Hello again dear readers, it is I, nightstar, here with another chapter for this new story. So now that we have the characters (the main ones at least) situated allow me to continue the story with a bit more background. King Jayden (he was twenty-three) fought along side Uther (twenty four) to claim the throne of Camelot in their youth. Jayden was going to marry a Lady from Camelot's court, but he fell in love with her hand maiden(twenty), who was secretly in love with him & happened to be friends with Uther. The Lady in question was Arthur's mother (twenty-one) and she fell in love with Uther who in turn fell in love with her. Their ties to Camelot thus were a bit non political but their friendship was the reason for their alliance. Another note, I am loosely tying the series with some events in the Arthurian legend that we know today, so Uther reclaiming the kingdom/ fighting for the throne is one of them. Other references to the legend will appear but with a twist *hint hint* so stay tune for those. Also thank you all for reading the story I very much appreciate it. So here is the second chapter of Not The Only One and it is told from Edeline's P.O.V. and most of the action will be focused on Edeline also some time lapses will be made in chapter but I promise there will be more details and there will be less time lapses in the future.

Side Note: Those who have read Guiding Light expect a new chapter in the upcoming weeks (possible in two editing is nearly done but...finals are a b****). So please don't get mad at me .

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin, the characters or the original plot line of the show. I am only responsible for my Oc's and the twists I put on the original plot line. Also I do not own the Arthurian legends that is a creation of Geoffrey of Monmouth and many other creators of this legend.

Chapter 2: Celebrations and Confrontations

Edeline's P.O.V~

(same day a few hours later)

As I expected Arthur did not react so well with my presence, and after his leaving I knew I had to give him an explanation. However, I was happy to see him again and Morgana my dearest friend from childhood. She had grown up to be quite beautiful the most beautiful in Camelot and in the other Kingdoms. Morgana gave me a tour of the castle and Camelot along side her friend Guinevere. It was a surprise to me to see Gwen (she insisted on calling her Gwen) so close to Morgana, and truth be told I was a bit jealous of their friendship. Soon, though that jealousy disappeared as Gwen and Morgana included me in their circle. It was easy to like Gwen, for she was a kind and caring person and in my view was bound to be someone important one day. We spent all day rediscovering Camelot and it's sights. It was just as I remembered only a bit better, that is except for the laws on magic. Camelot had much splendor but underneath that splendor the blood of many innocents had to be drawn and sacrificed. Magic gave power but Uther would never understand that... Magic and power. That was exactly what I felt when I touched Arthur's friend. Magic, power, and warmth... Merlin.

I was very intrigued with him. He doesn't seem like a person who would easily give in to Arthur's demands. He was a bit taller than me and had the darkest hair I had ever seen on a person, nearly ebony and pale skin (not as pale as mine). He was a bit on the thin side but by no means he was lanky. He had a long face and cheekbones that I envied. His nose long but in a regal way and his eyes, they reminded me of the waters of Abolin so bright and clear but full of depth. His upper lip had a defined cupid's bow and was a bit plump (not overly exaggerated) and his bottom lip matched quite nicely and they were the palest shade of pink. Then there were his ears which Gwen and Morgana commented on saying they were a bit elfish and funny looking which I concurred with the first part. He was handsome, in a different way than the classic handsome man. However, due to those features he stood out in the kingdom; there was just something unique about Merlin, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it just yet.

The tour of Camelot was cut short when a guard came up to Morgana stating that Uther had requested her presence as soon as possible. She was about to decline but I stopped her and stated that I needed to go rest and bathe for the festivities tonight. Morgana nodded in understanding nature and asked Gwen to accompany back to the castle. We made our way through the city admiring along the way the "new" Camelot. Guinevere made small conversation with me asking about Abolin, the people, the city, and of course the Knights.

"Well, if you must know Gwen, Abolin is a beautiful place, filled with forests, lakes, mountains and one ocean though we are cursed with rather cold weather most of time, to be honest Camelot is almost intolerably warm for my liking," I teased a bit, "The city is a bit bigger than Camelot and the houses are well constructed for all people, rich or poor, there is a place where children without families go to and are cared for. There is a school that is opened to all and a library available to all as well! There is beauty in every corner of the city even when there is nothing there, and there is music in the air even when there is silence. Oh, the palace is built on the side of the mountain and looks like a crystal figure. The people, for the most part, are kind and hospitable and the Knights come from different backgrounds-some noble and some regular citizens of Abolin, we even have a few women knights! They are the most loyal, courageous, chivalrous, and caring individuals you'll meet."

