Chapter 50

Merlin stood in front of a mirror. Emerald cloth coat and dark breeches had replaced Servant's garb. Sword hung at his left hip. Sol sparkled against Prince's crown and boots' shine. He shook his head. His new clothes felt stiff and rigid.

Reflection's image revealed an unfamiliar image.

Do I know who I am? Just another thing to adjust to! He ignored the strange looks. Servants shook their heads behind his back. Knights stifled observations but said nothing upon Arthur's orders. Chambermaids bowed their heads and scurried past.

Prince he was. Servant he no longer was….

His hand touched Glass' surface. Prince's reflection reached back in turn. Concerns revolved around Politics, Knights, Learning, Mother, Mithian and Rodor as opposed Chambers, Meals, and Arthur. Emotions threatened to overwhelm him. What if I do not do well? What if…?

You are doing fine, my Prince. You learn. King Rodor will show you more. Malodius watched him from across the room. He laid down on his stomach. Emerald eyes observed Merlin from there. You did not learn to be a servant in one day. Did you?

Nay. Merlin shook his head. But we do not have time! I do not want to be a burden!

You are far from a burden. I believe everyone knows that. On the contrary, King Rodor, Princess Mithian and Lord Blumenwald all expect your apprenticeship to take its proper course. What that is I do not know, Malodius shook his mans.

That is Merlin, Great One. He is not happy unless he worries about *something*. Kilgarrah sniped.

Not helping! Merlin sucked in a deep breath. Then, he heard a knock at the door. That should be Princess Mithian now! He walked over and opened it to find Mithian and Hunith standing there. Both wore exquisite gowns with skirts running to the floor. Mithian wore her mother's golden necklace. "Princess, Mother, I…" A gasp escaped his mouth. "You look great! I…"

"It feels so much." Hunith looked about the passage. Granted, she enjoyed the pampering. Still, the overwhelming treatment floored her. His clothes represented a change from his former attire as well. "Still, to be…well…clean! And to wear a wonderful dress like this!" She shook her head. "It's so much!"

"You both are part of our family and court now. Father wants you to be taken care of." Mithian embraced each of them in turn. "My Prince, you do justice to those clothes I believe."

"Oh, you believe?" He raised an eyebrow. Sass spurred on his response and the accompanying smirk.

A gentle snort jabbed at his ear. "Aye. I do. We should look our best for King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. It is your first diplomatic dinner, Merlin. We should have a good time."

"That is what I want too." Merlin bit his lip. "I just do not want an incident. I feel like…there is so much I do not know."

"That is to be expected, Merlin." Mithian patted him on the arm. "And you think I knew everything from Day 1? Well, that is very nice of you to think that way about me. I made many mistakes. Father had to correct and guide me in certain regards. He will do the same with you as well. He is patient. You should be the same way with yourself."

"And you?" Merlin considered his Princess anew. Once again, flickering light caught her eyes' sparkle. Warmth caused his heart to skip a beat. "That is a very nice necklace, Princess."

"I told Princess Mithian the same thing, Merlin. She is right about being patient with yourself. You never are." Hunith rubbed his arm. "It is all right. First time is on familiar ground."

"Indeed, Lady Hunith. Thank you." Mithian regarded the interwoven golden strands running about her neck. They met up at a small pendant. An emerald stone sat in its center. "It was my mother's. It is my favorite piece. I do not wear it often. Tonight, however, is a special occasion." Her eyes sparkled at Merlin.

"And our wedding?" He raised her hand and kissed it.

A rather uncouth snort popped out of Mithan's nose. "I think I can manage that as it goes with that splendid dress!" She put her hand on her chest. "Pardon me. Father and King Arthur await us. Merlin?"

"I can walk both of you to dinner. This is really great!" Merlin took each of their hands and led them down the passage toward the dining hall.

And you doubt yourself, my Prince? Malodius complimented.

Instinct guided in some cases….