Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
Author's Note: here we go….
"She'll be alright. She's strong." Merlin attempted to console his pacing king.
"I know." Arthur sighed finally choosing to stare out a window overlooking the surrounding landscape, "It's just…" Before it left his lips, Merlin already knew what his king was going to say. "I don't want her death to be my fault. I don't want to be like my father."
"Gwen's not going to die. Your mother's death was caused by sorcery. The Old Religion demanded that a life be taken in order for a life to be given. You knew not to turn to the evils of sorcery." The things Merlin said for Arthur's benefit!
"Bearing a child is just as dangerous without sorcery. Most women die."
"Gwen's not like most women. She can handle more than you give her credit for." Merlin joined his king at the window and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"But what if something goes wrong?" Ordinarily, Merlin would have brought Arthur round by this point but his king's love for Guinevere was so steadfast that it clouded all else. The servant found himself being much more repetitive than usual.
"Gaius selected the midwife whose skills were most renowned. She has never failed."
"There's always a first time." Arthur said darkly.
"Arthur, you have to believe in her."
Arthur drew his gaze from the window. "Do you?"
"I always have. And you have to be as strong as she. And you have that within you."
"That's debatable."
"You do. You have a good heart, Arthur. You are fair, just, and compassionate, all virtues that will make you a fine father."
"For the time being, let's just worry about Guinevere."
On an ordinary day Merlin would have retorted with a There's just no pleasing you is there, My Lord? Under the circumstances, he figured it would be better to settle for "Yes sire," and take a seat at the round table.
Silent hours passed. It wasn't until after the sky grew dark that Arthur took a seat next to him. More hours passed. Occasionally Arthur would rise to pace. Merlin would watch. The situation was out of their hands.
Suddenly, Gaius burst through the door. Both Merlin and Arthur rose simultaneously.
"How's Guinevere?" the King asked before Gaius could speak a word.
"Fine. Follow me."
With haste the three rushed to Arthur's chambers. Merlin had never seen Gaius move so quickly in his life. He could see the realization of the situation on his king's face. His wife was alright. And he was about to be a father…
As soon as they reached the corridor of their chambers, Arthur broke into a run. He threw open the doors. In his bed lay Gwen, beaming holding their child. Upon seeing Arthur her smile widened. "Arthur," she said breathlessly, close to tears.
"Guinevere," the King said, just as breathless as his queen. He flew to her side and kissed her fervently. He glanced down at the bundle in her arms and from his eyes too fell tears of joy.
"It's a boy. It's a boy!" He drew his wife and new son close in a tight embrace.
From outside the doorway, Merlin and Gaius tried to seem inconspicuous but they too were overcome with joy. Feeling like a fool, Merlin tried to stick his entire fist into his mouth but was unsuccessful. Gaius couldn't help but at him, drawing the royal couple's attention to them anyway.
The sight of Merlin made Arthur laugh too. "What are you doing, Merlin? You look ridiculous! Don't just stand there looking like an idiot. Come in!"
Merlin entered beaming, he too with tears of joy. "Congratulations, sire! Congratulations, Gwen!"
"Thank you, Merlin." Gwen beamed back, "Would you like to see him?"
Merlin approached the king, queen, and their son. Their baby boy was beautiful with his brilliant eyes and soft light brown skin. He had Arthur's nose and Gwen's chin. The newborn prince stared up at his father's protector in amazement.
"He's beautiful, My Lady."
"He is, isn't he? Our son. Our Amr." Gwen kissed the prince on the forehead and drew him closer to her chest.
"I can't even begin to express how happy I am for you both. Truly," Merlin said through tears of joy.
"Really? I couldn't tell." Arthur said, whacking him upside the head, "You'll be Godfather, won't you?"
"What?"
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Really, Merlin, I thought you'd have enough intelligence to at least know the meaning of the term 'godfather'."
"No it's not that… but I mean… of course. But… why me?"
"Are you really that thick? You may be the worst servant in the world but you always have done a decent job of keeping me in one piece."
"Yes, sire, thank you," if Merlin wasn't weeping tears of happiness before, he most certainly was at this moment. "Thank you."