Hey, it's time for the next chapter! I hope you enjoy it! Please review/favourite/follow and you now finally get to experience Amity in her red dress! Enjoy! Also, I don't own Merlin (sadly), I just own my OCs.

Chapter 7

Fifteen Years Old

I might have been desperate enough at the time to agree with Arthur's settlement for the start of his forgiveness, however, after having a guard constantly following me for a week, I am thoroughly over this treatment. Esme refuses to talk to me as a friend because she feels awkward around whoever is watching and leaves me as soon as she can. She always apologizes at night when she's helping me into my nightgown – one of the only times the guard isn't with me, instead he's outside of my chamber.

"I cannot believe Arthur is still making that man follow me around." I complained, as Esme finished brushing my hair. "Leave it out Esme, at least my hair can be freer than the rest of me."

Esme giggled, stepping back and I rose and stretched my arms upwards. "Amity, don't you think you're overreacting just a little?"

"Overreacting?" I repeated, my arms dropping as Esme helped me with the clasps at the front of my cloak. "Esme, Arthur is treating me like some prisoner. I'm his ward, not some random criminal to be detained. I don't think I can stand being treated like one for much longer. I'm going insane."

"It was part of your agreement, Amity." Esme said gently, as she pulled my hair out from underneath the cloak and let it go over the top of the cape, so it could be seen.

"Yes, well I am clearly regretting my agreement with that dreaded King." I snapped, as Esme went and packed everything away, making sure my chambers was spotless before we left.

"I can see that." She muttered, hanging a dress she'd cleaned this morning back into my wardrobe.

"You think that he would treat me better, or at least give me a man who makes jokes and laughs." I whined shrilly, as Esme peeked her head out from behind the door.

"He does make jokes, you just don't find them funny, Amity." Esme contradicted, as I crossed my arms across my chest and started to pace around the room.

"Esme, the man makes jokes about food. Food! And they're not even funny and he says the same ones over and over and over!" I started to shout, as Esme shushed me.

"He'll hear you, he's just outside." Esme told me off, as I walked over and flopped onto my window seat and stared out the window.

"I wish I was outside with them. Not stuck inside my chambers trying to hide from that boring man. I am going insane, Esme." I opened my window, and breathed in the fresh air.

"I already heard you say that and I can see that you do not like the situation Amity, but it could be worse. It could have been you on the pyre in Ade's place." Esme spoke calmly, making her way to stand beside me.

"Have you heard from Enid about Ade?" I asked softly, as she shook her head.

"Not since the first morning Ade spent with them. Aunt Enid is trying to keep Ade protected from Arthur. If Arthur discovers it was his ward's maid's Aunt who helped save the prisoner, well, I do not think she'd have as large a chance of being forgiven. Arthur had trouble forgiving you and he loves you like his own. Aunt Enid is just being cautious. Although, I do know that Ade was very thankful for what you did. You'll have her loyalty from now on." Esme said, lowering her voice to make sure that the man outside couldn't hear.

"Well, I'm glad I achieved something." I mumbled bitterly and Esme moved away.

"Come along, Amity, it's time you go to the hall to meet with Arthur." She said, as I nodded and moved away from the window, sighing when the realization that it'd be another meeting with the most boring man on Earth watching me like a hawk.


"King Roland and his son will be arriving early in the morning in two days time." Arthur ended, as everyone sat still until Sir Leon slowly raised his hand. "Yes Sir Leon?"

"Isn't that the day of the Princess' anniversary?" he asked, as I smiled at him for remembering.

Arthur cleared his throat and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the round table. "Yes, and King Roland and his son will join us in the feast to celebrate the day."

"Does King Roland's son have a name?" I questioned Arthur, who gave me a cautious look, not liking my interest in the son.

"Yes he does," Arthur said slowly. "He is Prince Lucan."

"Good, I will need to know his name for when I introduce myself." I said lazily, smirking at Arthur who frowned.

"I will be introducing you, Amity." He said shortly, before turning back to those around the round table. "Anything else needed to be discussed?"

