Arthur stood on the front steps of Camelot, his knights spread out in a V behind him. He was waiting for Prince Merlin Emrys of Ealdor and his father, King Balinor of Ealdor, to arrive. Arthur didn't look it, but he was excited for the delegation from Ealdor to arrive. Not only was Ealdor a fairly large, very prosperous kingdom, he'd heard that Prince Merlin was an exceptionally good-looking person, which would make an alliance to Ealdor a very agreeable idea.

Eventually, he heard the clopping of horses hooves on the street, and not long after, the Ealdor delegation rode through the gates into the courtyard. When he caught sight of Prince Merlin, it took all of Arthur's will to not gape at the sheer beauty of the prince. Behind him, Gwaine let out a low, appreciative whistle, which caused a wave of irrational jealousy to flow through Arthur. He'd have to have a word with Gwaine about not seducing Prince Merlin.

Once the party had dismounted, they approached Arthur, with King Balinor and Prince Merlin in the lead. The king walked up to Arthur and extended his hand, which Arthur grasped, then released.

"Thank you for extending us your hospitality, King Arthur," said Balinor.

"It is no problem," replied Arthur. "It's a pleasure to have you here."

A cough that sounded suspiciously like a stifled laugh came from behind him, and Arthur mentally reminded himself to have a stern talk with Gwaine. "May I escort you and Prince Merlin to your chambers?" he asked. "I'm sure you wish to rest a bit before the feast tonight."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," said Merlin in a light tenor voice.

Arthur turned around and walked into the castle, followed by Merlin and Balinor, as well as a few knights bearing the pair's baggages. Once Merlin and Balinor were situated in their chambers, Arthur headed off to the throne room. Gwaine joined him on the way there.

"That Prince Merlin sure is easy on the eyes, isn't he?" said Gwaine.

"Look, Gwaine…" Arthur began. "He's a prince who's likely to marry me, not you. You need to stop flirting with him, because he or his father could take offense to that, and I don't want to have to get you out of trouble."

Gwaine looked at Arthur with a confused expression on his face. "Why do you care so much all of a sudden, Sire?" he asked. "You've never been like this with other marriage prospects."

"I don't know," replied Arthur slowly. He shook his head, and looked into Gwaine's eyes. "Just remember, Gwaine- don't flirt with him, okay?"

"Of course, Sire," Gwaine replied. "I'll just go to the tavern now." With that, he bowed, turned around, and walked away, leaving Arthur with his very confusing thoughts