Chapter Text
As a child, Morgana had been a curious girl. She would spend days exploring the castle, finding secret crevices and rooms that she would hide out in during the days that Uther wanted her to be at her singing lessons instead of fighting with the boys. One of Morgana’s all-time favorite passages was the one that led directly from outside the castle into Arthur’s room. She had always assumed that it was there in case of an unexpected attack on Camelot. It would be a priority to get the prince out first.
However, as she climbed the stairs now, trying not to hit her head on the low ceiling or trip on stray rocks, she wasn’t sure she could picture Arthur using it. She found it more likely that the prince would fight his way out the front door than drag himself through this dingy hall.
Nevertheless, she found it useful at the moment as she knocked on the back of the door, giving Arthur a few seconds of warning before she pushed herself through.
“Morgana!” She heard as her eyes adjusted to the large amount of light that was now assaulting her. She straightened herself up, dusting of her dress before smiling as a way of greeting.
“Arthur.” She welcomed herself, kicking the small door she had just come through behind her.
“You can’t just come barging in here.” Arthur complained from behind a desk he was currently scribbling a speech at helplessly “I could be getting changed or something.” He told her with a scowl.
“Please, I very highly doubt I would see anything that would impress me.” She snipped at him with a grin. From by the bed she heard a soft snicker and looked over to see Merlin straightening some pillows. The servant was obviously trying to keep his face devoid of his amusement, but was failing.
“Shut up, Merlin.” Arthur threw at him with a roll of his eyes before turning back to glare at her. “What do you want, Morgana?” He pouted, crossing his arms. The ward smirked, feeling slightly as she did when they were both kids. Morgana coming through that door to annoy Arthur, Arthur getting annoyed – it was all good fun.
“I need to talk to you about Gwen.” She told him, walking in front of his desk.
“And you couldn’t come through that door for this?” Arthur gestured to the large oak doors across from him, putting his quill down. “Isn’t Gwen your maid?” He added, sounding slightly perplexed.
“Yes. I’m worried about her. She’s been acting strangely.”
“Yes. Of course. I would definitely know why your maid is acting strangely.” Arthur drawled. Morgana narrowed her eyes at him, putting her hands on his desk so she could look down at him.
“I wanted to see if Merlin was acting oddly.” She said and glanced up to see the servant in question taking one of Arthur’s bread rolls for himself. Smiling slightly she turned back to Arthur “But I don’t think you would even notice if he was.” She said. Arthur shrugged, not looking bothered by the accusation.
“Merlin,” Morgana sighed, seeing Arthur was clearly not going to be any help. “You’re friends with Gwen, right? What’s going on?” She asked. The servant paused, looking thoughtful as he finished his last bite of Arthur’s bread.
“I’m not entirely sure. I know she’s been a little on edge since the meeting this morning-”
“Meeting?” Morgana interrupted sharply “What meeting?”
“Um, the Quarter Master issued a meeting for all the servants this morning.” Merlin shrugged and Arthur frowned, looking back at his employee with confusion.
“What were you doing there?” He demanded.
“Well. I know you sometimes forget with my charming personality, but I’m actually a servant.”
“Thank you for the update, Merlin.” Arthur huffed “But you don’t answer to the Quarter Master, you answer to me.”
Rolling his eyes, Merlin set down the pillow he was straightening and glowered at his master’s head.
“I answer to both.” He sighed “You, the Quarter Master, Gaius – you’re all my bosses.” He told him, sounding exasperated “Which is why it would be nice for a day off-”
“Forget it-”
“The meeting?” Morgana interjected and Merlin nodded, focusing his attention back to her.
“Right. So we had a meeting this morning and I guess we’re getting a foreman now. Gwen seemed a little shaken by him.” He shrugged “I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to her more about it.”
“Foreman?” Morgana frowned “Since when do we have a foreman? Why didn’t I hear about this? Did you know?” She spun around to Arthur who held up his hands in innocence.
