The Once and Future Queen

In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana

It'd been three days since Merlin and Gwen had gone off after their wedding. They had yet to return, but things were peaceful in Camelot, and they still had a few days left.

Having never been apart for long, Mira-Liana missed her brother, but still kept in contact with their link that they shared. She had also accepted the fact that while they were both protecting Arthur still, their paths were now slightly different and a great deal had changed since they'd first come to Camelot.

At that moment, there was a jousting tournament approaching in Camelot and Mira-Liana was working with Arthur during practice. She watched as Arthur struck his opponent so hard with his lance that his opponent was knocked off the horse and Arthur's lance was broken.

Mira-Liana's eyes widened as she took Arthur's destroyed lance and replaced it with another one. "That has got to hurt," she said.

"That's the point," said Arthur. "It's not a pillow fight."

"I know, but still," said Mira-Liana. What do men see in these kinds of things? Is it pride or something else entirely? Aloud she said, "Keep up the good work and you'll win the tournament for sure, I know it."

"Thanks," said Arthur, smiling.

He took his lance and rode off to fight his opponent, but Arthur's vision was blocked when the sunlight reflected off the armor of the opponent. However, instead of attacking, his opponent did nothing, much to Mira-Liana's surprise and Arthur's fury.

He got off his horse and stormed over to him. "Why did you pull that? I was wide open. You could've unhorsed me!"

"I was fearful that I might injure you, Sire."

"I was wide open!" Arthur protested. "You had the advantage. You can't afford to hesitate!"

"I wouldn't have done it if I were facing a different opponent," he said. "You are the future king, my lord."

Arthur's face was unreadable as he said, "So, when you jousted against me in the tournament last year, you're saying you let me win?"

"No, my lord," he said, after a brief moment's hesitation.

Arthur didn't look convinced. He looked hurt as he glared at his men. "It doesn't matter who I am. I do not expect special treatment from you or any of you! Is that understood?"

They all nodded, but Arthur still looked furious as he stormed off into his chambers and Mira-Liana followed him.

"How am I going to prove myself if my opponents aren't trying their hardest?" he said, as he yanked off his armor and put it on the table.

"Arthur, calm down, I'm sure it's not happening all of the time," said Mira-Liana.

"So it's happening some of the time?" said Arthur.

"That is not what I meant and you know it," said Mira-Liana.

"But it's true! People are just saying what I want to hear!"

"You don't know that."

"Don't I?" he said. "All my life, I've been treated as if I'm special. I just want to be treated like everyone else."

"Really?" said Mira-Liana, surprised.

"You've no idea how lucky you are. Even if people don't know you're a witch, they still treat you like they would any other person. That's all I want. Is that too much to ask for?"

"No, of course not," said Mira-Liana, soothingly. "Now, sit down."

Arthur sat down and then Mira-Liana began massaging his shoulders, which made him relax. "Arthur, I know you're frustrated, but look at it from their point of view. You're the heir to the throne and if anything happens to you, your father will have their heads. Besides, you've got me and Merlin."

"I know, I know, I know, but still—"

"Hush," said Mira-Liana. "It's not like you and I can just switch places. You're Prince Arthur. You can't change who you are anymore than I can."

Arthur head shot up. "Maybe I can."

"I'm not going to like this, am I?" she asked.

XXX

That night, at Arthur's request, Mira-Liana dined with him and Uther at dinner. Things were going smoothly between the three of them and then Mira-Liana said, "Something on your mind, Arthur?"

"Yes, actually," said Arthur. "We've received reports of a beast has sighted roaming the forests near the northern borders."

"What's the nature of this beast?" asked Uther.

"It's said to have the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and the face of a bear," said Arthur.

Mira-Liana fought back a laugh.

"I believe it has been conjured by sorcery," Arthur continued.

"Then we must destroy it," said Uther.

"I leave for the northern borders in the morning," said Arthur.

"But you'll miss the tournament," said Uther.

