaine sighs, now feeling ashamed at his outburst. He should know better. "I'm sorry too."

"I think we have a more important question now..." Elyan points out, shifting his gaze across each of the knights, "Are we going to tell Arthur?"