A/N: Someone previously asked for ages of the girls. Here you go.

Bronwen25

Brigid23

Rhoswen21

Dierdra21

Neely19

Caitlynjust 18

Kerri8

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Arthur sat staring into the fire which flickered merrily. One hand gripped the arm of his chair and the other held a pewter tankard of ale; his third of the evening. A part of him chastised himself for kissing Bronwen McCree, but another part of him wishes he'd done so sooner. Her lips had been like a small piece of heaven, but Arthur knew that the feelings that had grown for the girl could cause all sorts of problems. Then again another part of him whispered in his ear that all of the problems could be damned if only he could kiss her again.

So now he sat pondering his situation. He certainly would not seek out a dalliance. He'd not been much for those before Guinevere, he certainly wouldn't begin with an innocent girl. Neither would he give her or her sisters to the clan that now sat outside his doors. His guests, he thought moodily. No, he hadn't liked the clan MacGregor. He also had thrown out the possibility of the women going to another clan. Arthur would not consider them leaving Camelot. It left him very little option. He wondered what she would think of his decisions. Not that it would matter, in the end of it Arthur would make his choices and they would all have to live with what he decided.

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Bronwen lay on her bed and brushed her fingertips over her still sensitive lips. He had kissed her. She had let him. And she had enjoyed every moment that his lips touched hers. Arthur was a powerful man, and she didn't mean that in the manner that he was king. No, his grip on her arms had been strong and they'd excited her even as they'd startled her. The way he'd looked upon her before he'd claimed her mouth with his own...she'd never forget it.

Never before had she felt this way. Her friendship with Galen had been just that...friendship. Something soothing and constant. Never had she thought she would feel such...well, she didn't even know the word to describe it. Passion? Desire? Something was building deep in her belly, and her mind wouldn't stop moving. It felt as if she spun in circles. He'd looked at her after the kiss, run his hand along her cheek, and then bid her goodnight. Bronwen turned onto her side and closed her eyes. It was so very easy to picture his face in front of her. Whatever did any of this mean?

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Caitlyn moved as silently as possible along the ramparts of the wall enclosing Camelot. She could look down and see the fires of the camp made by the MacGregors, and they sent a huge fear singing through her body. She wished they'd never come. They were from the Devil himself.

"What are you doing up here by yourself?" the voice came softly from behind her startling her a bit.

She turned to find Tristan standing behind her. "I…I'm nervous having them so close. I can't help but want to keep an eye on them."

"Do not worry yourself on them." He told her in that same soft tone. "Not one of those men will come near you or your sisters."

"I'm not sure you'll be able to stop them if they've put their minds to it." She told him sadly. "They've the power of the Dark Lord on their side."

Tristan cocked his head to the side. "I do not believe in the Devil." He murmured. "And I've destroyed much more evil men than those who sat among us this night."

"Nay, I do not want ye fighting them on our behalf." She told him and fear shone in her eyes. "I do not want ye hurt. I fear for ye."

Tristan smiled slightly. "I do not believe anyone has ever been afraid for me."

"Well, I am." She told him. "Yer a good man…"

"No, I can honestly say I am not." He told her. "I am not a good or kind man."

Caitlyn approached him and hesitantly touched his cheek. "Yes, ye are. Ye're a good and kind man to meh." She blushed slightly and stepped away. "I'll adjourn to me chambers then. Goodnight Sir Tristan." Without a backwards glance she hurried off and down the steps out of his sight.

Tristan watched her until she was gone and contemplated her words for quite a while before resuming his post.

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"Enter." Arthur called out at the rap on his door.

Merlin entered and stood looking at the man who sat silently in front of the fire. "What troubles you Arthur?"

"I've come to a decision Merlin." Arthur began and stood to face his former Father in law, now advisor only.

"I'm thinking this decision has something to do with one of the McCree girls?" Merlin said innocently.

"Indeed it does. I will not allow the MacGregor clan to take the girls as if they were chattel. If they desire they will stay here in Camelot. "Arthur began.

"That is good. They are special girls." Merlin approved.

"I've also come to a decision regarding your concern."

"Yes?" Merlin asked with a small smirk to his face.

"I have decided the Lady Bronwen and I are to be wed. We will marry two weeks hence when the rest of the clans are here."

"And does she know of your plans?"

"No." Arthur told the man. "I have not yet discussed this with her."

"And what if she doesn't wish for this union?"

"Unfortunately it does not matter what she wishes for. I am king and I have made this edict. I will tell her on the morrow and then it will be announced to all."