Kara looked around at the small cottage she could now call home. It was small, but perfect. Of course she would still be using her room in the castle but every now and again she wanted time away from the castle to get some sleep, as it had become an issue as of late.

Gwen had helped her decorate, and Kara had to admit that girl had some style. She managed to make the place look bigger and brighten up the room. Morgana had helped her buy the furniture, though it wasn't too extravagant as Kara would not need much.

Thankfully she had also been given some time off, to heal Morgana stated from the sorcerer attack a few days previous.

She closed the door behind her and made her way down to the arena, Arthur was practising jousting and she always found the sport interesting. She found Merlin and sneaked up behind him as he watched Arthur, prepare to go against sir Leon.

'Hey' she greeted and he smiled at her before looking back not wanting to miss a moment. The horses raced at each other, when a light caught Arthur's eye, temporarily blinding him leaving him vulnerable and yet sir Leon chose to pull out rather then take the advantage.

Arthur climbed off his horse angry and stormed over to the dismounted Leon 'Why did you pull out, I was wide open? You could have unhorsed me.'

'I was fearful that I might injure you, Sire.' Leon spoke.

'You had the advantage. You can't afford to hesitate.' Arthur stated.

'I wouldn't have done if I were facing a different opponent. You are the future King, My Lord.' Leon pointed out and Kara mentally winced, it was the same as the second day she arrived at Camelot, Arthur's Knights refusing to fight the best when going up against Arthur.

'You jousted against me in the tournament last year. Are you saying you let me win?' Arthur asked,

'No, My Lord.' Leon spoke after a moment's hesitation

Arthur looked around and saw the way the Knights were looking at him 'It doesn't matter who I am! I do not expect any special treatment from you, from any of you! Is that understood?' The knight all heirs state before nodding.

Arthur glared at Leon before stalking out of the arena, Merlin quickly followed after him while Kara surprised herself by feeling something close to pity for the prince.

Kara filled up Arthur's goblet. She was on dinner duty with Merlin, not terrible but seems as if consisted a man that would kill her without a moment's hesitation if she even mentioned magic, it could of been better.

'We've received reports that a beast has been sighted roaming the forest near the northern borders.' Arthur spoke and Kara looked up at Merlin who only winked at her, causing her to be more confused.

'What's the nature of this beast?' Uther aske.d

'It is said to have the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and the...face of a bear. . . I believe it has been conjured by sorcery.' She watched as Merlin struggled not to laugh turning away.

'Then we must destroy it.'

'I'll leave for the northern borders in the morning.' Arthur said taking a sip from his goblet.

'But you'll miss the tournament' uther spoke disappointed.

'As much as I want to compete, my duty to Camelot comes first.'

'You are right, of course.' Kara rolled her eyes, realising exactly what Arthur was doing and just knew she would be roped into this somehow.

Kara sat tapping her nails against the wooden table. She was right, she was roped into it. Turns out Arthur would be staying with her until the end of the tournament. She had agreed of course only because Merlin asked though and maybe because she could sort of understand why Arthur wanted to do this.

There a knock on the door and she rose opening it and let Arthur covered in a blue cloak enter with Merlin behind him. 'My lord' she greeted Arthur through gritted teeth but he didn't seem to notice.

'Kara. It's good of you to let me stay in your home.' Arthur said and she nodded.

'Happy to help' she smiled

'Food' merlin whispered and she glared at him.

'I'll prepare some food shall I?' Arthur nodded and as soon as he turned she glared at Merlin 'I hate you' she whispered before walking over to the kitchen.

'How are the preparations coming along? Have we found someone to play our knight in the tournament?' Arthur asked looking through one of her cabinet and Kara clenched her jaw.
'Absolutely. He's a farmer from one of the outlying villages, and no one will recognise him.' Merlin said with a smile.

'But does he look the part?'

The man William is anything but a prince, with dirt covering his face, his hair long and his clothes shabby, smelling horrible. Kara has never been more thankful not to writ on a farm.

