The week had gone by far to quickly for Merlin's comfort and despite Gwen assurance that if Vivian was Merlin's soulmate there must be more to her then they had seen, because in her words there was no way someone as sweet and kind as Merlin would be soulmates with someone as rude as Vivian had been upon her last visit. She had also pointed out that Arthur hadn't always been as kind and thoughtful as he was now and was proof the people could change for the better.

He was doubtful about Arthur being thoughtful sometimes, but he had to admit Arthur wasn't the same Prince he had first met and if he could change perhaps there was a chance for Lady Vivian, small as it may be.

But none of this could stop the feeling of being on edge as he stood slightly behind Arthur watching King Olaf and his entourage approach.

Lady Vivian's blond hair stood out and he found his eyes drawn to her as she approached and as they drew near her gaze turned towards him and he quickly looked away, focusing on Sir Donalt who was riding on the other side of King Olaf.

"Welcome Olaf." King Uther greeted, as he shook King Olaf's hand and pulled him into a hug.

"Thank you." King Olaf said. "I only wish it was under different circumstances." He glanced over King Uther's shoulder, his gaze landing for a moment on Merlin before his attention returned to Uther.

Merlin had to agree with King Olaf, as he too wished this visit was under different circumstances. Ones that had nothing to do with him.

He had seen how King Olaf had reacted to Arthur when the prince had been under the love spell and it was clear the King did not like him. Which left Merlin wondering what had possessed the King into deciding that Merlin, a servant, could court his daughter. Was being Lady Vivian's soulmate really enough that he would allow it or was there something else?

"Merlin" Arthur's slightly urgent voice pulled him from his thoughts and he looked up to find everyone staring at him, both Kings looking mildly annoyed.

"Sorry, what?" He asked and if looks could kill, he would be dead three times over from the glares that Arthur and the two Kings sent him. Though he thought he saw amusement dancing in Lady Vivian's eyes.

"You will show King Olaf to the rooms prepared for him." King Uther told him and Merlin fought down his fears of King Olaf running him through the moment they were alone.

"Of course Sire." He said with a bow to King Uther. "This way my Lord."

King Olaf walked with him in silence, which only made Merlin more nervous, but he thought that was more than likely the King's intention.

"Here we are, Sire." Merlin said, feeling even more awkward. "I will have your things brought up right away." He wanted to make his exit as quickly as possible.

"Merlin isn't it." King Olaf said and Merlin slowly turned back to face him.

"Yes, my Lord." He resisted the urge to fidget under King Olaf's gaze unsure what the King wanted.

"You read the letter." King Olaf said at last.

"Yes." Merlin said. "But I would like to be clear in the fact that I do not wish to court Lady Vivian."

He wasn't sure admitting this was wise, knowing the King's temper, but he felt it was better to set things straight no matter the cost.

"Well," King Olaf said. "I do hope my daughter sees the folly in pursuing a servant."

"If you don't agree with it, why are you allowing it?" Merlin asked before he had the time to think better of it.

A sad look crossed King Olaf's face before he turned away. "I made a promise, which I intend to keep."

Merlin wasn't sure what to say and they stood in silence for a while before King Olaf turned back to look at him. "I do not approve of you, but I will let this go where it may." He said. "Now away with you. I believe you said you would have my things sent up. Don't keep me waiting."

"Of course." Merlin said and quickly made his exit, breathing a sigh of relief once the door had closed.

What had even just happened? King Olaf clearly didn't like him. What promise had he made, and to whom, that would cause him to allow it?

This would be less confusing if King Olaf was calling for his head.