a thankless job

[regularlyaccused]

I appreciate the break from Arthur. No, really, pompous man like himself could use a moment of solitude to deflate the ego... But, and yes, there is always a 'but' mundane, you know the man's helpless without me. If he isn't ordering me to shine his armor, muck out his stalls, and clean his room -- both of them dangerously similar, thank you -- he's off pummeling things with a sword!

Things that pummel back.

I know he's... reluctant to express matters of appreciation. Of the heart even-- He's rather dense in fact, but he's not bad. So, figure out what you are planning on doing soon so my break is not a long one. 

Comments

[meidokay]

...But that is the duty of a King. You should be more grateful for his generous protection.

[regularlyaccused]

I'm not saying he isn't generous or protective. Prat that he is, he's a good man.

[under his breath:] That I end up saving. Several times a week.

[meidokay]

[The air around the two seem to freeze over.]

I do pray you, sir, to tell repeat your last sentence. The one containing a word that starts with "p".

[In other words, did you just call her King/adoptive siblings that she is overprotective of a "prat"?]

[regularlyaccused]

[He is a prat. A royal one. There are far worse things, aren't there? Like... being Morgana. Not that Merlin is completely unaware of the chilly switch in mood, raising an eye to give her a questioning look]

He's my friend. [Hurried:] Most of the time. I said he was a good man after calling him a prat, you know.

[meidokay]

He is the most noble monarch that Britain has ever seen!

[Her expression softens considerably.]

Friend...? Then, on the part of my sovereign, I would like to thank you for keeping him company. As long as you mind your place and restrain your hands, I think Arthur would be very happy.