Maelyn sighed as she watched the knights spar, gaze trained on the Prince himself. He moved with a grace most men did not possess and it was one of the many reasons she'd fallen for him.
"Enjoying the view?" She turned to see Merlin behind her, a smirk plastered on his face. She rolled her eyes with a smile, gathering her skirts and making her way back to the palace. Merlin walked alongside her, his grin faded just a bit. "I apologize if I have offended-"
"You didn't, Merlin. You never do." He nodded, though by the thoughtful look on his face, she knew it wasn't over. "What is it?"
"He does care for you." It only took her a moment to realize who he meant, and a faint blush dusted over her cheeks. Self-consciously, she tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear.
"I'm sure he cares for all his subjects, Merlin."
"That's not what I meant and you know it." He moved to walk in front of her, each backwards step of his meeting a forward one of hers. She arched a brow, choosing to say nothing. "Come on, Maelyn, don't you see the way he looks at you?"
"The way who looks at her?" Gwen fell into step next to her easily, and Maelyn briefly wondered if they had planned all of this. They'd been bothering her for the last week to finally tell him how she felt about him, and she's stood her ground.
"Arthur, of course." Merlin shrugged, moving to fall into step on Maelyn's other side. "Honestly, Mae, just let him know. You'll be better for it."
"Or I will make myself out to be a fool." Mae arched a brow once more, watching as Merlin opened his mouth to make another argument.
"Merlin!" The masculine voice some distance behind them, and all three turned quickly to see Arthur approaching. Maelyn dropped her gaze instantly. "I need you to take my armor and get it cleaned. And Gwen, I believe Gaius was looking for you." Both made hasty retreats and Maelyn moved to leave as well. "Wait, Maelyn." Her heart slammed in her chest as she turned back to him, careful to keep her gaze on his chest.
"Yes sire?" Her voice was surprisingly strong, given how her insides had turned to pure liquid when he spoke her name.
"Please bring my lunch to my chambers." With that, he left, and she took a deep breath to calm herself. With a nod, she hurried away to do as he asked, sure that she felt his gaze trained on her back.
When she finally brought up his lunch, Maelyn found she couldn't control the shaking in her hands. Gwen had cornered her and finally convinced her it was time to admit to her feelings for the Prince. The other maiden seemed sure he would return her affections, and Maelyn couldn't stop the hope that bloomed inside her. She knocked gently on the door before entering, keeping her gaze on the tray as she moved to the desk.
"Ah, good. Thank you, Maelyn." Instead of hurrying away as she normally would, she moved to close the door, taking a deep breath before looking up to see Arthur giving her a curious look.
"I was hoping we might speak, Your Highness." At his nod, she continued. "Um, well, it's a tad personal. I, um..." She hesitated, a sliver of doubt creeping in. He gave her a concerned look, turning his full attention to her now. Drawing on her courage, she straightened again. "I love you, Arthur." Shock crossed his features and silence reigned between them. She resisted the urge to make any sort of noise, waiting for his response.
"Maelyn..." Just his tone shattered her heart to pieces. "I'm so very sorry." She didn't need to hear him say the words. Instead, she forced a quivering smile on her face, holding up a hand.
"No, I am sorry. I'm the one who is a fool." Something darkened his gaze, but she was already turning for the door. "Please excuse my intrusion, Your Highness." Before he could say anything else, she hurried from the room, not making it far before the tears began to fall.