Chapter 1: The News

It had been a week since Arthur's death. Seven days since she had received word that her husband had lost the battle. She was in mourning; she couldn't think of anything else; certainly not the fact that she was now ruler of Camelot.

Guinevere sat on her bed, her legs crossed, very unlike a queen. Tears were streaming down her face as she touched old weapons of Arthur. A sword could be pushed through her chest right now, and she would feel no pain. Her entire body ached to see her husband once more. And she would not be granted her wish.

A knock on her grand wooden door disturbed her thoughts.

"Milady, may I come in?" Sir Leon's voice echoed throughout her chambers.

Gwen grasped her red sheets in her knuckles, until her hand turned white. She took a very deep breath and exhaled shakily. She was about to see another human for the first time since she had been crowned. She had even dismissed her servant for a few weeks at the crowning "celebration". Although she wasn't sure if she would be able to handle talking, she tentatively called out, "C-come in…"

The door locks unbolted and a creaking sound rang in Gwen's ears. Sir Leon walked in, still holding a posture as a knight would. His expression, however, was blank. Not sad, not solemn; a blank void. He looked at Gwen, looking for approval. When she slightly nodded her head, he sat down on the edge of the bed, taking him back to when he was a child and Gwen was a servant in his house. When Arthur was still alive. He shook himself out of his morbid thoughts and cleared his throat. "My majesty, you still have some mourning time. I completely understand your situation," Gwen looked up at this, a look of gratefulness on her face. Ideally, Gwen should have taken control of the kingdom two days after she was crowned. However, Sir Leon being the friend he was, was willing to rule the mourning kingdom. Gwen was about to speak up at this, looking like a wounded child, when Leon interrupted," Gwen, there's more. Sir Percival arrived earlier this morning."

Gwen looked up at this, a look of confusion on her face. "He disappeared?"

Leon looked shocked at this. Quickly composing himself, he responded, "Um, yes Milady. After he found out which way Morgana had been heading, he headed out," Leon continued, "He had some news."

"My majesty, Gwaine is dead."

Gwen looked up. Her face collapsed. Tears started streaming down her face, memories with the humorous knight flashing through her mind. Most of the Knights of the Round Table were dead. And the worst part? Gwen hadn't even realized Gwaine had gone. For seven days, Gwen had sheltered herself from the world, like a miserable animal, not caring about anything or anyone. Taking another shaky breath, she asked another question, hoping the answer would be no.

"Is there anyone else unaccounted for?"

Sir Leon looked taken aback at this, dreading the answer he was about to give.

"Merlin."