Arthur was simply walking through the corridor, not planning on listening to anyone's conversations, yet something made him stop and hear what these ladies had to say.
"Put it how you want Freya. You can't change that even here, servant means slave."
"Not here. With some of the nobles, maybe, but we are paid, provided clothes, food, and besides, if that was the case, that would mean I am courting a slave."
"You are, Freya. Also we aren't nobles. We don't 'court' anyone."
"No Claili. He's the best person I know, a king in his own way."
"He certainly is treated like one."
"And we are what we are treated like? If so than I am an animal to be hunted for a prize. Or I used to be."
"Freya, you could tell us your story if it really is that bad."
The two came around the corner, arm in arm. One was short, slightly plump, and with red hair. The other slim, with brown eyes that complemented her brown curls perfectly.
"No need Claili. It is behind me now." The second one said, shuffling a pile of cloth draped over her arm into a more comfortable position.
When they saw the king, they halted, and curtseied.
"Excuse me ladies, have you seen Merlin?"
A slight blush alighted onto Freya's cheeks. Claili, the one with red hair, elbowed her slightly. "Yeah Freya, where's Merlin ehh?" She teased.
"Oh hush you." She turned back to her king. "Merlin is out gathering herbs for Gaius. At least that's where he was when I last saw him."
"Ah thank you."
Merlin took that moment to come around the corner behind Arthur, with a small bouquet of flowers including daisies and wild roses in his hand.
"Hallo Arthur, did you need me?"
"Yes I- Merlin what are those?"
"Flowers. They are a thing you give to women. Speaking of which," he turned and, with an elegant bow, handed the bouquet to Freya. "M-lady."
"Merlin! Oh these are lovely!" She buried her face in the petals and took a long sniff. The she looked up and smiled in a way that highlighted her freckles.
He gave a slight shrug. "Only the best for you Freya." He looked side ways at his dumbstruck master. "Well ladies, seem I have to take his highness. It looks like we broke him"
The girls laughed as Merlin dragged the stunned king away.
"Now sire, was there something you needed me for?"
"You have a girlfriend?!"
"Yes. And if that is all you needed I will happily return." He smirked at him.
"N-no. We are gonna practice, and we need you there."
"Fair enough."