AN: I don't own Merlin. I am definitely grateful that the writers managed to make such a great and popular series, which I just fell in love with! I only own William! Warning: English is not my mother tongue, so it is entirely possible there are spelling or grammar mistakes in my story. Do not hesitate to point them out to me.

Summary: Lyra demands to be taught how to fight.

Lyra was sitting on her bed with her arms crossed. She was frowning. The reason for her bad mood was her brother. They had been leaving the room where Merlin usually taught them, when he announced he had to hurry or he'd be late for his practice. When Lyra asked if she could join him, he started laughing, and told her girls weren't allowed around the practice grounds, not even to watch. She knew that was a lie, though, because her mother could often be found there. When she called William out on his lie, he just rolled his eyes and said she would get bored watching them practice. Then Lyra shocked him for a moment by announcing that she didn't want to watch, she wanted to learn. He sputtered for a moment, before telling her she couldn't, because princesses weren't supposed to fight and she was too young anyway. He left after that. Lyra stomped her feet all the way back to her chambers.

Now, she was brooding. She knew she wasn't too young. William had had his first lesson with a sword when he was six, and she was eight already. But her father had never even talked to her about fighting. It was as if he wasn't even planning to teach her. Deciding to confront him, she went up to the King's chambers, knowing he would be there, finishing some paperwork. He only went to William's training twice a week nowadays, leaving his son in Leon's and Percival's capable hands the rest of the time.

Arriving there, she found both her parents in the room. Arthur was sitting behind his desk, as expected, and her mother was cleaning out the closet. She went to stand in front of her father. When he looked up at her with a smile, she didn't hesitate in telling him what she wanted.

"Daddy, I want to learn how to fight."

The King's eyes widened and he almost choked on air. Her demand had surprised him. Off to the side, Lyra heard her mother close the doors to the cupboard. Once Arthur regained his composure, he spoke.

"I'm sorry? Could you repeat that, love? I thought you just said you wanted to learn how to fight."

She narrowed her eyes. "That's exactly what I said."

"But… why?"

"Because you taught William when he was six, and I'm eight already. And I want to know how to defend myself." She crossed her arms in front of her and looked her father straight in the eyes.

"Sweetie, you're surrounded by guards and knights day and night, there's no need to defend yourself."

"And what if they get around them?" she persisted stubbornly.

"They can't. And besides, there have been no attempts on anyone of our family since the war. It's just not necessary."

"Daddy, I want to learn."

Arthur looked pleadingly at his wife, begging her to help him. Gwen bit her lip before speaking. "She might have a point, though, even though you're right that there have been no attacks. But she needs to know how to defend herself."

"Gwen… She's… she's a girl."

Both the women started protesting.

"Daddy!" "Arthur! I'm a girl, and I know how to fight."

He held up his hands. "Alright, that was not the right thing to say. Yes, Guinevere, I know you know how to fight, but you weren't born a princess." At the angry look she threw him, he continued "You know I'm right. And besides, I love you all the more because of it." Then he looked at Lyra. "Lyra, love, I didn't mean it like that. I didn't mean you couldn't fight because you're a girl. It's just… you're my little girl. And I just don't want to see you get hurt. Honestly? If I had any say about it, I'd lock you up in a tower, far away from anything that could even remotely hurt you. Of course, your mother disagreed with me when I proposed it."

Lyra's eyes had narrowed at first, but when Arthur talked about locking her up, they shot wide open. "You proposed what?!"

The King looked a little sheepish. "You're my only daughter. And don't worry, your mother chewed me out after that. Wouldn't let me see you for three days, until I promised I would never, ever do that."

"Daddy, you can't always protect me. And I really want to learn. Please, daddy?" She was looking at him with her blue, pleading eyes, knowing he couldn't resist her when she did that. Arthur closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

"Fine, you can train with a sword, so you can protect yourself. I'll arrange lessons with Leon and Percival."

The princess smiled widely and ran around the desk to jump in his lap and give him a big hug.

"Thank you, daddy. But…"

"Oh, no, what now?"

She turned her wide eyes on him again. "I really want you to teach me. You taught William at first. And you still train with him twice a week. Please?"

He groaned. "Fine, fine. We'll start next week, okay. And, we may as well start Corin's training. The two of you can train together, at least that way, we'll have someone of your height."

"Yeey! I'll go tell him now!" She jumped from his lap and ran to the door. When she was almost outside of the room, she turned back. "I love you, daddy." And then she was off.

Arthur turned to his wife. "I love our daughter, but she's going to be the death of me."

Gwen laughed softly and stepped closer until she was standing in between his legs. "Don't be so melodramatic, Arthur. She was right, and it's only fair that you teach her."

Arthur's arms went around her waist and he buried his head against her stomach. "There's just something fundamentally wrong about swinging a sword at your daughter."

"You won't hurt her. You didn't hurt William either. I trust you, love, and obviously, Lyra trusts you too. But we'll have to work on your ability to say no to her. She has you wrapped around her little finger, dear."

AN: I hope you liked it!