Arthur wouldn’t say he was excited. More like anxious . . . anxiously excited. This day had been nearly four years in the making and more than once he was afraid it might not come. Yet he knew it was what he wanted from the first moment he realized she was the one for him. She had touched him like no one before and the very thought of her caused a ghost of a smile to spread across his face . . . Guinevere.
After everything they had gone through together, the payoff was finally here. They were at last set to become husband and wife. In just a few short hours, she would meet him before God and everyone to pledge their love and fidelity to each other.
If a prince used such words as giddiness (which he never would) that might better describe his emotions. He realized now that he had been anticipating this moment since the first time he really noticed her. He could remember precisely the moment. It began when they joined Merlin to help defend his home village. Not once but twice she challenged him and his attitude and both times he found himself conceding to her with little resistance.
It was not just that she had challenged him, as he’d been challenged plenty by Morgana in their younger days. Yet while his sister had often sought to mock or rile him, Guinevere only spoke so forcefully when she believed that something was right. It was the intention behind her tenacity that caught and held his attention. She wanted to bring forth the man he was inside and the truth behind her reprimands often made him stop and think about his actions and beliefs and more importantly made him want to be the man she saw. No other woman, noble or otherwise, had ever made him feel the way she did and he found himself thanking the heavens every day for helping him to recognize the petite powerhouse that was destined to steal his heart.
No, their relationship had been anything but smooth sailing with fear and doubt often slipping in on both their parts but at the very end of the day he was beyond confident that they were finally exactly where they were meant to be.
A telling grin spread across his face at those very thoughts and unbeknownst to him this was the scene his servant and close friend walked in on. Merlin took a moment to silently observe the future king in his quiet reverie. He was almost as happy as his two friends were about this day, having watched their relationship blossom over the years. He knew just how good they were for each other. Arthur tended to even Gwen out. More often than not she would take the world on her shoulders and tried to be all things to everyone rarely taking herself and her needs in to consideration. Arthur, though, managed to get her to take time to let someone care for her as deeply as she did others.
And for her part, Gwen had the capacity to cut through Arthur’s prattish exterior and bring forth the man both he and Gwen knew would be the greatest king Camelot and all of Albion had ever seen. Just her presence served to make him more thoughtful of his actions and helped him consider things in a way he may not have before.
Merlin’s smile now matched his friend’s as he once again found himself witness to prophecy unfolding.
“Merlin, why are you just standing there grinning like an idiot?” Arthur’s gruff voice broke through his own contemplations.
The young warlock smirked at the tone as he easily retorted, “I could ask you the same thing but I already know the answer.”
Arthur feigned incredulity, “Please enlighten me with what you know.”
“You were thinking about Gwen,” he simply stated.
The prince failed to fight off a slight blush at being caught out but Merlin easily cut through the awkwardness, “It’s your wedding day after all. I think it’s alright to focus on her today of all days.”
Arthur quietly studied the lanky young man before him. His first instinct was to reprimand him for being so familiar but it was a brief inclination, knowing that after all they had gone through he was only being as perceptive as he always was when it came to himself. Besides he could not and would not deny the joy that came from the fact that she was what was on his mind.
So instead he cleared his throat and evaded the knowing smirk he knew he would garner if he responded.
“Quite. Now about my cape.”
Merlin’s smile never wavered. He knew how skittish Arthur got when talking about his feelings and for once he decided to give him a break. He raised his arm to display the freshly pressed, brilliant red cloak.
“I wanted to make sure it was perfectly pressed. Don’t want Guinevere to think you’re already taking for granted that she’ll have you.”
Arthur smirked this time before firmly responding, “That will never happen.”
“You’ve really got it bad, don’t you?” Merlin bantered back.
He received a curt glare in response, “Merlin.”
Merlin maintained his grin, “Come on, Arthur. It’s not like it’s a bad thing. I’m sure there are worse things than being madly in love with your betrothed.”
Arthur finally gave a whisper of the earlier smile his friend had walked in on. It was true that he deeply adored Guinevere. Just thinking of her made his heart speed up and being in her presence always felt like home.
Yet he was still uncomfortable displaying or sharing his feelings with anyone, even her at times. So in order to forgo the current conversation, he abruptly changed subjects.
“So is everything ready? None of the nobles have decided to boycott have they?”
Merlin smirked, knowing what the change in topic was about.
He gave in and replied, “Nope. There are still some grumbles but you and Gwen will have a full house. I doubt many want to make enemies of their future sovereigns by not attending their nuptials.”
Arthur joined him in his grin this time, “Excellent. I don’t want anything to ruin this day for Guinevere.”
There was a then a lingering silence between the pair as Merlin helped him clasp and straighten his cape and gave him a once over.
“There. Perfectly presentable for your future wife,“ Merlin quipped while breaking the quiet stalemate.
Arthur just smiled and shook his head before his attention turned from his companion to a point further in his chambers. He abruptly made for his nightstand and opened the top drawer. Merlin eyed him as he pulled a brightly wrapped flat squared package from within it. He watched as Arthur thoughtfully stared at the gift before his gaze returned to his friend.
With as much gravity as he’d ever seen from the young royal, Arthur said, “Merlin, I need you to see to something very important.”
Sensing this was a very serious moment, Merlin nodded solemnly, “Of course, Sire. What do you need?”
The prince moved back to where the other man stood and held out the package to him, “Please present this to Guinevere for me along with a message.”
Once the brief but poignant message had been relayed, Merlin was ushered to the door. As he was set to cross the threshold, Arthur called to him once more and half kidding and half seriously he added, “And Merlin . . .”
His friend paused his retreat and glanced over his shoulder as the anxious prince concluded, “Please don’t muck this up.”
