A/N: Wow, this is a BIG chapter! This took a while to plan and edit but I am pretty happy wit how it has ended up. I believe that there will only be an epilogue to go now and then that is it!
Thank you so much for your reviews and the long time you have waited for this chapter to arrive. The cliff-hanger on the last chapter was not pleasant and I apologise for the wait - I know how horrible the wait can be between chapters, but even more so when there is a cliff hanger.
I apologise for any typos present in this chapter - I tried to catch as many as I could!
Enjoy this chapter!
Arwen4eva xxx
"Did you really think that you could do this without me?" Gwaine asks as he struts into the room, Leon and Percival following behind him.
"We would have done it either way." Merlin says, raising an eyebrow at Gwaine's dramatic entrance before he turns back around and places his focus on Gwen. He hovers his hands over her mostly relaxed body and then mumbles his incantation. A pale purple light surrounds Gwen's body before moving upwards and covering her face.
After a few moments, it fades but Gwen does not open her eyes.
"Guinevere?" Arthur clearly sees his love's hesitation. He gently runs his thumb over the back of her hand to try and encourage her. "You can open your eyes, love."
Gwen shakes her head no, her fear controlling her.
"It is alright, Gwen." Merlin says. He notices that the irritation around her eyes has practically disappeared; a hopeful sign that the enchantment has been successful. "It worked."
Gwen scrunches her eyes tighter, stubbornly not fighting her sudden fear.
'What if it has not worked? What if I can never regain my sight?'
"Perhaps we should come back later, lads." Percival says, placing a large hand on Leon and Gwaine's shoulders. "This is a pretty big moment."
Leon nods and spares a glance at Gwen before tuning around to walk out. Percival is about to leave before he notices how reluctant Gwaine is.
"We will come back later." he assures quietly. He takes hold on Gwaine's arm and guides him out of the room.
Elyan still stands at the foot of the bed, concern strongly on his features and frustration lurking beneath the surface. Arthur and Merlin are still trying to coax his sister into opening her eyes, but to no avail.
"Gwen." Elyan says, worried about her reaction. "We are not going anywhere - we are staying here as we always have. We have supported you this far and will continue to do so."
"I know." Gwen says, quietly. Her hand grips Arthur's tighter.
"Then open your eyes." Elyan says, softly despite the anger rising within him. He frowns when Gwen shakes her head.
"I cannot." she says, bowing her head slightly.
"Why not, Gwennie?" Elyan asks, hoping that the childhood nickname will loosen her lips. His anger just grows when it does not.
"I am scared that it has not worked. That I will open my eyes but only be greeted by the same thing I have been for months; darkness." A tear slips down Gwen's cheek but Arthur catches it, thumbing it away.
"That will not happen, Gwen." Merlin says, placing his hand on her shoulder.
"How can you be so sure?"
"We are not. But, we know that you are strong enough to beat this and survive." Elyan says passionately, his anger threatening to spew out. He moves away from the foot of the bed and paces over by the table.
'All I want is to make sure she is alright once again and she is being so stubborn!' Elyan thinks, his frustration evident to Arthur and Merlin.
"But, what if I cannot have my sight back?" Gwen asks, her insecurities getting the better of her.
"If you would open your damn eyes, you would realise that you have your bloody sight back!" Elyan shouts, not registering Gwen's flinch and Arthur's quick anger. "Stop being so stupidly stubborn and cowardly, Guinevere Leodegrance!"
"That is enough!" Arthur says, looking straight at Elyan.
"No! It is not!" Elyan says, continuing to shout and moving back towards the bed. "My sister would never be so frightened of something so simple!"
Arthur quickly clambers off of the bed and goes to Elyan. He pushes him backwards and Elyan stumbles from the force.
"Guinevere has been through so much and the prospect of regaining her sight is allowed to frighten her!" he says, looking at his brother-in-arms with fire in his eyes. "You have no right to say that your sister is being cowardly."