“No, but I don’t see why it matters. My father obviously thought some servants must be slacking.” He added over his shoulder to Merlin who made a face.
“Why was she shaken by him?” Morgana asked and Merlin shrugged helplessly.
“I’m not sure. I left early to wake Arthur for training. I didn’t get a chance to meet him.”
That certainly didn’t reassure Morgana. She glanced at Arthur, who also seemed a little concerned by this. Gwen wasn’t a girl to cower in the face of intimidating men. Whoever this foreman was clearly must have done something troubling to make her friend act like this.
“I see.” She mused and bit her lip. She would talk to Gwen. Maybe she was overreacting. Maybe it was that she liked the new foreman, not that she was afraid of him. It would be silly to jump to conclusions. “Thank you, Merlin. I’ll look into it more.” She offered him a warm smile and Merlin returned the favor.
“Are you not going out that way?” Arthur scoffed at her as Morgana started walking towards the large oak doors and not the smaller stone one. Morgana tilted her head at him, raising her eyebrows critically at the prince.
“Please, Arthur.” She sniffed, opening the doorway “I’m not a child.” She told him, smirking slightly as the door slammed shut behind her.
Merlin was not known to ever be early to things. More often than not, most of the castle seemed safe under the assumption that the prince’s manservant was more likely to be late than on time for everything. It was never that Merlin was slacking, daresay, but the man simply got so caught up in chores or other duties that certain events easily slipped his mind in the midst of work.
This was one of those times.
“Merlin.” Gwen whispered as he slipped into the room. She looked slightly stiff as her eyes danced around the room where other servants were talking – a second meeting had been called suddenly today and Merlin was of course, making his entrance later than he should.
“Hey,” He greeted her, not overly concerned. The meeting looked as though it technically hadn’t started yet, seeing as the Quarter Master was still trying to take attendance for the dozens of maids and servants that roamed about the room. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you-”
“Not now.” Gwen whispered, taking his hand and yanking for him to sit in the seat next to her. “Just sit.” She instructed him and Merlin stumbled to where she was pulling him, brows furrowed together.
“Are you alright?” He asked her quietly “Morgana was worried-”
“I’m fine.” She interrupted briskly “Just stay quiet.” She told him and Merlin glanced around, noticing a few concerned glances were being cast in his direction. The Quarter Master peered over at him, his expression blank instead of the usual friendly wave.
Trusting Gwen, Merlin didn’t ask what was going on. He merely looked at his friend, noticing her stiff position and fingers, which were nervously wringing her hands.
“Merlin.” A voice spoke up and the servant glanced to see a man who he hadn’t noticed before melting next to the Quarter Master. “I’m assuming that must be you seeing as you are the only servant I have yet to meet.” He said slowly.
Ah. So this must be the new foreman then. Merlin looked the man over, trying to decide what to make of him. He was definitely intimidating. Not in the way Uther was – this man didn’t radiate power or wealth. This man was different. He wore simple clothing, something Merlin would expect a commoner to wear with brown trousers and a dark blue shirt and sat easily on him. He was taller and wider than Merlin, clearly twice as strong and probably twice his age as well, considering the harsh lines that adorned his face. Merlin could barely make out that his eyes were green seeing as they were so squinted and tired. His hair was slicked back, the silver of it matching the silver of his beard and the gauntness of his face. The only color Merlin was able to really see were the fading freckles that scattered across his nose and cheeks.
“Lord Axel.” He greeted, remembering the name Gwen and muttered to him when she told him briefly about the new foreman. The man looked at him coldly, and Merlin noticed his hands were wrapped in black cloth. Under a thick leather belt also hung a sword which was much larger than Merlin had ever seen. The hilt was gold with rubies scattered across from it – the only sign of wealth Merlin really saw on the man. He wondered idly if it was merely for show or if he could actually wield such a sword.
