"It's beautiful here," Evaine commented, glancing across at her most trusted and loyal friend. "Don't you agree, Anna?" Her handmaiden smiled, nodding as she too glanced around.

"The prospect of staying in Camelot indefinitely seems better now we see it," Anna replied, seeing Evaine's smile fall slightly. "Perhaps a better prospect than being at home." She noticed how Evaine shifted in her saddle, glancing at the guards that were escorting them on their journey.

"Yes, I am sure King Uther is thrilled to have the rebellious daughter of one of his oldest friends join his court as her punishment and exile," Evaine said, holding a hand up as she saw Anna about to speak, "And yes, I know my father did not state his want to exile me, but it was very clear in his eyes when we left." The guards stopped as we reached the top of a hill, staring down at Camelot nestled in-between the forest.

"We are not far now, my lady," the commander, Alyon, said, and she nodded before a moment's hesitation, the small group continuing on. Many of the people of the city looked up in surprise and curiosity at the new arrivals, taking extra interest at the crest of Evaine's family. The lady took great note on how content yet poor the people seemed to be.

"Camelot's people seem to be content living here," she noted, and the Alyon nodded, looking at the crowd as she spoke.

"The trade is good; the land is fertile. Since the Great Purge twenty years ago, King Uther has ruled with a firm hand, but he cares for his people. Your father believed you could gain some wisdom in his court," he told her, and he gave a quick smile as she rolled her eyes. "Lady Evaine, I've know you since you were young. I don't agree with this anymore than you do, but see the good sides of it – you can experience new things in a place that is safe from danger," he added, and she smiled, reaching across and taking his hand in hers.

"Thank you, my friend. I will miss our training lessons when you leave," she told as they crossed the castle gates and entered the courtyard. "I doubt anyone will be willing to teach me here," she added, smiling as servants rushed to help with her luggage and horses. He helped her down, bowing as they faced one another.

"I will miss it as well, my lady. Perhaps my old friend's son, Sir Leon, may carry on helping you. I will speak to him before I leave if you wish?" he asked, and she smiled happily for the first time since leaving home. "Very well. This is where I leave you, my lady," he said, a pause between them before he kissed her hand.

"Stay safe," she told him before walking to where Anna was waiting by the steps with a young dark-haired man.

"Lady Evaine, welcome to Camelot. I am to escort you to the throne room," the boy said, and Evaine nodded, glancing back at Alyon before following behind the boy with Anna at her side.

"You know my name, but I have not pleasure of knowing yours, sir," the lady said, and the boy blushed sheepishly before speaking.

"I am no sir, my lady. I'm Merlin, manservant to Prince Arthur," he said, pausing before large wooden doors. She held her hand out to him, and he took it hesitantly.

"Merlin, it is good to meet you. This is Anna, my friend and companion. May I kindly ask that you take her to our rooms to help her settle in while I am welcomed at court?" She asked, and Merlin smiled, glancing at Anna.

"Of course, my lady. Thank you," he said, and she frowned in confusion, a smile pulling at her lips. "Not many ladies or lords are so kind to mere servants as you are," he said, before bowing slightly and leading Anna down the corridor. She stood and watched them leave before squaring her shoulders and nodding to the guards at the door.

"Welcoming the Lady Evaine, daughter to Lord Balin of Tiltwood," an announcer spoke as Evaine walked to the centre of the room before curtseying low to the men and ladies in front of her.

"Rise," King Uther said after a moment. "It is good to see you again after so many years, Lady Evaine. How is your father?" he asked, and she swallowed before smiling gently.

"He is well, thank you sire. He spoke of nothing but the good times of fighting by your side, and your skill in fighting and loyalty in friendship. He regrets he could not bring me here himself," She said, and Uther smiled at her words before beckoning her closer. "I give you my thanks, sire, for you allowing me to stay with you. I believe your kingdom has already proven itself to be far more beautiful than my father described to me."

"Your words are too kind, child. Your father is a good friend, the doors of Camelot will always be open to him and his family," Uther said, before glancing to his left. "My son, Prince Arthur." Evaine curtseyed to the prince before he indicated for her to rise.

"Welcome to Camelot, my lady," the prince said, smiling at the beautiful brunette before him.

"Thank you, your highness," she smiled at the prince, before looking to Uther's right. "The lady Morgana, I presume?" Evaine spoke before curtseying once more.

"You know of me?" Morgana asked, and Evaine nodded smiling.

"I have been anxious to meet you. My mother speaks nothing but good of the ward of King Uther, the gracious and kind lady of Camelot," she said, and Morgana smiled at the woman, noticing how Arthur frowned at not being complimented.

