Work Text:
Arthur was going to pass out. No he wasn’t being dramatic if Arthur didn’t go to sleep in the next twenty-four hours he was going to pass out. At least that’s what merlin keeps telling him every time he comes in to wake him up and Arthur is already awake and dressed in the exact same outfit from the night before at his table as if he never left.
He hasn’t.
Arthur hasn’t really been listening to Merlin’s warnings , when has he ever but he’s starting to think maybe he should. Because there’s no amount of reasoning Arthur could tell himself that would make the fact he’s been reading the same sentence for the past thirty minutes ok.
(if he was in his right state of mind he would remember the fact that his ankle injury is probably some of the cost for his lack of focus but he isn’t.)
After what might be the 100th time of trying Arthur decides maybe he should take a break.Merlin would be here soon to “wake” him anyway maybe if he played it right he could fool him into thinking he actually went to bed so he wouldn’t waste his time yelling at him for not sleeping.
Yes! that’s what he’ll do the faster he can get Merlin off his back the faster he can get his duties done . brilliant idea if you asked him.
Which is why Arthur almost cries when not only Merlin but Gwen and his knights walk in. So much for getting his duties done faster.
Merlin huffs doesn’t ever address him.(rude) points at the knights and says “see”
Arthur looks down at himself “see what”
They continue to ignore him to look at each other and nod before moving closer to Arthur.
Arthur looks at all of them puzzled”what are you all doing”.
Gwen ignores his question (Arthur wonders when they all stopped respecting him as their prince )but hes willing to let it slide because someone finally speaks to him “when was the last time you ate?”
That’s not what he was expecting “what?”
Leon piped up next “or slept?”
Arthur blinks
Gwaine motions towards his foot “or the last time you had your ankle checked out by gauis.”
Arthur decides it won’t be the best time to mention he hasn’t got it checked out or that he forget it was there “Merlin what is this?” He finally asked
Merlin glares at him “well since your a part and won’t listen to me when I tell you to take a break I’ve had to bring in back up.” Then gestures to the group behind him like he can’t see them.
Arthur sighs “Merlin I told you the well being-“
”Of the kingdom comes before the princes I know “ Merlin repeats the same thing he’s heard every time he’s brought his worries up to Arthur “and how exactly can the kingdom be well if your dead.”
Arthur rolls his eyes “I’m not going to die.”
“You will if you keep going like this” Elyan says
“I’m fine” Arthur lies
”yeah” Gwaine says like he doesn’t believe him “then stand up and walk” he points to the other side of the room “there and back”
“What would that prove?” Arthur asks annoyed
“That your fine as you say you are” Merlin answers
“if I do it will you leave me be?” he asks the group
They nod.
”fine” he sighs and tries to will all the fight left in him to complete the task
He tries to stand. His head spins. He’s forced back into his chair before he falls.
”Hey!”Arthur exclaims “I was going to walk”
”No Arthur. you were going to fall over and make things even worse” Gwen says like she’s talking to a stubborn child
”ok maybe I’m a bit dizzy” he admits he hears someone scoff “a bit”
“but” he starts”I can’t just lay down while there’s so much to do” Arthur explains
Everyone eyes soften a bit
Lance speaks for the first time “ we know that’s why we’ve decided to take care of them at least for today while you rest”
Eveyone nods in agreement
Arthur shakes his head “I can’t ask you of that”
“your not asking were telling you what we’re going to do” Gwaine shrugs
Merlin adds”and besides you already have me doing everything for you anyway nothing new”
”It’s almost like that’s your job ” Arthur snarks back
Merlin shrugs.
Gwen claps her hands togther and points at Camelot’s first knight “leon was going to take care of knightly duties but he’s the only one with proper court training so he’ll be sitting in for you in your meetings for today “
Leon adds “nothing to important that you’ll be required to be there I swear”
Arthur nods
“We’ve decided with elyans help gwaine will be taking over training for today” gwaine grins elyan looks up to sky.
”After I take you to gauis me and lance are going to the lower towns to help out “Percy finish’s
Arthur raises an eyebrow “after you what?”
Merlin glares again “since you decided you didn’t want to go to him when you needed to we’re going to drag you”
Arthur hangs his head then looks back up”I’m the prince you guys can’t force me to go along with this”
“Either that our have him sit on you until you agree” Merlin pats percvial arm
“That’s treason” Arthur points out.
“No one would ever know” gwaine points out.
Artur make a point to groan really loud and annoyed “fine I’ll take the day off”.
Gwen smiles “wonderful” then looks at the knights “gentlemen”
Eylan gwaine lance and Leon nod look at Arthur “sire” grin and smugly leave. Arthur hates them all.
Percvial lifts Arthur and puts his hand his shoulder. “Ready?”
Arthur narrows his eyes
Percvial laughs “wonderful. and starts to practically drag him out the room screw his title and dignity.
Gwen and Merlin look at each other then back at pair and nods in success.
As promised after percvial drops Arthur off he goes to help out Lancelot with whatever chores the people ask of after swearing he’d be back to drag Arthur back to his room.
Arthur in his Arthur like manner grumbles and complains about not needing an escort. Which is Quickly shut down once Gwen reminds him he couldn’t even stand up on his own without almost falling over.
Arthur sometimes missed when they cared about his title(he doesn’t)
After getting a lecture and a potion from gauis a bunch of told you so’s from Merlin Arthur is finally free to go back to his chamber back to his work.
Merlin and Gwen have other ideas in mind.
After fetching percvial to carry Arthur back.Which if you asked him isn’t even needed anymore he was well enough to walk on his own to feel without falling over like a new born. Arthur expected Merlin and Gwen to go.
Oh how wrong he was.
”well I appreciate all the help hate to admit it but you were right my ankle did need looking after” Arthur looks at the door”you may go.”
Gwen and Merlin eye Arthur like his a idiot.
“What now.”Arthur sighs
“Have you ate yet?” Merlin asks
”slept?” Gwen follows up
”No?”Artur answers
”Then clearly we’re not done here”Gwen turns to Merlin “make sure he doesn’t escape I’ll be back with food.” She tells him then leaves
”And how do you plan to keep me here Merlin”Arthur laughs
Merlin shrugs “I don’t have to keep you here your lack of taking care of yourself did that for me” He replies as he moves to the table to sort out the mess of a restless arthur
Arthur lays back in defeat “why are you all doing this.”
Merlin turns around “ because your to much of a dollophead to do it yourself and we care for you welling being”
“That’s not a word” Arthur tells him pointless
Merlin smiles.
Arthur does to
Hours later after he eats and is practically forced into a sleep Arthur will wake up with a kingdom still intact a brain that can process words and thank his idiot manservant and friends for forcing him to take a breather.
They’ll smile say anytime and Arthur will believe them.