The visit of King Rodor and Princess Mithian was one that required pomp, so Arthur was in his full regalia including his crown as he stood next to his father on the steps. He had met the Princess several years previously and even then she had shown signs of beauty to come. Time hadn't lied and as she stepped out her carriage Arthur greeted her as was required.
"Uther had greeted the other King, then turning said "Arthur will show the Princess to her chambers while we go and talk."
"Arthur smiled at the Princess "It will be my pleasure" he held out his arm. The princess took it with a smile of her own.
"Thank you kind Sir." With that Arthur walked into the castle followed by the Princess's handmaiden at a discreet distance. But as an obvious chaperone. Once safely inside and away from listening ears Mithian spoke once more but in a whisper.
"Arthur, I hope I may call you that, I want you to know I realise the purpose of this visit, and that I in no way agree with arranged marriages. Of course should we both be happy that would be different. But I don't want you to feel pressured."
Arthur was surprised at the comments "Of course you may call me Arthur" he paused "I am surprised at your remarks Mithian."
"Why because I am a woman and should be reconciled to doing my duty?" she asked with a quirk of her eyebrow. "I am my father heir, not merely his daughter, I also know my father wishes me content and settled and he feels you could make me happy."
"Could I?" Arthur asked cautiously.
"Only if you too were happy. Look we both know are fathers are friends, if we don't wed they will still be friends. I also realise your father wishes to unite our kingdoms. He like many others doesn't think a woman can rule." Mithian said honesty. "I want to marry for love, that might make me foolish in your eyes, but I want you to know my thoughts so you don't feel pressured into marriage."
Arthur smiled genuinely for the first time "Thank you for your honesty, I to wish to love who I marry. My parents did as did yours as I understand. And I believe you would be fully able to rule in your own right." He looked around to make sure they couldn't be overheard. "Maybe we could talk further in the next few days I am sure we will have the opportunity."
"I am sure we will" They stopped walking in front of two large doors. "Your room Princess" Arthur kissed her hand. "I will leave you to settle in, I understand there is a banquet tonight may I come to escort you."
Mithian smiled "Of course I would be honoured. I am glad we had this chat."
"So am I" Arthur smiled back. "It has been a pleasure"
The conversation had surprised Arthur, but he was pleased the Princess had been able to be honest with him. He knew his father would be pushing hard for a wedding. He also knew Mithian was right his father did have his eye on uniting the two kingdoms. He knew one day he would have to marry, but he was young yet and hoped for the chance to fall in love, rather than be forced into a suitable alliance. As the Princess felt as he did maybe they had a chance of planning a way out that would please everyone. If not maybe they could delay for a few years giving them both the chance to find their true love yes; Arthur would never admit it but he was a closet romantic and liked to believe in the concept of soul mates. That somewhere waiting was his other half, someone he could love with all his heart and soul and who would return his feelings equally.
Later that evening as Arthur left his room to go to escort Mithian to the banquet he was intercepted by Morgana. "You don't look as glum as you did earlier" she commented "Finding the Princess to your liking?"
Arthur grinned "Not exactly, but it seems she wants to marry for love as well."
"I hope she gets her way. I will hold off then I was going to make her feel unwelcome" she smirked.
"Morgana!" Arthur was shocked
"You have helped me I was going to return the favour after all." Morgana protested. "See you at the feast then" with that she was gone.
Arthur continued his walk. He noticed his father's pleased expression as the couple entered the hall. Uther was already sat at the high table with King Rodor. It was clear he wanted his son and hopefully future bride to steal the limelight. After the couple bowed to the Kings they sat down. Both the Kings appeared in good spirits and imbibed of the wine on offer. Arthur and Mithian together with Morgana talked together and Morgana found herself liking the other Princess. It was arranged they would go out for a ride and picnic the next day. Morgana acting as the chaperone to the couple.
Merlin was sat with Gaius at the feast and watched the delegation from Nemeth with interest. He knew that although Nemeth was, to all outward purposes, against magic they did in fact ignore its use unless for harmful purposes. They had many druids living in the Kingdom who provided health care to the villages, as the King turned a blind eye. He was also pleased to see Morgana apparently getting on with the Princess. Wondering whether if ever Morgana needed to get away from Camelot Nemeth might be a refuge for her. Although he admitted he knew little of politics and whether King Rodor would feel unable to help her. Giving it more thought Merlin decided if the worst happened maybe Nemeth's druids might be a better answer. Morgana's safety was something he had spent some time puzzling over, not sure that Uther wouldn't condemn his ward if he knew the truth.
After the feast Merlin took a potion to Arthur's chambers and gave it to Morris who was waiting his master's return. "A hangover cure for the Prince, in case it's needed. If not I will collect it tomorrow." He said with a grin. "Not sure how much he was drinking or if he got George to give him watered down wine."
Morris looked at Merlin "I doubt George would do that unless ordered to. The Prince only usually does that if he is wary of the company."
"In that case he may well need it as he seemed very relaxed." Merlin smiled at the manservant. "Either way I will collect either the empty vial or a full one tomorrow, Goodnight" with that he made his way back to the physicians chambers and his own bed It had been a long night as no one was allowed to leave until the Kings did and they had enjoyed their evening.
The picnic was a huge success Morgana and Arthur got to know the Princess better and both liked her. They managed to talk privately making the knights that were sent with them keep a distance. The King had declared there no need to Merlin to go with them as they weren't going far. So had had the chance to do more work for Gaius. George who went with them to set out the picnic was sent back once he had done so, much to his disgust, he felt it his duty to pour every drink and fuss but the young royals wanted time alone. By the time the picnic was through they had a joint plan and intended to see it through. Morgana of course had an extra idea of her own but kept that quiet for now. She needed to talk to Merlin first to find out if it were possible. She wasted no time and contacted Merlin the moment she got back. But wasn't happy when he refused to go along with her idea.
Looking upset at her request he told her "They are both adults, let them tell their fathers they don't want to marry."
Morgana glared at him "You have no idea what Uther's like he never takes no for an answer"
"I know that but in the end he can't make Arthur say the words. As for King Rodor I don't think he will force his daughter." He paused "Any way what you are suggesting is wrong, using magic that way will only strengthen the cause to irradiate it. You can't just bend the rules to suit you, look what happened when the purge started."
