Author's note:

This is my first fan-fiction, so tips are welcome, but please don't be mean. I will try and post as often as I can but I can't guarantee it will be regular. If you do comment then I will give you a shout out in the next chapter. Also, I don't know hoe to do an 'official' author's note, so please tell me how to do that! Also, for anyone American, I am British so I will be using British words, like 'trousers' instead of 'pants'.

To put the story into context, it takes place just after the episode when Gaius and Merlin discover that Morganna is a seer, but for the sake of this story, they told her, and Merlin also told her about his magic.

This story does contain a character that I made up, I didn't use to like fanfics with new characters in, but then I read one on Wattpad, and really enjoyed it, so even if you don't usually like things like that, give it a go, you never know. My dtory contains a love triangle between Merlin, my character anf Arthur, but I still haven't decided who she will end up with (if she ends up with one of them) so place your votes!

Disclaimer:

Do I own Merlin?

Do you have £3,000,000?

No...

Then no. You do not own Merlin.

Enjoy!

The beautiful mid-morning sun streamed through the large windows as Uther faced his knight.

"There is a girl outside who wishes for a meeting with you, Sire." He said and bowed deeply.

"Bring her in."

The young girl walked into the courtroom, with two guards walking behind her. Her straight black hair swung across her back with each step, until she stopped and bowed to the king. He nodded in acknowledgement.

"What is your name?"

"Katherine, My lord, and I am next in line to the throne of my kingdom, Nemesailia."

"And what brings you to my court, Katherine?"

"I am here on behalf of my mother to request an audience which is of the utmost importance, but is of a personal nature and therefore cannot be revealed to you."

"I have heard of your kingdom, it has quite a formidable reputation, especially yourself."

"Thank you, Sire." She bowed her head slightly in respect.

"I would be happy to give you an audience with the people you wish, for one thing in return."

"And what would that be?"

"An alliance and possible trading possibilities. They could be negotiated following your audience."

"I shall write a letter to my mother, and once I receive news back, we can begin said negotiations."

"Excellent!" Uther smiled and Arthurl leaned aginst the wall behinf him in boredom. "Who is it that you wish for an audience with?"

"The Lady Morganna, Gaius and Merlin."

"Merlin?!" Arthur stepped forward. "He's my servant!"

"I am aware." Arthur was about to respond before Katherine's cold look stopped him.

"I'm certain that can be arranged." Uther said, looking impressed that she had managed to shut Arthur up.

"One of my guards can show you to some temporary quarters where you can stay until negotiations are complete." She nodded and he made a gesture indicating that she was dismissed, andshe bowed smoothly as she left.

2 hours later

A knock sounded on the door of the room that Katherine had been allocated.

"Come in!" She called, and looked up in surprise as Arthur entered.

"What can I do for you, Sire?"

"My father sent me to tell you that the audience you requested will take place at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning, and I was wondering if you would like to go for a ride around Camelot with me?"

"Why?"

"Well, you're going to be here for a few days while negotiations take place, and since I will more than likely be involved in that with my father, we may as well get to know each other."

"I guess so." She replied warily. "At least I brought enough supplies to last until I go back."

He smirked and she felt her cheeks warm slightly, though she wasn't entirely sure why.

"So, a ride?"

"Alright, just let me change first."

"Of course, meet me at the stables in an hour?" She nodded in response and he grinned before leaving.

1 hour later

Katherine made her way across the cobblestones to the stables. Arthur's eyes widened at the sight of her.

"What?" She asked.

"Nothing...Nothing it's just that your clothes are a little...well...unusual."

She looked down at herself, dark brown trousers, a simple white linen shirt, riding boots and a black cloak.

"Do women in Camelot not wear clothes like this?"

"Um..Well.." He coughed uncomfortably. "Not usually...But it's...It's good. More sensible."

They smiled at each other and Arthur led out a white mare from behind him.

"Here's your horse. Shall we get going?" He passed her the reigns.

In response, she began to lead her horse out of the courtyard, and they road in silence through Camelot. A young farmer began to throw rocks at her, only on of which reached it's target. Her cloak had been tossed over her shoulder, and he saw her wince as blood seeped through the arm of her shirt. Despite this, she leaned over to pat her spooked horses neck, who had been hit multiple times but was not injured.

Once they were out of sight of people, Katherine stopped her horse and dismounted. She sat down on a log and pulled out a small vial of blue liquid and a bandage from a pocket within her cloak. She pulled up the sleeve of her shirt as Arthur came to sit beside her.

"Are you alright, Katherine?" He looked concerned.

"I will be in a second." She said and gritted her teeth in pain as she poured the liquid over the gash. She quickly tied the bandage round it. Arthur looked at her with concern.

"Don't worry, it happens everywhere I go." She said, seeing his look. "Something about me just seems...hate-able." They once again elapsed into silence.

"So," Arthur began suddenly, and Katherine looked up at him. "Tell me about yourself, Katherine of Nemesailia."

"What do you want to know?"

"What's it like? The culture, the environment, the people."

"Well...Let's start with environment. It's lovely, in the mountains, the kingdom is around a lake, and because of the mountains, we never get any strong winds, just a gentle breeze. It's not big, but we don't have any poverty, and we have plenty of farm land. We have a rich history of excellent warriors and surrounded by huge amounts of gold and silver. The people are all peaceful, and we only engage in conflict if absolutely necessary."

"So, why is it that my father says you have a formidable reputation?"

"Every year, people volunteer to be a part of our army, and the best out of them are chosen to train. They train for their entire lives, and are the most elite warriors in the country. We have never been beaten in battle, but we only take part in battles if all peaceful solutions have been tried first. I myself volunteered several years ago on my mothers wishes and have trained every day since."

"And you've never lost a battle?" He asked sceptically.

"No," She smirked. "Why, want me to prove that I have?"

"As much as I would like to be the first to beat you in a fight, you're injured so it would hardly be fair."

"You're right, I mean, it would take me loosing the use of both my arms and you having all your knights on your side and you would only just stand a chance."

They smirked at each other.

"I can see why my father would want you as an ally, assuming you're telling the truth."

She laughed. "Yes. Unfortunately, Camelot also has a reputation that precedes itself."

"Why is that bad?"

"Well, Camelot isn't excactly known for it's peace-loving nature. In fact, it's a commonly used example among my people as a kingdom which does its best to cause conflict."

"Thta's a bit harsh."

"Maybe, but do you not agree that some issues could have been solved peacefully?"

"Perhaps. My people may be unwilling to aid a bloodthirsty kingdom."

"I shall speak to my father, see if we can put an end to that reputation." He paused. "We should move on."

She nodded and together they walked their horses to a small glade, and they tethered them to a nearby tree. Arthur grabbed Katherine's hand and pulled her through the woods. They began to run and laughed together as leaves and branches struck their faces. After a little while, they collapsed in the long grass, still smiling and laughung. Arthur pulled her a little closer, so that their shoulders were touching, and there they lay, with their arms entertwined for several minutesn until finally, Katherine sat up.

"We should probably head back soon," She said, smiling at him gently.

He looked at Katherine's still bleeding arm. "I know a back way to the castle. We can avoid the villagers."

Shw smiled gratefully at Arthur and stood up o stretch.

After walking for just under an hour, Katherine finally spoke up.

"Are we lost?"

"No.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes"

Arthur pushed aside some branches and the entered the clearing with their horses. He smirked at her and she rolled her eyes. They mounted their horses and set off, back to Camelot.