"Father, we're not going into battle, you don't have to look so sombre." Arthur told the King. The three stood on the castle wall watching the oncoming crowd.

"Never before have the rulers of the five kingdoms come together in this way." The sombre looking Uther explained. "Never before have we all worked towards the same aim, towards peace. If these talks are successful, Camelot will enter a new era of prosperity. If they fail, we will almost certainly be at war."

"Cheery this morning aren't we?" Camilla muttered earning a harsh look from her father. She caught her brother's eye though and the two shared a smirk.

"We best make our way down to the courtyard." Their father said before walking away. Arthur and Camilla simple followed.

They walked in silence, though they jested this morning they knew the importance of the meetings and were not going to take them lightly.

"Alined, you are most welcome on this momentous occasion." The King of Camelot said to the new comer. The two met half way and clasped forearms. Camilla and Arthur a few paces behind.

"Momentous?" The other King echoed. "Let us hope so."

"My son Arthur and my daughter Camilla." Uther stepped to the side to show his children.

"All grown up now I see." The man said with a fake smile. He clasped forearms with Arthur then turned his attention to Camilla. Gently he took her hand and kissed the back of it and Camilla bowed her head in respect though inside she was a little bit creped out by the older man.

"You must be tired from your journey." Uther patted the man on the back as he straightened up. "I will have someone show you to your quarters."

"That would be most appreciated."

Uther beckoned people over and soon the King and his bumbling servant were gone.

"I always remembered him being creepy." Camilla whispered but she knew Arthur had heard. He gave out a short laugh but cut it off when Uther turned to glare at him.

"It's only for a few days Camilla." Arthur reminded her.

"Oh joy, the princess of princesses is here." Camilla muttered with a sarcastic tone.

The two watched as Olaf and his daughter made their way into the courtyard.

It was well known to her brother and Morgana that Camilla detested the Lady Vivian due to her brattish attitude however her father was unaware of it. She knew he would scold her if she did not play nice. Therefore Uther believed the Princess Camilla and Lady Vivian to be on good terms, even best of friends.

The only good thing that came out of this fake friendship Camilla thought, was that she could use the excuse of going to see Vivian when she wanted to leave Camelot for a while.

It would just be for a few days, camping out in the woods with a few select Knights. Sometimes Arthur joined her and the two went hunting, just forgetting about being the future heirs to the throne of Camelot but instead being normal young adults and normal siblings.

Speaking of her sibling, she watched as Arthur walked to meet with the new comingers as he gracefully helped Vivian down while Olaf dismounted by himself.

"What kind of welcome is this?" Olaf spoke as he approached the steps where Camilla and her father stood. "You have us hanging around like the last swallows of summer."

"You are welcome indeed Olaf." Uther smiled at the man before both embraced each other. Once they stepped back Olaf stepped to the side.

"May I present my daughter, the Lady Vivian." The girl looked shy and humble but Camilla knew what she was thinking and she was far from those two things.

"Lady Vivian." Uther took Vivian's hand and kissed it. "So grown up since I last saw you, how like your mother you are."

She bowed her head gratefully and Arthur could physically see Camilla trying to stop herself from rolling her eyes.

"My daughter Camilla will show you to your quarters." Uther stepped to the side and Camilla let out a small sigh at the task she was handed.

"If you would like to follow me." Camilla put on a fake smile and led the way to where she would be sleeping.

"I hope everything is to your satisfaction Vivian." Camilla said as she allowed her to walk around the guest chambers.

"It is...adequate." She shrugged and this time Camilla did roll her eyes.

"Actually Vivian most of our guests are extremely happy here. I'm sure you will be too." Camilla hoped the patronising tone she used wasn't too obvious...actually scrap that, she hoped it was obvious.

"Hm. I am not most of your guests." She said as she moved her finger around looking for dust. "I thought you would know me well enough by now Camilla."

"Oh I do." Camilla's lips were set in a straight line, already Vivian had wound her up. She was about to go into a rant when Gwen appeared in the room. "Ah yes this is Guinevere. She'll be looking after you while you're here. She is one of the best Camelot have to offer."

"Then I fear for Camelot." Vivian said with a giggle before turning back around to inspect her room.

Camilla opened her mouth but was cut off by Gwen.

"My lady Edith was looking for you." Gwen said quietly. "To get ready for the feast."

Camilla nodded her head, biting her tongue.