Multiple people mumbled 'no' as Arthur nodded and dismissed everyone. Esme and the dull guard made their way towards me. "Esme, ah, guard, can you please wait outside while I speak to the King quickly?"

They both nodded before exiting the hall. Arthur was whispering to Gwen, as I walked over to the. "Arthur, may I speak to you?"

They stopped talking, as Arthur gave Gwen a questioning look and she nodded, kissing him tenderly, smiling at me before leaving, saying something about catching up to Morgana. "What is it?" Arthur asked, as I shuffled on the spot.

"I wish to ask you whether aspects of our agreement has gone on for long enough." I started, as Arthur raised his eyebrow. "I want the guard gone, Arthur."

"No." Arthur said bluntly.

"No?" I copied. "Why not?"

"It was a part of our agreement." Arthur said simply, as my eyes widened.

"Arthur, it wasn't a part of our agreement to give me the dullest man on the face of the Earth." I argued.

"You obviously haven't meet George then." Was all he said, as I shook my head.

"George? Who even is he?"

"A man who makes jokes about brass." Arthur told me as he moved to sit on his throne.

"This guard makes jokes about food!" I shouted before making my voice mockingly deeper. "What did the green grape say to the purple grape? Breathe! It's horrible Arthur. And he repeats the same jokes. Plus, Esme won't speak to me as a friend around him so I never get to speak to her like I use to."

"Did it occur to you that maybe," Arthur said gradually, "Esme is getting punished too?"

"What did Esme do to deserve that?" I shrieked, as I strode towards him, my eyes narrowing.

"She helped a sentenced woman escape from prison." Arthur sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Amity, any other King, especially if it was my father, would just have killed her for treason. She stole my keys, aided a criminal and distracted guards from their duty. She's lucky I decided to give her a second chance."

"You gave me and Esme a second chance, yet you wouldn't give anyone else one? How's that fair?" I shouted, as Arthur stood up.

"Do you want me to get you both out on the executioner block? Because I easily can!"

"No, I want to get rid of that stupid, boring guard who follows me around and acts like he's the funniest thing!" I countered, as Arthur seemed to be in thought.

"Fine, the guard will be gone." I grinned widely. "While King Roland and his son are here, as a probation period."

"What? Not permeant?" I disputed, as Arthur went to leave.

"No, not until I am certain I can trust you. Now go and do whatever you do all day. As long as it doesn't break the law." He commanded, as I glared at him and turned, storming out of the hall.


"Morgana, I need your help." I declared frankly, sitting down on the seat beside Morgana's in her chamber. Morgana paused reading and looked up, arching an eyebrow at me.

"What with?" She questioned, placing a bookmark into her book as I flicked a blonde curl over my shoulder.

"The red dress you organized needs a little alternating before the feast." A mischievous smile came into my face.

"What? The feast is in two days, Amity. You say that now? You want more coverage, don't you? I already added material to it." Morgana said dejectedly, as I shook my head.

"Quite the opposite actually," I smirked as I saw the wicked glint come into her eyes and she placed her book down. "I think it needs less material and a little more tightness to attract…certain princes and annoy certain kings."

Morgana and I shared a coy look as Esme brought the dress forward and we got straight into work.


"Oh Esme, isn't it a beautiful day? The Sun is shining, birds are tweeting, and we're not being followed by some guard. I have turned fifteen summers old now. Oh, and Prince Lucan is arriving. Yes, a very nice day indeed." I grinned smugly at her over my shoulder as we made our way down the front steps of the castle.

I lifted my skirt up slightly to make sure I didn't trip, as Esme just smiled, her eyes on Merlin as they had a cautious look in them. Merlin didn't seem to notice her distrustful look, as I felt confusion build inside me. What has gotten her so guarded around the most amazing man possible? I mean, Merlin is definitely one of the kindest men that Arthur could ever befriend. From what Morgana and Gwen have told me about him, he is definitely one to be trusted. I shook my head and added extra beam to my smile, realizing it had been starting to fall off as I got more involved in my thoughts.

