Slightly Changes.

What if Gwen, feeling herself irresistibly drawn by Lancelot had decided to leave Camelot, leave Arthur before cheating on him ? How does the King would have react ? Would have he let the love of his life go away from him ? Would the Morgana's evil plan operates in this case ? The true love that share Arthur and Guinevere, could it survive to a true break up ? Would have it been the good answer ? In this version, set during 4x09, after Arthur's proposing, Lancelot come back and the enchanted gift this late gave to Gwen. This one decided to leave all that matter for her, including the man she loves more than anything, because of feelings she thought dead forever ...

Hey everyone ! Here I am with a new chapter :) As always, I wanted to thanks all of the people who follows me, read me, put me in their favourite, reviewed me ! It helps a lot, and means a lot to me :) So, for this chapter, thanks to alexsidking for addind me in favourites stories, thanks to Allie988 for following me, and thanks to Cowboy's Lover Dimitri No 1, larasmith and megan for their wonderful ( as awlwyas) review :)

And for megan, "Yes, they are together... But will it end ? ;) And I can tell you that Paul is going to be a very important character ... Thank for your review :)"

IX.

They got into Camelot, under the surprise stares of the people, seeing Guinevere with their King. Most of them wore wide smile and was waving at them, perfectly knowing the love that bound the two young adults. Paul, on his side, didn't leave the castle from the eyes and Merlin noticed it,

"Were you already came here ? he asked him,

"Only once."

"Were you alone ?"

"No."

"With her ?"

"Yes."

"Won't you tell me more ?"

"It was a long time ago ... "

Paul looked down and Merlin didn't dare ask more. From their side, Arthur and Gwen continued to tighten against each other, just enjoying being together.

"You'll have to let go of me eventually..." she teased him,

"I guess so ..." he kissed her cheek gently,"And what if I don't want to ?"

"I'm your prisoner." she answered and he burst out of laughter, she loved to hearing him laugh and she loved even more be the reason why he did it. They all reached the castle and Arthur and Merlin dismounted of their horses first, the first helping Gwen, then Paul dismounted of his horse too, hesitating. At this moment, a knight, tall, the noble look, went down toward them, smiling. Arthur walked forward and shook his hand,

"Leon."

"Arthur, I'm so glad to see you !"

"So am I ! You remember Guinevere, right ? " he smiled by shifting, leaving the young woman in evidence. Leon's face showed the complete astonishment in which he was, before smile and walk closer to Gwen for hold her slightly in his arms, she laughed and he said again,

"Gwen ! I'm so happy to see you!"

"So am I Leon," she receded a little and took Arthur's hand, and they all saw the happy smile on the knight's lips. He then greeted Merlin and turned toward the new come, Arthur walked forward and made presentations,

"Paul, Leon, he is one of my best knight, my right arm. He is on charge of Camelot when I leave. Leon, Paul, a doctor, who saved Gwen's life, I'll tell you." he added, seeing the knight's face.

"Enchanted." said the both of men.


During this time, Morgaine was sat before a fire, in her big castle. She had to find a way to discover who was Emrys ...


Morgana, her, was still trying a lot of spells. None of them were working. And in this moments, she regretted being alone. No one were worried for her, no one would came rescuing her, no one. Once, Arthur would have came,with Gwen and Merlin. Morgause would have came. But now, she was alone. So alone ... She felt a tear rolled down her face and tried to picked herself, she was Morgana Pendragon, this will not bring her down...She was stronger than this. So much stronger ...


Arthur was walking in the corridors, glad to be back, glad to be with her. They hadn't talked since their discussion in the forest but Arthur was tired of talking, tired of suffer. He wanted to be happy, make her happy. He knew he could do it, he was sure of it. He didn't took care of where he was going and a few seconds later, he crushed in someone.

"Oh I'm so sorry I didn't saw you and ... "

"It's me Arthur, I'm sorry."

He receded then and noticed the person he had just crushed was no one else but Mithian. She looked at him with such sweetness, he understood why he couldn't took his eyes off her the night of his birthday, in her eyes, there was the same sweetness as Guinevere's...

"I'm glad to see you back."

"Thanks."

"Will I have the honor of seeing you tonight at the feast ?"

"With pleasure, I have a lot of people to show you. One person in particular." he answered and she bowed slightly before left,

Arthur left too and ran a hand in his hair, he had to convince Gwen to come with him as a guest of honnor.


"No way Arthur."

"Guinevere, please, I want to introduce you..."

"Introduce me ?" she laughed humourlessly, "Here is Guinevere, a blacksmith's daughter, she's my ... my what Arthur ? my personal servant ? The woman who broke our marriage the night before the wedding day ? I can't wait to be there."

