I thought of this while reading another fic where Arthur proposed to Gwen. It was beautifully written but I found myself wondering what would happen between the proposal and the wedding, something that a lot of fics miss out. So I have written this for my own personal indulgence – and have decided to share it with you!
I do not own Merlin – although I wish I did!
Wedding Preparations
Chapter 1
Gwen pulled her shawl tighter around her. How did it get this cold in March? Isn't March supposed to be spring, with a gentle sun and flowers just beginning to grow? Not a freezing cold wind and the ground so frosty that no flower had any hope of ever breaking through it. Sighing heavily, Gwen stood up and turned to the stove to make herself some tea; she didn't normally make tea when she didn't have guests. Tea was expensive, and even with her new post as Gaius' apprentice, which had a higher salary than being Morgana's handmaiden, she didn't like to buy it for herself. But today, she needed something to cheer her up.
She was on her rounds for Gaius, like she does every day at the same time, and made an effort to detour to Arthur's chambers, as she does most days when she doesn't have an awful lot to do. Depending on what's going on in their lives, Gwen and Arthur will sit and talk or hold each other close by the fire on colder days. But most definitely, every single day, no matter what is going on, Arthur will hold her close and whisper 'I love you', look deep into her chocolate brown eyes and kiss her on the lips, as she whispers 'I love you too'.
But today none of these things happened. She knocked quietly on Arthur's door, as always, and instead of the 'Come in' she was expecting, she heard a scuffle and a loud whisper of 'Merlin!' and another scuffle. Merlin opened the door slowly, his head bowed.
'Oh, hi Gwen!' he said half-heartedly, clearly not himself. Gwen frowned.
'Merlin, what's wrong?' she said
'Nothing!' he said brightly, 'Nothing's wrong with me! I'm fit as a fiddle, as happy as a lark, fresh as a daisy…'
'Merlin!' said Gwen impatiently. 'I'd like to speak to Arthur. Please.'
'Erm…' Merlin cast a nervous glance to something behind the door. 'Erm… I'm afraid he's not here.'
Gwen gave him a sceptical look.
'Really? Because I was sure I heard his voice just now.'
'Erm, that was me, err, practising my Arthur impression. It must be pretty good if you thought I was him!'
Gwen raised her eyebrows.
'Then why were you whispering?'
Merlin bit his lip. 'I, erm, didn't want anyone to hear me. It's embarrassing. I only told you because I trust you not to tell anyone!' He gave her a lopsided smile.
Gwen peaked around the door, 'What are you doing in Arthur's chambers? Alone? With all his clothes scattered around the room?' she said suspiciously.
Merlin's smile faltered. 'I… I was sorting them out for him. His new servant's not very good at it.'
'And you, a trusted member of the King's court, and one of the most powerful sorcerers in all of Albion, decided to offer to help him did you? Without using magic?'
'Mmmhmmm', said Merlin, nodding his head slowly and pursing his lips. 'Well, Arthur's not going to do it is he? Especially not now he has all his Kingly duties to perform – he just has no time…'
'But Merlin…'
'No, I'm sorry Gwen, but I am very busy and have an awful lot to do so, bye!' and he shut the door in her face.
Gwen stood staring at the door for several seconds before frowning and turning away. But before she could get far enough away, she heard another voice, a deeper voice, more gruff.
'You really are useless, aren't you Merlin? You can't even lie properly, or come up with a decent story. I'm practising my Arthur impression. What kind of excuse is that? She's never going to believe that! Ergh, I wouldn't be surprised if she knew I was in here!'
Why was Arthur avoiding her? Why would he make Merlin lie to her like that? Didn't Arthur want to see her? Didn't he want to kiss her and tell her that he loved her? Perhaps he didn't want her as much as he used to? A lot of relationships have fizzled out over time; the older servants in the castle have often described how feelings can vanish after a while but she never imagined that it would happen to her and Arthur.
What was happening to her? She was not about to become one of those pathetic girls who sit around all day pining over what could have been, instead of taking life as it comes to her. Snap out of it, Gwen. You haven't even spoken to him about it– you're over reacting. She took another sip of tea.
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG!
Gwen glanced at the clock on the shelf above the stove. It was past midnight, who would be calling on her at this time of night?
'Gwen!' the urgent cry preceded another series of pounds on her door.
'Alright alright,' she said bitterly. 'I'm coming!'
She opened the door.
'Merlin?' she said quizzically. 'What is it?'
'Lady Leonora's gone into labour.'
The next chapter's coming along soon! I have exams so I'm gonna revise for those now but I should have the next chapter finished next week. If any of you want to read the next chapter and are waiting for it, please review and tell me and I'll try and hurry up! x
