Persecution to Purpose

Summary: Lothrielle is the Princess of the Seashore kingdom of Leonesse, Niece of the late Queen Igraine, and cousin to Prince Arthur of Camelot. Born with magic, she must use to assist Merlin with Arthur's ascension to the throne, and help bring to past the druids prophecy of peace and prosperity for all of Albion. But, her road is not an easy one. Her faith will be tested as she struggles to believe in the promised times that Emrys is to usher in. Does she have the energy to battle Uther, and the dark forces of the world, and fight for her right to live, rule, and love? Or will she falter and lose everything she and her family have worked so hard to build?

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Merlin, except my own OC's. And I apologize for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes!

Prologue

There was a time, my mother used to tell me of, where Uther Pendragon, the King of Camelot, was a kind and gentle man. He married my aunt and loved her and her people so much that he provided troops to protect the northern boarders of the small seashore kingdom of Leonesse, without even asking for anything in return.

The two kingdoms prospered and flourished in those times, with peace, love, and tolerance. But, after awhile with news that the Queen was unsuccessful in being able to conceive a child, tension started to ease its way into the courts of the kingdoms and the hearts of men.

It was a blessed day, when news spread that by some miracle Camelot's Queen and Leonesses Princess was to be a mother, the days of unrest was thought to finally have ended. But that hope was never fulfilled. My aunt passed away in childbirth, and the one person that could temper the king's anger was gone. With my Uncle Tristan Dubois killed, my mother assumed the throne, and Uther demanded that the kingdom of Leonesse fall under his sovereign, if it wished to remain in the protection of Camelot.

Leonesses' defenses were crippled, and the army was suffering, with no other choice, my Mother, Queen of Leonesse conceded to Uther's demands, and was named Princess Regent. Leonesse was forced to abide by all the laws and regulations of Camelot, including the hunt and massacre of those with magical abilities. My mother though was adamant to save as many as she could when it came to this edict of death. Thus after no executions my mother was arranged to marry one of King Uther's most trusted Knights, Sir Ulrich de Lancret, as another way to control my mother and keep her in obedience to the laws and practices of the kingdom, and to also ensure that she remain reliant upon Camelot. Those were dark and troubling times, filled with, deception, dishonesty, and hate.

But when I was born, I was given Igraine's middle name Lothrielle, to appease Uther, and slowly the relationship between the two kingdoms started to mend and become one. My father passed away when I was ten years old, from a plague that racked the lands of Albion, and little by little my mother started the slow progression of freedom for Leonesse. Since my father passed, I was placed in my Cousin Arthur's fourteen year old care as his ward. He was to be in charge of my safety, and also my fate. But, really it was just another way to ensure complete control of Leonesse.

My only hope is that one day my mother and I will be able to rule our kingdom as a separate sovereign again, with or without the alliance of Camelot. But the road to freedom is a long and tough one, and for me, I just want to live long enough to see it.

Chapter 1

Out of all the places I wanted to go, Camelot was the last of the places I wanted to travel to. But the King, my onetime uncle, summoned me, and when he commands we are bound to follow. He was throwing a celebration of sorts for the 20 year fight against magic, and as a Princess of the kingdom I was "required" to be there. Of course even if we wanted to say "no," we couldn't. Our defenses and army were slowly progressing, but we were nowhere near ready to defend ourselves.

My mother was especially nervous for me; what with finding out I had magic just a year ago, and then sending me closer to the man with the biggest intolerance for such a talent was not exactly what we thought was safe for my physical well being.

I could still remember that day, my mother and I were walking along the shore and I cut my foot on a jagged rock sticking up out of the sand, and when the water touched me it healed me automatically. She wasn't surprised when we found out, and explained that our blood line and that of most of the noble families were descendants of Naiads, beautiful water Nymphs, and as the years went on and the nymphs intermingled with humans the magic the naiads possessed slowly became dormant in most of the people of Leonesse and only manifested itself in a few of us. Things that were once bedtime stories of the Sea Naiads instantly became my ancestry, and the small magic I had was the legacy that was passed down from them.

We were just five miles now from Camelot, and we moved extremely slow, mostly because the six knights of my personal guard, and my Lady in waiting, Lady Mena, all of whom knew about the big secret I had were in no rush to get me there. "The more time we take to get there the less time you'll have to be there." Sir Trion explained to me when we could've ridden hard and been there two days ago.

"You don't have to try and convince me, of this. I am perfectly content, with taking our time. " I responded. And with that decided we took in the sights of the land, rather slowly… very slowly. Which my uncle, I knew, wasn't going to approve of, but, it's been years since I had seen this land in all its beauty. When my father died, my visits to Camelot stopped as well.

But, the closer we got the more desperate I became to try and get my grey horse Triton into a slow trot.

"Milady," my best friend Mena spoke up when we were just a mile from the city walls, "There's no use in trying to delay us now. You are a Princess and no one can make you feel scared, unless given your consent." She always knew exactly what was going on in my head, and she was right. I had more confidence than this, and now was the time to show my strength, I am Leonesse, and I was not going to let my uncle and his acts scare me into submission.

"You're right Mena, of course." I said looking into her beautiful kind grey eyes. Lady Mena has always been my most trusted friend, and she knew all the secrets to my heart, just as I did hers. She nodded to me, edging me on to make the first move.

"Trion?" I spoke a loud, and as I did, I pulled my long dark brown hair into the hood of my blue velvet cloak, Mena doing the same with her long blonde hair, into her grey velvet cloak.

"Yes, milady?" He answered. As he pulled his horse up next to mine. Trion a very handsome man only four years older than me has looked after me, since my father's passing. His thick brown hair stopped just above his shoulder, and his strong jaw line, clean of any scruff. All knights were required to attend to their personal hygiene with the utmost care as well as their armor. His armor like the other knights had our kingdoms animal; the swan embedded on it that gleamed bright from the sun, with a cloak fastened to his shoulders the color of the beautiful ocean. Women were constantly in love with him, but he never returned any of their advances, he only ever had his eyes on the Lady Mena, and as she was my lady in waiting she was not allowed to court any men without my permission. I of course have let her know if she were to ever feel the same way towards him, which I knew she did, I would give her my authorization, but, she always said, that until my service for her was no longer required she would not worry herself with those matters. Truth be told though, when will I ever not need her.

