Disclaimer: I obviously don't own Merlin

A brief introduction to the story: set between 3x6 and 3x7, however Morganna was never found at the beginning of series 3 so she doesn't feature in this story at all. Arthur and Gwen's relationship is still secret and Uther has no clue, the only people who know are Merlin, Gaius and Gwaine (plus Leon who has his suspicions). Because the story is set before 3x7 Elyan and Percy are not on the scene. Sorry if this is confusing but trust me it's easy to follow.

This chapter is a introduction to the main story so sorry if it's a bit boring but keep reading... it gets really exciting!

Chapter 1

"Guinevere" he whispered, a shiver travelling down her spine at the sound of her name escaping his lips. How was it that he always had this effect on her.

She turned around to meet his warm smile.

"I haven't spoken with you since yesterday morning," he said slowly carefully. She hadn't come to see him as she usually did and he couldn't understand why. He missed her terribly... so much it hurt. "How are you?" he asked quietly, the affection clear in his voice.

She sighed, and admitted truthfully "Busy... preparing for the arrival for King Niryal. The bed, floors, table, chairs, wardrobe and curtains in the guest sleeping quarters have to be cleaned to perfection... and I'm completely exhausted." She took a deep breath and kept her eyes focused on the floor. She felt so guilty burdening Arthur with this, and wished she hadn't been so honest.

Arthur carefully placed his palm under her chin and raised her head, so that her soft brown eyes met his deep blue ones. "Oh right... Gwen... I'm sorry. I should have realised how hard you have been working for this visit. It's just... I started to think you were avoiding me... You know... Because of what happened recently," he admitted, pain in his eyes.

How could she forget.

The 'recent events' he referred to happened a few weeks back, when Uther arranged a marriage between Arthur and princess Elena. In the end, Arthur had refused and told Uther he would only ever marry for love, which would have been fine if Arthur's sudden confession of love hadn't made Uther highly suspicious. Ever since then, they had to be more careful, more secretive. That meant no more wandering glances across the room, no more discreet touches of each others hands when they passed in the corridor and a lot less of the secret kisses in empty alcoves. It was killing Arthur. But Gwen's safety came first. He knew what Uther would do if he learned of his intentions with Gwen, and he couldn't bear the thought of any harm coming to her, especially is it was his fault.

"Of course I'm not avoiding you, how could I? I love you Arthur, I hate us being apart!" Gwen admitted passionately. Arthur's eye lit up when she exclaimed her love, and a familiar warmth grew in his stomach, banishing any doubts.

"Everything has just been so hectic, there's so much work to be done in time for the Kings arrival."

"Of course, I should have realised... Sorry." Gwen looked at his face, etched with apology.

"Don't apologise," she replied, "it's fine, honestly. But there's something else isn't there? What's troubling you Arthur?" He felt the warmth grow inside him again when she said his name. It was the way she said it- softly, hinting at her love for him. How did she always have this effect on him? He looked into her large brown eyes- full of concern he knew he could trust her, she was the only one who he could share his true thoughts with.

"My father has never been friends with King Niryal. It has taken me months to convince him that this trip could be the start towards a new alliance. A peace treaty between our two lands would be... well... It would be beyond our best hopes for Camelot and for peace." His words spoke of joy and hope but his face was wracked with nerves. Gwen could tell that something was still bothering him, reaching out to touch his fingers with her own, she spoke her mind.

"But deep down you know that Uther is too proud and too...well... arrogant to make peace with his former enemy. You're worried that this visit might backfire?" He looked at her with astonishment.

His fingers entwined with hers as he spoke: "You never fail to surprise me Guinevere. I think you know me better than I know myself!" She smiled at his comment.

"And if I know you as well as you think, I know you have nothing to fear. Niryal will see past your fathers arrogance, he will see the great king you are becoming and he will be eager to make peace with you." Then her voice became lighter and less serious, "and if you're worried about Merlin making a mess of things I've already offered to share his duties to king Niryal. He was certainly relieved and I promise you can rely on me."

Arthur gripped her fingers even tighter, he was now aware of all the hard work she'd done to prepare for the King's visit, he didn't want to cause her any excess work- he knew that Kings could be very demanding. Gwen gripped his fingers back and gave them a light squeeze.

With a reassuring smile she said "This is important to you and to Camelot, that makes it important to me." He stared into her eyes once more and was engulfed in love and determination.

He knew he could rely on her.