'Great' Arthur sighed sarcastically.

Merlin and Kara washed and dressed William, in order to make him look more like a Knight. It was a very long process. Merlin presented him with a seal of nobility

'From now on, you're Sir William of Daira.' William paced in front of the three as Merlin told him how to act 'Imagine you're really...arrogant. Knights like to think they're so much better than everyone else.'

'It's not arrogance. Ignore him, he's an idiot. A knight must behave with honour and nobility.' Arthur said and William straightened up with a more distinguished look on his face.

'That's...better. You must convince everyone that you were born into a noble family.'

'Polish my armour, boy.' William said to Merlin, authority thick in his voice. Kara hid her smile behind her hand as Merlin stared at the farmer.

'Now you're gettin' the hang of it.' Arthur said happily while William laughed.

'That's a good point, you do need to polish our armour.' Arthur said turning to Merlin.

'Yeah' William said again with authority before laughing.

Kara finished cooking dinner and gave it to Arthur before she began to sweep the floors. How this much dirt got into the house, she would never understand.

'It's been a long day. I think I'll turn in for the night. Is this my bed?' He said and kara' s eyes widened when he took her bed. She bit her tongue from saying anything, knowing it would not end well. Besides she did promise Merlin she would try and be civil towards the prince.

'Of course. I hope you'll be comfortable' she spoke putting the broom against the wall . She closed a curtain to the pantry and grabbed a blanket. She stared down at the sacks in the corner and sighed, it wasn't so bad after all she had slept in worse conditions when she was travelling.

'Goodnight kara' Arthur said a but awkwardly.

'Good night' she replied after a moment, trying to position her head more comfortably. She fell asleep after a while.

The next day Kara sat next to Gwen watching the tournament. She cracked her neck and Gwen look at her concerned 'are you alright?' She questioned her friend.

'Fine, just a rough night sleep' she said putting Gwen's mind at ease.

Uther stood as the Knights came out on their horses 'Knights of the realm, welcome to Camelot. You've trained for this day for many years.' Kara hid her smile as William had problems controlling his horse.

'Our bravery, strength...and your skill to the test. Today you will fight for glory and for honour. For this is the ultimate test of courage. And it will be the measure of you as men. For only the most skilful, the most fearless among you will emerge as a worthy champion.' Kara clapped along with everyone else as the tournament began.

She watched Arthur begin, he smashed his lance into the opposing Knights
Shoulder throwing him off the horse. Kara rose with Gwen clapping, a small smile on her face, though she had no idea why as the man in question caused her to sleep on a pile of sacks the previous night.

Round after round, knight would fall when Arthur was back up Kara watched as he hit the knight, causing him to fall she winced in sympathy as the knight was dragged along by the horses stirrups before she clapped.

The tournament ended and Kara wished to return the castle even if it meant doing chores. However she ended up back in her house, cooking downer for the prince.

It was quiet as Arthur ate so Kara said the first thing that popped into her mine 'many of the ladies in the court are quite entranced by William, they think him handsome'

'Typical. He wouldn't know a real knight if he whacked him round the head with his lance.' Kara couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her lips. It was quiet again before she decided to ask the obvious question.

'Why are you doing this?'

'I fear that people respect me just because of my title.'

'That can't be completely true with all people' she protested.

'Would you tell me if it were?' He asked.

'Of course' he raised an eyebrow 'maybe' she backtracked and he nodded.

'When I'm competing as William, my title doesn't matter, nobody gives me any special treatment. So when I win this tournament' she raised an eyebrow and he backtracked 'if I win this tournament, it will be because I deserve it and not because I am Prince Arthur.' It quiet for a moment as Kara takes in what he just said. For once she can actually see a real human being beneath the prince.

'I think I'll take a bath.' Arthur says standing and Kara sighed.

'That might be difficult seeing as I don't have a bathtub.' She explained.

'Really? Er...perhaps you could prepare me a bowl of hot water. I take it you have a bowl.' She clenched her jaw and he's back again.