Most eyes landed on me, as the silver embroidery on my blue dress sparkled in the sunlight and my heels clicked against the stone steps. My hair was curled and had a braid at the front which traveled from one end of my head to the other. The gold coils bounced while I treaded, as my official tiara from Lexador glistened in the light from where it sat, perched at the front of my head, between braids. The skirt of my dress flowed in the wind as Esme made sure to keep a small distance from me so she did not step on it. The first person to notice my descent down the stairs was Sir Leon, whose eyes bulged slightly. Arthur, Gwen and Morgana looked over their shoulders to see what caused such a reaction. Arthur looked shocked, Gwen smiled sweetly and Morgana laughed.

"You look gorgeous, Amity." Morgana said, as I took my place beside her, Esme standing behind me. "Happy fifteenth."

"Thank you, Morgana. Sorry for how long it took. Esme had a few issues with my hair." I apologized angelically, grinning as I noted both she and Gwen were wearing red and gold dresses, clearly due to Arthur's dislike for me wearing the colour. Morgana caught the understanding look in my eye as she winked and regarded, Arthur seemed surprised.

"First step complete, Arthur has noticed that you look older." Morgana muttered, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Yes, but not the man I actually wanted to notice." I whispered, as Morgana chuckled and her eyes went to Merlin for a second before back at me. "Patience, my dear, who knows, you might be soul mates."

I went to retort, but the sound of horse hooves echoed around the courtyard. Arthur slurred to himself. "Ah, just in time."

The horses came closer as there were multiple guards on brown horses, all behind two main men on black horses. I felt a gentle smile form on my face and peeked at Morgana who was looking proud. The two main men road in front of the steps before sliding off their horses. Before making their way towards Arthur, but stopping before climbing the steps. The man slightly in front of the younger one, had dark black hair with grey streaks, reaching just past his chin and curling at the ends slightly. His face was lined with stress marks and was at least a head taller than Arthur, although his body was lankier. Beside him was a young man with brown hair, looking only two years older than me. His chestnut hair contrasted nicely with his emerald eyes, which were a few shades darker than the green vest he was wearing. While his eyes were pretty, they didn't leave me feeling lost in them like I did with Merlin's. He wore a pair of black breeches, tighter than Merlin's and less worn out, but at least Merlin's looked loved. His brown leather jacket hugged his body nicely, but it didn't offer me the comforting sense of familiarity Merlin's did.

"King Roland, Prince Lucan, welcome to Camelot. We have been looking forward to your arrival." Arthur greeted warmly, although his tone was kept professional.

King Roland nodded as Prince Lucan smiled, showing very white and straight teeth. "Thank you for your welcome, King Arthur. My son and I, too, have been anticipating this for a while now."

"Well, it is good you're here now. I'd like to introduce these lovely women here. My wife, Queen Guinevere, my half-sister, the Lady Morgana and my ward, Princess Amity of Lexador." Arthur introduced while we all curtsied and King Roland and his son's eyes went straight to me, as they moved to kiss our hands.

"Milady, we offer our condolences for your lost. Such a tragic event at such a young age." King Roland pecked my hand and I smiled at him.

"Thank you for your sympathies, you are very kind." I replied respectably, as King Roland went to talk to Sir Leon and Prince Lucan came up to me.

"Princess Amity, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." He addressed gently, leaning forward and kissing my hand, peering up at me as I smiled.

"The pleasure is all mine." I said quietly, as he stood up, nearly a whole head taller than me, but not as tall as Merlin.

"I hope I shall be seeing you while I am visiting?" Prince Lucan questioned as he finished kissing my hand and softly let go of it as I pulled it back and clasped my hands together at my front.

"I'm sure I could find some time to fill with your presence." I responded, as he beamed and walked off to join his father, who was chatting to Arthur.

