There's a knock at the door but Arthur ignores it he's much too preoccupied with Lady Meredith to take the time to answer. He knows what is said of him by both the people and the nobles. He's a prince more preoccupied with bedding women than performing his duties. And although he does enjoy lying with a few women here and there the idea that he does not perform his duties is the furthest thing from the truth.

Arthur makes sure his knights are trained to protect Camelot when she needs protection from either the magical, or non-magical. He takes regular tours of Camelot to buys things in the market. He observes and learns from his father during meetings and celebrations. So, is it really his fault if he also enjoys the company of a few women ever once in a while?

The people call him spoilt and arrogant. He's a prince of course he's spoilt. Since he was able to speak he'd been making orders to servants that had no choice but to follow them. How can he not be somewhat spoilt growing up in that manner? And as for his arrogance, that also simply can't be helped. He's been told all his life that he's attractive; many times he's been praised for it. Not to mention he's more than adequate with a sword. The prospect that these things won't make him somewhat arrogant is simply ridiculous.

The nobles refer to him as childish and reckless. Being referred to as childish does not truly upset him for he knows that the things he does - and even now what he's doing - are not the sort of things a child would partake. Though, the term reckless does annoy him for he feels it makes him seem incompetent. Being called reckless means that a person lacks the ability to make good decisions, and saying such things about ones future sovereign implies that you see them as unfit to rule. If it's one thing that truly irritates Arthur it is when anyone challenges his competency and ability to be King.

Since he was a child Arthur had been groomed for his reign as King. There'd been many times when he'd wished to be outside playing with other children, but instead had been forced to continue his tutoring session with an old and battered Sir Henry. It was at this age that Arthur had realized the first rule of being a King is sacrifice. From that moment on his life has been one sacrifice after another so he can be made into a great King.

It isn't as if he hasn't known of sacrifice before that moment. His mother remained his greatest sacrifice, his life for hers. Many times he'd wonder what she was like, and in his more conceited moments what she looked like. His old nursemaid, Agnes used to always tell him that he looked so much like his mother, same hair and eyes. He'd always picture her as the princess in the tales Agnes used to recite to him as a boy.

The door shakes again and the harsh sound of knuckles on wood intensifies with the applied force made. Briefly he stares down at Lady Meredith. Her eyes are shut, and she's panting quite heavily. He can feel the beginnings of his release approaching, so he quickly withdraws from her. As reckless as he is believed to be, he's not foolish enough to begin impregnating the women he spends his time with. He knows that doing something as dangerous as that would only chain him in a quick and painful marriage. That is if the woman is of noble birth.

He does not always dally with nobility. Many times Arthur preferred the company of maids. The noblewomen view a night with Arthur as a chance to further their efforts at becoming his queen. The maids know they have no chance at being his Queen, so they are usually happy enough with simply being desired by their prince.

"Arthur your father requests your presence immediately."

Arthur finishes himself off then hops off of his bed in search of a towel. He doesn't have a difficult search, for placed neatly on his night table is a white cloth large enough to clean him up.

"But Arthur I have yet to reach the same pleasure as you. Will you not come back to bed and let me share in the experience? Surely your father can wait five minutes?"

Arthur watches her with disinterest. She's pretty, and that's about all he knows of her besides of course the members of her family and the land they own. Lady Meredith is nothing but a body to him, and the very second she opened her mouth he'd wanted to shut her up. Though, he keeps his hands firmly at his sides. He'd witnessed his father hitting women on many occasions - even did it himself in the past until one night he wondered about his mother and felt so terribly sad. He wondered what her life was like, how she and father had met, if she'd lead a happy life, but most importantly if she loved him as deeply as he continued to love her. It was with these thoughts of his mother that he remembered how he'd struck Agnes early that day for demeaning him in front of the other boys during knights training. Agnes was like a mother to him and he hadn't even hesitated to hit her, would he have done the same to his own mother's soft cheek if she'd still been alive? It was with this fear that he'd decided that he would not lay hands on another woman again.

And it was only because of his devotion to his mother that he continues to ignore Lady Meredith's incessant nagging, and instead proceeds to put on his clothes before making his way towards the door to his chambers.

"Arthur..."

"When I return, I will not find you in my chambers. Do you understand? I am a very private person Lady Meredith, contrary to the belief of others. I would appreciate utter silence from you in regards to what took place this afternoon. Though, if I do discover that you have been yapping away to the other noble harpies I will be forced to reprimand you, and believe me you will not enjoy it. I am sure you know your way out."

Arthur does not look at her face. He's used to the shocked expressions on the women's faces once they realize that he feels nothing for them. He knows they find him cold and heartless, but how can they see that they are just as vindictive as him in this sordid little game. These women never speak to him of anything besides his beauty, his status, and his strength. They don't care to discover who Arthur Pendragon is when he isn't playing the role of their prince and future sovereign, so why should he care for them?

