"A jousting tournament? In my honour?" Gwen wasn't quite sure how to react. Arthur was looking at her like he had just given her the best present in the world and she really wanted to respond in kind. Like many others, Gwen enjoyed the regular tournaments but to have one held in her honour, as her engagement present seemed rather - over the top.
"No?" Arthur's face fell slightly although he kept the smile.
"I just -"
Picking her hand up, Arthur caressed her palm. "Do you know why I chose this?"
"Because you want glory?" She teased as she leaned into his side. "I have heard that you're one of the best." Her free hand crept up his chest, feeling him chuckle.
"I admit the prospect of winning is appealing. But no, I chose it as a tribute to how we started."
Gwen couldn't help the smile that blossomed on her face. Trust Arthur to think of something like that. "I thought that might be the case. Although my recollection of those days are of an arrogant, selfish prince who lied to me."
She felt Arthur kiss the top of her head. "Mmm. True except I think you made that arrogant, selfish prince a little less arrogant and a little less selfish. And I would never lie to you again."
"One can hope. But at least he was a good kisser." Tilting her head up, she grinned at him.
Understanding her perfectly, Arthur slanted his lips against hers, gently pulling her closer to him.
Later that evening, after secret meetings to discuss strategy, Merlin left to speak with the sorcerer. With Merlin gone and the knights off on duty, it was just him and Gwen in the room. Wrapped in her shawl and looking forlornly out of the window, she looked so vulnerable and again, the regret and the pain of what he had done overwhelmed him.
"Guinevere."
"If I don't come back, I want -"
She crossed over to him and shook her head. "No, Arthur -"
"Let me say this, please. I've done nothing but bring pain and suffering to you all these years. For me, you suffered in silence and you've stood by me through all my mistakes. Instead of standing with you, I banish you the moment I thought you made a mistake. I want you to know I am truly sorry and that I love you."
He wasn't sure what he expected in response. Her forgiveness? Her comfort? When she turned back to the window, his heart dropped. It was nothing less than he deserved.
After a while, she began to speak. "I've been thinking a lot about Camelot, about you, about us the past few days. I wish I had never been enchanted. I wish you hadn't banished me. But we can't change the past." Then she looked back at him. "I can forgive you Arthur - I think I already have - but I don't think it is something I can forget. Can we live with that?"
"No. I don't think I will forget my actions either and I probably shouldn't." He looked at her, a slight smile on her face, her fingers curling around his hands. "Does this mean -"
"I'm not marrying you tomorrow Arthur, if that is what you are asking. But, I think that maybe after we've dealt with Morgana and we've had time to talk more, then we can rebuild what we had." She withdrew her hand from his and cupped his face. "We were happy once."
"We were. And I promise you I will do almost anything to make you happy again Gwen. Even if that means leaving you because I was selfish before. I won't be selfish with you again. And if I am, -"
Gwen placed a finger on his lips. "I know Arthur." She tiptoed, leaned into him and brushed a kiss across his lips. "I love you, despite everything. Just, I'm giving you my trust and my heart again. Don't make me regret it."
"I won't." His snaked his arms around her, pulling her closer to him, smiling as she moved willingly. "I can't say I won't do anything wrong in the future, because you know I will but I will do my best. I love you Guinevere and I am sorry about everything."
Finally she smiled, one devoid of pain as she stroked his cheek. "I think this is a good time for you to kiss me."
He willingly obeyed. And for a while, everything was perfect.
Until Gwaine burst into the room. "Your uncle is on the move."
He looked at Gwen, her face taut with worry. "This is it. I hope Merlin is on his way back with the sorcerer." Grabbing Gwen and kissing her once more, he whispered, "I'll be back. You have a sword and Gwaine will stay with you. Whatever it is, stay safe alright?"
She nodded. "I love you."
"I love you too." He picked up his sword, exchanged a few words with Gwaine and left the room.
This was the cusp of a new beginning, he thought, as he made his way to the vaults. Once this was over, he, Guinevere and Camelot could build a new and better future for themselves.
With that last thought in mind, he walked into the tunnels with his knights, ready to face Morgana and her army.
