CHAPTER ONE

My heart pounds in my chest as I crouch, hidden by the curly, thick roots of a massive tree. I cover my mouth to keep my breathing quiet as sharp nerves fight in the pit of my stomach, and I wait.

What are you about to do, Dee? The question whispers in my mind. Deirdre, can you really pull this off? Can you really gain the love of your father?

Is it worth the cost?

The party I'm waiting for saves me from my thoughts and I just focus- I focus on the small group of nine men travelling my way. Individually I think of them. I see the man with the pale skin, the one with the bright red hair, the one with the huge nose, the king riding in the middle dressed in bright, royal robes... I think of them all seperately in my mind and I cause them all to sleep. It's quiet again and I jump into action before other thoughts pour in my mind. I paint a different life and I send it to them.

I send the memories of my childhood, starting when I was born. When my hair wasn't so thick and was barely fuzz on my head. How the freckles on my face started to grow in when I was four. How my parents loved me and I was favored among my seven older brothers. How the guards saw me grow into the young women I was today, ready to be married off, and it was normal. It was normal that when I broke the sleeping spell, I was riding next to their King and he was my father.

I enjoyed writing that story a little too much, and now that part is over my eyes burn a little bit from forced back tears, from childish wishes. A dull ache began in my head as well, but Father thought my magic powerful enough to do this, so it must.

When their eyes opened, there was a small moment of confusion, but with each blink, it cleared. The King turned to me, "Deirdre?"

"Yes, Father?" I asked, with a small smile. There was no one enchant me, I suddenly thought, I was all on my own to keep my facade up.

He shook his head. "Nothing," he looked up just then, and exclaimed, "Look, my dear!" I followed his gaze to find the castle of Camelot. The pit hardened in my stomach. I couldn't fail at this.

We met them right at the steps of the castle. The pleasantries were exchanged quickly but the confusion King Uther and the Prince felt over my appearance couldn't stay off their face.

"I can't believe I missed you had a daughter, Cyrus!" Uther exclaimed with an embarrassed laugh. He shot Arthur a look, but the Prince was watching me. I blushed and looked away.

"Nearly twenty years ago to this day!" He replied, then added, "It truly has been a while, old friend."

I caught the eye of a dark-haired boy off to the side. He leaned in and spoke in the ear of an older man, who eyes squinted at me suspiciously at whatever the boy was saying. He noticed I was staring and straightened up. He glared at me with an intense look. I swallowed and bowed my head, before bringing my attention back to the Kings and Arthur.

"Well, nonetheless, you are welcomed here, Princess Deirdre," the King smiled warmly.

I curtsied. "Thank you, sire."

Uther turned back to my "father" and started talking to him about the feast that was being prepared. I stifled a yawn. The dull ache had grown and I was starting to feel weak.

"Princess, are you okay?" Arthur asked me, and I touched my head.

"Just a headache. It's been a long travel," I answered with a wistful smile.

King Cyrus turned to me. "Darling, are you all right?"

"I think I just need rest," I replied, a little faint.

"We could get Gaius to make you a potion," Uther suggested, gesturing to the man who seemed suspicious of me.

"That would be great, thank you," Cyrus said, watching me worriedly.

"He will have something just for that," Uther replied and gestured Gaius and the boy over. I swallowed again.

"Princess Deirdre, this is Gaius, the court physican, and Merlin, my manservant. Who undoubtfully will, if you were ever to need anything, be honored to be at your service," Arthur introduced them to me.

"My lady," Gaius bowed his head. Merlin nodded, his eyebrows creased together in thought.

"I will whip something up for you. I'll send Merlin over when I'm done," Gaius said kindly, and walked away. Merlin trailed after him.

"Arthur, why don't you walk the Princess to her room?" Uther suggested, strongly urging him with his eyes.

Arthur pursed his lips for a brief moment, before smiling, "Of course. This way, my lady."

I followed him up the stairs, a bit shakily. "Call me Deirdre, please."

He nodded once. "Did you find any trouble on your journey here?"

I shook my head. "No, not at all. However it was a long journey. I've never left the castle before!" I exclaimed excitedly. This was true. Albeit not exactly a castle... more like a hut deep in the woods, but the same feelings applied.

"Well, we're happy Camelot is your first journey. We are honored to have you as our guests," Arthur said, politely.

"As am I. Thank you," I replied with a smile.

Arthur lead me to a door and bid me farewell till dinner. I went in and shut the door. Covering my mouth in awe, I examined the room. It was huge with a massive bed against the wall and a small table in the middle. I went over and flopped on the bed. It was like laying on a cloud.

I stretched, momentarily distracted from my headache. This room was so beautiful. A soft knock came at my door.

"Come in!" I called, figuring it was Merlin. I was correct.

"Thank you for this, Merlin. I've never traveled before. It's taken a lot out of me," I told him, sliding off the bed.

"It's my pleasure, my lady," He replied to me, handing me my draft. Merlin eyed me intently, and I felt like he was looking into my soul.

"Oh, please. Call me Deirdre," I said quickly. Even though I technically was a princess... it still made me comfortable.

"It's mixed with bay leaves for the headache, some chamomile to relax you after the journey, and a lightly sprinkled with cherry juice to help you rest," Merlin informed me, ignoring what I just said.

"Thank you," I repeated, rather lamely. Why was he treating me this way? He couldn't possibly know who I am... could he? I took a sip of it and made a face.

"Yeah, I should have reminded you of the taste," He suddenly laughed lightly.

I choked it down, coughing all the way. I pressed a finger to my lips to keep it down, but it didn't take but a moment for the medicine to kick in. I suddenly felt warm and dozy. Merlin let me back to the bed and gently laid me down.0

Then he smiled, "Rest well."

well that potion sounds quite dreadful and I truthfully have no idea about herbs and whatnot, but I googled best herbs for a headache, and those came up. just kinda like ignore that whole thing ew

anyways I hope you like the story so far! I just finished watching Merlin exactly one week ago from today... and I started the whole series exactly three weeks ago tomorrow! an aching started in my heart watching Arthur float away, and it hasn't stopped. so to cope with it, I became writing fanfiction in my mind like I do for any other story that made an impact on me. leave me some feedback and please let me know what you think!

- Anna :)