I arranged the roses meticulously. A little girl, probably no older than 9, stood anxiously in the corner of the room with her eyes cast down.
I sighed rather loudly and she jumped in surprise, glancing up at me shyly under her golden auburn curls. They weren't dissimilar to my own, coiled together in knots to form a bun at the back of her head, with a few stray ringlets hanging loosely on either side of her face. I walked over to her quietly, and she curtsied low. I rested a hand on the little servant's shoulder, and leaned down effortlessly so that I was at eye level with the petite child. Her eyes widened in surprise when I placed two fingers under her chin and tilted her face up to look me straight in the eyes, effectively bringing her out of the silly curtsy. I remembered then that due to her low 'status', I had to be the one to speak first.

"Hello sweetheart. Are you here to help me dress for this evening's event?" I smiled warmly at her.
"Yes, my Queen." I realized then that she must be more than 9, as my usual girls were around 21, like myself. I chuckled lightly to myself.
"Has the King asked for you to help me dress?"
"Yes, my Lady. He asked me to keep you company also. Forgive me, my Lady, but I am a little bewildered. I have never been asked to keep anyone 'company' before. I do not know what it means."
I grinned. She smiled a little, which made my own a little larger. "Oh that's okay, sweetie. What the King meant was to, perhaps chat with me while I dress. You see, I do not like the way servants are treated around here, and my husband knows that I'd rather someone to converse with me instead of take orders. Was he polite to you when he asked?" Oh Arthur, he knew me too well.
"Oh yes, my Lady. Ever so polite, I did not even know he was the King!" She chuckled a little and her eyes sparkled.
"Wonderful! Well, would you like to help me choose a dress for tonight?" I stood up and offered her my hand.
She hesitantly took it, and I squeezed it comfortingly. She gingerly squeezed back and smiled up at me.
"May I ask, what your name is little one?"
"My Queen, my mother is a very… all-knowing woman. She named me after yourself, for she knew you were to be a great Queen one day." I was shocked; I recognized this little Guinevere's face.
"And your mother's name?" She looked confused for a second, then recovered and blurted it out.
"Elaine, my Lady." I gasped; Elaine, my old friend. I had not seen her since I was eleven, she was fifteen. Just ten years ago.
"Miss Guinevere," I looked down at her blue eyes. "Are you at the age of nine right now?" She took in my words for a second, and then nodded.
I grinned outright. She smiled a little, probably to hide her confusion. "Your mother was my best friend. About nine years ago I came to Camelot to look for work, which I found. As a maidservant for the Lady Morgana," I choked on those last words a little. "And had to leave your mother behind at our old village."
"My Lady, you were not born royal?" She asked hesitantly. I shook my head quickly.
"No darling. I was a servant for the late King's ward, up until the King- Prince Arthur at the time- and I fell in love. The late King Uther did not approve at all of our relationship, and at times I felt as if it was all a fantasy. Once Arthur became King, he knelt on one knee and asked me to marry him." I sighed happily at the memory. Little Gwen was watching me with wonder.
"That is so romantic. I do wish that I one day find love like yours, my Lady."
I hugged her gently and smiled as she wrapped her arms around me. "You will, don't worry. Now, let us choose a dress!"
My excitement about Elaine did not wear off that evening, and while little Gwen was tightening my corset I turned slowly.
"Gwen," her eyes sparkled sweetly at the use of her nickname. "Would you be ever so kind as to escort me into the village tomorrow? I have a few errands to run."
She nodded and grinned excitedly. "Yes, of course my Lady! Um, would you like to see my home? My mother will most probably be cooking. She owns a little shop now, we only moved here a few weeks back and already she has made a name for herself." She blushed at her boasting. "I mean, the people of Camelot enjoy her cakes."
I laughed. "How wonderful! I cannot wait."
That whole afternoon with little Gwen I was deliriously happy. My thoughts of the festivities for mine and Arthur's one year wedding anniversary meddled with my excitement over meeting the daughter of my best friend caused me to skip around my chambers while Gwen watched on in amazement.

My dress was indeed beautiful, and less than five minutes before I was meant to leave for the party, Arthur walked into our bedroom with a glowing smile on his face.

Thank you for reading and reviewing,
appreciated muchly.

x, Isabella.