"And why must we go? I swear these tournaments are probably the most boring thing in the world!" Anna complained as she and Morgana made their way to the arena. Morgana simply laughed, "You just don't understand what it's like to watch a bunch of men fight each other."

"Of course I don't understand because I can't even see! Maybe that's why I think it's so pointless. Why you all like it will forever be a mystery to me" Anna said with a smile before she heard her brother shout at his new manservant. She felt a bit sorry for the boy, she knew Arthur's wrath on day's like these and knew he must be hating it. Morgana led her over as she happily interrupted.

"Oh come now Arthur, go easy on the boy. We all know what it's like to dress you and we can all say it's a pain." Anna joked with a wide grin as she hopefully turned to where her brother was standing. Arthur only rolled his eyes turning to his sister. Even though it was customary for siblings to hate each other, he found it hard to hate her from just how nice she was most of the time. Plus he had to make sure she was always safe and kept from anyone that meant to harm his unseeing sister.

"Annabelle, why don't you go and bother Gaius or someone that isn't me, I have to finish getting ready and Merlin here thinks he has all the time in the world." He replied in an annoyed tone. "What are you talking about? Gaius loves talking to me" Anna defended herself as she held out her hand reaching out to her brother who caught the gesture and took her hand. Smiling she ran her hands over his body feeling that all his armor was in place. "Not bad Merlin, I think you did a wonderful job." She praised him earning a quiet "thank you".

Anna turned a bit and directed her words towards the servant. "Actually Merlin, I was hoping to have a word with you if you don't mind." She raised her brows in question. She could hear her brother mutter to himself and storm off still unhappy with his new manservant. Morgana also took her leave saying she wanted to find a good seat for the two of them. When she was sure it was just her and Merlin she smiled reaching out for him. Merlin realized what she was doing and offered his hand like Arthur did.

"I never got a chance to thank you for saving my brother's life. He may be annoying and foolish at times, but he's still family and I care a great deal about him." She said squeezing his hand softly. Merlin laughed nervously and shook his head.

"Oh it was nothing-"

"It was more than just nothing..You saved the heir to the throne. No one else would have had the bravery to do what you did. Therefore, if you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask, I shall do my best to help." With that Anna leaned in placing a small kiss to his cheek before wrapping her arm around his. "Now, you wouldn't mind escorting me to my seat would you?" Merlin grinned still blushing from the kiss he received and walked the princess to her seat next to Morgana. Merlin decided that he liked Princess Annabelle, she was much more kind than Arthur. Once she was seated he took off to watch from his own spot. The next few minutes were spent with Morgana asking about what was talked about and making a joke that Merlin would now have a crush on her. Anna only laughed it off.

It wasn't long before Gwen made her way over to the two and sat beside Anna to help her understand what was happening from time to time and to tell her who was winning. Everyone started cheering and Gwen explained that the knights were making their way to the arena, all of them standing in lines as Uther stood in front of them making the same speech he always does during tournaments.

"Let the tournament begin!" Anna heard her father shout, people erupting into cheers and applause. She amused herself and gave a few claps for her brother. She was told that he was in the first round and bit her lip nervously. She'd never admit it, but sometimes tournaments like this made her nervous. She hated seeing her brother get hurt. She jumped slightly when the sudden sound of swords clashing was heard. For a few minutes that was all she heard before hearing everyone cheer.

"Arthur won the first round" Gwen exclaimed happily making Anna smile in relief and cheer alongside everyone. After that Gwen reported to her small details about the rest of the fights, who struck who down and who had the upper hand. Only little cheering was done from the princess during those fights.

After all the day's fight's had been fought and done with, the first round was officially over. As everyone left still talking about the excitement of the fighting, Morgana and Anna made their way back to the castle where they would help Uther greet and congratulate those that have moved on to the next round.

She had just finished shaking hands with the fifth night before deciding that she was bored. She honestly thought this year would be more exciting than the last. It wasn't until Knight Valiant was next that she perked up a bit. He was one of the most talked about so far, she heard about his sword skills and was sure that if she could see, she would be agreeing with them all.

"May I present my daughter, Princess Anabelle.. And my ward, Lady Morgana." Anna gave a smile as she heard footsteps approach her. She could feel the Knight gently take her hand a place a kiss upon it causing her to smile even more. "I heard you fought well today sir Valiant. One can only hope you do even better in the next round." She complimented him before allowing him to greet Morgana.

"Thank you milady, I can only hope so too." He said in agreeance. "I understand the tournament champion has the honor of escorting one of you to the feast?"

"That is correct." Morgana said cheerfully.