Gwen showed off her smile and let out a giggle,"It sounds like a peaceful place."

Then I felt 2 pair of eyes on me prodding into my soul, I felt an unsettle feeling in my stomach and I impulsively looked up. I paled instantly. Up in one of the castle's towers I saw Arthur watching me like a hawk about to kill its prey, but I felt a bit more at ease as soon as I saw Merlin next to him also observing me, his eyes though looked at me with wonder and curiosity. Gwen felt my uneasiness and lead me in quickly. As I let myself be lead away I kept thinking of the way both men looked at me, still thinking about as I got to my temporary chambers and rested a bit before the celebration.

Same day a few hours later...

I woke up from my nap feeling a bit rested but not being used to Camelot's weather I also felt sticky and sweaty. I then began to wander into the halls trying to find someone who wasn't occupied with the festivities or could spare some time. I somehow managed to get myself to a familiar hallway and in front of a familiar dark wood door. I entered the old physician's home and I felt the rush of memories come to me once again. I remembered the physician's smile and how his brown hair was in the process turning white as snow. His twinkling eyes gave me confront and a sense of protection, his passion and dedication to his occupation made me have an interest, and his vast knowledge on magic and magical creatures made me feel closer to him than anyone else. I looked at the bottles of multi colored liquids, small baskets and bowls of herbs and plants, the ladder that lead to his vast books and vials and jars filled with many balms and potions. I picked a white liquid that I recalled was a sleeping drought I kept on observing it fully focused on the substance. I was then startled by a someone clearing their throat and I nearly dropped the vial.

"Edeline, my dear, so much has changed but your fascinations with my potions never faded did they?" Gauis chuckled as he came near me with Merlin in tow.

"Gauis, you startled me but nevertheless it is great to see you," I said as I embraced the old physician who was like a grandfather to me. His hair had completely transformed from brown with white wisps to white locks all around, yet he was still the same Gauis.

"What are you doing here, Edeline? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the celebration? You look beautiful regardless my dear, but your appearance is not suitable for that type of celebration," Gauis inquired as he scanned my appearance. I smiled at his kind words and answered a bit embarrassed with myself.

"I was resting from the long trip, but I felt very warm, too warm, in this weather. I wanted to bathe first in order to be more presentable but no one was around to direct me where and no one had enough time to assist me. I managed to get lost and I found myself in your home, Gauis" I confessed sheepishly, "Gauis I was wondering if you knew anyone who was not busy with the preparations for tonight? I would truly appreciate their help."

"Actually Merlin isn't busy at the moment, I'm sure he'll be happy to aid you, my dear. Won't you Merlin?" Gauis offered.

"Oh no, no, no. I don't want to be a bother, Gauis. I'm sure Merlin has better things to do," I insisted feeling a bit flustered.

"It is no bother your highness," Merlin stated as he bowed his head slightly. I smiled and nodded a thank you, Gauis all the while simply smiled at both of us. "Then it is settled, Merlin you will aid Edeline in preparing her bath and call in a maid (preferable Gwen) to help her bathe." Merlin nodded and escorted me back to my room. All the way back Merlin had started to make conversation with me and I got to learn so much of his and Arthur's relationship. Nonetheless curiosity got the better of me.

"So you and Arthur are together, together?"

"What? No! No! First of all, Arthur gets all the girls and actually tries to woo all the girls. Second of all, if Arthur did indeed seem interested in... the male gender, I would be the last person in all the five kingdoms he would be interested in. Finally, I don't incline in that direction and even if I did , which I don't, Arthur isn't really the kind of man I would like," Merlin stated as he made me laugh at that last part. He was quite comical and Merlin was certainly not your average servant. As we got to my temporary chambers Merlin noted something on my dress that not many people payed attention to. "I like the stars on your skirt, my lady."

I looked at him in shock for having to noticed the design on the skirt but I gave him a small smile, "My mother was fascinated by the stars, she would go to a tower that my father made in her honor, her personal study, and stare up into the clear glass, and draw what she saw up in the sky! She would take me up there and tell me of the wonders she saw in the night. I want to have her with me in some way now that she passed on... Have you ever lost someone, Merlin, that you truly cared for?" Merlin then stared at me and shook his head. "I can't say that I have, my lady."

"It's a pain that I do not wish upon anyone... Oh I'm sorry for bothering you with my troubles, Merlin. You must think of me as pathetic or pitiful."