Merlin only grinned at his words before giving a slight bow of his head and heading off towards the opposite wing of the castle.
Guinevere, too, was lost in her thoughts as her young handmaiden and a few of the ladies of the court who supported, or feigned support of, the upcoming nuptials buzzed around helping her prepare for the ceremony. For so long she would not allow herself to really believe this day would come but now that it had she found she could not keep from thinking back over the entirety of her relationship with Arthur and marveling at how she had managed to gain and keep his attention for so long.
Numerous moments of change came to mind for her but the moment she knew, with everything inside her, that no one would ever matter as much to her as Arthur was the night he and Merlin returned after facing the dragon.
The waiting and wondering had driven her half mad but after her chat with Gaius some truths she had been denying refused to be further ignored. The first was that if others had begun to notice what they felt for each other how could she go on feigning indifference. The second was that Arthur was out there somewhere battling for Camelot, possibly never to return, and he had no real idea of just how strongly she felt for him.
Time and again, he tried to demonstrate and even verbalize, in his own way, how much she mattered to him yet she had constantly rebuffed him in either actions or words all because of her own, it turned out, unwarranted fears. Fear that this was just some passing fancy for him and that one day someone more suitable would come along and she would have to watch as he found happiness elsewhere. With the exception of the whole Vivian fiasco, not once had his attentions been swayed by visiting nobles or princesses. Even when he nearly married, she knew it was not about his desire but his duty.
The dragon attacks, however, and his subsequent absence finally forced her to admit that he was all she truly desired. It was as she waited and prayed for his return that she vowed to herself that if he did comeback that she would not waste another moment pretending he wasn’t everything to her.
A knowing smile now graced her face as she remembered sprinting out ahead of Gaius when they received word that both Arthur and Merlin had been spotted near the main gates. She hadn’t felt so light in days and when the prince came into sight she could have fainted from the relief. Yet her legs continued to carry her forward and before he ever even noticed her approach, she launched herself into his arms.
By his initial stiff response, she knew he was surprised at the openness of her greeting. In her head, she knew this was beyond improper but her heart was guiding her that night and it begged her to just feel for once. And so she did as she tightened her grip on him and finally felt him respond in kind. It was then she whispered just a small fraction of what was on her mind and in her heart . . .
I thought I lost you.
The thought that she might not have ever felt his embrace again had been too much then and having it back made her feel whole again. For that brief but powerful interlude she just allowed herself to feel and it was that moment that told her, no matter what the future held, he was what she would always want, need and desire.
Her smile blossomed as she came back to the present. Maybe she didn’t deserve his love and loyalty but she was truly overjoyed to have both.
Her handmaiden, who was putting the finishing touches on her hair, softly stated, “You’re glowing, my Lady.”
Gwen’s beam never wavered, “Am I?”
The young girl nodded, “I only mentioned it because in other noble unions that I have assisted, I have never seen a bride so radiant.”
Those words caused Gwen to blush which then prompted the youngster to begin to backtrack.
“If I have made you uncomfortable I apologize, my Lady.”
Gwen shook her head, “Not at all, Lizzie. I just feel . . . so expectant. I hope everything will be perfect.”
The girl nodded, “I am certain it will be.”
A knock at the door brought the activity within her chambers to a halt. Since the ceremony was still a bit off, there was a curious buzz about who the visitor might be. Eventually one of the ladies took it upon themselves to open the door and find out. Gwen smiled, rose from her perch, and began to make her way towards the door and her dear friend who stood before it.
“Merlin, to what do we owe this pleasure?”
He gave a slight bow that caused Gwen’s smile to falter before he pressed forward, “I come bearing gifts and a message from Arthur, my Lady.”
“Merlin,” she sternly reprimanded, disliking his use of such formalities.
He responded to her tone with a cheeky grin before presenting her with the ornately wrapped package. As she held it carefully in her hands, Merlin cleared his throat as the attention of the whole room was on him and began to recite Arthur’s words.
“The prince asks if you would do him the honor of wearing a piece of jewelry his mother once wore on her wedding day. So that she will be a presence on your special day.”
Guinevere was stunned into silence as her gaze left the luminous grin of her friend and fell to the box in her hand. That he would want her to wear something of his mother’s on their wedding day was overwhelming. She knew just how much the ghost of the former queen haunted her prince, especially because his father refused to discuss his wife.
For him to want to have some part of her be there for their ceremony was of little surprise but that he was presenting something so precious to her was mind-blowing. Merlin snapped her from her stupor with his familiar teasing tone, “So are you planning to look inside or just gaze at the box?”
She blushed for the second time that day at her obliviousness. The whole room was watching and waiting to see what Arthur had sent. So finally she began to undo the ribbon and then the paper before reaching into the intricately carved box that held the treasure. She glanced up one last time at all the other excited faces before returning her gaze to the box and flipping it open to reveal the most stunning piece of jewelry Gwen had ever laid her eyes on.
Draped inside the box was a majestic ruby and diamond necklace set within a white gold drop setting. The entire necklace was encircled with rubies which were themselves surrounded by numerous round-cut diamonds. She, along with every other lady in the room, gaped at the extraordinary piece of jewelry before them.
Guinevere never in her wildest imagination believed she would ever touch something of this caliber let alone have it presented to her.
She finally brought her now wide-eyed gaze back to Merlin’s. His grin widen at her obvious surprise. He knew how humble his friend often was and that being given something so ornate was probably a shock but knowing the symbolism behind it, he had little doubt she would honor Arthur’s request.
The shock slowly began to fade away to be replaced with the awe all in the future monarch’s presence read on her face. Gently, she traced a finger over the finery before she snapped herself from her momentary reflection and found Merlin’s eyes once more. The two friends shared a meaningful smile before she trailed her attention to her young handmaiden.
