Part 10
The morning was grey as if in mourning still. Arthur stood at the doors of the throne room with Merlin at his side as always.
"When was the last time we stood out here like this waiting for a ceremony?" Arthur asked.
"I can't remember was it your wedding to Elena or when you were named regent." Merlin scratched his head. It had to have been the regent thing.
"Thanks for mentioning the two most unnerving days of my life."
"Well, there is still the wedding," Merlin grinned.
Arthur shot him a glare.
"Oh and Gwen's coronation is coming up as well."
"That one I am looking forward to." Arthur took a deep breath as the trumpets sounded. The doors opened and he started the long walk to the throne where he would sit as King.
Merlin slipped in behind him and made his way around the outside to stand with Gaius.
Arthur reached the steps of the dais and kneeled. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of lavender and his nerves calmed instantly. He repeated the set vows clearly. Sir Geoffrey placed the crown on his head and he rose to face his subjects. Shouts of 'Long Live King Arthur' and loud applause resonated through the throne room. He looked at Gwen and smiled. She was crying tears of joy. He looked at Merlin wearing that silly grin of his and took a deep breath. It was going to be alright as long as he had them for support.
O~X~O~X~O~X~
Arthur looks at the stack of work on his desk and then the clock. It was going to be another late night. Every night had been a late night since his father died. I want to go home. He looked through the pile one more time to make sure there wasn't anything that couldn't wait. He stood up and stretched. He put the files in his case guiltily. At least I can be at home and work too. He grabbed his coat and headed for the lift.
He came in to find Merlin helping Vivvie with homework and a delicious smell coming from the kitchen,
He left Merlin and Vivvie undisturbed and went into the kitchen. Gwen was basting a roast chicken. He stood in the door until she had pushed it back in the oven.
Gwen turned and gasped. "Arthur you're home."
"I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to come home. I think I will come home every night and just bring work with me that way I can still be with you."
"Sounds good," Gwen smiled. "Remember when we would do our paperwork together?" Most times it ended up on the floor.
"Yes, in the royal study and I also remember we had supper there many nights while we worked. What do you say to me sitting at the table and doing my paperwork while you make supper?"
"I like that. I miss not having you here at night now." Gwen poured a cup of tea and sat it on the table next to where he had sat with his case.
"And when you go back to work?" Arthur took a sip of tea.
"Arthur, I was thinking about not going back after we have the baby. I don't want to miss out on anything. Can we afford it?" I don't want to miss a second.
"Yes, we can and I was going to suggest it but I didn't know how you would feel."
Gwen patted her baby bump. "We have a baby coming and Merlin and Vivvie. There is a lot for me to do."
"Merlin and Vivvie are staying then?" Arthur looked up and nodded. They had better be staying.
"Yes," Gwen sighed. "He told Freya today. I don't think Merlin ever really got over Morgana. I believe that's why he was never able to commit to Freya."
"Your right," Arthur agreed. "That whole situation was a mess. I'm glad it's finally straightened out. Well the part about Vivvie at least is solved. There really isn't anything we can do about his broken heart."
"Vivvie will heal it." Gwen smiled as she looked towards the lounge where Merlin and his daughter were sitting.
"I have to take a trip next week to check out the American side of the operation. I'll try to be quick. We don't have much time left before the baby comes." I hate travel.
"I get nervous every time you travel now that we are so close. It seems there is a lot of travel to do."
"At first, then I can start to delegate things out. I was never good at that but I'm going to have to learn."
"Yes, you do." Gwen laughed. "No quests for you!"
Merlin and Vivvie came into the kitchen. "Is dinner almost ready Aunt Gwen?"
"It will be ready in a few minutes. Why don't you set the table?" Gwen handed Vivvie the plates and silver. Vivvie smiled and went to set the dining room table.
"Merlin, are you coming back to work soon? I need the help." Arthur looked at him.
"Yeah, I'll be back on Monday. I talked to Vivvie about it and she understands. Arthur, I still want to pick her up at school for a while. I can bring her home then come back to work."
Arthur looked at Gwen who nodded. "Alright Merlin, do that for now, but you will need to make arrangements soon. You decided to stay with us, then?"
"I would like it for now; maybe later we will get our own place." Merlin smiled.
"Somewhere close Merlin so we can be there if you need help." Arthur looked at his friend and nodded. "You are family after all."
"Thank you both," Merlin grinned. Family, yes we are.
"Merlin, could you put the chicken on the table? I'll get the potatoes. Arthur, could you get the salad?" Gwen instructed them.
As they sat down to the evening meal, Arthur resolved to never miss a night unless it was an emergency.