"Rise and shine, sire!" Merlin threw the curtains open and turned to his King who mumbled something unintelligible and buried his face in his pillow.

He went and ripped the covers off Arthur, eliciting an irritated groan from the man. "I swear I'll kill you, Merlin!"

"I look forward to it, my Lord. But in order to do that, you need to get out of bed. It's nearly midday."

Had this been any other day, Arthur would have probably chucked half a dozen goblets at his clumsy oaf of a servant. But, even in his half-awake state, he remembered the injuries that the younger man had suffered.

Arthur got out of bed and glared at Merlin. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today."

"Indeed I am. George was shocked when Gwaine and the others went to him for instructions." When Merlin had gone downstairs to fetch the King's lunch, he'd found a befuddled George explaining to the knights the correct way to go about their new job.

It was rather odd to see Camelot's finest out of their usual red cloaks and dressed in simple tunics instead, especially Sir Leon.

"Ah yes. So I suppose they did their time in the stocks then?"

"Yes. Gwaine still had a bit of tomato stuck in his hair. I'm not sure if he'll ever recover from that nightmare." Arthur had to smirk at that. "Serves him right for calling me a princess."

Merlin drew a bath for the King and once the latter was dressed, the servant helped him with his armour. "I have a bit of spare time until tomorrow. Once you're better, I will be teaching you how to properly wield a sword."

Merlin gaped at his master. "So that's why you're in a good mood today. You will get to embarrass me in front of all your knights. No, absolutely not."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "No, you imbecile. I'm going to teach you to defend yourself properly. If I were to leave you on your own, you'd be dead within the day. You're far too skinny, you can't even hold a sword properly much less fight."

"Hey! I'm stronger than I look, Arthur! I can protect myself, trust me." Merlin appeared extremely chagrined at his friend's description of him.

"No you cannot, Merlin. While you might be stupidly brave, you're not good enough with a sword. It's high time we remedy that. This time, you were lucky that you weren't fatally wounded."

"What if there's a next time and you're not as lucky? What if I'm not around to protect you? Look, I know I don't say this often but you're important to me, Merlin and I don't want you dying anytime soon. You need to be able to fight properly, Merlin. You're doing this and there's no changing my mind."

A small smile lit up Merlin's face at the concern in his friend's voice. Arthur didn't know just how capable he was of protecting himself. He had an infallible defence system with him all the time. Arthur was just trying in his own way to keep Merlin safe. It was definitely endearing.

With a groan, Gwaine collapsed in the room that had been allotted to him, along with his fellow knights.

All of them were equally worse for wear. Who had thought a servant's life could be so bloody exhausting? "I really don't know how Merlin and the other servants manage to work so hard every single day of their lives."

Leon's hands and face were grimy and sooty from assisting the royal forge. The captain of the knights had spent almost half the day fetching this and that for the man. Elyan had been in charge of changing sheets and cleaning the rooms while Percival had to polish the armour of nearly a score of Knights. Poor Gwaine had to muck out Arthur's stables and his normally glossy hair was now a flattened mess of unkempt curls.

They had about three hours of reprieve before it was time for the patrol.

"Remind me to never, ever get on our King's bad side again."

All of them laughed at Percival's words. Despite their current predicament, they bore no resentment toward Arthur or Merlin.

"You've got to hand it to Arthur, though. Quite a creative way to teach us a lesson, wouldn't you say?" Everyone voiced their agreement at that.

"I'm on stable duty, tomorrow," Percival sulked. Gwaine barked out a laugh and threw a towel at the big man. "Good luck, mate. You'll need it. I have to be present at the council meeting tomorrow and see to it that the noblemen's cups are full."

While the Knights found their new job vastly different, they weren't ashamed of it. They were learning that a servant's job was far from easy.

"I think this job isn't so bad. We'll get used to it. And besides, I think Merlin deserves some time off," Elyan commented.

"Yeah, mate. There's no doubt about that." They all still felt guilty about the way they had treated their friend, which was why they'd borne their punishment like the brave knights they were.

That and the wrath of Arthur Pendragon was truly terrifying.

The next day's council meeting was... interesting.

Arthur sat at the head of the table, while an old noble droned on about raising the tax in the lower town.

