Chapter 7: A Royal Visit

It had been several months since Essetir had received the messenger from Camelot with King Uther's proposal. Since then, there had been many messages sent back and forth between the two kingdoms. Hunith found herself… strangely uninvolved in the planning of her own wedding. Though technically most of Uther's letters were addressed to the royal family in general, specifically Hunith and her parents, as far as the details of the alliance went, that was really Hunith's parents' purview not hers. As for the wedding itself, she went along with whatever her parents or Uther suggested. She couldn't muster any enthusiasm. She was marrying a man she had never met and couldn't imagine loving, did it really matter what flowers the hall was decorated with?

Uther had written one letter addressed to Hunith personally. A love letter it had not been. It was polite, complimentary but… there was a detachment to it. Hunith had responded with the same detached politeness.

In the last message they had sent to Camelot, Hunith's parents had invited Uther to come and visit Essetir himself. Some of the negotiations and discussions were better had in person, and as Hunith's mother had said to her before they'd sent the message, it was about time that Hunith actually met her intended.

Uther had responded with a polite acceptance of the invitation, as well as an estimate of when he would arrive in Essetir.

Then this morning, while the royal family had been eating breakfast, they had received word that Uther was in Essetir and could be expected at the castle within a couple of hours. Hunith had barely had time to finish her breakfast before she was whisked away by her mother and several handmaidens, including her own, Seren, to be dressed and prepared for Uther's arrival.

While the handmaidens argued over which dress Hunith should wear, and how to do her hair, Hunith herself stared out the window. The knot in her stomach was more than nerves, it was something akin to dread. She had been engaged for close to half a year now, and yet actually meeting Uther would make it feel…. real. Until now, even with all the planning and the letters back and forth, Uther and their upcoming marriage had been a distant concept, but now he was coming to her home. She would soon be putting a face to the name.

"Hunith…. Hunith?" her mother's voice snapped Hunith out of her thoughts.

"Huh?" she blinked, "I'm sorry, Mother, I guess my mind was wondering. Did you ask me something?"

"We wanted to get your opinion on what color you'd like to wear," her mother said patiently, "Mira thought perhaps red and gold could be appropriate, as those are Camelot's colors, while Seren suggested blue to match your eyes."

"I…" Hunith couldn't concentrate on something like the color of her clothing right now, "I don't mind, whatever all of you think is best."

"Surely you must have some preference," her mother urged.

Hunith knew she wasn't being very helpful, and she tried for an apologetic smile. "Do you really think Uther will care what color dress I'm wearing?" she asked, and from the way the maids stopped and stared at her, you would have thought she had said something a little obscene.

"This will be the first time your betrothed ever lays eyes on you, my lady," Mira, Hunith's mother's personal handmaiden spoke up, a little reproachfully, Hunith thought, "You must make a memorable first impression."

Hunith frowned slightly, "Why? We're already betrothed, it's not as if I have to try to win him over."

"The first impression could set the tone of your entire marriage, my lady," Mira insisted, which seemed a bit melodramatic to Hunith, but she saw a couple of the other maids nodding in agreement.

"All they're saying is there's no harm in looking your very best, my dear," Her mother said.

Hunith nodded, forcing a smile, "Of course. I'm sure all of you will come up with something just right."

That set off another flurry of arguments among the maidservants, and grateful to have the decision taken out of her own hands, Hunith turned her attention back to the window. She knew she wouldn't spot anything through it now, Uther must still be at least an hour away, and yet her gaze was drawn to it. She barely took her eyes from it even as a dress was pulled over her head and a couple of the maids began to lace it up with expert fingers. Hunith barely took note as a necklace was fastened around her neck and bracelets around her wrists. Next up was her hair, and Hunith remained lost in thoughts as deft fingers wove intricate braids.

She was only drawn from her reverie when Seren spoke directly to her, "There. We're all done, my lady. Why don't you take a look?"

