Hello, everyone :)

This is only my third fic ever, and my very first Merlin fic which I am, of course, a more than a little excited about. I will only publish the next chapter (which I HAVE already written) if I get reviews, otherwise I'll give up and stop here – which would be a pity because for once I have a vague idea of where everything is going! Of course be nice in the reviews, but if you have any (constructive) criticism I would love that too. Any guesses or ideas about what will happen in the story are also welcome!

I know that the prologue is very small and doesn't give away much, so I will say this: it is typical Merlin. I hope you like it, and please review!

Disclaimer: Although I wish I did - with all my heart! - I do not own BBC or Merlin, only my original characters.

PROLOGUE

The jeweller smiled smugly to himself, as he and his servant entered the gates of Camelot without so much as a second glance from the guards on duty – not that he had expected one. Being a portly man adorned with fineries and accompanied by a pretty servant girl had its advantages. Such an appearance was widely regarded as the very picture of good business, and Dougal had not yet been turned away from any city. The guards at Camelot were probably, like most others, under strict instruction from the King not to displease any such guests. All kings are the same, Dougal thought, grinning confidently and puffing out his chest as he strode through the marketplace and towards the castle. Kings were, without exception, blind to his blatant sycophancy, and foolishly hungry for the gold and jewels he had to offer.

He could already see the flash of yearning that would cross and disappear from Uther's face in an instant, to be masked by a welcoming smile. It was an expression all kings wore when they heard the word 'jeweller'. They were all the same, unable to resist the temptation of the beautiful items Dougal had to offer, or the elaborate tales of their discovery.

They had reached the castle, and Dougal nodded a warning at his servant. He needn't have – she was quite literally bound to him, by a thin silver chain around her ankle. She met his eyes with fright and stumbled a little as he tugged on the chain and stopped, outside the castle doors.

Dougal gave his introduction to the guards, who, at his request for a meeting with the King, sent a nearby servant to ask permission. The raven-haired young man had been listening keenly to Dougal as he spoke, his head at a strange kind of angle – had those blue eyes been staring with interest or suspicion? – Dougal wondered, his smile fading briefly. Whatever the look had had been, the boy was a mere servant, and servants were easily taken care of. Harmless. The jeweller rubbed his own servant on the back and felt her body stiffen at his touch, but the girl was obedient enough, fearful enough not to react in any other way. Dougal's pleased expression returned and he shifted the silver chain in his hand. Servants were easily controlled.

The boy soon reappeared, with invitation from the King. He peered past the guard at Dougal, who met his eye and smiled curtly. The boy gave a startled smile in return, and as Dougal passed by and was led towards the throne room, he could feel those two blue eyes on his back. But that didn't matter.

The King had let him in.

Kings were all the same.

Some people, he thought with a sneer, some people will do anything for a slice of wealth and power.