Morgana clung to her mother's hand as the guards waved them through the massive outer gates of the city. She shivered, using her free hand to pull her cloak tight across her face. The cloak, just like her frock was black. All the clothes she had worn, starting with the dress she had worn the morning seven days ago they buried her father, were black now, and would be for the next three weeks. Her mother had promised that with the new moon the servants would exchange Morgana's mourning clothes with her frocks and coats and cloaks that had been tucked away for now. Vivian had even hinted that the king may give her new clothes as a gift, welcoming Morgana as his new ward.

The little girl stopped mid-stride, her bright green eyes wide as they stared at the castle looming over the city. Morgana had never seen a castle before; she had always thought her father's manse was the biggest house she had ever seen, but now, having to crane her neck just to glimpse the flags billowing on the taller towers, her childhood home seemed like a peasant's cottage.

"Don't be frightened." Vivian said softly, mistaking her daughter's sudden awe for fear.

"I'm not." Morgana tried to sound brave. Her father had always told her to be brave, all those times he had gone away for weeks or even months at a time. All for Uther Pendragon, who was the king. But now Gorlois was dead and Morgana, his only child was to be fostered by the very same king. Vivian gave her hand a gentle squeeze and they continued through the lower town, up towards the castle. Morgana slumped against her mother, her feet moving by pure force of will; the pair had ridden at dawn, and the journey had taken most of the morning. The sun was almost directly in the center of the sky now, but Morgana could have easily found a shady place to fall asleep.

But by the time she finally stepped in to the massive stone courtyard, her heart was pounding so hard and fast in her chest, Morgana could hardly stand still as she and Vivian waited for their formal escort in to the castle. Her head swiveled from side to side; there were hundreds of people,, merchants, traders, couriers and herbalists and…knights! Just like her father! The sight of them made her heart ache. The knights passed by, some guiding magnificent horses, all nodding respectfully to her mother as they passed. Some even smiled at Morgana, making her pale little cheeks burn bright red.

"When you meet the king," Her mother said suddenly, "Don't talk unless someone asks you a direct question. If you don't want to answer, just look to me and I'll speak for you. You may find Uther…the king I mean…to be a difficult man at times Morgana, but you must always remind yourself that being his ward is an honor. He'll protect you, you'll never want for anything." Vivian smiled, though it seemed sad to Morgana.

"Will you visit?" Morgana tried not to sound like a child, but the truth of the matter was she couldn't bear the thought of not seeing her mother again. First Gorlois, now Vivian…and what was Morgana receiving in return? Strangers. Strangers in a strange new place. Everyone said that her father and King Uther were friends, but she had only met the man once in her whole life. And now, she was going to live in the palace?

"Of course." Her mother reassured her. "As often as I can. Though you'll have plenty of company; there's the prince, Arthur, who is only a little older than you. Not to mention all the visiting nobles and kings will have daughters who'll visit with them from time to time."

Morgana wrinkled her nose. She couldn't help it; she'd heard all about Prince Arthur of Camelot. Handsome, talented…and from what she had interpreted, a complete prat. As for her mother's promise of potential friendship with princesses, real princesses, well that was something Morgana could look forward to.

Suddenly, the guards struck the butts of their spears hard against the ground. Morgana flinched and instinctively moved closer to her mother. "The king will see you!" One of the men announced, his voice ringing across the courtyard.

Vivian nodded and nudged Morgana forward. "Come Morgana." She said as they passed through the wide double doors in to the Great Hall. "It's time to meet your new guardian."