Of Chores and Crowns (A Merlin Fanfiction) ✔

Chapter Seventeen

"Arthur!"

I cleared my throat, blushing immediately, "I mean, Prince Arthur. I'm sorry, sire."

Arthur seemed to distracted by my appearance to care. He frowned down at me, a look of confusion on his face.

"What are you doing up so late, sire?" I asked, a frown of my own growing on my face.

"I could ask you the same."

"I'm going to the Cock and Hen to meet some friends." I responded.

He raised an eyebrow, "In your condition?"

"My leg hasn't been better, I promise." I reassured him.

"That pub is awfully dangerous for young girls." He told me.

I narrowed my eyes at him, propping my hands on my hips. His eyes widened when he took in my aggressive stance.

"Oh no," He groaned, "What did I say wrong?"

I didn't say anything. I had learned my lesson the first time, and I was determined to keep my mouth shut.

"You can speak freely in front of me, Dawn." He told me, raising an eyebrow.

"You grew up in a castle. I grew up on the streets with thieves and murderers all around me. When I grew older, I got my first job in a pub, where grown men harassed me when I wouldn't climb in bed with them." I said, watching his jaw clench, "I can handle myself."

He watched me thoughtfully. I blushed, looking down at my hands.

"I'm sorry, sire." I mumbled.

"No, I should be the one apologizing." He said.

I jerked my head to stare up at him with wide eyes. I had never once heard the prince apologize to anyone, let alone a servent. I didn't say anything, and he didn't bother explaining.

"I really must be going, sire." I finally said, awkwardly.

He realized he was blocking the door and quickly hopped out of the way. I bowed before reaching for my cloak next to the door. Usually I was the only one who left through this door, so it was even more curious that Arthur was here.

I tied my cloak at my throat, and moved to leave. Arthur's voice made me pause.

"Can I come with you?"

I whirled around to look at him. He had a blush growing up his neck. It was a night of surprises, I guess.

"Excuse me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"For, uh, your protection."

I raised an eyebrow, "Servents know a liar when we see them, sire."

"Well, am I lying when I say you are the most beautiful girl I've seen all night?"

We both blanched at his boldness. It seemed as if he hadn't meant to say that, let alone have me hear it. I blushed, and looked down at my feet.

He didn't show any signs of lying. He sincerely believed in what he had said.

Arthur cleared his throat, and I couldn't help but smirk. I tightened my cloak around my neck and wrapped it around me tightly, before moving around him slightly to get to the door.

I stopped at the door, turning around to look back at the prince. He turned to look at me when I paused. I raised an eyebrow, the smirk still on my face.

"Are you coming or not, sire?" I asked.

He smiled, but then it was gone in an effort to appear as if he didn't care. I opened the door and he moved to follow me, but I blocked him.

"Sire?" I asked, hesitantly.

"Yes, Dawn?"

"I think you might want to change." I told him, looking down at his chain mail uniform.

"What's wrong with what I am wearing?" He asked, a confused expression crossing over his face.

I suppressed a giggle at his innocence. His expression grew even more confused and I couldn't help but smile at him.

"Not everybody at the Cock and Hen will be as receptive to nobles being in their presence as the rest of us. If you walk in looking like you are about to skewer everyone in a jousting tournament, it'll be seen as an aggressive act." I told him, "Besides, I don't thing the King will be pleased to find out his son has been convorting with the servents, in a pub none the less."

He weighed my words in his head. He didn't seem to want to agree with me, but he finally nodded.

"I'll go change and meet you down by the front gates."

I bowed and he took off. When I straightened, I pulled the hood up over my head to hide my face. I watched him go, and as soon as he turned the corner, I whirled around and left out the door.

On my trip to the gate, I couldn't help but berate myself. I couldn't believe I had just invited the crowned prince to join me at a pub. But, at the same time, it was just Arthur -- someone who seemed to actually care.

But he was the crowned prince.

I reached the gated and immediately went forward to bang my head on the wall slightly. I groaned, a perpetual blush flushing my face.

It was a nice night out. There was a clear sky so you could easily see the stars and moon. It was cool, but not enough to make me shiver. It was the types of nights that lovers would go out together in and kiss under the stars.

I blushed again as Arthur's face popped into my head at that thought.

"Dawn?"

It was Arthur. I peeled myself off the wall and turned to look at him. I was glad the darkness hid the blush. I looked him up and down.

"How is that supposed to be a disguise?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Arthur looked down at his clothes, confused. He was wearing clothes, that while simpler than what he usually wears, would never be seen on someone that wasn't royalty.

I sighed, a smile on my face, and started untying my cloak from around my neck. I whirled it around him without another word and tied it. My finger tips brushed the soft skin of his neck and I could feel him swallow. I jerked my hands away as if he had burned me and turned away.

"Won't you be cold?" He asked, his voice soft.

"I'm used to it."