"It is time for our entrance into the city of Camelot." I said, and orders quickly came out of his mouth and the other five knights took their places. There were two in the front with the one on the left holding our nations flag, Trion next to me, with another on the other side of Mena and then two behind.

"I'm afraid, Trion." I confessed.

"Milady, it's not like this is a sentence for you. He doesn't even know about your gift."

"And if he finds out? What then? Do you realize what will happen to all of us, and our kingdom?"

"If he finds out, then, we'll take care of it. And our kingdom, well, you already know that your subjects love you, and will stand with you till the end." He answered.

And though his answer may have been true, putting my own kingdom at risk wasn't exactly what I wanted to do to my own subjects.

"Is that how all of you feel?" I asked knowing that all the knights were listening, even though they pretended not to be paying attention.

"Yes milady." The all said aloud.

"Till whatever end." Trion finished saying quieter. His reassuring brotherly nod giving me hope, and Lady Mena's smile giving me strength. "Then let us ride confidently into this foreign city."

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

"Camelot welcomes the Swan Knights of Leonesse!" I heard as someone who was most undoubtedly the King, yelled out as we sat on our horses in the citadel, and a large crowd was gathered around the sides and on the steps of the doors to castle.

Slowly the two knights in front of me as rehearsed showed off their horsemanship and directed their horses to side step out of the way so that I was soon in the direct line of vision. The hood over my head also having a lace veil that fell over my face obstructed my view, but knowing exactly what I was to do ushered my horse forward with Mena's horse just a step or two behind me. We both stopped our horses, and waited for Sir Trion and Sir Theo, who was next to Mena, to help us down from our horses, and at the same time as us the other knights who were still on their horses dismounted theirs as well.

Taking just a few steps from their horses, the knights stopped and Lady Mena and I proceeded to the stairs, where my uncle and cousin and royal household were gathered. I silently thanked that I had a veil covering my face because even though I looked strong and confident as my heels clicked along the stone ground, my face was probably etched with worry. Five feet from the stairs, I stopped and with an exhale of breath, curtsied low with my cloak and blue dress billowing out around me, and simultaneously Mena and the knights dropped down to just as low kneel and curtsy.

I waited there knowing this was when I was to be accepted by the king, and without fail slowly closing the distance between us other footsteps echoed in the citadel and soon black leather boots and a red cape was right in my line of vision. This was a meticulous art, and like everything royal it was done with grace, poise, decorum, which really meant it was done at the speed of a turtle. To show to the people that we are masters of even time, when we knew we weren't.

A hand was placed under my chin, and started to lift me up. Like the moon rising into the sky, I rose with the same grace, which was drilled into my body since infancy. The moment had come, I now was at my full height, and I prepared my face to look just as regal as this ceremony has been. Threw the veil I saw the man reach forward and lifted my veil and hood away from my face and over my head, and my long hair that was tucked away fell freely to where it wanted to go. There were sharp intakes of breath and a lot of murmuring, I could hear some commenting on my beauty and such, but what surprised me the most was the look of happiness in my uncle's face as he held me at arm's length. His face was showing its first signs of aging, along with the grey streaks through his hair. His dark eyes shown with a kindness that I didn't know was there, and upon his head rested the golden crown of Camelot.

"Princess Lothrielle, it has been to long sense your presence has graced this city. You are absolutely stunning." He said aloud with a rich deep voice that sounded so powerful. More murmurs of agreement were spoken.

"Thank you my Lord Uncle," I said just as loud so everyone could hear me, and grabbed a hold of his elbows, "And you are just as handsome as I remember you being." I smiled and then leaned in and kissed him on both cheeks. Whatever tension that was present in the citadel of Camelot was dissipated with applause and cheering with that one act. As I pulled away my uncle pulled me into a tight embrace, and that sent louder cheers from the audience.

Over his shoulder those that were on the steps to the entrance of the castle slowly walked down the steps or turned to go about the rest of their day, because the entrance ceremony was officially over. A handsome blonde man dressed in fine clothes, and a beautiful woman with darker but shorter hair then mine and beautiful porcelain skin made their way towards us.

My uncle and I pulled apart, and gestured to the man and the woman who was now behind them. "You obviously know who they are." He said.

"Of course," I replied curtsying to both, "It's very nice to finally see you again cousin." I said to Arthur, who had a confident smirk on his face, one I remember he slowly started to practice when I last came here, but, now I could see he was a seasoned veteran of the smirk.

"Cousin," he replied and bowed slightly, "my father was right you have become a vision of beauty."

"You are very sweet." I said, as we embraced in a hug and I kissed him on the cheek as well, and then turned to Uther's ward.

"Morgana," I said and we curtsied to each other. Even though we actually really didn't like each other, but we were still gracious and courteous to each other, I still decided to give her a compliment, "I give up! I just simply will never be as beautiful as you." I said, and I somewhat believed it but at the same time, I could care less.

Her laugh was short, but sweet and pure, and she replied. "Ah but, with you and me together we can distract and torment all the knights of the realm, until we have them eating out of the palm of our hands."

'Not exactly a denial, but she still thought me to be in the same league as her.' I said to myself.

Noticing Arthurs smirk turning into a quick frown, I decided to play along, "Oh dear, well what are we then supposed to do for the remainder of the day and my stay here, if that is to be our only form of entertainment. I'm afraid we'll end up making quick work of that."

"Excuse me," Arthur interjected, but before he could get worked up, I decided to stop him.

"Oh Arthur, really we were only jesting, and anyways my men, Lady in waiting, and I are quite exhausted from the travel and wish to settle in." Looking towards Arthur while batting my eyes sweetly and then to my Uncle who was chuckling at Morgana's and mine little interaction.

"Yes of course, I will take it upon myself to personally escort you and…" My uncle trailed off as he gestured to Mena who was silently watching the interaction, and then stepped forward into a curtsy.

"This is my Lady in waiting, Lady Mena of Ameth." I quickly introduced.

