This is an attempt at a Sequel to 'Seeing Things' I felt I needed to show what happened afterwards in the lives of the main characters. It will probably be about three chapters only. Here goes…
I do not own Merlin or the characters.
When Arthur opened Gwen's door, and Merlin saw the murderous look on his master's handsome face, he almost dropped the basket and ran.
Nervously, he smiled and lifted the basket between the two of them and said.
"Today has been a very hard and emotional day for all of us, especially you and Gwen.
The two of you have already been deprived of quality time, so I thought I should bring you both something to eat, that way you won't have to return to the castle until you are ready, and Gwen won't have to worry about cooking."
Whatever Arthur was going to say or do, vanished from his mind completely, because he wasn't expecting to be floored by his bumbling manservant that way. He took the basket and smiled appreciatively, just before he murmured,
"Thank you Merlin."
A cheeky smile appeared on Merlin's handsome face.
"So, seeing as you might be detained tonight and possibly early in the morning, am I to assume I have the night off and the day off tomorrow?"
The look on Arthur's face caused him to step back. He looked fit to strangle Merlin.
On hearing his beloved in the background clearing her throat audibly, Arthur smiled, catching Merlin by surprise, when he heard him say,
"Sure Merlin, you can have the rest of the night off, and tomorrow as well." Smiling cheekily, Merlin said,
"Thank you Arthur. Give Gwen my regards, and I hope you two have a peaceful night." Turning away, he mumbled under his breath,
"Although, with you snoring, I don't…" he was cut off by an apple connecting with the back of his head.
He turned to face Arthur and was met with a stony expression. Rubbing the back of his head he distanced himself further, and shouted,
"You…you prat."
Arthur closed the door on Merlin's rant and locked it.
He turned with a smirk on his face, and met Gwen shaking her head and smiling. He raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner.
"The two of you are really big kids. You are the brother Merlin never had and vice versa," she said.
A brief flash of sadness clouded Arthur's features, and just as quickly, it disappeared and was replaced by a loving smile.
"This was very thoughtful…I wonder who gave him the idea, because I can't imagine him coming up with this all on his own," he said cheekily.
Gwen went up to him as he stood inspecting the contents of the basket, and wrapped her arms around his middle from behind.
"Oh Arthur, you are so naughty. This was a very nice thing that Merlin did, and we should be thankful. He is our dearest friend and he has always wished the best for us," she said, her head resting on his back.
Arthur turned in her arms and took in her lovely face.
"You are an angel Guinevere. There is not one bad bone in your beautiful body. You make me a better man, a better human being, and I'll be a better king with you by my side.
Yes, I have to admit, Merlin is our dearest friend, and at times…when it looked as though things wouldn't or couldn't work out for us…he remained steadfast in his beliefs.
He was the first person that I admitted my feelings for you to, actually he drew it out of me, back then, when he and I decided to rescue you from Hengist's lair. I do care about him.
One day, I'm going to do what I can to show him that I appreciate his loyalty and his…friendship," he finished grudgingly. Gwen rose up on her toes, and planted a sweet lingering kiss on his lips.
"Thank you my love. I know you will do right by Merlin. Let's eat," she said happily.
At that, they took the basket and retreated to the bed, where they ate and chatted about anything and everything, but mostly about their plans for the future.
Three months later…
Gwen had decided to take up Uther's offer and move into the castle. So about two weeks after what had taken place, she moved in.
At first she felt strange and awkward around him, but with Arthur constantly by her side, she began to relax and get used to castle life.
One of the first things the King did was to elevate her status to that of a Lady, and offer her a small parcel of land, as a way of saying sorry.
Gwen, being the humble contented person she was, wanted to decline his offer, but Arthur pulled her aside, and told her she deserved it and more, and the King would be offended if she didn't accept it.
She eventually accepted everything, and now she was staying in Morganna's old room, which was completely re-arranged and made over, to suit her.
He afforded her a maid servant to attend to her needs, and above everything, she was now living a few doors away from Arthur.
There were initial ramblings from some of the nobility, but after a while, it died down to a murmur, as they saw how deeply in love she and Arthur were.
As time went by, Uther began to withdraw into himself.
Morganna's betrayal had finally sunk in and he took it hard.
He spoke to Arthur, telling him, that if Morganna had come to him, and revealed she had magic, he would not have liked it, but he would have accepted it. He also told him, that he would have done everything in his power to learn about her gift of magic, and search out others like her, using Gaius, with the intention of one day lifting the ban on magic.
For her.
Finally, he told Arthur, that when he becomes King, take a serious look at magic, and see if it can be used for good, or to play a greater role in protecting Camelot and it's citizens.
"I was a fool Arthur.