'I think I can manage a bowl. Just walk all the way down to the well and fetch some water then, shall I?' She says and Arthur merely grunts while stretching she rolled her eyes 'typical' she muttered before closing the door, not caring if slammed.

She breathed in a deep breath, calming herself so she wouldn't walk right back in there and give him a peace of her mind. She remembered her promise to Merlin and let out a sigh before walking towards the well.

The tournament continued the next day and Kara clapped hen everyone else did, cheered when they did, not feeling up to it. After Sh returned last night she found Arthur asleep on her bed and as much as she wanted to pour the water over him she calmed herself and merely out the bowl in the table before stalking in the back and settled in for another rough night.

Sir Leon was no going up against Arthur in the semi finals. They clashed and like expected Arthur dislodged Leon, she gasped as Leon was left dangling from his horse feeling bad for the knight.

'You're not impressed by this Sir William of Daira.' Gaius questioned sitting down next to her.

'Never in a million years would I be impressed by such an arrogant prat' she spoke harshly and gaius asked no more questions. Once William came out, Kara rose out of her seat and left he arena to return home.

She continued to sweep the pantry, (honestly how could so much dirt be in such a tiny house?!) When she heard the door open.

'Kara?' She heard Arthur call

'Just minute she said, tossing the blanket behind the sack before grabbing the broom.

'Do you have a needle and threat? My shirt needs mending.' Arthur stated and as much as she tried to block it he looked behind her.

'Is this where you sleep? Where's your bed?' He asked.

'Your sleeping in it' she stated.

'Why didn't you say something?' He asked.

'How could I? You're Prince Arthur. As much as I think you can be an absolute prat I still know how to respect royalty. Besides, you didn't give me the chance. You just assumed the bed was yours.' She added.

'Well, how am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?'

'You shouldn't need to be told to think of someone other than yourself, you're not a child.' She said but her eyes widened, when she realised she had just said exactly what her father used to say to her before she left.

'Alright, Is there anything else you'd like to say to me? Please, I'd like to hear it. If there's something you want to say to me, don't let me stop you.' Arthur said and she gritted her teeth together before taking in a deep breath.

'Fien, your a pompous, rude, arrogant arse who believes he's better then everyone else. This is my home and though it might not seem like much to you it means something to me and your lucky I'm letting you stay here and yet you still act so rude. You claim titles don't matter but you expect everything to be done for you before you even have to ask for it You expect everyone to wait on you hand and foot. Nobody says anything bad about it, not just because of your title but by the way you act. Oh and honestly could it kill you to say please and thank you, instead of just expecting everything. Just because you say it doesn't make it real, especially if your actions betray you!' She finished.

'Is there anything else you'd like to add?'

'No, I think that's it.' She said and dint know whether she fell bad or not but it was the truth and he deserved to hear it.

'You're right. You have invited me into your home and I have behaved appallingly.' He said and yep she felt bad.

'I didn't mean to make you feel bad.'

'Oh, really?' He asks sarcastically and she can't help but grin 'actually I'd did

'There's no excuse. I'll make it up to you. Tonight, I will make dinner for you.' Kara looked at him, surprised as he grabs her by the shoulders and begin to push her out.

'You're going to cook me dinner?' She asks, still in a state of shock.

'I most certainly am. Now go for a walk or do whatever it is that girls do at this time of the evening...' He said and she nodded 'okay'

'and your dinner will be ready when you return.' He says before closing the door. Kara stood there for a while before she decided to just go for a walk.

She came across Merlin 'where's Arthur?' He asked.

'He's cooking me dinner.' She said and he Merlin looked surprised 'Arthur's cooking?'

She simply shrugs not knowing what to say as she continued on her walk.

Kara returns later in the evening and opens the door, seeing candles lit, two dinners on the table and Arthur standing there.

