Arthur Pendragon sat at his desk, examining the laws of old. Before the Great Purge, Camelot didn't actually have any laws against magic, but there were also no laws encouraging it. There was simply magic. In his grandfather's journals, he found accounts of good magic, just as he'd seen. He also saw evil magic, but that was dealt with like any other crime, if it was used wrong. His grandfather died before any laws could be made to act against that evil magic specifically.
Arthur rubbed his eyes tiredly before thinking on his former manservant. The anger and betrayal he'd felt at the sight of his closest friend using magic had by now ebbed away. It wasn't the magic that he was angered with; it was the lie he'd been told. His seemingly simple, idiot of a servant was really the most powerful warlock of all time. How was he supposed to handle that?
He spent a lot of time consulting his knights and Gaius. They'd all tried to explain that Merlin couldn't possibly have been able to reveal himself while magic was outlawed, and had been protecting himself and Arthur. He couldn't very well protect Arthur if he was dead, now could he? Realizing good magic had been a more consistent part of his life than evil sorcery had greatly confused him.
That had led Arthur to his mission to understand magic. He wrote up the papers that gave Merlin a title and place in court as his ambassador and advisor on all things magic. He was still uncomfortable with speaking to the man, so he sent him to a kingdom that was a former ally of Camelot, hopefully to return with someone who could explain how to handle magic in his kingdom. Preferably someone who understood the laws.
Until then, he busied himself with understanding his own laws.
Arthur was just beginning to think he would lose his mind when the horns sounded announcing the arrival of royalty. His new servant, Keegan, arrived to help him finish dressing in ceremonial robes. Once complete, he made his way to the courtyard, where the court had convened to welcome the princess.
Arthur was getting warm under the summer sun while waiting. He fidgeted with his cape until he heard horse hooves. Looking up, his eyes landed on a beautiful woman. He didn't know what to focus on first: the fact that she was extraordinarily breathtaking, or that she was not dressed like a lady.
He took in the clothing. Her legs were covered in white leggings, tucked neatly into brown riding boots. She wore a fitted, light blue tunic with a belt wrapped around her upper waist, making the fabric flow from her figure in a very natural way. Her thick, dark brown curls were piled upon her head, where a thin strand of ocean blue stones rested like a tiara among the curls. Her ease with which she slid from the horse showed that she was very skilled, and the sword at her hip looked very at home. She carried herself like royalty, giving herself away: she was most definitely Princess Eilonwy.
Next to her was a woman dressed similarly, but wearing a light pink tunic and black leggings. She wore a single locket around her neck, one that Arthur had seen before. It bore the Hale crest, a token given by the king. It gave her the significance of being under the king's care. This made her Lady Jensen.
Arthur's own men accompanied them as instructed. Gwaine looked oddly eager to help Lady Jensen from her horse, and she rolled her eyes at him. Merlin, however, stood to the side and took Princess Eilonwy's arm to escort her. The only unfamiliar face was an older looking fellow, dressed as a knight of Luxtera.
He must be their escort for the trip, thought Arthur. It makes sense that King Cedric would like his daughter and ward protected.
"Princess Eilonwy," Arthur greeted kindly. He took her hand and planted a chaste kiss upon her knuckles. "Welcome to Camelot."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the princess curtsied. "I am glad to be here. May I present to you my closest friend and protector, Lady Jensen."
Merlin shot him a look as if to say, "Sound familiar?"
"It's my pleasure to have you here," Arthur told her, bowing and kissing her hand as well. "I'm thankful for your presence here."
"I am very glad I could help you," Lady Jensen smiled kindly, curtsying to the King. "Your men have been very kind to us."
"Let's hope they learn from their king," Eilonwy said quietly, eyeing Arthur.
"I hope to show you that they do." Arthur was slightly irritated at her remark, but nodded and extended his arm. The princess took it. Satisfied, he turned to his servant. "Keegan, please make sure servants await our guests in their chambers. Two maidservants and a manservant for Lord..."
"Cyrus," the old man shook Arthur's hand briefly.
"Cyrus," Arthur repeated. "I will escort Princess Eilonwy to her chambers. Lady Guinevere, please escort Lady Jensen, and Merlin, escort Lord Cyrus."
There was a chorus of 'yes sire's as the singled out courtiers did as they were told. Arthur ignored Merlin's pleading look and focused on the princess on his arm. As they walked, he attempted to make small conversation, but her eyes were set stubbornly ahead. Eilonwy was evidently not intent on conversation.
"How was your ride?"
