Destiny Begins: The Forgotten Tale: Book One

Maidservant To A Prat

"Merlin, could you please get up? You're going to be late," my uncle's persistent voice jolted me from sleep. Groaning, I buried my head under the pillow, attempting to block out his nagging to no avail. I yelped in shock as ice-cold water hit my skin from the bucket Gaius had just tossed on me.

"Uncle," I whined pitifully, grumpily crawling out of my soaking blankets.

"Maybe next time you'll get up when I call you the first time," he snapped, marching out of the room as I pulled out the simple dark and light brown A-line dress that Gwen had given me (since I only had one dress) and swiftly yanked it on, grateful that I didn't need a corset with it. Smoothing it down and arranging my hair to fall lightly down my back, I made my way to the kitchens for Arthur's breakfast.

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"Rise and shine, Arthur," I cheerfully sang, throwing open the curtains after setting his breakfast on the table. Groaning and burying his head under his pillow, Arthur attempted to fall back to sleep.

"No way, dollophead. You have way too much to do today for that," I said, smirking mischievously. When no response seemed forthcoming, I grabbed one of the jugs of water on his tray and swiftly emptied it on his head, much like Giaus did to me this morning. Yelping and falling off the bed in a heap, Arthur glared up at me, grabbing the nearest object and chucking it at me, which I dodged as I pulled out his clothes for the day. I was seriously grateful for Gwen's lessons the day before on what to expect; it really made things easier.

"Now that His Pratness has decided to grace the day with his presence, you should hurry and eat. The King is expecting you in the council rooms in 15 minutes for the council meeting. He will not be happy if you arrive late. Then the knights will need to be trained, and then..." Grumbling and getting groggily to his feet, Arthur grumpily sat down at the table, listening to my ramblings about the schedule. After a moment, he sighed, glancing over at me with an annoyed expression.

"Do you ever shut up?" I paused my cleaning, frowning in agitation as I glared at him.

"Honestly, why are you even still here? It's obvious you don't find it an honor to serve me, nor do I find it a pleasure having some annoying little girl as a servant. So just do us both a favor and quit already." Mouth hanging open, I stared at him in shock, the shirt I had been holding fluttering uselessly to the ground as I balled my hands into fists. It took everything I had not to give him donkey ears, though seeing as I didn't prefer being burned alive, I restrained myself. Instead, I swiftly gathered up his laundry and turned to leave, gritting my teeth together to keep from snapping at him.

"If you will excuse me, Prince Prat," he frowned at that but nodded as I made for the door.

"Oh, and Merlin," I paused in my escape, peeking tiredly over my shoulder, one hand resting 

on the door handle as I waited for his orders.

"Don't forget to polish my armor, walk my dogs, polish my shoes, wash my clothes, clean my room, muck out the stables, groom my prized horse, and be back here to serve me lunch. I will tell you the rest after lunch."