Hunith tore her gaze from the window, and turned to face her mirror. In the end, her mother and the maidservants had decided on a blue dress, accented with gold. Her necklace and the matching bracelets were all made of gold, with alternating orange and red gemstones. Orange, Seren explained with a somewhat proud smile, would further bring out Hunith's eyes, in addition to being one of the colors of her family's royal crest. Mira explained that she had thought the orange paired with the red of Camelot was a nice touch, as it represented the two families that would soon be joined together.

Hunith smiled and told her it was a lovely idea, though the knot in her stomach tightened at the thought of her family being joined to Uther's, through her. Adorning Hunith's intricately braided hairstyle was a simple golden tiara. The outfit truly did make her eyes stand out, Hunith observed as she took in her reflection.

"You look beautiful, my dear," Her mother said, smiling at her, and there were murmurs of agreement from the maids.

"King Uther may know little about fashion, but he'll certainly notice how stunning you look," Seren added.

The door opened just then and Merlin scampered in. Someone had dressed him too in his best clothes, though Hunith doubted his look had been debated over as hers had. His face was a little pink as well, as if someone had scrubbed it was tugging at his sleeves as if uncomfortable.

Still, the sight of him all dressed up made Hunith smile. "You look very nice, Merlin." As active and as clumsy as he was, it was rare to see him in clothing that wasn't rumpled or dirty or torn.

He smiled up at her, "You look really pretty, Mama."

He moved forward to give her a hug, and Hunith heard a distressed murmur from one of the maids- she was probably worried Merlin would wrinkle Hunith's dress. Hunith paid it no mind as she leaned down to hug her son.

After a moment Merlin released her and went to hug his grandmother. "You look pretty too," he told her sweetly, as if worried she would feel left out.

Hunith's mother smiled, "I don't look any different than I look every day," she told him fondly.

"You look pretty everyday," Merlin replied innocently.

Hunith's mother chuckled, "Well you are a little charmer. I really should go and get ready myself though," she added. She leaned over to give Hunith a quick kiss on the cheek, "We'll meet in the entrance hall before we go out to greet King Uther and his company." Before Hunith could do anything but nod, she had already hurried off, Mira following her out.

Hunith dismissed the rest of the maids as well. She wanted a few moments alone with her son to gather her thoughts before Uther arrived. Seren was the last to leave. Before she did so, she gave Hunith's hand a quick reassuring squeeze, "I'll be back when it's time to go, my lady."

Merlin scrambled up to sit on Hunith's bed, "Will King Uther be here soon, Mama?" His expression was unusually somber. Clearly Hunith wasn't the only one who was feeling anxious.

Hunith nodded, "Yes, he should be entering the city any time now." She walked over to sit down next to her son, careful not to wrinkle her dress. She put a hand on his arm to make sure she had his attention, and he looked up at her expectantly.

"Remember, Merlin, you can't use your magic in front of Uther, no matter what," she told him, her voice deadly serious. She wanted to impress upon him the urgency of this instruction, though she didn't want to scare him, "That's very important."

Merlin nodded. "I understand," he said quietly, "I've been doing a good job controlling it though, haven't I, Mama?" He had been working hard to prove to her it would be safe for him to go with her to Camelot.

Hunith allowed herself a small smile, "You have. But it's more important now than ever. In fact…. It's probably best you avoid using your magic at all while he's here, just in case."

Of course, no one would allow Uther to harm Merlin. Hunith hoped he wasn't foolish enough to try to attack a foreign prince in his own home but if he was, Uther and his men would be surrounded and outnumbered by Essetir's own soldiers. Still… if Merlin's magic was revealed, it would even in the best case scenario bring an end to the engagement, and in the worst case scenario, if Uther did try to take up arms in their very castle… it would mean war.

Merlin nodded. "I understand," he repeated, his voice small.

Hunith squeezed his arm and gave him a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, my love, it won't be for very long. Uther's visit will only last a few days." Of course, if Merlin came with her to Camelot, it would mean a lifetime of hiding his magic. Hunith wondered again if allowing him to go with her was the right thing to do. Was that any way for a child to grow up?

The blast of a trumpet startled her out of her thoughts. She jumped, and she saw Merlin jump too. She took a deep breath to collect herself, "That means the delegation from Camelot has arrived."

She rose from the bed and held out her hand to her son, "Come Merlin, it's time."