"Have fun with this one." Camilla muttered to Gwen as she left the room, only just glimpsing the small smile on Gwen's face before she left.

Camilla walked through the corridors and wasn't surprised to find Merlin carrying a stack of clothes to then watch as he tripped and they fell to the floor.

"Arthur got you running around as usual I see." Camilla gave the servant a smile as she bent down to help pick stuff up off the floor.

"That's Arthur." Merlin shrugged, avoiding Camilla's eye contact.

He had been like this since she had got back from her trip to her mother's grave. As if he was guilty of something by being around her.

"Well I hope he's not too harsh on you. You seem a bit down lately." Camilla commented, hoping to breach the territory. She didn't look at Merlin but took notice of how he froze at her words. "I hope everything's okay."

"It's fine." Merlin carried on picking up clothes and quickly stood up.

"I'm glad to hear." Camilla forced a smile as she placed the last shirt on the top of Merlin's pile. "I'll see you at the feast."

"My lady." Merlin bowed his head before hurrying around a corner.

Camilla's smile immediately dropped as she wondered what she had done to make Merlin act this way towards her.

She sighed as she walked away, being secretly in love with someone was harder than she thought it would be.

Camilla clapped her hands with the rest of the court as they watched the jester work. She was amazed by his skill of fire breathing and found it fascinating. She sat next to Morgana who seemed equally amazed while Vivian on the other side of Morgana, was in awe. Camilla looked opposite her to see her brother smiling as well with a smiling Merlin stood behind him. That made Camilla smile more, the fact Merlin looked happy.

"But it is not enough to please just the gentlemen of the court. Now I have a spectacle for the ladies." The jester turned to the three of them and produced butterflies from thin air.

Camilla couldn't help but smile in wonder at the creatures, unaware that Merlin was watching her and found himself smiling as well.

Suddenly the man gasped as he approached the three.

"But what is this? Lady Vivian." The man put his hand behind her ear and extracted a butterfly on his fingers. "It has mistaken you for a beautiful flower."

Suddenly the butterflies were a lot less amazing. Camilla struggled against the urge to roll her eyes and for once was successful.

The jester stepped away to the applause of the room and made his way out of the court.

"He was rather good wasn't he?" Morgana turned to Camilla and said.

"Yes until the end." Camilla muttered before taking a large drink of wine to help her get through the rest of the night.

"That girl." Camilla almost screamed as she sat down at Gwen's table. "I am sorry Gwen to intrude but I really must escape the castle for a few hours before I punch the Lady Vivian."

"I understand my lady." Gwen smiled as followed her into the small house.

"Gwen please, Camilla will be fine." She sent her a smile before sighed again. "I just wish I could be in the peace talks. Instead I have to entertain the ladies who have accompanied the men. Urgh!"

"Well you have a few hours now while Morgana holds lunch." Gwen reminded her as her eyes drifted to the flowers and note on the table.

"I still wish it was more." Camilla sighed as she too noticed the items on the table. A smile crept onto her lips. "It appears someone has an admirer."

"Don't be silly." Gwen scoffed but Camilla could see the hope in her eyes. As she read the note Camilla watched as the corner of her lips turned upwards in a smile.

"Your face begs to differ." Camilla told her.

The door burst open and the two turned to see Merlin stood in the doorway.

"Merlin, can't you knock?" Gwen asked, holding the card to her chest.

"Rats." Was all Merlin said. Camilla suddenly had an idea who the note was off.

"What?" Gwen asked.

"Yes, I've seen them too." Camilla lied. She got a confused look off the two others in the room. Knowing her brother he probably got Merlin to write the note and she guessed by Merlin being here then something was up, so decided to help him out. "Big and hairy ones."

"With sharp teeth. Er...yeah," Mein nodded his head before ducking under the table. "Definitely under here."

"Are you feeling alright?" Gwen asked as she bent down.

"Me? Never better." Merlin stood back up. "You?"

"I'm having a very surprising day." Gwen smiled looking at the noted. "You know one of those occasions when you've lost all hope and then, out of the blue, something happens to restore your faith?"

"I know what you mean." Camilla subconsciously began to fiddle with her dragon necklace which didn't go unnoticed by Merlin.

"Well, that's what's happened to me today."

Camilla smiled with Gwen as Merlin made his exit.

"Good morning Merlin." Camilla smiled at him as he opened the door. She then proceeded to walk straight into Arthur's chambers.

"My Lady, Arthur is not here."

