A/N – Next chapter up. The chapters will probably be coming up one each day or two as most of the story is finished, but I am checking over things after the reviews, so please, they really do help me make it a better story.

Thanks to my faithful followers for the reviews. :-)

Disclaimer in Chapter 1

On we go...

Chapter 8 Uther Visits

When Arthur returned to Tayla's chambers the food had arrived and Merlin had already fetched more plates. There was comfortable conversation whilst they ate and enjoyed each others company. They were most of the way through the meal when Uther arrived.

"My dear Princess Tayla, it is a pleasure to see you again. I see that you are being well taken care of," Uther said, cheerfully.

"Yes my Lord. Thank you. I realise our arrival was most unexpected, in more ways than one, and thank you for taking us in," Tayla said smiling at Uther.

"It is an honour, my dear. How are you feeling? Has Gaius given you something for the pain?" Uther asked Tayla, concern on his face.

"He should be bringing something for us both soon. But, given the pain I was in earlier, I almost feel in a state of bliss," Tayla replied. "I am most grateful for Gaius' abilities."

Uther smiled and nodded, accepting her compliment of his physician.

"I have read your father's letter regarding the circumstances surrounding your visit. Surely one of these princes is suitable for you to marry and avoid all of this." Arthur noted Tristan's tension and recalled what he had said earlier. Apparently his father wanted to hear Tayla's reasons from her. Arthur was curious about the rest of the story as well.

"Tell me King Uther, if you had the gift of a daughter, which of the following princes would you choose. Bear in mind that neither are capable of wielding a sword in any way so as to defend themselves let alone anyone else. The first is, admittedly handsome. All the lady's find him so, as does he them. He flirts shamelessly with everything that wears a dress, and everything that does not when he is drunk. The rumours do suggest that it goes well past flirting though I have no proof of that. Or the alternative. The one who is willing to assault a Princess when she refuses to kiss him, even though he has absolutely no claim to her, and it is the first time she has met him. I can not begin to imagine what that particular prince would be like if he was drunk," she finished, looking at Uther expectantly. Uther's face was shocked and before he could respond, Arthur did.

"What!" asked Arthur, his hand clenched around his goblet. "Tayla? What happened?"

She looked from Uther to him, and seeing the look in his eyes, she smiled and reassured him.

"Arthur it is alright, he did not hurt me. Though, had Tristan not been there, I believe the story would have a very different ending," Tayla replied as she smiled at Tristan.

"So you are telling us that these are the two men who are fighting over their right to marry you?" Arthur asked, horrified that this was her choice.

"Yes Arthur, I am. So, my Lord," she said, turning back to Uther. "Which one would you have your daughter marry?"

For a moment, Uther did not say anything. Then after a brief glance at Tristan he replied, "Neither sound like they are worthy of you. It appears that I am in agreement with your bodyguard. Which is most unexpected." Tayla looked at Tristan with a frown, wondering what exactly he had told Uther. Merlin looked at Gwen, both wondering what this was all about, having not had the privilege of knowing about the letter.

Turning to his son, Uther said, "The security is all arranged Arthur. Princess, " Uther turned back to her, "For the next few days at least, either Arthur or Tristan is to be with you at all times. I have posted guards on this corridor and they have orders only to allow in particular members of the household. Extra guards have been posted at the gates and all entrances to the castle. You will be safe."

"Thank you my Lord" Tayla replied.

"I will be on my way, enjoy your meal. I will check on you tomorrow," Uther said as he headed to the door.

"Goodbye my Lord." Tayla replied.

Uther left the occupants of the room in stunned silence.

Tayla looked at Arthur, "Is all that security really necessary Arthur? It seems a bit excessive."

"Yes it does, " Arthur said thoughtfully. "Tristan, would you agree?"

"Yes my Lord, it does seem excessive. Though I am pleased that King Uther is taking the threats seriously," Tristan responded.

Arthur looked back at Tayla, a look passing between the two of them. There was something odd going on with the King. Arthur had noted a definite change in Uther's expression during the story from Tayla about the two princes, one that bordered on murderous. His father usually saved that look for things referencing magic.

As Tayla yawned, there was a knock on the door. It was Gaius, bringing the pain relief for both her and Tristan.

"At least this one tastes reasonable. Thank you Gaius," Tayla said after she had taken the draught. She looked over at Tristan who was taking his and said, "Tristan, you should try and get some sleep. Neither of us have had much in the last few days."

"Yes my Lady," Tristan replied. He turned to make his way into the adjoining chambers when Merlin spoke up.

"My Lord, there is a change of clothes for you in there. We are preparing both you and the Princess a slightly more extensive wardrobe for you stay. It should be ready tomorrow."

"Thank you very much Merlin. Sleep well my Lady," Tristan said, with one last look at Tayla as he left the room.

Morgana and Gwen were next to leave, Morgana promising to come back and keep her company often.

That left Tayla, Arthur and Merlin in the room.

"Umm, well. I think I will be off. I am sure Gaius has plenty for me to do. Sleep well Princess," said Merlin.

"Thank you Merlin. For the flowers, the food, everything." Tayla smiled at him and Arthur noted another blush on Merlin's cheeks.

"My pleasure," Merlin said as he nodded to Arthur and left them alone.

Arthur walked over to the bed and sat down gently beside her.

"I think you have a new admirer," Arthur said to her with a smile.

"What?" Tayla looked at the door and back.

"No," she said, shaking her head, eyes wide. Why would Merlin have crush on her?

"Yes," said Arthur, "Didn't you see him blush? And he went to so much trouble. He never brings me flowers like this."

Tayla smiled at him. "Then perhaps you should be nicer to him."

"Perhaps. You should rest. I will be here if you need me," Arthur said, leaning over and kissing her on the forehead.

"Thank you Arthur," Tayla said as she closed her eyes. Arthur moved off the bed and walked around the room looking at all the flowers. Yes, he was almost positive that Merlin had the beginnings of a crush on the Princess. That should make for some interesting moments with Merlin, when Tayla wasn't around anyway.

A sound reached Arthur's ears and he turned to look at Tayla. She had her face tilted away so he couldn't see it but he was sure that she was crying. He heard the sound again and moved over to her.

"Tayla?" Arthur said, coming around the side of the bed that allowed him to see her face.

"I'm sorry. These past few days have been a bit much and this is the first time I have really stopped and realised ..." Tayla couldn't finished and the tears flowing freely down her face now.

Arthur slipped onto the bed and pulled her gently into his arms, cautious of her injury. "You are safe now, I promise."

Tayla settled comfortably in his arms and whispered, "Thank you."

"Anytime," Arthur whispered back into her hair. Arthur felt her relax and as her breathing settled into a predictable gentle rhythm he knew she was finally asleep. It didn't take long for him to follow.

A/N - so what do you think?