“Lizzie, would you mind helping me?”
The young girl seemed surprised and delighted to be given such an honor as she dutifully nodded and accepted the box from her mistress. Gwen led her back over to the mirror before pulling her locks to the side, allowing the youngster to maneuver the jewelry around her neck.
Once it was placed and fastened before her, Gwen’s breath caught a new. This was truly the most exquisite piece of adornment she’d ever worn and to know that it once graced her beloved’s own mother nearly overwhelmed her. She took in two long deep breaths before turning back to the room.
All of the ladies immediately began to gush about how lovely it looked on her but she could see and sense their jealousy at such an heirloom adorning someone many of them felt was their lesser. Yet when she found Lizzie and Merlin’s gaze she could not find it in herself to care what the phony nobles thought. This was her day, hers and Arthur’s, and she refused to allow their pettiness to lessen it.
She knew that her fellow commoners, Merlin and Lizzie shared her appreciation, not so much for the jewelry, but what it symbolized. A new day was about to dawn in Camelot. A day were being common was no longer a barrier to so many of the good things in this life.
She finally broke through the chatter and her own reverie as she held Merlin’s eye and smiled beatifically, “Please tell the prince that the honor would be all mine.”
Merlin’s smile grew before nodding to his oldest friend in Camelot before turning to leave and relay the message. Once he was gone, the room again began to bustle with last minute preparations but Guinevere could not seem to take her eyes off the gift from Arthur. The fact that it was a gift from him and such a dazzling one was significant but more so was that it had once belonged to his mother and he wanted her to wear it.
Gwen caught herself briefly wondering about what kind of person the former queen was. She felt like she could see some of her in the gentler side of Arthur. His compassion and tenderness were definitely not traits inherited from his father. Guinevere liked to believe, that like her son, Ygraine would have been a benevolent sovereign and maybe even would have supported her and Arthur’s union had she lived.
In the end, she knew there was no way to tell for sure but if her son was any indication, Gwen believed she would have adored her future mother-in-law as well.
Her contemplations on the matter were ended when the ladies announced it was time for her to don her bridal gown. Guinevere inhaled a deep breath before rising and allowing the women who surrounded her to help her dress for the last time as a single woman . . .
Arthur now stood staring out the window of the chambers adjacent to where he and Guinevere were set to be wed. The moment was nearly at hand and his anticipation was beginning to get the best of him. When Merlin had returned from delivering Gwen’s gift, the dark-haired young man was all too happy to relay her reaction and words
. As always his love was humble and demure. He could not wait to see her in all her splendor. So after a bit of banter with his friend he sent him off to find out how much longer until the ceremony was to begin.
Alone with his thoughts, Arthur imagined the vision his future wife would make as she made her way towards him. He honestly now could not recall a time when he did not think her beautiful yet he knew no adornments could enhance the love he felt in his heart for her. The necklace was both a symbol of the mother he never knew but also of the progress he and his father had made since Camelot’s near fall.
It was the incapacitated king that had come to him a few days prior and offered the jewelry to his son. As the older man handed it off to him, Arthur noticed the glistening in his eyes as he explained that it was once his mother’s and that he thought his future bride might look as lovely in it as her.
In his right mind, his father had flat out refused to discuss his mother but in his current state he seemed a bit more open about her. It was clear he cared a great deal for his queen which heartened Arthur because it gave him hope that his and Guinevere’s love might also endure.
After his departure Arthur sat gazing at the jewelry, trying to imagine what his mother might have looked like wearing it. The image he conjured, though, was not of his mother but of Guinevere beautifully adorned in both her wedding gown and the finery in his hand. With a brilliant smile on his face, that was the moment he decided to make that picture an actuality.
He was so happy she had agreed to wear it and was excited to see if his idea matched the reality. The door opened behind him and Merlin stood in the doorway with his trademark grin and announced, “They are ready for you, Sire.”
Arthur’s smile matched his friends, “Thank you, Merlin.”
Gwen had just finished being dressed when another knock came upon her door. This one all inside anticipated and when the door was again opened Guinevere’s brother and knight of Camelot, Elyan, stood on the other side. The two siblings shared a genuine smile before Gwen excused the other ladies and her handmaiden so that they could find their places for the ceremony and give her a moment alone with her brother.
Once the pair was alone, Elyan’s grin widened.
“Gwen, you look stunning,” he finally voiced.
Her own smile brightened at his compliment.
“Thank you. You also look quite polished in your chainmail and cape.”
There was brief silence between them as the duo contemplated each other. They had not always agreed about the important things in life but when all was said and done, they shared a love and bond that spoke to the way that their father raised them. Both were happy to be sharing this day and Elyan chose the moment to speak once again with a more serious demeanor.
“I truly wish you happiness, sis. It’s obvious how much you and Arthur care for each other and I believe that care will see you through whatever obstacles you might face.”
Gwen smile sweetly at his words as she softly replied, “It means so much to hear you say that. I know you had concerns.”
It was true, initially, Elyan was concerned about Arthur’s intentions towards his sister but after seeing them with each other over time, he realized that the crown prince was as enthralled, if not more so, with her as she was with him. He knew all he could ever ask was for the prince to love and respect his sister, which he obviously did. It was that realization that made it that much easier for him to say something else on his mind and he was sure Gwen’s as well.
He leaned into his sister and placed a soft kiss on her forehead before quietly adding, “And for the record, I believe dad would also be very happy for and proud of you and what you have become.”
