When a noble visits Camelot with her servant-turned-lover, Merlin thinks he and Arthur may actually have a chance. But when Arthur uses the visit as inspiration to instead court Gwen, Merlin develops a tickle in his throat. Then a cough. Then flower petals. The only cure for Hanahaki is to have one's love returned…and Arthur doesn't love him.

"So," Arthur says, "are you powerful, then?" / "Um," Merlin says. "I can hold my own." / Arthur snorts. The day Merlin can hold his own, he'll eat his sword. / AU. Post-S4, post-reveal.