"Then I will give everything to win the tournament.. and hopefully have the pleasure of escorting both of you." He spoke before taking his leave. Morgana turned to Anna with a grin, "Well that will be an interesting night wont it?" Anna laughed agreeing with her.

When Arthur's turn came Anna gave him a kiss to the cheek and congratulated him on being in the next round. He and Morgana began their round of annoying each other so Anna just tuned them out and continued greeting the other guests. It wasn't until she heard her brother leave that she started up a conversation again.

"Well all of this standing and constant greeting is making me rather hungry, shall we go and enjoy some lunch?" Anna proposed to Morgana and Gwen who stood behind them. They both agreed and went back to Anna's room while Gwen went to fetch the food. The rest of the day was spent with laughter and the latest gossip being heard around the castle. And that night, Morgana spent the night with Anna so that in the morning they could be together when heading back for the second round of the tournament.

X

"Let's hope this round is more exciting than the last." Anna said as they took their seats waiting for the fighting to begin.

"Of course it will!" Morgana exclaimed with a smile.

Just like yesterday, Arthur was in the first round. And just like yesterday he was victorious in his battle. Anna cheered harder for her brother this time and laughed when Gwen made a small comment about how she was complaining just the other day about the tournaments. "A girl can change her mind can't she?"

After a few more battles Morgana took Anna's hand and said that it was Valiant's turn. Anna giggled and listened closely to the battle, Gwen carefully explaining everything that was happening.

"Valiant has him pinned to the ground now. I think he's going to strike." Gwen said and sure enough Anna was able to hear the slice of a sword as people cheered the victor on. Morgana and Anna applauded for the Knight. Once they were able to get the fallen Knight to Gaius' chambers, the battle continued.

It was a day full of intense fighting and once again, the day was over, the second round finished.

The third day was just the same. Another had fallen to Valiant and in the end it was him and Arthur in the final.

Anna couldn't help but feel a little worried. Both were good fighters, but who would end up on top? Those thought's plagued her mind the rest of the day until she made her way to her brother's room. The two had felt it would be nice to share a meal together.

Just as she walked in she heard Merlin's voice, "I wouldn't lie to you.." This caused Anna to frown and made her presence known.

"Lie about what?" She asked causing Merlin to jump and quickly turn to Anna. He stuttered a bit trying to think of something to say but Arthur beat him to it.

"Merlin believes that Valiant has cheated by using magic, and that it was a snake that injured Knight Ewan." He explained walking over to his sister and guiding her to one of the chairs. Anna sat still frowning. Why would Merlin make such an accusation? He didn't think that poorly of Valiant did he?

"You think Valiant is using magic? Merlin what would cause you to say such a thing? All Knights are fair when it comes to these things, they have to be or they'd face consequences." She spoke trying to make sense of Merlin's thoughts.

"But I have proof! Valian'ts shield has snakes on them, they come alive during the tournament and one of them bit Ewan! I have its head right here!" He held it up even though Anna wouldn't be able to see it. The princess sighed, "Merlin, even if you were telling the truth, father would never trust the word of a servant."

Anna turned her head towards her brother, "Arthur, what do you think?"

The prince looked at Merlin, then down at the snake head. "I want you to swear to me what your telling me is true.." His voice firm.

"I swear it's true." Merlin replied seconds later, Anna had never heard someone sound so sure of themselves before.

"Then I believe you..I will try and talk to my father in the morning." Arthur concluded looking up at a smiling Merlin. "Thank you sire." He said taking the snake head and leaving the room.

Arthur sighed sitting in the chair across from his sister, "What am I getting myself into? Do you really think Valiant could have used magic?"

Anna shrugged her shoulder, "I'm not sure what to believe at the moment..But we both know there's only one way of finding out the truth."

Nodding in agreement Arthur handed her a plate of food and together the two siblings ate their meal, concerned about what tomorrow would bring upon them all.

First thing in the morning an audience was called with the king. Arthur had told his father of what Merlin told him and now they all waited in the Great Hall for the king to appear and address the situation. They didn't have to wait long for him to come striding into the room with a rather unhappy look on his face. "Why have you summoned the court?" He asked taking his seat on his throne.

Arthur took a step forward, "I believe Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament."

Anna sat next to Morgana biting her lip, it was something she always did when she was nervous.

"My lord this is ridiculous, I have never used magic." Valiant defended himself. "Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?"

Anna immediately thought to the snake head Merlin claimed to have when speaking with Arthur last night. Hopefully they still had it or the meeting would have been useless. She could hear footsteps approaching and figured it was Merlin who stepped forward to present the king with the snake. After a few long moments of silence Uther asked to see the shield.

She could hear a sword being drawn and her brother telling their father to be careful. She made sure to listen carefully.