Elyan's gaze soften as he looks at Gwen, her face contorted as if she is about to cry. Instead of saying anything, Elyan turns and leaves the room without looking back. Arthur walks back over and resumes his position beside Gwen, taking her hand in his once more.
"Open your eyes when you are ready, Guinevere." he says, kissing her temple. "This is purely about you and how you feel."
"I do not want to open them just yet." Gwen says, feeling another kiss being pressed to her forehead.
"Then do not open them." Merlin says. "Take as much time as you need."
...
"Do you think that you should go and talk to Elyan?" Merlin asks, folding some of Arthur's shirts at the table. Arthur knows that Merlin could wave his hand and the task be completed but with the atmosphere so tense, he would rather preoccupy his mind. Arthur looks over to a now sleeping Gwen and sighs before looking back at his friend.
"I worry that I will burst on him like I did earlier. Guinevere did not deserve that - let alone from her own brother; her last living member of family."
Merlin shoots Arthur a sympathetic glance. He has known the Prince long enough to recognise the conflicting emotions within him.
"I know she did not deserve that." Elyan's voice comes as a surprise to both men. Merlin quickly drops the shirt in his hands before taking a strong hold of Arthur's arms, ensuring that his friend cannot lunge.
"I suggest you leave my chambers very, very quickly." Arthur says, his tone immediately changing from soft to angry and commanding whilst still retaining his quietness.
"I need to apologise to Gwen." Elyan says, taking a step into the room so he is no longer hovering in the doorway.
"Guinevere is sleeping." Arthur says, his voice sharp and his words clipped. Gwen sleeping is the only thing preventing him from shouting.
"I should not have said those things. I was frustrated because the Gwen I knew, and the girl I grew up with, would have opened her eyes and had nothing to fear as after so many weeks, she would finally see the world around her."
Arthur relaxes enough that Merlin deems it safe enough to release the prince's arms.
"You should recognise, as her brother, that this is something Guinevere needs to do herself." Arthur says, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. "I spoke to my Father once Guinevere fell asleep, to keep him updated. He informed me that for the past few weeks, she has been speaking about how afraid she would be to regain her sight; if she was told that her sight had returned to her. Her life drastically changed when Morgana took her sight; she became vulnerable and had to rely on everyone to help her. Now that she potentially has her sight back, everything changes once again."
Elyan nods and looks at his sister.
"Guinevere has to once again find who she is and become independent once more." Arthur says, slumping down in his chair and running his fingertips over his eyes.
"Gwen is going to need you more than ever when she wakes." Elyan says, quietly. Arthur looks up at Elyan, his brows furrowed.
"What do you mean?"
"You have done your absolute best to look after my sister, even more so since she lost her sight." Elyan starts, entwining his fingers together over and over again. "I want you to know that you will always have my blessing for when the time comes.
"I came back after running for many years - away from everyone and everything - to find that my sister was being cared for by you. Words cannot express my gratitude for all that you have done for her; and all that you will do. You have never given up on my sister."
"Nor do I intend to." Arthur says, his heart soaring at Elyan's words. "Why are you saying this now?"
Elyan shrugs. "You have been there for Gwen more than I ever have; perhaps more than I ever could be. You belong together."
"Thank you, Elyan." Arthur says, his voice soft.
"You make Gwen feel special - more special than she ever believed she could feel." Elyan looks over to his sleeping sister and smiles at how peaceful she looks. Arthur follows his gaze and also smiles.
"I intend to always make her feel like that." Arthur looks up at Elyan to ensure he recognises the sincerity of his words. "I promise."
...
Midday passes and Arthur leans back against his pillows on his bed, his multiple piece of parchment placed back on the desk; focusing on matters of state were not currently more important that Gwen. He places his gaze on the subject of his thoughts.
"So beautiful." he mumbles, moving down and laying on his side now. He places his hand on Gwen's cheek.
Gwen stirs very slightly at the contact and her left hand drifts up to Arthur's wrist; ensuring that his hand remains on her cheek. Arthur chuckles lightly and rubs his thumb back and forth in small movements to gently wake Gwen up.
