***Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of the Merlin characters. This story is for
entertainment purposes only.***
"King Arthur of Camelot," the guard announced in a booming voice as he waved Arthur
through the door to the throne room. "Sir Leon and Sir Percival, Knights of Camelot. And
Merlin, personal servant to King Arthur." With a low bow, the servant closed the door.
Arthur strode toward where King Thomas sat on his throne. Leon and Percival followed,
leaving Merlin to trail behind them. Merlin glanced at Gwaine, standing beside Aurora at
King Thomas' left side. To King Thomas' right stood a tall serious looking young man and
two beautiful young women. One had golden-brown hair and startling green eyes. The
taller of the two had long dark hair and a captivating smile. When Merlin glanced at her,
his heart almost stopped. He gazed into her sparkling blue eyes and it seemed as if time
had stopped. Her eyes reminded him of the pond he used to swim in when he was
younger. Merlin quickly looked away, not understanding how one glance could affect
him this way. He shook his head, trying to clear it of the thoughts running through it. She
was a princess. He could never hope to win her heart.
Grace smiled and tried to pay attention as her father introduced Arthur and his
knights to his family. But it was no use. Her mind would not focus on anyone but Merlin.
Her eyes searched for him, finally finding him standing beside Arthur. He smiled and it
was as if the room became brighter. He laughed at a joke her father told and it was the
most musical sound Grace had ever heard. Why was he having this effect on her? They
hadn't even talked, just shared one quick glance. She had never felt like this about any
man before. He wasn't even a knight, just Arthur's servant. A princess simply didn't have
these feelings. Grace turned her attention to Sir Percival and tried not think about Merlin.
Charlotte fought back a yawn as Sir Leon tried to impress her with tales of his knightly
adventures. He was handsome and nice, witty and brave. He was a loyal and brave knight
but he didn't make her heart skip a beat. As Sir Leon droned on, she looked over to find
her sister engaged in conversation with Sir Percival. Now there was a man. But why did
he have to be so tall? They would look ridiculous together. He would have to bend down
to hear her talk. He'd have to pick her up to kiss her. Grace was a much better match for
him. They seemed to be getting along wonderfully. Charlotte turned her focus to Sir Leon
but the thought of Percival kissing her brought a smile to her lips. She tried to banish the
image but it would not leave her mind. She struggled to gain control of her thoughts. She
smiled and leaned forward to ask Sir Leon a question, vainly trying to ignore Percival.
Percival nodded as Grace continued telling him a story about her childhood. She was
very beautiful and her eyes could stop a man right in his tracks. Her voice was pleasant
and she was all together lovely. She would make anyone a good wife. But there was
no spark, no attraction. He glanced over at Leon and Princess Charlotte. Her gentle
green eyes called to him, urging him to protect her from all of life's trials. She smiled
at Leon and Percival's heart sank, jealous that her smile hadn't been for him. He
wanted to ask Charlotte if she wanted to go from a walk in the gardens with him.
But she was laughing at something Leon had just said. She clearly enjoyed Leon's
company and Percival could blame her. Leon was brave and loyal, funny and smart.
He also didn't tower over her like a giant. They made a nice couple. He was happy
for his friend. Charlotte would be the perfect wife for him.
"Come Arthur," King Thomas said. "Bring Merlin and I shall show you to your
room. You have had a long journey and I'm sure you will want to wash up and
rest. Sir Gwaine can show his fellow knights to their rooms. After they are done
talking to my daughters that is." King Thomas threw an arm around Arthur and led
him from the room. Merlin shot one last longing look at Grace and followed behind
them. Merlin started to close the door, but King Thomas shook his head. He knew
what young ladies and handsome knights could do behind closed doors. The door
would stay open.
"What a mess this is," Aurora laughed as she studied her sisters and the two
knights. Gwaine raised a eyebrow and she laughed again. "When you told me about
Leon, Percival and Merlin I feared this would happen. Grace and Merlin are attracted
to each other but won't admit it because she is a princess and he is a servant. Charlotte
likes Percival but is scared that they look silly together. She thinks Grace likes him
so she'll step aside and let him court Grace. Percival likes Charlotte but thinks she
likes Leon so he'll let Leon court Charlotte. And none of them will say anything
because they don't want to hurt anyone. They will wind up married to the wrong people
if we don't managed to talk some sense into them."
"They seem to be happy," Gwaine replied. "Nothing seems wrong to me. I think
Leon will be a good match for Charlotte. Percival and Grace look like they are
getting along nicely. Everything looks fine to me."
"Men," Aurora said. "You think you are so smart but you miss so much. There
were so many secret glances and stolen looks in this room. Trust a man to miss them
all. Grace is just be polite but her mind is full of thoughts of Merlin. Charlotte thinks
Leon is nice but she really wants to talk to Percival. Percival would never stand in
the way of a fellow knight. And I think you could put any pretty girl in front of Leon
and he would be happy. How can you not see this?" Gwaine shrugged. "Are you
going to help me or not? I'll talk to my sisters. I need you to talk to Leon and Percival.
Please? I just want my sisters to be as happy as we are. And don't forget Merlin."
"You know that I'll do anything for you," Gwaine replied. "So I need to discreetly
ask them how they feel about your sisters. And then report back to you. I'll show them
to their rooms and start with Percival. I meet you in the garden before dinner and tell
you what I found out. Do I get anything for doing this or is this a mission of mercy?"
"I'll see after you talk to your boys," Aurora replied with a smile. "Sisters, I think
we should rest before dinner. Shall we retire to our rooms?"
Grace and Charlotte followed Aurora from the room. Aurora glanced back at
Gwaine and gave him a wink. Gwaine grinned and nodded his head. He turned back
and looked at Percival and Leon. Nothing seemed to be wrong but if Aurora said
something was wrong, it usually was.
"Come on boys," he said. "I'll show you where your rooms are. I'm sure you could
use some rest before dinner." Leon and Percival followed Gwaine from the room,
unaware of the questions soon to be asked. It was going to be a long day.
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