"Well, as much as I want to compete, my duty to Camelot comes first," said Arthur. "But I will return before my wedding, of course. Do you mind, Ana?"

"As long as you return in time, I don't mind," said Mira-Liana.

"Very well," said Uther. "I believe you're right about this. Good luck in your mission, son."

"Thank you, Father," said Arthur.

XXX

The next morning, Arthur faked a send-off with some of his most trusted men, whom he instructed not to return for four days and to tell no one he returned to Camelot. Once they were gone, Mira-Liana came out of her hiding place with their supplies.

"Are we ready, then?" he said.

"Everything's set," said Mira-Liana. "Only Gaius, Merlin, Gwen and Morgana know about the plan."

"Excellent," said Arthur.

He slipped off his armor and placed on the clothes Mira-Liana had brought.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" asked Mira-Liana.

"Yes. It seems pretending to be someone else is the only way for people to be honest with me," said Arthur. "Besides, it's kind of exciting."

Mira-Liana sighed in exasperation and rolled her eyes. "Come on, then."

XXX

But unknown to Arthur and Mira-Liana, King Odin of the neighboring kingdom had placed a bounty on Arthur's head. The dreaded assassin known as Myror had accepted the bounty and he was not one to miss his mark—ever.

Uther was informed of this by one of Odin's men. Uther then doubled the guard and planned to stop Myror before he reached Camelot's walls.

Had Arthur not been with Mira-Liana, he would've been killed already. Myror had been waiting in the trees with a crossbow, prepared to strike and was at a loss to know why Arthur was not with his traveling party.

XXX

Arthur and Mira-Liana walked through the streets of Camelot. Arthur's face was hidden by a cloak's hood until they reached their destination. They were at a simple house, with the curtains drawn and the door closed after they entered the house.

"This isn't so bad," said Arthur. "Are you sure Gwen doesn't mind this?"

"I already asked Merlin and he said Gwen was fine with it as long as we don't make a mess and make sure the house is in the same condition it was in before," said Mira-Liana.

"Good," said Arthur. "Let's just hope no one suspects I haven't left Camelot."

"They've got no reason to think that," said Mira-Liana. "Go sit down and I'll make us something to eat."

"You don't have to do that. You're a princess. We'll just get some food from the kitchens."

"It's fine, honestly," said Mira-Liana. "Besides, I'm not a princess yet."

"But you will be soon enough," said Arthur.

"Well, until that time comes, I'm cooking," said Mira-Liana, firmly.

Arthur, knowing it'd be pointless to keep arguing, ceased at that point. They enjoyed a nice meal, and then got back to work.

"I've found someone to pose for you when you're not jousting," said Mira-Liana. "He's a farmer from the outland regions and no one will recognize him."

"You're sure he'll fit the part?"

"Absolutely." She opened the door after there was a knock and brought in a bearded man. "This is him."

After getting the man a wash and into the uniform and calling him "Sir William of Deira," they set to work on his behavior.

"It's easy, really," she said, to William. "My brother always says that knights are arrogant and like to think they're better than everyone else."

"That's not true," said Arthur. "A knight needs to behave with honor and nobility. That's…better," he added after William straightened up and tried to look prideful. "You must convince everyone that you were born into a noble family. Pretend I'm a servant."

William turned them and said, "Polish my armor."

Arthur laughed. "Now, you're getting it. Keep at it."

William bowed and then kissed Mira-Liana's hand. "You honor me and my noble family with your presence, my lady."

Mira-Liana blushed and Arthur looked annoyed. "Okay, now you've got a little too far," he said.

They continued working at this for a few more hours until nightfall came and Mira-Liana and Arthur had dinner together. When dinner was over, Arthur stood up and stretched. "It's been a long day. I think I'll turn in."

"Alright," said Mira-Liana. "I'll see you in the morning."

She put the dishes away and was about to leave when Arthur said, "Ana, wait."

"Yes?"

"Thank you, for everything."

Mira-Liana smiled. "My pleasure," she said, before she kissed him on the lips and left the house.

