Arthur Pendragon is a woman

"This is just-unacceptable. I'm sorry," Merlin shook her head in disgust as she parsed through the vials decorating Aurora's vanity.

"Unacceptable?" The princess snorted, tilting her head back to watch the woman flitter about, forgetting her dinner as she elected to view her maidservant from upsidedown.

"No wonder your hair looks like straw," Merlin turned up her nose.

Aurora arched a brow, "My hair is fine."

"Straw."

"You're one to talk," Aurora snipped, running a hand through her hair. It was on the thinner side, she'll admit that, but far from straw. Thank you. Besides, she didn't have time to worry all that much about her hair.

"What's wrong with my hair?!" Merlin turned quickly, her hands flying to her scarf, pulling the red fabric away.

Aurora had only seen Merlin's uncovered hair from a distance when the girl washed it away from everyone. She was rather modest, keeping it bound in braids that remained covered by her scarf.

Aurora turned in her chair-an expression one could describe as awestruck stealing her features as Merlin brushed her fingers through the long waves of her silky, dark hair.

"Seriously what's wrong with it?" Merlin urged.

"Wha-I just-nothing? Your hair is fine, goodness Merlin I didn't know you were so..." Aurora paused. An impressive pout had formed on her maidservant's lips.

"Not all of us can afford to be luxuriously adorned," Merlin sniffed, beginning to gather her hair back. She didn't bother tucking it all away, tying her scarf around her head once more, hair cascading down her back.

"What are you doing?" Aurora straightened herself.

Merlin furrowed her brow in confusion, "I'm going to go fetch the water for your bath?"

"Like that?!" Aurora gestured to Merlin's loose locks.

Merlin placed her hands indignantly on her hips, "You parade around with you hair blowing in the wind all the live long day, you have no room to judge me!"

"That's different!"

"How?!" Merlin gave her foot a little stamp.

"It just is!"

"You're ridiculous!" Merlin clicked her tongue, tugging at her scarf once more. She gathered her hair into a proper updo, tucking it all away from devious, prying eyes Aurora would not give the satisfaction to.

"Pleased? My lady?" Merlin huffed.

"Yes," Aurora settled into her chair. Merlin just glared at her.

"It's beautiful, by the way."

"Huh?"

"Your hair," Aurora muttered, averting her gaze, "...shouldn't let just anyone see it."

Merlin didn't say anything for a long minute, slowly backing towards the door.

She opened it, turning to Aurora for a second "...your hair doesn't look like straw." She paused for a moment more, tucking herself partially behind the thick wood, "It looks like gold in the light...its quite pretty. In the wind. When you're riding."

With that the door closes. Aurora stared at the wood for a long time. She knew Merlin would be back, and that mentally willing the woman to return faster was fruitless. Still.