"As you can see my lord it's just an ordinary shield." Valiant stated calmly. But Arthur quickly defended himself, "He's not going to let everyone see the snakes come alive."

"Then how am I to know that what you say is true?" Uther questioned softly but firmly. "I have a witness." Arthur explained, "Knight Ewan was bitten by one of the snakes from the shield. Its venom made him grievously ill, however, he has received an antidote. He'll confirm that Knight Valiant is using magic."

Anna felt a bit relieved at his words, she was happy to know that the Knight would make a full recovery. She then remembered the reason she hated these tournaments in the first place, too many people got hurt and it was never something she liked experiencing. She would never understand the need to hurt another man outside of battle.

"I'm waiting!" Uther shouted bringing Anna out of her thoughts, Morgana laid a hand on her shoulder in comfort.

"I'm afraid the witness is dead." Arthur said carefully. He then went on trying to defend himself as their father's wrath grew. "But my servant fought the snakes-"

"Your servant?!" Uther interrupted with disgust. "You make these outrageous accusations against a Knight on the word of your servant?"

"I believe he's telling the truth" Arthur exclaimed in defense. The rest went downhill and Anna could bear to hear no more. She didn't want to hear her brother be made a fool any longer.

As Arthur stormed out embarrassed, everyone decided they should leave as well. Anna stood and made her way to follow him but was stopped by her father. "Annabelle.." he said loud and clear. Slowly she turned to him and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Yes father?"

"I do not want you chasing after him, your brother has made a fool of himself today. So we shall let him spend the night thinking himself a fool."

"Father, surely you will allow me to see him and-"

"No! My word is final, you will go to your room and prepare for tomorrow. It will be the final round and you will be there for support." He then sat on his throne and had a small conversion with Knight Valiant who had decided to stay in the room. Anna made her way to the door and was glad when Gwen, who had stayed behind as well, took her arm to escort her.

The journey to her room was silent but the moment she entered and sat on her bed, Gwen disrupted the silence.

"Do you think they're telling the truth? About Valiant?"

Anna only sighed putting her hands in her lap, "I don't know Gwen. I want to believe Arthur, I really do. But it's hard when I can't even see to help decide. What do you think?"

Gwen took a seat next to her and shrugged. "Well from how long I've known Merlin, he's never lied. He has been truthful, so maybe there's a chance he was right. And he'll just have to prove it if they want any chance at helping Arthur in the final tomorrow."

Anna nodded in agreement, "Thank you Guinevere, it's always nice hearing your thoughts on these kinds of situations." Gwen smiled saying she was glad to be of help before taking her leave. Anna spent the rest of the day in her room like her father ordered, from time to time would she ask one of the guards at her door how her brother was doing, but they would only say the same answer, that they weren't sure.

She didn't rest well that night and got very little sleep. She was slow all morning when getting dressed and ready for the final fight.

Arthur had just walked out of his room when he saw her walking down the hall. He smiled softly at her, "I thought you were going to visit me last night, it would have been nice to have the company of someone who wasn't so judgmental."

Anna sighed tilting her head downward, "I would have, but father ordered that I stay in my room." The prince nodded in understand, "Well, I'll see you out there I guess.." he turned to leave but was stopped by Anna's hand landing on his shoulder.

"Wait..allow me to walk with you down to the arena?" She asked, concern could be seen in her eyes. Arthur gave a small smile and linked his arm through hers, together they made their way out of the castle and to the tournament grounds. Once they were there, Anna placed a kiss to his cheek and allowed one of the servants to take her to her seat next to Morgana and Gwen. Morgana held her hand, sharing her concerns of the outcome this fight might hold. It was dead silent, all waiting for someone to make the first move. It wasn't until a shout from Knight Valiant sounded that the final battle had begun.

All Anna could hear were the clashing of swords and shields. Gwen had started to go quiet causing her to panic. "Gwen? What's happening?!" She almost screamed at the maid.

"Valiant just knocked Arthur to the ground..oh thank god, he got back up." Gwen said causing Anna to sigh in relief. More sword clashing could be heard until suddnely a new sound was heard. Was that hissing?

Everyone gasped as two snakes on Valiant's shield suddenly came to life. Gwen scoffed in amazement, "I can't believe it, Arthur and Merlin were telling the truth!"

More fighting and hissing could be heard along with Morgana shouting her brother's name before silence fell, and after a few seconds everyone stood up in applause. Gwen told Anna of Arthur's victory and cheered with them, happy to know her brother was safe.

The celebration continued that night at the feast where Arthur was officially named champion. It was the perfect ending to another crazy day, and it wouldn't be complete without Morgana and Arthur arguing and insulting each other.