XXX

When morning came, Mira-Liana and Arthur prepared William for what he would do at the tournament.

"Now, remember the plan, I'm competing in the tournament, but no one will know it's me. All you have to do is acknowledge the crowd at the end of the match," said Arthur, as he handed William a helmet. "Act like you belong there and people will believe that you do."

"Yes, sire," said William, as he went out of the tent and into the crowd. He greeted the crowd and it went smoothly, much to their relief. When he returned, he handed the helmet back to Arthur. "They're ready for you. Good luck."

"Watch yourself," said Mira-Liana.

"I will," said Arthur.

When the tournament began, Mira-Liana watched with pride as Arthur smoothly defeated each and every one of his opponents. Arthur returned to the tent, tired and sweaty but pleased.

"Go and acknowledge them," he said. "Just wave and cheer. It's not difficult."

He nodded and left the tent.

"I do all the work and he does all the praise," said Arthur.

"I know how that feels," said Mira-Liana.

"Yeah, that reminds me. Heavens above, Ana, I'm only going mad wanting to tell everyone it's me out there and I've only been at this for a short while. You and Merlin have been doing your job a lot longer. How do you and Merlin do it?"

"With someone to talk to and a lot of patience, anything is possible," said Mira-Liana, as she helped him take his armor off.

"I suppose," said Arthur.

XXX

At dinner that night, Arthur and Mira-Liana talked of the tournament.

"Apparently, some of the ladies at the court are quite taken with 'Sir William,'" said Mira-Liana, teasingly. "They think he's very handsome."

Arthur laughed. "Well, 'Sir William' is already taken. And those ladies wouldn't know a real knight if he came around and wacked them in the face."

Mira-Liana laughed. "True enough. I didn't realize you were the Crown Prince when we met, remember?"

"How could I forget?" said Arthur. "That was the first time I liked and disliked someone all at the same time. You and Merlin were very bold and you still are."

"Comes naturally, I guess," said Mira-Liana.

Arthur laughed. "So, what's on your mind? And don't tell me there isn't anything, I could see it in your eyes. So, come on, tell me."

Mira-Liana sighed. "Why are you doing this?"

Arthur's gaze fell to the table. "I fear that people only respect me just because of my title."

"I don't believe that of everyone," said Mira-Liana.

"Would you tell me if it were?"

"No," she admitted.

Arthur went on, "When I'm fighting as Sir William, my title doesn't matter. It doesn't give me any special treatment. So, if I win this tournament, it'll be because I deserve it, not because I'm Prince Arthur."

"I understand," said Mira-Liana. "But you know Gaius, Gwen, Morgana, Merlin, Uther and I all respect you for who you are—yourself. Isn't that enough?"

"For now," he said. "But this experience has helped me understand how you and Merlin feel when you use magic for the good of Camelot. And I promise you, when I am king, you and Merlin won't have to do that anymore. You'll get what you deserve."

"Well, until then, we'll wait," said Mira-Liana, as she slipped into his arms. "And when the tournament's over, you'll reveal your true identity and take the credit you deserve."

"And you'll share it with me," said Arthur, as he kissed her. "I couldn't have done this without you."

Mira-Liana smiled. "Thank you."

XXX

The tournament went smoothly the next morning. Arthur kept defeating his opponents, but Mira-Liana was a little concerned at the next opponent who seemed almost as good as Arthur. But Arthur defeated him with easy.

When Arthur returned to the tent, Mira-Liana was pleased. "Congratulations, you've just made the finals."

Arthur and William smiled.

"Well go on then, greet your people," said Arthur.

William nodded eagerly and went out to greet the people.

Arthur seemed happy. "No one can say Sir Leon let me win this time."

"Of course not," she said, as he got a drink. "Sounds like the crowd have really taken to Sir William."

"That will change once I reveal my true identity."

Mira-Liana smiled. "You really are missing it, aren't you? The attention and all,"

"Of course I am, but I can wait until it's time."

