First Chapter of Future Stories: Part 1

Annika Marshal: Merlin Fanfic

Annika (pronunciation: Ahn-nik-uh) was a normal village girl. At least that's what she believed for twenty years while living with her supposed uncle in a farming village on the out skirts of Camelot. But turns out, she was really a daughter of a noble family. The Marshal's have served the Pendragons for centuries as loyal knights. When she was born, it was decided she would marry Arthur. But when Uther declared war on magic, and her parents died. It was decided it'd be safer if she grew up away from the palace. So Uther sent her away with one of his most trusted knights, Sir Cador. Who was in charge of protecting her and raising her until Arthur became the Crowned Prince of Camelot. Then Sir Cador was to bring her back so that Arthur and her could marry. Will Annika be able to pull off being a noble woman after growing up in a farming village all her life? Will she fall for Arthur or someone else? Will Arthur fall for her? What's her view on magic? Lets find out.

Annika's POV

I hum as I pick some flowers. I am Annika and I live in a village by the Northern Plains on the borders of Camelot. I live with my uncle Cador. My parents had died when I was only a newborn. My uncle took me in and has taken care of me ever since. "Annika!" my uncle calls and I smile looking up at he appears.

"Good morning uncle" I say with a smile.

"What are you doing out here?" he asks me.

"Picking flowers" I say showing them to him.

"They are lovely, but you must pack" he tells me and I frown in confusion.

"Why?" I ask him.

"We're going home" he states.

"Home? But this is home" I tell him.

"No, it is not" he tells me. "We've lived here for years, but home is Camelot" he states. I look at him confused. "Come" he says and leads me to our house.

"I don't understand" I tell him and he sighs.

"I haven't been truthful with you, my dear" he tells me.

"About what?" I ask him.

"For one thing, I'm not your uncle. At least not by blood" he tells me.

"Then who are you?" I demand.

"I am Sir Cador, knight of Camelot. Your father was a dear friend of mine, Sir William Marshal. Also a knight of Camelot" he explains.

"If you are a knight of Camelot, why are we here?" I ask him.

"For your protection" he states. "You meant to marry Prince Arthur, but then your parents were murdered. The king thought it would be safe for you to grow up away from the castle. Until the Prince came of age and was made Crowned Prince of Camelot. Which will happen in a week" he explains.

"So I'm expected to marry a man I do not know?" I demand.

"I know this is a lot to take in, but you are Lady Annika Marshal and are the future Queen of Camelot. I know this seems scary, but I have faith you'll make an amazing queen. People adore you and you are so selfless. Smart, kind, and beautiful. I am proud to have raised you all these years" he tells me.

"But I don't know the first thing about being a Lady, let alone a queen" I tell him.

"I know and that is partly my fault. But the King's ward, Lady Morgana and her maid will be able to teach you all you need to know to be a Lady of the Court. And Prince Arthur is a noble man and the best warrior in Camelot. He will be able to protect you and give you an amazing life" he states.

"But I don't know him" I remind him.

"You will, do not worry you will have a year to get to know him before you marry" he assures me. "But we leave for Camelot tomorrow morning" he tells me. He kisses my forehead. "I must go check on the horses and get some previsions for the journey back to Camelot" he states and leaves me.

I cannot believe this. I'm expected to leave the only home I've either known and marry a man I've never meet. I also have to learn to be a Lady and future Queen. Does the Prince know about this? How does he feel about this arranged marriage? Will he even like me? Will I like him? I sigh and push the questions from my mind and go to my room to start packing. I frown at my dresses, I have nothing to wear. Nothing of royal calibur anyway. I can't very well meet the King dressed as a village girl. Maybe my uncle will purchase one for me for me on our trip back.

(Time skip)

My uncle and I arrived in Camelot yesterday. I have not meet the king or prince yet. But I have meet Lady Morgana and her maid Gwen. Both helped me prepare for my introduction to the king. Gwen did my hair and Morgana had brought me a beautiful blue dress to wear. "Something's missing" Morgana states as she looks at me.

"A necklace?" Gwen suggests.

"No" Morgana says and there is a knock on the door. "Who is it?" she calls.

"Sir Cador" my uncle says.

"Enter" she says and he does so holding a box.

"You look beautiful my dear" he tells me.

"I guess, but apparently something is missing" I tell him looking at the mirror.

"I believe I have just the thing" he declares handing me the box. I open it to see a simple circlet. "It belonged to your mother" he tells me.

"It's perfect" Morgana declares and places it on my head. "There, now you are ready to meet Uther" she states.

"May I escort you, my dear?" my uncle asks me.

"Of course" I tell him and we leave the room. He leads me to the throne room and I take a deep calming breath. Standing straight head high. Morgana told me to show no weakness in front of the king and to be polite. She promised to teach me more about nobility over the next few days on the lead up to the ceremony of Arthur becoming crowned prince. She also promised to tell me some embarrassing stories about Arthur.

"My lord, allow me to present Lady Annika Marshal of Camelot" my uncle declares once we enter the room letting go of my arms. I step forward and curtsy.

"My king" I say.

"You have grown a lot my child" the king states as I stand straight. "Very beautiful, my son is lucky to have such a beautiful fiance" he declares.

"I am the lucky one my king, I've heard nothing but great things about Prince Arthur and yourself" I tell him. "I am surprised he is not here" I add.

"He is preparing for the ceremony, but you will meet him on the day he becomes Crowned Prince of Camelot" he assures me.

"Does he know? About the arrangement?" I ask him curious.

"Not yet, but I am sure he will love you my dear" he assures me. "Please, take this time to get used to your new room and life" he tells me. "And welcome back to Camelot" he adds. I nod my head and leave. As he has my uncle stay to give him a report. I made my way back to Morgana's room and she starts my lessons on nobility. Starting with the Code of Camelot.

A/N

Pictures above of Annika in her village dress and her princess dress.