Merlin's POV:

I pushed the sleeve of my tunic up to my elbow, revealing the scars that lined my arm, some pale and fading, some bright, like they had just been born yesterday. I glanced towards the door, listening to make sure that no one would come in and I was safe. I held up a small knife that I had brought from home, and looked at the small blade. It didn't look dangerous, it looked slightly sharp, but not like it could kill a man. Not like Arthur's weaponry, which could end a life with one blow. I traced my finger along the edge, feeling the sharpness that was nothing compared to the way Arthur treated me. His words hurt worse then if he took out his sword and ran it straight into my heart. I took the knife and traced it on my arm, carving out the pain that I felt. The blood trickled from my arm; it's rusty smell assaulting my nose. I closed my eyes, reveling in what I had just done and feeling sick to my stomach because I had sunk to this level. I wiped the blood away with a rag I kept under my mattress, and then pulled my tunic sleeve down again. Hiding the knife under my mattress, I walked out to the main room, where Gaius was.

"Breakfast is ready, Merlin." Gaius said, gesturing towards the table.

"Thank you, Gaius, but I better go before Arthur gets angry." I muttered, walking out the door. I walked quickly towards Arthur's room, hoping he wouldn't be too irritated with me. I gently knocked on the door, heard Arthur's strong voice say, come in, and entered, rather reluctantly.

"There you are, Merlin!" Arthur said.

"Hello, sire. How are you today?" I asked, feeling tired.

"I am well. Now, I need you to tidy up. Merlin, are you paying attention?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, sire." I droned, my head feeling fuzzy. The world felt weird, kind of blurry and it twisted around me.

"Merlin?" Arthur's voice was closer, and high up, it seemed. At that moment, blissful darkness took over and I was tucked underneath a blanket of inky black.