3. Tailor-Made

The day had actually been going rather well. Lucy had fit in several new customers as everyone in town wanted to look good for the King. Rumors had it as, he had been venturing out into the city to meet the public and grow familiar with his homelands. Being he had grown up in Londinium, this was his first time home since he was a young boy. The myth of Arthur Pendragon had turned to legend the day of his crowning, ensuring that everyone wanted to meet the long lost heir.

Lucy enjoyed hearing the rumors, it gave her something to think about and some much needed business. When the King prospered so did his kingdom, which was something Lucy was quite pleased with. Under the rule of the previous king, Lucy's business barely was able to stay afloat.

She had just finished up with her last customer of the afternoon whenshe heard the familiar ring of the shop door. She looked up to greet her customer and couldn't believe her eyes. The newly crowned King Arthur stood before her. He was god like up close. His broad shoulders looked well toned and his beard was the perfect length. His golden blond hair suited him perfectly. He was nothing short of an angel bestowed upon this earth by God.

''Good Afternoon your highness, what can I do for you today?'' She curtsied politely, far less nervous than she imagined she'd be.

''Please, call me Arthur.'' He smiled, taking a step toward her.

''Oh, Arthur then.'' she replied, a little taken aback, but also trying out his name on her toungue. He visibly stiffened for a moment before reaching for her hand which she graciously provided to him.

''And Lucy is it?'' He asked, kissing the back of her hand gently.

''Um, yes, how did you know that?'' She asked seemingly embarrassed, taking her hand back.

''It was recommended to me that you were the best tailor in Camelot. As you see I am in need of new clothes.'' He said, gesturing to his dirt stained jacket and shirt that was much more brown than it was originally white.

''Um, yes, I could help with that.''

''Great, then you will come to the castle tomorrow then.'' He smiled.

''Wait, what?'' Lucy shook her heard, unsure if she heard him right. ''Why can't you just come here?'' She had customers depending on her to get their garments on time.

''Well I would love to dear, but I have a day booked full of meetings and I'm going to need clothes. You will be compensated accordingly.'' He explained.

''Um, yeah. I mean I guess I can do that.'' She nodded in agreement unable to refuse her majesty's wishes.

''Wonderful! I look forward to seeing you again.'' He smiled at her before scoping her body out.

''What time would you like me to be there?'' She asked, breaking the growing tension in the room.

''As early as possible. I am told there will be a space and supplies available for you. I will come see you in between meetings for fittings.'' He answered.

''So I will be working there?''

''Of course darling, why wouldn't you, you are to be the King's Tailora afterall.''

''Oh. Why thank you.'' She happily

accepted the position.

''Please, it is I who should be thanking you.'' He charmed her, making her blush in return.

After a moment of an awkward silent and occasional glances Arthur spoke again. ''Well, I will be seeing you then.''

''Yes, tomorrow then.'' She smiled nervously, still processing his request. He was much too good looking to be alone with in any room. Her heart was beating so erratically she was sure he could hear it.

He smiled at her one more time and waved before finally leaving again with a faint smile still gracing his lips.

For the first time in five whole minutes Lucy felt like she could breathe again. With a sudden rush of fresh oxygen to her brain she fully began to realize what just happened. The King knew her name. No, Arthur Pendragon, the legend, the Adonis-like man, knew her name!

She couldn't comprehend anything rational and stood frozen, silently screaming with a mixture of emotions. She was beyond ecstatic that she would be the King's personal tailor; but also wary of coincidence of the events. She was sure that as charming as he may be he was only interested in her tailoring skills. Surely a man as beautiful as him had a different woman in his bed every night.

After a long moment of processing the events that just transpired, Lucy went about closing up the shop and going home so she could share the news with her sister. She was excited, nervous, and more importantly bewildered by the King's invitation to be his personal tailor. His intentions seemed true, but it still felt like a dream waiting to turn into a nightmare. She couldn't quite place the odd feeling, and instead chalked it up to her own nervousness and hesitancy to good fortune.

Lucy nearly skipped her way home, greatly looking forward to telling her sister about meeting the king. She hoped her sister wouldnt still be angry about earlier. It was a sensitive topic, but Lucy couldn't help but worry about her sister's choosen profession.

Upon arrival, Mary was not yet home. It was already late in the day but Lucy assumed that maybe she was still at the pub working out of one of the rooms upstairs. It wasn't unusual for Mary to have a longer day than usual and who knows maybe the new king had a bigger impact on business than originally anticipated. I had surely seen a surge in customers, no doubt Mary could attest to that too.

With no desire to spread rumors about herself and the King, Lucy stayed in for the night, waiting for her sister to come home. She made dinner, swept the floors, and read a little before eventually turning in for the night. She wasn't sure where her was at, but knew she'd have answers in the morning.