“I was rather disappointed I was unable to meet you this morning.” Axel told him, his voice softening so only Merlin could hear. He resisted the urge to take a step back as the man leaned in grabbing the front of his shirt and gently pulling him closer. “I would like to be clear that when I ask you to be somewhere, that you should be there.” He told him.
Merlin clenched his jaw, not willing to divert his eyes from the foreman’s.
“I understand,” He nodded “But I am afraid my duties to Prince Arthur come first.”
A hush went over the crowd. Merlin wondered what this man had done this morning to cause such a reaction.
Axel turned his head, as if considering this before offering a wry smile. It didn’t reassure Merlin in the slightest.
“Of course. Very…Vigilant of you.” He nodded. “I do hope you manage to keep that dedication. Sit down.”
Right. This guy didn’t seem that bad. Maybe a little uptight, but Merlin worked with Arthur so he could deal with that. Turning he went back to his seat next to Gwen, who gave a small breath of relief. He sent her a baffled look and noticed a few other people beside them were giving them a variety of expressions ranging from worried to just plain fearful.
“I’m glad everyone is here.” Axel spoke, offering them a wry smile. “I know we all talked this morning, but I’m afraid you’ll have to deal with me once again today.” He chuckled and a few unsure smiles dashed around the room. “I’m sure most of you remember our…. Discussion this morning.” Axel told them. “I only meant to motivate you, but it appears I may have frightened some.” He said and this time he turned and looked at Gwen, who met his stare stoically. “Lady Morgana was quite concerned about you…Guinevere, isn’t it?”
“I am not frightened.” She told him instantly, not flinching away as he took a few steps towards her.
“Good to hear. I don’t want to have that sort of relationship with all of you. I want us to be open and honest with one another!” He smiled “Unfortunately, we do have to remember I am in charge of making sure all of you are doing your jobs. If you aren’t doing your jobs…” He trailed off “You may end up like Riley did.” He tsked.
Riley? Merlin felt a stab of confusion go through him. He hadn’t seen the other servant all day now that he thought about it – what had happened to him? Merlin stole a quick glance at Gwen to see her jaw was clenched and gaze narrowed.
“And what exactly did Riley do?” Gwen asked. A couple people hissed at her, some whispering for her to stay quiet, but Gwen wasn’t deterred. “I just wish to fully understand.” She added as Axel studied her.
“Dearest Guinevere – he questioned my authority. Much like how you are doing so right now.” He said and came closer so he was hovering over her. “You know, your friend here missed my demonstration this morning – perhaps you would like to repeat it with me?” He asked her and Gwen looked up at him.
“Stop.” Merlin said before she could respond “She hasn’t done anything.” He snapped at him. Gwen shot him a horrified glance, but didn’t say anything as Axel turned to him.
“Excuse me?” He asked, voice dancing around dangerous territory.
“She hasn’t done anything.” Merlin repeated coldly and Axel stared for a moment before stepping back from Gwen.
“I believe we found a new volunteer for our demonstration.”
Arthur wasn’t entirely for sure what Morgana gained from coming through that little door instead of the front entrance to his room, but he figured it must be something because for the second time that day, it slammed open.
“I want him gone.” She demanded and Arthur glanced over at her in confusion.
“What? Who?”
“This foreman. This…Lord Axel or whatever the Hell he is called.” She hissed. “Gwen told me everything. He’s trying to intimidate them, but he won’t get away with it. Gwen is too strong to fall victim to the likes of him.” She sniffed and spun around to glower at Arthur. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Why aren’t you furious?” She demanded.
“You didn’t give me much time to say anything.” Arthur told her “And I have not the slightest clue what you’re talking about, Morgana.” He said, trying to sound somewhat soothing. The king’s ward, turned to him, somehow looking even more outraged than before.
“Don’t tell me you don’t know!” She said, sounding exasperated “Haven’t you seen Merlin?” She asked and Arthur frowned at her. In truth, Merlin had left just minutes before Morgana arrived and Arthur still felt lost. His servant hadn’t seemed the least bit off to him. Admittedly, Arthur didn’t consistently check on his welfare – the man lived with a physician for God’s sake.
