Hey guys! This is one of the stories I was talking about in my other story's AN. I have this whole story planned out. How fast I update is up to YOU. I tend to update soon when I get a lot of reviews. I hope you like it! Read on!

Prologue

Arthur was sitting on his bed, thinking. It had been a month since Morgana had tortured Merlin. She had wanted Arthur to tell him Camelot's defenses. Merlin had begged Arthur not to before he grew silent, and Arthur had complied. It was the hardest thing he had ever done. Luckily, Gwaine had led a rescue to save Arthur and Merlin. It had been a month, but Arthur could still remember the horrors of that time. Suddenly, he had an idea. If distancing himself from Merlin would protect his friend, then that was what he must do.

Three months later…

Merlin walked into Arthur's chambers.

"Wake up, sire." He said, his voice void of emotion.

Arthur blinked and sat up. Where was the usual sarcasm? Then he remembered. For some reason, for the past two months, Merlin had been acting strange. His cheeky retorts were gone, replaced by monotone replies. Merlin walked over and opened the drapes, his face concealed in an impenetrable mask.

"Would you like your breakfast, sire?"
"Uh… sure." Arthur still hadn't gotten used to this new Merlin. 'Well, people change.' He thought. But, he knew this wasn't the case. Something was up. He knew his friend, and Merlin wasn't that man in front of him. Merlin walked out, stiffed back, to get Arthur's breakfast. Queen Guinevere came in from her chambers.

"What's troubling you, Arthur?" Gwen could always tell when Arthur was upset or down.

"It's Merlin." He sighed. "I'm not sure what's up."

Gwen caressed his cheek with her hand.

"Well, you have been distant lately." She pointed out.

Gwen left to go to the market, leaving a thoughtful Arthur in his chambers. Arthur silently vowed to aks Gauis about Merlin later. For now, he had a kingdom to run.

Loved it? Hated it? Please tell me what you think! Thanks so much! ~ Merlinfanatic77