The couple stood in the north tower, enjoying a rare moment alone.
"I love you", Arthur said as his fingers gently stroked Guinevere's cheek. The other hand reached forward, twining a stray curl that escaped her bun around his finger. Leaning into his gentle touch, Gwen moved closer, and lifted her face to his.
"And I love you. Hurry back to me," Gwen said as she reached for him, her hands on the front of his vest, pulling him in for one last kiss. The pair poured all of their love into the kiss, separating several moments later. Arthur leaned down, his forehead touching Gwen's.
"I wish I didn't have to leave"
"Camelot is rebuilding after Morgana's treachery," Gwen replied softly. Putting both hands on his shoulders, she stepped back and continued, "An alliance with the new King of Escetia will be good for both kingdoms," After Cenred's death, a warrior known as Kalein emerged. He successfully put down any rebellion in Escetia. Escetia was Camelot's neighboring kingdom. After Kalein was made King, he sought to strengthen his dominance thru a treaty with Camelot. Prince Arthur and some of Camelot's best knights were going to see if a treaty was even doable, especially after the manipulations of Morgause, Morgana, and the now dead King Cenred. It was hoped that both sides could work towards peace in both kingdoms. While they were gone, repairs to the castle and lower town would continue. Much of Camelot was devastated after Morgana's brief time as Queen. The castle and lower town needed rebuilding, since much of it was burned to the ground.
"Besides" Gwen said with a smile "The sooner you leave, the sooner you come back to me", one slim hand reached up to move stray hair from his eyes. Arthur grinned then and leaning forward, claiming another kiss. Pulling her closer, he inhaled her scent, committing it to memory. The pair held each other when the door to the North Tower crashed open.
"There you are!" Merlin exclaimed." We've got to get moving, you lazy daisy-"He stopped when he saw the blushing former handmaiden standing slightly behind Arthur. "Hi Gwen!" Merlin's wide smile became wider when he saw them together, the future King and Queen of Camelot.
"MERLIN! You are an IDIOT! I told you I'd meet you down stairs" Arthur yelled. Gwen smiled, used to the banter between the pair. Stepping around Arthur, she hugged Merlin. "You keep him safe," Gwen said, "Do whatever needs doing," Merlin eyes widened slightly at her meaningful look, then recovering quickly, quipped "Sure that means I'll just be polishing armor and I'm sure Arthur will find a way for me to muck out His Majesty's stables, even when we're traveling,". The pair laughed, while Arthur stood, frowning, but his blue eyes twinkled with amusement. "I'll meet you downstairs" Merlin said as he left the room, wondering how Guinevere figured out he had magic.
Arthur and Gwen then faced each other, their eyes conveying their love for the other. Silently, they left the room, fingers intertwined, and headed outside, and each full of thoughts. Arthur full of love for Gwen was thinking of how to propose marriage to her when he returned. Uther was slowly recovering from his daughter's betrayal. He was no longer the hardened man he was before. He was a man who finally realized his mistakes and was slowly trying to fix them. He had started by being kinder to Gwen and the knights who were not born into nobility by giving them subtle hints on what they needed to do now that they were nobles. Arthur knew that when he told his father of his plans that he would not be met with any objections. Gwen was finally confident that Arthur loved her, and she could see a future with them together. The idea of being queen one day was intimidating, but Gwen knew she had support from Arthur, Merlin, Gaius, and the knights. Also, all of the servants and people of the lower town were thrilled that Arthur had chosen sweet Guinevere to court. They were anxiously awaiting the news of an engagement. Camelot desperately needed good things to happen. Many of the population's morale were low due to the actions of the past years. They saw the love between the prince and the maid as a good sign for new beginnings. A Camelot of hope and peace, where men and women were equal, no matter if they were noble or common. This was the hope of the people.
Arthur and Gwen made it outside. There were Lancelot, Gwaine, Percival, and Elyan. They, along with Merlin, would accompany Arthur to Escetia. Sir Leon and Gaius would remain and continue leading everyone in rebuilding the citadel and lower town. As Arthur mounted his horse, Gwen was struck with a feeling of foreboding. Worried, she met Merlin's eye. Keep him safe, her eyes said. Merlin nodded slightly.
"Come on Princess let's get going." Gwaine said from his horse. Merlin snickered; Lancelot and Elyan hid muffled chuckles behind coughs. Percival just shook his head at Gwaine. A wanderer most of his adult life, Gwaine was starting to feel as if he belonged. His parents died when he was only thirteen. A fire stripped him of the home and lands he was meant to inherit. He never told anyone of his noble past. He honestly didn't see what a big deal it was. In his travels he realized that the needs of people, noble or not, were the same. All needed friendship and a purpose for living. He finally gotten a taste of that after meeting Merlin. He realized he liked having friends and that it was far more fun to drink mead with friends rather than drinking alone. He grinned inwardly as he realized the number of taverns between Camelot and Escetia. Breaking from his musings, he saw everyone was ready. Everyone was dressed in traveling clothes, not wanting to draw attention to themselves while on the trail. They would change before they arrived to Escetia. Gaius, Gwen and Leon waved goodbye to the departing group.
The atmosphere as the party left was solemn. Everyone hoped for a quick trip with a good outcome.
All knew that somehow, this trip would change everything.