A/N - Hope you all are enjoying the story as much as I'm enjoying writing it! :)

The remainder of the day passed quickly for the group, most of it was spent getting to know one another and listening to the playful banter thrown between the two long-lost siblings. The knights found Esme's cunning remarks and clever comebacks rather amusing, Gwaine just found it annoying. Of course she would have to get all the brains in the family, he thought covetously. All his life he had secretly envied his sister's witty mind, though he would never admit it. He wondered if she could still best him in swordplay as she had all those years ago, too bad she was a woman, she would have made a great knight. Ever since she was little, Esme had dreamed of being a knight, wanting to follow in her father's footsteps.

"Esme," King Arthur began. "The knights and I were talking, and we were wondering if you would like to return to Camelot with us?"

"Woah, hold your horses there, Princess. I think I should get a say in this." Gwaine teased.

"I don't care what you say, if I want to go to Camelot I will. You can't stop me." Esme smirked. The knights smiled, they didn't doubt her, she seemed like the type of girl who could accomplish anything she set her mind to.

"Then it's settled, we head for Camelot at daybreak."

The journey took longer than expected as the knights horses had been stolen, most likely by the same bandits that had attacked them the previous day.

"The good-for-nothing scoundrels." Esme muttered, kicking angrily at the dirt. Everyone grumbled at the thought of having to walk all the way back to Camelot, but there was nothing else to be done. With a chorus of downhearted sighs they began the long journey. After three long, tiresome days of trudging though the wilderness they arrived. Esme gasped at the extraordinary palace that loomed over her, it was more beautiful than she could ever have imagined. Lofty spires stood towering above her head, shimmering magnificently in the warm sunlight. Decorative statues and gargoyles were strewn about, some were stunning, bewitching creatures and others looked more like monsters taken from a childhood nightmare.

"Wait till you see the inside." Gwaine grinned. Taking her brothers hand, Esme stepped gingerly up the cobblestone steps and into the castle. Her eyes were greeted with colorful tapestries, draped over the smooth stone walls. Armor and swords, once belonging to many a famous knight, hung in various places along the halls. Exquisite vases filled with fresh, sweet-smelling flowers added to the cheerful mood of the palace.

"It's beautiful." Esme breathed, Gwaine nodded in agreement.

"Gwaine, we're having a meeting in the council chambers in ten minutes." Arthur said. The knight hurried off to prepare for the meeting. "I'll show you to your room, Esme." She followed the king through twisting corridors, up several flights of stairs, and down a couple hallways before reaching their destination. He held the door open for her, she flashed him a thankful smile before stepping inside. A soft rug carpeted the floor, a large oak table along with four matching chairs filled the center of the room. A comfortable-looking bed sat in the corner beside an elegant changing screen, sunlight streamed in from a large window that overlooked the courtyard.

"Is everything to you satisfaction?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, thank you, Sire." A young girl peeked through the doorway,

"You wanted to see me, your highness?"

"Ah, yes. Esme, this is Beth, she'll be looking after you for the duration of you stay." The maid gave a timid bow to her new mistress. Esme smiled at the brown-haired girl. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must be getting to the council chambers." With a sigh, Esme heaved herself onto the bed and drifted off into slumber, dreaming of Camelot and the adventures she was sure to have in her new home.

A/N - What do you guys think of Esme so far? Please review!