Guinevere’s eyes instantly stung with tears at the mention of their absent father. He would have been the one to give her away had he not so cruelly be taken from her. She, too, believed in her heart of hearts that her father would have been supportive and decided to hold onto the thought of his warm smile and approval and push aside the circumstances that prevented him from seeing this day. He would want her to move forward and live and she would honor him by doing just that with the man she loved more than any other.
So with glassy eyes and another humble smile she gently replied, “I hope so.”
There was another momentary silence before Elyan brightened his smile and moved to vanquish the solemnity of the prior moment.
“Let’s say we go get you married.”
Her smile now matched his as she nodded her approval before allowing him to loop her arm through his and prepare to lead her to her future . . .
Arthur stood before a packed throne room, anticipating Guinevere’s arrival. The moment where all the promises made would finally be realized was finally upon them and he was finding it more and more difficult to disguise his impatience.
His hands were continually clenching and unclenching at his sides and his eyes kept drifting to the still closed doors at the back of the room. He knew he needed to calm himself. It was unseemly for the future king of Camelot to appear so eager yet he could not help but be just that. The last time he was nearly wed it was dread and uncertainty that ruled the day but now he was overcome with a sense of certainty and joy he never knew was possible. He could not wait to make his love a permanent part of his life.
Merlin stood to Arthur’s side observing as well as sensing his friend’s excitement. The young warlock could barely keep a grin off his own face as he awaited his other friend’s imminent entrance. He believed with everything in him that the three of them together would do great things. Camelot was truly about to enter a golden age.
Both his ruminations and Arthur’s fidgeting were cut short by the sound of the heavy wooden door finally being opened. All eyes immediately turned to the entryway and there appeared to be a collective gasp as Guinevere, escorted by Sir Elyan, finally made her appearance.
Arthur inhaled sharply at the vision before him. With the added adornments including his mother’s necklace, Guinevere was simply breathtaking. For a long moment, he just stood mesmerized by the woman slowly making her way towards him as she once did his heart. Suddenly, there was nothing and no one but her.
“Breathe,” came the whispered command from the dark-haired young man next to him.
In fact, as he had focused on his beloved’s progress towards him he had not released the breath he had taken upon seeing her initially. He finally did as Merlin suggested, taking in a few discreet breaths before a smile began to creep across his face once more. After all they had gone through to get here, she was steps from being at his side.
Guinevere was also feeling the moment. Her grip tightened slightly on her brother’s arm, fearing if not for his steadying her legs just might give out before she made it to her prince. This was her wedding day and so much more than she ever dared to envision as a young woman. She was about to marry a man she loved with all of her heart and soul.
Yes his title was that of prince of Camelot and one day soon king but she knew it wasn’t his title that awed her but the man behind it. He was courageous and strong but also sensitive and loving. He made her believe in the impossible and ultimately made it a reality.
She took a moment to glance around at that reality and mused. She knew there were many within the throng that now surrounded them who had hoped this day would not come. Not even the apparent joy of their future king was enough to ease their ill will towards his intended but as she gradually brought her sights back to the brilliant blue gaze of her love,
Guinevere found that in this moment that was years in the making, she didn’t care nearly as much as in the past. In her heart she just knew this love they shared could never be wrong.
A soft smile played on her lips as Arthur’s full form came into better view. His sexy beam and steady gaze seemed to draw her to him and she was suddenly anxious to be at his side. She did not believe anyone would stand in outright opposition at this late stage but it was a desire to make their union official that was now driving her to get to him sooner.
Her brother appeared to sense her sudden unrest and gently squeezed the hand resting on his forearm and softly whispered, “Relax. We’re almost there.”
She glanced over at him with a small, guilty, smile and blush before ducking her head briefly. When her eyes rose she again scanned the crowd finding closer to the front the people she knew sincerely wished her and Arthur well.
Gwaine gave her a wink and suggestive eyebrow raise, while Percival and Leon both gave her gentle smiles and respectful bows of their heads. Then there was Lancelot, who also carried a smile upon his face, although it did not quite reach his eyes. Gwen knew the dashing knight would always hold a special place in her heart, yet she also knew her love for Arthur trumped any romantic feelings she ever had for him. One day she hoped he would find someone who made him feel the way Arthur did her.
Her eyes then found their way to the once major obstacle to her and Arthur’s love. Even though she had spent the better part of a year caring for him, Guinevere found she still had very mixed feelings about the current king of Camelot.
As he sat just to the side of the ceremonial stage with a surprisingly bright smile on his face, Gwen could not help but be a bit unnerved. Though a shell of his former self, it was hard for her to separate the tyrant from his present incarnation. The Uther before Morgana’s attack had never been welcoming as he now appeared towards her, having accused her of witchcraft twice, murdering her father, and even striking her once.
That this was the same man now grinning at her as if she were his top choice for his son was a bit much. She could not forget each slight he had thrown her way yet her love for his son was so great that she could not fully hate him, as he was part of the reason Arthur was here now. She would have to deal with him much as she would other nobles who were sure to make their displeasure known when possible . . . by revealing in the love she knew Arthur had for her. As long as she had that she truly believed she could endure most anything.
Her resolve set, she finally turned her attention back to the man of the moment as she and Elyan reached the stairs that lead to the platform. Arthur smiled brightly at her as he stepped down to meet her as she and her escort, in turn, stepped up. He and Elyan shared a brief respectful look before her brother brought her hand to his lips and placed a light kiss upon it and softly concluded, “Be happy.”
She smiled at him and nodded, “We will.”
The young man then turned towards the prince and placed his sister’s hand in his before stepping back down and joining his fellow knights. Finally all eyes were on the young couple while their gazes remained firmly planted on each other once they took their places before Geoffrey. Arthur held both her hands in his and was gently stroking his thumbs lightly across the backs of them as they smiled happily into each other’s eyes.
