Merlin's POV

Not again. Arthur really was going to show no mercy in the practice range today. This was the fifth time I had been late this week. But if Arthur and Gaius didn't having me running around like a headless chicken for them all the time, then maybe I would make it out of bed in the morning.

"Ah Merlin there you are," greeted the Prince, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Late night at the Tavern again? We really should get you some help for this drinking problem you seem to have, then maybe…just maybe, you'll be here to bring me breakfast in the morning." That was the last time I was ever leaving Gaius to think of an excuse by himself for my absences. "Not to worry, Gwen brought me breakfast, and you will have your work cut out for you once the Merricks get here. I have volunteered you to serve the wine whilst my father and John work out the finally pieces of the treaty." He could not have looked more pleased with himself as he sat back and enjoyed the rest of his breakfast.

"They arrive today, how fantastic," my sarcasm could not have been more obvious but Arthur was so use to it that he barely commented on my disrespect.

"You really are…"

"…The worst manservant you have ever had. I know Sire but I try." I finished as I started to make Arthurs bed, "will you be sitting in on the meeting?" Having to suffer through what was sure to be a very long day wouldn't be as bad if I knew Arthur was suffering with me.

"I will not, my father has asked that I show King John's daughter around Camelot. The King listens to Princess Clarissa's advice so father believes it is important to keep the princess happy."

"I am sure that will be such a chore for you Sire." I ducked but Arthur had nothing to throw for once. "What could be so hard than spending the day with someone who has been described as a vision of pure beauty?"

"Have a crush on a princess do we Merlin? I am sure she will be very touched. The problem is all Princesses are the same, they want to be waited on hand and foot, they don't want to get their hands dirty or mess up their hair. They are fussy and complaining and moody,"

"A bit like yourself then?"

Arthur carried on like he hadn't heard but I am sure I would pay at some point, "what am I to do but show her round the castle a few times?"

"I am sure you will think of something, you always do."

Clarissa's POV

"Now please for the last time, do try and get on with Prince Arthur. Don't act so…I don't know like yourself," complained my father, the whole time having a smile on his face.

"You know I can't help it that you insist I spend time with Princes who are so full of themselves that I have no choice but to knock them down a peg or two. Remember Prince Harold, he squeezed the behind of one of the serving girls right in front of my eyes before trying to feel mine. Really father, no man, never mind a Prince, should act like that. Majority think they can do whatever they want without consequence and that every girl should fall at their feet, and women are just there for them to talk down to. It really is exhausting having to put up with it."

"But Clary this is important for our Kingdom! Please just don't embarrass the Prince."

"Why you want to join a Kingdom that is against freedom to use magic I will never understand, But I will try for you father, I promise." I watched as the trees rolled by outside the carriage. The journey had been long and draining but I knew it was important for father. He had been working with Uther Pendragon since I was a little girl but this was the first time I had travelled to Camelot with him. I was curious to see what a Kingdom completely opposite to ours was like. My father had also asked me to come along to keep him company, although he never said as much. Ever since my mother had died two years ago, he was always lonely. He was constantly reminding me of how much I looked like my mother with my long mahogany locks, bright green eyes and soft features. He would always refer to me as his little elf, even though I stood an inch taller than his 5"6 frame.

"Sire we are here," called the guard from one of the horses up front.

The trees outside became interrupted by small houses until there were no trees at all. We were stopped for less than a minute at the gate of what was a very impressive structure. We pulled up in front of a stair case to which I was sure King Uther and his son would be waiting to greet us. My father smiled before stepping out of the carriage and putting his hand back inside to assist me out.

I looked at who I assumed was King Uther and his son Arthur. I could feel my smile slip slightly at the shock of seeing Arthur. He was a rather attractive man, his hair shining ever so slightly in the midday sun. He looked regal in is Pendragon colours, not seeming at all arrogant at a first glance. But I knew better than anyone that looks could be deceiving. I took a deep breath and resigned myself to what would surely be a very dull few days ahead.

Arthur's POV

I stood at the top of the stairs by the front entrance with my father on my left and Merlin standing just behind me as the carriage pulled up. I had been dreading this day for the past week. I wanted nothing more than to go hunting or be in the practice range with my men instead of standing here waiting to start playing host to yet another stuck up Princess.

I had heard very little about Princess Clarissa apart from that she was very head strong and stubborn. Great! But what I saw step out of the carriage was the complete opposite to what I had expected.

King John stepped out first, soon followed by his daughter who was…how had Merlin described her, 'a vision of pure beauty', I was a soft touch but she surely was beautiful. Her hair pooled around her pale skin, falling down to just a few inches above her waist in curls. Her dress was a deep green that brought out the red in her hair and made her eyes stand out.

"What did I tell you, she is beautiful," whispered Merlin.

"Do shut up Merlin!"

She definitely looked unique but I doubt that this visit would be any more interesting than any other.

Hey guys, hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Please let me know what you think, comments are always really appreciated and encourage me to write for you guys faster. :D xxx