"I love you." Gwen whispers, her eyes still shut and half asleep.
"I love you too." Arthur says, his voice partially louder.
They lay together for a few moments in a comfortable silence. Their limbs remain in the same position as Gwen slowly wakes from her slumber. Her sigh of contentment brings them out of their moment.
"Are you alright?" Arthur asks, attempting to move his hand but it remains in the same place as soon as Gwen squeezes his wrist.
"I just feel like there has not been enough of this - just us." Gwen says. Arthur leans forward slightly and kisses her forehead.
"I feel the same." Arthur replies, now kissing the tip of her nose.
A frown appears on Gwen's face and she opens her eyes without thinking.
"You really need to shave, Arthur." she says. Arthur laughs for a moment before it suddenly clicks.
"Guinevere..."
Gwen's newly repaired eyes are filled with tears as she takes in every detail of Arthur's face. She notices the scruff of his facial hair - a few days old, thanks to his worry - and the deep bags beneath his eyes which greatly contrasts the wide grin that plays on his lips. Her hand goes from his wrist to his cheek and runs her fingertips over the skin there. Arthur lets her complete her exploration, knowing that this is huge for her. A few months without her sight has been hard on her and she has missed out on so much.
"I can see you." Gwen says, a watery smile in place. "I can see you."
Arthur smiles even more widely back at her. He wipes away the tears that have fallen upon her face, knowing that they are tears of happiness. Gwen runs her hand over Arthur's cheek again before running it down to rest against his neck.
"I have missed seeing you, so much." Gwen says before lunging forward and pressing her lips forcefully against his, overjoyed at knowing exactly where he is.
Arthur partially rolls them so he is above Gwen. His hand remains on her cheek whilst hers land on his chest. Their lips move easily against each other and it isn't long until Arthur runs his tongue over Gwen's supple bottom lip. She opens her mouth without hesitation and their tongues languidly slide against each other.
Arthur's hand slides against Gwen's cheek before moving further and cupping the back of her head, pressing them impossibly closer. Gwen slows the pace of the kiss before removing her lips and looking at Arthur again.
"I do not really want to take my eyes off of you." Gwen says, moving back very slightly so she can observe Arthur better. "I have missed far too much. I have missed you."
Arthur smiles before sitting up and helping Gwen do the same. Her eyes go to the window and her mouth drops open at the sight. Arthur notices Gwen's reaction and looks at the window himself.
"I refuse to allow you to get up yourself as you require rest," Arthur says, looking back at Gwen. "but I cannot deny you this opportunity."
Arthur climbs off of the bed and goes over to Gwen's side, pulling back the covers. He picks her up, one hand beneath her knees and the other cradling her back, and walks over to the window behind his desk. He places her gently on the floor and ensures to keep an arm around her waist to support her.
"I had almost forgotten how beautiful this castle looked on a sunny day." Gwen says, squinting at the light but thoroughly enjoying the sight before her. "I had al but given up hope about seeing something other than darkness."
Arthur moves so he is standing behind Gwen. Both arms wrap around her waist as Gwen leans back into his chest. Arthur rests his chin on her shoulder before turning his face into the warmth of her neck.
"I promise to do everything I possibly can to prevent that darkness consuming you again." he whispers into her ear. She shivers due to the soft tone of his voice, and the puff of air on her sensitive skin. "You have many beautiful scenes to greet you in the future."
"I shall hold you to that." Gwen says, smiling as Arthur embraces her even tighter.
...
"I want to go outside." Gwen says an hour after consuming a hearty meal and hugging Merlin within an inch of his life.
"Merlin did specify that you would have to rest for a week - it was one of his conditions." Arthur says, wiping the remnants of shaving cream from his chin.
Gwen stands from her place in Arthur's seat at the table, taking two attempts before managing to ground her feet. Using the surrounding chairs as support, she walks to the opposite end.
"Merlin has not just regained his sight after months of darkness." Gwen points out. Her hands raise to Arthur now smooth cheeks. "Much better."