"Scenic," she replied shortly.
Arthur but the inside of his cheek. "Was Gwaine agreeable?"
"He is a kind gentleman, as is Merlin."
"I knew you wouldn't have a problem with Merlin, he's much too respectful for his own good."
"Being respectful isn't a bad thing, sire."
"Of course not," Arthur wanted to kick himself. He glanced over at Eilonwy and found her eyes hardened, but almost as if she'd been offended and was retracting. He wondered what he'd said to upset her. Even when they reached her door, she simply said thank you quietly and reached for the handle. He stopped her by clearing his throat. This woman was irritating.
"Your highness?" he said slowly. "I humbly ask if I may be your escort at the ball tonight? The one in...your honor?"
She nibbled her lip, seeming to think on it. Arthur groaned inwardly. Why was she being so formal and stubborn? By the way she dressed and by the mischievous glint of her eyes, Arthur didn't take her for some stuck up princess. At the moment, however, she seemed very much focused on acting just like that. She eyed him, as if sizing up the king and deciding if he was worthy. She looked like she knew something he did not.
"I suppose so," she smiled gently, suddenly amused. "I will see you at six o'clock sharp."
Arthur nodded formally. "My lady."
As he turned to leave, she called out for him. Arthur spun on his heel and gave her an expectant look. She smirked coyly. "Please don't be late."
Slightly infuriated, Arthur left the princess to herself.
)-(
The few things that Ellie brought ahead with her were already in her room when she arrived. A young woman in a red servant's dress curtsied. "Your highness. I am Drea, your maidservant for your stay in Camelot."
"Thank you, Drea," Ellie smiled. The younger girl had braided blonde hair and bright blue eyes, making her think of a younger version of Jen. "Before we go further, you must understand me. I may be a princess, but I do not believe in being high and mighty. You may attend to me, but we will be friends."
Drea blinked. "Oh. Well, thank you your highness."
"And when it's just us, please call me Ellie."
"Yes ma'am...Ellie."
"Good," Ellie smiled. "Now, how about a bath?"
"Of course, Milady," Drea bowed slightly before going into the adjoining room. Ellie sat down and began unlacing her boots. It was refreshing to peel them off her feet and wiggle her toes. The thought made her miss the sand by the sea, but she brushed it aside and unlaced the other boot. She walked behind the changing screen and Drea assisted her in removing all her clothing. She covered herself in a robe, walking to the bathing room. The marble basin was slightly pink, reminding her of the stone that she bathed in at home. It was the kind of stone only found by the sea, and it made tears spring into her eyes.
"King Arthur wanted you all to feel as at home as he could," Drea informed her as she eased into the hot water. "He was told that this kind of wash basin was custom in your home."
"Yes," Ellie said. Her eyes found the soaps. "Those..."
"Are soaps made from herbs of your country," Drea smiled. "King Arthur is a kind man."
"Yes," she said softly. "Yes he is."
She hadn't purposefully been rude to him. It had simply been frustrating to see a man who persecuted people like her cousin acting so friendly. She was also deeply offended that she hadn't left enough of an impression on him in their younger years for him to remember.
Ellie thought to the meeting. Arthur had been roughly seven, Ellie five. King Cedric visited, Ellie and Jen in tow. Uther and Cedric were trying to work a peace treaty, but Uther's still fresh hatred for magic made it difficult. While their parents attempted peace, Arthur, Morgana, Gwen, Ellie, and Jen played together in the castle gardens. She and Arthur had been semi attached, and quite upset when Uther terminated their alliance over magic. They agreed a state of neutrality, but Uther refused to be friendly with a kingdom that supported magic users. It was wonder Cedric prevented war in the first place.
Ellie sighed as she massaged her scalp, thoughts going back to Arthur. She still had the small pebble he'd given her as a welcoming gift so long ago. Even though she was very young, Ellie clearly remembered Arthur saying he found it in the river during a picnic with his father. It was smooth and white, in the shape of a perfect circle. Ellie had kept the gift as a simple pebble for a long time, before having it drilled and put on a thin piece of string. Sometimes while reminiscing for simple times, she wore it for a ride by the sea.
The fact that Arthur hadn't remembered her cut deeply. She'd always thought fondly about Arthur, and hoped they could immediately resume their friendship. Given his genuine happiness to meet her for the first time, Ellie could tell he had no remembrance of her. That's what she got for being unusually loyal.
"Are you alright, Milady?" Drea asked gently as she poured fresh hot water over her hair to rinse it. "If it isn't out of place, I mean."