"I know." Camilla said as she looked at Merlin.

"Then-"

"I'm here to see you Merlin."

"Me?" Merlin asked as he closed the door. He turned to face her and the two stood a few steps apart.

"Yes you." Camilla smiled at him.

Inspired by Gwen's happiness yesterday Camilla had decided to take matters into her own hands.

"I wish to know why you have been acting strangely around me these past few weeks." Camilla told him. "Just after the incident with Morgause but more so since I came back from my mother's grave two weeks ago."

"Camilla I have not been-"

"Yes you have don't deny it." Camilla said, her good mood when she entered had gone, all an act Merlin saw. He could now see the worry in her eyes. "Have I done something wrong?"

"You shouldn't ask me that." Merlin told her.

"Why not?"

"Because you're the Princess of Camelot." Merlin explained. He seemed angry at her title but Camilla didn't dwell on the thought. "You shouldn't be wondering if you have done something wrong to me, which you haven't by the way. But even if you had it doesn't matter because...I'm just a servant."

"You are more than that Merlin." Camilla told him.

A knock at the door broke the moment as Merlin went to answer it. He was surprised to find Lady Vivian on the other side.

"I wish to see Arthur. Your master. My Lord."

"Your what?" Merlin asked the girl.

"My heart's delight." Vivian swooned as she entered the room, barely giving Camilla a glance as she flopped onto Arthur's bed.

"Vivian what are you doing here?" Camilla asked as she made her way over to the bed and watched as she emerged herself in the sheets, even sniffing Arthur's pillow. Camilla squinted her face in confusion as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Looking for Arthur, my beloved." She replied.

"Your what?" Camilla asked, suddenly angry.

"He's not here, which is a very good thing, I believe!" Merlin interrupted as he came to stand by Camilla's side.

"Then I shall wait." She said sinking back onto the bed.

"I don't think that's a good idea. You...You're not even dressed." Camilla saw Merlin blush and Camilla felt a pang of jealousy.

"Lady Vivian I think it best you leave now." Camilla warned her.

"I want my love. I need my love. I want to see him now." Once again she sniffed Arthur's pillow.

"That is so-" Camilla began but heard the sound of oncoming shouts.

Olaf!

"He's in my chambers." Camilla burst.

"He is?" Both Merlin and Vivian asked at the same time.

"Yes and I said I would get you for him." Camilla made up on the spot imploring Merlin with her eyes to go along with it.

"Yes he did." Merlin nodded his head.

"I am to take you to him." Camilla explained, her eyes constantly darting around. "He chose my chambers as to not arouse suspicion."

She could hear the shouts getting louder and decided to drag Vivian by the hand.

"Better not keep him waiting." She pulled Vivian down the servant's entrance, catching a grateful look off Merlin as she left.

Camilla led the babbling Vivian all the way back to her chambers.

"Where have taken me?" She said as they stepped into the room. "Arthur is not here."

"No he's not." Camilla picked up a vase then smashed it over Vivian's head.

She caught the collapsing girl and placed her back on her bed, under the covers. She quickly picked up the smashed pieces and left through the servant's entrance, just in time before Olaf's men knocked on the door.

"Where is he?" Uther hissed at her.

"I have no idea." Camilla hissed back.

"Is there a problem Uther?" Alined asked.

"No, not at all. Arthur's just running a little late, that's all." Uther gave him a fake smile.

"As is the Lady Vivian." Alined commented catching Olaf's eye.

"She was deciding on what best to wear as she looked beautiful in all." Camilla smiled, hoping to calm the now suspicious Olaf. "I shall go check on her."

Camilla quickly left the room and navigated her way to Vivian's chambers. She found Merlin also about to go down the same corridor.

"Please tell me Arthur is not going to be in there." Camilla said. Merlin just kept walking to the door. "What is going on Merlin?"

"I can't explain right now-"

The two opened the door to see Arthur kissing Vivian. Camilla felt like she was about to be sick.

"I'll go see if I can delay Olaf." Camilla said turning away. "Just get the two away from each other."

She left Merlin alone but it didn't take her long to reach Olaf who was making his way to Vivian's chambers.

"My lord-" Camilla began but was pushed to the side by Olaf.

"Not now Princess. I need to see Vivian." Olaf told her.

Her father looked at her and she shook her head at him, telling him it was a bad idea but neither of them could stop the King.

Both hurried after the group and into the guest chambers.