Behind Arthur was Merlin, who seemed to be paying little attention. His hair was messy and cut unfashionable, unlike Prince Lucan's, but the Prince's didn't leave me wanted to grab it and yank viscously (don't tell Arthur!). Merlin's worn boots didn't shin in the light like Sir Lucan's, but I could see from where I was that Merlin's were bigger. I held in a giggle as it reminded me of a very naughty conversation I held with Morgana after I told her of my nightmares. Since we shared our secrets, there was a barrier between Morgana and I which started to break and I felt a lot more comfortable around her. Not that I didn't before, but for some reason, I didn't feel the pressure of acting like a lady as much around her, and often lost myself in acting like an ordinary girl who was completely and utterly in love with a boy. I shook my head as I seemed to also have lost myself in my thoughts. My eyes focused back on Merlin, who was now listening to something Arthur was telling him.

"Hmm, seems someone has an admirer." Morgana whispered teasingly.

"Seems like someone's just trying to cause a stir." I retorted, as Morgana laughed and Gwen grinned. "You know that if Prince Lucan tried anything, Arthur would have his head."

"Well, the boy can hope." Morgana joked, as her eyes landed on Merlin too. "Although, I do not think he has much chance to start with. A different man has seemed to won the heart of our fair princess."

I jokingly shoved Morgana before Arthur or any of the other nobles could see. I went to say something to Arthur when I caught Merlin's eye and started to blush fiercely. He was grinning and watching Morgana and myself, suggesting he saw me push her. Great, just great. This caused Morgana to snicker as I hissed. "Shush Morgana."

Descending daintily down the steps, I slowly made my way to Arthur, pretending not to notice the guests' eye on me. Arthur smiled at me once I was beside him. "Amity, how can I help you?"

"May Morgana, Gwen and I visit the marketplace, Arthur? We'll be quick, I merely just realized that I was missing a key aspect of my dress for tonight."

Arthur nodded. "Yes, but be quick. I'm sure you'll love to join myself and Sir Leon as we show our guests around Camelot."

Arthur smirked at me, as I saw the challenge in his eye. Obviously, Arthur doesn't want to show them around and knows that if he has to do it, he's going to make sure he brings everyone down with him. "Of course, I'd love to spend time with our guests." I gave Arthur an innocent smile, before facing Prince Lucan. "I cannot wait until I can show you around Camelot. It is a fine place, Prince Lucan. I'm sure you enjoy your time here."

"If you're showing me around, I'm sure I will." Prince Lucan responded smoothly, as Arthur's smirk fell off his face and his eyes narrowed sharply.

I giggled obnoxiously and curtsied towards all the men, making sure to keep my eyes straying on Prince Lucan for longer, before going and heading back to Morgana and Gwen, who were sniggering at Arthur's expression. "I will see you all soon then. Have a good morning."

"Quick Amity, we have to pick up your dress from the seamstress." Morgana reminded, as I nodded and linked my arms through theirs.


"The dress is perfect, Morgana. I cannot believe the amount of work the seamstress was able to do in such a short notice." I said as Morgana went to go into her chambers.

"I'm glad you like it, Amity. I, however, cannot wait to see all the men's expressions." She answered, as she opened her door. "I better go. I'll see you tonight."

"Yes, tonight." I waved as she entered her chambers and I turned, Esme following me as we made our way to the hall where Arthur would be waiting for us. "I too, cannot wait to see Arthur's expression. Do you think Merlin will like the dress?"

"I'm sure he'll love it – any man who'd have sense would think you'll look beautiful." Esme told me, as we turned the corner and something whacked forcefully into me.

"Oof!" I cried, as I was knocked down to the floor and I felt someone breathing heavily above me.

"Oh, I'm sorry." The person, a man said, as he sat up and took in my appearance, his eyes widening. "Oh, I knocked a noble woman over! I am so sorry, milady."

He got off me quickly and helped me up and Esme started to fuss over me, straightening my appearance up again as I waved off them. "It's fine, just a small bump."

"I am so sorry milady-"

"So, you are not from here, did you arrive with King Roland?" I interrupted, as he nodded quickly.

"Yes, I am his messenger, Ban." Ban presented himself, bowing clumsily, as Esme and I shared a cheeky grin at his awkwardness while he was unable to see.

