A/N: I would like to thank everyone who reviewed and alerted my other stories. I've had this story on my computer for ages but lost the muse to keep writing but it has now returned.

Merlin belongs to the BBC and its creators.

Prologue

'But dad I don't want to marry Merlin, he's my friend.'

'Guinevere, you do not have a choice in this you are a girl and girl's never have a say in their lives. You will do as you're told.'

Gwen knew the only reason that her father wanted her to marry Merlin was so that he could enjoy the wealth that Merlin's family would give her family as a bride price. Money that her family would get in trade for her as his wife. Gwen felt like a horse, no wait, a horse had more freedom. At least a horse could run with its rider. Gwen was restrained in every way, she was a witch but couldn't use her magic lest she be caught and killed. She was a woman who had to live under the strict rules of society and follow everyone's bidding. Whether it was right or wrong.

Listening to her father she could hear the tone of his voice which brokered no argument. She couldn't have her say no matter what she felt. She ran down to the river to have at least a moment of freedom. She would have to obey she would have to marry her friend no matter what either of them felt.

Sitting on a rock by the river Gwen felt somebody watching her. She looked up and saw a tall man with blonde hair and blue eyes looking at her. He was dressed in fine clothes and looked like a warrior. She knew immediately that he had to be a noble and someone very important. Gwen's eyes locked on his and she just stared. He crossed the river and came towards her.

'Hello, what's your name?'

'My name is Guinevere but everyone calls me Gwen.'

'I like Guinevere it is a beautiful name just like its owner.'

'Thank you, that's very kind of you, what's your name?'

'I'm Arthur.'

Arthur didn't want to let on that he was the Prince of Camelot he just wanted to get to know this very beautiful girl. He knew she must live in the village that was close by. This village was part of Camelot and hopefully he'd be able to return again.

Gwen was admiring him in silence and soon they began to talk to each other about what they liked. Gwen revealed that she liked sewing and being with her friends. Arthur told her that he liked collecting weapons and hunting. They stayed together for about two hours and Gwen knew that sadly she had to leave.

'I hate for this to end.' Gwen said.

'It doesn't have to.'

She went to protest but she was silenced when his mouth covered hers, commanding and brimming with all the desire she ached for. She clung to him as he pushed her back onto the rock. The rock was hard and hot beneath her, but so was the man stretched out beside her. Without breaking the kiss his hands slid down to cup her breasts.

'No,' Gwen managed to gasp out as her sanity returned.

'Yes,' he said catching her nipple with his thumb and forefinger.

Resistance was laughable when all she wanted was more of his touch and his kiss. And he granted that wish by lowering his mouth once more.

She suddenly heard her brother calling her name and she pulled away from him.

'Stop! I've got to go.' Without another word she scrambled off the rock and ran all the way back to her house, in her room, she realized that she'd never forget this stolen moment with a stranger.

Prince Arthur Pendragon strode into his father's royal office, wishing he were anywhere but here.

'Arthur I heard you were gone this afternoon, you know I don't like it when you just take off.'

'Father, I must have some freedom.'

As usual, his father scowled at this remark. For years the King had never understood why Arthur felt so compelled to be alone, he should spend more of his time in Camelot with his duties. Anything that took Arthur away from his official duties was inconsequential.

Arthur thought back to the interesting diversion he'd had this afternoon by the river, going back there could prove interesting. He'd never met a woman who he'd shared such explosive passion with. Even now his body stirred at the memory of holding her in his arms.

If someone hadn't have called her name, there was no telling how far she would have let him go.

'Well, the witchfinder went out this afternoon and brought back another witch, apparently she was openly practicing magic by creating a spell to watch someone in the river. She is something of a beauty so maybe I'll keep her for a couple of days instead of executing her straight away.'

As the witchfinder brought her in Arthur froze. No! It couldn't be her.

But it was.

The beautiful woman the witchfinder had in chains was the same one he'd kissed to distraction earlier this afternoon.

Just a couple of hours ago he'd tasted this witch's full, sensual lips. He'd held the weight of her lush breasts in his hands.

King Uther, unaware of the fury building within Arthur, took her chains and wrapped them around his hands. 'Well you are quite the beauty, I think I'll keep for myself until I have you executed.'

Gwen turned her eyes towards Arthur hoping that he would somehow save her but she just found herself looking into hard and cold blue eyes.

Damn her for her powers! He couldn't believe that he'd actually kissed a witch. After today, he would make sure to never make the same mistake again.