As the historian began to ramble on with protocols and such, the prince and his future princess stood lost in their joy. Their time had finally come and both could do nothing but revel in the new life they were embarking on together.
After everything they had gone through together, the payoff was finally here. They were at last set to become husband and wife. In just a few short hours, she would meet him before God and everyone to pledge their love and fidelity to each other.
If a prince used such words as giddiness (which he never would) that might better describe his emotions. He realized now that he had been anticipating this moment since the first time he really noticed her. He could remember precisely the moment. It began when they joined Merlin to help defend his home village. Not once but twice she challenged him and his attitude and both times he found himself conceding to her with little resistance.
It was not just that she had challenged him, as he’d been challenged plenty by Morgana in their younger days. Yet while his sister had often sought to mock or rile him, Guinevere only spoke so forcefully when she believed that something was right. It was the intention behind her tenacity that caught and held his attention. She wanted to bring forth the man he was inside and the truth behind her reprimands often made him stop and think about his actions and beliefs and more importantly made him want to be the man she saw. No other woman, noble or otherwise, had ever made him feel the way she did and he found himself thanking the heavens every day for helping him to recognize the petite powerhouse that was destined to steal his heart.
No, their relationship had been anything but smooth sailing with fear and doubt often slipping in on both their parts but at the very end of the day he was beyond confident that they were finally exactly where they were meant to be.
A telling grin spread across his face at those very thoughts and unbeknownst to him this was the scene his servant and close friend walked in on. Merlin took a moment to silently observe the future king in his quiet reverie. He was almost as happy as his two friends were about this day, having watched their relationship blossom over the years. He knew just how good they were for each other. Arthur tended to even Gwen out. More often than not she would take the world on her shoulders and tried to be all things to everyone rarely taking herself and her needs in to consideration. Arthur, though, managed to get her to take time to let someone care for her as deeply as she did others.
And for her part, Gwen had the capacity to cut through Arthur’s prattish exterior and bring forth the man both he and Gwen knew would be the greatest king Camelot and all of Albion had ever seen. Just her presence served to make him more thoughtful of his actions and helped him consider things in a way he may not have before.
Merlin’s smile now matched his friend’s as he once again found himself witness to prophecy unfolding.
“Merlin, why are you just standing there grinning like an idiot?” Arthur’s gruff voice broke through his own contemplations.
The young warlock smirked at the tone as he easily retorted, “I could ask you the same thing but I already know the answer.”
Arthur feigned incredulity, “Please enlighten me with what you know.”
“You were thinking about Gwen,” he simply stated.
The prince failed to fight off a slight blush at being caught out but Merlin easily cut through the awkwardness, “It’s your wedding day after all. I think it’s alright to focus on her today of all days.”
Arthur quietly studied the lanky young man before him. His first instinct was to reprimand him for being so familiar but it was a brief inclination, knowing that after all they had gone through he was only being as perceptive as he always was when it came to himself. Besides he could not and would not deny the joy that came from the fact that she was what was on his mind.
So instead he cleared his throat and evaded the knowing smirk he knew he would garner if he responded.
“Quite. Now about my cape.”
Merlin’s smile never wavered. He knew how skittish Arthur got when talking about his feelings and for once he decided to give him a break. He raised his arm to display the freshly pressed, brilliant red cloak.
“I wanted to make sure it was perfectly pressed. Don’t want Guinevere to think you’re already taking for granted that she’ll have you.”
Arthur smirked this time before firmly responding, “That will never happen.”
“You’ve really got it bad, don’t you?” Merlin bantered back.
He received a curt glare in response, “Merlin.”
Merlin maintained his grin, “Come on, Arthur. It’s not like it’s a bad thing. I’m sure there are worse things than being madly in love with your betrothed.”
Arthur finally gave a whisper of the earlier smile his friend had walked in on. It was true that he deeply adored Guinevere. Just thinking of her made his heart speed up and being in her presence always felt like home.
Yet he was still uncomfortable displaying or sharing his feelings with anyone, even her at times. So in order to forgo the current conversation, he abruptly changed subjects.
“So is everything ready? None of the nobles have decided to boycott have they?”
Merlin smirked, knowing what the change in topic was about.
He gave in and replied, “Nope. There are still some grumbles but you and Gwen will have a full house. I doubt many want to make enemies of their future sovereigns by not attending their nuptials.”
Arthur joined him in his grin this time, “Excellent. I don’t want anything to ruin this day for Guinevere.”
There was a then a lingering silence between the pair as Merlin helped him clasp and straighten his cape and gave him a once over.
“There. Perfectly presentable for your future wife,“ Merlin quipped while breaking the quiet stalemate.
Arthur just smiled and shook his head before his attention turned from his companion to a point further in his chambers. He abruptly made for his nightstand and opened the top drawer. Merlin eyed him as he pulled a brightly wrapped flat squared package from within it. He watched as Arthur thoughtfully stared at the gift before his gaze returned to his friend.
With as much gravity as he’d ever seen from the young royal, Arthur said, “Merlin, I need you to see to something very important.”
Sensing this was a very serious moment, Merlin nodded solemnly, “Of course, Sire. What do you need?”
The prince moved back to where the other man stood and held out the package to him, “Please present this to Guinevere for me along with a message.”
Once the brief but poignant message had been relayed, Merlin was ushered to the door. As he was set to cross the threshold, Arthur called to him once more and half kidding and half seriously he added, “And Merlin . . .”
His friend paused his retreat and glanced over his shoulder as the anxious prince concluded, “Please don’t muck this up.”
Merlin only grinned at his words before giving a slight bow of his head and heading off towards the opposite wing of the castle.