"I do believe the people will love you, lady Evaine," Uther praised, and Evaine nodded, a tinge of redness on her cheeks at his words. "A feast will be held tonight to welcome you properly," Uther announced, before rising and taking his leave. Evaine looked to the floor as he left out of respect. Lady Morgana stood and smiled at the lady.

"I look forward to seeing you later, lady Evaine," she said before leaving with her handmaiden. Evaine was about to leave herself before the prince stepped forward.

"Lady Evaine, I do hope you will save a dance for me tonight," Arthur said, grinning at the girl. His lips twitched at how she sighed slightly before nodding.

"Of course, your highness. I would be honoured," she said, waiting for him to bow slightly before walking towards the door, feeling the eyes of the prince staring as she did so.

XXXXXX

"Here for only a moment and already the King loves you. I'm sure the prince will be smitten soon enough," Anna teased as she put another flower in her lady's hair. Evaine smiled at her through her the mirror in front of them.

"You are still a terrible gossip, I see. You will be there tonight, and you will see for yourself," she told her, before sighing. "I wish you were sitting beside me rather than serving people." Anna smiled before gripping her friends shoulder.

"You know that I do not mind my work as long as it is for you, Evaine. Besides, Merlin and lady Morgana's handmaiden will be there, so it is not as though I am alone," she said, and Evaine smiled at her loyalty. She placed the last flower in Evaine's her before her lady rose, looking at herself in the mirror. Her brown curly tresses were tamed back with snow-drop flowers collected lovingly by Anna, with the light blue gown cut off at her shoulders and a silver belt hung loosely on her slim waist.

"You have mastered the skill of making me lovely, my dear friend, thank you," Evaine told Anna hugging her. "And now for my greatest fear – socialising with a group of courtiers without embarrassing myself," she said, the two girls laughing as they left to join the feast. They walked in together, Prince Arthur meeting her at the door.

"Lady Evaine," Arthur greeted, bowing slightly as she curtsied.

"I shall see you later Anna, have fun my friend," Evaine said, smiling at the girl before taking Arthur's offered hand and walking with him down the middle of the room as everyone watched.

"You look beautiful, my lady," Arthur whispered, noticing the tension in her shoulders under so many gazes. He looked forward again after seeing the look of surprise at his words.

"Thank you, your highness," she replied, as they neared King Uther and Morgana.

"Call me Arthur," he said as they stopped, and she smiled, unable to say anything as Uther raised his hands.

"A rare grace has found its way to Camelot. May the lady Evaine of Tiltwood's presence bless our halls. Let us feast in her honour," King Uther announced, taking my hand and raising it to the group who raised their goblets and cheered.

"Thank you, sire. I do not feel deserving of such praise," Evaine said, as she was placed in between Uther and Morgana, still being in sight and hearing of Arthur.

"Nonsense dear child, whenever your father has visited he has said nothing but good words about you. He cares for you deeply," Uther said, her eyes widened in surprise before she looked to the table, unknowing that Arthur had seen.

"I would love to see more of your kingdom, sire. Living by the sea is wonderful, but the forest has always seemed so enchanting to me," Evaine said, changing the conversation. "Lady Morgana, do you ride?"

"Yes of course, I would be glad to go out riding with you tomorrow if you wish?" she offered, and Evaine smiled, unable to hide her excitement.

"That would be wonderful," she said, before looking out at the tables before them. "Do you know a Sir Leon?" she asked Morgana, but turned as it was Arthur who answered the question.

"He is the third one on the left," Arthur said, pointing to a nearby table, and she glanced at where he pointed. "Why do you ask?"

"The commander from my home knows of him. He thought it would be good to have someone he trusts in my acquaintance," Evaine said, smiling through the small lie. Arthur nodded, considering her words before turning back to his meal.

"You must tell me all about Tiltwood, lady Evaine," Morgana asked, and Evaine happily smiled and did so for the remained of the meal.

The tables were pushed back, and musicians brought in for dancing, and Morgana and Evaine had remained by each other's side for most of the night.

"Lady Morgana-" she began but stopped as she was cut off.

"I think we can address one another by not stating our titles every time," Morgana said, and Evaine smiled as she did. They spoke for a while longer before a voice cleared behind Evaine and she turned to face Arthur.

"May I have this dance, lady Evaine?" Arthur asked, and she glanced at Morgana before taking Arthur's hand as he led her to the middle of the hall. Evaine curtseyed, rising as he bowed, and they took a step closer to one another. "What is the real reason you are, lady Evaine?" he asked, throwing her off a step that he helped recover as he grabbed her hand in one hand and her arm in the other.