Arthur smiles, placing his hands on Gwen's hips; ready to swiftly slide his arms around her waist, if necessary.
"You have still not regained your strength." Gwen can see the concern in her love's eyes and does her best to reassure him.
"Having you beside me is all the strength I currently require, Arthur. I need nothing more than you." she says, thumbs stroking his cheeks and her eyes fixed to his.
"Alright, I cannot argue with you." Arthur relents. "But you must promise me something."
"Of course."
"The moment you tire, alert me Guinevere and we will return here." Arthur says, his left hand now sliding up and down Gwen's spine.
"If it means I can walk around, Arthur, I will agree to almost anything."
Arthur smiles sweetly as love, that Gwen can now see, shines in his eyes. She cannot help but place a small kiss on his lips.
"Thank you."
...
"Before we go to the marketplace, I think that there is someone we should visit." Gwen says, her arm laced through Arthur's and her unoccupied hand on the crook of his elbow. Arthur stops them at the end of the corridor that holds his chambers at Gwen's words.
"Who is that?" he asks. Gwen meets his eyes and releases a small smile.
"Your father, Arthur. He has helped me in so many ways and I should like to thank him in person."
Arthur nods, presses a kiss to Gwen's right temple and changes their direction.
As they walk to the King's chambers, a multitude of people recognise that Gwen's sight has been returned. Occasionally, a friend who has helped Gwen during her time being blind comes along and they hug for a few moments, Gwen thanking them profusely, before said friends curtsey to Arthur and continue on with the rest of their tasks for the day.
Eventually, they pass the guards situated at the end of the corrido for Uther's chambers. Gwen's hand twitches at her side, a sudden nervous feeling overcoming her; just like before she opened her eyes. Arthur notices and they stop just outside his father's door.
"Is everything alright?" he asks, dropping his hold on Gwen and placing his hands on her shoulders; her arms go around his waist so she can hold on to him.
"I just feel like I have let you and your father down. I promised to look after him but I have not done that."
Arthur's hands go up to frame Gwen's face, pushing the wild tendrils of hair away from her face.
"You could never, ever, let us down, Guinevere." Gwen looks down and does not allow Arthur to tilt her head back up. Instead of pushing her, he simply rests his forehead against hers. "Please do not feel like this. None od what has happened was your doing; it was all Morgana. She tried to make you weak then tried to kill you. Despite all of her attempts, you have prevailed. D not, for once second, doubt yourself or your value, my love."
Gwen allows herself a small smile before she tilts her head and moves forward to capture Arthur's lips.
They ensure to keep their kiss chaste as here are many people around them. Arthur withdraws first, his hand quickly running through her loose hanging hair.
"You are far too precious to doubt yourself." he mumbles, pulling back. Gwen looks up at him, lovingly; her eyes expressing the unspoken words. Arthur presses another kiss to her temple before grasping her left hand tightly in his right.
They enter Uther's chambers and see the King sitting, fully clothed, in his regular chair.
"Father?" Arthur approaches with Gwen in tow. Surprising both of them, Uther turns to face them with a smile on his features.
"Arthur, Gwen! Please, do join me." he shakily points to the chair beside his; his shaking demonstrating that he has not eaten yet despite it being mid-afternoon. Arthur helps Gwen to sit down and lightly places his hands on her shoulders as he stands behind her. Uther fixes his gaze on Gwen.
"How are you, my dear?" he asks, noticing that her pupils have returned to their natural colour once again. The smile Gwen gives him prompts one of his own.
"I am rather tired and still healing but feel rather amazing. I never realised how much I missed being able to see." Gwen says. Uther reaches out and places his hand upon hers.
"If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask." the ailing King says, kindly.
"Thank you, Uther." Gwen says, tears threatening to fill her newly repaired eyes. "Thank you for everything."
Uther releases her hand to wave off her gratitude.
"You have no need to thank me, Gwen."