"It is a pleasure to meet you your highness." Mena spoke up sweetly. "Camelot is as beautiful as the rumors have told. It is evident that you care very deeply for the state of your kingdom."

"Lady Mena, your words bring me great joy." He nodded towards her and then gestured to me with his arm.

I took it and walked with him inside as Arthur, and Mena followed, and Morgana leaving us as soon as we entered the castle.

As we walked further into the castle we spoke mostly about the trip here. And the question I knew that was going to come, "Yes, you are a couple days behind of when you were supposed to arrive." Uther spoke, making it a statement rather than a question.

"Oh yes, It has been eight years since I last traveled those roads, it brought back a lot of… memories of my father, and I wanted to enjoy the good ones, and then ponder on the sad ones on the way here. So we took our time. It has been sad to think that it has been that long since I was back here."

"Ah yes, Sir Ulrich…" Uther pondered on my father with a fond smile, "he was a good man, a loyal knight, and a loving father."

"No doubt just like you." I said back, getting him further and further away from the topic of our delayed trip.

"Sir Ulrich would be proud of the woman you have become." He said like he was the proud father.

I looked up at him with tearful eyes, "Thank you, my lord."

"Now, now. No crying this is a happy occasion, remember this is a celebration. Lady Helen arrives later, and then there will be feasting, and tournaments."

And just like that, the moment was over the instant he mentioned the celebration. "And I wait on baited breath, for it." I said, lying. He seemed not to notice the slight distress in my voice, as we continued walking to our destination.

We finally came to a stop, "Lothriell this is your chambers, and Lady Mena yours is here." He said pointing to the door across from mine.

"Thank you my lord," I said pulling him into one more hug, "you didn't have to show us to our rooms yourself."

"Well I wanted to spend some time with my favorite niece." I answered jestingly.

"I'm your only niece." I replied with a sly grin,

"That is why you are my favorite." He coolly answered.

This brought polite giggles from both me and Mena, and a smile from Arthur, "I now leave you in the care of Arthur. I have some meetings to get to, so I will see you later tonight."

"Yes, of course Uncle." I said and curtsied as he walked away.

"Now," Arthur started, and pulling our attention to him, "how would you both like to walk about the market with me and some of my men later on? I'm sure the people of Camelot want to see the swan Princess."

"A walk about the market would be lovely." I answered quickly. "Lady Mena and I would love to look at fabrics and such, for some gowns to be made."

"Perfect, my men and I will escort you around the market place."

"Milady." Mena spoke up, "Remember what your mother said about your personal guard."

"Oh right of course."

"What about your guard?" He asked.

"Nothing, just even though I know you and your men are more than capable of taking care of me, my mother has instructed that a Swan Knight always remain with me whenever out in public."

Arthur considered what I said for a quick moment, and then spoke, "Of course," trying to hide the annoyance, "We will have one of your knights, meet you in the citadel in two hours, and then meet me at the training grounds, and we'll head down. Until then, I will leave you both to settle in." He nodded to the both of us, and then walked away.

"Arthur," I called for him, "It is really good to see you again."

He turned back to face me and smiled, "It's good to see you as well, little Lottie." The nickname he called me when we were younger, and then walked off again.

"So far everything is going well." Lady Mena spoke up when it was finally just the two of us.

"Strange, that was a warmer reception then I was expecting. I most certainly thought that our absence of an ambassador, or a member of the royal family at court, was for sure putting a strain on our relations."

"Maybe, this really is just a celebration, and nothing more than that."

"Perhaps… but if so then what my mother has told me about my uncle's cruelty has no standing. And we both know my mother, she would never lie, and the only person she is truly afraid of is Uther."

Mena paused before continuing on, "Then we have yet to see the true colors of your relatives, Milady."

"Unfortunately, I think your right Mena, even though I hate to say it."

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

"How are the knight's quarters?" I asked as we approached Trion who was waiting for us in the citadel, not at all shocked that it was him that was going to attend to Mena and me.

"They are very nice, Milady." He answered, with a charming smile. It was weird, Trion has been almost a brother to me my whole life, and I could never get him to just call me by my name, instead of using the titles. But to ask him to do that would be asking him, as he would put it, be disrespectful, and that just wasn't something he was or ever will be. "Though I'm more anxious to see the training grounds, so I can get a work out in later." He was dressed more casually now, with just a nice blue leather jacket and white shirt, brown pants, and boots. His sword was strapped to his waist. He always looked, so much friendlier when he doesn't have his armor on.

"Ah yes. Training." I rolled my eyes, "Seriously is that all you ever thinks about?"

"Well not all." He said, and then glanced at Mena. I turned to look at her and noticed the crimson blush before she look away.

Deciding not to tease either of them on the matter, "Of course… Um we should head down to the, training grounds to meet with Arthur." I suggested and started to walk away. If I remember correctly we were heading in the right way.

When we made it to the training grounds almost immediately, I wished I was back in my room. A group of men were gathered around Arthur, as he was throwing knives at a serving boy. The Knights around him cheered Arthur on as he threw dagger after dagger at him.

"Oh my!" Mena gasped as she beheld the sight before us. The serving boy was shuffling his feet back and forth trying to evade Arthur's knives.

"I can't believe what I'm watching." I quickly turned on Trion, "Please tell me this is not what you and the knights do to your servants who tend to you?"

"Never, milady. We treat them with the upmost respect." And the look of complete shock at what was going on was evident that he was telling the truth.

When I turned back the serving boy finally dropped to the ground probably out of sheer exhaustion and the wooden target rolled away from him, right in front of another man. The man was tall and skinny, with dark hair, and the palest features one could find on another person. His head was round, with sharp cheek bones, and ears that stuck out from his head. His best feature though was probably his startling blue eyes that were right now filled with concern as he stood on the shield to prevent the servant from picking it up.

"Hey, come on, that's enough." The man said, as he looked at Arthur.

"What?" Arthur answered back, clearly taken back that someone would dare put an end to his fun.

"You've had your fun, my friend." The man said again to Arthur.

"Do I know you?" Arthur asked.

"Er, I'm Merlin." He says as he holds out his hand, to Arthur.

"So I don't know you?" Arthur asked smugly

"No."

"Yet you called me "friend."

