The Lost Princess of Camelot: Book One

Chapter Two

Merlin's Castle, 1493

Serena stood in the dimly lit chamber, her voice barely above a whisper as she addressed her son. “Merlin, there’s something you must know about your sister.” The flickering candlelight cast shadows on the stone walls, creating an atmosphere thick with mystery.

Merlin, barely ten years old, looked up at his mother with wide, curious eyes. “Where is she, Mother? Why hasn’t she come back?” His small hands fidgeted with the hem of his tunic, anxiety etched on his young face.

“She has gone to the Lutron dimension,” Serena explained, her gaze drifting to the window where the moonlight spilled in like a silver river.

Merlin's brow furrowed as he absorbed his mother's words, the mystery of the Lutron dimension sparking a flurry of questions in his young mind. “But why did she go there, Mother?” he asked, his voice a mixture of worry and wonder.

His mother then replied, “It's because she’s trying to prevent her daughter from profiling her destiny.”

Merlin's curiosity deepened, and he leaned forward, eager to learn more about fate and choice. “But can she really change her daughter’s destiny?” he wondered aloud, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down as he contemplated the vast possibilities that lay ahead.

His mother then said, “You and I both know that’s not possible.”

Merlin nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth in his mother's words. “But still,” he mused, “it feels like there’s so much at stake.” He paused, a flicker of hope igniting within him. “We will see the newborn princess someday.

His mother smiled softly, her eyes reflecting both worry and wonder for the future that awaited them all.

Then his mother asked Merlin, "Are you going to tell Prince Arthur about his daughter?"

Merlin hesitated for a moment, weighing his options carefully. "Not yet," he replied, a hint of resolve in his voice. "It would be best if he didn't know about her right now."

He could sense the weight of the decision pressing down on him, knowing that keeping such a significant secret could have its consequences.

His mother nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "But how long can we keep this from him? Arthur deserves to know about his child."

Merlin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "And he will when the moment is right. For now, we must focus on safeguarding the future."

The tension in the room hung thick, but Merlin felt a flicker of hope. They had a plan, however delicate, and together they would find a way to navigate the storm ahead while protecting the lives intertwined by fate.

Just then, a soldier stepped into the room, his armor glinting in the dim light. "Merlin," he said, urgency lacing his voice, "there's news from the palace."

Merlin turned, his mind racing with possibilities. "What is it?" he asked, steeling himself for the impact of whatever news would follow, knowing that every moment counted in their precarious situation.

The soldier took a deep breath, his expression grave. "King Uther Pendragon is dead." The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, heavy with implications.

Merlin's heart sank at the news. He felt the weight of the kingdom's fate pressing down on him. "And Arthur?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Where is Prince Arthur?"

The soldier's gaze shifted, uncertainty flickering across his features. "We don't know, Merlin. He was last seen leaving the palace just before—" He paused, as if the words were too painful to utter.

Merlin's mind raced. "We need to find him. If Uther is truly gone, Arthur must be informed before chaos ensues."

The urgency in his tone pushed the soldier into action. "I'll send word to the guards. We can't let anyone else take advantage of this moment."

Merlin nodded, his thoughts already racing ahead. Time was crucial, and he understood that locating Arthur could determine whether order or chaos prevailed in Camelot.

Merlin then asked the soldier, "How is Queen Ygraine faring after the king's demise?"

The soldier replied, "The queen is faring well, considering the circumstances. She remains strong and resolute, though the weight of her loss is heavy on her heart."

Merlin felt a sense of relief at the soldier's words, knowing that Ygraine's strength could help stabilize the kingdom during this tumultuous time. "Good," Merlin said, his mind still racing. "We must ensure she is kept safe and informed as we move forward."

The soldier then nodded in agreement. "Should I prepare the horses?" he asked, ready to take action.

Merlin considered the urgency of their situation and replied, "Yes, gather the horses and the men. We leave immediately."

As the soldier hurried away, Merlin took a moment to gather his thoughts. The burden of responsibility weighed heavily on him, but he knew that with Ygraine's and Arthur's guidance, they had a chance against the looming threats that surrounded them.

Merlin then turned to his mother and said, "I must go." He understood the gravity of the situation and the risks that lay ahead.

Serena looked at her son with concern in her eyes. "Merlin," she said softly, "I understand that you must go, but please, stay safe."

