Arthur
I wish Leon or Percival was here. I would almost go as far as to wish for Gwaine to be there. At least he would make things more interesting, well unless he started to go one about one of his adventure stories, which always involves a tavern. I've heard them all a thousand times. Okay, maybe I'm lucky that he is with the others. Father wants this to be a special celebration with only the finest of the nobility invited which leaves my knights out. They're probably at the tavern. I've heard people, especially members of the Counsel and other knights, refer to them as the "peasant knights."
No matter what people say they are the best of the knights. The truth is that only Percival is not a noble not that it matters. A knight should be judged by his character and skill, not his family name. ' Everyone knows that Leon is a noble, but since he befriended Percival and Gwaine, some consider him 'tainted by association. Percival came to Camelot after his village was destroyed over three years ago. He came to my attention when he saved a young woman and her son from bandits. Gwaine came to Camelot a few months after Percival. He saved my life when an assassin disguised as a knight and tried to kill me during a torment. Apparently, Gwaine had overheard the assassin's plan when he was discussing it with his partner at the tavern. He is a noble, but only the four of us know about that.
It took a while for me to talk the king into knighting them. It was only after they helped defeat a group of wyverns and help capture the sorcerer who had sent them to attack Camelot that they were knighted. Father wasn't happy about it, and still isn't, but he finally gave in.
Even though I'm in charge of all the knights and have their loyalty Leon, Percival and yes even Gwaine are different in another aspect. I know without a doubt that if they had to decide between their loyalty to the king or to me they would choose me. They see me not only as the prince, but also as Arthur.
"Are you looking forward to the ball Arthur?" I turn my attention towards the speaker. Morgana is looking at me waiting for my answer.
"It should prove to be a lavish affair." No, I'm not looking forward to being dressed in ridiculous clothes, wearing a mask, while trying to pick someone I can at least tolerate for a queen.
"It will be that certainly and I'm sure it will be delightful." Morgana declares
"I'm sure it shall" for some people anyway.
"I hope I get to dance with you. Do you remember us taking lessons together as children?"
"I remember." I was forced to take those lessons. I would have much preferred to have been training. I still would rather spend my time training with the knights then dance.
Father raises his right hand and everyone falls silent.
"We have enjoyed twenty-one years of peace and prosperity since magic has been outlawed."
I cannot help but think about all the executions I have seen over the years. Every time I see an execution I cannot help but think about my first friend and wonder if he is still alive.
"It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora." I sit next to my father on my throne and turn my attention to Lady Helen. She starts to sing in a strange but beautiful language. My eyes start to close against my will. I try to fight against the exhaustion, but I cannot. All of a sudden I find myself waking up.
The whole room is covered in webs. On the floor are the chandelier and the old woman, whose son was executed the other day, dressed as Lady Helen. Unexpectedly, she flings her dagger at me. I try to move but know that I cannot move out of the route of the dagger quick enough. I feel someone tackle me to the floor.
The dagger is now rooted into the chair where I was just a second ago. The sorceress gasped and falls over dead. I finally notice who is standing beside me. It's the gangly boy from earlier. I cannot believe it.
"A debt must be repaid." My father suddenly states.
"It's not nec.." The boy begins to say.
"That will not be necessary your highness. Merlin has done nothing short of what is expected of him?" Ambrose interrupts, looking at the boy, as if daring him to disagree.
Wait, that's the name that Morgana called her servant when they first arrived. The name that sounded so familiar. I look over the boy again but pay more attention this time. Everything about him screams out that I know him. From the ridicules handkerchief tied around his neck to his deep blue eyes. I can't put my finger on it, but I know this boy somehow.
"You know him." Father asks
Ambrose attention leaves the boy and turns towards the king.
"Yes, he is one of my servants Sire."
"I insisted that you will reward Sir Ambrose for this act. What do you wish?"
I almost laugh at the look on the boy's face. He saves my life, but his master gets the reward; unfair but not surprising.
"Very well Sire. The chance to see your superior fighting style would be reward enough. Sire" Ambrose answers. Father looks pleased, but I am trying not to gag at the response.
"Very well, we shall have some sword practice together tomorrow morning and I believe a chest of gold will be appropriate." The king sounds pleased. "Also I will reward the boy."
"You don't have to." Merlin replies.
"Don't be modest this merits something quite special. You will Prince Arthur's manservant while you're here in Camelot. Father announces.
"Father" I cannot keep the horror out of my tone. By the look on Merlin's face, he feels the same way.