"No, my lady, you are none of those things, and you certainly don't bother me in the very least. Now here is your chamber so I'll just ask the guards to bring in the tub and in the meantime I'll start boiling your water." Merlin then stalked off but not before tripping on the air and nearly falling, this made me laugh and I wondered how Merlin managed to stay in one piece all these years.

Almost as quickly as he left, Merlin arrived with two knights carrying the giant tub into my chamber. I looked at it with a bit of confusion, in Abolin baths were near the chambers and were built on the ground on the edge of the wall and on the far corner of the bath was a hole that drained the water out and a piece of cloth that kept the water from going anywhere was bunched up in the hole... then again this was not Abolin and Camelot was very reluctant to change or anything to do with magic. My train of thoughts were snapped out of focus when Merlin and a few other servants were filling up the tub with water, and then I noticed a pot of water boiling in the fire place. After they were done filling up the tub Merlin shooed them away and waited for the water to heat up. it took a while and we were in utter silence for a while. Once the water was done he carefully grabbed the handle with a piece of cloth and placed the water in the tub.

"There all done, now is there anything else you need my lady?" Merlin inquired with a smile.

"Yes, Merlin. Enough with calling me 'my lady,' as I told you in front of Morgana, my name is Edeline. So I insist you call me by my name, Merlin" I ordered with a playful tone to my voice. Merlin then looked unsure as if I was going to change my mind, but I gave him a reassuring look.

"Alright, my la- Edeline, if there is nothing else you need I will go fetch Gwen to come and help you," Merlin stated as he bowed over dramatically and waited for my response. I told him to go and well I began to get my attire ready for the celebration tonight. This would call for more "lively" attire and my black clothing would not do at all. I had two options for attire that wasn't fully black. My options were a blue dress with silver designs and that had a bit of a flow in the skirt or a purple dress that like the dress that I was wearing was a bit more fuller (when putting the right amount of petticoats) with gold trimming and designs... somehow that dress was not meant for me to wear in that instance so I decided on the blue piece. I hope things between Arthur and I would get better by tonight.

Omniscient P.O.V~

(Later that night)

"Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of this kingdom and its dominions according to the statutes, customs, and laws laid down by you forebears?" Uther questioned out loud with Arthur he was kneeling in front of the king thus commencing the ceremony.

"I do sire," Arthur answered with all the confidence in the world.

"Do you promise to exercise mercy and justice in your deeds and judgements?" Uther once again questioned Arthur with all the solemness and severity that a king can posses.

"I do, sire."

"And do you swear allegiance to Camelot. Now and as far as long as you shall live?" Uther at his part seemed even more insistent in the young prince's response.

"I, Arthur Pendragon, do pledge life and limb to your service and to the protection of this kingdom and its peoples," Arthur concluded with the utmost seriousness and confidence of a future king.

"Now being of age, and the heir apparent, from henceforth you shall be crown prince of Camelot." Uther finally announced and the whole crowd applauded for the now Crowned Prince of Camelot. While everyone was crowding around Arthur in the corner observing the whole ceremony, three figures were talking amongst themselves.

"How does it feel to be servant to the crown prince of Camelot?" Gwen inquired as she looked over at Merlin who was less than amused with the whole celebration, and at Edeline looking for some assistance.

"It is considered... a privilege Merlin to serve a crowned prince or princess," Edeline tried to make the blow for Merlin less than what it really was. It did not work

"Washing his royal socks will be even more of a privilege," Merlin responded giving the women a bit of a grimace at the mention of the prince's socks.

"You're proud of him really, even though you complain about him constantly," Gwen stated rather than asked, and ,in turn, Edeline conceded with her.

"I am not." Merlin insisted as he looked at both women trying to reassure them that he was not at all concerned the the prince's celebration

"You are," Gwen stated as she continued to get the confession out of Merlin.

"I can see it in your face," Edeline responded as Merlin looked at both women with shock.

"Those socks are very clean. Of course I'm proud of them." At that all three of them chuckled at the response, but soon their fun was cut short by a crashing window and a knight in dark armor (and a dark horse) came into the throne room. Merlin instinctively went forward to cover both Gwen and Edeline, he didn't know why but he felt the need to protect both of them but somehow his magic and his instincts did not want anything to happen to them. The knight made the whole room tense and the knights were surrounding Arthur, Uther, Morgana, and Jayden (who before the arrival of the knight was giving Arthur a few words of advice).

"What in the devil's name?" Uther shocking said as the dark kinght threw the gauntlet towards the direction of Athur, Uther, and Jayden. Arthur was about to pick it up but Sir Owain beaten him to it. "I sir Owain, Accept you challenge."

