I had just finished the laundry, hadn't I? Of course it had to be then. I was just heading back to the palace when he went barreling across the courtyard paying no mind to where he was going and knocked the basket right out of my hands. All my clean linens went all over the cobblestones. I had a right notion to give the boy a piece of my mind. And I would have, if he hadn't been scrambling frantically to gather up all the bedsheets, apologizing like his life depended on it.

"I am so sorry, ma'am," he kept saying, over and over. He stood there blinking at me, arms full of linens, and I couldn't help but laugh. The poor thing, he had no idea the sight he looked, all flushed and his dark hair sticking everywhere. He really was a good-looking thing, too, bright blue eyes and a pretty smile.

"O-oh?" he said, completely confused.

"Lord bless you, boy," I told him. "I know how it is with you young folk. Always in a hurry. Come now, hand those over. You haven't done too much damage. I'll get them folded again."

"I really am sorry," he said again, dumping the sheets back into my basket. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Tell me your name, boy," I said. "I don't think I've seen you around here before."

"I'm Merlin," he replied, giving me that lovely smile again. "I'm Arthur's new manservant."

I pursed my lips. "Well. You've got your work cut out for you and no mistake. Arthur's a good prince, but..."

"But he's a good prince," Merlin finished for me, still grinning.

I had to laugh again. "Clever clogs, eh? Well, good luck to you, Merlin. I suppose I'll see you again."

"Hopefully not like this," he added quickly.

I flapped my hands at him. "Be off with you, lad."

He really was a beautiful boy.