"Gwen, would you do me the honour of marrying me?"

Gwen stopped breathing. She had dreamt of this moment since she was a little girl and yet…

"Gwen?" Lancelot and Gwen turned to see Arthur standing a few feet away watching them. Gwen quickly let go of Lancelot's hands and took a small step back.

"Arthur? I'm… glad to see you… talking." Lancelot faced the prince and Gwen saw the anguish in Arthur's eyes.

"Lancelot, thank you." The smile Arthur created didn't quite reach his eyes.

Gwen turned to leave. "I have to go. I have to… go see… Gaius." Before she could leave Lancelot grabbed her wrist.

"Wait. You didn't answer me."

"Lancelot, please, it can wait." Gwen's eyes flicked towards Arthur. Lancelot glanced around at the prince as well and a change seemed to come over his face. One of malice.

"No," Lancelot let go of Gwen's wrist and moved back. "Answer me now. Arthur won't mind, will you?" Lancelot turned to Arthur who forced an unconvincing smile.

"Not at all."

*

Merlin walked through the castle, not paying any attention, and very quickly ran into someone. Merlin ended up lying on his back looking up at the still standing figure of King Uther.

"King Uther!" Merlin jumped to his feet and bowed. "I'm so sorry, my lord. I wasn't…"

"It's alright, Merlin." Uther surveyed their surroundings before addressing Merlin further. "My son, Arthur told me everything that happened. He told me what he learnt… about you." Merlin's mouth formed a small 'o' shape. "Do not be alarmed. I know that you are a good man and you have been nothing but helpful to my son and myself. You saved both our lives on numerous occasions, not to mention Camelot itself. You have shown me that not all sorcerers are evil. But I warn you, Merlin, do not become enticed by dark magic. It may seem harmless enough, but use of such magic will give me reason to have you executed. Or give Arthur reason, more to the point."

"Of course, sire. I will be very careful."

"Good. Look after my son." Uther nodded to Merlin and left him standing in the hall way by himself. Merlin stood rooted to the spot for quite some time before rushing off to tell Gaius.

*

Uther, fearing that his life and reign were almost done, went out on his own for a final ride through Camelot. Uther remained wary of his surroundings but had to admit to himself that if someone were to attack him he wasn't sure if he would attempt to fight back. He had lived for a long time and had seen much. He had lost his wife, many of friends, his ward. Everything but Arthur. And to give up his life so that his precious son may live and rule was a small price to pay. Uther reached the grave of Morgana's father and dismounted. He sat in the grass and looked out across the plains. By this stage the day was drawing to a close and Uther believed that he had never seen anything quite so beautiful.

The sun's dying rays brushed the land with gentle fingers and bathed the countryside in purple and gold. His wife, Ygraine, had always enjoyed watching the sunset but Uther had never had the pleasure of doing so. Uther looked out of the valley and was filled with a sense of pride and sadness. He was proud to call Camelot his kingdom and yet he was sad that he would not live to see it much more. Uther had protected the kingdom from all kinds of danger and he had shown the people mercy whenever he could. He had often put Camelot before all else, something that he did not regret. Or ever would.

Uther could feel a growing pain in his chest…

*

"Not at all."

The words meant nothing and yet the look on Arthur's face cut through Gwen's heart like a hot knife through butter. It melted her heart, and hardened her mind. She had to think carefully but she could not think with Arthur looking at her as though she had already said 'yes' to Lancelot. Gwen placed a hand softly over her heart and looked away from both of the men before her, and instead she looked out of the window. The sun was beginning to set and soon darkness would fall on Camelot. And when that happened one of the men in front of her would have a broken heart. And so would she.

"Gwen, it is a simple question." Gwen gave Lancelot a quizzical look. "The answer need be a mere word, not a sentence or a speech. One word, Gwen, and we can be together."

"A word? For a lifetime? That doesn't seem right does it?" Lancelot was puzzled, Arthur nodded. He understood. As far as Gwen could remember only her father had ever truly understood some of the strange things that she sometimes said. But here was Arthur, understanding her while Lancelot was puzzled.

"But a word is so simple," Lancelot stepped forward and again took hold of Gwen's hands. "Tell me that you'll always be mine and I will be so happy. We could have a life together. You would never have to worry, I will protect you. No one will ever hurt you. We would live in a small village. I would work while you stayed at home to raise our children when we have them. You would be happy."

"No she wouldn't," Arthur stepped forward so that they would hear him clearly. "She would be miserable living like that. Gwen is a free soul. She does what she pleases and that life wouldn't suit her. And if I have learnt anything about her it is that she doesn't need protection. She has incredible skill with a sword," Arthur looked at Gwen, whose mouth was open in surprise. "I can't imagine anyone less suited that kind of lifestyle. Gwen is someone who needs to be doing something in order to be happy. And I don't believe that raising children would satisfy her completely."

"What rubbish." Lancelot scoffed. "You know nothing about her. What interest do you have in a servant?"

Arthur ignored Lancelot and kept his attention focused solely on Gwen. "Gwen, you once told me that I would be a great king one day. That you had faith in me. I believe that in order for me to fulfil your expectations I need you by my side. You have never ceased to surprise me and you never will. You are capable of great things and I am ashamed that I never told you that before. I offer you nothing more than who I am and my love for you. Gwen, I have loved you for a long time and I cannot see a future without you in it. I don't care that people will disapprove. Let them think what they like. All my life I have done what was expected of me, what was best for Camelot, but I don't want to do that anymore. I want to be my own person, which you suggested I do a long time ago. And that's what I'm doing. Something I should have done after the jousting tournament. Gwen, will you marry me?"