"Good," said Mira-Liana. "I'll be right back. I need to water the horse."

"I'll be waiting," said Arthur.

XXX

While Mira-Liana tended to the horse, a black man with a beard came up to her.

"That's a fine horse," he said. "I see your master has advanced to the finals. He's extremely skilled with a lance."

"My master?" she said, confused. But then she remembered. "Oh, no, Sir William's not my master. I'm just helping out until my fiancé, Prince Arthur, returns."

"I see," he said. "So, you are Prince Arthur's bride-to-be. It's an honor to meet you."

"Thank you."

"So, tell me, what is he like, your betrothed?"

"He can be little silly sometimes, but he's usually a very loving and caring man," said Mira-Liana.

"I see," he said. "Well, tell Sir William that I wish him luck in the finals."

"I will, thank you."

She didn't care very much for this man. Something was strange about him. It wasn't just the way he was dressed or spoke, but something wasn't right.

But she soon forgot about it quickly enough when she returned to help Arthur take off his armor.

XXX

Later that day, she was sweeping the floor of Gwen's house, trying not to fall asleep. She'd been having insomnia for the past couple of nights and that, plus working with Arthur was tiring her. But she refused to complain. Arthur needed her help and until she was married to him, she was still technically a servant.

Just then, Arthur came in the house. "Mira?" he said.

"Right here," she said. "What is it?"

"Have you got a needle and some thread? My shirt needs mending and—watch it!" he caught her just as she nearly collapsed in his arms. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she said. "I'm just a little tired."

"A little?" he repeated. "You look completely worn out. What's been going on?"

"Nothing!"

Arthur gave her a look and she sighed. "Really, it's nothing. I…I've just had insomnia lately. I can't sleep."

"I see," said Arthur, his voice dangerously calm. "And just when was the last time you slept?"

Mira-Liana winced. "The night before Merlin and Gwen left."

"Mira-Liana!" said Arthur. "Are you insane? Why didn't you say something?"

"I thought it was nothing and besides, I've dealt with worse and I didn't want to bother you," said Mira-Liana. "I don't like to complain and besides, you've got the tournament right now."

Arthur sighed as he touched her face. "Ana, you're my fiancé; I want to be bothered with things like this. You mean more to me than any stupid tournament ever could. Telling me you're worn out is not complaining in anyway. And regardless of what you have and haven't dealt with, I still like to be told if something's wrong with you. Do you understand?"

"Yes," she said.

"That's better. Did you talk to Gaius?"

"Yes. He gave a sleeping draft, but it didn't work."

"Well, let's see what I can do," said Arthur. He scooped her up into his arms and placed her in the bed. "I want to lie on your back for a while and just listen to my voice, okay?"

"Okay." She moaned in happiness when she felt him gently massage her back and began talking. She stopped listening soon as she drifted off, but she smiled when she heard him say, "I'm going to make this all up to you, I promise."

XXX

When Mira-Liana woke up a few hours later, it was dark outside and the house was full of smoke. Arthur was muttering something she couldn't understand as he cleared the smoke out and there was some food on the table consisting of a bottle of apple cider, loaf of bread and butter, some poorly cut fruit and a burnt chicken.

She began coughing and stood up. "Arthur?" she said.

Arthur looked as if he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't have. "Ana, you're awake. How're you feeling?"

"Rested, thank you," she said. Her eyes glowed as she muttered a spell and then the smoke cleared away from the house. "What's going on?"

"I, uh, I…I was trying to cook you dinner," he admitted. "You've done a lot for me and I wanted to do something for you." He gestured to the dismal-looking meal. "But as you can see, I am not a cook and dinner is now ruined."

Mira-Liana smiled a little and chuckled as she hugged him. "It's not ruined. So, the chicken's burnt. What does that matter? We can still eat the rest of it. Come on."

It wasn't that bad of a meal, and Mira-Liana's mood and rested state seemed to cheer Arthur up a great deal as they ate and cleared everything away.

But the pleasant mood was spoiled when Morgana burst in looking frightened and worried.

