MERLIN

There are some people who would believe that being at a royal banquet, even as a servant would be an interesting experience but the truth is the opposite. It is just as dull waiting on the royal family as it is waiting on anyone else. Big surprise there…. not. The average dinner at the Ambrose estate last around forty minutes. However, if they have guests it usually last an hour and a half. This banquet has of course lasted longer than that, but this is ridiculous. It's been almost three bloody hours. Three hours of endless chatter and food.

The ladies conversation has been made up mostly of the last fashion styles, how amazing their children are, and basically how rich they are. The men are no better; they have discussed politics, how well their estates are doing, their lasted adventures and hunting. Morgana and Ambrose seem to be having a wonderful time. Morgana is talking to another Lady while her temporary servant, a young woman named Gwen, is refilling her glass. I've only talked to Gwen once, but she seems really sweet and genuine.

When I arrived earlier, I found out that I would be one of the two runners. Basically if something extra is needed from the kitchen I'm the one to go get it. I've had to replace two forks, one spoon and had to get an extra plate for someone's dog. Yes, some noble woman is feeding her dog roast boar which is covered with expensive spices. Besides that I've been standing behind the servers trying not to fall asleep and feeling sick at how much food is being wasted. I've also been trying to ignore Arthur but….. Well, I've failed at it. I'm not angry at him. Sure he was a prat, but I already knew that.

I keep finding myself observing him as he interacts with the guests. Every time he and Morgana talk I feel my chest ache. I know that Ambrose and Uther are on good terms and that Morgana and Arthur have spent many summers in each other company. There is a change that he could end up marrying her. Morgana as queen is a horrific though. Also, Arthur deserves someone who will make him happy and I cannot see Morgana making him anything less than miserable.

Not to mention that Morgana has magic not that that in itself is a bad thing. How hypocritical would that be? However, Morgana likes power and will do anything to get it. I found out about her magic three years ago when I accidentally walked in on her lighting a candle with magic. Fortunately ,she didn't notice me at the door and I was able to leave without her noticing.

The King raises his right hand in a gesture of silence. "We have enjoyed twenty one years of peace and prosperity since magic has been outlawed." I feel ill at that statement. "It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora." The king and Arthur go sit on their thrones while the guests move to their own seats. The nobles applaud and turn their attention towards a beautiful, young, woman standing towards the front of the room.

She starts singing in a beautiful foreign language which sounds somehow familiar to me. I start to feel even sleepier than I already am. I notice that everyone else has already fallen asleep. I quickly cover my ears and try to figure out what I should do. White webs start covering everything, including the guest and the royal family.

She is staring at Arthur with a determined look on her face. She pulls out a dagger and takes a few more steps towards Arthur. I notice that she is now under the chandelier. She raises her arm to throw the dagger at the sleeping prince. I focus on the chandelier and feel my eyes flash gold with magic. The chandelier falls on the woman tossing her to the ground. I uncover my ears and glance around. For a moment, nothing happens and but then people slowly start to wake up and start to pull the webs off themselves.

All our attention goes to the woman on the floor. She is no longer the beautiful Lady Helen but an old woman. Suddenly she leans forward and throws the dagger at Arthur. I know that he will not be able to move out of the dagger's path in time. I slow down time and run into the prince forcing us both to the floor. I glance up and see the dagger deeply embedded into the chair where Arthur once stood. The old woman makes a gasping sound before falling to the floor dead. I stand up and breathe a sigh of relief while running a hand through my hair, which is a habit of mine. Then I notice that everyone is staring at me, Ambrose and Morgana in disbelief, including Arthur and the king who is standing next to me.

I feel like a bug about to be squashed under Uther's gaze. What if someone noticed my use of magic?

"A debt must be repaid." I was surprised by the king's statement.

"It's not nec.."

"That will not be necessary your highness. Merlin has done nothing short of what is expected of him?" Ambrose interrupts daring me to contradict him.

"You know him." Uther turns his attention to Ambrose.

"Yes, he is one of my servants Sire."

"I insisted that you will be reward Sir Ambrose for this act. What do you wish?"

Hold on. I save the prince, but Ambrose gets the reward, not that I want one, but that's not the point!

"Very well Sire. The chance to see your superior fighting style would be reward enough. Sire" Ambrose replies acting like a bootlicker.

"Very well, we shall have some sword practice together tomorrow morning and I believe a chest of gold will be appropriate." The king sounds pleased. "Also I will reward the boy."

"You don't have to."

"Don't be modest this merits something quite special. You will Prince Arthur's manservant while you're here in Camelot.

"Father" Arthur sounds almost as horrified as I feel.