Gwen shakes her head no. "I do, Uther. These past few months have been very difficult for me but our daily talks have really helped me. You have been so patient wit me and I truly did not deserve such kindness."
"We looked after each other; helped each other." Uther says, removing his hand and placing it in his lap.
Arthur leans down to press a kiss over Gwen's left ear. Gwen reaches up and holds onto his left hand with her left, squeezing it but keeping her attention on Uther.
"I do hope we can continue our discussions, Uther. From now though, they will just not involve describing the weather." Gwen says, her tone light. Uther's smile just increases.
"I would enjoy that very much, Gwen." he says, looking up at his son for a moment. Arthur's eyes are fixed to the top of Gwen's head, a wistful expression on his face. "But, I should not keep you as I am sure you are itching to go outside whilst the light is still with us."
Gwen smiles and nods in reply. Arthur, seemingly reluctant to do so, pulls his gaze from Gwen and places it on his father.
"I just wanted to express my gratitude, Uther." Gwen says. Arthur moves around so she is in front of her and holds out his hands. Gwen takes hold of them and stands. She sways on the spot for a moment, blinking multiple times to clear the dizziness in her head.
"Ensure you rest plenty, Gwen." Uther says, noticing her momentary discomfort. "You have been through an awful lot recently."
"Please, do not fret, Uther." Gwen says, feeling Arthur's arm come around her waist. She rests her head on his shoulder. "Arthur will not allow me to be too active and tire myself."
Uther nods, satisfied with Gwen's answer. "Good. We want you to become better, not worse."
"I am aware." Gwen says. "Believe me, I want the same thing."
Uther nods again and looks at Arthur. "Take care of her, Arthur." Uther warns, though the warning is half-hearted. Arthur supresses a laugh and just tightens his arm around Gwen's waist.
"That will not be an issue, Father."
Uther smiles before dropping his head for a moment. Gwen lifts her head, frowning, before she moves to him. She crouches, placing on hand on his shoulder whilst the other grips the wrist of his left hand. She can feel the tremors of his hand easily.
"I will have some food sent up to you and encourage Gaius to come and visit." she says, softly.
"You should not worry about me." Uther says, clearly not meaning his words.
"No, I should. I will ensure that food is brought promptly. Please eat as much as you can to ensure your strength remains."
Uther slowly raises his head and manages a small smile.
"Thank you, Gwen."
Gwen pats Uther's shoulder before grabbing Arthur hand so she can stand.
"My pleasure, Uther."
...
The marketplace is alive with a large number of people. The heat of the day has certainly lingered and it is clear to Arthur that the addition of a shawl has become cumbersome to Gwen. Without complaint, Arthur removes it from her shoulders as she looks at the wares on the dressmaker and weaver's stand. He places it in his unoccupied hand and the other goes to her lower back. Gwen removes her eyes from the fabric in front of her and looks at Arthur.
"You do not need to do that, Arthur." she says. Arthur just steps closer and presses a kiss to her cheek.
Gwen leans in to his body, her eyes going back to trace a piece of fabric that has caught her attention. She reaches out to trace the deep red fabric - Pendragon red - with her fingertips. Arthur looks up at the elderly dressmaker before him.
"We will take this one, if you please." he says, gesturing to the one that has taken Gwen's fancy.
The dressmaker nods her head. "Yes, my lord."
Gwen turns to Arthur prepared to argue but swiftly realises that it will do no good.
"Thank you, Arthur." she says instead, smiling up at her Prince.
"My pleasure." He extracts two gold pieces and presses them into the dressmaker's wrinkled palm.
"My lord! This is far too much!" the dressmaker exclaims, trying to push back the coins.
Arthur shakes his head and smiles kindly. "No, keep it please. I insist." He closes his hand around the outstretched palm, pressing to coins in further.
The dressmaker fumbles into a curtsey, a slight blush on her features. She pockets the gold pieces before removing some packaging and carefully wrapping the chosen piece of fabric and tying it with a piece of string. Arthur takes the package and places it under his arm joining his hand with hers.