Arthur quickly unlocks the door, and only cracks it open because he's attempting to slide between the wood without having Merlin discover Lady Meredith sprawled out on his bed. He knows he's been unsuccessful when he glimpses the discomfort on Merlin's face.

"It is just flesh Merlin. One day you might be lucky enough to see it up close, and if you are a good boy get a feel."

Arthur enjoys berating his manservant much more than he likes to admit. He isn't foolish enough to classify Merlin as a friend, but he's certainly the closest thing he has to one. The nobles only bother being chummy with Arthur in the hopes of furthering themselves socially and politically, something he isn't blind to. As odd as it is for him to accept - and he know that he will never express such sentiments aloud – over the past year Arthur really does prefer Merlin's company than that of any other nobleman. If it wasn't for their stations he believes they would have been great friends. However, making real friends is simply another sacrifice he's had to make as a Prince.

"I have seen and touched flesh before your royal pratness. Though obviously not as often as you. I was simply alarmed at the stealth you attempted in leaving your room. I thought maybe you cared about this woman enough to want to salvage her dignity, but now I know how wrong I was. She is just another one of your meaningless lays."

Arthur ponders Merlin's words for a moment, contemplating whether or not to express his feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. He wants to love a woman and feel that same love in return, but he knows that love like that is impossible for a man like him – another unavoidable sacrifice. The princesses that he's met are too haughty and snobby, and the nobles at court are too ambitious and manipulative. Arthur has accepted a marriage without love long ago, and left the decision of choosing his wife to his father. Though, as he plans to open his mouth to voice his feelings to Merlin, the words weigh heavily on his tongue.

"Merlin if I need your opinion in my personal affairs I will ask for it. Although now that you have relayed my father's message to me you must be in need of something more to do? So, you can change my bed sheets, polish my armour, and of course muck out the stables before night fall."

"Of course sire, right away sire. You heartless prat sire"

Arthur pretends as if he hadn't heard Merlin's hurried mumblings, and swiftly makes his way towards the council chambers. He doesn't like being cruel to Merlin, but he needs to maintain boundaries. He's Merlin's master, and they are not equals. Mixing royalty and servants together as equals is simply asking for trouble.

When he's mere feet from the council room chamber doors the guards stationed there promptly open them for him. He can see his father standing by one of the glass windows just staring out at Camelot, nursing a cup of ale in his right hand. He looks so desolate that Arthur fears Camelot is going to war.

"Father you asked to speak with me."

Arthur's words quickly bring his father out of his reverie because he turns to him with a small smile on his face, yet Arthur can still see the sadness in his eyes.

"Arthur come closer, I wish to show you something."

Arthur moves towards his father cautiously, fearful that his King has been driven into madness. His father does not look at him while he draws nearer to the window. It is in this time that Arthur is able to scrutinize him. His father's eyes are lined with bags from the remains of unshed sleep. He looks startlingly fragile, and his skin is so pale. Arthur quickly wonders if he should send for Gaius, then dismisses it. His father is a smart man, and would seek out Gaius's assistance if he needed it, but he will voice his concern to his father about his health.

"Is it not the most beautiful sight you have laid eyes on Arthur? If the Pendragons have one thing in this world it is our faith and love for Camelot. We must love her like a son loves his mother, a husband loves his wife, a father loves his daughter, and as a brother loves his sister."

Arthur understands all this, but he doesn't know why his father is telling him things that have already been instilled in him as a child.

"I do not believe Morgana is happy here. Every time I see her she seems more and more depressed. I know I should speak to her, but she does not talk to me like she once did, and I fear she never will again. I was hoping you might spend more time with her, the two of you used to be so close. She does not enjoy the company of the other ladies at court, and it is not right for her to live in solitude the way she does. She needs a friend."

Arthur's initial thought had been surprise when his father had revealed that his reason for summoning him had been to discuss Morgana. Though, as he continues to speak Arthur can't help but feel pity for his father. He loves Morgana like a daughter, but their relationship grows more strained each passing year, why Arthur doesn't truly know. He himself can admit that he's spoken less and less to Morgana once they grew into adulthood. He's become much more interested with training, his princely duties, and women.

"You wish for me to make an effort to reconnect with Morgana the way we once were father, but we are not the same people we were as children. I do fear that Morgana will turn me away. Nonetheless I will try to do as you ask, and spend more time with her. Father, I also think that perhaps it would be best if you were to see Gaius?"

Arthur watches his father smile and clap him on the back as some of the ale in his cup splashes onto the floor.

"Arthur do not worry, I have already spoken with Gaius, and I do not plan on going anywhere anytime soon."

"I am very glad to hear that father"

Arthur makes his way to exit the council chambers, but his father gently grabs his arm.

"Perhaps you can start by offering to escort her to dinner tonight? We shall all dine together. I am quite famished."

