What Did Arthur Think Merlin Was Hiding From Him?

What did Arthur think Merlin was hiding from him?

I fully believe that Arthur knew Merlin was hiding something, he just didn’t know for sure what it was. Or he felt no need to bring it up because he believes Merlin is good and trusts him enough with secrets, or he thinks Merlin has a good reason for not telling him because of either his status or just not being ready to talk about it.

The reasons aren’t important here.

So my top theory is that Arthur knew Merlin was gay and just assumed it was a secret. (It really wasn’t.)

But how unhinged would Arthur go in his theories?

Does Arthur think Merlin has a group of pets he shouldn’t have because they’re all wild animals? And that’s why he hates hunting. Like a small family of 4 wolves, a couple of owls he trained to stay close to Camelot, a few deer, maybe a boar or two but they’re all his best friends so whenever he’s “at the tavern” he’s actually just frolicking in the woods with his unpetable pets.

Or does he think Merlin is training to join the circus or something? The juggling had to come from somewhere so maybe he’s planning to ask Arthur to become a jester more than a manservant? Arthur would hate it, because he couldn’t drag Merlin around everywhere but he’d do it if it meant Merlin would be happy.

Maybe he’s got some obscure hobby involving maps so next time he just knows stuff, it’s because he’s just a huge nerd. Maybe he’s secretly a genius who spends all his time in the library.

I need theories, please.

Arthur becoming a conspiracy theorist because he doesn’t want to think about whatever the real thing Merlin is hiding is hilarious to me. Maybe he even spreads a few rumours to keep Merlin’s secret safe, whatever it is.