I'm so sorry guys! I know I haven't written in a while – Chapter 5 shouldn't be long at all! The following chapters are what my initial idea for this story was – them preparing for the wedding. The last 3 chapters are for background information etc.

Hope you enjoy it!

Wedding Preparations

Chapter 4

'…and then he got down on one knee and asked me.' Gwen smiled.

Merlin rolled his eyes. 'I knew he wouldn't stick to the plan.'

Gwen frowned, 'Plan? What pl… Oh!'

Merlin raised his eyebrows expectantly.

'Is that what you were doing yesterday – in Arthur's chambers?'

Merlin laughed. 'You didn't believe me did you? Arthur said that you wouldn't!'

Gwen smiled, 'No – of course I didn't. A baby wouldn't have believed you! You really are a terrible liar, Merlin! It's a wonder you went that long without anyone finding out that you're a warlock!'

'I know – I can't quite believe it sometimes! You were all so gullible!'

Gwen looked mockingly outraged, 'Oi – says you, Mr I'll-Believe-Anything-Anyone-Ever-Tells-Me! Last month, you believed Arthur when he told you I was pregnant!'

Merlin looked down in embarrassment. ''Well, it could have been true…' he mumbled. Gwen was shocked, 'Not that it's any of your business, Merlin, but it couldn't have been true!'

Merlin's head snapped up. 'Really?' he asked.

Gwen's face reddened. 'Yes.' She said quietly. Merlin pursed his lips and looked away awkwardly.

Gwen's giggle interrupted the silence, and Merlin's head snapped around to look at her, bemused.

'What?'

Gwen struggled to keep the smile off her face. 'I'm sorry.' She giggled. 'I just can't stop smiling!' and she looked down at her ring, turning her hand in the light so it sparkled and glittered.

'I know – I'm so happy for you Gwen!' said Merlin, giving her quick hug. 'He doesn't deserve you though!'

Gwen laughed. 'Don't be so silly, Merlin!' she paused and looked down as if in deep thought. 'I don't think Camelot deserves me.'

Merlin laughed. 'No, you're right there! You're way too good!'

Gwen frowned at him. 'No Merlin,' she said shaking her head slowly. 'I'm not good enough to be Queen. I mean look at me!' and she gestured toward her lavender dress.

'Gwen.' Merlin said sternly, pulling her chin up so she was looking at him. 'If I ever hear you saying that again, I'll go and tell Arthur.' Gwen half-smiled.

'No seriously. I have never met any other person as perfectly suited to be Queen than you. Between you and Arthur, I would definitely say that you will find being ruler of a kingdom much easier.' She looked at him quizzically. 'Sure it'll be hard to start off with, what with all the nobility who will ridicule you at first, but when they accept you – you will be amazing. When Arthur's under more stress than usual, he's not going to come to me. He stopped doing that a long time ago – he comes to you, Gwen. That's why you'll be perfect!'

Gwen smiled and pulled him into a huge hug. 'Thank you.'

'You're welcome.' He said pulling away from her and looking at her sternly. 'Now I don't expect to have to say all that ever again. Ok?'

She laughed and nodded. 'Ok.'

'Good.'

Gwen turned to the stove to start making dinner. 'So tell me about this plan?' she said.

Merlin laughed. 'Well, he wanted to surprise you…'

'…which you did. I still don't know how you pulled it off, and the room looked beautiful by the way.'

'Thank you. The candles were Arthur's idea.'

'Really? They were my favourite part!' she said happily.

'Yes, he thought you might like them. So after you came in, he was supposed to kneel down straight away but he must have chickened out.'

'I'm glad he did. It was more romantic under the stars – but if he was going to propose inside how was he going to bring the stars into it?'

Merlin looked confused. 'Stars? He wasn't going to mention the stars. Didn't he talk about the ocean?'

Gwen turned around and put her hand on her hip. 'The ocean? No – he talked about that it was his mother's room and about the stars and that he'll love me for ever.'

'Oh my giddy aunt, he didn't do what we practised at all! That was a waste of time!'

Gwen giggled at the idea of Merlin and Arthur practising proposing.

'So, have you decided on a date yet? I need to make sure I'm free that day. I have a very busy schedule you know.'

Gwen snorted. 'No, we haven't really decided anything like that yet. We'll probably try and get that sorted at some point this week.'

'And of course, Lady Vivian will be a bridesmaid.' said Merlin, grinning.

A gentle knock interrupted their laughter, and the door opened as a hooded figure stepped inside.

I know my chapters are short but if they were longer it would take me even longer to publish them! This one was going to be twice as long but if it was I wouldn't have posted it until the weekend I don't think. BE GRATEFUL!

Please review – if you have any suggestions as to who to have as Gwen's bridesmaids that would be great! I'm a bit stumped! Thanks guys. xxx