The very first royal warlock to grace the Pendragon court since the days before the Great Purge paced in front of an oak door. He wasn't alone. Percival and Leon paced too, each as nervous as though their own child was coming into the world.

They had failed the father. They would not fail the son.

Merlin knew it would be a son, but he wasn't sure the knights believed him. They still weren't used to thinking of him as anything other than Arthur's servant.

A wail cut through the air. The men froze as the door creaked open.

"They can come in," said a tired voice.

The knights shuffled in, chain mail clinking. Merlin grinned before he thought about it.

It was the first time he had smiled since Arthur's death. How could something feel so wrong and so right at the same time?

But then, he thought as he made his way in, Arthur's probably smiling right now too, if he can see this. And somehow Merlin thought he could.

Gwen was clutching a little bundle swaddled in blankets. She smiled. There was still sadness behind it, but there was joy too. "Long live Prince Elyan."

"Long live Prince Elyan!" the knights echoed.

Merlin jumped as the bells began to ring. But for once, they tolled no warning. Only joy that the future was born.