"Stop it!"
The two young noblemen paused their abuse, turning to face the prince. Merlin sighed in relief.
"He's just a servant."
Arthur, glaring and with his arms crossed, reprimanded, "No, he's not just a servant. He's my servant. And…" He paused. "And my friend. You will treat him with respect."
"Respect?" one noble spat, clearly upset. "For a servant?"
Arthur stood taller. "You'll live to see him as your equal. For now, based on my orders, you will show him the same respect you would show…my brother."
Merlin beamed. Arthur would deny the event later, but Merlin never forgot.