Guinevere, too, was lost in her thoughts as her young handmaiden and a few of the ladies of the court who supported, or feigned support of, the upcoming nuptials buzzed around helping her prepare for the ceremony. For so long she would not allow herself to really believe this day would come but now that it had she found she could not keep from thinking back over the entirety of her relationship with Arthur and marveling at how she had managed to gain and keep his attention for so long.
Numerous moments of change came to mind for her but the moment she knew, with everything inside her, that no one would ever matter as much to her as Arthur was the night he and Merlin returned after facing the dragon.
The waiting and wondering had driven her half mad but after her chat with Gaius some truths she had been denying refused to be further ignored. The first was that if others had begun to notice what they felt for each other how could she go on feigning indifference. The second was that Arthur was out there somewhere battling for Camelot, possibly never to return, and he had no real idea of just how strongly she felt for him.
Time and again, he tried to demonstrate and even verbalize, in his own way, how much she mattered to him yet she had constantly rebuffed him in either actions or words all because of her own, it turned out, unwarranted fears. Fear that this was just some passing fancy for him and that one day someone more suitable would come along and she would have to watch as he found happiness elsewhere. With the exception of the whole Vivian fiasco, not once had his attentions been swayed by visiting nobles or princesses. Even when he nearly married, she knew it was not about his desire but his duty.
The dragon attacks, however, and his subsequent absence finally forced her to admit that he was all she truly desired. It was as she waited and prayed for his return that she vowed to herself that if he did comeback that she would not waste another moment pretending he wasn’t everything to her.
A knowing smile now graced her face as she remembered sprinting out ahead of Gaius when they received word that both Arthur and Merlin had been spotted near the main gates. She hadn’t felt so light in days and when the prince came into sight she could have fainted from the relief. Yet her legs continued to carry her forward and before he ever even noticed her approach, she launched herself into his arms.
By his initial stiff response, she knew he was surprised at the openness of her greeting. In her head, she knew this was beyond improper but her heart was guiding her that night and it begged her to just feel for once. And so she did as she tightened her grip on him and finally felt him respond in kind. It was then she whispered just a small fraction of what was on her mind and in her heart . . .
I thought I lost you.
The thought that she might not have ever felt his embrace again had been too much then and having it back made her feel whole again. For that brief but powerful interlude she just allowed herself to feel and it was that moment that told her, no matter what the future held, he was what she would always want, need and desire.
Her smile blossomed as she came back to the present. Maybe she didn’t deserve his love and loyalty but she was truly overjoyed to have both.
Her handmaiden, who was putting the finishing touches on her hair, softly stated, “You’re glowing, my Lady.”
Gwen’s beam never wavered, “Am I?”
The young girl nodded, “I only mentioned it because in other noble unions that I have assisted, I have never seen a bride so radiant.”
Those words caused Gwen to blush which then prompted the youngster to begin to backtrack.
“If I have made you uncomfortable I apologize, my Lady.”
Gwen shook her head, “Not at all, Lizzie. I just feel . . . so expectant. I hope everything will be perfect.”
The girl nodded, “I am certain it will be.”
A knock at the door brought the activity within her chambers to a halt. Since the ceremony was still a bit off, there was a curious buzz about who the visitor might be. Eventually one of the ladies took it upon themselves to open the door and find out. Gwen smiled, rose from her perch, and began to make her way towards the door and her dear friend who stood before it.
“Merlin, to what do we owe this pleasure?”
He gave a slight bow that caused Gwen’s smile to falter before he pressed forward, “I come bearing gifts and a message from Arthur, my Lady.”
“Merlin,” she sternly reprimanded, disliking his use of such formalities.
He responded to her tone with a cheeky grin before presenting her with the ornately wrapped package. As she held it carefully in her hands, Merlin cleared his throat as the attention of the whole room was on him and began to recite Arthur’s words.
“The prince asks if you would do him the honor of wearing a piece of jewelry his mother once wore on her wedding day. So that she will be a presence on your special day.”
Guinevere was stunned into silence as her gaze left the luminous grin of her friend and fell to the box in her hand. That he would want her to wear something of his mother’s on their wedding day was overwhelming. She knew just how much the ghost of the former queen haunted her prince, especially because his father refused to discuss his wife.
For him to want to have some part of her be there for their ceremony was of little surprise but that he was presenting something so precious to her was mind-blowing. Merlin snapped her from her stupor with his familiar teasing tone, “So are you planning to look inside or just gaze at the box?”
She blushed for the second time that day at her obliviousness. The whole room was watching and waiting to see what Arthur had sent. So finally she began to undo the ribbon and then the paper before reaching into the intricately carved box that held the treasure. She glanced up one last time at all the other excited faces before returning her gaze to the box and flipping it open to reveal the most stunning piece of jewelry Gwen had ever laid her eyes on.
Draped inside the box was a majestic ruby and diamond necklace set within a white gold drop setting. The entire necklace was encircled with rubies which were themselves surrounded by numerous round-cut diamonds. She, along with every other lady in the room, gaped at the extraordinary piece of jewelry before them.
Guinevere never in her wildest imagination believed she would ever touch something of this caliber let alone have it presented to her.
She finally brought her now wide-eyed gaze back to Merlin’s. His grin widen at her obvious surprise. He knew how humble his friend often was and that being given something so ornate was probably a shock but knowing the symbolism behind it, he had little doubt she would honor Arthur’s request.
The shock slowly began to fade away to be replaced with the awe all in the future monarch’s presence read on her face. Gently, she traced a finger over the finery before she snapped herself from her momentary reflection and found Merlin’s eyes once more. The two friends shared a meaningful smile before she trailed her attention to her young handmaiden.
“Lizzie, would you mind helping me?”
