Sorry for the delay in posting, but I had a series of emails from someone who was reading through all my stories and basically saying I was a rubbish writer and it knocked me back. In the end I told the person if they were so bad to stop reading them as I do this for fun! Thank you to all those who enjoy my work I do it all for you.
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Merlin and Freya spent some time downloading his photos and looking at them all. There were even a few of the people who went although most were of the scenery and wildlife. Merlin was pleased with how most of them had turned out. In fact Freya was spending so much time at either Windsor or Buckingham palace that Arthur decided to make an offer to her. So he asked if she would go to his office.
As she walked in and curtsied Arthur waved her to a chair "Please Freya do sit down and relax, you are almost family by now" he smiled as she blushed. Arthur found it hard to imagine how on earth she and the brash Gwaine got on so well.
"Freya I have a proposition for you, please consider it and just let me know when you decide there is no rush" he paused "You got on really well with Merlin and I know you have become very close friends. He is getting more settled as a result. Thank you"
"It's a pleasure Sir. The Prince is a wonderful man" Freya wondered what on earth the King was going to suggest.
"I won't beat about the bush, Merlin is going to be doing more, and we have plans for him to take light and carefully selected duties. We are all agreed that it will help him adapt to his life. So he needs a Personal Assistant, but someone who can relate to him as a friend and will look out for his interests. He already has a team overseeing his mail etc. but I would like you to consider this post. I know you have been looking for work. I spoke to your father as I didn't want to put undue pressure on you. He seems to think you would love it." Arthur smiled "But don't take it just because we all want you to, but because you do"
Freya was astounded, that wasn't what she had been expecting at all. It would be perfect, she could see the Prince every day and also Gwaine. In fact she would have to move to London. Arthur seemed to know what she was thinking.
"We could offer you an apartment within the Palace, rent free. Also a good remuneration package. You would of course have two days a week off, although it might not the same days each week as I would like you to go with Merlin when he goes on his visits. Oh and you could still remain on friendly terms, like Gwaine I wouldn't want you to be formal accept when in company. Please give it a thought"
Freya really didn't need to have tine, it was ideal. She was a shy girl and found it difficult to make friends and here she would already know the people. And she had come to love Merlin as a brother. "Sir I would love to have the job, as long as the Prince was happy. I don't need to think about it, it's ideal for me"
Arthur beamed, one more problem solved. "I will talk to Merlin this afternoon then and get a contract drawn up so you can look at it and make sure. Also get your father to have a look, I'm sure it can be tweaked if you're not happy"
Freya left Arthur on cloud nine, what could be better, she had thought she wouldn't see much of Merlin and Gwaine if she found a job but this was ideal. To be paid for being with friends was more than she ever hoped for. She was also pleased that Merlin was going to be given more to do, she knew that although he liked his own company he needed to expand what he was doing and once he got used to it he would feel better about himself.
After Freya had left Arthur spoke to his sister, they had already talked about Freya and Morgana was pleased that her brother would have someone with him who cared for him. Freya had turned out to be everything that Mordred had not. Then Arthur decided to go and see his brother for lunch and have a chat. He walked along the corridor and saw Gwaine with a big smile on his face "I take it Freya has told you?"
"She has Sir, and I think it a great solution they get on so well." Gwaine replied
"Not jealous then Gwaine?" Arthur teased
Gwaine answered a twinkle in his eye "I have no need to be Sir, the Prince is a perfect gentleman"
"The point is Gwaine are you? Lady Freya's father will not be pleased if I allow you to besmirch her honour" Arthur replied "Just behave yourself"
"Oh I am Sir, Lady Freya is special to me, I think my roving days are over, I will always be a flirt but she's special and anyway I don't want the Prince after me" Gwaine smiled "He's too good a friend"
The King looked at the protection officer and thanked the day he came into their lives "I believe he thinks the same, you've been good for him" with that Arthur entered Merlin's chambers.
Merlin was sat at his desk drawing with Freya who was by his side, "I have come to see if you want lunch with Morgana and myself Merlin"
Merlin looked up with a half-smile, clearly concentrating on what he was doing. "Yes please"
"Come to my rooms in half an hour, I suspect Freya will have something else to do, as Gwaine will be also free" he smirked at the young lady.
"Indeed Sir"
Arthur turned to leave "Don't forget Merlin I know how time flies when your drawing"
Later Merlin arrived at his brother's chambers to find both Arthur and Morgana waiting for him. "I'm not late" he protested
Morgana smiled and leant across and gave him a kiss on the cheek "No you're not, good afternoon Merlin"
They ate and chatted about their mornings and it wasn't until they had finished their food that Arthur decided to breach to topic of Freya. "Merlin we would like you to start doing a few small visits for us soon, just little ones so you get out and meet people. Mithian and Gwen both think you could cope. What do you think?"
Seeing how unsure he was Morgana added "To small events like the animal places we have already been to. You would have Aithusa, Gwaine and even Freya with you"
Merlin still looked very unsure so Arthur added "The first one would be to a training centre for the Dogs for the Blind. It would help highlight their work and raise much needed funds" he paused before continuing "In light of your increased duties I want you to have help"
Merlin looked at his brother horror-struck he knew Arthur had George and Morgana had someone called Catrina and quite frankly they both scared him, he didn't want anyone like that. Arthur saw his brother's expression and smiled and put his brother out of his misery. "I have asked someone you know, who is looking for a job and I think she will take it…..Freya"
"You mean my Freya?" Merlin said almost squawking in surprise, she had told him she was looking for work now she had finished her studies but he never dreamed to would be for him.
"Yes your Freya, so am I to assume you agree then? She will help organise things and also accompany you to all events. She will also make sure all the things you are asked to go to are suitable." Arthur explained.
To say Merlin was happy was an understatement and he couldn't wait to talk to her about it all. He now had his two best two friends close to him as was Elyan who he had come to think a lot of as well. Freya did of course sign the contract and immediately started work. She spent some time with both George and Catrina so she had an idea of all her duties. Although in her case she was also to act as a friend to Merlin as his work load was much smaller.