Merlin seeing what he was finally getting at, "That was my mistake."

"Yes, I think so." Arthur said

"Yeah. I'd never have a friend who could be such an ass." Merlin finished saying and started to walk away.

Mena and I both gasped at what Merlin said, and Trion's mouth practically hit the floor.

Arthur, whose never been talked to that way replied with a scoff, "Or I one who could be so stupid." Which immediately stops Merlin in his place.

"Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?" Arthur asked

"No." he replied, I could tell that the situation was getting uncomfortable for him.

"Would you like me to help you?" Arthur asked him as he pressed Merlin further.

"I wouldn't if I were you."

Making Arthur let out a small chuckle, "Why? What are you going to do to me?"

"You have no idea." He said quickly.

Making me think that Merlin actually had no clue who Arthur was.

"Be my guest!" Arthur exclaimed mockingly, "Come on! Come on! Come oooooon."

"This is going to end badly." Trion said to Mena and me, both of us knowing exactly what was going to happen. Merlin takes a swing at Arthur, and the moment he does, Arthur twists Merlin's arm behind his back. The knights let at the murmurs, and exclamations and walks forward to Arthur and Merlin.

"I'll have you thrown in jail for that." Arthur said to him, as Merlin struggled just a little bit.

"What, who do you think you are? The King?" Merlin lets out. Confirming my thought moments ago.

"No. I'm his son, Arthur." He replies as he takes Merlin knees out.

The knights having reached them proceeded to lift Merlin back up from the ground and walk him to the dungeon.

"And I thought my family actually were different people." I said to Mena and Trion. "You were right after all Mena. It was just a matter of time till their true colors showed."

"You know, I never wanted to be right on this matter, Milady."

"I know, Mena. Just a small prayer was there."

"Maybe that prayer can be answered."

Before I could reply, Arthur saw us and made his way towards us. "Well are we ready to go to the market?" He asked, with a smug look on his face.

"If you think I would want to go anywhere with you, after that display, Arthur Pendragon. You couldn't be wrong." I replied with disgust.

"What! He attacked me!"

"Well if I was him, I probably would've done the same thing."

"What did you say?" He said, just as surprised that I would challenge him, and I couldn't help but notice the small amount of hurt in his eyes.

"Trion, Mena." I turned to them, directing them with my eyes, to step away from us, which they quickly did. Then turning back to Arthur, "You're a bully Arthur. Do you even realize while you were belittling your servant that the people walking by looked at you with bitterness and resentment?"

He stood there in silence, not answering me, "What you just did," I said as I gestured to the now empty space, "That is the standard you set for all the knights that follow you. That is what the appearance of the crown looks like, and tolerates. Bullying, cruelty, brutality, maltreatment, intolerance. Are those the qualities that you want your people to emulate and try to be like?" Not noticing my voice rising above its usual demure, sweet, tone that I usually had, into a stronger more challenging voice, the voice of a ruler.

"Of course I don't, and you are reading into this situation too much, Lottie!"

"Don't call me that." I said seething

Taken back by my sudden anger of my nickname, he spoke more cautiously, "Look, the people aren't going to all of a sudden start acting like senseless beasts."

"So you admit that the way you were acting was beastly?"

"No. But the boy needed to be taught a lesson. He can't just say those things or attack me without sufficient punishment."

"You were being the bully, Arthur. He was just standing up for that poor serving boy. You are the one that parents think about and wish they could hurt when they consul their crying kids that have been subjected to treatment not so difference then yours."

"Oh Loth…"

"No," I interrupted, "You want to give away lessons, well here's one for you. The younger generation who looks up to you and the knights will try to be just like you. The people follow the example of their leaders and predecessors, and every day you act like that, you slowly lose the respect of your elders, and you shape the minds of the children."

"Oh Lottie…" Noticing my dark look again, "Lothrielle look…"

"Arthur," I stopped him with my hand, now growing impatient with this conversation, because he just wasn't getting it. "I know I'm young, I'm only seventeen years, but if you don't believe me on this matter, then believe this, I am your ward, and as such, I couldn't be more disappointed in the boy I just witnessed a moment ago."

With that being said, I turned from him and walked away. My blue velvet dress and flowing sleeves flying behind me, as I walked past Mena and Trion who were just waiting for me ten feet from me and Arthur, and were now in tow just behind me.

"Trion?" I addressed him, not looking at him, but knew he was following me.

"Yes, Milady?"

"Until further notice, you and the other swan knights are to train separately from the ones of Camelot, and if I ever see or hear of any of you paying that same disrespect to any of the servants that tend to you, while we stay here, you will have me to answer to, and you know how deadly I am with a sword. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Milady." He answered, knowing that later on tonight he will be relaying that message onto the rest of the knights.

"Princess?" Mena spoke up stopping me in my fast past walk from the training grounds, and now being at the steps of the castle. Hardly did Mena ever address me as such, so when she did it was always over something that she was proud of.

"What is it Mena?" I asked looking at her

"Just your conversation with Arthur, drew in a little crowd. Nobles and Commoners alike listened as you chastised your older cousin."

"Great, I'll probably hear about that later." I said with a groan, 'once Uther finds out he will not like what was said.' I thought to myself

"I'm sure all you'll hear is how outstanding the people think you are. You were truly amazing. The look of respect and admiration was clear on every ones face… You did really well Princess." Mena finished with a sound of pride. I looked towards Trion who nodded to me as well.

"Thank you." I said, and turned from them with a smile on my face and headed up the stairs.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

For the rest of the day, I avoided Arthur as much as I could, which wasn't hard considering he probably didn't want to see me anyways. For dinner, even though it was not ordinary for a visiting noble to dine in seclusion, I had a servant tell the king that I was unwell because of my travels, and wished to retire early, so I was refreshed and ready for the festivities of the coming week. The king understood immediately and I was left with a reply back that before I was to fall asleep the court physician Gaius, would see me. I was most anxious to see Gaius. I remembered him fondly when I would come to Camelot with my father; I was always found right by his side helping him with tonics and potions of sorts. And from what my mother told me, he was also one that I would be able to abide in with my own secret.

I was in the process of brushing my hair meaninglessly, and gazing out at the city, when a soft knock came at more door.

