Emma eyed her sister as they made their way through the path that would lead them to their new home. Once Hadley accepted Prince Henry's proposal they were quickly packed up and put on a horse to start the day long journey. Hadley had smiled as she stood next to Henry and told King Uther good bye, thanking him for his care. But Emma saw the sadness that was deeply embedded in her sisters eyes. Emma was also the only one that saw Arthur standing at his bedroom window looking down at them. He had been absent at last night's dinner and no one had seen him that morning. Uther had mentioned that he wasn't feeling well when Henry and his father asked about him. Merlin was also missing, no one seeing him either. Emma hoped he was with Arthur, but knowing Arthur he was alone. Emma turned her head to Henry who had rode next to Hadley telling her about his kingdom and the people in it. Princess Mildred had chosen to ride in the carriage that was pulling all their belongings. She didn't pay them any attention so they had paid her the same. When Henry rode ahead to speak with his father, Emma moved her horse closer to Hadley's. "It's pretty." She motioned to the wildflower filled fields there were passing.

"Yes." Hadley nodded, looking around them.

"It sounds like a nice place."

"It does."

Emma sighed at her sister's dull tone. "You were right. About Henry. He's a good man."

"He is." Hadley agreed, her eyes going to her soon to be husband. Knowing Henry was a good man was really the only thing making all this bearable. He had been so happy when she accepted his proposal, hugging her while laughing. He was agreeable when she told him she would like to wait at least a couple of weeks before the wedding. She wanted time to get to know him, his kingdom and her new life.

"I want you happy, sister." Emma whispered, blinking back tears she had held back for so long.

"I will be." Hadley glanced at her, giving her a smile. She would be happy or else. Maybe it wouldn't be the happy her parents had, but she would be happy. She would make sure of it.

Xxxxx

"Again." Arthur ordered Leo as he planted his feet and held up his sword. Leo charged him and Arthur quickly blocked and dunked, twisting to knock Leo to his feet. Arthur caught his breath as Leo got to his feet. "That's enough for today." He dismissed his knights, going over to hand Merlin his sword. He quickly took his armor off, dropping it at Merlin's feet. "Hurry up with that."

"Yes, sire." Merlin muttered, picking up everything and following Arthur inside. His to do list was growing faster than he could keep up. Arthur had been barking orders for days now which meant he was being ran ragged.

"Get me some water." Arthur ordered as they entered his room. He flopped down at his chair at the table, glaring at the clang his armor made as Merlin dropped it. "Can you do anything right?"

"Apparently not." Merlin muttered as he handed Arthur a cup of water. "Hope you choke on it." He whispered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Is there anything else you need, my lord." Merlin spun around with a smile as his face as he half bowed to the prince.

Arthur eyed him narrowly as he sipped his water. "Since you haven't done anything I requested this morning, I suggest you get to that." Arthur wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "There will be guests at dinner tonight. Make sure my best clothes are ready."

"Guests?" Merlin frowned, surprised. He hadn't heard about any guests.

"Yes. A man my father knew years ago. He was an advisor for him. He is passing through with his family. His wife and three daughters."

"Ah." Merlin nodded, going to the wardrobe to start getting things ready for the night. "Three daughters, huh?"

"Yeah." Arthur snorted. "Least they're not royalty or my father would be breathing down my neck." Arthur jumped to his feet, shrugging. "Who knows, maybe I can have a little fun."

"Fun?" Merlin arched a brow.

"Don't give me that look." Arthur snapped, heading to the door. "I'm allowed to have fun. With anyone I want."

"Yes, sire." Merlin put his back on the prince so he wouldn't see the look on his face.

Xxxxxx

"So, what do you think?" Henry smiled down at Hadley as he stood with her in the middle of the great hall. At the end were four thrones. Henry pointed to one on the end, "And that one will be yours."

