A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed/favorited/followed my story so far. It hasn't even been posted for a day yet, and I am already getting so much support. You guys are awesome! I know this chapter is really short and there isn't a whole lot to it, but it was originally supposed to be the rest of Chapter 1, only it got to be really late last night when I was typing, and so I decided to just end it where I did and post the rest of it today. Most of my chapters should have a bit more substance to them, though. I can't make any promises as to how often I'll update this story. I can only say that I will do so whenever I can. Rest assured though, that I already have the majority of this story mapped out, and so there is zero chance of me abandoning this story. I couldn't if I wanted to, because it just won't leave my brain alone. But anyway, on with the tale!

Oh and P.S. I don't mean to give anyone a horrible shock or anything, but I don't own Merlin. Sad, but true.

"Stay away from James."

Merlin didn't get a chance to reply before the door was thrown open and the bright sunlight blinded him for a moment. Then Arthur stepped out into the courtyard, and Merlin followed, standing just behind the king on the bottom step of the entrance to the castle, the knights having already arrived and standing at attention on the upper steps.

They only had to stand there for a few moments before the clip-clop of many horses' hooves announced the arrival of the guests. King Phillip rode out in front, mounted on a beautiful black horse, his long blue cloak draping over the creature's strong body. He had dark brown hair and matching eyes. His skin was tanned, as though he spent much of his time outdoors. And on top of his head was an ornate golden crown.

Riding just behind Phillip were two others, a young man and woman, each bearing a close resemblance to the king. The man had a severe look on his face, however, whereas the woman's was soft, closer to Phillip's expression.

The three of them were surrounded by guards who trotted alongside them in silence. The group came to a stop before Arthur and his knights, and both kings nodded to each other in greeting.

"Welcome to Camelot, King Phillip," Arthur called out.

"Arthur," Phillip replied warmly, sliding off of his horse and stepping close to shake hands. "King Arthur now, too. You were just a young prince the last time I was here."

Arthur smiled. "The time has flown by."

"Indeed it has. Of course you will remember my children," he indicated the young man and woman behind him, who had also dismounted and now stood to either side of their father. "James and Catherine," he briefly introduced the two.

Catherine immediately stepped forward. "It's been too long, Arthur. It's a pleasure to see you again."

"The pleasure is all mine," Arthur replied, inclining his head towards her.

"But where is the Queen?" Catherine asked. "I was so looking forward to meeting her."

"Guinevere is away right now, visiting a friend who is ill. She should be back within the week, however. So you shall meet her, don't worry."

Catherine smiled and then it was her brother's turn to step forward.

"Arthur," he said, holding his hand out. Arthur took it, giving a quick nod.

"James."

Phillip chuckled. "The trouble you two used to get into. Had me practically pulling my hair out."

James smirked, but Arthur frowned. Merlin wasn't quite sure what to make of this exchange, but he felt uneasy. What sort of trouble was Phillip talking about? And hadn't Arthur just warned him to stay away from the Prince? Merlin started to get a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach and he decided, as the knights began to disperse, and the horses were led off to the stables, that for once he was going to listen to Arthur.