"Come in." I responded, and turned around and watched as the man who knocked came in.

An old man, with wrinkles and kind eyes, that I remembered them to be, came in dressed in his usual robes. His hair definitely whiter then the last time I saw him.

"Milady." He respectfully said, with a bow.

"Oh Gaius, you know I have always been just Lothrielle to you!" I said, as I rushed towards him, for hug. "I have missed you so much."

He pulled me into a tight embrace that was warm and comforting, "Oh my dear child. It has been too long since you have left my care. How are you my dear?"

"I'm doing so much better now, that I've seen you." I answered him then pulled away, "Gaius why did I not see you when I first arrived? I know you must have been there."

"I felt it better to try and meet with you later. After all today was more of a family reunion, and I did not wish to intrude on such a tender moment."

"But, you are family to me, Gaius."

"Lothrielle, you are just as I remember you to be. Just more beautiful, and more grown up. But then again you have always had an old spirit about you."

"And you, dear Gaius, are quite unchanged. But your hair, its whiter then what I remember."

He chuckled slightly, "Yes. Age will do that that to you. Tell me when do I get my physician assistant back?"

"Whenever I have the time to spare," I answered, "I just don't know if the King will let me leave his sight."

"Ah yes, speaking of which, he told me you were un well, and just in case I brought a sleeping drought, to help you ease into a nice peaceful sleep." He said, while reaching into his robes, and pulling out the familiar mixture, I used to help him make multiple times.

Taking it from him, "Thank you, but I was hoping that I could speak with you about a delicate situation, for just a moment." I said as I moved further from the door and more into my chamber. I small table was placed next to the window on the far side of the room farthest away from the door, with two seats, that overlooked the city. Sitting and signaling for him to do the same, across from me. "I need some help and you are the only one that I really trust, that will not betray me."

"Milady, you know that you can just as much go to your uncle, and cousin if you need anything." He answered politely out of courtesy to the king, and took the seat opposite of me.

"I wish that was true, but after today, that remains to be seen. But, I really must insist that you hold yourself to the highest level of discretion when it comes to this. If you are not comfortable enough, I understand."

"Oh yes, word did spread to my chamber about your little argument with Arthur." He said thinking that, that might be the reason. He thought I was asking for advice on how to handle the situation.

"Oh well, you see, that's not exactly what I wish to speak to you about. It's about something much more urgent."

"Lothrielle, my child. Tell me, what is it?"

"Gaius you are a learned man and I know you know the folklore that surrounds the royal family of Leonesse." I said as a suspicion.

"Ah yes, indeed. I have heard those stories. The naiads are told to be beautiful elf like creatures. If true that would explain your case, very much so."

I hesitated for just a moment, before continuing, "Those stories are true. And their looks aren't the only things I inherited from them. Gaius, I have magic." I said trying not to sound scared from just the mere mention of the word.

"Lothrielle, are you sure?" He asked, clearly not expecting this to be the topic of conversation.

So I told him the story of what my mother and I experienced. "The only thing, Gaius, is I don't even know how strong I really am. I mean the books that Leonesse had about the sea naiads, have been destroyed or given away to the druids, to help protect our secret. And the remaining sea naiads that I believe are still out there somewhere have long since given up on this world, and the humans. There haven't been stories or sightings of them for centuries. Gaius, you are the only one my mother and I could think of that would possibly know anything about what I'm going thru."

"My child, I don't know much. Even when I was younger and practiced magic, the secrets of the naiads were much a mystery to me as it was everyone else. But, what I have gathered thru out my life is that, Naiads are peaceful creatures of magic. They practiced healing magic thru the use of water. Water is a source of life, for the world, and naiads were an extension of the sea itself, meant to heal the sick and afflicted world. As such they were bound by nature to only practice good magic, and were brought under severe consequences if they misused their gifts." He paused not knowing if he should continue.

"Gaius please…" I urged him.

"The gift of the water nymphs, has all but been lost, my dear girl. There hasn't been a descendant of Leonesse with this form of magic for a very long time. Every time it has manifested itself in one of the lines the magic has been weaker than the one before. I wish there was more that I could tell you. But that is all I know."

"Thank you Gaius that is more information then what I hoped I could get."

"Lothrielle… if it is not much to ask. May I see what you can do?" He asked.

"Yes of course." I replied and got up, and brought over my small water basin and pitcher, and pored a little bit of water into the bowl. I then carefully pulled out a small dagger with a pearl incrusted handle, and made a small cut on the side of my left hand. Wincing just a little bit, I looked up and saw Gaius watching my intently. I slowly sunk my hand underneath the water of bowl, and almost immediately there was a light blue glow, and I felt the relief of not being in pain. And when I brought my hand out of the water, there was no more cut.

"Amazing, in all my years, I have never…" he said in astonishment. "You have a very beautiful gift milady. Thank you for sharing this with me, and don't you worry. You're secret is safe with me, my dear."

"Oh thank you Gaius, thank you." I said as I embraced him one more time.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

It was a couple days since I saw Arthur last, and I was happier this way. I knew I had to apologize to him, but, I was still just too angry at him for what he did. I ended up hearing from Mena that Merlin, ended up in the stocks the next day, but was then let go after two hours. At least his punishment was not too harsh. Making me think that maybe I needed to apologize to Arthur, and then Mena filled me in that it was actually Gaius, who made the arrangements for the boy, and that Merlin was actually his ward.

"So Arthur actually has no redeeming qualities about him." I said in conclusion, as Mena, Trion, and I walked about the market place.

"I'm sure he does Milady, it's just we haven't seen them yet." Mena said in his defense. Even though it was meant to be a reassurance, it didn't sound like it, and I knew she was thinking about what she said as well.

"What I meant to say is…"

"Oh it's fine Mena, really don't worry over it." I stopped her not wanting for her to try and reword it, when knowing it was about Arthur it would probably come out sounding the exact same way.

"He's a skilled fighter." Trion voiced his opinion. "He trains his knights…"

"Hold on, how do you know how he trains his knights? I thought I told you I didn't want you or the other knights training with him!" I interrupted him.