Hadley's eyes fell on the throne he was pointing at. "It's…hard to believe." It was. Her life had changed so much in the last few months and here she was getting ready to go through another life changing time. They had arrived at the castle earlier that morning. She and Emma had been shown their rooms, separate but next door to each other. They had a light lunch before Henry had given her a tour of their new home. It was a beautiful place and Hadley had noticed all the smiling faces of the servants, guests and villagers. Apparently, everyone was happy with their home.

"Tonight at dinner father will announce our engagement. In the morning a dressmaker will see you."

"Oh. I have clothes." Hadley told him, her heart hiccupping at the thought of all the clothes Arthur had brought her.

"My wife can never have enough." Henry smiled at her, taking her hand. "Get whatever you want, plus a dress for the wedding. The same for Emma."

"Henry-"

"Listen." Henry stopped, giving her a smile. "You will be the future queen. Part of that was me taking care of you and your sister. This is part of it. Let me do my part."

Hadley eyed him for a moment before sighing. "Fine."

"Good girl." Henry kissed her fingers before leading them out of the room. But as he stopped outside the door of her room, his smile faltered. "I want you happy, Hadley. I can't help but feel…you aren't."

"It's not that." Hadley rushed to tell him. "I've…just had so much in my life to change so quickly, it takes me while to sort through everything." She squeezed his hand. "Give me a little time to adjust. Your home is beautiful, everyone is so nice and you…you are great." She was being truthful. But a little bit of guilt settled in her heart as she wished she could genuinely care for Henry. Maybe in time she would.

Henry stepped closer, his smile coming back. He gently cupped her face and placed his lips on hers. Hadley closed her eyes as she put her hands on his chest. His lips were soft and the kiss was sweet, but no matter how hard she tried not to, she couldn't help but compare it with the kisses Arthur had given her. Her heart wasn't racing, her belly wasn't full of nervous excitement. But…it was still nice and she was hopeful that with time she would welcome and enjoy this with Henry.

Henry stepped back smiling. "I'll walk you to your room and come by to get you before the dinner."

"Okay." Hadley agreed with a smile on her face, hoping he didn't see the disappointment in her eyes. She wanted so bad to give Henry what he needed. He deserved that from her. With a promise to see her soon, Henry left her at the door. Hadley went inside, wondering for a brief second what Emma was up too. But she moved to the large window that overlooked beautiful grassy meadows and a small pond. Laying her head on the side, she sighed.

Xxxxx

"You are so funny!"

Arthur smiled at the woman who was hanging on to his arm and on his every word. Her name was Lilly and she was the oldest of his father's friend's daughters. She was beautiful with soft brown hair and bright blue eyes. She wasn't over bearing and didn't seem too in awe of him being a prince.

"It's all true." Arthur told her. He had just finished up a story that involved him and Merlin and Merlin being terrified of a spider. "Merlin is good for amusement." His eyes met the ones of the man he was talking about and arched a brow at Merlin's narrowed eyed look. "More wine, Merlin. Make yourself useful. For once."

Merlin didn't say a word as he filled up their cup. He tried to let Arthur's arrogant and rude behavior wash over him. He should be used to it since Arthur had been acting like this for the past two days. "Anything else, sire?"

"Mmm…that's good for now. But stay close. I know how distracted you can get. You'll get lost if you stray too far." Arthur laughed alongside Lilly, noting the red, angry tint to Merlin's face. He looked away from Merlin, putting his attention on Lilly." "Do you ride?"

"I do." Lilly smiled at him.

"Great. We'll go riding in the morning." Arthur told her, leaning in closer to her. His eyes roamed over her face, a smile planted on his face. "Just the two of us."

"I'd love that." Lilly replied back quietly, a smirk moving across her face. "I'd also love a walk outside. It's warm in here."

"I agree." Arthur jumped up, helping Lilly out of her chair. He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and escorted them from the room. They were quiet as they reached the balcony overlooking the courtyard. A few people roamed the area, since night was just setting in.

"Camelot is so beautiful." Lilly sighed as she looked around at the walls of the castle.

"It is."

"It must be amazing knowing one day this will all be yours."

Arthur's brows furrowed. "I guess. I don't think too much about it right now. Not unless I have too."