"Right now?"

"Yes, I will see you in a few minutes. I am sure however Morgana is dressed will be quite suitable for a small dinner amongst family. There will be no need to send a servant to prepare her. Just run right along to her chambers and fetch her."

"Yes father"

Arthur bows before continuing on his way out of the council chambers, and away from his father. He had planned on bedding one of the servants tonight, but now that plan will have to be put on hold. His father's intentions are good even if they are also a little inconvenient for Arthur's sex life. Recently he hadn't had much contact with Morgana, but from what he's seen of her she does seem somewhat solemn these days. Perhaps he is the best person to get her out of her strop?

He jogs up her staircase two at a time, now thoroughly excited at the prospect of their soon-to-be childish bantering. He reaches for the door handle as he always did as a child, but thinks better of it. Morgana could be well...unprepared for visitors at the moment. So, deciding not to risk walking in and seeing something he'd rather not, Arthur knocks somewhat loudly on Morgana's door. He waits all but fifteen seconds until the door opens and Morgana's long time servant...whose name escapes him at the moment, stumbles out of the room, and closes the door behind her. She does a quick bow out of obligation and – Arthur can tell – fakes a smile. Arthur can't help but stare at her bosom as she curtsies, it would have been rude of him to look away.

"Hello...I am here to escort the Lady Morgana to dinner, is she properly dressed?"

Arthur studies the girl as she struggles to find the right words to say to him. When speaking to royalty all servants are expected to be nothing less than courteous and respectful.

"I am truly sorry sire, but the Lady Morgana is not feeling well, and has retired early for the night."

Arthur stares at the girl hard, as if he can retract her words by doing so. His father won't be pleased with this news, and he can't help but feel a little disappointed as well. Now that he was able to see just how much they'd grown apart, he's starting to miss his adopted sister.

"Perhaps you could wake her?"

Arthur can feel his own irritation seeping into his voice as the pompous princely pose he'd perfected since childhood makes its appearance. Even though she's just the messenger he feels as if this girl is partly to blame for Morgana's early night.

Arthur watches the girl's back straighten as her eyes finally leave the clean polished floor. She looks at him with a fire he's never seen in any woman's eyes, not even Morgana's. His composure breaks only for a moment, but he quickly retains his dignity and stares back at her just as fiercely.

"I could, but I will do no such thing. Perhaps it has slipped your mind but the Lady Morgana suffers from nightmares, getting to sleep for her is a hassle in itself. If you wish to deprive my mistress of the little sleep she is able to have then I am powerless to stop you, but I will not disturb her while she sleeps so peacefully for the first time in a week. My Lord"

Arthur watches this girl in utter amazement. One of his eyebrows even raises comically in a mixture of disbelief and awe. Never has a servant, not even Merlin - and that's really saying something – spoken to him so brazenly. He knows he can have her flogged, or thrown in the stocks for her insolence, but he can't help but feel admiration for her devotion to Morgana.

"Should I remind you that you are speaking to your prince, and be warned I am not as kind as your mistress?"

Arthur doesn't know what it is exactly that possesses him to do it, but he find himself softly raising his hand to her cheek. He pretends not to notice the surprise in her eyes, or the way she flinches away from his touch. This girl interests him, and never has that happened to him before. He's been captivated by the beauty of a woman, a few times by their wit, but this girl is different. She's beautiful yes, but not more extraordinary than other women he's seen. He knows little of her wit or intelligence, but he ranks it quite low because of her station as a handmaiden. This girl enthralls, angers, and tempts him all at once.

"My apologies Sire, it will not happen again."

Arthur continues to gently stroke her cheek as her gaze retreats back to the safety of the very fascinating marble floor. Arthur's vexed that she's surrendered to his authority so easily. He'd found her ferocity and strength so alluring.

"See to it that it does not. Inform the Lady Morgana that tomorrow I will be entertaining her for the entire afternoon."

Arthur is very aware that he must move his hand from her face and walk away, but he's become intoxicated by the softness of her smooth cheek. He wants her in his bed this very instant, but knows she will not come willingly, and he doesn't force women in that regard.

Arthur drops his hand from her cheek slowly, and he watches in satisfaction as her eyes follow his hand once in her line of sight.

"Til tomorrow"

Arthur begins his decent down Morgana's staircase at a much calmer pace. He isn't all too thrilled about delivering the disappointing news to his father.

"Goodbye my lord"

Arthur smiles when he hears Morgana's door close quietly behind him. He knows he hadn't mistaken the underlying rage hidden in the girl's voice. The meek rabbit had vanished, instead to once again be replaced by a bull. Arthur can't wait for tomorrow and another chance at witnessing this girl's fiery spirit. He'll have to remember to ask Merlin for her name the next time he sees him.

So there's chapter one! Hope you enjoyed, and please review to tell me your thoughts:)