A/N: Hey guys, hope you like my Merlin fanfic! In this story, the main character is a young woman named Albree who is a princess from Cornwall. She becomes best friends with Merlin, falls in love with Arthur, etc etc. She can also wield magic and is particularly skilled with Healing. Also take note that in my fic, the only thing changed is that there is no Gwen/Arthur romance whatsoever.
Also, one last note! At the beginning of each chapter, you'll notice that there is a song title and artist. I put the songs that I listen to when I'm writing the chapters :) Just a little thing I do! Thanks and enjoy! - Michelle xoxoxo

- Italics = Albree's thoughts -

It was Merlin and Albree's first day in Camelot. Albree had a hard time being sent away from her beautiful home in Cornwall where she enjoyed the luxuries of being born to a wealthy family. It was hard to go from a life of luxury to Merlin's little village where none of the few inhabitants enjoyed any type of luxury and worked hard for everything they did. It was necessary, however; Albree was born with the gift of magic and was sent away by her worried mother, Trea. She didn't blame her. In these times, magic was a capital offence and anyone found guilty would not easily escape the headsman. So Trea packed up Albree's belongings and told her husband Abelard that their daughter was going to study abroad, which, in theory, she was; just not studying exactly what Abelard was told. Abelard was under the impression that Albree was going to study politics and medicine with Camelot court official and physician, Gaius, but little did Abelard know that Gaius also possessed great knowledge of old magic and was willing to teach it to Albree in order for her to control her powers properly. It was then that Merlin came into play; by some chance, Trea had heard of another young person being sent to Gaius and insisted that Albree go with him. At first, Albree fought hard against her mother's wishes to go and wished to stay in Cornwall but Trea finally convinced her daughter to leave after a heated discussion about Cornwall's king hearing rumours of magic in the nobility. Each day gave a greater chance for her discovery and Trea was not willing to risk it; so off she sent Albree with a fine horse to Merlin's tiny village and to travel with Merlin to the city of Camelot.

Much to Albree's surprise, her and Merlin immediately got along well and became close in a short amount of time. She stayed in the village for a month before they left to Camelot and by then, an imminent bond of close friendship had already been formed between her and Merlin. She was optimistic but skeptical of Camelot, especially with knowledge of King Uther's wrath. She did not desire to be in a city where the ruler was consumed with anger and intolerance, but Merlin kept her spirits high and off they went to the great city of Camelot. How ironic that her mother was sending her away from the dangers of being discovered in Cornwall to Camelot, where it was an even more dangerous place and the king was five times as harsh against those who wielded magic. Despite her uncertainties, she went with Merlin to Camelot in high spirits and positive thoughts.

After meeting with Gaius and arranging their belongings at his home (where they would be staying), Gauis encouraged them to explore the city of Camelot and acquaint themselves with their new surroundings. Merlin and Albree happily obliged and set off to explore Camelot, with their feet subconsciously dragging them towards the castle.

Albree's radiated charm and expensive clothing and jewelry drew many eyes; she watched people put their heads together and whisper excitedly about the newcomer. The commotion certainly wasn't about Merlin, who wore quite plain clothing and was nothing more than a commoner. Commoners weren't exciting, but nobles were. And she was a noble from head to toe. She was adorned in quite plain clothing herself, but she supposed that plain clothing to her was still ravishing to others. She wore a pale silver collared blouse that hung slightly loose on her and was held up with a wide belt that encircled her tiny waist; leggings clung to her tightly and knee-high velvet boots hugged her slim legs. Merlin looked quite bland in comparison to her, with his faded breeches, tattered shirt and hankerchief tied around his neck. Despite his plain clothes, Merlin radiated himself, with his big, infectious smile and bright eyes. Albree's radiance came from her eyes as well; anyone who peered into her eyes would find that she had been given one blue and one green eye, which was seen as either a gift or a curse. She, herself, liked her eyes and her uniqueness. Her long, wavy, light brown hair was tied off in a side ponytail that hung over her shoulder and reached her waist. She would have never been caught dead in such attire and appearance in Cornwall, except for in the practice yard, but she fit into the streets of Camelot better with this more casual look. Despite this, the people in the streets picked out her expensive gold earrings and pearl necklace, and knew right away that the noble daughter of Trea and Abelard Denathor had finally come to Camelot.

She would never forget that day for one reason: Arthur. As her and Merlin turned the corner, her eyes fell on a beautiful young man. It was unmistakeable that man was that of Prince Arthur, King Uther's son and heir to the throne of Camelot. She felt her head swoon and her knees go weak. Of course, she would never let this show outwardly, but she certainly felt it. The energy radiated off him in waves and she felt immediately drawn to him; he was absolutely gorgeous. And highly arrogant as well.

"Hey, c'mon, that's enough," Merlin piped up loudly. Arthur and his friends had been pushing around another young lad who definetly seemed to have "had enough." Looking thoroughly irritated, the lad scrambled from the ground and backed away. Merlin went to his side. Albree was in a state of shock at his beauty and all she could do was goggle.

"WHAT?" Arthur said loudly, looking at Merlin like at a nasty bug that needed to be squashed. His eyes briefly flickered to Albree, but right now, his honour was being defended and this was more important.

"You've had your fun my friend," Merlin replied, a slight smile on his face.

Arthur began to walk towards him. It was an arrogant, self-knowing stride, and Albree stood there in awe as he went towards Merlin. "Do I know you?" Arthur said with a sneer.

"I'm Merlin," Merlin said, extending his hand.

"So I don't know you," Arthur said, ignoring Merlin's extended hand. "But yet you call me "friend?"