"Well Ban, I am Amity." I curtsied, as his eyes widened.

"Amity? As in Princess Amity? King Arthur's ward? Oh, milady, I am so sorry for running you over. I should have been watching where I was going!" Ban cried out, as I smiled soothingly.

"It is fine. An accident is an accident." Esme cleared her throat and pointed towards the hall. "I am sorry Ban, but I have to go. Arthur needs me with the guests. It was nice to meet you."

"It was an honour to meet you, your highness." Ban bowed again as I left down the corridor, leaving Ban standing where he was.


"And this is…" Arthur began to prattle on about some painting, as King Roland nodded and asked questions.

Morgana and Gwen stood beside each other, smiling along with everyone else, however, the boredom shone in their eyes. Council figures from King Roland's kingdom asked very random and somewhat stupid questions about all of Camelot, as Arthur answered them to the best he could. I subtly leaned against a stone pillar and shut my eyes.

"History of a painting. Enthralling." A voice drawled in my ear, breathing hot ear and making me gasp. "Shh, you don't want them to realize that we aren't actually paying attention."

I looked over my shoulder to see Prince Lucan's face close to mine. "Well, I have heard this tour before. I received it myself."

"Oh, such lucky princess." Prince Lucan joked, as Arthur lead the group onto something. "Do you want to go somewhere else? Have our own tour?"

My eyes widened. "Do you want Arthur to kill you? Is there some sort of death wish hidden behind those green eyes?"

I pushed off the pillar and went to follow the group, however, Prince Lucan was still right behind me. "No, I just don't find this sort of thing interesting."

"Aren't you a prince? Didn't you grow up being told to give your kingdom the best reputation you can? Even if it means having to do things that bore you or are frustrating?" I raised an eyebrow at him. "I don't see how trying to escape the tour of the castle to be with the King's ward is going to make a good impression on Arthur."

"On the ward, it may." Prince Lucan smirked, as he leaned closer and I moved back.

"Prince Lucan-"

He interrupted me before I could continue. "Please, just call Lucan."

"Then, Lucan, my apologies but I do not want any sort of dalliance with you." I went to catch up with Arthur, when Ban suddenly came round the corner. "Ban! Do you always run around corners? In fact, do you ever not run?"

Ban panted, his face red as he ran his hand through his short blonde hair. "I'm sorry, milady, sire, however, have you seen King Roland?"

"What do you need to tell my father?" Lucan said before I could answer.

"He's up near the kitchens." I pointed up the hall, as Ban's eyes lit up and he grinned.

"Thank you milady, sire." He bowed, before running down the corridors.

"That man always seems to be running." I shook my head, as Lucan smirked.

"So, what do you say about showing me that tour?"


"Thank you for the walk, Amity." Lucan said, as he leaned against my doorframe.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Lucan." I responded, opening my chamber door and going to go inside.

"It was very enjoyable, after all, it's not every day you meet a Princess who actually can hold an intellectual conversation." Lucan's hand caught my arm, stopping me while informed me. I beamed at him in response. "It's a rather flattering trait, milady."

The smile fell off my face as I sighed. "Look, Lucan, there is really no chance of anything happening-"

"Oh, no, no, I didn't mean it like that. I meant, well, intelligence is an attractive characteristic and one day, your husband will be lucky, but I'm not going to be that man." Lucan defended quickly, as I raised my eyebrow again. Morgana and Arthur's habit seems to becoming one of mine – I'm surprised Gwen doesn't raise hers much.

"Is there something wrong with being my husband?" I asked, as Lucan shook his head quickly.

"No, I am just not interested. No offense meant, milady." Lucan added.

"That's not what Arthur thinks." I laughed, as Lucan chuckled.

"I'll see you tonight at your anniversary feast, won't I, Amity?" Lucan said, as I nodded.

"You will." I said, before slipping into my chambers and shutting the door behind me.