"I do not understand the question, sire," she replied, and he shook his head.

"I saw the way you looked after my father spoke about your father. You were sad and shocked, something I don't believe you would be if you knew the words to be true." Evaine waited a moment as they switched partners, before re-joining one another.

"My father has no love for me. I fear that he sent me away simply to be rid of my rebellious nature," she told him, and he was quiet for a moment.

"Forgive me as I have only known you for a day, but how are you rebellious?" he asked, a teasing note in his voice as the lady smiled, the music ending with them facing each other.

"Perhaps I will tell you in the next dance, sire," she teased, curtseying slightly as she began to turn away.

"Arthur," he said, and she smiled.

"Arthur," she replied quietly before returning to Morgana who looked at her with a knowing smile.

"Lady Evaine?" a voice called later during the celebration, and she turned with a smile to see a familiar knight standing in front of her.

"Sir Leon, it is a pleasure to meet you," she greeted, smiling as Morgana left them as she was summoned by Uther.

"I believe the pleasure is mine, my lady," the knight said, bowing over her hand as he kissed it. "Commander Alyon spoke with me before he left, in regard to your lessons." He added, and she waited with baited breath as he paused. "I do not know if I am as skilled as Alyon, but if you are willing, I would be happy to carry on with your lessons."

"Thank you, Sir Leon. I am in your debt always, if there is anything you ever require, do not hesitate to ask," she said, gripping the side of his arm. He smiled, appraising her for a moment.

"You are a rare woman, Lady Evaine. I believe Camelot will be a most interesting place while you are here," Leon said, and she smiled at the compliment. "I shall see you at dawn at the training grounds," he said, raising an eyebrow in question at the suggested time but Evaine simply nodded.

"Of course, sir knight," she answered, curtseying as he bowed and joined Arthur and the other knights. Evaine watched them at a safe distance, her eyes wandering to Arthur even when she looked away. She could not deny he was handsome, with deep blue eyes that reminded her of the sea.

"Perhaps I was mistaken," Anna said, appearing next to her lady with a goblet of wine. "Perhaps it is my lady who is smitten with the prince," she added, and Evaine rolled my eyes at her words, finally looking away from Arthur. She shook my head as she offered the goblet.

"I think I shall retire for the night. You may do as you please, I can take care of myself tonight. Stay, enjoy the company," she told her, noticing how her eyes wandered to Merlin who stood close by to Arthur. Evaine hugged her gently before curtseying to Uther and leaving, feeling her shoulders loosen as she turned away from the banquet.

Arthur watched as lady Evaine left, turning to Sir Leon who was stood by him. "What do you know of the lady, Leon?" he asked, the knight looking to the door that she had just exited through.

"She comes from a noble family from the Eastern part of the kingdom. Her three brothers are said to be excellent swordsmen. It was rumoured that her twin brother, Dival, died in battle at just fifteen three years ago. Her mother fell into despair and does not leave her rooms. She treats servants as equals and helps the poor," he recalled, remembering the letters he received from Alyon asking for him to protect her. Arthur locked his jaw, looking to the ground. "Anything else, sire?"

"What do you think of her?" Arthur asked, and Leon smiled.

"I think her father sent her away for the wrong reasons, but in doing so, Camelot will have gained her for the right ones," he replied, clapping his hand on Arthur's shoulder before being called away by someone. That night, Arthur dwelt on his words more than he thought he would, the image of brown hair and grey eyes failing to leave him.

XXXXXX

"Sir Leon, I did not think you were coming," Evaine teased as she stood in loose trousers and a white shirt, her sword at her side as she stood in the middle of the training grounds, the sun barely peaking over the horizon. The knight looked shocked to see her up early and there before him, before he shrugged it off as he shared her smile.

"Perhaps we should begin before I regret promising Alyon to teach you. Now, show me what you know," Leon said, before they delved into intricate manoeuvres until the sun began to peak over the castle and Evaine was able to disarm him. The knight laughed, bending down to sheath his sword. "Excellent work, my lady. When did Alyon start teaching you?" he asked as they walked to get some water.

"My father has hardly ever paid attention to me since I was little, so he cared not what I did. I used to lay in the stables or wander into the armoury. When Alyon nearly caught me slicing my arm off when I was eight, he began teaching me, so it could never happen again," she told him, taking a sip of water after him.

"You've been practicing for ten years?" he asked, and she sheepishly nodded. "My lady, you are incredible. I'm sure even Arthur would invite you to join the knights if he saw the way you used that sword," Leon smiled, before his eyes widened at something behind her and he bowed on one knee. "Sire," he said, Evaine's eyes tightening in worry before turning around and curtseying.

