Estrela was in awe. Right in front of her face was the great Camelot, the crown jewel in all the nations. She had heard about it in legends as the heralding place of Albion, the origin of peace and prosperity throughout the land that would be brought about by Emrys and the Once and Future King, along with the Knights of the Round Table. There was a shock for her. Walking alongside her were Emrys and his teacher, and apparently Arthur Pendragon was the king destined to unite the lands and bring about Albion? How in the Triple Godesses' names was the son of Uther Pendragon supposed to bring forth a time where magic and those who practiced it safe?

Despite her own thoughts, if Emrys believed in Arthur, then so should she. With that decision, she focused back on t he place of mythical proportions in front of her and realized she had missed part of Merlin's rambles.

"-lives right up this road in a little shack. And here's where they sell the most beautiful flowers, so if a noble ever asks for flowers, these are the ones you should come buy. Fabrics are sold over there, and Gwen lives- hey are you listening?"

His blue eyes pierced her own in question. Cursing her distraction because of his soothing voice, she muttered something about being overwhelmed and turned away from his eyes, desperate not to have her faint blush be seen.

"Merlin, please," Gaius chided. "The poor girl is clearly trying to take it all in. Let's allow her to rest while we set up somewhere for her to work."

She smiled gratefully at Gaius and he winked back at her. Oh in the Triple Goddesses' names, he knew.

"Gwen!"

Merlin approached his friend and swung her around in a hug, the two laughing together. Estrela felt something sting in her heart. Why wouldn't she expect Emrys to already have a girlfriend?

"Gwen, I'd like you to meet Estrela. Estrela, this is Gwen. She is Morgana's personal servant. Can you imagine that I am friends with the king's ward's servant?"

Friends. Her heart felt light again. A smile lit up her face as she warmly shook Gwen's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine."

"Gwen," Merlin interjected, "Estrela does not have a place to stay, nor does she have a job. Would you mind housing her and spreading the word that she is looking for a job?"

"What is her experience?"

The three looked at Estrela and she felt very self-conscious. "I..." Biting her lip, she paused for a moment. "I am very good at cleaning rooms and picking up behind someone else. I also know a lot of recipes for herb mixtures and potions."

Gaius stared at her thoughtfully, thinking about her servitude to Nimueh, and then coming to a decision. "She would make a fine castle servant."

Merlin and Estrela stared at Gaius incredulously.

"You think so?" Estrela asked, her insecurity and nervousness coming through her voice.

Gwen put a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her in a reassuring manner. "I'm sure you will do just fine as a servant. I will notify the kitchens and the other servants to be on the look-out for an opening."

"Thank you so much."

"You're very welcome. Now, I have to get back to picking out fabric for Morgana's new dress. Merlin, would you-"

As Merlin and Gwen began to chat idly about fabrics, Estrela smiled softly at them.

Maybe coming here will be a good thing.

Since not having a job meant all the free time one could have, Estrela entertained herself by helping Gaius with his potions, reading whatever books she could find of interest, and taking walks in the castle throughout the day. On one such walk, she saw a serving boy drop a sword and dent it.

"You idiot!" A middle-aged man came storming out of the room beside where the servant was and yanked the boy up. "You will be fired for that! Now pick up this horrendous mess you made."

The boy was crying as the man shoved him to the ground and returned to his quarters. Estrela took that as her cue. Approaching the boy, she bent down and offered her hand to him, picking up the sword in her other hand. Gratefully, he took her hand and allowed her to help him stand up.

"My name is Estrela."

"Thank you, my lady. There was no need for you to assist me. I deserve that punishment for my failure."

She looked at him with pity. "One simple mistake does not require such drastic consequences. Besides," she took the sword in both hands and used the stone wall to bend it back in place, "it is an easy fix for such a bad sword."

"I chose that sword, m'lady. It is my fault for choosing such a terrible weapon. An Incompetent weapon for an incompetent servant."

"I doubt you are incompetent. Surely your master will forgive you-"

"M'lady, please do not mock me with such suggestions. Now if you will, please step aside so that I may go to my quarters and pack my things."

She stood aside and watched with sadness as the lost boy scurried away, his head held low in shame.

"Do you honestly think he is deserving of forgiveness?"

She turned around and saw that it was the same man from before staring at her.

"It was a simple mistake. Surely he does well enough work to warrant some forgiveness," she replied.

"Come here."

Her eyes widened with fear. Hesitantly, she approached the man. He turned and gestured toward his room. "For questioning my authority, you get to clean my quarters. After that, you will wipe the throne room until it shines. I expect all this to be done before supper tonight."

Her eyebrows crinkled in confusion and a sneer formed on her face. "And who are you to make me do so?"

At that, he placed his face mere inches from her own and yelled, "I am the king! And all my subjects will do as I say."

Horror dawned on her face. "I- I am so sorry my king, I did not realize-"

"Enough. Do as I say or else."

With that he turned and strutted away, leaving an embarrassed girl behind him.

So much for getting a job in the castle...

She wiped her forehead that was glistening with sweat. Looking around the throne room one last time, she nodded her head in accomplishment and turned to go back to Gaius.

"Well done." Uther walked out from behind a pillar to look her in the eyes. "I saw what you did in my quarters and, after seeing this, I have decided."

She held her breath in apprehension.

"You are to be my new servant! Be grateful for the position you have been given."

Her stomach dropped. Servant to the king who hated magic and all magical creatures? Her?

"Y-your Highness, I'm not sure-"

He cut her off. "You will show up to my quarters a chime after sunrise with breakfast. From there, I will give you more instructions. Now, tell me your name."

"E-Estrela."

His eyebrow quirked. "A druid word."

Oh no.

"I was named after one of the Great Dragons of the West."

"Why so?"

"My parents had already picked the name when the Great Purge started."

He chuckled. "I remember that dragon. It was almost too beautiful to kill." His eyes took on a murderous glint to them. "I wish I kept her carcass to remind the people how strong our nation is."

She gulped and bit her lip.

He waved his hand as a gesture to dismiss the subject. "No matter. I will see you tomorrow morning. Goodnight."

With that he walked away, once again leaving her in a stupor.

Her mind was abuzz with thoughts as she walked past the rooms and out to her shared house with Gwen. How in the Triple Goddesses' names was she supposed to be Uther Pendragon's servant without being found out? How could she possibly protect her secret while having to be around him every day? She would have to be very careful in what she did.