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Summary
According to Uther Pendragon, there's only one way to rule a kingdom, and that's by keeping your subjects in line with harsh punishments and an atmosphere of fear.
Arthur isn't entirely sure that's true, but without a counter-example, the prince is beginning to follow in his father's footsteps, throwing people in the stocks for minor infractions and meting out physical punishment whenever he sees fit.
That's is, until a troublesome servant turns up to teach him that his true power lies in his ability to inspire those around him.
Physical discipline seems to be entirely unnecessary for Merlin - who is always so horrified by the prospect of having to actually do his job that asking him to perform his normal duties is punishment enough for any infraction - but there is something about the way that he gasps and hisses in his grasp that makes Arthur want to play rough.
As Arthur starts to treat his people with a more gentle hand, he comes to realise that when he slaps Merlin around the head for being an idiot, what he's really saying is "I love you".