Author's Note: This is a one-shot. I will not be turning it into a full length story. However, if anyone is interested in doing so, you have my blessing so long as you give me a heads up and proper credit.

Merlin groused as he tugged at the constraints of his corset. Of all the things he had done for Arthur, this was by far the most embarrassing one. Honestly, Merlin was all too willing to sacrifice everything he had to keep Arthur safe. But of all those things, he'd never once thought that his manhood would be one of them! Truly, how was it that he always found himself in these ridiculous situations? And all for a giant prat who would forever remain none the wiser.

There was nothing to be done for it he supposed. In any case, it was far too late to back out at this point in time. Morgana's gift was due to arrive within the hour. Once more, Merlin found himself having to protect his friend from an untimely death. You would think that with the amount of times Morgana had attempted to murder him, Arthur would have grown more cautious – or at the least weary of gifts from anonymous sources.

Then again, Merlin might simply be crediting Arthur with more logic than his pretty little blond head was capable of.

Groaning, Merlin tried to adjust the gown to no avail. Why, oh why, did women have to wear such uncomfortable contraptions! Merlin really couldn't see the appeal in such binding clothes.

"Would you stop fidgeting!" Gaius scolded him, "at this rate you will never pass as a Lady of the court!"

Merlin snorted, "that's because I'm not."

The old man rolled his eyes at his charge's antics, "Really? If it weren't for your truly abysmal behaviour I honestly would not have known the difference," Gaius pointedly looked down at Merlin's altered form.

Merlin glared at the old man from behind a curtain of long, dark locks, "Remind me again why I`m like this," the poor child whined.

Gaius rolled his eyes in exasperation, "Really Merlin, do you even have to ask? After all you were the one who discovered that Morgana was planning to – "

"Not that!" Merlin screeched, "I know all about that! I meant why am I like this," Merlin emphasized her point by gathering up her recently ample breasts in her feminine hands.

Gaius blushed and turned away from the sight, "I would have thought it would be quite obvious Merlin!" The elder shook his head, clearly exasperated with his charge, "as a manservant, you cannot interfere with today's proceedings for fear of being exposed as a sorcerer, nor can you intercede under the guise of Dragoon for that would cause too much of a ruckus. This was the only option left available to us. Hopefully, in the chaos of it all, Prince Arthur will not realise that he's never set eyes, nor heard of Lady Ambrosia of Lake Nostos. With his father having taken ill in light of Morgana's betrayal, the Prince has been rather busy as of late, and will in all likelihood contribute his lack of familiarity with your person as the result of juggling the roles of both Prince and temporary King."

Gaius stared at Merlin pointedly, as she blew a long black curl out of her eye. The elder stared her down until all the poor girl could do was sigh, "fouey."

I hope you enjoyed this little tid-bit.