"Your skill with a sword is surprisingly good, lady Evaine," Arthur said, and Evaine rose at his words, her jaw clenched in frustration at his sarcasm. "Now I understand why you wanted to know who Sir Leon was. He is a good teacher, but I wonder how you would be against Sir Leon's teacher," he added, taking a sword from the stand and facing her.

"Sire, we will not continue, I am sorry if I-" Leon began, but Evaine raised a hand.

"Do not worry, Sir Leon," she told him, swinging her sword, prompting Arthur to do the same as they backed into the middle of the training grounds. Evaine waited for him to attack first, and quickly blocked it before swinging at his torso, missing by an inch. Arthur frowned, realising that this wasn't going to as easy as he expected. She smirked, dancing out of the way as he thrust at her arm, jumping as he swung for her legs. She blocked his sword towards her head, facing one another between their blades.

"Do you submit?" she asked him, her heart quickening at the smirk he gave her. He backed away, swinging for her arm once more.

"Arthur!" a voice shouted from the turrets, and in her distraction, Evaine failed to fully block Arthur's sword, gasping when her arm was cut, with blood already seeping through. Evaine dropped her sword, putting pressure on the wound as they looked to see Uther looking at them both in anger. Arthur glanced at the lady, noticing her arm and rushing towards her.

"Lady Evaine, I beg your forgiveness. Please allow me to take you to the court physician," he said, and she glanced behind him to see two guards running towards them both.

"I don't think that will be possible right now," Evaine told him, and he looked behind him.

"Sire, Lady Evaine, the king demands your presence," one of the guards told them, and Arthur sighed before looking to her.

"Here," Arthur said, wrapping his red cloak around her shoulders as they walked in silence towards the castle. "The fault is mine, Lady Evaine. Whatever punishment my father gives I will gladly take," he told her as they neared the throne room. Evaine stopped him as they reached the doors.

"Arthur, it was just as much my fault as it was yours. We will share the punishment," she told him. He smiled grimly before he nodded to the guards to open the doors. Evaine kept her head bowed as they walked towards a seated Uther, but she could still feel the heat from his gaze.

"Father, it-" Arthur began, but Uther stopped him.

"What on earth where the two of you doing? The prince of Camelot fighting a lady of the court?! Do you have any idea of how this appears to the people?" Evaine noticed the tension in Arthur's shoulders, feeling guilty as she knew the pain of being shouted at by her father. "Lady Evaine," Uther addressed, and she curtseyed lowly in front of him. "I promised your father that you would be safe here, and not get into any serious trouble. On only your second day here, you have already embarrassed yourself, my son and the court."

"Father, the fault is mine," Arthur protested, coming to stand next to her, and Evaine rose to face him.

"Sire, the fault is mine and mine alone," she said, ignoring Arthur trying to speak. Uther raised his hand to his son, silencing him and allowing the lady to continue. "Last night, I fear I may have drank a little too much and asked Prince Arthur to a foolish duel. Seeing that I was making a fool of myself, your son agreed, and tried to talk me out of it when he arrived at the training grounds this morning. As you know my father, I fear I inherited his stubbornness. I can only beg for forgiveness for my actions, sire." Uther paused, sighing before he stood and walked towards her.

"I hope you will learn to lose this unwomanly characteristic during your stay here. I will not send word to your father, so long as you vow it will not happen again," he told her, and she agreed. "Now leave, both of you," he said, turning away from them. Evaine glanced at Arthur as they both left, waiting until the doors shut to grasp her arm again.

"Come, I will show you to the physician," Arthur said, and she followed behind him quietly until he stopped at a staircase. "You will find Gaius upstairs," he said, and she began to walk past him until he called her name. "Come to my chambers after you have been tended to, I will send word to your handmaiden to come collect you," he told her, leaving before she could reply. She sighed deeply before entering a large room filled with herbs and potions. An old man was stood next to a table reading a book, stirring a boiling potion every so often.

"Excuse me, sir," Evaine began, and the man jumped, turning to face her and smiling gently when he saw the young woman.

"Dear girl, I am sorry I did not hear you enter, my work tends to get the better of me," the man said, beckoning her closer. "I am Gaius, you must be the Lady Evaine," he introduced, and she nodded with a smile. "What may I do for you?"

Evaine walked forward, opening Arthur's cape as she did, and his eyes widened at the blood on her sleeve. "I may have gotten into a little trouble this morning," she said sheepishly, and laughed when she saw his face. He indicated for her to sit down and gently rolled her sleeve up, washing it as he asked questions and she answered, even telling him the real reason she was training with Sir Leon. "I hope you do not judge me too harshly, Gaius," Evaine said, wincing as he wrapped a bandage around the cut.