'Kara, perfect timing' he says and she looks at the table still surprised before she goes to take a seat, her eyebrows raise when Arthur pulls the chair out for her and pushes it in when she's seated 'thank you'

He take the spot across from her and Kara looked down at the play e picking up her fork. It looked pretty good but she still didn't think Arthur could cook. Hesitantly she took a bite and was pleasantly surprised.

'This is delicious, I had no idea you could cook. How did you get that extra spicy flavour in the chicken?' She asked, looking at him expectantly.

'Secret ingredient' he said with a smile and she raised her eyebrows before shrugging with a smile and ate another bite.

'So, do I have any more annoying habits you wish to tell me about?' Arthur asked and Kara bit her lip, afraid if she said something it would ruin the nice atmosphere.

'No, none'

'There is, what is it?' He persisted.

'You snore' 'I don't not!'

'Yes, you do. Very loudly, i can't understand why the guards outside your doors haven't complained more often. I thought a pig from next door got into the house on the first night'

'So now I'm a pig, thank you kara'

'I just meant you sound like a pig.' But that didn't help anything so she simply laughed 'I think I better stop talking.' She says and grabs her plate only for Arthur to stop her.

'I've got it' she nods but with a quick glance at the plate, she clenched her jaw.

'Where did you get the plates?' 'from the cupboard' Arthur said but Kara snatch one. Seeing the Royal seal she sighed.

'I knew it!' 'What?'

'You got Merlin to bring you the dinners didn't you?!' She accused and he sighed.

'Look, I can kill a chicken from a thousand paces, just don't ask me to cook it. That's what servants are for.' She glared at him 'I didn't mean it like that.'

'Really? You wouldn't say it if you didn't mean it and I don't care if I'm a servant it's better then being a liar'

'We had a nice meal together. What does it matter where it came from?' Arthur exasperates.

'You get it do you?! I thought you'd shown some humility! You'd done something kind for me even though I'm just a servant! A good king should respect his people, no matter who they are. Guess I'm just as much as a fool as you, she said, furious and went to leave when Arthur grabbed her arm, preventing her from doing so.

'Kara. I know I have much to learn. There are some things that I am terrible at - cooking being one of them. But also, knowing what to say to someone I care about.' She looked up at that and stared at him. When did his eye become so blue? She wondered but she was snapped out of the trance when Merlin opened the door.

'Arthur, there's an assassin's in Camelot. He's here to kill you.' He stated and there went the nice atmosphere.

'The assassin killed a guard. Your father said Odin sent him.' Merlin explained.

'Wait what's? Why would Odin want you dead?' Kara questioned Arthur.

'Because I killed his son. Odin's son challenged me to a fight. I had no quarrel with him. I asked him to withdraw. Perhaps he felt he had to prove himself. I can still see his face. He looked so scared.' She could see the guilt in his eyes, a sight she had seen in herself a few too many times.

'You shouldn't blame yourself , it won't change anything but make you feel worse' she said and Merlin nodded. .

'Look no one but us knows where you are. If the assassin can't find you, he can't kill you.'

'May I continue to stay here?' Arthur asks and Kara nods 'of course'

'Thank you. I'll sleep on the floor tonight.' He said.

'You should sleep on the bed, you have the tournament tomorrow'

'I'll not hear of it. Goodnight, Kara.'

'Goodnight.' She said back and Merlin glanced between the two of them p, easing an eyebrow at Kara but she merely sent him glare to "shut up" before she walked over to her bed, climbing in happy to have something soft to lay against.

The next morning, Kara watched as Arthur put on the blue cloak, 'One more match. The tournament will be over.'

'You can go back to being Prince Arthur.' She smiled and he nodded. She was reminded of the blue piece of fabric in her hands

'Here um I thought you might wear it you know for luck. You don't gave to if you don't want to, she backtracked, realising who stupid she was being but Arthur simply smiled and took the fabric from her hands 'thank you'.

She smiles but was caught by surpasses when another keaned forward and captured her lips with his. She kissed back, forgetting her train of thought quickly. Arthur pulled away after a few moments and Kara bit her lip realising what they had just done. As if it wasn't awkward enough already.

