[He's trying to be serious here, Arthur! Merlin just continues staring down stubbornly, though he loosens up enough to rub at his neck, where a flush is becoming visible.]

You were right. I shouldn't have decided for you and the others when I found out.

[Merlin breathes in deeply.] I do respect you...as a friend, as my prince. I guess I just...got so used to making all the decisions back home that I wasn't even thinking when I started doing the same here.

It was wrong of me...I'm sorry.