Camilla could only watch as Arthur was challenged and the fool he was, accepted it.

"So do you remember a few weeks ago we had this talk about what it felt like when one of us takes a challenge to the death?" Camilla asked as she walked into Arthur's chambers as Merlin finished preparing him. "And the worry and stress on the other? Because I do. I thought it would take a little longer for you to accept one after that."

"But this is for a worthy cause Camilla." Arthur told his angry sister.

"A worthy—Arthur this Vivian. The least worthy cause I have ever met." Camilla was bewildered by her brother's actions. "Even you have said how she is a spoilt snob."

"How dare you insult the Lady Vivian so." Her brother's voice turned deep as he looked at Camilla. She could see in his eyes that he truly wanted to hurt her.

"What has gotten into you?" Camilla asked exasperated.

"The Lady Vivian." Arthur said, already day dreaming about her again.

"Arthur get your head in the fight." Camilla snapped. "Olaf is older but is still skilful. You'll need to be concentrating to beat him."

"Who needs concentration when I have the Lady Vivian."

"That's it, I can't listen to this anymore." Camilla sighed and made her way out of the room but not before one parting message. "Just don't die please."

Before he could respond, Camilla had already left the room.

"King Olaf has demanded recompense. And by the ancient laws of Camelot, the matter will be settled by a tourney with three stages. The weapons chosen are quarterstaff, mace, and sword. The fight will be by the Knights' Rules, and to the death." Her father announced as he stood next to her. He noticed Arthur's wandering gaze. "Are we all clear?"

Arthur nodded his head and then gong sounded.

Camilla didn't clap with the crowd when Arthur did something, she instead was more focused on watching Olaf and she hoped Arthur was too. However by his constant looks to Vivian she doubted that was the case.

After once again being distracted, Olaf took the opportunity to swipe at Arthur's chest, Camilla could tell from here that a rib was broken just by the way Arthur held himself.

The next round wasn't any better, she was surprised he had come out to fight. Once again Arthur was constantly distracted by Vivian and Camilla was getting more and more worried. Soon he would make a mistake that would cost him his life.

Arthur barely scraped through the 2nd round and Camilla feared he would not make it all the way to the end of the third.

When Arthur walked out for the third round Camilla could tell something was different. As soon as they started fighting Camilla knew Arthur was seeing sense again.

This time when Arthur glanced to the crowd he looked to the new comer of Gwen, causing Camilla to smile lightly.

Arthur was definitely back to his normal self.

Skill on both parts was illustrated to the crown but it was Arthur who won. He was ready for the kill but he paused. Camilla could already feel herself smiling, knowing what her brother was going to do next.

He dropped his sword to his side.

"This is no way to achieve peace." Arthur announced before helping Olaf to his feet.

This time Camilla did clap with the crowd as she smiled proudly at her brother.

"Why so cross Alined?" Uther asked the King after he had finished hissing at his servant currently in chains.

"Anyone would think you didn't want peace!" Arthur told him. Camilla tried to hide her smirk.

"But of course I do." The man said with so much slime it reminded Camilla of Edwin. "Peace? Love it."

"Well, you may return any time to view the treaty." Uther told him.

"You're very kind." He gave a fake smile before he spurred his horse and left the courtyard.

"Can't say I'm sad to see him go." Camilla muttered but could hear the confirming gruffs of others who agreed with her. She even thought she heard one from her father.

Vivian was dragged into sight by her father but he was steering her to the horses.

"We may return too?" She asked hopefully.

"You're always welcome." Uther finally managed to word.

"My heart will remain and I hope to join it soon." She said as she mounted her horse.

"Not too soon." Arthur grumbled as he turned from the scene. Camilla didn't follow as she stayed talking to her father.

Merlin did though and after having being threatened by Arthur once again, he turned to look back at Camilla. Arthur proceeded up the stairs but Merlin paused for a moment.

The princess was unaware of Merlin's gaze, something he was thankful for, however he was confused.

When he looked at Camilla he felt guilty as he thought of Freya but when he had to write that note to Gwen in Arthur's name, Camilla had been the one on his mind. He was perplexed at what he was feeling and he knew it wouldn't be something he could ignore nor understand quickly. Though the more he looked at her the more he thought her beautiful-

He shook his head at his thoughts, knowing both Uther and Arthur would have his head if they could read his mind. Merlin sighed before turning back up the stairs and catching up with Arthur.