Merlin One Shots

Outside Queen

"I don't want to marry, father," I complain as my father stands tall, his large shadow brooding over my figure. "I don't even know him."

"You will go to Camelot. You will marry Arthur. And you will make him happy by being a good wife, do I make myself clear?" His arms are folded over the front of his chest - he's evidently finished with my complaints. 

"Yes father."

"Now go. I don't want to hear another word from you until you leave in the morning."

An afternoon. I'm given an afternoon to say my goodbyes before being sent off to a potentially loveless marriage. Great. 

All I've heard about the prince is that he's arrogant, similar to his father and handsome. Everyone says he's handsome - even the men who've been there. But even that doesn't make me want to marry him. My father always told me that he loved me and I was - aside from my elder brother and mother - the most precious thing that he had. Yet he insists on putting me into a marriage I couldn't care less for. 

My servants finish packing everything into large trunks that go onto the back of the carriage the following morning. I choose to wear a simple, light purple dress today as it's more comfortable for travelling. I sit inside the carriage, my servant sat opposite, watching the place that had always been my home disappear into the distance until it no longer exists. I doubt I'll ever return unless this prince lets me come home for my father's death - but even then, he might choose against it. 

I keep my eyes on the countryside that goes past the carriage window until I can see the white turrets of my new home appearing over the tops of the trees. As more and more of the castle comes into view, I see the reds and golds of the Pendragon colours decorating the battlements and entrance of the castle. The carriage rides into the courtyard and then I see him. The man I will marry. Arthur. He looks just like me - unimpressed by the marriage. We also seem to be a similar age, but I don't honestly think that will make any difference to our feelings. The man I assume is his father stands beside him, his head held high. Suddenly the carriage stops and the king and the prince begin to walk down the steps towards me. I take a deep breath as the door is opened and I step out. 

"Princess (Y/n), how wonderful to finally meet you!" The king says as I curtsy. 

"Your Majesty."

"May I introduce my son, Prince Arthur."

His son walks forward and kisses my hand. I can tell he's as uncomfortable with this as I am. He guides me indoors and shows me to my room before saying he has to leave to attend to other duties. I sigh, as the man I'm meant to marry leaves me alone. My servant starts unpacking my clothes and placing them in the cupboard as the door knocks.

"Yes?" I shout in the direction of the door. It opens, revealing the king in the doorway.

"May I speak alone with you alone?" he asks. I dismiss my servant and invite the king inside.

"I hope everything is to your satisfaction. This is the warmer side of the castle, so I can assure you that you will be comfortable here."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Uther, please. You're going to be my daughter in law, I don't see why we should have such formalities."

"Of course."

"I understand this must be difficult for you. I understand that this is a new home and it will take some time to adjust, but if there is anything I can do to make you feel more at home, please ask. I will do anything in my power for you."

I thank my future father in law for his kindness and he leaves. I go and sit by the window looking out over what will one day be mine. I suppose it's not that bad here, it's pretty and there are woods for hunting, but it's slightly colder here than what I'm used too. I guess that's the trouble when I'm used to much more southern weather. I can see the training field where my fiance is practicing with a group of knights. I'll admit, he's handsome, but I don't find him overly attractive to me. He's just not my type of an ideal man. I'm not sure what really is.