I had one bad encounter with magic and I let that destroy my trust in it. I urge you, do not make the same mistakes as I did, with regards to magic. I wish…but it's too late now, she's gone," he said.
With that he retreated to himself, and stood looking out over Camelot, watching the people go about their daily lives.
Five months later…
Arthur was nervous.
For the first time in his life, his nerves were actually getting the better of him.
He and Merlin were in his chambers going through his entire wardrobe, trying to find the perfect outfit for his date with Gwen that night.
Everything looked wrong or fitted wrong, and Merlin was beginning to get upset.
At last Merlin couldn't take it anymore, and decided to pick out what he thought the Prince should wear. He placed the items aside from the huge pile on the bed, and started to put the others back where they came from.
"What are you doing Merlin?" Arthur asked in an annoyed tone. Merlin continued at a brisk pace as he answered,
"I've taken the liberty of picking out something for you to wear tonight, and as you can see, I'm replacing the items I took out from the wardrobe."
Arthur looked at the clothes that his manservant had picked out for him, and just as he was about to complain, Merlin said,
"Gwen likes to see you in either a red or white tunic, and…I've seen the way… she looks at you…when you…um…wear those particular pants."
They both blushed as Arthur's eyes flew to him and then back to the clothes.
"How do you know what Guinevere likes on me…then again…I don't think I really want you to answer that.
I'll just go with these, because I have too much to worry about as it is," he said.
Merlin looked up from his task and took in his master and friend's actions. He was pacing up and down, and every few seconds, he was running his hand through his blonde hair, making it stand on end, every which way.
He could see that he was worried, and his nerves were fraying.
"Relax Arthur. Gwen loves you.
You have nothing to worry about. Everything will be fine, I can feel it," he said comfortingly.
Arthur stopped his pacing at Merlin's words, and nodded his head in the affirmative. He replied,
"Yes you are right. I know she loves me and I certainly love her.
I don't know what I'm so worried about.
We need to go over the plans for tonight. I want everything to be perfect."
That night…
Gwen was in her chambers getting ready to go to dinner with Arthur.
He had generously offered to pay for any amount of new dresses she desired to have made, to reflect her rise in status.
She had placed an order for three with a local seamstress, and acquired enough fabric to make another three herself, seeing as she was also a seamstress.
Arthur wasn't exactly pleased to hear that, but he acquiesced when she told him, she had nothing to do, apart from taking lessons with Geoffrey on the history of the five Kingdoms and Camelot's lineage.
Tonight, she decided to wear a short sleeved peach and white dress, which enhanced her tiny waist and curvy body. It was embellished with small glittering gems around the bust area, and cut low at the front, showing her perfect cleavage.
Between her and her maidservant, they had tamed her wild curls, by arranging some at the top in a modest bun, and the rest to hang loosely down her back, with a few dangling here and there around her lovely face.
When the knock came, a bout of apprehension set in, and she nervously called out,
"Come." Merlin entered with a huge smile on his handsome face.
"Wow! You look lovely Gwen. I think Arthur is going to have a hard time keeping his hands to himself tonight," he said honestly.
Gwen blushed at Merlin's comments, and she replied,
"Thank you Merlin." He held out his hand then and said to her,
"You are more than welcome. Now come, Arthur sent me to escort you to his chambers. Let's go before he gets any ideas. I happen to like living."
At that, Gwen giggled and accepted Merlin's hand as he escorted her to the Prince's door.
They arrived shortly thereafter, and Merlin knocked on the door to alert Arthur that they were there.
He presently came, and opened the door to his smiling manservant and his beloved Gwen. He was struck speechless for a few seconds, as he eyed her from head to toe.
"Guinevere, you look absolutely…" Once again Merlin smiled cheekily and finished his master's sentence,
"Gorgeous. I think he's trying to say you look gorgeous Gwen," he said. Gwen blushed again and smiled shyly.
"Thank you Merlin, that will be all," Arthur said as he dismissed Merlin for the night.
"Have a good night you two, and Gwen, don't forget what I told you before," he said smiling.
Gwen ducked her head as heat flooded her face.
Arthur looked at his manservant's cheeky face curiously, and pasted an annoyed look on his handsome features, as he closed the door firmly in his face, locking it.
Once inside, Arthur took Gwen in his muscular arms, and claimed her lips in a passionate kiss.
They parted breathless, staring at each other, and after a while, he seated her at the table and proceeded to sit directly in front of her.
Gwen took the opportunity to look around then, and noticed how nice the room was decorated.
There were a few extra candles, lighted around the room, a fire was going, adding warmth to the room, and Arthur's table, the one they were currently having dinner on, had a beautiful bouquet of wild flowers, all of her favourites, placed in the middle between to very tall candles.
