A/N: Thank you for choosing my book and I hope you have fun following the story of Lily and Merlin. Btw this is the first time I'm publishing on this site so bear with me. That's all, on with the story. I do not own BBC Merlin.

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Lily's POV

"Lily, father has requested your presence at the execution, today." I heard my twin brother say from behind me. I sigh, not taking my eyes off the gathering crowd. "Arthur, you know I hate watching executions take place" I say as I finally drag my eyes from the crowd to meet my brother's bright blue eyes. "I mean Morgana doesn't have to watchfrom the front lines"

"I know, Lily but your the princess so it's expected for you to be there" he states with a finality in his voice. "Now, I'll see you there in a minute". I hear him leave and the door shut, I take one last look out of the window, then turn to join my brother and father downstairs.

"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic." My father, Uther, calls over the silent crowd. I bow my head in preparation of what's going to happen. "Let this serve as a lesson to all and pursuant to the laws of Camelot I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass."

He raises his arm and as the axe goes down I turn my head unable to watch anymore. I look to my right, surprised to see Arthur still looking at the place where a man's head used to be.

"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin." Uther says to the people as they begin to clap. I scoff and was about to leave but Arthur's arm and a woman's wail stopped me from moving any further. "There is only one evil in this land and it is not magic! It is you!"

I tune out most of her cry until something right at the end caught my attention. "An eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth; a child for a child"

I stood shocked not quite believing her words, Arthur tried to grab me but I shook him off and ran away, eager to get away from all the crowds. On my way to the stables, I bumped into a dark haired boy but I quickly said sorry and continued to the stables. Grabbing my horse,Shadow, I rode out to the forest just outside Camelot's walls. Unbeknownst to the chaos I caused by leaving.

I laid down just staring at the trees when I heard a pained squawking coming from in front of me. I quietly got up and crept over to the thorn bush, reaching out my hands brushed over some feathers before I snatched my hand back because a beak came at me. However, I lowered my hands and gently grasped the body of the bird and took it out. I placed it on my lap and examined the feathers, it had amazing blend of red, gold and brown feathers with golden eyes and a fairly large and sharp beak. As I carefully pushed feathers aside, I noticed some thorns embedded in it. I comforted the bird and started to pull thorns from the body.

After around half an hour all the thorns had come out and I was planning to set it free but before I could, the bird dug its talons into my sleeve and started to clamber onto my shoulder but was unable to as it had a broken wing. I got up and picked up the bird, only now realising that it was starting to become dark. I mounted my horse and made my way back, being careful not to jostle the bird.

"Where on EARTH have you BEEN!" Arthur shouted coming up to me and helping me down from the horse. I kept the bird hidden in my cloak but it wasn't easy due to its size. "Do you have any idea how worried me and our father has been. A witch makes a threat then you go and disappear for the entire day. Do you even understand how much danger you could have been in."

"Yes, Arthur, I know but I wasn't so drop it ok?" I say, walking through the castle halls.

"No, I won't drop it, you could have been attacked, you could be dead" he said following after me.

"Well I'm not so leave me alone. I'm 17, I can't stand being locked up, I'm the princess not a prisoner so spare me the lecture" it's not like you cared anyway. I snap, saying the last part in my head. I stormed up the stairs and into my room, I know I sound like I'm spoiled but I'm barely allowed outand when I am it's with five guards.I'm sick of it.

Don't worry he'll come around. A female voice says in my head. I stop and look around but the shake my head and run to my room. I place the eagle- like bird onto my bed and get to work wrapping a bandage firmly around the broken wing in the place it is meant to be.

Thank you. I look upwards at the bird. "Are you talking to me?"She nodded and hopped onto my shoulder. Yes, I'm forever in your service for saving me, you have a great destiny, Lily Pendragon.