For the next couple of days Merlin and Arthur spent as much time as they could together, getting to know one another and also allowing Arthur to get used to the young dragon. Luckily Aithusa liked Freya and well as Percy and Lance and as they were for the most part the only people to see her that was all that was needed. Each day as early as they could they would take Aithusa out into the surrounding countryside. That way they avoided too many others seeing the dragon, Arthur felt it best not to antagonise his father too much.

Merlin also got to know his maternal Uncle Gaius in those first few weeks. Merlin and Gaius got on well but decided not to let anyone other than Arthur know of their relationship. This would protect Gaius as he had never told his King of his connection with Gangani. It would also help keep Uther from thinking about Merlin from a magical point of view. The King knew Gaius had once practiced magic and Merlin didn't want Uther to even have the slightest hint that he might have any powers. Instead they told everyone that Merlin shared Gaius's interest in healing herbs. After a couple of days when Arthur had to go to a council meeting Merlin received a visit from Princess Morgana.

"Merlin we haven't seen much of you I wondered if you would like to join some of the noble women this morning? They would like to get to know you better" Morgana looked at Merlin with a smile that didn't seem to reach her eyes

As Merlin looked at his sister in law. He realised he needed to get to know her better and hoped that he could lessen the hostility the Princess clearly felt. But at the same time he had no intention of being walked over. He may only be sixteen but he was used to court ways and knew he needed to exert some authority or his life would be a misery. "I will be pleased to meet the noble ladies Princess, It would indeed be nice to get to know more people now I am feeling more settled." He paused "My husband tells me I need to take my place as his spouse and thus take over the management of the castle." He smiled "Something I am sure you will be glad to get rid of. But I would welcome your help as I am sure there are differences in the ways I know and that of Camelot"

The anger was clear in Morgana's eyes this time. It was clear to Merlin that Morgana was not going to be a friend, she clearly resented her lowering of status. Covering up her anger Morgana smiled "Of course I can" Merlin realised what she really meant was 'I will make sure you make a mess of it'

"Please ask the good ladies to meet here in say in a candle mark?" Merlin smiled "I have a few things to do but meeting them will mean we should be free once the council meeting is over." Again by making them come to his rooms he was exerting his authority.

Morgana left and Merlin turned to Freya "Can we make sure my room is ready for this meeting? I think perhaps Aithusa should stay in here in Arthur's rooms." Merlin smiled "I think this will be interesting"

Freya looked at Merlin "Emrys I don't think she likes you, please take care"

"Don't worry I will, I have an advantage I have no hatred clouding my judgement. If you arrange some refreshments I will sort out my rooms next door and let Percy and Lancelot know I will be having guests" Merlin squeezed Freya's arm "Don't worry Freya I will be fine"

By the time the noble ladies started to arrive Merlin had his rooms set out as he wished. He had tapestries that he had brought with him hung. And enough chairs placed so that he was the centre. But putting one next to him for Morgana. Freya had got the cook to supply small delicate cakes and some light wine. Percy and Lancelot were positioned outside the door, in the colours and armour of Gangani. Merlin had changed into one of his better sets of clothes with the high neck that hid his Adams apple, but did without the wimple, blessing the family trait of good hair and the style that meant even the men had longer hair than was common in Camelot. His black hair was shoulder length and although slightly unmanageable Freya had tamed it enough to look tidy.

Morgana arrived first and did introduced Merlin to each of the ladies, most of whom were at least twice his age. Morgana managed to point out Merlin's young age and inexperience on a regular basis. They all seemed impressed by the tapestries, Merlin hoped that by showing such beautiful works it would help dispel the idea that his people were savages. Once they were all sat Merlin smiled at each of them

"Thank you for coming here and I want you to know I am always here for any of you, I may be young but I have been preparing for this role all my life. I realise I have your courts ways to learn but I will do my best to adapt quickly. The first thing I will say is that I would rather you not use the tile 'my lady' rather when we are like this, Merlin is acceptable, but in public I prefer either Emrys or the Pure One."

Seeing the looks the latter attracted Merlin added "The Pure One' does not refer to virginity but to the fact I do not bare malice or ill thought. It might be better to use Emrys"

"Surely Princess is more acceptable as it is a title that is used in Camelot after all" Lady Jefferies commented "Emrys does not belong to our culture"

"I make suggestions not demands, it is a title my husband the Crown Prince uses when introducing me, and I assumed his preference was enough." Merlin smiled. He then went on to ask questions about the customs of Camelot "My parents did ensure I understood as many as practical but until one lives in a culture one cannot appreciate it. The Princess Morgana has of course been most helpful"

The conversation continued but Merlin was even surer that these ladies had been selected to give him the hardest time and to lower his self-confidence. After a time Morgana decided once more to try to change Merlin's dress. Then she went to the door and asked her maid servant Gwen to come in. "We thought as we are all together it might be nice for you to try on some more fashionable dress's I'm sure my brother will appreciate it. After all you are so hidden away."

This caused a murmur of agreement among the other ladies. It was clear they agreed with the Princess. One even commented "You must agree surely your highness that your garments are far to covering."

The other woman clearly liked the idea. "My maidservant will help you." Morgana smirked feeling she had Merlin at a disadvantage.