"This is nice Arthur," she said softly. Arthur smiled and replied,
"I'm glad you like it. Merlin deserves some credit. He is responsible for the candle lighting, but the flowers were my idea. I also picked them myself."
Gwen smiled at her beloved.
She stood from her chair, and leaned in, to place a sweet kiss on his cheek first, before kissing his lips softly.
"That was very thoughtful and very sweet of you. How did you find the time, with training and you know…running things?" she asked.
Arthur hesitated for a beat before answering.
His thoughts had actually drifted to his ailing father, and the pressure of taking over as Regent, since his father became incapable of ruling.
"It took me a few hours this morning.
I rose early with the intention of inspecting the guards on patrol, and after doing that, I decided to ride out on my own for a while. Whilst I was riding, I came across a meadow with the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen, and I instantly thought about you, so…I picked them.
When I arrived back at the castle, Merlin was fussing like a mother hen, and a few of my knights were mounted and ready to look for me, at Merlin's word, after being told by the guard patrol, that they had seen me go off alone.
Needless to say, I brought the flowers in, washed them off with water, and arranged them the way they are now," he shyly finished.
Gwen reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, as she said,
"Well they are simply beautiful, and I appreciate the wonderful effort you made, just for me. Thank you Arthur."
A bright smile lit up his handsome face and Gwen couldn't help but to smile in return. He said, "You are welcome my love."
Dinner continued, and they chatted about many things, including Morganna.
"Sometimes I miss her, the old Morganna.
The one who took what little food she could find, and gave me to distribute to the people of Camelot, during that unicorn incident. People were starving, even her, but in that instance, she placed the citizens' needs before her own, and as I looked at her, I told myself she would make a fine Queen one day.
I never thought that things would have turned out this way, and I hate to admit, but it's best that she has gone.
I forgive her, but I will never forget what she has done," Gwen stated.
Arthur placed his cutlery beside his plate, and took Gwen's hand in his, threading their fingers together.
"We still have some things to be thankful for.
The fact that we can openly declare our love for each other, that we are now within arm's reach of each other, that we are still here, alive, happy and growing stronger together everyday, to name a few, gives us much to be thankful for.
I too wished that things were different where Morganna is concerned, but she and she alone is responsible for her actions and what happened.
I loved her like a sister.
She was treated as though she was the Queen of Camelot, and sometimes…I truly believed that father treated her better than me. I would have done anything for her…and you…you were her comfort, her best friend and confidante…who was always there when she needed you…look at the way she has repaid you…for a throne that neither you nor I desire.
That is something I just can't understand Guinevere.
When it first happened, many nights I found myself lying in bed, thinking for hours on end, why or what made her behaved the way she did, and I just can't decipher it. It's best that she's gone. I admitted that a long time ago.
Now, no more talk of Morganna. Let's talk about us," he finished with a smile and his hand outstretched.
Gwen was glad for the change in topic.
She placed her small hand in his, and allowed him to lead her from the table.
He brought her to a chaise, which was opposite his bed and facing the fire, with a plush rug in front of it. He seated her and sat next to her, still holding her hand.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, just enjoying their time together, and in an impulse move, he kissed her.
The kiss wasn't hungry nor was it hurried.
It was a telling kiss, one that spoke of a love which was fought hard for, and won. It spoke of two hearts that were destined to be united since time begun, and of the bond between two lovers, that will never be broken. Finally, it spoke of a deep and legendary love that will never grow old, because people from all walks of life, in their generation and the next, will continue to speak about it, long after they are gone.
Arthur broke the kiss after a few minutes and rested his head on hers.
He slid to the ground in front of her, much to her surprise, and pecked her lips softly. He took both of her small hands in his, and looking deeply into her brown eyes, he said,
"This year has been challenging, and it's not quite over yet, but I have to say, the last eight months have been wonderful.
I'm the happiest I've ever been and that is due to you.
I've enjoyed every aspect of our relationship even when things didn't seem to be going our way. I have loved you for so long, that it's hard for me to remember a time when I didn't.
I love you Guinevere, so much, and I love everything about you.
My life has been forever changed for the better because of you, your unwavering faith in me and your endless love for me. Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife and equal?"
Gwen was speechless.
Tears formed in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.
In her head, she has heard everything that Arthur has said to her, but she couldn't believe it.
After a few seconds, she looked at his face, seeing tears in his dazzling blue eyes, and as his words sunk in, she realized he was waiting for an answer.
She threw herself into his arms, and wrapped her hands around his neck as she sobbed quietly.