Lilly walked to the edge of the balcony, looking out into the village below them. "I've always wondered what it would be like to rule."

"It's…not as easy as it seems." Arthur muttered, standing beside her. "My father…struggles at times." Arthur squeezed out, hating to give his father any regards or compliments. They haven't spoken for days and Arthur had no intentions of being the one to make the first move.

Lilly whirled around to face Arthur, a strange look on her face. Arthur tilted his head, studying her, but she quickly put a smile on her face. When she held out her hand, he took it with a raised brow. "What?"

"Show me the stables." Lilly suggested with a slow smirk.

Xxxxxxx

Hadley jerked up in bed, panting. Her eyes wildly looked around her. She was in her room. It was still dark beyond the windows. Taking a shaky breath, she kicked the covers off her sweaty body. She realized her hands were shaking as she made it to her feet. The dream was clouded and she couldn't remember anything. But something felt off. Wrong. Grabbing a wrap, she put her arms in it as she quickly made it to her sister's room. Opening the door, her shoulders sagged in relief as she saw Emma peacefully sleeping in her bed. Hadley quietly closed the door telling herself she was being silly. "It was just a dream." She whispered to herself. But she was unable to shake the uneasiness as she went back to her bed. Laying down, she stared at the ceiling until the sun broke through the window.

Xxxx

"If Henry wants to impress you by using me…I think I'm totally okay with that." Emma laughed as she rubbed the neck of her new horse that Henry had gifted her with.

Hadley rolled her eyes as she looked over her own horse. She had tried to tell Henry that she was happy with Jelly, but he insisted on giving her the beautiful, black horse. "We didn't need horses."

"Maybe not, but it's still a nice gesture." Emma eyed her sister, noting the slight blue tint under her eyes. "You okay, sister?"

"I'm fine." Hadley quickly replied, leaving the stables and hopefully Emma's questions. But she wasn't that lucky as Emma dashed after her.

"You sure? You look…tired." Emma caught up with her, frowning.

"I haven't been sleeping well." She hadn't been sleeping at all. Ever since her cloudy dream four days ago, she had barely slept a wink. Every time she closed her eyes that same feeling of dread filled her.

"Why?"

"I don't know." Hadley snapped, whirling on her sister. "Maybe because I'm in a new place. Yet again. My life has took a wild turn. Yet again. Why do you think I'm not sleeping, Emma?!"

Emma's eyes widen as she took a step back. Holding out her hands she frowned. "Okay. Calm down. I'm just concerned."

"Don't be." Hadley spat out as she stalked away and back into the castle. Once inside she instantly felt guilty at the way she spoke to Emma. She stepped back outside, but Emma was going back to the stables and she decided she would talk to her later. Hadley rubbed her head, wishing she wasn't so tired or edgy. But mostly she wished she didn't have the heavy blanket of unease on her.

"Hadley!"

Hadley stopped, turning as Henry bounded down the steps towards her. With effort, she put a smile on her face. "Henry."

"Have you been in the stables?" Henry bent to place a light kiss on her cheek.

"I have. I was just headed back to my room." Hadley informed him.

"Oh. I was hoping for a ride. Emma could come too. I…." Henry looked over Hadley's head with surprise. "What is this?"

Hadley turned, surprised to see the flag of Camelot being held by a solider on horseback. Behind him were more men. "They are from Camelot. Did you know they were coming?"

"No." Henry turned to a guard, ordering him to get his father. He offered Hadley his arm and he escorted them closer to the men. "But it must be important. There is King Uther."

Sure enough, in the middle of the men was King Uther. Hadley's heart jumped as her eyes frantically landed on each men near the king. But she did not see Arthur which was surprising since she easily spotted Merlin. The men spread out around them, opening the space for King Uther to come closer. Guards helped him down as he faced the couple, his face set in grim lines.

"Uther! What a surprise!" King Cedric boomed as he quickly joined them.

Hadley's eyes sought Merlin's and her stomach knotted at the look in them. Something was wrong. She startled to see King Uther looking at her also. She curtsied. "My lord."