He nodded, feeling the warmth of her love and worry envelop him. "I will, Mother," he promised, steeling himself for the challenges that awaited him, knowing that his journey was not just about him but the fate of all they held dear.

Then Merlin left the room and made his way outside to begin his journey, fully aware of the situation and the risks that lay ahead.

Then Merlin and his men left the courtyard to begin their journey toward Camelot.

Fairchild’s Family Home, 2009

Rhaenys Fairchild, a spirited young woman with brown hair that cascaded in soft waves and warm brown eyes that sparkled with curiosity, stood at the threshold of her family home.

At 5'4", she was of average height, yet her vibrant personality made her presence feel larger than life. The year was 2009, and Rhaenys was on the brink of uncovering the mysteries of her past.

Rhaenys sat cross-legged on the floor of her family’s study, surrounded by piles of papers and dusty file boxes. The soft glow of the afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating the motes of dust swirling around her. Rhaenys embarked on a mission for her school project, determined to uncover the truth about her family's history.

As she sifted through the contents of an old box, Rhaenys stumbled upon a folder that was distinctly different from the others. The label read "Confidential" in bold letters, and a sense of wonder sparked her interest. With a quick glance around to ensure she was alone, she opened the folder.

Inside, she found adoption papers that revealed a startling truth: her father had adopted her after her parents got married.

Rhaenys felt a whirlwind of emotions as she processed the information. Confusion washed over her, and questions raced through her mind. Why had her parents kept the news a secret? What did it mean for her identity? Feeling overwhelmed, she decided she needed answers.

Taking a deep breath, Rhaenys stepped outside, her heart pounding as she made her way toward her mother. The sunlight felt harsh against her skin, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling inside her.

She found her mother and the extended family in the garden, tending to the flowers, seemingly unaware of the turmoil brewing within Rhaenys.

“Mom,” Rhaenys called out, her voice trembling slightly. Her mother turned, a smile fading as she noticed the serious look on Rhaenys's face.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” her mother asked, concern etching her features.

“I found something,” Rhaenys said, holding up the folder with shaky hands. “I found out about my adoption—that Dad filed to adopt me."

Nimue's expression shifted from concern to surprise, her eyes widening as she processed Rhaenys's words. "Oh, Rhaenys," she said softly, stepping closer to her daughter. "Can we talk about the matter right after your grandparents leave?"

Rhaenys shook her head vigorously, her expression a mix of urgency and hurt. “No, Mom, this cannot wait. Is it true that Dad adopted me after…?” Her voice trailed off, the weight of her discovery hanging heavily in the air.

Nimue took a deep breath, sensing the gravity of the moment. “Sweetheart, let’s sit down and discuss the matter properly. I promise you’ll get all the answers you need.”

Rhaenys clenched the folder tighter, her heart racing as she awaited her mother’s response. “Please, I need to know now.”

Nimue nodded slowly, her expression softening. “Yes, Rhaenys, it’s true. Your father adopted you after… well, after everything changed.”

Rhaenys remained tense, the folder still clutched in her hands. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Nimue took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she searched for the right words. “I was trying to protect you from the pain of your past, sweetheart. I thought that if you didn’t know, you could live your life without the weight of that knowledge hanging over you.”

Rhaenys felt a mix of anger and confusion. “But I deserve to know the truth! Could you please explain why this was kept from me?

“I know, and I’m sorry. I thought I was doing what was best for you,” Nimue replied, her voice trembling slightly. “I didn’t want you to feel different or unwanted. Your father loved you just as much as if you were his own.”

Rhaenys shook her head, the ache of betrayal piercing through her anger. She turned away, her heart heavy, and began walking towards the front of the house. Each step felt like a retreat from the overwhelming storm of emotions that she was experiencing.

“Where are you going?” Nimue asked her daughter, concern etched on her face. Rhaenys paused, her back still turned, unsure of how to answer.

Rhaenys took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before responding. “I’m just going for a walk to clear my head,” she said, her voice steady but quiet. She felt the weight of her mother’s gaze but didn’t turn around. “I need some space to think.”

With that, she resumed her steps, the cool air outside beckoning her as she sought solace away from the turmoil within her home.

Nimue’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding. “Come back here right now, Rhaenys,” she said, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Rhaenys proceeded to walk away silently, the command lingering in the air like a dark cloud.