The next day

MERLIN

"Come on Merlin. You're not even trying." The pra… I mean Arthur demands.

"I am too." I lift the sword trying to block Arthur's attack. "Why are we doing this?"

"I need to practice" answering as if it is obvious." He quickly moves around my defense. I somehow find myself on the ground with a sword to my chest.

"Then go practice with someone else."

Arthur removes his sword. He is smirking again.

"I don't think I will." He is enjoying this too much to give it up.

"Prat"

"Idiot"

"Dollop head"

"That's not even a word." He ridicules.

"Is too"

"Define dollop head

"In one word, Arthur."

Arthur scowls at me, but he seems to be fighting a smile.

"Come on Idiot."

I pick up the sword before following. I quickly catch up and walk by his side. Ever since the bandit incident things with Arthur has changed. He is still a prat and there are still insults, but it is more like friendly banter. I wonder if Arthur is a friend. The only friend I have at home is Will, one of the stable boys. The other children avoid me like the plague. I would like to have another friend even if it's with a prat.

ARTHUR

I glance over at Merlin when he starts walking beside me. No peasant or most nobles have ever walked beside me as an equal before. He seems to do a lot of things that most people don't do. I'm surprised that it doesn't bother me. A lot of things he does, doesn't bother me as it should, such as the insults, not showing respect for my station, the magic… I even enjoy having him around. The way he treats me is refreshing not that I will let him know that.

"I got to go. I need to start on my chores." Merlin's voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Very, well" I try to hide the disappointment from my voice.

"Bye Prat"

"By Dollop head"

"Hey, that's my word." He responds before dashing off.

I can't help but smile.

"Where have been?" an angry voice comes from the direction Merlin just headed.

I quickly sprint towards the voice.

Lord Ambrose is pinning Merlin by his arms to a wall yelling.

"I'm sorry sir, but…" Merlin starts to explain

"No excuses, you are supposed to be assisting Morgana not idling about." He face is getting red.

Merlin face looks blank but her eyes are full of fear.

"It's my fault. I'm afraid I had him assisting me all this time. " I come to Merlin's defense.

Sir Ambrose, quickly turns around looks startled to see me standing there.

"I'm sorry Prince Arthur, I was not aware of this."

I notice Merlin's eyes widen is when he said my title. I guess he didn't know then. I feel disappointed. Will he act differently now that he knows I'm the prince and not just a noble?

"I'm afraid that I do not have a manservant at the moment, so I asked you servant to do some chores."

"I hope he wasn't too much trouble Sire, I afraid that he is not very bright."

"No trouble at all. I find his foolishness amusing. In fact, would you mind if he attended me for the rest of your visit. I can assign you a different servant." I make my voice pleasant.

"Of course Sire."