"There." Esme finished with fixing the thin golden metal headband. It sat at the front of my forehead, traveling down the sides of my head before wrapping at the back, where it was hidden under my hair. The metal had small rubies embedded in it, as the glistened in the light. My hair was braided on both sides of my head, before joining together at the back to make a bun.

"You look amazing." Morgana stated, as I smiled up at her, my eyelids feeling heavy due to the amount makeup she had used being more than I was used to.

"Thank you." I said, as she leaned down and started to check my red lipstick.

"Good, it's still in place, I was just making sure." Morgana explained, as I stood up and shivered as the warm air from the fire touched my bare back.

"I feel so…naked." I muttered, turning to look at my shown skin in my mirror, before eyeing my dress.

The material was red silk which rustled slightly whenever I moved. The neckline was in a v-line, as it traveled down my front, the tip of the v ending just underneath the bottom of my breasts, showing more pale white skin in that certain area than I'd ever shown before. Gold embroidery travelled around the neckline before the material stopped and the dress was backless, showing even more skin. The dress was very fitted and showed off curves which I hadn't considered prior to the dress, before it flared out into a long skirt with a train just to add dramatic effect. Morgana had been very pleased with the end result, as the seamstress had removed the back and added the gold embroidery, as well as took in the dress so it was tighter and showed off, what Morgana calls, my feminine figure.

"You look beautiful, so don't worry. Plus, it'll show Arthur you're growing up. He needs that message." Morgana said, placing her hand on my shoulder, as I quivered at the feeling of her skin directly against mine. "So, are you ready?"

"Ready." I confirmed, as we left my chambers and walked down the corridors and stairs to come to the hall.

Guards all stared as I walked past, their heads following me as I finally reached the hall and Morgana was called in first, whispering. "Good luck."

Gwen and Arthur were already inside because the feast is celebrating my anniversary, meaning I am the last to enter out of respect. I took in a few deep breaths as Esme snuck into the hall and I waited for the doors to open.

"Are you ready, milady?" The guards asked, as I nodded and tried to calm my breathing down.

The guard gently knocked on the door, signaling to the guard inside that I am ready to enter. I lowered my head, shutting my eyes and breathing in deeply as I heard the doors creak open. Opening my eyes and raising my head, I strode in, my dress flowing as I kept my shoulders back in the way Morgana had showed me. The gold on my dress sparkled in the light as many jaws dropped and eyes widened. I smiled, as it turned smug once I caught Arthur's eye. Arthur didn't look like whether he was in shock or turning angry. His lips contracted into a thin line as Gwen took his hand and soothingly played with his fingers.

Lucan stood beside his father, his eyes on my back once it came into view as I went to sit in my seat beside Gwen. I looked over Arthur's head to see Merlin with Gaius. When Gwen's face got in the way I leaned forward a little to try and see his face better, but instead of watching me, his eyes were on Ban, who was standing with some of the servants from King Roland's kingdom. I frowned, before smiling weakly as I took my seat beside Gwen, who gave me a confused look at my frown. I shrugged as everyone sat down and the food started to be served.

"What can I get you, Amity?" Esme leaned forward, taking my plate as I requested for lamb.

She nodded and went off, finding my dinner as I waited. Gwen took the opportunity to talk. "So, someone looks very grown up."

"I don't feel it." I muttered, as she gave me a concerned look.

"What is it, Amity? You should be happy. It's your anniversary feast." Gwen whispered, as I smiled sadly.

"He didn't notice me." I mumbled, my eyes travelling up to Merlin who was serving Arthur some wine.

Gwen followed my gaze. "Merlin? Oh Amity…"

"He was too busy staring in the complete opposite direction." I sighed as Esme returned with my plate. "Thank you Esme."

She curtsied as I started to poke at my lamb with my knife. "Amity, listen to me, I'm sure him not looking at you entering didn't have anything to do with not noticing you in general, he probably was thinking about doing his chores or a job for Gaius."

I gave Gwen another side smile, I started to cut up my lamb. "Yes, perhaps."