The young girl seemed surprised and delighted to be given such an honor as she dutifully nodded and accepted the box from her mistress. Gwen led her back over to the mirror before pulling her locks to the side, allowing the youngster to maneuver the jewelry around her neck.
Once it was placed and fastened before her, Gwen’s breath caught a new. This was truly the most exquisite piece of adornment she’d ever worn and to know that it once graced her beloved’s own mother nearly overwhelmed her. She took in two long deep breaths before turning back to the room.
All of the ladies immediately began to gush about how lovely it looked on her but she could see and sense their jealousy at such an heirloom adorning someone many of them felt was their lesser. Yet when she found Lizzie and Merlin’s gaze she could not find it in herself to care what the phony nobles thought. This was her day, hers and Arthur’s, and she refused to allow their pettiness to lessen it.
She knew that her fellow commoners, Merlin and Lizzie shared her appreciation, not so much for the jewelry, but what it symbolized. A new day was about to dawn in Camelot. A day were being common was no longer a barrier to so many of the good things in this life.
She finally broke through the chatter and her own reverie as she held Merlin’s eye and smiled beatifically, “Please tell the prince that the honor would be all mine.”
Merlin’s smile grew before nodding to his oldest friend in Camelot before turning to leave and relay the message. Once he was gone, the room again began to bustle with last minute preparations but Guinevere could not seem to take her eyes off the gift from Arthur. The fact that it was a gift from him and such a dazzling one was significant but more so was that it had once belonged to his mother and he wanted her to wear it.
Gwen caught herself briefly wondering about what kind of person the former queen was. She felt like she could see some of her in the gentler side of Arthur. His compassion and tenderness were definitely not traits inherited from his father. Guinevere liked to believe, that like her son, Ygraine would have been a benevolent sovereign and maybe even would have supported her and Arthur’s union had she lived.
In the end, she knew there was no way to tell for sure but if her son was any indication, Gwen believed she would have adored her future mother-in-law as well.
Her contemplations on the matter were ended when the ladies announced it was time for her to don her bridal gown. Guinevere inhaled a deep breath before rising and allowing the women who surrounded her to help her dress for the last time as a single woman . . .
Arthur now stood staring out the window of the chambers adjacent to where he and Guinevere were set to be wed. The moment was nearly at hand and his anticipation was beginning to get the best of him. When Merlin had returned from delivering Gwen’s gift, the dark-haired young man was all too happy to relay her reaction and words
. As always his love was humble and demure. He could not wait to see her in all her splendor. So after a bit of banter with his friend he sent him off to find out how much longer until the ceremony was to begin.
Alone with his thoughts, Arthur imagined the vision his future wife would make as she made her way towards him. He honestly now could not recall a time when he did not think her beautiful yet he knew no adornments could enhance the love he felt in his heart for her. The necklace was both a symbol of the mother he never knew but also of the progress he and his father had made since Camelot’s near fall.
It was the incapacitated king that had come to him a few days prior and offered the jewelry to his son. As the older man handed it off to him, Arthur noticed the glistening in his eyes as he explained that it was once his mother’s and that he thought his future bride might look as lovely in it as her.
In his right mind, his father had flat out refused to discuss his mother but in his current state he seemed a bit more open about her. It was clear he cared a great deal for his queen which heartened Arthur because it gave him hope that his and Guinevere’s love might also endure.
After his departure Arthur sat gazing at the jewelry, trying to imagine what his mother might have looked like wearing it. The image he conjured, though, was not of his mother but of Guinevere beautifully adorned in both her wedding gown and the finery in his hand. With a brilliant smile on his face, that was the moment he decided to make that picture an actuality.
He was so happy she had agreed to wear it and was excited to see if his idea matched the reality. The door opened behind him and Merlin stood in the doorway with his trademark grin and announced, “They are ready for you, Sire.”
Arthur’s smile matched his friends, “Thank you, Merlin.”
Gwen had just finished being dressed when another knock came upon her door. This one all inside anticipated and when the door was again opened Guinevere’s brother and knight of Camelot, Elyan, stood on the other side. The two siblings shared a genuine smile before Gwen excused the other ladies and her handmaiden so that they could find their places for the ceremony and give her a moment alone with her brother.
Once the pair was alone, Elyan’s grin widened.
“Gwen, you look stunning,” he finally voiced.
Her own smile brightened at his compliment.
“Thank you. You also look quite polished in your chainmail and cape.”
There was brief silence between them as the duo contemplated each other. They had not always agreed about the important things in life but when all was said and done, they shared a love and bond that spoke to the way that their father raised them. Both were happy to be sharing this day and Elyan chose the moment to speak once again with a more serious demeanor.
“I truly wish you happiness, sis. It’s obvious how much you and Arthur care for each other and I believe that care will see you through whatever obstacles you might face.”
Gwen smile sweetly at his words as she softly replied, “It means so much to hear you say that. I know you had concerns.”
It was true, initially, Elyan was concerned about Arthur’s intentions towards his sister but after seeing them with each other over time, he realized that the crown prince was as enthralled, if not more so, with her as she was with him. He knew all he could ever ask was for the prince to love and respect his sister, which he obviously did. It was that realization that made it that much easier for him to say something else on his mind and he was sure Gwen’s as well.
He leaned into his sister and placed a soft kiss on her forehead before quietly adding, “And for the record, I believe dad would also be very happy for and proud of you and what you have become.”
Guinevere’s eyes instantly stung with tears at the mention of their absent father. He would have been the one to give her away had he not so cruelly be taken from her. She, too, believed in her heart of hearts that her father would have been supportive and decided to hold onto the thought of his warm smile and approval and push aside the circumstances that prevented him from seeing this day. He would want her to move forward and live and she would honor him by doing just that with the man she loved more than any other.
