Prologue

In this story, Merlynn is a noble daughter and is also the King's ward. Morgana is recognised as Uther's daughter, all be it an illegitimate one.

Lady Merlynn rode her spirited chestnut mare, Jewell, down the long and winding path, following the guards that have been sent to escort her to her destination, closely.

There was a sense of great sadness in her brilliantly blue eyes, as she had just left her childhood home of Ealdor for the last time.

Merlynn was born to Lord Balinor, King Uther's closest friend and Knight. And when he had learnt of her father's death, he insisted that he would take her in as his ward.

Uther was both a kind king, much beloved by his people, and a ruthless king. For in the last fourteen years he had hunted down and persecuted every magic user in his kingdom. And for this exact reason, Merlynn was terrified to move to Camelot.

Merlin had magic. Yet no one knew about it. She had had magic since she was born, so her parents did everything that they could to keep her magic a secret.

Now, with both parents dead, and living under Uther's roof, as his ward. It was going to be almost impossible to keep this a secret, but a secret it must be.

It has been three days since Merlynn had left Ealdor, and they were almost there. Her two escorts, Sir Olwin and Sir Frederick were making sure that she arrived at Camelot safely.

Sir Olwin, the younger of the two, with fair hair, was riding ahead, and Sir Frederick, the older one, with the well-trimmed beard, was riding behind, with Merlynn in the middle.

Suddenly Sir Olwin cried out. "Milady, look. There she is."

Trotting up beside Sir Olwin, Merlynn looked at where he was pointing and saw a giant white castle rising out of the trees. And Merlynn admitted to herself it was one of the most beautiful and terrifying things that she had ever seen.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" Muttered Sir Frederick, as he pulled up next to her.

"It is. Until today I always thought that Ealdor was the most beautiful place in the world. But I was wrong." Merlynn mumbled to herself.

Sir Olwin and Sir Frederick laughed. "Milady, you are going to find that the whole city is very different from Ealdor." Chortled Olwin. "Now let's go. It's not long to go now before we reach the city. We should be there before dusk if we keep up this pace."

And so, the three of them urged their horses forwards, riding to Camelot and, for Merlynn at least, a new life.

At long last, the three of them reached the city.

The sun was just starting to set, and the shopkeepers were packing up for the day. And the streets were beginning to empty out, as the three of them rode into the lower town, and through the middle section.

As Merlynn rode through the town she made a mental note to come and visit the market at the first available moment.

Riding through the streets people stopped and stare at the young eleven-year-old, whispering as she passed them by.

Trotting through the main gates and into the courtyard, Merlynn saw Uther standing there, along with his two children and a few of the other knights.

Pulling up in front of the King, Olwin and Frederick hopped off their horses. And then helped Merlynn down off hers.

"Lady Merlynn," cried Uther, as he stepped towards her, "I am so glad that you finally made it."

Merlynn walked over to the king and curtsied deeply. "My Lord."

"I am so sorry about your father. His death was very sudden and very unexpected."

"Indeed it was My Lord. He had passed barely a week after falling ill. I am not even sure that I have had time to process it completely, myself yet." Merlynn sniffed a slight and tried to hold back her tears. "But he always spoke of your friendship and kindness to him. And it shows. Camelot is prosperous and your people clearly love you."

Uther smiled, and Merlynn could see that it was a warm and generous smile. "Thank you Merlynn, that is kind of you to say." Uther placed a hand on Merlynn's shoulder and started to steer her towards the young Prince and Princess. "I hope that you will be happy here and that you will come to see Camelot as your home."

He stopped in front of his children and smiled. "Lady Merlynn may I introduce my son Prince Arthur," he gestured to a blonde-haired boy, a little older than Merlynn, "and my daughter Princess Morgana." He finished gesturing to a pale, raven-haired girl, about Merlynn's age.

Merlynn, knowing her place here in court, curtsied to the both of them, and they both nodded in acknowledgement.

"Your new chambers are just down the hall from mine. I will show you the way." Morgana said, quietly.

"Thank you, Milady. That is very kind of you." Merlynn stammered out. And Morgana just snorted.

"Please. None of this Milady nonsense, I am Morgana, and I can see the two of us being great friends." She insisted, as she linked her arm through Merlynn's and dragged her towards the castle. With Uther and Arthur's chuckles following them.

Morgana was very talkative, so much so that Merlynn could barely get a word in. She spoke of the balls and feasts that she would get to attend. Including the one that the King was throwing tomorrow in her honour.

Morgana them went on to speak about dresses and what she was planning on wearing for the feast. She was appalled when she found out that Merlynn had only brought a few outfits with her, and insisted on having a dress of hers fitted for me. With a shopping trip to follow at the first available opportunity.

Morgana was clearly excited to have another girl of the same age around. Because she kept talking about all.of the things that she loved to do, and how Merlynn would love to do them too.

In reality, though, all Merlynn really wanted to do was have a bath and go to bed. "Morgana." Interrupted Merlynn. "As much as I appreciate the tour, and the advice over what to do here in Camelot. I am really tired and I am in desperate need of a bath."

Morgana, thankfully, had the sense to look ashamed with herself. "Oh, my apologies Merlynn. I really should let you rest, the last week or so must have been so tiring for you."

"Thank you." Murmured Merlynn, a little breathlessly. "Now, just out of curiosity, who do I get to draw me a bath?"

"Your Ladies Maid does that. But as you are yet to receive one I will get Elena, maid, to draw you a bath." Explained Morgana.

"Thank you. You have been too kind to me." Thanked Merlynn. Morgana nodded and made to leave, so Merlynn could rest in peace when she stopped her. "Morgana?"

"Yes, Merlynn."

"I would really like to go shopping with you soon. I really do need new dresses and riding gear."

Morgana smiled. "I would like that, Merlynn. I would like that a lot." She then excused herself and left the room.

Not long later, Morgana's maid had procured a bath and Merlynn had cleansed herself of the journey, and eaten a decent meal, that was not cooked over a campfire. Merlynn was left to her in devices.

For the first time, since she was shown her room, Merlynn actually had the chance to have a look around. The room was huge, with a large wardrobe, a dressing screen, vanity, desk, table and chairs, armchairs, and a roaring fireplace. And on the far wall, there was a massive bed, far bigger than her bed in Ealdor, and that is saying something.

Merlynn didn't even need to lie on the bed to know that it was going to be the most comfortable nights sleep ever. But she wasn't tired. Well, physically she was exhausted, her body ached and her hands, thighs and bottom were all sore from the constant riding. But mentally she was wide awake, her brain going over the events that led her to here. To Camelot.

Eventually, after much crying, and pacing around, Merlynn crawled into bed. Well and truly exhausted. As she lay her head on the pillow, Merlynn thought to herself, "this really is the comfiest bed ever." And drifted off to sleep. With the knowledge that tomorrow her whole new life was going to begin.