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Arthur had been king for over a year now, it was none stop and he had no idea how his father had managed to do it on his own for so long! The second he woke, he knew it would be a long day and that was before Merlin came in to tell him the long list of things he had to do, he just didn't have the energy for it today.
He dove back under the covers to give merlin the impression that he was still sleeping and began to let out the best coughs he could muster, Merlin was a physician in all but name after all, so he had to make it sound real.
It wasn't long before his Chamber doors crashed open, causing him to jump slightly before letting out a few harsh sounding coughs as he peeked out from under the covers. Quickly noticing that Merlin had quietly set the tray he'd been carrying on the table, and had turned to face him with a look of concern "Arthur?" He asks softly as he comes to stand beside the bed.
Causing Arthur to let out a groan, as he milked this for all it was worth "sit up, let me take a look at you" he says in that physician tone that no one can say no too. He makes a show of moving as slow as he can whilst trying to look as miserable as he could, which seemed to be working if Merlin's concerned look was anything to go by.
As soon as he was sat against the headboard, Merlin rested his hand on his forehead and let out a hum "you do feel quite warm, does anything ache?" He asks sympathetically and Arthur can't help but feel suprised that this was working "everywhere" he says in a raspy voice and can't help but feel thankful that it was caused by just waking up so he wasn't putting it on.
Merlin gives him another look over, before nodding to himself "you need bed rest, plenty of fluids and a couple of hot meals" he says before heading to the door and speaking to one of the guards, Arthur has to say that he's impressed at just how seriously Merlin's taking this as well as just how good of a physician he really is. He noticed the sound of sir Leon's voice floated through the open door as well as Merlin murmuring that he was in charge for the day and to help Gwen with whatever he could.
It was then it dawned on Arthur that he really shouldn't be doing this, he wasn't just a prince anymore he was the king, he didn't have time to sit around just because he was a little tired. But before he could jump out of bed and exclaim he'd had a miraculous recovery, Merlin closed the door and brought his breakfast over "Merlin, I'm not really-" he begins saying, watching as Merlin's concerned expression shifts into one of amusement "I'm aware that you Arn't sick Arthur, but you've been running yourself ragged you deserve a break" he says as he moves away enough to open the curtains and begin his chores.
It's when Merlin picks the clothes up that need washing that Arthur speaks again "would you stay?" He asks quietly, causing Merlin to pause and turn on his heal with a look of confusion as he drops the clothes and walks over and checks his temperature again "are you sure you Arn't actually ill?" He asks with a tinge of concern in his voice now, making Arthur roll his eyes and bat his hand away.
It's then Merlin relaxed slightly knowing that Arthur was still himself "you said I've been running myself ragged, what about you?" He asks in genuine awe and concern "Merlin I don't think I've seen you stop once since I became king, either helping me, Gaius or someone else around the castle or citadel, you deserve a break as well" he finishes, watching as Merlin grew more and more suprised at the fact that his friend had noticed, so pats the space beside him and smiles softly today they would just be Merlin and Arthur. The man doesn't need to be asked twice as he takes off his boots and climbs under the covers, letting out a sigh of relief at just how comfortable the bed was, today they could just be them.