"And we didn't Milady, even though he asked us to when we were there yesterday. We turned him down, and explained to him our reasons."

"And what did he think about that?" I asked curiously.

"Well he wasn't happy about it. Actually he was seething over it. Being told that you are seen to be less then what you are and then to have visiting knights of another kingdom think the same thing isn't easy, Milady."

"I need to apologize to him, don't I?"

"I think so Milady." Mena spoke up again.

"Well I better do it now, let us go find him." I directed.

"We may not have to go as far as we think." Look Trion said as he pointed just ahead of us.

A group of men, with Arthur in the lead were walking about the market as we were, when Merlin also walks past him and his group of men.

"How's your knee-walking coming along?" Arthur asked aloud, and Merlin kept walking trying to ignore him.

"Oh no." Lady Mena whispered silently

"Of course." I said not at all shocked.

When Arthur received no reply, he said aloud again, "Aw, don't run away!" He said knowingly baiting Merlin on. Merlin came to a stop, and with his shoulders rising and falling with a controlled breath replied, "From you?"

With a sigh Arthur, replied, "Thank God. I thought you were deaf as well as dumb." Clearly enjoying the fact that he was going to get a reaction after all.

"Look, I've told you you're an ass." Merlin says back, and then faces Arthur, "I just didn't realize you were a royal one."

"If there's one thing about this man, he's incorrigible." Mena said as we watched the scene.

"Maybe he should become a swan knight." I suggested.

Trion not spending too much time on the proposal shrugged his shoulders, "At least their banter is entertaining."

He was right about that.

"Oh, what are you going to do? Get your daddy's men to protect you?" Merlin said again to Arthur as we turned our attention back to him. Now it was his turn to bait Arthur.

Arthur, clearly loving what was going on laughed and replied, "I could take you apart with one blow."

"I could take you apart with less than that." He said with an almost too quick of a reply.

"Are you sure?" Arthur asked considering what happened last time. While everyone also thought about the last encounter as well.

Arthurs goons spoke up, "Come on, then."

"Fight." Another one said.

Not being able to step down from the fight, Merlin takes off his jacket. Causing Arthur to laugh aloud, but making everyone else that was gathered around watch with anxiety.

"Here you go." Arthur says, as he tosses a mace at Merlin, which he doesn't catch. Merlin picks up the mace, and looks back at Arthur and watches as he swings the mace around with ease, something that has been taught to him for years now.

"If the first time wasn't bad enough. Really, Merlin has no hope." Trion said.

There was something about this man. This air of confidence that he carries around him, it had to have come from somewhere, and I was determined to find out where.

"Come on, then. I warn you, I've been trained to kill since birth." Arthur says.

"Wow, and how long have you been training to be a prat?" Merlin said. The crowd gathered, didn't know what to do, we all just stood in stunned submission.

A small flash of annoyance crossed Arthur's face before saying, "You can't address me like that."

Merlin looked down for just a moment before replying, "I'm sorry. H-How long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?" And mockingly bows to Arthur.

Arthur grin was almost sinister as he expertly starts swinging at Merlin. "Come on then, Merlin! Come on!"

Arthur backs Merlin into the market stalls and crowd continues to follow and grow bigger as we moved from stall to stall. Arthur swinging at every chance he got, over wagons, over tables, to get to Merlin. Somewhere in the beginning Merlin somehow lost his mace and probably wasn't anywhere near him now.

"Ha-ha. You're in trouble now." Arthur says as Merlin was now sprawled on top of flour sacks, and He swung the mace over his head.

"Oh God." Merlin mutters and looks for something to help him.

"He's done for." Trion says.

"Not if I could help it." I said as I started to move to the front of the crowd.

Just as Arthur was going to swing his mace down on Merlin, his mace gets tangled up on the hooks above. I stopped my advancement, and watched stunned, 'that wasn't like Arthur. A warrior is trained to notice his surroundings and plan accordingly.' I thought as he struggled to untangle the mace.

Arthur manages to unravel his mace and moves to attack again, and out of nowhere Arthur steps into a wooden box that hits his shin.

"OW! Argh!" Came an angry reply from Arthur, and tries to recover. Stepping closer Arthur pursues him again, but trips over a tightened rope, causing him to drop his mace.

'Really Arthur, you're fighting like an amateur.' I thought. I looked at Merlin as he picked up the mace with a smile and started swinging it at Arthur. Who had already recovered and was now backing up from Merlin.

"Do you want to give up?" Merlin started to press him.

"To you?"Arthur replied now sounding exactly like Merlin from earlier.

"Do you? Do you want to give up?" Merlin says some more, causing Arthur to back up, and catch his foot in a bucket and falling over backwards.

Merlin, thrilled by his victory was smiling from ear to ear, but stopped short as he spotted something in the back of the crowd, or someone, his face immediately dropped, like he was caught stealing dessert from the kitchen's cook. I looked to see who it was and past everyone near the back stood Gaius in the crowd with the infamous look that made everyone feel inferior.

With this immediate stop Arthur attacked him from behind with a broom, knocking him to the ground. The crowd groaned in pain as if they could actually feel what Merlin was feeling. Guards rushed forward and picked Merlin back up from the ground, most likely to take him to the dungeons again.

But I wasn't going to have any of that again. "Release him." I yelled loudly over the noise of the crowd. The people in front of me were parting for me, as I approached the guards that held Merlin. "Now." I finished in the most commanding voice that I could muster. It was the same one I used on Arthur just a couple days ago.

"Princess!" The guards said, and immediately dropped into a bow, and back up to meet my livid gaze that froze them in their spot. Everyone else now realizing who I was all did the same thing and stayed in that position.

With the guards still unchanged, Arthur spoke up, "Listen to her command." He said, and then spoke to Merlin, "You may be an idiot, but you're a brave one. There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it."

Merlin was about to say something, but before he could, "Merlin," I said looking into his eyes, "Go now." I commanded. Seeing that I was not one to be challenged, he nodded his head and left, with Gaius right next to him.

All the people were still crouched down with their heads casted down, and next I addressed them, "Do you all not have any work to do?" They all immediately stood up and moved away from us quickly, not wanting to watch this fight. Trion and Mena already assumed the required distance, to wait for me.