"Of course it isn't," Ellie replied. "I'm simply thinking of my younger years. Life was much simpler then."
"No responsibilities," Drea turned dreamy. "Just your wild imagination."
"Precisely," Ellie flicked the water. "I still have fun though. I'm worried once I'm queen of my country that I won't have time for fun anymore."
"Nonsense, Milady," Drea offered a towel as Ellie stood. "King Arthur still enjoys himself."
And back to Arthur, she thought bitterly.
Ellie was having her corset tied over her chemise when a knock came from the door. Drea excused herself to answer. "It's Lady Jensen, your highness."
"Let her in," Ellie beamed. Many people found the attachment between the cousins odd, but they didn't seem to understand how the two relied on each other.
Jen strode in wearing a magnificent dress. From where her corset covered and all the way down, a deep purple silk flowed, a slit up the slide and only noticeable when she stood just so. Covering her shoulders and leading into sleeves that ended at her elbow was purple lace, giving an elegant feel to the dress that flowed where it should flow and clung where it should cling. The V at the neckline was deep enough to give the observer an understanding of her shape without revealing too much. She held white slippers in her hand, and her maidservant carried a box which must've held a brush and pins.
"You look beautiful," Ellie smiled. "What will you do with your hair?"
"I came to see what you were doing with yours," Jen took a seat by the vanity. "Mariana here thinks I should pull it all to one side and let it fall."
"That would look nice," Ellie said. "What if you plaited it to the side and weaved a matching ribbon into it?"
"Brilliant," Jen smiled. "Do you think you could do that, Mariana?"
"Yes, Milady," Mariana smiled. She took her place behind Jen and continued fiddling with the straight hair.
"Did you bring the red dress?" Jen asked while her hair was tended to. "To represent your allegiance to Camelot?"
"Of course, dear cousin," Ellie smiled. "Tonight, I'm in the mood for a show."
Ellie grinned wider at her friend's giggle. As Drea retrieved the dress, she couldn't help but feel a bit mischievous. The main part of the dress was made from red silk, which formed a heart shaped neckline, the center slightly lower than most dresses. It flowed down to the floor easily with two seams giving the dress shape and leading to a slight train. The sleeves of the dress were red, but made of a see through material that continued from her shoulders, where they attached to the body of the dress and reached down to her wrists. The material of the sleeves shimmered with the silver thread woven into it.
"You must wear your hair up," Jen insisted. "Your tiara will nestle nicely into the curls."
"I agree with you," Ellie nodded. She let Drea's hands work with pinning and twisting her hair back high upon her head in a loose but firm bun. Ellie felt a shiver of excitement run up her arms. Even though she preferred leggings and a tunic, there were always nights that she loved putting on a show.
"Prince Arthur will find you beautiful, I'm sure," Jen smiled. Ellie blushed and looked down briefly. "Don't tell me you've forgotten his attachment to you when we were children, those few days spent here in Camelot?"
"I remember them clearly," the princess retorted. "It seems Arthur does not, though. Even if he had, he thought of me fondly, but only as a friend. I am here to explain how our laws accept magic, and that is all."
"You don't have to guard yourself, Ellie," Jen sighed. "Have a bit of fun. I will be."
"Do not pretend that you have eyes for any other than Sir Gwaine," Ellie chided her cousin. "I don't know why you're so attached to him."
Jen offered a half shrug. "He's charming and makes me laugh. I'm enjoying my time with him."
"You've known him two days."
"You knew Lord Oliver for one."
"A lapse in judgement, that is all," Ellie laughed, tossing a hair pin at her friend. Both the maid servants blushed. "Tell me girls, one of you must have met a man or two."
"I didn't have time during my former job for much courting," Drea colored even more. Mariana agreed.
"We don't mean courting, darlings," Ellie chuckled. "We mean a minor fling with another serving boy or something of that nature."
"I have not, Milady," Drea looked down in surprise. When the other maidservant didn't answer, Jen laughed.
"My dear Mariana, you must share," Jen insisted. "You'll find that I will be quite intolerable until I know."
Mariana gulped before looking anywhere except the nobility in the room. "He was a handsome manservant to a visiting Lord. We shared...a moment...hidden away in the stables after my mistress went on a ride with his master. That was the last I saw of him."
"You see?" Jen beamed. "My new maidservant understands what it means to have fun. You should too, Ellie. There is no harm in a little dancing and flirting."
The young princess leaned back into her seat, staring at her enticing dress. No, perhaps there was not.