Gwen and I continued to eat in silence before Arthur stood up, clearing his throat as everyone fell silent. "Thank you, guests, for joining us in celebrating my ward's fifteenth anniversary. I just want to say a few words before some of us have too much fun tonight." Arthur's eyes fell of Sir Gwaine in particular before going back to looking around the whole room.

"Many years ago, my father, King Uther, befriended a prince named Godric. They met when in their early twenties and became best friends. Soon, Godric became King of Lexador and Uther was crowned King of Camelot, as they were forced apart, but they kept in touch. Years later, Godric came for a visit during the melee, when he was in his late twenties. He and my father agreed to go on a ride into the forest and Godric was rushing around, running down the front steps where he bumped into a young visiting Lady, a daughter of one of the knights. Godric was quickly taken by the Lady, however, she rushed off to check on her father before he received her name. Godric then went to my father, telling him of a beautiful woman he met, with long golden hair and stunning blue eyes. My father swore he would help the fellow King in discovering the true identity of the young lady."

I felt my eyes water as I realized Arthur was telling the tale of my parent's love. Arthur took in a deep breath before continuing. "My father soon found out who the young Lady who'd caught Godric's eye was. Her name was Lady Eugenia Kinglsey and she was one of the most loved women in court, for both her kind nature and beauty. Godric was quick to sweep the Lady off her feet, and weeks later, they announced their engagement, as Lady Eugenia became Queen Eugenia Fathern of Lexador. They went back to Lexador where they had their seven children, six sons and one daughter. They took one thing in particular with them – my father's words that if anything were to happen to them, he would take in their children. The same was said for my father, if any harm was to befall him, the Fatherns would care for my half-sister and myself."

Arthur paused to smile at me, as I returned it, feeling more eyes on me. "I met Amity when she was a child, well, more of a child than she is now."

Everyone laughed as I gave Arthur a mock offended look. "Be careful what you say, mister."

Arthur winked at me before continuing. "At the time, she just acted like a little princess – brattish, spoilt and destined for an arranged marriage. I remember, the first time we met, she was biting her brother, Rhys, because he had threatened to tell their parents that she had snuck into the armoury to play with the swords her brothers used to practice their sword fighting with. Let's just say, Prince Rhys most definitely did not inform his parents what the young princess had gotten up to."

I giggled as I remembered the memory, however, I never realized Arthur was watching at the time. Members in the audience chuckled as well, as Arthur went on. "Her family also came back for a visit when she was ten. I noted a change in her personality. She was no longer as demanding, however, after watching her kick her brother somewhere…er, private, after he ate her biscuit, I realized that she had confidence as well as resilience. We spoke, as she also sounded a lot more intellectual. I remember we compared horses, as she was very proud of her pony. It was rather entertaining, having a ten year old chat about her pony. I've never seen such a proud child since."

I shifted as Arthur moved from his seat and made his way to my side, placing his hand on my shoulder as I looked up at him. "I never understood the love a parent could hold for their child. Nor did I understand love other than that for my wife and half-sister, but then, she came back into my life, so full of pride and strength despite tragic events. And seeing her being so strong, well, it reminded it, that the young bratty child has grown up and matured. And now, tonight at her fifteenth, I look at the Princess I once called a girl and I can say that I am so lucky to have a kind-hearted and fair woman for my ward. While I think Amity has learnt here, I believe she also taught me. And without her guidance, I would have done a lot I would have regretted. I have to thank Godric and Eugenia for giving the world such a wonderful princess. Amity, you may be my ward by law, but you are my daughter by heart. Well, that and my sister. A weird mix."

I laughed as tears started to fall from my eyes as Arthur's eyes too started to mist up with tears and Gwen was quietly sobbing happily. "Thank you for being a part of my family, I know we're a weird bunch, but we wouldn't be family without you. I am so proud of you and as I look at you now, I see a young woman and future Queen. Just promise me you won't grow up too fast, and get a new dress."

Everyone grinned at that as I jumped up, throwing my arms around Arthur, who returned the hug and kissed my forehead. "Thank you so much, Arthur. It means so much to me."

Arthur's arms tightened. "You are welcome, you weird mix."