When it was just Arthur and I, we looked back and forth between each other before I finally spoke up. "You know the funny thing was I was actually on my way to find you and apologize for what I said to you the other day. But, so far you have proved that you don't deserve it." I spoke loud enough for only him to hear, not wanting this argument to get as out a hand as it did the other day.

"Lothrielle, please what was I supposed to do? He was insulting me."

"You egged him to do it. Did you expect him to submit to you?"

"Yes. He is a peasant, and I am the Prince."

"And that automatically means you are guaranteed the respect of all the citizens of the kingdom."

"Well…" he said unsure of where to go. But seeing as he wasn't going to get anywhere, he yelled, "You know what you are my ward and you should at least show me some respect."

"Or what you'll bully me with a mace. I'm not some commoner who doesn't know how to defend herself; I am your cousin and a Princess." I said with my voice rising to meet his.

"Yes Princess of this kingdom, where you will rule under my father and then me. And YOU. WILL. learn your place, before you think that you will ever talk to me like this again. Remember I'm the one who decides who you get to marry." He said as a threat.

Without even realizing it Trion was by my side with his sword almost out of his sheath, but, stopping him as I grabbed onto his arm, I looked down.

When I finally looked back at Arthur I had tears streaming down my face, and as a barely audible whisper said, "You could've just let him walk past you. What harm would it have done if you just let him be?" I asked, then turned and walked away, with my guard and lady right behind me.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Lady Mena knew just what I needed when it came to me being upset. She would comfort me immediately which was done last night after Arthur and I got in our fight, and then, she wouldn't speak of it until she knew I was ready. Trion had his own special way of making sure I was okay as well. Basically if anyone ever wanted to hurt me they would have to go thru two of the knights he posted outside my room, and then him inside, as he sat down sharpening his sword, and lovingly watched as Mena played on the harp that was brought to the room, which she was really accomplished at, and I sat embroidering. This was usually how it went. But I started to dislike this system of me watching the two closest people in my whole life fall deeper and deeper in love with each other, and I sat mulling over my marriage threat, that Arthur so eloquently threw at me.

He wasn't the same loving little boy I remember him being. I mean yes, he was still Arthur, but he missed the same love and protectiveness he used to have. 'What happened to him?' I thought over and over again. With all that was going on in my head, I didn't hear what was going on.

"Milady?" asked a concern voice.

"Hhhmm," I said staring at the owner of the voice. It was Sir Theo. "Yes what is it?" I asked.

"It's the Lady Morgana, she is outside, wanting to come in and speak with you."

Other then Arthur, the last person I thought would ever be at my door, was definitely the king's ward. "Oh show her in Sir Theo." I said, standing.

He quickly bowed and then rushed to open the door, in which Morgana stepped in. She came in wearing a beautiful green silk dress. Her makeup was already done for the celebration tonight. How was she so beautiful? "Morgana, what a pleasant surprise!" I said as she entered. Mena and Trion both stood and gave her a slight bow and curtsey.

"Lothrielle, I heard about what happened yesterday between you and Arthur. I just wanted to see if you were doing alright, and to see if you needed any assistance for tonight?"

To say I was a shocked was an understatement, because I was absolutely floored. Noticing that I haven't answered, as I was too busy staring down this sweetened version of Morgana I quickly relied, "Oh Morgana that is so sweet of you. Thank you. But, I assure you I am fine, on both accounts."

Noticing that she actually did want to help me, "Look, Lothrielle, I know in the past you and I have never really ever been great friends, and I want to change that. If you need someone to talk to, I would like to be considered as someone that you can run to." She said sincerely.

"I guess Lady Mena and I can both use some assistance, there may not be enough time to get us both ready." I said to her after some time, of feeling guilty about second doubting her kindness.

"Oh I'm so happy you said that." She said with a smile and then ran to the door.

Mena and I both made eye contact, both not believing what was going to on, and Trion just looked at back and forth between Morgana and his sword, not knowing if he needed it now.

When Morgana opened the door, another girl walked in. She had dark hair, and a darker complexion. She was beautiful to say the least, and her almond dark eyes, I could tell were full of kindness, and humility.

"This is Guinevere, my maidservant, but more of a companion to me really." Morgana introduced, "and this is Princess Lothrielle as you know, and Lady Mena, Her lady in waiting, and also the Captain of her highnesses personal guard Sir Trion."

"It's so nice to meet you Milady… and Milady… and sire. But please, call me Gwen." She said as she curtsied to us.

"Thank you Gwen," I said stepping forward, "I hope we all will become fast friends.

"That is my hope as well Milady." She replied with a genuine smile.

"Now Sir Trion, I am sorry but us girls have work to do and you need to leave." Morgana said.

"Oh yes of course, right!" He said as he stumbled about to get his belongings and make for the exit. "Maladies." He said with a bow, when he was at the door and then walked out.

"Now what are we working with you two, show us, so we know how best to assist you." Morgana said.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

What Gwen was able to do was absolutely stunning. Mena's long blonde hair was curled and ran down her back freely, shining like the sun though already set was shinning on only her. Her face covered with just the smallest amount of makeup; she was already so stunning, she really didn't need to overdo it. Her long sleeved lace dress with cream silk underneath the lace fitted perfectly to her torso with a pearl belt cinched at the waist, and then fell gentle off her hips and fell to the floor with a small train pooled around her. She was a vision that Sir Trion was not going to be able to take his eyes off.

My hair was parted in the middle, and then pulled, twisted, and folded enough to fit underneath the pearl hair net that was placed over it, to keep in place, on the back of my head. My small silver pearl tiara, placed on the top. My dress was complex, and was a hassle to put me in, and Mena was so kind to help. A silk silver dress that was fitted to torso and bust fell off the hips to the floor also leaving a small train. The neck of the dress was connected to a small necklace that was made out of a sea shell that in the lighting gleamed different colors, leaving my shoulders and back bear. A teal see thru fabric that started off teal but ended the same silver color was layered on top of the silver dress, connected by the same necklace, that then ran over my arms connecting with a band that ran around the my elbows giving me sleeves, and then connecting at the small of my back, leaving behind a loose two feet longer train then the silver layer that was underneath. But, when everything came together it was well worth the work that was put in.