"That was my mistake," Merlin said.

"Yes, I think it was," Arthur replied.

"Yeeeh… I've never had a friend that could be such an ass."

Arthur snickered as Merlin began to walk back to Albree. "Nor I one who could be so stupid," Arthur said to his retreating back, reaching for his sword hilt. Merlin turned back to him, an amused smile on his face. "Tell me, Merlin. Do you know how to walk on your knees?"

"No," Merlin replied.

"Allow me to help you," Arthur said, that arrogant grin spreading across his face.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Merlin said. Shut up shut up shut up shut up SHUT UP!

"Oh!" Arthur laughed. "Why! What are you going to do to me!" Oh, but Lord, his smile was beautiful.

"You have no idea," Merlin said, now serious.

"Be my guest!" Arthur said, still grinning, spreading his hands. "C'mon! C'mon! C'MONNNN!"

Merlin swung, but Arthur caught his arm easily and swung him around, getting him in a tight grip. Albree could only stand there and watch.

"You'll be put in jail for that," Arthur said.

"Who do you think you are, the king?" Merlin growled.

"No, I'm his son. Arthur." He retorted. Albree groaned. And that was the day Merlin got thrown in jail for attempted assault on the king's son. As they were dragging him away, Albree sprinted back to Gaius'.

"Merlin!" she yelled, bursting in the door. Gaius looked up from where he sat at the table. "Merlin! He- Tried- He-Arthur-Tried-Hit-Dungeons" was all she could manage, struggling to breathe.

"Merlin got ARRESTED?" Gaius said, jumping up. "I tell you two to specifically not get into trouble and he gets thrown in the DUNGEON his FIRST DAY?"

Albree dropped to her knees, panting for air. "He… was sticking up for this kid… And he went to… To hit Arthur…"

Gaius threw up his hands. "What am I going to do with him?" He bustled out of the door and Albree got up and ran after him.

It had been a few short weeks since Merlin and Albree had come to Camelot. After saving Arthur's life, Merlin was granted the privilege of being Arthur's manservant, and soon enough, the two young men were inseparable. The same had happened between Albree and Morgana: shortly after meeting Morgana, Albree felt a connection to her, and they bonded instantly. Before she knew it, the two of them were giggling and whispering to each other like they were young girls again, braiding each other's hair and telling each other their secrets.

One particular evening, Albree and Morgana were sitting on Morgana's bed and talking about Uther's unfairness. It was a common subject amongst them, as was Arthur and Merlin.

"He just won't see reason," Morgana said, tossing her head. "He is the most stubborn man I have ever met." Her soft fingers intertwined Albree's long, brown hair into a French braid carefully.

"He is nothing like my father," Albree replied thoughtfully, eyes closed and back rested against Morgana's chest. She loved when people played with her hair. "My father is stubborn too, but he will see reason when it is staring him in the face."

Morgana sighed. "I think he sees reason," she said, "I think he just chooses not to abide by it."

"He is blinded by hatred," Albree replied back. "I've seen it many times in the courts in Cornwall. They have their hearts in the right place but they are blinded by their anger and their quest for revenge." She sighed. "It is sad."

Morgana nodded in understanding. She opened her mouth as to speak, but closed her mouth and paused a moment. Her hands stilled momentarily on Albree's hair.

"Arthur is not like his father," Morgana said ruefully. As always at the mention of Arthur's name, Albree went still. "He is just as stubborn and hard-headed as Uther, but there's also compassion, and understanding, and empathy. He is not as stupid as his father is."

Albree remained silent, images of Arthur flashing across her closed eyes. She had only known Arthur for a few weeks but she was completely besotted by him. She didn't exactly understand why; she had seen and known men like Arthur, extremely arrogant and self-important knights, but never had she felt anything like the energy that had radiated from him. She typically could not stand men like Arthur, for she despised anyone so conceited and hot-headed, but this young man was different. There was a glow about him, and she knew that he would do great things one day. And Morgana was absolutely right: he was not like Uther. He possessed the same stubbornness and muleheadness, but his heart was in the right place and he did have the ability to see reason. It just did not show as much: he hid his good nature under this arrogant façade. Maybe that was why she was so intrigued by him: the obscurity fueled how helplessly in love she was in. If only he knew. She had only spoken to him a handful of times.

As if reading her mind, Morgana spoke up. "You're thinking of something. Or someone, should I say?" Her tone hinted at a smile.

Albree's cheeks reddened, and thank the Lord her back was facing Morgana. "Just missing home," she mumbled quickly.

Morgana threw her head back and laughed, the melody of an angel. "You cannot lie to me, Albree Denathor." She tied off the braid. "Do you want to tell me freely or would you like me to pry it from you?"

Albree's cheeks reddened more, if it was even possible, and she knew she was caught. "Morgana, it's nothing, really, I-"

"You like him."

NO! DAMNIT!… YES! SO MUCH!

"And who are you speaking of?" She tried to sound calm but her voice shook.

Morgana leaned forward to peer at her face. Busted.

"Who?" Morgana trilled, the corners of her lips twitching. "You are hilarious, Albree!" She peered another moment at Albree, who refused to give her any kind of reaction (although her red cheeks probably did enough) and finally settled back. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. But I see the way you look at him."

Albree's breath caught momentarily. Was she really that obvious?

Morgana sensed Albree's nervousness and laid a hand on her arm soothingly. "Do not worry, I would never tell anyone." She laughed. "I just notice everything."

Albree sighed and finally admitted defeat. "Thank you, Morgana," she said, forcing a smile.