"Single Combat. Noon tomorrow, to the death!" The knight responded curtly and he galloped back to where he had entered. Everyone knew Sir Owain was a good knight, in fact he was a great knight, and they all had the confidence this dark knight would not win this match... oh how wrong they all were. Soon Gaius and Merlin would discover that this knight was indeed a wraith, Tristan de Bois, who came for vengeance and was indeed unstoppable.

two days later: After Owain's fight and Pellinor's fight.

Edeline hadn't gotten to speak to Arthur and clear up the past between them, but the ordeal with Sir Owain and the now late Sir Pellinor's defeat, Edeline did not even see Arthur or for that matter really catch up with Morgana. She couldn't even sit next to her during these duels, she was sitting next to her father on the other side of the arena. So when Sir Pellinor struck the dark figure both Edeline and her father were shock to see what Arthur was doing. "I, Arthur Pendragon, challenge you."

That within itself lead Uther, Jayden and Edeline to the throne room to convince Arthur to revoke the challenge. "How could you be so stupid? I'll revoke the challenge," Uther ordered rather than suggested.

"No. The knight's code must be upheld. That's what you told me," Arthur stubbornly responded.

"This is different!" Jayden insisted as he tried to help his friend in convincing his son.

"Once a challenge has been laid down, it cannot be undone," Arthur simply stated as he continued to argue with the two kings.

"You are crown prince, Arthur!" Edeline pleaded as she also tried to help the cause. Arthur looked at her and with coldness in his eyes and in his voice, he retorted.

"There cannot be one rule for me and one for all the rest."

"I forbid you to fight!" Uther blurted out.

"You wanted me to prove that I'm worthy of the throne. I cannot do that by being a coward," Arthur insisted.

"No, Arthur, this will be your death," the concerned father pleaded with his son.

"I'm sorry you have so little faith in me father," Arthur disappointed and deflated responded as he left the throne room.

"Arthur!" Uther called out but his son was gone. There stood three royals who without a doubt fear for the future of the prince.

(Later that night)

Edeline could not sleep at all, she was distraught with the fact that Arthur would face his death, she needed to come up with something!

Maybe just may... Edeline thought as she ran to her window and looked down on the knight, she had figured out what type of creature the knight was after Sir Pellinor struck it. Edeline did not know however the connection the wraith had with Uther and Edeline's father, in spite of this she knew that nothing mortal would kill the wraith. So she thought of the only logical solution would be magic, but even then it was highly improbably. She looked out her window and saw the wraith consumed by fires, bewildered she looked around to see if anyone was out there, she saw a shadow but nothing more. She looked at the wraith and just as she thought it would be his end, the fires died down and she stood there moving his head to look at the culprit and then up to Edeline. She turned away from the window and began pacing around her room. She needed to convince Arthur, she need to convince him somehow! After several minutes of contemplating what to do or how to protect Arthur, Edeline got out of her chambers and headed towards Arthur room, she needed to take the stair and get to his room, but as she got near she heard voices in the prince's room. "I'm not a Coward." Arthur, but who is he talking to? Edeline thought as she approached the open door, she saw Arthur and then she saw Merlin who was in her opinion a bit out of breath. She watched the discussion from the door.

"I know that. I've stood there and I've watched you overcome every fear you've ever faced."

"That's what's require of me," Arthur answered.

"But you're more than that. You're not merely a warrior. You're a prince, a future king. You proved your courage, but you must prove your wisdom," Merlin said with such wisdom that it made Merlin seem so much older than what he seemed.

"I'm not backing down."

"Please Arthur, listen to me. This is no ordinary knight," Merlin went towards the Prince's window, "Look at him. He doesn't eat. He doesn't sleep. He just stands there in silence," Merlin then noted Arthur not paying any attention to him and walked back to him, "Doesn't that tell you something?"

"No one is unbeatable."

"If you fight him you will die," Merlin argued at Arthur trying to make him see reason. Never in her stay at Camelot had Edeline seen someone so worried about Arthur than Merlin in that instance.

"I'm not listening to this."

"I'm trying to warn you, Arthur," Merlin pleaded desperately to Arthur.

"And I'm trying to warn you, Merlin!" warned the prince now pointing the sword at Merlin, Edeline marched into the room in that moment, not wanting to see Merlin hurt by Arthur's impulsiveness and stubbornness.

"Arthur!" Edeline's voice startled both men, Merlin simply looked at Arthur, shook his head, turned bowed to Edeline, and left the room. So there stood Arthur and Edeline, alone (to their knowledge), Arthur straighten himself up and observed the princess.

