(Merlin's POV)

I sighed as I paced the outline of the cell. I stopped for a moment and ran my hands through my hair. What if they kill me...? I clicked my tongue and continued my pacing. I needed to get out of here. I couldn't get out of here. I would need magic, and if I used magic, I would be killed for sure. I stopped once again and sat down, leaning my back against the wall. Arthur.... Why would Arthur... excuse me... Why would Dollophead throw me in here? Why did he look so amused? Why was there another emotion twinkling in his eyes? Wait... What was that last one? I shook my head, ridding myself of thoughts of Arthur. It didn't work. All I could think about was Arthur's eyes and how they sparkled in the light, and how they twinkled when he was happy. I sighed, then covered my mouth in surprise. I've never sighed like that for a man. Of course, not every man has hair that flows perfectly around his perfectly shaped head. Or hair that seems so silky smooth and shines and glows in sunlight. I clicked my tongue once more stopping the flow of thoughts. I will not feel this way about someone who threw me in a cell. A loud banging echoes around the room and I looked up at the cell doors.

"Aye, Prince Arthur is 'ere to see ya," a guard said. I quickly stood up and straightened out my shirt. Why am I trying to look good? I probably have dirt and pebbles stuck to my pants. The door opened and I looked up, dropping my hands to my sides. Arthur looked at me, as if studying me, or looking into my soul. When he spoke I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"I have a proposition. You won't have to stay in the cell and rot," Arthur said. "However, you will have to be my servant." I held in a gasp. His servant!? How idiotic can he be! I'm in a cell and he is the one who threw me in... but I really don't want to die, and if I accept I get to spend time with royalty. I slowly looked up at him, and instantly regretted it. His eyes twinkled with something that I couldn't quite place. How can his hair shine without any light!? I quickly looked down again and nodded my head.

"I accept," I said quietly. I looked up for just a second and saw a smile stretch along his face. His teeth shone through. My breath hitched and my knees almost gave out. He turned and walked out of the cell, looking back to make sure I was following. I forced my legs to move and I walked out with Prince Arthur.

(Arthur's POV)

I tried focusing on my practice but kept finding Merlin's face fly across my vision. I rewatched as he was being dragged away by the two guards and nearly got hit with an arrow belonging to one of my fellow Knights. I decided that there was no way I was going to be able to focus especially with the way my servant was acting. He couldn't do anything right. Then an idea hit me. I needed a new servant and who better to do it than the man who just doesn't seem to leave me alone even when he isn't around.

I told my servant to get his stuff and head home. I would call for him if I need any more assistance. He nodded before turning and running away. I smiled slightly as I walked towards the dungeons. Just before I arrived I had to fight the smile that was only growing larger as I neared his cell. I couldn't help but be excited for what was to come. I walked up to the guard who just stared at me confused after I told him that I wanted to speak with Merlin.

"But why sir? Didn't you throw him in here?"

"Do I need to tell you twice?"

He quickly shook his head and rushed foward to open the cell door. "Aye, Prince Arthur is 'ere to see ya," he said. I chuckled lightly when Merlin quickly got up to clean off his clothes. There was another feeling stirring inside me but I couldn't quite place what it was. It made me nervous though.

The guard stepped aside and I stepped into the cell. I looked around and wrinkled my nose in disgust. How could anyone stand being in here? Then my eyes landed on Merlin and my relaxed. I studied him and couldn't help but notice that even though he was dirty... he still looked really good. I was staring and I knew it but I couldn't help it. His appearance was suffocating. Then I remembered why I was here.

"I have a proposition. You won't have to stay in the cell and rot," I said. I had left it like that to see his reaction. He let out a breath and I chuckled lightly when his faced paled after realizing that he was holding it. "However, you will have to be my servant." I finished.

I watched in amusement as he warred with himself over the possibilities and benefits. It was funny because everything could be seen on his face. He slowly looked up and I had my breath hitched. His blue eyes were torn but beautiful. The light did wonders to the angular feautures of his face and because of how hot the cell was his hair clung neatly around his face.

He was studying me and I knew it. He quickly looked down again and nodded slowly. "I accept."

I had to hide my joy in that statement because I did have a reputation to uphold. I had no idea where the joy was coming from either. I smiled slightly and noticed him look up. I chuckled softly again when his knees buckled beneath him. Then I turned and began walking out of the cell, only glancing back to see if he was following.