For Your Entertainment

[ayoungboy]

The circus comes into town in the late afternoon. It's a quiet caravan, but the whispers start immediately. It's not a regular circus. This one - this is the Camelot circus. One of the most esteemed traveling acts in the country, and not for the faint of heart. This one has a flaming sword eater and a terrifying magician.

A few brave people try to peek at the preparations, but once the big tent is up, all that can really be seen are food stands being set up, and a few podiums for acts unknown. Everything else is hidden from view. You want to see? Come buy a ticket.

Comments

[royalpratness]

Arthur sighs, wondering if nobody had ever shown Merlin any kindness before. "Go to sleep."

[ayoungboy]

"See you," Merlin murmurs, but he squeezes Arthur's hand tightly.

[royalpratness]

Arthur stays with Merlin through the night while his maids take care of exchanging the wet pieces of clothes around Merlin's legs every other hour. The chair isn't exactly comfortable and Arthur finds himself waking up repeatedly.

[ayoungboy]

"Sir?" One of the maids asks gently, offering him a blanket. "Your friend has made it through the night, sir...his fever is starting to break."

[royalpratness]

Arthur sits up slowly, wincing at his sore neck. "That's great news, thank you for taking such good care of him." He smiles warmly at the maid before turning to Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin still sleeping, and the maid gently drapes the blanket over Arthur.

[royalpratness]

"Thank you." Arthur smiles, staying where he is for the next few hours.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin eventually groans and his eyes flicker open.

[royalpratness]

"Good morning." Arthur stifles a yawn.

[ayoungboy]

"...Arthur...?"

[royalpratness]

"Yes, I'm here." Arthur rests his hand on Merlin's shoulder, squeezing it lightly. "How are you feeling?"

[ayoungboy]

"Terrible." Merlin coughs and smiles roughly. "But alive."

[royalpratness]

"Give it a few more days." Arthur smiles encouragingly. "It looks like you've made it through the worst part." He yawns again, sitting up straighter in his chair. "We should let somebody at the circus know where you are."

[ayoungboy]

"Shit! I missed the show!" Merlin almost jumps out of bed.

[royalpratness]

"Merlin!" Arthur grabs him by the shoulders, pushing him back down. "What do you think you're doing?! You could have died last night, you're not leaving this bed for at least another week!"

[ayoungboy]

"But I have to do the show!" Merlin looks up pleadingly at Arthur. "They could kick me out!"

[royalpratness]

"Don't be ridiculous. You're seriously ill. You wouldn't even make it down the stairs in your current condition."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin sighs in defeat, but he still looks worried.

[royalpratness]

"I'll send someone down there to let them know that you're ill." Arthur hands Merlin a glass of water. "Don't worry. If they're smart, they won't fire their main attraction."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin thanks him quietly for the water. "...I don't have anywhere else. I need that job, Arthur."

[royalpratness]

"I know that. I promise, I'll march down there personally later today and talk to your employer."

[ayoungboy]

"Thanks." Merlin says softly.

[royalpratness]

"Not a problem. You just focus on getting better, okay?" Arthur gently rubs Merlin's shoulder.

[ayoungboy]

"You're very kind." Merlin coughs into his arm.

[royalpratness]

Arthur shrugs, getting up to his feet. "If you need anything, ring that bell." He points at the nightstand. "Alice will look after you. I have some errands to run." Including talking to Merlin's boss.