Merlin looked at each in turn. "No she will not. I have told you before Princess Morgana I prefer my style of garment. And if you were to try it I'm sure you would. I am comfortable and do not expose my flesh to men other than my husband the Crown Prince. Many of your dresses look uncomfortable and impractical, and gain you looks from men that are not your husbands that are indecent."

Lady Jefferies spoke once more "There is no problem with men admiring, it helps keep ones husband on their feet and not complacent. After all we all enjoy a bit of flattery. Don't tell me that those knights outside your room never look at you like that"

There were several titters of agreement at that.

Merlin arched his eyebrow at Lady Jefferies "You may say that, I would not, as for keeping a husbands interest there are other ways that using other men's ogling." Merlin paused "What you ladies do is up to you and your husbands, but I will not join you in showing my flesh!" he held his head up high. And privately smiled at what they would really think if he did. "I do agree that some of the materials available to you are beautiful but the styles are not for me. I do not expect you to follow my lead. Please continue as you feel comfortable" then he paused "As to my Knights I have known them all my life and they would not be so dishonourable."

Several of the ladies looked uncomfortable, recently the styles had become more daring, including slits in the skirts that showed a flash of leg on walking. The fashions had been led by the Princess who was known to use her beauty to get her own way. Not all had been happy to follow and nor had their husbands.

Merlin smiled once more "Please let this not be a conflict between us, I have no problem with each following their own hearts and conscious. I want us to be friends I do realise I am young and will need your help in the coming months" his consolatory tone soothed some of the ladies.

By the time the meeting was winding up Merlin had several on his side. He was about to suggest the break and meet again when Arthur walked though from his chambers. Seeing the group that was with Merlin he smiled knowingly this was his sisters doing. He walked toward Merlin and kissed his cheek. "The council session has finished my love I thought we could dine together."

Merlin blushed at the use of such a private term in front of the others but Arthur wasn't finished as he had also spotted the gowns. "I like the hair showing but I hope these ladies have not been getting you into gowns they prefer. I like you just how you are, for my eyes only" he looked at Merlin with smouldering eyes.

Then Arthur looked up and smiled at his sister and the other ladies. "Thank you for visiting, but now if you don't mind I would like time with Emrys alone"

They all exited some giggling others looking put out, except for Morgana who glared at her brother "We have been trying to help Merlin and one way she will fit in better is not to stand out as much. Your comments to not help"

"As my spouse Merlin should stand out, don't try to change that please" he hugged Merlin closer "I would hate to get into jealous fights over men looking at what is mine"

Morgana turned and stormed out "Morgana!" Arthur called after her "Get someone to collect the gowns they are not needed"

As the doors shut Merlin thumped Arthur "What was that about!"

Arthur grinned "Just helping you out, I could see what Morgana was up to, she's a bitch. She carefully selected those women to make you feel uncomfortable. Anyway she has already been told about your clothing." Arthur smirked "Anyway I have given them something to gossip about."

Looking though to his room "Now tell me why is there a baby Dragon asleep on our bed?"

"Oh I am sorry, she wasn't supposed to do that, I just thought it best nor to have her in when the ladies visited." Merlin looked at Arthur with a mischievous grin "Now if your sister had got her way and had me strip off and into one of those gowns when do you think they would have all finished blushing?"

Arthur tipped back his head and laughed, then he grabbed Merlin close "I don't know perhaps one day we will let them, but not until I am King I think"

As they dined together Arthur looked uncomfortable, in the end Merlin demanded "What's the matter? Spit it out"

Arthur looked at Merlin "I am sorry I had hoped to have had longer with you but my father has insisted I go on patrol, there are a large group of bandits bothering some of the villages. I will be leaving in the morning and gone a week"

Merlin looked at Arthur "That's easy I go with you"

Arthur looked at Merlin stunned "Don't be stupid, it would be to dangerous, anyway you are a woman don't forget"

"And? For one thing I can protect myself and for another Gangani wives often go with their husbands. We are not helpless" Merlin pointed out.

"No Merlin I will not risk you, and anyway the king would not allow it. You will have plenty to do here until I get back" Arthur took Merlin's hand. "I want you safe"

"I am not a girl you know! No matter what the others think. And as I said Gangani wives follow their husbands, even on the ships. We are all taught to fight. I also have my extra powers" Merlin looked at Arthur clearly not intending to back down.

"Merlin you will stay here and that's an end to it, just make sure no one finds out about.." he lowered his voice "your magic"

"You have no need to whisper, I have placed wards on our rooms, and no one can hear what is said from inside, even if Percy and Lancelot were to let them get close enough. And I am not staying behind you can't make me" Merlin was full of determination.

"You will if I have to get Gwaine and the knights to sit on you!" Arthur told Merlin. "Don't push this Merlin"

"The prophesy says I am to protect you, how can I do that if I'm not near you?" Merlin shouted

"Like your father said DAMN THE PROPHSEY! Your safety is important and I have been looking after myself for years, not only that but I will have a cohort of knights with me!" Arthur grabbed Merlin and kissed him so he couldn't argue further. He didn't want to argue with Merlin, who already meant more than he would admit. Knowing how slippery Merlin could be Arthur already had a plan, he would ask Gaius to give Merlin a sleeping potion, by the time the younger man woke up it would be too late to follow.