Two

Arthur finally reached his chambers, but once he was there he was at a loss. Seeing Gwen had only stirred his worries further. He knew that he could impart his deepest fears and secrets without any concern that they would go any further, however he now found himself concerned that his worries were not Guinevere's to bare.

He began to pace next to his fireplace, if he could not be away from the castle alone it was his favourite place to come and think.

Merlin entered the chambers; Arthur stopped, looked at him, and then immediately began pacing again.

"Are you alright?" Merlin asked as he placed Arthur's garments in a basket.

"Fine" this time Arthur did not look up from the floor as he continued to pace.

"Anything I can do?" said Merlin raising a quizzical eyebrow.

"I said I'm fine" Arthur snipped

"Good, well I'll leave you to it then shall I?" Merlin walked towards the door with his basket of laundry.

Arthur made no answer in reply only stared firmly at the ground as he pounded back and forth in front of the fireplace.

Merlin left the chambers, as he pulled the door closed behind him Arthur came to a halt as he heard muffled voices outside the door. Merlin was talking to someone.

"Gwen?" Merlin was surprised yet happy to see his friend.

"Merlin ... Is he in?" she smiled as she asked.

"Yeah ..." Merlin took a step closer to Gwen and bent down to her ear to whisper to her.

"Although be careful... he seems a bit on edge"

Gwen smiled knowingly "Thanks I'll bare that in mind"

Merlin stepped past her and began walking down the corridor.

Gwen paused in front of the door, brushed herself off and cleared her throat then gently knocked on the door and stepped inside Arthur's chambers.

No sooner had Gwen stepped beyond the threshold of the chambers and closed the door had Arthur taken her in his arms in a tight yet loving embrace.

Gwen, taken completely by surprise took a sharp intake of breath and then realised what was happening and relaxed into Arthur's arms.

"I feared you would not come" Arthur said softly as he let go of her

Gwen smiled "I said I would come and I have"

Arthur took her hand and they walked over to the window. He stood majestically for a moment as he admired her beauty as the sunlight quietly rested on her face.

"Arthur what is it that's troubling you?"

He broke is gaze from hers and began to walk awkwardly around his chambers.

"My father who else"

Gwen suddenly became quite concerned.

"His condition, has it worsened?" she asked thoughtfully, although from Arthur's point of view he could not decide to whom her concern tended.

"No, No he remains the same as he was".

She relaxed instantly.

"Why would it alarm you if it had?" He asked walking to her.

"My uneasiness is for you" she said softly wrapping her arms around his neck.

They both gazed lovingly into each other's eyes and Arthur delicately laid a kiss on her lips. They then parted.

"We do not know when, if at all my father will be able to resume his duties at court. Being the Crown Prince of Camelot it is my duty to resume my father duties on his behalf, which I have begun to do naturally. My concern is if my father cannot take his place at court soon that action must be taken to appoint acting leadership over the kingdom."

"Which will automatically fall to you" said Gwen assuredly

"Exactly"

Gwen looked at him and instantly understood him.

"And that's the problem"

Arthur nodded firmly.

"Arthur you will be a great leader, your subjects have every faith in you. You have proven yourself to be noble and just. You have demonstrated bravery and selflessness on several occasions. You will be the person the people will be proud to call their sovereign." She gazed deeply into his eyes and stroked his cheek gently. "I am so proud of you Arthur"

Arthur gently pushed Gwen's hair out of her eyes.

"I promise you that if my next duty to Camelot is to become it's King then as soon as all is settled, the people are happy and the court has accepted me, I promise that we shall be together. I will change the ridiculous customs that are placed on us now and I shall make you my wife. Guinevere, Queen of Camelot". Arthur spoke those words with the dearest of sincerity, and as he leaned in to again softly kiss her lips she knew that every word was spoken from his heart.