Four

After a while, Arthur composed himself, and started on his way to the Throne room where he was told the court were awaiting his presence. Arthur straightened himself up before nobly entering the court and sitting down on the throne in front of his subjects.

He directed his gaze at Gaius and Sir Leon, "Why have you convened the court?"

Sir Leon stepped forward and made a half bow in Arthur's presence, "Sire, Gaius has informed us of his long term diagnosis of the King's condition..."

"And what bearing does that have on court proceedings?" Arthur's face was stern, although he would never let them know of it, he knew the answer that they were to give.

"Sire Camelot is an independent kingdom that more than most but just how much longer do you expect the people to fend for themselves. Your people need a leader My Lord"

Arthur took a slow deep breathe in, "And you would have that leader be me?"

At this point Gaius saw fit to interject in the conversation, "My Lord, you are the Crown Prince of Camelot, the rightful heir to the throne, there is you and only you that is able to step up to this task"

"And do you think I am ready Gaius?" Arthur was becoming agitated, "Do you think I am ready to become the King of Camelot?"

"We do as we must Sire" Gaius slowly backed away from Arthur to once again be in line with the rest of the court.

Sir Lancelot then stepped forward to speak, "Arthur no-one here would think any the less of you for being cautious in your decision to assume leadership, however we have all seen at first hand the strength and courage you give to those around you when you do so. Most of us before you today would not be here if you had not previous displayed as such. We believe in the world that you will build Arthur, but most of all we believe in you"

Arthur rose from his seat to meet Lancelot's eye and whilst shaking his hand said "Maybe that's all I need"... Something dawned on him and a gentle smile appeared on his face as he said... "No wait there's one more thing..."

Sir Leon turned as he watched Arthur run from the room "My Lord?"

"I'm coming back!" Arthur yelled in reply.

Meanwhile, Guinevere was walking back to her house after a long afternoons work. She opened her front door stepped inside her home and began to untie her cloak from around her neck. She gently laid it on the window seat, picked up her broom and began to sweep her kitchen before beginning dinner. She quietly hummed to herself and considered how lucky she was to feel so content with her life after all that had happened in recent months.

Suddenly there was a crash as Arthur clumsily stumbled through the door gasping for breath.

"Guinevere!" Arthur gasped

"Arthur!" she replied in utter shock at his arrival, she suddenly remembered her position "I—I mean My Lord" she bowed her head and curtsied hoping to cover up her embarrassment.

"I have been looking for you everywhere" he panted

"Please Arthur sit down you look exhausted" she pulled a chair out from the table and beckoned him to take a seat. Arthur did so without hesitation, and Guinevere took a seat opposite him. He took a moment to compose himself.

"I was seeking you for a reason Guinevere"

"Which is..." she replied, trying not to sound too impatient.

"I have just come from the court, they have asked that assume leadership over Camelot forthwith therefore fulfilling my duty as Crown Prince and becoming King."

As Arthur spoke Guinevere's jaw began to drop in amazement then as soon as she realised she closed it again hastily.

"So soon?" she whispered

"I know I thought the same, but on further discussion with Gaius regarding my father's condition, It is decided that what you see of him now may be all that you are to see for some time to come. "

"Oh Arthur I'm so sorry" she stretched across the table, and laid her hand with his. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment.

"What will you do?" she asked in all seriousness.

Arthur quickly rose from his chair and began pacing anxiously.

"What else can I do?" He stared directly into her eyes. "Geoffrey has gone to my father as we speak, to ask for his formal abdication! Proceedings have already begun"

"Then why are you here?" she asked genuinely

"I need to know if you believe me to be doing the right thing"

Gwen stepped close to Arthur clutching his arms and staring deeply into his eyes.

"Arthur you know I will always follow you, no question" she smiled

He began stroking her cheek softly, "One day soon you and I shall be together, I promise"

She took his hand from her face and held it close as they kissed.

"I must go"

Then Arthur swiftly but gently left her, smiling.