Chapter Text
Merlin woke up in Arthur’s bed. This had become their norm since they’d gotten together. Arthur was pretty adamant about not wanting to spend any second away from Merlin.
Merlin loved making fun of how clingy the prince was.
Typically, this wouldn’t be a problem. No one was expected in Arthur’s chambers other than Merlin in the mornings. Well, today was not a typical day. Today, Merlin was supposed to be off duty because he fell ill a few days prior. No matter how much he tried to convince everyone he was okay, Gaius’s orders were final.
This, of course, did not stop the two from spending every possible moment together. Arthur was already complaining that Merlin couldn’t accompany him everywhere like he usually did because his boyfriend was supposed to be resting. So, there was no way Arthur was falling asleep without Merlin next to him.
They, however, forgot certain details that could reveal their little secret.
While Arthur initially refused to have another servant in Merlin’s absence, his stance quickly changed when he nearly suffocated, trying to put on a shirt. George, who was supposed to be Arthur’s servant before Merlin came along, was attending to Arthur at this time. Hence, Merlin, who had just woken up, was panicking. It was bright out, and he was aware they only had a few moments before George would be there with an unnecessarily fancy breakfast tray.
He anxiously elbowed Arthur, “Arthur, wake up.”
It did not work.
The prince turned the other way and continued his slight snoring. Merlin did not have time for this. He pinched Arthur, which was a method he had found was very effective 3 weeks into working for the prince. “What is your problem?” Arthur groaned. The words may have been harsh, but the arms wrapping around Merlin’s waist suggested otherwise.
“You realize George is probably only two corridors away from your chamber, right?”
This question seemed to awaken Arthur.
“Fuck.”
Arthur started looking around to find a proper place to hide Merlin. “You are the greatest sorcerer to live; can’t you make yourself invisible or something?” Arthur complained.
“If I was capable of doing that, I would’ve done it by now. Unlike you, I don’t require help with my every action.” Merlin replied.
Arthur didn’t have time to reply because they heard footsteps right outside the door. “Quick under the bed,” Arthur ordered through clenched teeth. For once in his life, Merlin obeyed Arthur’s order.
A split second later, George opened the door. He was taken aback to see that the prince was already up. Everyone in the castle knew Arthur slept until someone, mostly Merlin, dragged him out of the bed.
“G-good morning, sire. Excuse me for not knocking; I wasn’t expecting you to be up. My apologies.” He stumbled over his words as his confusion was written all over his voice.
“George,” Arthur said, acting more cheerful than ever. “How nice of you to bring me my breakfast when Merlin is sick.”
He took the tray from George. It looked like a full feast compared to what Merlin usually got him in the mornings. He was thankful that George had put so much effort into the breakfast, as there was now enough food for both him and Merlin.
“Okay, goodbye now. I’m sure you have many important chores to attend to, and I wouldn’t want to keep you from them.” Arthur rambled as he walked the confused servant to the door.
“Have a nice day, my Lord,” George said with slight hesitation.
Arthur was sure the servant thought he had some kind of brain damage.,
The prince let out a sigh as he closed the door. He heard Merlin’s laugh coming from under the bed. He laughed as well.
They were a mess, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.