The days passed and Arthur was now standing by the stairs to the castle, waiting for the two families to arrive. He glanced over at Elena that kept her gaze on the gates. They had spoken briefly the past few days, but Henry was always around her so the conversations were held short.

Each carriage rolled in to the big courtyard and Uther took some steps forward.

''Words cannot describe how happy I am to welcome you to my kingdom,'' he exclaimed with open arms as the two kings walked out of their carriages. Each of them smiled before they all collided in hugs.

''This is my son, Sebastian. And my wife, Anette,'' David, king of North, began the introductions and pointed towards a handsome blond man with bright blue eyes and a well-built figure. Beside him stood a woman that was a little rounder, but with the same face features as her son.

''... William. And my wife, Charlotte,'' James, king of South, continued and pointed towards a tall man with curly brown hair, and then at the woman that stood beside him.

Arthur noticed how both Sebastian and William quickly laid eyes on Elena, but the princess herself did not pay them much attention. Once again Arthur felt how his cheeks became warm, although he knew that this was a different kind of emotion, one that he'd rather not admit to himself. They walked inside after everyone had greeted each other and started to fill the crown room.

''I'm humbled to have you all in my castle this day. A sight I will never forget. You have traveled a long way and tonight we will have a feast to properly welcome you all and honor our alliance,'' Uther began and everyone started to cheer. Some more speeches was held before people were asked to leave the room so the four kings could speak privately.

Eventually the night came and the ballroom started to fill with people that now had dressed up. As Arthur had predicted, every kingdom divided themselves into groups. He noticed that the four kings had taken their seats at the royal table that was placed by the wall, and the two queens sat at the table right next to them.

''So, this is how the mighty Arthur Pendragon looks like,'' a voice was heard say and Arthur turned to see Sebastian. His father had told him a lot about the Northern family, and how arrogant and narcissistic they were.

''I hope I didn't disappoint your image,'' Arthur replied and forced a smile across his face. He had already started disliking his fellow prince.

''Mhm. Well, you really must visit the North soon, I believe our castle is bigger than yours,'' Sebastian continued and started to look around the room.

"I sure must... now, if you'll excuse me," Arthur replied and walked away from Sebastian to avoid the risk of hitting him if he continued the conversation. He spotted his knights and walked over to them.

''Arrogant pig,'' Arthur muttered, causing Lancelot and Mordred to laugh.

''This feast is... interesting,'' Gwaine said and everyone nodded in agreement. Arthur looked around the room and nothing had changed. Every kingdom was still standing in heaps at each corner of the room, whispering and glancing at one another in dissatisfaction. He looked over at his father that seemed uneased by the empty dance floor and the tensed energy that laid across the room.

''Lord, have mercy,'' Lancelot's voice made Arthur turn towards his current companions and he followed their gazes. His heart started to beat faster and his cheeks became warm when he saw Elena, she had just appeared by the threshold. She had a black dress on, and the upper part of the dress had a detailed pattern sewn with golden wire up to her neck. Arthur admired her as she walked across the room with Henry by her side. Some people also turned to look at her and he could not blame them, she was worth a moment of appreciation. She walked up to her father and he greeted her together with the other kings.

Sometime during the evening Arthur found himself talking to Morgana about his hunt the other day, but when the lady didn't seem to want to continue the conversation he decided to look for Lancelot. Walking over to Lancelot, he noticed that Elena was standing by herself and with hesitation he dared walking up to her.

''How are you liking the feast?'' Arthur asked as he cleared his throat to shake away any sign of nervousness. He noticed how people already started to look at them.

''Well, it's a little awkward, perhaps we should suggest more refreshments next time,'' she said smiling, causing him to laugh. She was about to continue when she noticed the whispering and the glaring too. She made sure that her smile remained on her face to not show any reaction, but Arthur noticed her anxious eyes. She wiped her palms down her dress and cleared her throat a little nervously. Arthur observed her for a while and gather his courage.

''Would it be possible for me to get one evening of your time?'' he breathed out and placed his hand in front of her. She turned surprised towards him, not expecting that gesture.

''Arthur, people are staring,'' she whispered uncomfortable with a frown across her face and looked over at her father. He was already looking at them and she noticed how Uther also had started to turn in his seat. She turned her head back towards Arthur and met his eyes, he stood calmly and stable on his spot. With hesitation, she placed her hand in his and everyone in the room were now staring at them as they started to dance.

''It's a beautiful dress,'' he said in an attempt to try to distract her from all the glances and she looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.

''Thank you,'' she managed to reply and was about to ask him if they should stop when suddenly people started to move around the room and one after one joined them on the dance floor. The music started to play louder and chatter and laughter began to fill the room.

''Would you look at that,'' Anette said a little stunned and Charlotte was quick to join her in a more aggressive tone.

''Rather disgraceful,'' she said harshly. Uther rose from his seat by those words, making a gesture that he would deal with the situation that his son had caused when Anthony grabbed his arm to stop him.

''Now now, let's all calm down. I think it's rather ingenious that our children manage to bring our kingdoms together by showing alignment in this way,'' he said and smiled.

''Agreed,'' James joined him and by the two kings confirmation, Uther returned insecurely to his seat. Charlotte and David exchanged gazes but said nothing, remining displeased.

The clock struck midnight and everyone started to leave the ballroom. Arthur bowed in front of Elena to thank her for the dance, the conversations and the whole evening.

''You surprise me, Arthur,'' she said and tilted her head slightly to the side. He looked at her and felt the warmth once again fill his body.

''I hope to spend more evenings with you,'' he dared to reply and the two just looked at one other.

''Elena, time to go,'' Henry walked up to them and interrupted the moment. She turned to look at him and just like that she was reminded of reality.

''Of course,'' she said and looked at Arthur before they turned and walked away. Arthur looked after them with a forlorn look.

Arthur was now walking towards his chambers as he replied the evening with Elena on his retina. He walked into his room and stopped when he saw his father sitting on a chair, looking into the fireplace with a glass of wine in his hand.

''Father?'' he frowned and watched as he took a sip from his cup.

''I expect that your intentions were good, and I'm quite thankful that you managed to turn the evening around,'' Uther begun.

''But to propose a dance with the princess of the South – have you lost your mind?!'' Uther raised his voice, now turning towards his son.

''But father-'' Arthur tried but was not given the chance to object.

''I once was young too, Arthur. I understand the desire of... temptation,'' Uther continued.

''But let me make myself clear, you pull one move like that again and I assure you that it will have severe consequences,'' Uther hissed.

''But father, I-'' Arthur tried again but in vain.

''Am I making myself clear!'' Uther yelled and Arthur looked him in the eyes before swallowing his pride.

''Yes, father,'' he said with clenched teeth.