Gwaine was there, walking around with a pitcher and refilling everyone's goblets. He looked perfectly cheery for a knight who was acting as a servant.

None of the lords seemed to have a problem with a Knight working as a serving boy. Some of Uther's nobles looked mildly disapproving but they didn't say anything. Arthur had proved himself. He was their king and they would follow him. In fact, Gaius and Geoffrey kept giving the roguish knight amused glances, so much so that Gwaine turned red.

The only one against this was Agravaine. He sat on Arthur's left, constantly glaring at his nephew as well as Gwaine.

Arthur noticed the older man's stare but ignored him. The Knights had accepted Arthur's verdict without a word of complaint. This was none of Agravaine's concern. He would speak with his uncle privately after the meeting was over.

About an hour later, the nobles filed out of the hall, leaving Arthur, Gwaine and Agravaine the only ones left.

"Arthur, this isn't the most advisable course of action that you've taken." Arthur raised an eyebrow at his uncle, daring him to elaborate.

"Punishing four knights simply because they harmed a mere servant is hardly wise. Sire, I know that you care for all your people equally but the Knights are more important. A servant is dispensable, Knights are much less so."

An equal anger flashed on both Arthur's and Gwaine's faces. "Are you saying that it's alright to harm a servant because you feel their lives aren't worth much?"

Agravaine appeared affronted at that. "Of course not, my Lord. But caring so much for one insignificant serving boy is hardly appropriate. First you spend days searching for him when he goes missing and now this. It'll send out the wrong message to our enemies, sire."

"Agravaine," Arthur's voice was deadly and Gwaine didn't even bother hiding his smirk. The lord was in for it.

"This is my kingdom, I am the King here. So, I decide what's appropriate or otherwise. You and I have different views regarding the citizens of Camelot and yours aren't appreciated. I intend to build a land based on equality. As for our enemies, let them come and Camelot will them bravely. So, chose your words wisely."

Gwaine guffawed loudly as Agravaine sputtered indignantly. "As you wish, sire," he mumbled, turning red at being addressed so bluntly.

The knight then made a big show of leaning over to fill Arthur's water goblet during which he accidentally spilled the entire ice cold down Agravaine's back.

The greasy man let out a very undignified yelp and hurriedly excused himself.

"Come on, Merlin! Faster! Your footwork needs work and y— duck! Are you even listening to me, Merlin?"

Merlin was drenched in sweat and his arms were sore. "Always, sire," he replied, panting from the exhaustion.

Sure, there were times when Arthur had made Merlin pick up a sword and spar with him. But this was entirely different. At all the other times, the King had simply been having a little fun. This time, he was actually training Merlin.

So this is what every man had to go through if he wished to become a knight. "Merlin, put some work into it! I'm not even close to trying!"

"Break! Please, Arthur. I can barley feel my arms." Then, effecting a heavy wince, Merlin rubbed his stomach, pretending to nurse one of his wounds. "Besides, I'm feeling sore, Arthur."

Arthur's expression turned concerned briefly before he made an exaggerated gesture and stuck his sword into the ground. "Fifteen minutes and no more. No wonder you spend most of your time hiding behind trees and rocks when the rest of us are fighting. You'd probably fall on your own sword."

Merlin shoved Arthur's shoulder. "I'm stronger than that, prat." The King rolled his eyes and flicked Merlin's ear. "I'm sure you are, Merlin."

The short break was much too short for Merlin's liking. So, when Arthur expectantly raised an eyebrow at him, he groaned and picked up his sword.

This was going to be a long day.

It was past six by the time Merlin trudged back to Gaius' quarters. He could finally turn in. He was so tired that when Arthur had let him off early, he'd muttered a quick thank you and rushed out.

He groaned when he suddenly remembered that he had to deliver some medicine to Lord Nolan's wife. He made his way inside, to find Gaius cooking dinner.

"Come, Merlin, sit down. I'm sure you must be hungry." The stew that Gaius was making smelled appetising and Merlin's stomach rumbled in agreement.

"I still need to take that medicine to Lady Irene."

"Oh don't worry about that. Elyan took care of that. I suppose that was his job today." Merlin couldn't help but smile. So he could finally eat and go to bed.

