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]

"See you later." Smiling, Arthur leaves the room to find the head of his staff.

An hour later, he sits in the dining room, waiting for Merlin to join him.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin walks in a few minutes later, apologetic for being even a moment late.

[royalpratness]

"Hey." Arthur gestures for him to sit down, lunch already on the table. "Did you settle in okay?"

[ayoungboy]

"Yup, all settled." Merlin nods, sitting across from Arthur. "Sorry I'm late."

[royalpratness]

"You're not late." Arthur bites into piece of bread. "I've talked to my staff and they said that they mostly need help with the household chores. Cleaning, helping in the kitchen, that kind of thing."

[ayoungboy]

"I can do that." Merlin says, nodding quickly. "Who should I report to?"

[royalpratness]

"That would be Alice. She likes you." Arthur grins.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin blushes a little and hides behind his glass of water. "...thanks."

[royalpratness]

Arthur had already talked to Alice and asked her not to make Merlin work too hard. "You're welcome." Arthur finishes his food. "I'll have to head out later and I won't be back until tomorrow."

[ayoungboy]

"Where are you going?" Merlin asks, curious.

[royalpratness]

"Meeting with a neighbouring landowner. It's too far away to return this afternoon so I'll stay here overnight." Arthur explains.

[ayoungboy]

"Ah," Merlin nods, smiling gently.

[royalpratness]

"Just ask Alice if you need anything." Arthur gets up and squeezes Merlin's shoulder.

[ayoungboy]

"I will." Merlin smiles at Arthur. "I'll await your return."

[royalpratness]

With one last glance at Merlin, Arthur leaves the dining room to go and saddle his horse.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin consumes himself with activity to benefit Arthur's household while he's gone.

sorry, this week is insane orz. rl is kicking my ass

[royalpratness]

Despite his announcement to the contrary, Arthur slips into Merlin's room that night just after midnight. "Merlin?"

Aw hun, it's alright <3<3

[ayoungboy]

"Mm?" Merlin mumbles, fast asleep.

[royalpratness]

"Hey, sorry." Arthur stands by his bed, feeling awkward.

[ayoungboy]

"...'rthur?" Merlin squints in the darkness.

[royalpratness]

"Yes, it's me. Sorry. I got back early." Which still doesn't explain why he's standing in Merlin's bedroom.

[ayoungboy]

"Oh...good." Merlin says, blinking away some of the grogginess. "...what time is it?"

[royalpratness]

"Almost midnight." Arthur shifts awkwardly from one foot to the other. "Would you.. can I stay here?"

[ayoungboy]

"Sure, Arthur." Merlin agrees softly, pulling back the covers for Arthur to slide in. "...everything alright?"

[royalpratness]

Arthur kicks off his shoes and slips into bed next to Merlin. "Yes, it was just a rough day. The meeting didn't go so well."