“Um. He did seem a bit…Tired?” Arthur tried. That would at least explain how come Merlin had just been moving so damn slowly. Had this Axel doubled his work load?
“You’re…You’re joking.” Morgana stared at him “You…” She threw her hands in the air. “I cannot believe you sometimes. He’s your friend.” She said, sounding aghast. Arthur blinked, slightly taken aback.
“Merlin is not my friend!” He snapped at her “And whatever trouble he got himself into is not my concern, Morgana. My father deemed it fit to have this man here and I trust his judgment.” Arthur shot at her.
“Oh please.” Morgana rolled her eyes “Even if he isn’t your friend, he is your servant. You employ him. It is your job to look after him.”
“Since when!?”
“What do you mean since when?” She yelled “You and I have a thousand men at our disposal! Guards at every door! A king to keep us from harm! What do any of our servants have? What do any of these people? They have us! A king. A prince. Me. You say you want to be king, but where the Hell are you when it comes to protecting your people?” She shouted “Since when is being a prince or a knight simply acting noble rather than proving it?”
“What would you know of being royalty?” Arthur shouted back at her. They were face to face now, both slowly getting redder in the face from yelling. “You are here because my Father owed yours a favor! You know nothing about duty!”
He had gone too far. He could see it in Morgana’s eyes he had crossed a line by bringing her father into the mix. He waited for her to hit him. To scream something horrible or even worse – to start crying. For all the years they lived together he didn’t think he had ever seen Morgana cry. He wasn’t ready for it now.
She didn’t though. She simply stared at him for a moment, emotions flashing through her features before finally speaking.
“And you know nothing about caring for anyone but yourself.” She spat out and turned away from him. “I’m taking Merlin as my servant.” She added over her shoulder.
“You can’t-”
“I can.” She whipped back around. “As of now, he is mine. You have no attachment to him anyhow, why should it matter to you?” She added.
“Men don’t attend to women and women don’t attend to men.” Arthur reminded her in exasperation. “It isn’t proper.”
“I didn’t say he would be dressing me, Arthur.” Morgana rolled her eyes with a sigh. Arthur was about to retort when the door opened. As if summoned by some kind of higher force, Merlin appeared in the doorway.
“Arthur?” He started and paused when he saw Morgana. “Oh, sorry. I’ll, uh, just leave.” He started, but Morgana called him back.
“Merlin.” She said “Perfect timing. Arthur and I were just discussing this week.”
“This week?” Merlin frowned at her.
“You’ll be working for me.” She smiled “I’m sorry to say it won’t be as exciting as parading around armor or going to jousts, but I’ll try to entertain you the best I can.”
“Now wait a minute-” Arthur started, but was cut off again by Morgana.
“And my first official act as your new mistress is to give you the day off.” She continued “Well. Sort of. Could you just help out Gaius?” She asked gently and Merlin blinked, looking completely taken aback by this new round of events.
“Of course, my lady.” He said, giving Arthur a questioning look. The prince wasn’t entirely how this happened so quickly. All he knew was he did feel a stab of guilt at the confusion in Merlin’s eyes. He wanted to tell Merlin he had done nothing wrong and Morgana was just being…Difficult. He didn’t though, he simply snapped his mouth shut and turned back to Morgana.
“A week?” He asked her lowly and Morgana turned to him.
“I’ll take care of this within a week.” She told him devotedly and with a swish of her dress, marched out of the room towards Merlin who was still looking as though he had been punched in the face.
“I don’t-” He started, but was cut off by Morgana gently grabbing his wrists. For the first time Arthur noticed they had been bandaged all the way down to the fingertips. Even from where he was standing he could also see the bandages were slowly turning red as well.
Had his hands been like that entire time?
Before he could process anything, Morgana had ushered him off towards Gaius, throwing Arthur one last dark look over her shoulder before shutting the door with a sharp snap.
The silence was the only thing that bothered to stick around.