Aida's POV
I remember our mother better than the others. I had known her longest, that was probably why. I was sixteen when she died. That means that Cassandra and Elinor were fifteen and Layla was thirteen. I feel sorry for Layla. She doesn't remember much about our mother. Cassandra and Elinor fill in the blanks for what I missed, which wasn't much.
After our mother died, I had to take charge. I was only sixteen, but I immediately had to get a job and be able to provide for the family. My father was long gone. He had run off with another woman when I was five and hadn't come back since. I didn't miss him. I could barely remember him.
Now, as we walked into the gates of Camelot, I remembered the letter I was sent with the royal crest emblazoned onto it.
Dearest Aria,
We have never met, but no doubt you have heard of me. I am Uther Pendragon, the High King of Britain, but I doubt that you didn't know this. I was a close friend of your mothers' when we were children. Ever since her death, I have lost a companion and an advisor.
What I suggest is that you and your three sisters come to stay with me in Camelot's castle. You have no legal guardian and although you are now twenty-one, I'm sure your mother would have liked it better had you been provided a lovely home and food to eat.
I have, of course, arranged for a job for you in Camelot and your younger sisters may resume with their tutoring if they wish. There are many career paths available in Camelot and many friendly people willing to teach them.
The other focus of my letter is a rather serious one at that. I have a son, Arthur, who is your age. He is the crown prince at the moment, but will soon become King. It would be my fondest wish for you to someday wed him. Rather than meet him on the day of your wedding, I propose that you meet him and then make a decision. It would mean much to me for you to consider him as a potential husband. Do not be fooled by his lack of gallantry, he is a very kind and compassionate young man with whom I hope you will become the best of friends.
I am eagerly awaiting your reply.
Yours Sincerely,
Uther Pendragon
High King of Britain
I had wondered how my mother had had such good friends in high places. I had written back immediately and told him that it would be our pleasure to take up his offer, and that I would strongly consider Arthur as a future husband.
So here we were with a suitcase in each hand at the gates of the castle, where Uther himself was supposed to greet us.
I hadn't known what to expect of the man, but when he came out I realized that he was handsome in an elderly way. Beside him was a blonde, broad shouldered young man of about my age. I presumed that he was Arthur.
"You must be Aida." Uther said as he stepped forward.
"Yes. And you must be Uther." He embraced me and there was an awkward moment when he hugged me.
"I would like to introduce my son, Arthur." He said.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Father, I am perfectly capable of making my own introductions."
Uther looked back at him. "Yes Arthur, but you don't. This is Aida. She is the eldest of these girls."
"Hello Aida. I hope that you will be happy here." He said, as if he were reciting a memorized speech.
"Thank you." I replied. Arthur nodded his head in greeting to the other girls. His eyes glinted when he saw Elinor (which wasn't surprising; she had this effect on many men). But something changed in his gaze as he looked toward Cassandra. She blushed when he looked at her, but met his gaze.
Uther must have noticed this moment. He decided to break the awkward silence that followed our introductions. "You must be tired. Let me show you to your rooms."
There were four available rooms in the castle. Luckily we were allowed to choose our rooms. Layla was brave enough to choose the room next to Uther when all of us silently contemplated the possibility.
When Cassandra had claimed the room next to Arthur, I didn't complain. I decided to room next to the Lady Morgana with whom I was already well acquainted. Before her mother had died, our mothers had been the best of friends. We had known each other for most of our lives and were the best of friends.
We didn't know where Elinor was to room, until Arthur called a handsome young man named Merlin to the room.
He looked at Elinor briefly with interest before saying, "This is my manservant, Merlin. Unfortunately, the only room left is inside our medical man, Gaius', chambers. You will have to room next to Merlin, but I'm sure that won't be a problem as he will be nothing but a gentleman." He emphasized these last few words before Elinor spoke.
"Thank you Arthur. I'm sure I will be very comfortable."
Elinor motioned for Merlin to show her the way and they walked out of the room, I heard them beginning to converse before they turned the corner.
When our meeting with Uther was over, I went to see Morgana. I had frequently corresponded with her in letters, but I had decided to surprise her this time without notifying her of my arrival.
I knocked on her door and a young lady answered the door. "May I help you?" she asked.
"I'm Aida. I am a close friend of Morgana's. I am afraid that I am unannounced but I really would like to see you."
The girl hesitated.
I heard Morgana's familiar voice echo through the room. "Gwen, who is it?"
"A girl named Aida. She claims that she is one of your close friends..." Gwen trailed off.
I heard Morgana take a sharp intake of breath before running to the door into my open arms.
"Aida! I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed.
"I know." I smirked.
Gwen smiled.
"Morgana, are you going to introduce me?"
Morgana nodded earnestly. "Gwen, this is Aida, my most treasured friend."
I saw a twitch in Gwen's eyes before she smiled at me and shook my hand.
"I'd better go. I'm meeting Merlin somewhere." She quickly said and walked out of the room.
I gave Morgana a questioning look. She shrugged.
"So, what do you think of the castle? The clothes? The men?" she emphasised this last comment with a smile.
"Uther is very welcoming and Arthur seems nice enough. Except he acted like it was a burden to meet me. I could tell that he thought that Cassandra and Elinor were attractive, though."
"So, which one will he choose?" Morgana asked teasingly.
"Ask him." I replied with a smirk.
Morgana hugged me again. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too." I replied, but the comment wasn't above a whisper.