"Thank you very much, Gilda." Gwen says, giving the elderly woman a warm smile.
"My pleasure. It is good to see you well again." Gilda gives another curtsey before moving on to her next customer.
Arthur allows Gwen to guide him further into the market. They gaze and stop off at various stalls, occasionally making conversation with the vendors selling their wares.
The sight of Gwen for a lot of people brings happiness and they show it; embracing her, wishing her a complete and easy recovery. It is not until a child, perhaps no older than perhaps eight or nine, approaches Gwen with a small bunch of flowers in her hands.
"Amelia? Is that you?" Gwen asks, releasing Arthur's hand and crouching in front of the girl who gives a toothy grin before leaping into Gwen's open arms.
"Gwennie!" Amelia squeals before withdrawing so she can look at Gwen. Her hands push the bunch of flowers into Gwen's.
"Thank you. Look how big you have become!" Gwen sys, tears pricking her eyes. "You have grown so much."
"I have been doing more of my numbers and letters so I could show you when you could see again." Amelia says, proudly.
"You kept learning them?"
"Of course. You were helping me to learn and I did not want your hark work wasted. You gave up lots of time you did not have for me."
Gwen moves forward and hugs Amelia to her tightly.
"Thank you so much, Amelia. You keep learning, yes? If you need help, come and find me." Gwen rubs Amelia's back before withdrawing.
"When I know all of them, I told Timmy and Gereld I would help them learn too!"
"Good girl!" Gwen praises. "I am so proud of you!"
"Me too." Amelia pulls out of Gwen's arms and looks at the flowers in Gwen's hand. "I hope you like them. I am going to go ad do more letters. Bye!"
As Amelia runs away, Arthur helps Gwen to stand and holds onto her when she wobbles once she straightens.
"She is very sweet." Arthur comments and looks at Gwen closer. She drops her head for a moment and notices the slight ache in her neck. When she looks up, she sees Arthur's concerned eyes looking at her; recognising how tired she is.
"Can we return to the castle now, please?" she asks, placing her hand back in Arthur's. The Prince's gaze softens and he grips Gwen's hand tighter.
"Of course we can."
...
That evening, Gwen lays in Arthur's arms in front of the fireplace. Just before supper, Leon, Gwaine and Percival came to visit and they all shared a pitcher of wine in celebration. Gwen could not help but be occasionally distracted despite the happy moment. Her brother's words are seared into her mind and her previous vulnerabilities have had an impact on her.
"Guinevere?" Arthur's voice draws her back to the present. She shakes her head before resting it back against Arthur's shoulder.
"Sorry. I just have some things on my mind." Gwen apologises.
"You are thinking about Elyan."
Gwen simply nods. Arthur runs his hands up Gwen's arms before going around her shoulders and holding her tightly.
"He is sorry for what he said." Arthur assures.
"Then why has he not come to see me like the others have done?" Gwen's voice is small and she is glad Arthur cannot see her face.
"He wants to give you space - he feels guilty and will not push you to talk to him."
"Do you know why he said those things?" she asks, sitting up and turning so she can look in her eyes.
"I believe that he did not truly recognise how much you have gone through. He always saw a happier and more comfortable version of you whereas I have seen practically every side of you."
Arthur's hand goes to her cheek and she leans her face inwards.
"I am so blessed to have you." Gwen says, her voice almost a whisper.
"I know." Arthur replies, winking.
"That was not intended to stroke your ego, Pendragon." Gwen pokes her finger into Arthur's chest, the pair of them laughing. Arthur grabs Gwen's hand and kisses it before holding it against his heart.
"I am the luckiest man alive to have you by my side, Guinevere. I love you, more than I could ever say."
Gwen smiles and locks her eyes with his.
"You have shown me your love in so many ways and I wish that I had some way that could truly show my love for you."
Gwen moves forwards, running her nose against Arthur's before pressing their foreheads together. They hold each other closely, not wanting to let go.
"I love you too."
End note: Please review! :)