He frowned seeing her upset, trying another approach, he got closer and took her hand in his,

"Why are you so mad at ?"

Gwen looked down, feeling guilty for having shouted on him.

"I... I don't know. Just, being here in Camelot, I feel as if ... I don't belong here anymore."

"What do you mean ?"

"You can't ask me to go with you at the feast. I'm a servant, not a Lady."

"You're the Lady of my heart, this does count, doesn't it ?"

She smiled lovingly and snuggled against his chest. He could be so adorable...

"I suppose so..." she breathed and a smile lighted up the King's face,

"So, are you coming ?"

"I don't know Arthur."

"It would be boring to death if you don't ..."

"Yet, I heard that Princess Mithian would be here."

"Ah... that." he cleared his throat and she had to hold back a chuckle.

Gwen receded a little and raised a eyebrow,

"You were going to tell me, aren't you ?"

"Told you about ?"

He seemed so uncomfortable that Gwen took a naughty pleasure teasing him mercilessly.

"That splendid woman, who was in Camelot, and who, maybe, had interested you ..."

"Don't say that !" he cut her off, "You know very well I only have eyes for you and ..." he stopped, seeing the spark in her eyes, "You are kidding me !"

Then, couldn't hold it more, Gwen burst out of laughter and Arthur, for stopping her teasing, kissed her. She let out a small whimper and her hands hung on on his shoulders before the King receded a little,

"Come with me ..." he whispered,

"Arthur..."

"I beg you."

She plunged in his blue eyes and immediatly knew she had lost. She sighed and buried her face in his shoulder, already regretting her choice.

"Fine Arthur... I'll come."


Paul wandered in the corridors, without any goal, when he met Merlin. Decidedly, the man is everywhere.

"Paul !"

"Merlin,"

"Arthur sent me to search you,"

"Does he need me ?"

"You said you will tell us your story ..."

The young man looked down, he didn't really wanted to live all this all over again.

"Very well," he whispered, "I follow you."


Once in the King's Chambers, Paul caught a glimpse of Arthur, sat in a big table, Guinevere at his right, her hand in his. He greeted them both and Merlin took seat at Arthur's other side.

"Come Paul," said the King,

The young men came and settled. Gwen then spoke, with a gentle voice,

"You tried to warn me, I will never forget it. Thank you."

Paul looked at her and smiled, and Guinevere smiled at him in return. Arthur hold her hand a little tighter, she was perfect.

"I bet you all want to know what a man like me was doing on this village ..."

All nodded and Paul sighed,

"My name is Paul Hoffman, I was born in a small village on Nemeth's borders and nothing prepared me for what will be my life... I was quite good at healing people and soon, the village's physician took me as his apprentice, which had not pleased my dad, who wanted me to take the farm after him. One day, then I was doing my job with Tom, the doctor. They came, Morgaine's men, and they have burnt everything on their way, they have killed men, women, children..." he stopped a little, the wound too fresh yet in his memory. "Tom died this day, as to many of us. Some of them had succeeded in escape. Twelve. We were twelve survivors." he sniffed and Gwen laid a hand on her mouth, horrified,"We went searching for help at the castle. And it's where I met her."

"Who ?" asked Arthur,

"I can't tell, I swore I keep the secret. She talked to us, me mainly. We were spending time together and quickly, I fell in love with her. But our love were impossible, I knew it. Then, before things get more complicated than they were really for the both of us, I left. I ran away. As a coward ..." he looked down a few seconds, " A few days later, I found that little village in which you were Gwen, I found something strange in 'Sophia' and when I realised who she really was , the one who destroyed my village and killed so many of the people I cared about, I tried to warn you, I tried to warn everyone ! But she discovered me. And she came, telling me that if I didn't left right now, she would kill her. I knew she would, and I couldn't loose her ... So I ran away. And I'm so sorry ...

He sniffed and Gwen patted his arm two seconds,

"I would have done the same Paul..."

He smiled sadly at her and Arthur said,

"I'm sorry for all you had to pass through Paul,"

"Thanks..."

"But ... How did you knew it wasn't Sophia ?"

They all turned around toward Merlin, who had just spoke,

"I... I couldn't explain it," answered gently Paul, "It's strange ...Something in her was familiar to me and ... I'm sorry, I couldn't tell you what."

"It's nothing," said Arthur, "You're here at home as long as you wish so."

"Thank you Sire,"

Arthur then laughed and Paul saw the look full of love Gwen threw him then, full of admiration, devotion.

"I think you can call me Arthur."

"Fine, Arthur."

Paul then smiled, he liked Arthur, he had good values, he was brave, he had a good heart and a true love toward Guinevere, excluding the fact that, for what he had saw and understood, Merlin would die willingly for him. He was a good man, he was sure of that. And maybe ... maybe he would decide staying here a little more, and serve him, in the best that he could.