"Of course not, my lady. It seems you protected Arthur from disappointment from his father, an honourable quality in anyone," he said, pulling her sleeve down and standing back with a smile. "Perhaps a word of caution next time," he suggested with a tease, and she laughed.

"Thank you, Gaius, and please, just Evaine is fine," she told him, both of us glancing at the door as Anna rushed in.

"What on earth have you done now?" she asked, looking at Evaine's arm as she wrapped Arthur's cloak around her.

"Do not worry, Anna. It was just an accident," She told her, touching her shoulder gently to calm her worry.

"Prince Arthur sent for me, but perhaps we should get you dressed properly before you see him?" she asked, looking at the state of Evaine as Gaius chuckled. The lady smiled at her, thanking Gaius before they left. Gaius watched them leave, smiling at the lady before returning to his potion.

XXXXXX

Anna and Evaine laughed as they walked to Arthur's chamber. "I promise you Anna, the surprise on Sir Leon's seeing me there before him was one I will not forget anytime soon," Evaine told her, carrying the folded cloak in her arms.

"I still cannot believe you fought with Prince Arthur. You are lucky Uther did not punish you both," Anna said, just as they reached Arthur's door. Evaine knocked gently, a loud "Enter" followed. Anna opened the door for them and they both entered, both of them curtseying as Merlin shut the door.

"Sire, I have brought your cloak back. I fear it may need washing, I myself will wash it for you today," Evaine said, before handing it to Anna.

"There is no need. Merlin can do it," he said, and she glanced at Merlin who offered her a small smile.

"Then perhaps Anna may help you, Merlin?" Evaine suggested, Anna's cheeks turning red as Merlin smiled fully.

"Yes, of course I will help. Merlin," she said, opening the door as Merlin nodded his head to Arthur and Evaine before following her out. It was silent for a moment before Arthur offered her a seat opposite him.

"How is your arm?" he asked, once she was sat. Smiling, the lady looked at it, unable to see the bandage through her dress.

"It is fine, sire. Gaius said it looked worse than it is. Thank you," Evaine told him, and he frowned at her remark. "Not everyone may say that they have a battle wound from Prince Arthur himself." He laughed before stopping himself.

"I am very sorry for hurting you, it was not my intention," he said, and she shook my head. "And I'm sorry, that my father said what he did. You did not deserve such words." Evaine smiled faintly at the prince.

"It is not the first time I have heard such words. My father, he is…" she trailed off, and Arthur waited patiently for her to finish. "He expects me to be the quiet, gentle daughter any lord would be proud to have. As you have seen, I am not quite what he had hoped for."

Arthur studied her as they stared at one another, recalling what Leon had said about her family the night before. "I think they are both wrong," he said, and she smiled with a raised eyebrow. "It is unusual for you wanting to learn how to fight, but you have skill."

"I don't think I'll be able to practice anymore with your father's warning," Evaine said quietly, and Arthur nodded.

"Perhaps the place was the problem," he muttered, and she frowned.

"Sire?" she asked, and he looked at her with a mischievous glint.

"The woods, early in the morning. It's away from Camelot and an easy excuse, you can say that you are going for a ride," he suggested, and she smiled faintly.

"Why do you want to help me?" she asked, and he looked at her, his heart tightening at the way she looked at him, before standing to move to the window.

"I don't honestly know. There's something about you, something that tells me you have a good heart," he said, and she blushed at his words. He turned around to face her. "When your arm is healed, send word. I will wait for you at your chambers before dawn," he said, and her eyes widened once more.

"You are going to teach me?" Evaine asked, excitement building within her, and he smirked at her.

"If you're going to learn, you should learn from the best," he said, and she laughed at the smug tone in his voice.

XXXXXX

Lady Morgana invited Evaine to her chambers to dine with her that night, their ride to the forest postponed due to Evaine's arm injury, and Morgana laughed as the woman told her what had happened. "I think you're the only one besides me to ever avoid punishment from King Uther," she said, and Evaine chuckled.

"I had a lot of practice when I was at home. King Uther's rage is much quieter than my father's," she joked, feeling at ease speaking in such a way without the worry of her father anymore. "You have been Uther's ward for how long?"

"Over nine years. Uther vowed to protect me after my father died. I never knew my mother, she died when I was young," Morgana replied, and Evaine placed her goblet down to reach and grab her hand.

"I'm sorry. I lost my brother only a few years ago. He was the only one who truly understood me," she confided, smiling gently at Morgana. Evaine's new friend nodded, mirroring the smile and they continued sharing stories throughout the night.