1. REUNION
Beyond the gates of Camelot the sun started to rise slowly behind the mountains. Merlin was already up bright and early, heading for Prince Arthur's chambers to contend to his duties as his manservant.
Surprisingly enough, when Merlin entered the prince's chambers, he did not have to wake him for he was already awake.
"You're up early." Merlin remarked, raising an eyebrow as he closed the wooden door behind him.
"And you're not late for a change." Arthur countered, nice as always.
Merlin smirked, shaking his head.
"Today is a special day for my father, Merlin. I will need to be dressed adequately." The Crown Prince stated, turning towards the mirror, inspecting his own appearance.
"Of course, sire." Merlin replied, bowing his head as he bolted towards the prince's wardrobe, drawing out the robes Arthur wore for special occasions. "What is the occasion, if I may ask, sire?"
"My father's old friend, King Edmund will be visiting Camelot. They have not seen each other for over eighteen years, my father says." Arthur explained elaborately, allowing Merlin to dress him.
"I see." Merlin said politely, while dressing his master.
Courteously awaiting the arrival of King Edmund and his men, Uther and Arthur stood alongside each other, Merlin shadowing his master with Gaius beside him. The clinking of hooves on the pavement drew their attention. Through the gates of Camelot emerged a clan of horses, King Edmund riding the steed in front of the entire mass.
With a bright grin painted on his face, Uther approached Edmund, as he lowere down from his horse.
"Uther, it truly has been too long." Edmund said, grabbing the shoulders of his old friend firmly.
Uther nodded his head. "That is has been, my old friend. May I introduce you to my son, and the future king of Camelot: Prince Arthur."
Arthur stepped forward with a humble smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you, King Edmund."
"Oh how you have grown." King Edmund said, smiling. "Now, I too would like to introduce someone." He turned around, facing a gorgeous young lady who sat on a chestnut brown horse, with fair pale skin, chocolate brown eyes and hair which was nearly black.
One of King Edmund's nights helped the stunning lady from her horse, safely lowering her to the ground.
As she approached, no man present could deny that she was one of the most beautiful women they had ever laid their eyes upon.
"This is my daughter, Lady Rosalie." King Edmund said taking his daughter's fragile looking hand in his while she curtseyed.
"King Uther and Prince Arthur, it is wonderful to finally meet you. Father has told me many tales of your adventures together." Lady Rosalie said with a modest smile, whilst she eyed Uther in a peculiar way.
Merlin could easily tell that his master was completely taken by Lady Rosalie's striking appearance, his blue eyes firmly set on her.
"Edmund – I never knew you had a daughter." Uther said flabbergasted, looking at the young lady in wonder. "Prince Henry is still in New Hampshire I presume?"
"That he is. Lady Rosalie was born around the time we lost contact I am afraid." King Edmund explained, gazing at his young daughter. "I thought it was about time you all met."
Lady Rosalie silently smiled, but something in her eyes was a little off, as if she felt anything but comfortable in the presence of the Pendragons. Merlin could tell as she shifted her eyes from Arthur back to Uther.
"Arthur, would you be so kind to escort Lady Rosalie to her chambers?" Uther asked, while Arthur knew it was more of a command.
"Of course, father. King Edmund, it was an honor." Arthur said, bowing his head. He then signalled Merlin to follow him. "My lady, if you would come with me."
Lady Rosalie mutely nodded her head, following Arthur and Merlin up the stairs and into the castle.
"I think these chambers will suit your liking." Arthur said, as he pushed open the wooden door, granting entrance to the beautiful chamber. It was very large, almost as big as Arthur's own chamber, which happened to be next door. "And if you ever need anything, my servant is at your disposal – my bedroom is next door, so if he's not available, you can always stop by."
Merlin had to hold it together, because his master's intentions were only too obvious. He liked her already, well he liked her appearance. Lady Rosalie hadn't spoken much since they had met. Perhaps she was simply shy.
"Thank you, these chambers are lovely." Lady Rosalie spoke, her voice soft and delicate as she walked towards the window, her dark blue gown trailing behind her.
"Well, we shall let you settle in and again if you need anything – just ask." Arthur smiled at her, but sadly Lady Rosalie did not return his smile for her back was turned to him. She glanced over her shoulder and nodded.