Guinevere looked at herself in the mirror, and she had to admit that the image she sent back, was not totally unpleasant. She was dressed with a long lavender dress, her favourite color, with gildings but not too much, Arthur had found her the perfect dress, and she smiled, trying to imagine the face he would have, seeing her. She was slightly makeup, with a little of red lipstick who brought out her chocolate eyes. At this moment, she heard knock at the door and her heart fastened...

"Come in !"

She slowly turned around and Arthur's face was beyond all her hopes. He opened wide eyes, his lips was slightly open and he was just there, for a few seconds, without speaking, nor moving. She walked toward him a little and noticed he drank her with his eyes. Gwen felt suddenly shy in front of him.

"Do you ... Do you like it ?" she finished by asking,

"I beg you Guinevere," he muttered, "Do not ask questions whose you already know the answer ..."

She laughed and he took her by the waist, bringing her close to him. Oh my God. he thought, and it was the only coherent thought in his mind. He leant his face toward hers, wordless, and kissed her. She laid a hand on his cheek, while his, digged in her waist a little more. Gwen pulled away a little and he grunted, making her laugh slightly. And,with a slight hand, she wiped the traces of her lipstick which remained on his lips and when she plunged in his eyes, she noticed they were dark blue again. Gwen blushed when she understood she loved make appear this look on him...

"You are ..." he breathed, kissing her cheek, "simply" he lowered his mouth on her jaw and Gwen closed her eyes, surrendering to him, " breathtaking." he then kissed her neck and when she felt the tip of his tongue on this sensitive part of her body, a small moan escaped her lips and she dug her nails in his broad shoulders. Arthur grunted gently and she felt him shiver against her before he laid a slight kiss on her shoulder and let his face there, soaking in the scent of her, the scent he loved so much...

"God Guinevere, you are driving me crazy ..."

She slightly laughed and bring one of her hand back, for stroke his hair tenderly.

"I'm glad you like it."

He got up and took her hand, kissing her knuckles lovingly, it was like he always needed to be in contact with her.

"It's you that I love."

They smiled at each other and stayed this way, looked at each other, for a few minutes, before he laid her arm on his and they left, toward the Feast Room.


Paul was pacing in his room, he had heard she would be there... Could he really do that ? Could he really go there and look at her as if nothing happened ? He left. He had ran away because their love was impossible, at least, it was what he believed... But he had seen the way Gwen looked at Arthur, the way he looked at her, the way their love was so clear... If they had succeeded, then why in earth couldn't it be possible ? He shook his head. She probably hated him by now. He was gone. He had swore to never give up on her ...

"You're like the others Paul, one day, you'll leave me."

"Never Princess."

He took her hand and tighten it while she plunged her brown eyes in his,

"Can you swear it to me ?"

"I swear it."

The young woman then got closer and kissed him tenderly before whispering,

"I think I might be in love with you Paul."

He had not answered, he had gone the next day. Why ? Because he loved her more than life itself, and he couldn't allow himself to believe that something could ever happen between them ... And then, the news came. The King of Camelot was marrying Guinevere, a blacksmith's daughter, servant of his castle, by love. He had took hope again then, hope in them. But it was already too late ...


Reaching the Door, Arthur felt Gwen tighten at his arm, he then laid his other hand on the top of hers and she gave him a grateful smile.

"Everything's gonna be okay Love,"

The young woman looked straight in front of her, before laid a hand on her neck, searching for Arthur's ring before froze, reminding herself she had lost it. She felt tears pricked at her eyes,

"Arthur ..."

Hearing the shaking voice of the woman he deeply loved, Arthur turned around and she saw his eyes widened a little,

"Oh no my love." he then face her and cupped her cheeks, forcing her to look at him. "Listen, you are gorgeous. I love you more than anything, but if you don't feel ready for that, I would understand. And I won't be mad at you."

She let a tear roll down and he wiped it,

"Arthur, I have to acknowledge something... I think I lost your .."

He cut her the word, kissing her tenderly, stroking her cheeks by doing so. Then, he pulled away a little and saw her looked at him tenderly, wiping his lips full of lipstick again. He laughed slightly and kissed her nose,

"Better ?"

She buried her face in his neck and felt his arms closed around her.

"I love you." she breathed.

Arthur closed his eyes and laid his chin on the top of her head.

"You know I love you too."

With one hand, he checked the object was still in his pocket. The ring. By kissing her neck earlier, he had succeeded in taking it and at this moment, with her in his arms, he reminded himself the conversation with Melin he had had.

"So ?"

"I got it."

"And when will you propose to her ?"