"Amity, you look amazing." Lucan said as he walked over to me from where I stood with Morgana.

"Thank you Lucan. You look very dashing yourself." I responded, as he smiled and kissed my hand.

"Would you care for a dance, milady?" Lucan asked, as I nodded and took the arm he offered to me as he led me to the dance floor.

We prepared ourselves, pretending not to notice the whispers and points of other guests as they saw us together. Lucan took my right hand in his left and placed his right on my waist as my left hand rested on his shoulder. We started dancing to the slow song, keeping a proper distance between our bodies as my skin felt as if singed where his fingertips touched bare flesh.

"That was very kind of Arthur to say all of that." Lucan spoke as we started to dance, gracefully as it was clear that both of us had spent many years having regular dance lessons.

"Yes, Arthur is a very kind and considerate person." I informed Lucan, who twirled me before pulling me back into his arms.

"A very protective one who I think is prepared to kill me where I stand for touching you." Lucan's eyes flickered over my head, as I looked over my shoulder to see Arthur glaring daggers at him.

"His is a little…protective." I muttered, as Lucan grinned and made us spin quickly, causing me to giggle and make sure not to trip on my dress.

"A think that is an understatement, milady." He responded, as someone accidentally bumped into us, making us stop.

I turned to see Ban, who had been carrying a tray of raspberry tarts, his face going as red as the raspberries after seeing who he had knocked into. "Milady, sire, I am so sorry…again."

"It's fine Ban, the song was nearly over anyway." I said, as Ban's eyes went down to the tarts, before stretching his arm out, the plate directed towards us.

"May I suggest you try the tarts? They're very good from what I've heard. Fresh from the kitchen. I'm helping the servants with serving tonight, since it seemed like they could use the help." Ban smiled as I nodded and grabbed the closest one to me, Lucan grabbing the next closest.

I bit into the tart as its juice filled my mouth, making my mouth water and I moaned slightly, daintily covering my mouth as I chewed before swallowing. "This is so good."

"Yes Ban, very delicious." Lucan said after finishing his, subtly checking that he had no spare crumbs around his mouth.

Ban smiled before bowing. "I'm glad you liked it, milady, and sire. Enjoy your feast and I hope you had a great anniversary, milady."

Ban then disappeared through the crowd, carrying his tray of tarts.


"He didn't notice me Esme, not once." I muttered tiredly, as Esme plaited my hair.

"Maybe he was busy working, Amity?" Esme suggested, as I shrugged and yawned.

"Why can he not just see me? Does he not see the way I look at him? Can he feel the way I turn breathless when he enters the room? Surely he must have noticed my clumsiness around him!" I groaned, standing up and going to my bed before throwing myself onto it. "I feel like I'm wasting my time."

"I'm not sure, milady. I do not know Merlin very. However, I do think you need to go to sleep. You seem to be very tired." Esme murmured, as she started to pack away my dress.

"Yes, yes, I suppose it was all that dancing. I am very tired. You know, Morgana says it's just a matter of time before I end up with Merlin." I sighed and yanked the blankets up to my chin. "I don't completely agree with her. You see, everyone but Merlin was staring at me in awe. He didn't even look properly. I might as well as accept that Merlin is never going to love me like I love him."

"Maybe it is not love, milady." Esme said softly as she began to blow candles out.

"Maybe, we'll just have to see." I whispered, closing my eyes as thoughts of Merlin still stayed in my head.

Aww, she went to sleep thinking of Merlin :') Just to pre-warn, please don't hate me in the next chapter – you'll find out why! Now, for the reviews…

Bilboswaggins2 – Thanks for liking the story – it means a lot to me! Two reviews from you? You're an angel! Thank you!

Amy – Thanks for loving my story! I'm glad you liked Morgana's scene in convincing Amity to help Ade. Thank you for reviewing!

Guest – I'm happy you think Amity will be a good Queen, I think so too, but there's still a few more chapter (and by a few, I mean at least 10), before she becomes Queen just yet. She still has to face Cary first! Thanks for reviewing!