"I will. Thank you." The slightest hint of a smile appeared on her face before she turned her head back towards the window.
Arthur left the room, slightly disappointed. Merlin quickly followed behind. Without any words exchanged, Arthur entered his chambers, nearly slamming the door in Merlin's face.
"Oh, sorry Merlin." He mumbled, walking towards the window pane.
"Is something wrong, sire?"
Arthur let out a sigh. "What do you think of Lady Rosalie?" He asked, still facing the window.
"Well, she is very mysterious," Merlin began reluctantly "and quite pretty too." He added, knowing it was quite a risk for a servant to say that about a princess.
"She's not 'quite pretty', Merlin." Arthur claimed disapprovingly. "She might very well be one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen."
Merlin simply nodded humbly, not wanting to be too overbearing by agreeing with him verbally.
Running a hand through his hair, Arthur leaned his forehead against the window. "Merlin, could you go check on Lady Rosalie if she needs anything? I would like some peace for a moment."
"Right away, sire." Merlin said, nodding his head as he left the room only having to walk a few feet more to reach Lady Rosalie's chambers.
He quietly knocked on the door.
It only took a brief moment before the door opened and Lady Rosalie appeared in the doorway.
"Merlin." She said, seeming a lot more at ease than before. "Hello. Is something wrong?"
"No, my lady. I was just sent here by Arthur, he wanted to know if you needed anything?"
Lady Rosalie's rose petal coloured lips curved into a smile. "That is very kind of him. I would actually enjoy a walk around the Castle Grounds, if that is possible?" She requested with a kind voice.
"Of course, my lady. Would you like me to escort you?" Merlin asked humbly. His curiosity was aroused by the sudden openness that radiated from Lady Rosalie. She seemed to closed off when Arthur was around before.
"How kind you are to offer that, that would be very pleasant." Lady Rosalie replied, nodding her head as she stepped out of her chambers, closing the door behind her.
While they strolled the castle grounds, Arthur was still gazing out his window. When he caught sight of the beautiful dark hair of Lady Rosalie, his jaw nearly hit the ground when he saw that Merlin was accompanying her.
You can't be serious? Merlin? He thought to himself whilst envy raged inside of him. Why did Lady Rosalie not request Arthur's presence? She seemed to be fonder of Merlin's presence by the looks of it; she was laughing and smiling the entire time as far as he could tell.
Arthur slumped down into the seat which stood before the fireplace, gazing into it sadly.
"You seem more at ease now, was something bothering you before?" Merlin asked the Lady Rosalie curiously whilst they wandered the streets of Camelot.
"Perhaps." Lady Rosalie replied vaguely. "I just feel a little out of place in the presence of Prince Arthur and King Uther." She admitted, knowing that was not the entire truth.
"So it's not that you do not like them?" Merlin pried, hoping he could deliver good news to his master.
"No, no of course not. I am sure they are very fine people." She replied with a brave smile. "Arthur was very kind. It must be an honour to serve him."
"It is, but he can be a bit of a pratt." Merlin stated with a chuckle and Lady Rosalie could not help but laugh.
"That's what all nobles and especially princes are like. My brother is the same, but I know in his heart that he's a good man. Like how I believe Arthur is a good man as well."
Merlin grinned; this knowledge would surely put Arthur's worries at ease of not being liked by the Lady Rosalie.
"He is." Merlin agreed nobly.
As they passed the town square, they witnessed an old man being dragged along by two knights; it looked like he was being taken towards the dungeons.
"What's happening over there?" Lady Rosalie asked apprehensively, lowering the hood of her navy coloured cloak.
Merlin narrowed his eyes, picking up the words: 'sorcerer' and 'magic'.
"I believe that man has been accused of practicing magic, my lady." Merlin conveyed in a poignant voice.
The eyes of Lady Rosalie looked alarmed whilst she watched the man being taken to the dungeons.
"Do you believe magic is evil, Merlin?" She asked curiously, turning towards him, her voice sounding anxious but urgent at the same time.
Merlin was hesitant; he would have to choose his words carefully. "I do not believe that magic is something everyone chooses. Neither do I think it is always used for evil."
Somehow relief seemed to wash over Lady Rosalie.
"I think we are on the same page when it comes to magic then." She claimed.