"Don't get used to this, my boy. You'll have a hard time readjusting to your life once this is over."

"Don't I know that, Gaius."

"Oh these are just perfect. Thank you, dearie." The plump woman patted him on the head, the way one would a well behaved child. Percival was certain that he'd die of embarrassment if the cook called him that one more time.

The constant snickers from the other servants around him didn't help one bit.

He'd been assigned kitchen duty that day and the head cook had instantly taken a liking to the gentle giant.

After that, in the last three hours, he'd lost count of the number of times she had patted him on the cheek and called him some ridiculously patronising names.

With a sigh, the man got up and went to the bubbling pot and stirred it. It was rather odd to see the big man working in the kitchen with ladles and vessels instead of his usual sword.

Surprisingly, amongst the four knights, Percival was the only one who could cook. So, here he was, assistant to the head cook of the palace kitchens.

Apparently, when he'd saved those three little children during the Dorocha attack, one of the boys had been the cook's son. So, when she'd seen Percival walk into the palace kitchen, all awkward and out of place, she'd immediately gushed about his bravery to all those present.

Then, she had linked her arm with his and led him over to a bench and made him dice vegetables.

Speak of the devil. The woman came over and inspected his cooking. She tasted a bit of the stew and looked at him, beaming so much that Percival felt a bit frightened. "It's wonderful, dearie," she reached up to pat his cheek for the umpteenth time and he fought the urge to recoil.

This was positively embarrassing!

"You ever get bored of being a Knight, I'll have a spot reserved for you, dear! You can make stew everyday then!"

Why couldn't he muck out the stables again!

Leon bit his lip in frustration as he leaned over and readjusted the drapes in Geoffrey's quarters. "To the left a little."

While Percival was in the kitchen and Elyan was out milking the cows and goats, Leon had been put under the supervision of George.

With a sigh, he adjusted it again and looked at George for confirmation. The servant narrowed his eyes at the drapes and looked really long and hard. "Yes, I believe it is adequate. You may come down now, Sir Leon."

George had been baffled when the knights had come to him for instructions but ever the loyal servant, he had followed the King's orders without question.

"Come now, we still have to change the sheets and the drapes in Lady Irene as well as the King's chambers. Best not keep that waiting."

Being a servant was way harder than sparing with King Arthur. While the King of Camelot was indeed a formidable swordsman, the curtains, sheets and pillows proved to be equally dangerous.

All of them still had another five days left before they'd be released from this punishment and Leon simply couldn't wait.

On the way, George and Leon ran into Arthur and Merlin. "Sire!" George exclaimed and gave the King a ridiculously low bow while Leon dipped his head as he always did.

"How's the job going, Leon?" Arthur's eyes were mirthful so the Knight was significantly relieved that the King's ire had dimmed. "It's... coming along, sire."

He looked over at Merlin whose shoulders were shaking with silent laughter and smiled sheepishly himself. It was hard to be miserable around the King's manservant. He nodded to the young man in greeting and was glad when he received one in return.

Leon had been worried and had thought that the damage he and the other Knights had inflicted upon Merlin would ruin their friendship. But he was thankful that it was not so. All the Knights had grown fond of the mouthy servant who always accompanied his master on missions and battles.

"Very well then. I'll leave you in George's capable hands. My sheets need to be changed and the floor needs a good scrub. Come along, Merlin. We've got to work on your worryingly poor swordsmanship."

Sword. How he missed his beloved sword and armour!

The week was arduously long. Each of the knights had performed all possible duties were entailed in a servant's job description.

They all had scrubbed floors, swept the training arena, milked cows and goats, cleaned the kitchens while Percival had cooked, they'd mucked out the stables, run errands for Gaius and completed every possible household chore in existence.

To say that they were tired would be a huge understatement. They were worn out.

A lot had happened in the last week. Leon and George had formed the oddest sort of friendship possible, Percival had repeatedly turned down the cook's offer to come and work in the kitchens, Elyan looked seriously sleep deprived and Gwaine's hair had never looked worse.

But, the week had proved to be quite useful. It had helped them to overcome the guilt. Merlin was recovering and so was their friendship. That's all any of them could ask for.

Gwaine had nearly burst with joy on the previous day when he'd clapped Merlin on the shoulder and the latter hadn't flinched away.

