Halbar had enlisted the help of the beauty of the village, who was happy to oblige under the influence of a few gold coins. He watched the girl ready herself, twisting a few strands of her blonde hair around a finger to make them curl and adjusting her dress to cover her breasts a little lower, cleavage sticking out proudly. Any man who ignored such beauty was surely a mad man. Halbar dropped a few swords into her arms and sent her on her way.
Arthur had been put in charge of battle training, being the expert he was. Merlin was in charge of polishing armor, and such, being the expert he was. Some of the villagers argued this, but Halbar had quietly reminded them that Merlin's true identity was secret to the prince, and needed to remain that way for the time being. However, that didn't stop a small group from showing up to join him. A good fourth of the village was sharpening swords with him. At least, it had been a fourth of the village, until a mother noticed there were a handful of children sitting among them, weapons in hand.
That was taken care of quickly.
Halbar's hired-whore took her place in the circle, carrying in her fresh load, waiting for her moment to strike. It was when a woman asked who would be willing to take fresh swords to the trainees that she stood, grabbing up the bundle before Merlin had the chance. He'd wanted to see Arthur too. She took her time walking, working her hips as she rounded the men. She gained the attention of many, but Arthur seemed too focused on the training. So she tried a new tactic. She walked by him, squirming her way to the perfect position.
He 'bumped her off balance'. Her swords fell, so... she leaned down to pick them up. First displaying her rear to him, then circling to get another angle. It would be a miracle not to notice her breasts that way. Arthur stooped to her level, helping to gather the weapons. "Sorry... I didn't see you there."
She giggled, "That's alright. To be honest, I was hoping I'd get the chance to talk to you today. It was fate that we met like this." she smiled.
Arthur grimaced, but wanted to be polite so he smiled in return. "Well thank you for bringing these by, I'll help you carry them to the storage-"
"Oh thank you!" the blonde exclaimed, putting on her best cheery face.
From where the group of villagers sat, they had a good view of the training field. Merlin had a good view of the harlot putting on a show for Arthur. His tool pushed hard against the sword, Merlin tried to tell himself it was nothing, but when he noticed them laughing, his heart sank. Why did Arthur have to be so attractive? With his tones muscles... and his bright smile.. and that.. bright blonde- "Emrys?"
Merlin lifted his head in a jolt. "Are you alright? We've been calling you Emrys. Are you ill?"
The people started to bustle about in worry, "No, no I'm fine. Sorry about that, I was just lost in thought for a moment."
A mother beside him chirped in, "I know that look. Emrys has someone special on his mind." She teased.
Merlin blushed, "Well... yes actually."
"I saw you looking." she added, resting her hand lightly against his arm momentarily, "Not that I blame you. Young love is a complicated thing, and it's hard not to notice that kind of beauty. Especially in someone so young."
Merlin smiled, "Yes. I know what you mean."
"And that wonderful blonde hair, I don't blame your eyes. They have good taste."
"Thank you."
"But you don't want to go in that direction Emrys."
He paused, "... Why not?"
"Feliecia is a beautiful girl... but she's not one for serious relationships with anyone. If you comprehend what I say..." she started.
Oh.. They weren't talking about the same person. Merlin's cheek color deepened, and he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand awkwardly. It was weird to have feelings for a man after all, especially the prince of Camelot. It wasn't natural by standards. "Well, thank you. I'll keep that in mind for the future." he smiled, attempting to hide all the temptations of telling her off inside. They were all nice people, but they didn't quite understand.
Halbar left his post and wandered up to the group. "Ah, Halbar!" Merlin greeted, suddenly thankful to have someone around who knew about his feelings for Arthur. It was a weird thing to be thankful for, but he was none the less. "Can I see you for a moment?"
Merlin nodded, standing from his position in the circle, and sending the ladies a short farewell before being led away behind a hut.
"So.. Merlin... are you and the prince... together?" Halbar asked.
"Oh."
"Oh?"
"Oh..."
There was a period of silence before Halbar spoke again, "Does he not have the same feeling for you as you do him?"
"I... I don't know to be honest." Merlin felt sick. He didn't like this topic.
"Merlin..." Merlin's back was pressed against the wall of the hut as Halbar neared, his arms closing on either side, creating a wall. "I have often fantasized about the wondrous Emrys. You in all your splendor. Does your valiant prince not worship you the same?"
Merlin turned his head away, "I do not wish to be praised."
"Oh but you deserve it..." Halbar started to lean in, his eyes lidded.
Then there was giggling. It came from beyond the hut and grew louder as the couple rounded the corner. It was Arthur and the whore, who had done the giggling. She had his hand in hers. Why was she leading him behind the hut?
"Merlin?"
"Arthur?"
"What are you doing?"