'I uh I better get going, Arthur said and left with a confused look on his face. Kara sat back on her bed and sighed 'what are you doing?' She thought aloud, thinking of how stupid she was being, after all nothing could ever happen between them.

Kara sat next to gaius and Gwen on the stands as both Arthur and sir alynor entered the arena one their horses. They collide and Kara gasped in shock as Arthur was hit. He doubles over on his horse, managing to stay upright.

'I'll be back' she says to Gwen and gaius before hurrying down the stands and rushed to Arthur's aid supporting him as they entered the tent.

'His lance pierced my armour.' Arthur gasped as she sat him on a bench

'You're losing too much blood.' She said as she dabbed at the wound trying to stop the bleeding.

'Do what you can. I have to be back on the course within five minutes or I forfeit the match.' Arthur says and she glances at him in shock.

'Are you crazy? You can possibly joust, your injured!' She protested,

'I have never withdrawn from a match. I do not intend to start now.' He said and she scoffed.

'If this is about your pride forget it. You have nothing to prove Arthur' she stated

'I have everything to prove. To myself.' He spoke and she sighed as he put on his helmet.

Arthur climbed on his horse 'you'll have to pass me, my lance' he said and she reluctantly grabbed it and passed it to him 'you shouldn't do this' she warned. Yet Arthur rode off into the arena.

'Kara! Where's Arthur's?' Merlin asked running up to her.

'He's about to joust' she says and Merlin panics.

'He's jousting against the assassin.' He said and kara'she eyes widened as she ran after him. The tow sorcerers make they're way through the crowd as the horses ran at each other.

'Merlin!' Kara yelled when she saw how close they were.

'Unbinde þé téage.' She heard Merlin whisper and the girth strap on the assassins horse snapped, so Arthur managed to unhorse him and kill him before riding away. Kara sighed in relief leaning back asks get the stands before she went to join the men in the tent.

'You were jousting against the assassin. He killed Sir Alynor and took his place. The people are waiting for their champion. It's time to reveal yourself.' Merlin told Arthur, who held his side. Arthur stared at all of them his gaze resting on Kara for an extra moment before he turned to William.

'You must go and collect the trophy.'

'I don't understand. I thought this was going to be your moment of glory.' Kara states.

'Perhaps this is a time for humility.' He says and she smiles proudly while William goes to accept the trophy. Exiting the tent the three grin and a lap as William celebrates the victory.

The next day, the court was gathered in the throne room, Arthur in front of them his arm in a bloodied sling.

'The assassin attacked us as we returned to Camelot. I was injured whilst killing him.' Arthur explained the story,

'Odin must be made to pay for his actions. We must strike back at him.' Uther said but Arthur disagreed.

'Surely you understand the grief he feels for the loss of his son? We should try to make peace with him. There's been enough bloodshed.' He said and uther nodded.

'Perhaps you're right. How was the rest of your trip? Fruitful?' He asked.

'Very. I learned a great deal.' He said glancing at Kara who smiled a small smile before looking away 'How was the tournament?' Arthur asked, clearing his throat.

'Excellent. We have a new champion, Sir William of Daira.' Kara bit her lip to contain her smile.

'I'm sorry I missed all the excitement.' Arthur said with a smile glancing at both Merlin and Kara, though his smile disappeared when he looked at her.

The court ended and Kara was returning to her chores, 'kara?' She turned seeing Arthur standing there.

'Yes?' She questioned.

'What happened while I was staying with you...I'm afraid my father would never understand.' He said and Kara nodded expecting as much.

'Don't worry, there's no need to explain ' she said with a false smile and he nodded 'right but I won't forget it' he says and she stares up at him slightly shocked.

'Arthur?' Uther calls and Arthur turns and walks down the hall, joining his father.

'Neither will I' Kara says quietly after the retreating prince before she turned around and walked the opposite way of Arthur.