Hunith stood next to her mother just in front of the steps that led up into the castle. Merlin was by her side, holding tightly to her hand. On her mother's other side was her father, and next to him was her brother and his wife, Cenred between them.

The delegation from Camelot had entered the courtyard. Uther walked at the head of a small company of knights, golden dragons glinting on their bright red cloaks.

Hunith examined him as he drew closer. She knew he was several years older than she was, but not old. There was a stern, weathered look to his face though. His expression seemed…. cold, though Hunith wondered if she was only imagining it, due to everything she knew about him.

Uther halted in front of Hunith's father, who took a step forward.

"King Uther," her father's voice was formal, but also warm, "Welcome to Essetir."

"Thank you, King Esmond," while Uther's tone was polite, Hunith thought to herself that it held none of her father's warmth.

If her father noticed the same, he didn't let it phase him, "You know my wife, Queen Arianwen of course, and my son, Prince Cassian. This is his wife, the lady Aneira, and their son Prince Cenred."

He turned his gaze briefly to Hunith, nodding to indicate that she should step forward, "And this is my daughter Princess Hunith, and her son, Prince Merlin."

Hunith mentally steeled herself as she stepped forward to greet the man she would soon marry.

"It is an honor to meet you, King Uther," she gave a practiced smile, and offered him her hand. Uther took the offered hand, giving what might have passed for a polite smile of his own, though it didn't reach his eyes.

"The honor is mine, Princess Hunith," the words, practiced and formal as they were, fell flat. He bent over her hand briefly and kissed it, before letting go.

She saw his gaze move briefly downward and glanced down herself. Merlin was hiding behind her skirt, just his little head poking out as he peered up at Uther. He wasn't usually a shy child, indeed, he was anything but, but her warnings about Uther's hatred of magic seemed to have left him feeling timid.

Uther stepped back away from Hunith, his gaze returning to her father.

"Shall we all go inside?" Hunith's father suggested, "I am sure you all are weary from your journey. I will have servants take you to the rooms that have been prepared for you and bring you refreshments there. A feast is being prepared to publicly celebrate your visit tonight., as well as to announce your betrothal to Hunith."

Uther nodded, "Thank you. My men and I are grateful for your hospitality."

As the group moved into the castle, Hunith's father spoke to Uther again, "I thought perhaps you would have brought your son with you, Uther."

Uther paused, "No I… thought it would be best for Arthur to stay home this time," he said slowly, "he has his lessons to keep up with, and the negotiations would bore him."

It struck Hunith as some kind of excuse. Surely the boy could have missed lessons for a few days. Did he not want his son meeting her? Or perhaps the boy hadn't wanted to come. Who knew how he felt at the idea of his father getting married.

Though Hunith felt a bit guilty at the realization, this was the first time she had really stopped to consider Uther's son. She knew he had one of course, and that he was a few years older than Merlin, but… well to be honest, she had done her best to think about her upcoming nuptials as little as possible. Now however, she found herself wondering about what he was like. If she did take Merlin to Camelot with her, would the two get along?

"I'm sure this must all be an adjustment for him," she spoke up with a note of sympathy in her tone, "I know it will be for Merlin."

Uther turned to meet her eyes briefly, though his expression was unreadable. "Arthur will adjust," he said shortly, "As… I am sure your boy will too."

Here the group split apart, with servants hurrying up to take the guests to their rooms. Hunith was glad of the chance to stop making awkward attempts at conversation with Uther.

As she and Merlin made their way back to their quarters, his timid mood seemed to have worn off, and he was getting back to his usual chattering self.

He did remain thoughtful, however.

"So that's King Uther?" he asked, "He's the one you're going to marry?"

"That's right," Hunith answered with a nod. She looked down at her son, "What did you think about him?"

"He seems kind of grumpy," Merlin answered matter-of-factly.

Hunith couldn't help but laugh, "Yes, he does, doesn't he?"

"Grandfather said he had a son?" Merlin's eyes were bright with curiosity now, "I didn't know that. What's he like? How come he didn't come with King Uther so he could meet us?"