"Morgana, what's wrong?" asked Arthur.

"I've just spoken with Gaius. There's an assassin in Camelot and he's here for Arthur."

"What?" said Mira-Liana. "What assassin?"

"Uther said his name was Myror," said Morgana. "King Odin sent him. He's already killed a guard as easily as you could kill a fly."

"But why would Odin want you dead?" asked Mira-Liana, looking at Arthur.

"Because I killed his son," said Arthur. There was regret and grief in his voice as he went on, "Odin's son challenged me to a fight. I had no quarrel with him. I asked him to withdraw. He felt he had to prove himself. I can still see his face. He looked so scared."

Mira-Liana's heart broke as she took Arthur's hand. "You can't blame yourself," she said. "No one but us knows where you are and if the assassin can't find you, he can't kill you."

Arthur squeezed her hand. "I know. Morgana, you back to the castle. If you find out anything more, tell us. And watch yourself."

"I will," said Morgana, as she left the house.

"I'll stay with you tonight," said Mira-Liana. "You'll be safer that way."

"No. You should stay with Gaius. I don't want you to get hurt," said Arthur.

"Myror doesn't know who he's dealing with," she pointed out. "There's no choice."

Arthur sighed. "All right, fine."

They ended up sharing a bed together, holding each other tight as they had a fitful sleep. Both of them were worried about the dangers that awaited them and the feeling of not knowing if they were going to survive.

XXX

When morning came, there was no excitement, only a dark cloud of fear and dread. Mira-Liana helped Arthur prepare before he went out.

"One more match," said Arthur, trying to change the mood. "And tomorrow, Gwen and Merlin will be back. And then within a week, we'll be married."

"Yeah," said Mira-Liana. "You can go back to being Prince Arthur."

Arthur gave a sad smile and nodded. But then he lifted Mira-Liana's chin and looked into her eyes. "I promise you, Ana. Everything will be alright."

Unable to contain herself any longer, Mira-Liana wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly on the lips before slipping him a white handkerchief. "Wear this for luck," she whispered. "And come back to me, safely."

"I will. I promise," he said, as he kissed her once more, before riding out into the tournament.

Mira-Liana watched in fear and dread, silently praying Arthur would make it through. But her prayers went unanswered when she saw Arthur be injured when his opponent's lance struck him in the chest.

She ran out and helped him walk back to the tent, where he gasped in pain. "It was his lance. It pierced my armor."

Mira-Liana immediately began working on it, but even with her healing skills and magic, the wound was still bad. "You're lost a lot of blood," she said, worried.

"Just do what you can. I have to be back on the field in five minutes or I forfeit the match," he grunted.

"Are you insane? You're in no condition to joust!" she protested.

"I've never withdrawn from a joust. I'm not going to start now."

"Stop being such a prat!" she said. "You've nothing to prove to anyone, lest of all me. You never did."

"I have everything to prove…to myself," he said, as he stood.

Nothing would dissuade him, but Mira-Liana managed to use a spell to numb the pain from Arthur's wound and helped him onto his horse and passed him his lance.

As she watched him ride away, she suddenly had a horrifying thought and ran to his opponent's tent. To her horror, Sir Alynor was dead, but that meant Arthur was going to joust against Myror! She ran back and got there just as Arthur was about to joust.

Please let this work, she thought. "Omba thateage."

Myror's girth came undone just as Arthur attacked him. The assassin was unhorsed and flung backward. The assassin didn't move and everyone around us gasped, but Mira-Liana ignored this as she ran to Arthur's side and helped him into the tent, where she tended to him.

"That wasn't Sir Alynor, was it?" asked Arthur.

"No," she said, shaking her head. "You were jousting against the assassin. He killed Sir Alynor and took his place. But it doesn't matter anymore. You're safe. You've won and the people are awaiting their champion. It's time to reveal yourself."

She expected him to go through with what they had planned, but instead he just looked at William and said, "You must go out and collect your trophy."

