‘ that was a terrible way to wake up . how can i ensure that never happens again ? ’ - from arthurrrrr
merlin sits somewhere tight between exasperation and self preservation. the thing blocking the exit protects neither thing. he straightens up. ‘ ah. yes. well. i suppose, sire, you could start by not ignoring every attempt to wake you like a normal person. ’ it’s all about testing the waters. wading the waters. acting like you own the waters when you very much, absolutely do not. ‘ i did knock. repeatedly. and call your name. loudly. there was even a point where i considered shaking you, but i value my life more than that. ’ he picks up pace now he’s committed, he shouldn’t, but he does.
‘ i did try waking you properly, by the way. you grunted and told me to go away. which, for the record, is a terrible strategy if you’re trying to avoid unpleasant surprises. ’ he shrugs, as if it’s all so so very obvious. ‘ but don’t worry, sire. next time i’ll bring a trumpet. or a parade. something suitably dramatic for his royal highness. ’