"It is late your highness-"
"WILL YOU STOP IT WITH THE TITLES!" Edeline snapped at Arthur causing him to flinch, she regain her posture and calmed herself before she moved to a chair distancing herself from Arthur, "there used to be a time when you called me by name tenderly, when you used to call me Rose, when you used to let me put flowers in your hair, and play knights with you, there used to be a time when I thought you valued my friendship."

"That was before you lied to me, or did you forget?"

"I did not lie to you Arthur, I told you the truth," Edeline defended herself.

"Edeline, you were born of magic! You hid that from me for years!"

"I was five years old, Arthur! I didn't know you cared how I was brought into the world! Also when you found out I was barely seven years of age!" Edeline was now furious with Arthur how dare he accuse her of lying! She did not like to lie to anyone especially her friends and companions

"You still hod that truth from me! God if I had known you were born of magic I would have," Arthur stopped and shook his head not really looking at Edeline.

"You would have what?" Edeline challenged him, daring him to finish his thought and trying to make eye contact with him.

"I would have never befriended you," Arthur stated staring into her amethyst eyes not realizing how much his words hurt the princess until that moment. She looked away, staring at the fireplace and after a long silent pause she spoke.

"My mother was having complications with her pregnancy and my father was concerned with her well being, so he took her to the court physician. The physician told my mother that she had an illness that was destroying her from the inside, and that I was being affected by it," she paused as he recalled her mother's explanation of the illness, "the illness had taken over my mother but according to the physician it was still not her time to go but if she had the baby... the odds were against her. My mother was given the choice of whether to keep the baby and ultimately die or- live but the baby would not make it. My parents both did not want me to perish and father did not want mother to perish either so they seek counsel from a warlock... The warlock gave them two options: abide by the old religion, to create a life a life must be taken in order to keep the balance of the earth. The second required no death but it tested my parent's love for each other... A spell that required a pure true love, unselfish love, and eternal love. The spell needed that and the price of time... my parents gave up the years they would have had together in order to give me life and preventing my mother from dying at childbirth and I would be born of magic. The warlock told them that when the time came he would come to them to perform the spell. On my birth my mother was in a critical state and my father was beginning to worry, the warlock appeared and started to perform the spell... My parents did what they had to do keep my mother and I from dying, Arthur! If it weren't for me my mother would still be alive! If it weren't for me my father wouldn't have had to witness the love of his life die not even a year ago!" Edeline spat at Arthur, her eyes misted and slightly red. Arthur looked at Edeline his expression soften and seeing the princess in new eyes, he saw himself in Edeline, he knew what she felt. It was the same feeling he had when they all told him of his mother, guilt. HE approached Edeline, and he was reaching for her but she backed away and looked at him.

"Edeline I-" Arthur tried once again to reach her.

"NO! NO! DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME! A minute ago you didn't want to even look at me let alone touch me so DON'T TOUCH ME!" Edeline exclaimed as she made Arthur flinched for the second time that night. "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE THE CAUSE OF YOUR FATHER'S SORROW! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO LOSE THE ONE PERSON WHO KNEW YOU BETTER THAN YOU KNOW YOURSELF! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I FELT EVERYDAY TO SEE MY OWN FATHER PRAY TO GOD AND IMPLORE HIM TO GIVE MY MOTHER ANOTHER DAY, TO GET ON HIS KNEES AND BEG TO GOD FOR ONE MORE DAY ONE MORE HOUR WITH THE WOMAN HE LOVES! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO KNOW THAT YOU CAUSED ALL OF THIS AND MUCH MORE!" at this Edeline's eyes began to tear and Arthur began to realize how much she had been holding back since Queen Clara's death. Edeline then began to walk towards the door and she faced Arthur once more. "You, Arthur, don't know what it feels like to think and believe that if you hadn't been born the world would be a better place, to feel... no to wish you hadn't been born." The princess turned to leave but Arthur felt compelled to say something.

"Edeline, I- I didn't now. I- I didn't mean it," Arthur responded ashamed of what he caused.

"You probably did not mean it Arthur, but, you must remember this, you are to be king one day. Your word shall be law and you will have to mean everything you say, so you have to think twice of what you mean to say and thrice and what you are actually going to say... Good luck tomorrow at the battle... I hope you win," Edeline ran out of the room, she did not notice Morgana, Gwen or Merlin near the doorway, or dazed expression she left on Arthur. All she hoped for was for Arthur to win and for the tears she had contained for nearly a year to stop.