Disclaimer: Merlin belongs to BBC, and the original idea of The Grand Game comes from Dragon Age, that belongs to BioWare. I own nothing but minor OCs and my own writing.

Warnings: Fem!Merlin; royal!Merlin. Mature content. Assault, treachery, assassination plots, language, manipulation, slavery. Age difference, dubious consente.

Pairings: casual Merlin/Arthur; Merlin/Uther; Arthur/Morgana

Summary: No one could deny Daobeth was a prosperous kingdom that thrived beyond imagination through the years. Camelot was in need of a powerful ally, but perhaps the price to be paid would be higher than he had ever thought. The Game has begun.

The Grand Game

Chapter I: The Game is On

Winter was always harsh and cruel for everyone in the five kingdoms - everyone but for those in Daobeth. Oh the stories about the "prodigious land" were always so interesting. People said the land had been blessed by the ancient gods themselves, too proud of their newly creation to let it be ruined by human hands through the centuries. Protected by the very heavens, Daobeth thrived and quickly became the most powerful kingdom to stand in Albion, with no needs of allegiances or friends or even peace treats. It was a common knowledge that no one outside the borders could even scratch the divine shield covering Daobeth, and no one dared to give it a try and risk their lifes.

Myrddin felt the urge to laugh every time she heard those stories full of nonsense.

Every noble in Daobeth knew the ugly truth behind their story, and every one of them was willing to pay the price. And why wouldn't they? Even magic itself, that had always been above the game, participated in it. The best player of all, the nobles whispered and the bards sang. The very heart of the kingdom, yet there were those who desired to see such heart stop beating.

Pure poetry, she should admit, and dangerously exciting.

"My lady, they've crossed the borders. It's assumed they'll arrive at nightfall."

Myrddin blinked, pushing herself out of her sturpor. Oh yes, the guests were coming. The entire court of Camelot would be there to appreciate their greatest event, to be used in the game either they wanted it or not. Her fingers touched the Royal Seal resting close to her hairbrush, enjoying the cool sensation against her skin. So much she had heard about the brute, tyrant King Uther and his doings throught the years, of how he slaughtered innocents and culprits alike only because they had magic.

It'd be funnier than she had expected.

"Eileen, send word to my Father. Tell him I'm very grateful for the gift, and that I shall make him proud. That'll be all."

As the maid scurried herself out of the chambers, Myrddin felt a happy sigh escaping her lips. Tonight would be a great night. She slipped the Royal Seal into her finger, finally ready to face the storm waiting just outside. But before she left, the Princess stared at the mirror for a long moment, and the white, rich mask resting over her face, covering her beautiful features, smiled back at her.

"The game, my dear," the mask said clearly. "is on."

A/N: Hello again! Thank you for taking your time to read and F&F! It means a lot to me, really! Now, I'm sorry for the very short chapter but I promise the next ones will be longer. I was just trying to expose each side's point of view and I hope I did it well. There'll be a lot of secrets around, and lots of tension and people you can't trust at all. Now, if you could leave a review it'd make me really happy!

Thank you again! See you~