Merlin rides back into Camelot, he had just put his sword back in the stone in the forest. Arthur and the knights were back an hour ago, Merlin left again when no one noticed to put his sword back. Merlin enters Gaius' chambers and takes his pack off. He lifts the loose floor board and puts his black clothes inside of it. Merlin puts the board back and takes his tunic off and goes to sleep.
Merlin wakes to someone roughly shaking his shoulder. He closes his eyes again when the sunlight from the window streams into his eyes. After a minute, Merlin is fully awake and turns his head to see that Arthur was the one that shook him awake. Arthur doesn't seem angry, more anxious and irritated. But it didn't seem like his emotions were directed at Merlin.
Merlin sits up and asks, "Why are you waking me up so early?"
"Early? It's midday." Arthur says. "I needed to ask you for a favor. A favor that will help Camelot greatly."
"Just tell me what I have to do." Merlin says and stretches before reaching for some regular clothes.
"I trust you remember that the Kingdom of Dacia has been refusing to become allies with us because we are fighting over land." Arthur says.
"Of course I do." Merlin says changing into the tunic he picked out.
"Well I have found a way to make those lands belong to both kingdoms and there will be no more fighting and most importantly, Camelot will have another powerful ally in the war against Morgana." Arthur says.
Merlin smiles, "That's great! What is it?"
"The King and Queen of Dacia have a son that will one day become king. They also have a daughter, Sophia. I have made arrangements to throw a wedding between Princess Sophia and Camelot's… Master of the Horse." Arthur says, his voice barely more than a whisper when he says the last part.
"What?" Merlin asks in disbelief. "You have put me in an arranged marriage?"
"I know you're against it, but Camelot needs all the help it can get." Arthur says.
"What even put it in your mind that I was husband material for a princess?" Merlin asks.
It's Arthur's turn to look at Merlin in disbelief. "Are you serious? You're an excellent fighter, you hold a high position in court, and you're respected among the entire kingdom. Why wouldn't you be a good husband for a princess?"
Merlin doesn't say anything. He turns his back to Arthur and stares out the window that blinded him earlier. Arthur walks forward a step, "Merlin, you are a loyal friend to me. I will not force you to marry Princess Sophia. But I need to gather as many powerful friends for Camelot. Just please think about this. The King, Queen, Prince, and Princess will be here in a few hours. I'd like to inform that they don't have to come before they leave Dacia. If that is your choice-"
"It's not." Merlin blurts out.
"What?" Arthur asks.
Merlin turns around and says, "If it will help Camelot, then of course I will marry the Princess Sophia."
Arthur smiles, "Very well. We should inform the knights right away."
The Knights of Camelot and the Royal Court all sit at the Round Table. Arthur stands and starts the council, "I have called you all here to inform everyone that the royal family of Dacia will be arriving here in a few hours. The nature of their visit is to establish peace. The lands that we have been fighting with them for will be a neutral area and will belong to both kingdoms. With this peace between Camelot and Dacia, Morgana will not stand a chance against the size of our armies."
"Sire." Leon says standing up. "Forgive me for speaking out, but how will this peace be achieved. We have offered many treaties, but none of them have been accepted."
"You are forgiven Leon, for you ask a very important question that you should all be aware of." Arthur says. "The King of Dacia has agreed to peace between the kingdoms through a special bond. A bond that cannot be broken no matter what."
Arthur turned to Merlin and they looked at each other for a second then Merlin looked down at the table. Arthur looks back at the rest of the Round Table. "The bond being… Merlin's hand in marriage to the Princess Sophia."
Merlin could tell that all eyes were on him. His suspicions were proven right when he looks up and sees everyone at the Round Table staring at him. Gwaine, however, smiles and starts looks like he's trying his hardest not to laugh. Gaius and Gwen look sort of sad, or maybe disappointed. Everyone else just looks sympathetic.
Arthur continues talking, "Alright, now that you know what is going on, the wedding will take place next week. I suggest that we get Camelot prepared for the arrival of the royal family of Dacia."
Merlin stands in front of the castle, Arthur and Gwen stand next to him, and the knights stand on the stairs behind them. A carriage appears with the crest of Dacia on it. Knights and guards surround the carriage, some walking and some on horses. Merlin stands straighter when he sees the carriage and puts his hands behind his back.
Gwaine, who was standing behind Merlin, must have noticed this because he whispers in Merlin's ear, "Nervous about meeting your future wife Merlin?"
"Wouldn't you be?" Merlin asks.
"I wouldn't be getting married in the first place?" Gwaine chuckles.
Arthur lightly punches Merlin's arms and Merlin turns to see that the carriage is now right in front of them. Merlin waits as one of the knights, the one in the front, gets off his horse and opens the door to the carriage. The royal family exits the carriage. First the King, then the Queen, then the prince. Merlin's breath nearly stops when he sees Sophia.
Sophia is the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on. Her hair is pure black, her eyes are a beautiful chocolate brown, and she has pearl white skin. What really stand out to Merlin about Sophia is her clothes. It's almost as if she wants to dress nice, but doesn't want to be recognized as royalty. Like Merlin, who wears simple, but elegant, clothing.
Sophia looks sadly around Camelot, her eyes look at the knights and people gathered around the front of the castle. Her eyes stop when they get to Merlin and her expression goes from sad to curiosity. Merlin is taken out of his thoughts when he hears Arthur's voice.
"King Aldred!" Arthur greets happily and shakes the King of Dacia's hand.
King Aldred greets back, "Arthur. It's been quite some time since I've seen you in person. You couldn't even hold a sword yet. But I'm glad that we are reunited on such a momentous occasion for both of our kingdoms."
"Yes," Arthur agrees then he points to Gwen. "This is my wife, Guinevere."
"Hello my lady." Aldred says and kisses Gwen's hand.
Arthur than pulls Merlin towards Aldred, "This is Merlin, my Master of the Horse."
Aldred looks Merlin up and down, "From what Arthur tells me, I should be glad for you to be a part of my blood line."
"I guess you'll just have to wait around and see if it's true yourself." Merlin says.
"Yes." Aldred agrees then he turns around. "Sophia, come meet your future husband, Merlin."
Merlin turns and sees that Sophia was looking at him the whole time he was talking to her father. Sophia swiftly walks up to Merlin. She says, "Hello, Merlin."
"Hello." Merlin says and kisses her hand.
For appearances, Merlin holds Sophia's hand and pulls her close to his side. Arthur turns to the crowd in front of the castle, "We shall celebrate the royal family of Dacia's arrival tonight with a feast. Next week, the wedding will be held at dawn. May we live in every lasting peace with Dacia."