"Is that a yes?" he asked tentatively. She pulled back slightly and smiled as she answered,
"Yes, I'm sorry. Yes." At that Arthur released the breath he was holding and hugged her tightly.
"You've made me the happiest man in all of the Five Kingdoms, Guinevere," he said happily.
Gwen felt as though her heart would burst from all of the excitement she was currently feeling.
"Oh Arthur, I'm so happy. I can't believe this is happening. I never thought…I always felt as though I was living with my head in the clouds…"
She was cut off by Arthur's warm lips on hers in a scorching kiss.
He lost himself in the kiss, as he explored every inch of her mouth. She groaned, and held him tighter, but before long, they were both on the rug, with her on top of him, kissing him passionately.
After a few minutes, he rolled them, so that he was now on top, kissing her hungrily.
She shifted her legs, allowing him to slide easily between them, as the kiss grew hungrier.
His body had long since reacted and he ground his hips into her, as he continued his sweet torture on her mouth.
He started to kiss his way along her cheeks and jaw-line, dropping lower, until he reached her neck.
She brought his hand to her soft breast, and squeezed it gently, showing him exactly what she wanted him to do. Arthur moaned, as he tenderly squeezed and kneaded her breast.
"Oh…my…God…Guinevere! Soft so soft."
He began to trail kisses all across her collar bone and chest, heading towards her breasts, and she arched her back in anticipation.
Gwen's body was on fire.
She felt Arthur kissed the tops of her breasts, and she wanted to offer him more.
In a bold move, she moved his hand to the top of the dress, indicating for him to pull it down.
Arthur's two eyes flew to hers, asking the silent question, and she nodded yes. He didn't wait. In a flash, her two beautiful breasts were exposed to him, as his eyes darkened and remained glued to them.
He moved almost reverently, and started placing kisses all over them, as though he wasn't sure which he should pay attention to first. He soon got over that, and took a hard nipple into his warm mouth, sucking it greedily.
"Oh Arthur," she cried out, arching her back, and it fueled his actions as he worshiped both breasts equally.
Gwen was in heaven.
She ran her hand through his silky blonde hair and held his head in place, as he suckled her hungrily.
Her body was awash with desire, and in that moment, she wanted Arthur more than anything.
She gasped as his hard member stabbed her in the thigh, and she instinctively reached for it with her free hand. She began to rub and stroke it gently, bringing forth sweet noises from his lips, and the moment she squeezed it firmly, he tore his lips away from her breasts, saying,
"God Guinevere. I want you…so much…it hurts." Just then, Gwen brought his lips to hers, and mumbled against them,
"I want you too Arthur."
After that, there was no hesitation.
She helped Arthur to take his tunic off, and he helped her to unlace her dress at the back, whilst placing gentle kisses on every inch of exposed skin.
He had just reached the last eyelet on her dress, when they heard a knock. They both froze and looked towards the door.
A series of knocks followed thereafter, and Arthur's handsome face became stony.
"Who is it?" he called angrily.
Merlin was glad to have the night off.
It was a rare thing, and he decided to spend part of it reading up on a few spells, in the books that Gaius had given him.
Gaius as usual, was with the King, Uther.
He would normally spend a few hours each night before he went to bed with the ailing King, talking to him and encouraging him to eat and take his medicine.
Although the King was of sound mind, his body continued to deteriorate, due to lack of eating and lack of exercise. He no longer took part in council meetings, or ruling the Kingdom as he should and he showed very little interest in anything or anyone else, except for Arthur.
Merlin was roused from his reading, by one of the King's personal guards calling for him.
He placed his book under the loose floor boards of his room, hiding it, and went to the door.
"You must come. The physician has sent for you," the guard said.
At that, Merlin set out behind him and headed to the King's chambers.
On arriving, the room was quiet, and the guard ushered him in.
He saw Gaius sitting quietly with his hand on the King's shoulder, and the King lying very still, with his eyes closed.
"Gaius," he whispered shout.
"Is he…" he said, leaving the words hanging. Gaius stood and walked over to his ward, pulling him away from the bed.
"I'm afraid he hasn't got much longer Merlin.
We need to alert Arthur and have him come to say his goodbyes.
I don't want the guard to do it, it seems impersonal…you are his friend, he will more accept it from you," he gravely said.
Merlin looked at the King again, and turned his eyes to Gaius.
"Isn't there anything that can be done, other than medicinal?" he asked quietly.
Gaius understood exactly what Merlin was asking him, and secretly wished that they could use magic to heal the King, but he also knew it wouldn't work.
"I'm sorry Merlin, but his time has come. There isn't anything, not even magic…can stop what's about to happen.
Go, bring Arthur, and Gwen. He will need all of us, but especially her," he said softly.
I hope it was good enough.