"This was supposed to be your moment of glory," she reminded him.

"Perhaps this is the time for humility," said Arthur. "Besides, it's enough knowing that you know."

Mira-Liana smiled as she kissed his head. "I'm so proud of you," she murmured.

After helping Arthur out of his armor and into his cloak, they watched William be cheered on and honored by the crowd. They both smiled as they held each other's hands.

XXX

When the time came for Arthur's "return," he claimed that he'd fought and killed Myror while out in the northern borders. Uther was furious and wanted to go to war over Odin's actions, but Arthur persuaded him to let it go as it had been Odin's grief for his son that had motivated him to send Myror in the first place and Uther agreed to this.

When asked if the rest of Arthur's trip was fruitful, Arthur replied, "Very," and as he looked at Mira-Liana, he added, "I learned a great deal." And this caused Mira-Liana to smile.

When they came onto the subject of the tournament, Uther spoke of the new champion, Sir William, and Arthur pretended to be disappointed, but shared a private look with Mira-Liana that said everything.

After they left Uther's presence, Arthur and Mira-Liana embraced.

"I'm so glad you're safe," she said. "I was so worried back there."

"Honestly, Ana, how many times do I have to tell you that nothing could keep me away from you for too long?" said Arthur, as he gently kissed her.

She smiled. "Always."

Just then Merlin and Gwen appeared.

"Hey, we're back," said Merlin. "I see everything worked out alright."

"Yep, it did," said Mira-Liana, as she hugged him. "I've missed you. How was your trip?"

"It was wonderful," said Gwen.

"Glad to hear it," said Mira-Liana.

"So, was there a lot of trouble?" asked Merlin.

"No more than usual," said Arthur, making them all laugh.

XXX

A few days later, Arthur was healed and it was time for a royal wedding.

Mira-Liana sat in her room looking at her reflection. When she'd first come to Camelot, if anyone had told her she'd be marrying Arthur, she would've said they were crazy. She'd never fully believed it would happen, but she was glad it had. Gwen and Morgana had helped her prepare and admired her when she was ready.

"You look perfect. Are you ready for this?" asked Morgana.

Mira-Liana nodded.

"Come on, it's time," said Gwen.

Mira-Liana followed the two women out of the room.

"Oh, Mir, you look absolutely magnificent," said Merlin, who was waiting outside the hall.

"Thank you," said Mira-Liana.

She smiled when she entered the hall and saw Arthur's stunned, but smiling face.

Mira-Liana wore a gown of white silk embroidered with pale blue flowers. Her shining black hair was in an elegant braided bun. She carried a bouquet of white roses and her cherished silver and sapphire necklace gleamed on her neck.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of these men and women in holy matrimony. If there is anyone here who does not believe these unions should take place, speak now or forever hold your peace."

No one spoke, so the priest went on.

"Do you, Mira-Liana, this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, richer or poorer, for all long as you both shall live?"

"I do," said Mira-Liana.

"Exchange your rings and vows."

Arthur turned to Mira-Liana as he slipped the ring on. "Ana, ever since I first laid eyes on you, I knew I'd never find another like you. I felt we were meant to be. You are everything to me. I've always loved you and I will never stop loving you."

Mira-Liana smiled as she put on his ring. "Arthur, I have and will always love you. You are the greatest man I ever met and nothing will ever change that. I'll always be your Ana."

"Now, do you, Mira-Liana, so swear to uphold the laws and traditions of Camelot, to govern the kingdom, to execute mercy and justice, to the best of your ability for as long as you live?"

"I do so swear," said Mira-Liana.

"I now pronounce you man and wife and Prince and Princess of Camelot, you may kiss the bride."

Arthur and Mira-Liana kissed and then a silver and sapphire crown was placed on Mira-Liana's head. The guests cheered and clapped and even Uther looked pleased. Hunith had happy tears glistening in her eyes as she waved to her daughter and her daughter waved back. It was the happiest day of Arthur and Mira-Liana's lives and they never wanted it to end.