Melanie begrudgingly got up for her first day working for the queen. She heard the queen was nice and wasn't upset that she was working for her per say. She just wished she could be one of the knights like Gwain or Percival.
She went to the kitchen to get the queens breakfast and ran into Gwain. She literally walked right into him.
"Sorry." She apologized.
"No problem beautiful." Gwain smiled. She turned her head and blushed. "So when can I take you out for that drink?"
"I do believe it was you that had to win our duel."
"But, Madam, I recall you saying I did not need to."
"That I did." Gwain smiled as Melanie's cheeks turned scarlet once more.
"When are you finished work?"
"Sundown."
"Perfect. I finish duty right around then. I'll meet you in the courtyard and we'll go to the tavern?"
"Sounds good." She kissed his cheek. "Until tonight."
"Can't wait." Gwain walked away and Melanie, remembering what she had to do, ran to the kitchen.
When she got there she saw Merlin leaving with two trays.
"Running late are we?" He asked, flashing a smile.
"I got caught up with something." Melanie said sheepishly, taking the tray he held out to her.
"Was it Gwain?" Merlin joked.
"Maybe it was. That is none of your concern."
"You're right. I just always thought you'd end up with Alexander." Merlin began to laugh.
"Are you serious? Alexander is like my brother. That would be like you and me getting together." Melanie scrunched her nose just thinking of it.
"You're right. Wouldn't work."
"Just shut up. We need to get these to the king and queen."
They entered the chambers to be met by Arthur giving them a disapproving look.
"You're late." He said.
"My apologies Sire." Melanie said. "It's entirely my fault."
"Was it really? Or are you covering for Merlin?"
"Arthur, why are you always so hard on him?" Gwen questioned. "I'm sure they have a good explanation for running late."
"Yes Melanie," Merlin said. "Why don't you tell them why we're late."
"I was only speaking to Sir Gwain. That is all." Melanie replied cooly.
"I hear you bested him on the field yesterday." Gwen commented. "I must say I'm impressed. Gwain is one of our finest knights."
"I've been training since I was young. I've bested every man in my village. Even Merlin." She placed down her tray and smoothed out her skirt. "Then again, he's not much of a challenge."
"I was going to say," Arthur said. "You don't have much to brag about by beating Merlin."
"Merlin couldn't beat the youngest of swordsmen. We actually had the children fight him when they learned to wield a sword."
"See, it's not only me that thinks you can't defend yourself." Arthur laughed.
"So what were you and Gwain talking about?" Gwen asked Melanie quietly.
"He asked if he could buy me a drink." Melanie answered.
"Did you say yes?"
"I'm meeting him tonight after work."
"Maybe I'll let you leave early to get ready."
"Thank you My Lady."
"Of course. I want us to be friends. But just know that this won't happen regularly."
"Of course My Lady." A cup flew across the room and the two women ducked out of the way.
"You two are at it again?" Gwen asked. "It's hardly noon."
"Well if Merlin wasn't so incompetent." Arthur said.
"You are such a bully to him. He's a good servant. Honestly you two fight like brothers."
"I remember him and our friend Will would fight the same way." Melanie said. Hers and Merlin's faces fell at the memory of their lost friend.
"Oh go muck out the stables already." Arthur ordered.
"Melanie, I need you to prepare three horses." Gwen said. "I'm going to visit my fathers grave with my brother, and you, as my servant, are to join me."
"Of course My Lady. I'll get right on that." Melanie curtsied and left for the stables.