"Oh my! Princess you are beautiful." Gwen being the first to comment, as Morgana, just stood there in stunned silence, before finally as well saying, "She's right! You are going to be the talk of the ball! Arthur's going to have to stay very close to you all evening to make sure no one comes near you."

"Ha! If he even comes near me he'll regret it!" I said. Still mad over our last encounter and not at all ready to even see him.

"Well that's going to be difficult considering you are the visiting royalty and his ward; you are required to have the first dance with him." Morgana said.

"I completely forgot about that!" I said with a gasp. "This is unfortunate since I have already promised to loath him for all eternity."

"Milady, he is your cousin, perhaps just for tonight you can forgive." Mena spoke up as she listened to our conversation.

"Absolutely not! That man has been an absolute beast this whole week. And I refuse to be the one that has to cave."

"Then what will you do?" Gwen asked.

I stood there contemplating, my decision. I must've stood there for a while, before I finally replied, "We will dance, and then I'll go back to ignoringhim." 'Simple!' I thought.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Morgana, Mena and I waited patiently outside the hall to be called in. Knowing I was going to be called second to last. Mena was called in, and applause could be heard for her the moment the curtain was pulled back for her and she entered. Next was Morgana, who weirdly enough was almost wearing the same styled dress as me just red and more tightly fitted to her. She was beautiful yes, butI couldn't help but feel that somehow, she was competing with me. I guess we were to let the court decide this match, because I really had no clue who was going to win this one.

"Morgana," I said before she walked through the door, "I just want to say thank you for helping and just for everything, and you look beautiful tonight."

"Thank you Lothrielle, that means a lot." She said genuinely and reached for my hand, and squeezed it. "Good luck with the dance."

I rolled my eyes, "Thanks." I said mockingly. She and I both shared a laugh before she let go and opened the door, and waited to be announced.

The moment her name was called there were sharp intakes of breaths and then quick applause, as she made her way in.

"That was the loudest one yet." I said out loud.

I waited just a minute after Morgana's name was called before I to opened the door and waited nervously for my name to be called and behind the curtain in front of me.

There were five pounds on the floor from the announcer, and then absolute silent. "Now presenting her Royal Highness Princess Lothrielle de Lancret of Leonesse."

The curtain opened, and everyone stood in complete silence as I made my entrance. No applause, just glazed over looks of shock and envy. As I passed one by one each member of the court either bowed or curtseyed to me as a past. In the middle of the floor stood Arthur, who I now had to go to and dance with. He to like the rest of the court looked at me with shock. I made my way to him and curtsied low to him and waited for him to accept me as his ward like his father when I entered the citadel. He reached his hand forward; I placed my hand in his and like his father, helped me to rise up.

"Now sharing the first dance of the night, Prince Arthur and Princess Lothrielle. Dancing the national dance of Leonesse." The announcer said to everyone.

A small applause started as the music started and Arthur led me in arm to our places on the floor.

"You look beautiful tonight Lothrielle." Arthur finally said.

"Thank you." I replied coldly.

"I just wanted to apologize for-."

"Don't talk Arthur, unfortunately I'm not ready for an apology and I'm not ready to forgive you, so let's just get through this dance, and get on with the rest of this evening." I said quietly, as we faced each other and started the dance. Which was ironic considering our folk dance is about friendship and love.

We went thru the motions and steps of the dance, and being surprised that Arthur actually learned how to dance, and was an acceptable partner.

The dance quickly ended with us apart, and as the music came to an end, I curtseyed to Arthur, and he bowed to me.

Before he could led me to my seat however, I was quickly rushed by all the courtiers and was complimented on my dress, and how beautiful I was, and to be honest it was a bunch of things I didn't really want to hear. Maybe earlier I wanted to hear it, but, after that dance, I was already completely done with this night.

The horns sounded and signaled the entrance of the king, I quickly made my way next to Mena at the table to the right of Arthur.

Uther walked in like he was a conquering hero, arrogant and conceited. When he made it to the head table, he turned to all of us, "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora."

When Uther was finished everyone applauded and then took their seats, when Uther was seated himself. The music began and it was hauntingly beautiful. But something felt wrong about it. Like it was suggesting me to do something I didn't want. It was hard for me to understand what was going on. But as I looked around I noticed everyone yawning and nodding off.

"Mena, it's magic." I said as quietly as I could and turned to her and noticed she was already asleep. It took everything in me to fight off what was happening. I could feel what I think was my own magic rising from the pit of my stomach to the surface.

Cobb webs started to form on everyone and it became harder for me to fight against Lady Helen's magic. The light goes out, and I could literally feel her magic overcoming me. As she was coming to the end of her song, I saw as she pulled out a knife and was about throw it, and I knew I wasn't going to be able to stop it.

"Nooo." I slowly said as I felt my eyes close and right before they do, and Lady Helen is ready to throw her dagger, something from the sky drops on top of her. With it taking away the magic's hold it was gaining over me and the court members.

Everyone slowly started to wake and pull the cobwebs off, muttering underneath their breath. I look around me and notice that I to have cobwebs over me and started to hastily remove them.

Once done, Uther and Arthur stand up to see who we all thought was Lady Helen crushed underneath the chandelier.

But, instead it was an old ragged woman. She slowly rose and with her finally strength threw her dagger towards Arthur. I felt a small shot of energy run thru me, somehow sensing that it was magic. And just as I watch the knife sail to Arthur, Merlin reaches Arthur and pulls him to the floor, and the dagger slices into Arthur's chair.

Looking back down to the woman, she finally lets out an exhale and falls dead to the floor.

"You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." Uther addresses Merlin who is now standing next to Arthur.

"Oh, well…" he stutters out

"Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded."

"No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness." Merlin replies.

"No, absolutely. This merits something quite special." The king insisted.

"Well…"

"You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant." H decides and then leaves, as Arthur groans out, "Father!" There's applause all the way around the banquet hall, and I can't help but think, 'that is by far the worst reward that has ever been given.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

So how did you like it! This is my first every fanfic, so leave kind reviews, if you liked it, if you want me continue, anything I could improve on!