Arthur and Merlin were out hunting, trudging through the dense woods early in the morning. So far, Arthur hadn't caught anything and, as the two ducked through the trees, they heard a noise.

"What was that?" Merlin said, looking around in all directions of the wood.

Arthur crept further into the woodland of trees, loading his crossbow, his eyes darting around in search of a deer or rabbit. He stood up from his crouched position as a white horse trotted past, coming to a halt near to them.

"Where did that horse come from?" Asked Merlin, his eyebrows creased.

"We will find out." Replied the prince, striding towards the part of the woods from which the horse came.

Merlin looked back at the now grazing horse before following Arthur, a tried expression on his face.

Suddenly they heard a noise and looked down a dip in the forrest to see a group of what appeared to be thugs or bandits surrounding a girl. She stood with the hood of her cloak hiding her face.

"Where can you run girlie?" The leader asked, taking a step towards her. He gestured to the dead bodies around them which seemed to have been her companions. "No one to protect you now." He said with a sickening smile, reaching out to pull at the neckline of her dress. She swiftly slapped his hand away, looking around to find a weapon. She picked up a sword, gripping it firmly in her small hands.

"Arthur, we have to help her." Merlin said, looking at the outnumbered girl.

Arthur nodded, beginning to move before he stopped, his eyes wide at the scene before him. One by one the girl fought off the men until only three remained.

"Not as defenceless as you seem. Still, quite the pretty face, I'd hate to get it dirty." Said the leader, who disarmed her, tripping her up. A terrified look was in her eyes as the three large men advanced on her, their eyes darting over every inch of her trembling body.

"Leave her alone." Yelled Arthur as he and Merlin edged behind the three men wielding their weapons.

The bandits all turned around, swords poised. It was a short battle, Arthur fighting them all off easily.

He looked to the girl, pulling her to her feet. "Are you alright?" He asked as she pulled down her hood, making herself known to the man.

"Arthur?"

"Grace?"

He quickly hugged the girl, smiling as he realised who he had saved. "Merlin, this is Princess Grace, her father is King Alfred of Valjean. She is an old friend of mine."

"Please, I prefer Grace."

Arthur smiled. She was always very humble about her nobility. He looked to his servant, "Grace, this is my servant Merlin."

"A pleasure, my Lady," Merlin bowing slightly as he stuck out his hand, unsure of how woman would treat him given his bad experiences with nobles in the past.

She had thick blonde hair which flowed down to her waist in lose curls, and pouted pink lips which turned into a grin as she shook Merlin's hand, "Merlin, the pleasure is all mine." She said as she gave a small curtsey, holding out her informal blue dress.

"Feel no need to extend pleasantries to Merlin, Grace." Arthur said, glancing at his servant with a small smile.

"Quite the contrary, your highness. Just because he is a servant, does not make him any less of a man as you." She said, looking from Merlin to Arthur with a smile as she began to walk in the direction of Camelot.

"Hear that, Arthur." Merlin began with a grin.

"Shut up, Merlin." Arthur rolled his eyes, catching up with his old friend. "What happened, Grace? It is a long journey from Valjean. I did not know that you were travelling to Camelot."

"Father and Uther have long been friends. You know what an adventurer he was...he is. He felt that I should live my life and see more of the world. I was to stay in Camelot but I was attacked and my men slaughtered," she said in almost a whisper as they reached the area where Merlin and Arthur's horses were.

"Father must have wanted to surprise me with your arrival. I will be happy to have you back at the castle." Arthur said, smiling.

Grace smiled back, "Thank you, Arthur, you are a good friend. And thank you both for saving me back there...I can't imagine what would have happened."

Merlin raised his eyebrows, "You seemed to be quite alright fighting alone, my lady-"

"-Grace, please." The young woman interrupted.

"Grace..." Merlin went on, "I have never seen a woman fight quite like you did, have you Arthur?"

Arthur smirked, "No, Merlin, I haven't."

Grace arched an eyebrow, "There is not much to do in Valjean to pass the time except watch the knights train. I guess I need to practice a little more." He eyes fell onto the white horse. "My horse!" She gushed as she ran to stroke his nose.

"We will ride back to Camelot, Grace, and notify my father of your arrival." Arthur said warmly as he mounted his horse, throwing his weapons at Merlin who struggled to carry them all.