Chapter 2
The crowd at the base of the castle stairs was the biggest Merlin had ever seen. The arrival of King Brudan had been long awaited and many had wanted to join in the celebration of the new alliance. All the knights were lined up in a row with Arthur right in the center. Merlin stood at the right of Arthur. In the distance was the sound of horse hooves and Merlin could see Arthur wringing his hands.
"Will you calm down?" Merlin whispered. This will be over before you know it and you don't really want your people thinking their King is nervous about a treaty do you?" Arthur must have realized how lame he looked because his hands went instantly to his side. Suddenly the trotting got louder and the King appeared in the courtyard. He was broad with red hair and a flaming beard that could be seen from miles away. Behind him was his daughter. His daughter was the splitting image of her father except of course for the beard. Her hair color though, was the exact same shade. Her hair was cascading down her back in ribbons of fiery curls. Her emerald green eyes glinted with the smallest hint of gold.
"Welcome to our kingdom, my lady" said Arthur has he helped her off her horse. "It is my pleasure to have you joining us on this fine day." Merlin could not help but laugh when he saw Arthur's face becoming the same shade of red as Dessa's hair. "And you too King Brudan." I hope that your ride has been a good one."
"It was fine." grunted Brudan. "The food could have been better. I hope your food is better." After that Brudan just stood and stared at Arthur with a look of disgust. Merlin noticed that Arthur was back to wringing his hand and this time even more vigorously. Then the King just started chuckling. "I'm only joking with you. Just some kingly humor, aye." Merlin didn't think it was possible, but Arthur's face had just reached a new level of scarlet.
Before anyone could move a few more horses joined the group. On the darkest horse, rode a girl around the age of seventeen. She was almost prettier than the princess. Merlin could tell the knights felt the same way. Her medium brown hair was very plain, but her eyes weren't. Her eyes were the bluest blue and they had a brave look about them. Merlin assumed that it must be a relative of the King until he saw what she was wearing. Her black pants where patched up and the green shirt she was wearing had tons of dirt on it.
As the princess was walking toward the steps she turned to the girl. "Emilia, could you grab my bags please?"
"Yes, my lady" replied Emilia. She waited until Dessa had turned her back to her before rolling her eyes.
As Emilia was getting off her horse, which Merlin could tell she was having a hard time doing, she slipped and fell right onto the cobblestone. She just got up though, and brushed herself off. "I'm okay...if anyone cares" she said as she pulled the first of many bags onto her shoulder. Merlin felt sorry for the girl and started helping her with the bags. The first thing she said to Merlin when he joined her was, "Royals are such a pain."
All Merlin could say behind his smile was, "Ain't that the truth."