So with glassy eyes and another humble smile she gently replied, “I hope so.”
There was another momentary silence before Elyan brightened his smile and moved to vanquish the solemnity of the prior moment.
“Let’s say we go get you married.”
Her smile now matched his as she nodded her approval before allowing him to loop her arm through his and prepare to lead her to her future . . .
Arthur stood before a packed throne room, anticipating Guinevere’s arrival. The moment where all the promises made would finally be realized was finally upon them and he was finding it more and more difficult to disguise his impatience.
His hands were continually clenching and unclenching at his sides and his eyes kept drifting to the still closed doors at the back of the room. He knew he needed to calm himself. It was unseemly for the future king of Camelot to appear so eager yet he could not help but be just that. The last time he was nearly wed it was dread and uncertainty that ruled the day but now he was overcome with a sense of certainty and joy he never knew was possible. He could not wait to make his love a permanent part of his life.
Merlin stood to Arthur’s side observing as well as sensing his friend’s excitement. The young warlock could barely keep a grin off his own face as he awaited his other friend’s imminent entrance. He believed with everything in him that the three of them together would do great things. Camelot was truly about to enter a golden age.
Both his ruminations and Arthur’s fidgeting were cut short by the sound of the heavy wooden door finally being opened. All eyes immediately turned to the entryway and there appeared to be a collective gasp as Guinevere, escorted by Sir Elyan, finally made her appearance.
Arthur inhaled sharply at the vision before him. With the added adornments including his mother’s necklace, Guinevere was simply breathtaking. For a long moment, he just stood mesmerized by the woman slowly making her way towards him as she once did his heart. Suddenly, there was nothing and no one but her.
“Breathe,” came the whispered command from the dark-haired young man next to him.
In fact, as he had focused on his beloved’s progress towards him he had not released the breath he had taken upon seeing her initially. He finally did as Merlin suggested, taking in a few discreet breaths before a smile began to creep across his face once more. After all they had gone through to get here, she was steps from being at his side.
Guinevere was also feeling the moment. Her grip tightened slightly on her brother’s arm, fearing if not for his steadying her legs just might give out before she made it to her prince. This was her wedding day and so much more than she ever dared to envision as a young woman. She was about to marry a man she loved with all of her heart and soul.
Yes his title was that of prince of Camelot and one day soon king but she knew it wasn’t his title that awed her but the man behind it. He was courageous and strong but also sensitive and loving. He made her believe in the impossible and ultimately made it a reality.
She took a moment to glance around at that reality and mused. She knew there were many within the throng that now surrounded them who had hoped this day would not come. Not even the apparent joy of their future king was enough to ease their ill will towards his intended but as she gradually brought her sights back to the brilliant blue gaze of her love,
Guinevere found that in this moment that was years in the making, she didn’t care nearly as much as in the past. In her heart she just knew this love they shared could never be wrong.
A soft smile played on her lips as Arthur’s full form came into better view. His sexy beam and steady gaze seemed to draw her to him and she was suddenly anxious to be at his side. She did not believe anyone would stand in outright opposition at this late stage but it was a desire to make their union official that was now driving her to get to him sooner.
Her brother appeared to sense her sudden unrest and gently squeezed the hand resting on his forearm and softly whispered, “Relax. We’re almost there.”
She glanced over at him with a small, guilty, smile and blush before ducking her head briefly. When her eyes rose she again scanned the crowd finding closer to the front the people she knew sincerely wished her and Arthur well.
Gwaine gave her a wink and suggestive eyebrow raise, while Percival and Leon both gave her gentle smiles and respectful bows of their heads. Then there was Lancelot, who also carried a smile upon his face, although it did not quite reach his eyes. Gwen knew the dashing knight would always hold a special place in her heart, yet she also knew her love for Arthur trumped any romantic feelings she ever had for him. One day she hoped he would find someone who made him feel the way Arthur did her.
Her eyes then found their way to the once major obstacle to her and Arthur’s love. Even though she had spent the better part of a year caring for him, Guinevere found she still had very mixed feelings about the current king of Camelot.
As he sat just to the side of the ceremonial stage with a surprisingly bright smile on his face, Gwen could not help but be a bit unnerved. Though a shell of his former self, it was hard for her to separate the tyrant from his present incarnation. The Uther before Morgana’s attack had never been welcoming as he now appeared towards her, having accused her of witchcraft twice, murdering her father, and even striking her once.
That this was the same man now grinning at her as if she were his top choice for his son was a bit much. She could not forget each slight he had thrown her way yet her love for his son was so great that she could not fully hate him, as he was part of the reason Arthur was here now. She would have to deal with him much as she would other nobles who were sure to make their displeasure known when possible . . . by revealing in the love she knew Arthur had for her. As long as she had that she truly believed she could endure most anything.
Her resolve set, she finally turned her attention back to the man of the moment as she and Elyan reached the stairs that lead to the platform. Arthur smiled brightly at her as he stepped down to meet her as she and her escort, in turn, stepped up. He and Elyan shared a brief respectful look before her brother brought her hand to his lips and placed a light kiss upon it and softly concluded, “Be happy.”
She smiled at him and nodded, “We will.”
The young man then turned towards the prince and placed his sister’s hand in his before stepping back down and joining his fellow knights. Finally all eyes were on the young couple while their gazes remained firmly planted on each other once they took their places before Geoffrey. Arthur held both her hands in his and was gently stroking his thumbs lightly across the backs of them as they smiled happily into each other’s eyes.
As the historian began to ramble on with protocols and such, the prince and his future princess stood lost in their joy. Their time had finally come and both could do nothing but revel in the new life they were embarking on together.