It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining through the trees. They were less than a day to their destination. They were headed to Camelot to meet King Arthur. "Princess we will be there before dark." Carter informed her. Carter along with her ladies maid and three other knights and her father had made this journey. "Thank you."
"Merlin!" Arthur yelled.
"What is it now." Merlin muttered "Yes sire?'
"We are expecting some guests this evening I expect you to be cleaned and dressed appropriately. I will not have you embarrass Camelot in front of King Raymond and his daughter."
"Is there anything specific you would like me to take care of before they arrive?"
"No. I trust that my clothes are clean and laid out?"
"Yes they are on your bed."
"That will be all." Arthur told him and Merlin made his way out.
Merlin went straight for his chambers that he shared with Gaius. He had just enough time to take a bath. He was thankful that it was a warm bath. Usually he had to get by with cold water.
"You promise that I get to choose? You won't interfere?" The princess asked her father.
"I gave you my word. You just have to find someone who will complete the task."
"You make it sound so awful."
"I am sorry my dear. But you do have my word that I will not stand in your way and the choice is yours."
"Thank you father."
"Sire we are entering the gates of Camelot."
"Thank you Carter. Are you ready?" He turned to his daughter and asked.
"Yes, father."
They rode through the gates and lower town and made their way to the courtyard of the castle.
In the courtyard King Arthur and Queen Guinevere stood on the steps. Merlin went to help the Princess off her horse. She put her hands on his shoulders while he had his on her waist.
"Welcome to Camelot my lady." Merlin said as he set her on the ground.
"Thank you." She replied before she joined her father.
"Welcome King Raymond and Princess Hayden to Camelot. We have a feast set for after you have had a chance to rest." Arthur said as he shook hands with the visitors.
"My knights will show yours where they can stall your horses. Princess Hayden if you would like to go with my wife Gwen she will show you to your chambers. Sire if you will come with me." Arthur continued.
Hayden went to follow Gwen but not without looking back and catching Merlin's eye and smiling. He returned the smile and bowed his head and went back to helping with the horses.
During the feast she observed all the men around her. Each one had something about them. She knew she needed to make a decision soon. After she was finished and made polite conversation with King Arthur and Queen Guinevere she excused her self. "Wait a moment an I can get someone to escort you back to your room." Arthur told her. "Thank you but I just wanted to walk around and get some fresh air." She told him as she stood up.
"Who do you think she will choose Arthur?" Gwen asked a few moments later. "Well your brother is off the hook since he is already married. Gwaine has too much of a wandering eye, Leon and Percival might make a good match." He said. "I think she might choose Leon." "Why is that?" "Because they keep sneaking glances at one another." "Well we can only hope. I would really hate to lose any of my knights but I do want them to be happy."
Three days later she was ready to make her choice. Everyone was in the courtyard anxiously awaiting. " Are you ready my dear?" "I am father. Thank you for letting this be my choice, noble or not." When they joined the King and Queen of Camelot. Arthur called for everyone's attention. "As you all know Princess Hayden is here to choose one of Camelots finest to wed and have stand by her to rule her kingdom when it is time. Princess Hayden who have your chosen?" "First I would like to thank you for your patience. After careful consideration I have chosen him." She pointed to him. "You can't be serious." Arthur muttered. Everyone in the crowd looked at the man that was chosen to be a future king.