Matilda and Arthur pulled away, both blushing furiously.

"Sorry- I'm so sorry, Sire-" Matilda stammered.

"No, no, my fault," Arthur said nervously. He looked at Matilda properly and was shocked to be struck by how pretty she was. "Not to worry. I don't think we've met before. What's your name?"

"Matty, Sire- Matilda," said Matilda, scarlet in the face. Why was the prince talking to her?

"Well, Matty... What about this execution, eh?" Arthur said awkwardly, swinging his arms and rocking back and forth on his toes and heels. What was he doing? One: he was supposed to be going to see his father, two: he didn't even know this girl, three: why was he talking to her about someone's death? Real smooth, Arthur. Real smooth.

"Oh, yes, um," Matilda said. "Well, I've got to say I think it's excellent, don't you, Arthur? Uhh-" she nearly faced palmed herself- "sorry- I mean, Sire?"

"Oh, no, it's okay, Matty, call me Arthur," said Arthur, not knowing what he was doing in the slightest. "Um... Excellent?" He added, a little surprised. "Is anyone's death excellent? Even if they're a criminal?"

"If they are a sorcerer, then yes," Matilda said quietly.

"Hmm," said Arthur. "Well, that reminds me, I've actually got to go and see my father, and I'm sure you have somewhere to be."

"Oh, yes," Matilda said, flustered. She had completely forgotten about the kitchens. "Ha, they'll never believe me if I say the reason I'm late is that I was talking to the prince of Camelot."

"Here, take this to prove it," said Arthur, taking out his cerimonial seal and giving it to her. "And um... Return it to me tonight, at my chambers."

"Alright," blushed Matilda. "Thank you, Arthur."

"No problemo," said Arthur, with instant and intense regret. Who said 'no problemo'??

They gave each other a sort of awkward half wave and set off, Matilda redder than a beetroot, not being able to believe her luck, and Arthur with a slight inexplicable spring in his step, feeling as though he had had a win for the day. He didn't know how he felt about Matty; all he knew was that if you find someone attractive and you know you'll be seeing them again anyway, why not make an introduction? (And... As he was the prince... There was an advantage straight off- might as well take advantage of his advantage!)

The Arthur that knocked on Uther's door was very happy indeed, however, the following conversation with his father dashed the young prince's mood. The only thing which cheered him up was the thought of Matilda coming to see in that evening. Oh- and Merlin, bringing him his dinner. That was also a highlight.