The Pendragon Princess | Merlin

Chapter 1: The New Manservant

Flora Pendragon's POV:

I was observing the happenings in the square below with my dear friend and sister, Lady Morgana. 

"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass," My father, King Uther of Camelot, said and then raised his arm and lowered it again, the executioner then cut off the head of one Thomas Collins.

" When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin!" My father exclaimed to the people.

Suddenly someone began wailing. I looked through the crowd to find the source, but my eyes snagged on a new face in the kingdom. It was a boy, around mine and Arthur's age watching everything unfold, there seemed to be fear in his eyes.

The lady who was wailing was brought forward by the crowd parting in order for the king to be able to see her. 

"There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance! You took my son! And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son," The old woman exclaimed, threatening the life of my brother. 

"Seize her!" Uther exclaimed.

The woman began to chant a spell and disappeared in a swirl of dust as the guards tried to retrieve her for the king.

"I do not understand why Uther must execute innocent people," Morgana said quietly. 

I looked at her sharply. "People of magic threaten us. Did you not just hear her threaten Arthur's life?"

I, of course, do not believe that all magic is evil, but I must not let anyone know this just in case they reported back to my father my doubts.

Morgana looked at me sadly. "I know that those thoughts of yours are not true, Flora. Your mind is not as poisoned as your father's."

I gave her a small smile. "Whatever you must think, Morgana. I'll go and get your sleeping draught from Gaius for you."

She gave me a thankful smile and nodded. I left her chambers and made my way through the halls of the palace. I knew that my twin brother, Prince Arthur, would be off somewhere with his knights tormenting his manservant. I made my way to Gaius's chambers and knocked once before entering. 

"Gaius, I've come for the sleeping draught for Lady Morgana," I said as I entered, seeing Gaius sitting down with the boy from the square with him.

Gaius stood up. "Princess Flora, of course, I'll just get it for you."

The boy looked at me and seemed to be instantly entranced. I smirked at him and curtseyed slightly. 

"I am Princess Fora Pendragon. And you are?" I asked.

"Mer- Merlin, your highness," he said stuttering slightly. 

I smiled at how adorable he was and the Gaius came back with the sleeping draught in his hands. 

"Here you are, Flora. Please tell Lady Morgana I hope that she sleeps well tonight," he said. 

I nodded and took the draught from his hand and smiled at Merlin. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Merlin."