Caution: This story may well contain a number of issues that might offend the delicate or sensitive. As this story is still unfinished, I can t rule out: Non-Con, Slash, torture, anguish, and perhaps even mpreg, execution, and finally character manipulation by means of mind altering potions and magical spells. It is toned down to keep from being overly explicit and detailed, but it has the chance to offend. Please steer clear if any of this may offend you.

"Rise and shine oh princely one! The sun is up and the air is fresh and clean! It s a beautiful day and we common folk have been up for hours toiling away hard at work!" Merlin calls out over his shoulder as he sweeps the thick curtains away from the windows. "It's time for the lazy nobles to pour themselves out of bed so they can acknowledge the efforts of the little folk!"

"I hate you." Mutters the lumps tucked under a thick quilt upon the bed.

"We really need to work on your presentation of appreciation Arthur," Merlin says crisply as he moves from the window towards the large bed. "As Crown Prince and serving Regent, you re supposed to inspire dedication from your people." he says as he practically bounces the last few steps to the bed. "So get out of bed and inspire me!"

A deep groan is heard under the covers in reply.

"Oh come on now," the energetic servant says as he reaches out to firmly grasp both quilt and top sheet into his fists, "This waking up like a hibernating bear every morning is growing old and boring." With a whoosh of effort, both the sheet and quilt and torn from the burrowed figure curled up on the bed.

"Hold on." Arthur grumbles, "Let me finish my dream, first." Pausing, the blonde royal s brow furrows slightly as if in deep concentration. That moment passes quickly, and is soon followed by a cruel grin. "Amazing!" He says as he opens his eyes. "Even when I dream of publicly hanging you for your sickly sweet morning cheerfulness, you still manage an annoying perky smile as the rope tightens around that skinny neck of yours."

Clicking his tongue against the inside of this cheek in a disapproving manner, Merlin turns from the bed towards the table and the waiting breakfast table. "What would your father think if he were to learn that you dream so intimately about your servants?" He asks with a cheeky tone. His words are followed quickly by a sharp intake of breath, "Uhm." he says as his expression takes on a veil of guilt, "I Shouldn t have said that."

"That's alright Merlin. I find myself referring to my father the way he was rather than how he is. You and I both know that he wouldn t react to anything remotely shocking." Arthur says in a tight, carefully contained whisper. "I can't think of a single thing that would rattle him from his current state." Shaking his head sadly, the Prince Regent adds, "Even my Uncle Agravaine seems convinced that we can't continue as we have for much longer."

Reaching the table, Merlin frowns in distaste at the mention of the Lord Agravaine, but he says nothing. Instead, he sighs with guilt as his friend s thoughts seem to be move down a darker path than intended. "At least the people seem satisfied with you ruling as Regent." he says firmly while he arranges the Princes breakfast onto the table, "I myself have no objection to following you down a path of utter boredom for a change." Looking over his shoulder with a bright smile, he adds, "I believe in you Arthur, and I'm sure your father does as well. If anyone can lure the Kings back to his senses, you can."

Arthur rolls his eyes at his servant's words. "Are you really as simple as you sound?" he mutters while he turns and sits heavily in his chair. When no answer comes, the Prince snorts and reaches out to grab a slice of crispy bacon. Holding up his other hand to stall any response, the blonde noble adds, "Don t answer that .. "

Merlin chuckles softly, opening his mouth to offer a clever response, but no sound comes forth. A strange whisper drifting upon the winds robs the warlock of all thought. Looking to the window with a furrowed brow, he reaches out with his magic to search for what was said and its source.

"... l tan giefstol cunnan sarnes demm ..."

Frowning deeply and tilting his head slightly so to listen more intently, Merlin takes a step towards the window. It was there. Too far to be touched, and yet near enough to be felt there is a bitter scent of something foul being woven into the fabric of life. His lips move, silently mouthing what he thinks he has heard. 'Let the throne know pain loss?' Taking another step closer to the window, anything further that might be heard is lost with the impact of a chunk of bread bounces off his head. "What'd you do that for?" the warlock snaps out as he turns back towards the source of the artillery.

Holding his chin high, Arthur gives his servant a withering look, "Clearly, you are simple and an idiot. I ve called you three times to fill my goblet and you offer nothing more than a blank stare out the window." Holding up his goblet, the Prince lifts his brow expectantly.

Bending down to pick up the morning's weapon of choice, Merlin shakes the chunk of bread at the Prince. "I've a mind to tell the Baker what you do with the bread she slaves over a hot oven to make." He says in a disapproving tone. Tossing the bread onto the tray, the dark haired young man takes the pitcher of water and fills the offered goblet. "I know I wouldn't want to make her feel unappreciated."

"You'd lose out as much as I would. I know as fact that at least half of what you bring up from the kitchen is for yourself." The Prince says with a laugh as he raises his goblet to his lips.

Reaching out to snatch a piece of bacon, Merlin glares rebelliously at the Prince. "You should consider yourself lucky that I'm willing to overlook most of your prattish behavior."