This is my first Merlin fic. I hope you enjoy. Let me know if you would like me to carry on.

Dawn had broken over Camelot and the first few notes of birdsong seemed to pass along the breeze.

Everything was peaceful…quiet…

But on a hillside, about a mile away from the castle gates, two figures on white horses came to halt, staring down at the city below.

"You know the plan," uttered the first, a long purple hood draped across her face.

There was a long pause before the other finally spoke, her voice quiet.

"Yes my Lady."

"Good," murmured the first once more, "for this may be the only chance we get."

And with that she patted her horse causing it to gallop forwards, down the slope, the second rider following in her wake.

"As we all know we have a guest arriving today," called Uther over the busy hall that morning.

Everyone was gathered there upon Uther's command, even Merlin was stood at Gaius's side watching the stern King give news on the new arrival to Camelot.

The young wizard gave a loud yawn as the old physician at his side nudged him in the ribs, giving him a warning look.

"Lady Esme will be joining us to stay for a while," continued Uther. "Her father is a very good friend of mine and has sent Esme to stay with us while he defends his lands north of the border. I shall be riding out to met him this morning and if all goes to plan he should be joining us within the week."

Merlin closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the warm, morning sun to drench is features.

He had been up all night and not had a wink's sleep. Arthur had told him at sundown yesterday that all of his armour had needed polishing, leaving Merlin no choice but to complete the arduous deed giving to him.

Now he could think of nothing better than to be back in his comfortable bed in Gaius's chambers. He couldn't care less about another snooty visitor to the castle.

"I have had word that she has just arrived so I would like you all to be as welcoming as possible," said Uther with a nod, before shooting a sideways look at his son. "Especially you Arthur. A alliance between our two families could be a very good thing…if you understand my meaning."

Arthur rolled his eyes. He understood his father's meaning alright, he was trying to set him up with yet another daughter of a family friend. But Arthur knew that if he wanted to get married it would be for love and nothing else.

He chanced a glance over at Gwen who was stood at the side of the chamber, the sun trickling across her face.

She was so beautiful when she wore her hair down like that…or up….or any style she wanted really…

"….Arthur…." came a sudden voice waking him from his thoughts. "…Arthur.."

The young prince turned to stare at is father.

"Arthur…Camelot is under your rule for the next few days…I trust you do well," said Uther patting his son on the back.

"I will father," said Arthur with a nod as Uther swept from the room along with several Knights, the chamber's inhabitants bowing as he went.

There was an awkward pause as everyone slowly turned back to Arthur, who gave a forced grin and clapped his hands together.

" Right then….yes…well, um, you all heard my father…try and be as accommodating to Lady Esme as possible and we'll all do fine…yes…I'm sure…"

He gave an uncomfortable gulp as the doors to the chamber swung open once more and a herald stepped inside.

"My Lord, Lady Esme has arrived," said the Herald in a booming voice.

"Very good, send her in," said Arthur in his most authoritative voice.

It was a long moment before the door was held open and two figures entered the long room.

Merlin, who was nudged in the side a second time by Gaius, blinked open his eyes and stared around.

Striding into the room were two young women. The first was a short girl, with mousy brown hair and large green eyes. This must be Lady Esme thought Merlin, glancing down at her elaborate purple dress and cloak.

But it was the second figure that caught Merlin's eye.

A second girl clothed in a much more humble blue dress followed closely behind Lady Esme. She had dark blonde hair that seemed to glint where the sunlight caught it. She kept her head bowed but glanced up just for an instant, staring around the room with pretty hazel eyes.

He saw her eyes rove over Arthur and Lady Morgana before she turned to face the crowds at her side. And in the slightest of moments her eyes met with his.

Merlin felt his heart start to pound ferociously within his chest.

He saw her blush before glancing quickly away, as she came to stand close by the Lady Esme.

"Ah Lady Esme," said Arthur charmingly, lifting her hand to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to it. "It is so good of you to visit us here in Camelot."

The princess gave a nod but said nothing.

Arthur glanced awkwardly at Morgana.

"Um, I trust your stay with us will be a good one…and if there is anything you need please let us know…I know it must be difficult being away from your home a such troubled times," uttered Arthur caringly.

Lady Esme glanced up at him nervously. "Th-Thank you," she murmured, forcing a smile.

"Okay then…" said Arthur with a cough, gesturing Gwen over quickly. "Well I'll get Guinevere over here to show you and your handmaid to your rooms. Then my father has suggested we go for a ride this afternoon."

Lady Esme shot a wide-eyed glance at her handmaid who kept her head bowed before turning back towards Arthur. "Th-That would be nice," she said in a high-pitched voice.

Arthur forced a grin as Gwen curtsied and led the way out of the hall, Esme and her maid following quickly behind her.

Merlin stared after them as they went.

"Merlin!" came a sudden voice at his side and he swung around.

It was Arthur.

"Are my boots polished?" he demanded, as the large crowd in the hall started to disband.

"Y-Your boots? I thought you said you needed your armour polished," said Merlin with a frown.

"My armour? Why the hell would I need my armour? No was tired, I meant to say my boots."

Merlin gave an angry sigh.

"Don't tell me you haven't polished my boots Merlin," said Arthur raising his eyebrows. "I want them done by this afternoon."

"Which pair?" said Merlin, as Arthur began to walk away.

The young prince swung around to face him, a wicked grin crossing his features.

"All of them!"

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