For The Love Of Camelot ~ Arthur Pendragon~ Editing

Chapter One~Edited

Chapter One 

Arthur knew that one day he would become the King of Camelot, he just hoped it was not going to be anytime soon. As he glanced over the table at his father, he knew that the responsibilities were great and felt overwhelmed by the thought of this one day being his burden. In the last 21 years all Arthur had ever known was his father's stress, and the lack of his mother's calming influence who had died giving birth to him.

He was happy that it appeared the years of conflict between Camelot and Adreabeth were nearly over, and that the peace treaty was imminent. He was deeply concerned about how much this treaty would eventually cost his own future, and more importantly the future of Camelot.

Arthur was drawn from his thoughts by someone entering the room. "Sire, the royal family of Adreabeth have arrived" the petite redheaded guard addressed Uther. "Thank you Sir Raymond" Uther said getting up from the dinner table. "Arthur meet me in the throne room when you're done, we need to meet Borin, Helena and their children" he demanded of his son before he abruptly left the room. Arthur contemplated his next move before slowly pushing his chair back from the gigantic wooden table.

Arthur knew that his father would take any action necessary to ensure peace was the only outcome of this meeting. Thoughts of his father's actions filled his head as he made his way slowly and reluctantly down the long gray stone corridor. As Merlin approached he could not but help notice his masters usual neat blond hair was now slightly ruffled and his perfect brow was now creased with concern. Arthur looked up to see his servant, who was also his friend but Arthur would not admit that to anyone or even himself for that matter. Merlin understood Arthur more than most, possibly due to the similarity in their age, but more likely due to the amount of time that they had spent together. Merlin stopped suddenly in front of Arthur, sweeping his dark brown hair off his face, before announcing that the king was getting displeased by Arthur's absence.

Arthur and Merlin entered the throne room moments before the royal family arrived. "My Lord the royal family is here, shall I send them in?" Sir Raymond asked. "Yes, send them in as soon as possible" Arthur said sitting down in the throne, next to his father.

Adelaide walked down the corridors of the castle, eager to finally meet the King and Prince of Camelot. Her mother and father talked about them on many occasions; some of this talk was not always pleasant, however their mention of the handsome Prince Arthur left Adelaide very curious. Adelaide was also happy to end the war between the two kingdoms, and finally have peace between Adreabeth and Camelot.

Adelaide was ripped from her thoughts by her maid, Amelia asking "My lady do you need anything?". Adelaide glanced at her lifelong best friend, smiled nervously, pushing one of her blonde curls behind her ear, and nodded to reassure Amelia and herself that she was ready. Amelia gently took her friend's hand and guided her to her father who was waiting impatiently for his oldest daughter to join the rest of the family. Adelaide glanced at her brothers and quietly admired their handsome and confident faces; if only she could feel as confident as they looked.

When the door to the room opened Borin, Helena and their family were announced by the waiting guard. Three were girls, two were about Arthur's age and the other was about six years old. "Hello Uther, these are my sons William, Henry, Edmund and my daughters Adelaide and Theodora" Borin said as he gestured to his family dutifully standing beside him.

As Uther, Borin and Helena headed towards the table to discuss the peace treaty details, the young royals were left to entertain themselves. Arthur was the first to break the ice by suggesting that they go for a walk in the palace garden. Camelot was known for its beautiful garden, and was frequently talked about amongst the kingdoms, but none of that prepared Adelaide for what she saw. Arthur casually leaned against the stone arch at the front of the garden and watched as Merlin and the guests slowly wandered admiring the beauty of the garden. Adelaide glanced back at Arthur and gestured for him to join them, he shook his head gently and smiled. She knew that Arthur was teasing her to join him, yet she smiled and turned to her family; no one had prepared her for such a handsome and flirtatious young prince. Arthur chuckled to himself, pushed away from the arch and walked slowly to join the conversation that the family were having. Adelaide allowed herself one last look, and was surprised as her heart missed a beat.

The young royals were only in the garden for a short while, when Sir Raymond came to tell them that King Uther had requested their presence back in the throne room as soon as possible. The group made their way in silence. Upon their arrival Uther wasted no time in gathering them together and delivering the shocking news; "Borin and I have decided to unite our two kingdoms to ensure peace in our lands. Our kingdoms shall be united by the joining in marriage of Arthur and Adelaide" Both Adelaide and Arthur turned to their fathers and gave them the same shocked and angry look.

"Arthur, you and a group of the knights of Camelot, will go with the royal family on their journey back to Adreabeth. It is only right that you would be present at the royal announcement. You will meet them in front of the palace at first light tomorrow" Uther said to Arthur as he rapidly left the room.

"Merlin, show the royal family to their chambers for the night" Arthur yelled back at Merlin as he ran from the room to confront his father.