The King didn't answer and Merlin sighed,

"You are going to propose to her, aren't you ?"

"Yes. But not now ..."

"Arthur..."

Arthur looked down, he didn't want to say it out loud but he was afraid. Afraid she would leave him again. Afraid that if he propose to her, she would leave again. He won't survive it.

"Arthur... Gwen loves you."

"I know." he sighed,

"And you love her."

"More than anything."

"Then, dollop head, can you really picture a life without her ?"

Arthur closed his eyes, remembering what he had felt holding her against him earlier, kissing her, when she had looked at him with this look ...

"Tonight." he finally said in a decided voice,

"What ?"

"I ask her tonight."

"During the feast ?"

"During the feast."

He walked toward the door, trying not to notice the smile on Merlin's face and hurried to the woman he hoped to marry.


The party had begun for a little while now. Arthur never quit Gwen from the eyes and he realised, with proud ( and perhaps a little jealousy) that she encountered a frank succes with knights and men of all kind. Right now, she had accepted the danse invitation of a little boy, no more of 8 years old, proud of dancing with the most beautiful woman of the evening... Arthur looked at her with such love, he didn't even noticed the smile that light up his handsome face, nor the woman getting closer ...

"So, it is her..."

Arthur jumped and faced Mithian,

"It's her who finally have won King Arthur's heart ..."

He smiled and put his attention back on Guinevere,

"Good evening Mithian,"

"Tell me about her, who is she ?"

"No one, and everyone." he smiled again,

"Is she really a blacksmith's daughter ?"

"Yes."

"And for her ... you would risk you kingship, your kingdom ?"

At this moment, Gwen looked up at him and their eyes met, Mithian couldn't miss the spark between them, before Gwen put her attention back on the boy and Arthur answered, in a tender voice,

"Without her, they worth nothing to me."

Too focused in his observation of Guinevere, he didn't saw Mithian's eyes become full with tears. And he didn't hear her whisper,

"I know exactly how it felt ..."


By the moment the music stopped, Gwen bowed in front of the boy and kissed his cheek,

"Thank you my Lady,"

"I'm not a Lady," she answered gently,

"The King is in love with you, isn't he ?"

She smiled, and was about to answer when a low voice did it, and she felt herself shiver at the bottom of herself,

"It's right kid."

She smiled again and the child left, before she turned around toward Arthur. His bright blue eyes laid on her and she laughed, he held her a hand and she took it gently. Arthur then laid his other hand on her waist while hers was on the crook of his shoulder. They started move together, lost in each other...

"Everything's perfect ..." she breathed, getting closer to him, burying her face against his shoulder. He closed his arms around her and suddenly she felt she had to tell him. She pulled away a little and plunged into his ocean eyes,

"Arthur..."

He stroked her back tenderly, refusing letting her go. Instead, he felt a breath on his neck and couldn't resist the envy of laying his lips on hers. She answered to his kiss, stroking the hair at the nape of his neck, when they pulled apart, the same smile light up their faces and none of the two noticed that everyone eyes in the room were on them.

"Arthur," she breathed and he saw her face darken, "I have to tell you something ..."

"You have lost my ring."

She stared at him, surprised,

"How do you know that ?"

She saw a smile light up his face and she didn't understood the reason until he picked something from his pocket and put it in front of her eyes, a cry of shock escaped Gwen's mouth when she recognized the ring,

"Arthur... What ..."

But she didn't have time to say more. He smiled tenderly at her, before put one knee on the ground, Gwen laid a hand on her mouth and her eyes became full with tears,

"Oh my God ... Arthur ... What are you doing ?"

"Guinevere," she noticed there was no doubt in his eyes, love, tenderness, love again... "I know we've been through a lot you and I, but I want you to know, I love you. I never loved another, never will. I know that you and I, we are meant to be together,you are meant to be with me and you're clearly meant to wear those dresses ..." a teary laugh escaped the two of them, while she tighten the grip of his hand, "And you are mainly meant for me to love you, to make you happy, to cherish you, to protect you until my last day ... So, here I am, in front of you, on my knee, will you marry me ? "

Their eyes met, chocolate into sky blue. And when Gwen opened the mouth to answer to him, a glass exploded on the ground, in the quietness of the room, and all turned around toward Mithian, pale as dead, who stared at the door when a young man who was just coming,

"Paul..." she whispered only, a hand on her heart.


So ? What did you think ? I wanted a chapter without drama, Morgaine or Morgana... A little moment of peace for our heroes ! :) Congratulation at LaraSmith who had guessed Mithian was the woman Paul was speaking about, I really like Mithian and I wanted her to know what a great love can do ... So, Arthur and Gwen ? The proposal ? Do you think she will accept ?

I really hope you had a great time my friends,

Keep Safe :)