"I don't know what he's like," Hunith answered, "And as for why he didn't come with his father, I suppose it's like Uther said. He didn't want him to miss his lessons and thought he'd find it boring." She had her private doubts about the accuracy of that statement, but she would keep them to herself.

"How old is he?" Merlin asked curiously, "Do you know?"

"I'm not exactly sure," Hunith replied, "But I think he's a few years older than you. Younger than Cenred, though."

"What's his name again?" Merlin asked, "Arthur?"

Hunith nodded, "That's right,"

"That almost sounds like Uther," Merlin pointed out, "Do you think Arthur will want to be friends with me? Or will he be grumpy like his father?"

Hunith chuckled, "I don't know. But I hope the two of you might be friends."

Merlin nodded, then changed the subject, seemingly satisfied with those answers for now, "Can I go out and play? Will you come out with me?"

"Not today, Merlin," Hunith gave her son an apologetic smile, "Your grandmother and Seren will be very cross with me if I get my clothes all messed up before the feast.. And you shouldn't mess up your nice clothes either. Why don't you just play with your toys in here for today?"

Merlin sighed and gave her a pouty look, "But playing outside is more fun."

Hunith ran a hand through his hair, "I know it is, sweetheart, but I promise you'll have time to go out and play tomorrow. And you'll have fun at the feast tonight. Your grandfather has hired some special entertainment for King Uther's visit."

Merlin tilted his head, his pout lessening as curiosity got the better of him, "What sort of entertainment?"

Hunith smiled. "Well, you'll just have to wait and see," she teased, "But for now, we could play a game together?"

"Can we play chess?" Merlin asked. He didn't really understand the rules of the game; he just liked moving the pieces around the board. His favorites were the carved horses that represented knights.

"Of course," Hunith replied, "Why don't you get the board?"

The game of "chess" kept Merlin occupied for nearly an hour. Hunith moved her own pieces in accordance with the rules, but she allowed Merlin to move his wherever he wished, occasionally "capturing" Hunith's pieces, though rather than taking them off the board, Merlin kept putting them on his side, so he could play with the captured pieces as well.

When Hunith could tell Merlin was starting to get bored, she allowed him to "win" the game, capturing her king. After that, Merlin pushed the board away and instead lined up all the chess pieces on the floor, moving them around and making funny voices as if the pieces were talking to each other. Huntih sat back and listened, in turns amused and fascinated by the imaginative story her son wove using the pieces. She couldn't entirely follow it, but it seemed to involve a dragon, and several talking animals.

Once Merlin paused in his play to briefly hold up the black king piece and tell Hunith, "This is the grumpy king," and she had to stifle a giggle. She couldn't stifle her laughter anymore when Merlin made his "grumpy king" piece flee across the room, being chased by a white pawn that was evidently supposed to be a large bunny rabbit.

This play occupied Merlin for at least another hour, after which they put the chess pieces away and Merlin dug through his toy box for some blocks, with which Hunith helped him build a castle.

By the time Seren came in to tell Hunith it was time for the feast, she and Merlin had built up a small town around their castle and Merlin sternly warned Seren to be careful, lest she knock over one of the tiny houses, or even worse, the whole castle.

Seren indulged him, making a great show of stepping around the room very carefully, so as not to knock the pieces over. Hunith suggested Merlin put them away before they went to dinner, but he begged to be allowed to leave them out, and she relented. They had worked quite hard on the castle and town, after all. It'd be a shame to break up all that work so quickly.

Seren made some last minute adjustments and fixes to Hunith's hair and jewelry, and Hunith smoothed the wrinkles from Merlin's clothes, and then the three of them headed for the feast together, Seren walking a few paces behind Merlin and Hunith.

Hunith smiled down at Merlin, "See, playing inside wasn't so very boring, was it?" she teased him gently.

Merlin grinned, "I guess not. Maybe we can play some more chess tomorrow, after I play outside."

Hunith chuckled, "That sounds good to me."

Merlin wriggled with excitement, "Now let's go to the feast! I want to see Grandfather's special entertainment!"

Thank you for reading! Any reviews would be greatly appreciated.