"What do we owe the honor?" Henry asked, smiling.

"We're here to see Arthur." Uther simply said.

Hadley turned to meet Henry's surprised eyes. Arthur? Henry looked at Uther. "I'm confused."

"Is Arthur here?"

Hadley realized Uther was looking at her as he directed the question. She shook her head, not understanding. "No, sire. He's…not." Her eyes swung to Merlin who's shoulder's had fallen.

"You're sure?" Uther asked, almost desperately.

"I can assure you, if Arthur Pendragon were here we would know." King Cedric replied. "What's this about Uther?"

Uther ran a weary hand over his face. "He's missing. We haven't seen him in five days." Hadley gasped, drawing the king's attention again. "We…were sure this is where he would be…."

"I'm not sure why he would come here, but we will help with the search. I'll get my men together to join yours." King Cedric told him, squeezing Uther's shoulder. "What do you suspect?"

"Until a moment ago I suspected he was here." Uther's eyes bounced off of Hadley again. "Now…I'm not so sure."

"Come, come. Let's make plans."

As soon as the two kings made their way inside the castle, Hadley rushed to Merlin. "What happened?"

"I don't know." Merlin noted Henry coming up behind Hadley. "The last anyone saw of him was at a dinner five nights ago with an old friend of the king. Arthur and…." Merlin trailed off.

"What?" Hadley insisted.

"Arthur and one of the daughters of the man went out for a walk." Merlin saw the slight flash in Hadley's eyes and felt bad. "Lady Lilly was found in her room, saying Arthur had escorted her back to her room and that was the last she saw of him."

"Was she lying?" Hadley quickly questioned.

"Why would she lie?" Henry cut in with a short laugh.

"I'm not saying she did, just…" Hadley trailed off, wringing her hands as she tried to explain what she meant. "He's a very sought after…prince…is all."

"I don't know." Merlin added, his gaze locked on Hadley's. "I wasn't there when they questioned her."

"He wouldn't just go off, Merlin." Hadley mumbled, her eyes full of worry.

"I know." Merlin softly replied. "I'm worried. I thought he would be here."

"Why?" Henry asked, frowning. "He's never visited here before. Why would this be where he came?"

Hadley held Merlin's gaze a moment longer before turning to Henry. "We were friends. I guess Uther was hoping this is where he would be."

"You were that close of friends?" Henry slowly asked, his eyes searching her face.

Hadley opened her mouth, not sure how to reply. But she was saved when a guard came for Henry, stating his father wanted him. Henry gave them a quick goodbye before going inside.

"Something has happened, Merlin." Hadley took Merlin by the arm, directing him to a side door.

"I know, but I can't find out what. I've tried." Hadley led them inside and down the hallway. He followed her into what he guessed was her room.

"Five nights ago, I had a dream. I can't remember a thing about it. But…I knew something was wrong." Hadley flew around her room to her closet. "I haven't been able to sleep since and I can't…shake this feeling.

"Makes sense as connected as you and Arthur are." Merlin replied softly , watching as Hadley threw clothes over her shoulder.

"Apparently, we aren't that connected if he's going off with strange women." Hadley couldn't help but snap as her hands landed on what she wanted.

"It wasn't like that." Merlin felt the need to tell her. "He was trying to…forget."

Hadley turned, her wooden bowl held tight against her chest as she met Merlin's sad eyes. "He has…every right."

"Doesn't mean he wants too. He…misses you. A lot."

"It doesn't matter." Hadley waved his words away since they caused her stomach to hurt. Placing the bowl on the table she went to the water pitcher to fill it up.

"What are you going to do?" Merlin asked, eyeing her and the bowl.

"We're going to see where he's at. See that he's okay. Hopefully." Hadley took a deep breath as she placed her hands over the water. It didn't take much for her to picture Arthur in her head. He stayed there day and night. But the feeling of unease made her spine tingle as her hands started to shake. "Where are you Arthur?" She whispered as she opened her eyes to look into the water.