When one day passed, Gaius did nothing. Merlin often left for this amount of time. He would be back soon.

When two days passed, Gaius began to worry. Arthur was in a tizzy, and the physician asked around for the servants.

When three days passed, Gaius sent Gwaine and Leon to look around Camelot. He watched Gwen with suspicion and kept his eyes open.

When a week passed, Arthur sent out a search party despite the warning of his wife. But her face did not fall, and Gaius noticed this.

When eight days passed, there was a threat from Morgana, and all attention was diverted to it.

When ten days passed, Gaius's old heart finally sank all the way, and he caught the edge of the table as he sagged and tears filled his eyes.

When two weeks passed, Arthur was beyond frantic. He'd gone looking personally. George had taken Merlin's place. Gwaine was gone—out looking. And Gaius put down his work.

Gaius climbed the old steps.

Gaius went into the queen's chambers, and politely waited for her to turn around.

(If it took her a moment, she was probably plastering on a smile.)

Gaius looked the queen in her expectant face, and said, "Just tell me, milady, so that I can stop wondering."

He saw the innocent look in her eyes. He pressed on.

"No, milady. I once healed your brother and your father. I helped your mother when you were ill. Once, when we thought Merlin had died, I hugged you as you cried. By all of that, Guinevere, tell me the truth. Did you kill him? Is he dead?"

For a second, her façade slipped.

For a second, she looked scared and lost.

The queen of Camelot, with her recently frozen face, looked up into the physician's old eyes, and she gave a tiny little nod.

"Will Arthur be coming home again, then?"

A tiny shake of the head.

Gaius nodded. "I see, milady."

And then he turned.

Gaius opened the door.

Gaius went down to his chambers.

Gaius went inside and picked up his work, which was sitting where he left it.