"You know, this week wasn't half bad. I got to dump a whole pitcher of ice cold water down Agravaine's back and Arthur didn't even say anything," Gwaine said, as they all lounged on their respective beds.

"Well he wouldn't. The man insulted Merlin and by now, I'm sure even the dogs and horses know that it's the most foolish thing one can do."

They all laughed, feeling better than they had since the Lamia incident.

"It's back to training tomorrow and Arthur will be waiting to whip us into shape," Percival commented and he was right. They hadn't had proper practice in days so they probably needed it.

There was a knock on the door and George poked his head round the door. "His Majesty has demanded your presence in his chambers immediately." The knights exchanged nervous glances. What could they have possibly done now?

When the Knights arrived in his rooms, Arthur was there, as was Merlin (obviously).

"You summoned us, sire?" Leon spoke for all of them.

"I did, Sir Leon. The four of you have borne the result of your actions through the course of the week. You have successfully redeemed yourself. You are all pardoned."

The Knights smiled at their King who returned it this time.

"But, if something like this happens ever again, the consequences will be far more... unpleasant. Am I understood?" They all nodded vigorously. The hint of promise in Arthur's voice promised dire consequences should they even think of doing something remotely similar ever again.

"Yes, my Lord," they replied in unison.

"Very well. Go and get some sleep, for tomorrow, we train. I'm certain that you must've become a little rusty. You all face me in the morning."

With barely suppressed groans, the Knights inclined their heads and took their leave.

Merlin and Arthur were alone. "Does this mean I have to get back to work, sire?" Merlin asked with a hidden grin.

"Of course, you idiot. While Leon has proved to be quite efficient at changing sheets and Percival has displayed commendable talent in the kitchen, they need to resume their normal duties, just like you."

"Thank you, Arthur, for everything."

The King rolled his eyes and whacked Merlin on the head. "You've thanked me enough, idiot. You're a good man, Merlin, albeit a clumsy one. You didn't deserve what the Knights did to you and I made sure they knew as much. No big deal. If anyone were to try something like this, they'd suffer the same fate as the knights, if not worse. Anyone who harms you answers to me." It was one of those rare instances where Arthur showed emotion.

For Merlin, it was a huge deal. He looked at the King with eyes so full of admiration and respect that Arthur couldn't help but look away.

He looked at the younger man who had somehow managed to wriggle past his defences and into his heart. Merlin was like that endearing, annoying baby brother he'd never had. He knew the boy better than he knew himself.

Which is exactly why he was prepared for what happened next.

Merlin threw his arms around Arthur's neck and hugged him hard. The King wrapped an arm around his little brother and placed the other one on the back of Merlin's head, fondly ruffling the ebony locks. "Just so you know, this is a one time thing." Arthur's actions contradicted his words as he tightened his hold on the skinny frame.

"Understood, sire."

Word spread like wildfire. Every servant, knight and nobleman, each citizen in Camelot was talking about how King Arthur had dealt with his Knights for mistreating his manservant.

Some of Uther's nobles had initially seemed to disapprove of Arthur's methods but had wisely kept their mouth shut for fear of inviting the wrath of their King. Besides, me was a great King.

This occurrence gave the common people hope. While Uther had the citizens' fear, Arthur had their love and respect.

Some of the older knights who had previously taunted Merlin, now turned in the opposite direction when they caught a glimpse of that ever present red neck kerchief. Agravaine wisely kept his mouth shut and refrained from making any unnecessary comments about Merlin, especially in Arthur's presence. Even the head cook in the palace kitchens didn't say anything when Merlin nicked a bun or two from her basket.

As the days passed, the Lamia incident was forgotten, the Knights were pardoned and things slowly went back to normal. But everyone had received the message loud and clear.

It was a lesson to all: No one touches Merlin. Well, everyone except:

"Merlin!"

Talk about overprotective, angry big brothers and annoying, pain in the neck little brothers.

Some things would never change.

Fin.

So this is the end of the story. How was it?

I hate Agravaine but I feel the one good thing he and Morgana did was kill Uther. King Arthur is just so much better. I think I might write some more Merlin FanFiction since I miss the show way too much. RR!