Elizabeth

The Gate of Avalon

Arthur and Merlin came back from hunting early and brought a man and his daughter before the court.

"My name is Ulfric, heir to Tír-Mòr. This is my daughter, Sophia." Aulfric introduced himself and his daughter.

"You're a long way from home. What brings you to Camelot?" The king asked him.

"Our home was sacked by raiders, We barely escaped with what few possessions we could carry." Ulfric told him. I noticed Arthur leaning against a pillar and smiled at him. He lightly smiled back at me.

"These are dangerous times. What will you do?" I turned my attention back to our guests.

"We travel west to Caerleon where we have family and, I hope, a new life." The man answered.

"You must stay here awhile, break your journey. A noble family like yours is always welcome in Camelot." Uther told them, smiling. They bowed and exited and I walked over to Arthur.

"She is quite beautiful. I wouldn't be surprised if he had many men here who tried winning her heart." I told him.

"She pales in comparison to yourself and Morgana. And I'm allowed to enjoy the privilege of your company every day." He told me. "Dine with me this evening, My Lady?" He asked.

"Of course, My Lord. How am I to refuse the offer of my prince?" We smiled at each other before walking out to continue the day.

I followed the boys into Arthur's room. Arthur started moving around quickly, tidying things up and throwing things at Merlin for cleaning.

"Make sure you put them in decent rooms." He ordered Merlin.

"The one next to mine is empty." I told him.

"The one next door's fine." He looked up at us. "Shut up, Merlin." I looked and saw my brother smiling at him.

"What? I didn't say anything." He told the man.

"You didn't have to. Put her in the room on the other side of the castle." Arthur told him.

"Of course. That way you two can have your privacy." He said, still smiling like an idiot.

"Merlin." I warned him.

"My intentions towards Liz are honorable, Merlin. Anyone can walk in the door and they will find us just talking, nothing more." Arthur told Merlin.

"Well, if your intentions are honorable..." Merlin broke off.

"They are." I told him.

"Most definitely." Arthur agreed.

"Then what's the problem with Sophia staying next door to Liz?" Merlin asked him.

"There isn't one. You've convinced me." Arthur told him.

"Put her in the room next to mine." I told him and with a slight bow he walked out. "I wonder why Merlin needed convincing."

"We are still on for tonight right?" Arthur asked me.

"Of course." I answered.

"How about we go for a ride tomorrow, just you and me. No knights, no servants, just you, me and a picnic basket." he offered.

"I would love that. I'll see you tonight." I told him walking out of his chambers.

That night as I left my room I ran into Ulfric.

"Oh! you startled me." I told him smiling.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know there would be people out and about this time of night." he said giving me a quick once over.