Chapter 11…

I really believed this would be my last chapter but it isn't, I still have one more chapter left to this tale. I hope you enjoy the read and leave a review. I must always mention that Merlin belongs to the BBC, I wished I owned the rights then they will have to show more affection between Arthur and Gwen :)

With a single thought Merlin found himself at the Isle of Mona. To ordinary eyes elements of Mona's landscape resembled any throughout Camelot's vast unpopulated acreage. There were trees, flowers, snow covered mountains all of which was surrounded by an expansive blue hue. However there was never a sun to light the day or the moon to bring forth the evening; there was always light, the passage of time insignificant in a place created and kept alive by magic. At the apex of the tallest mountain called Heahbeorg stood a shrine composed of huge, blacken, rectangular stones separated inches apart, small fires suspended in the air lay at the center of each stone.

Merlin sensed the magic everywhere enhancing every action one was to take. He directed his eyes at the mountain and he was there. He observed Morgana draped in her dark garb, standing before a stone altar and heard her incantation over the blood stone. It glowed, blood red.

"You're here?" Morgana questioned in a low snarl. "You're not worthy of this place."

"And yet here I am. I must be worthy."

Impotent Fool!

"Your tongue may be sharper but you're still foolish for challenging my power." She quickly pushed forth her right hand and yelled, "Acwele!"

A streak of light came hurling towards Merlin but he easily caught it within his right palm. He manipulated his fingers, turning the light into a small ball of energy which slowly disappeared. A stunned Morgana stared at him with her mouth slightly parted.

"This cannot be!"

Merlin simply chuckled at her reaction. "Once you realize who I am then you'll know it really can be."


Arthur and Gwen enjoyed a wonderful stroll in and around the courtyard with the addition of the watchful eyes of the castle guards. Every now and then they would pause to kiss each other. Some kisses were short and sweet while others lingered long and passionate. After their lips released, they would stand for a moment and just smile hardly caring if the guards noticed such intimate displays of affection. At one point Arthur hoisted her high above him and Gwen squealed delightfully as he spun her around. They were lost in each other's eyes when her feet touched the earth again. An imperfect evening turned marvelously perfect.

"I love you so much," she whispered while cradling his face within her palms.

"I love you even more."

He stared at her moist lips and reclaimed them once again, suckling them hard. She moaned softly sensing a warm tingle growing inside of her as their tongues intertwined.

"You're quite the handsome distraction. Hmmm…Arthur?"

"Humph?"

"I'm certain Eleanor has already prepared my bath."

"You don't need a bath considering what we've planned for the rest of the evening."

After Arthur's announcement many rushed to congratulate them, unfortunately Sir Richard accidentally spilled godale on her burgundy dress. It took Gwen's reassuring touch to steady his anger. She also suggested the stroll to ease it even further.

"I don't want you to go… not just yet," he replied in a sultry tone, moving his hands up and down her slender waist. Thereafter he nuzzled along her neck. "I don't mind the smell of ale. You'll be bathed in my kisses."

"Seeing that you're a man, certainly you won't," she chuckled, "However I do prefer the sweet fragrance of wine compared to its bitter substitute. Besides there are things about this night I want to cherish close to my heart. The first and most important being your vow, those words of promise meant so much…"

He raised his head, gazing at her. "And I will never forget your promises. It is all I've longed for throughout our entire relationship. Never has a woman so captured my heart and soul like you have. I'm so thankful to Merlin for bringing you back to me."

She joined their foreheads and said, "Arthur whenever I'm near you, I always feel exceptional, loved. It's been a long, difficult road for the both of us. Now tonight I'm officially your wife not someone who just stepped out of a tavern…do you understand?"

"I do."

"Then come…."

She intertwined their fingers and led him up the stone steps. Inside the guards respectfully greeted and the light from the torches guided them along the wide hallway as they walked arms wrapped around each other.

"I'm planning on taking advantage of our free time we may still share together without others questioning our conduct."

"In what way my love," Gwen questioned leaning her head against his shoulder.

"After your coronation, we'll spend a week in the royal manor house at Welham. I'm sure we'll make much of our stay there."

She smiled at his words and made to respond until she noticed the pale beauty standing alone, gazing out the large window. By her gold and red gown she believed her to be one of the nobles.

"Arthur…look…" Arthur turned to look and suddenly felt ill at ease. Her realized Gwen had never met her. "I've never seen her before now. Who is she?"

"She's King Filmore's daughter, Princess Mildred…"

The King declined Arthur's invitation to the feast but promised to attend the coronation ceremony.

"She's very lovely. Please introduce us," Gwen stated without hesitation and Arthur acquiesced, taking her hand as they strolled over to the Princess. Her heart beat a little faster coming closer to seeing the woman meant to replace her on the throne although never in Arthur's heart.

"Good Evening Princess Mildred."

She didn't around immediately but when she did, she focused her full attention on Arthur. "Good Evening, Your Majesty," she said while curtseying low.

"I would love to introduce my wife, Lady Guinevere Pendragon."

Mildred leaned forward, her eyes almost popped open in amazement but she caught herself.

"Congratulations… to the both of you," she fashioned a quaint smile, entwining her fingers together. To Gwen she simply gave her a head nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Guinevere Pendragon. You are looking very beautiful this evening." The compliment never really registered on her face.

Gwen could excuse her behavior considering her own experiences with Arthur in similar situations.

"Thank you. It's my pleasure as well and your dress is quite beautiful as well. Considering the circumstances, I pray that you have been treated kindly thus far."

"Indeed I have. Camelot is a splendid kingdom and everyone has been very accommodating. My only wish…" She paused suddenly, lowering her head then moving errant strands behind her ears.

Gwen understood the signs all too well; either Mildred was falling in love or was already there. The Princess may also have been watching their intimate moments from the window.

"Arthur I'll leave you two alone for the moment," she said kissing the side of his lips. She preferred not to say anything more to Princess Mildred.

Arthur grasped her fingers. "Don't be too long."

"I won't."

He placed a soft kiss on her knuckles before letting go and regarding her as she walked away. They stood silent each waiting for the other to speak. His awkward feeling growing further, knowing there were still words that needed to be said and hoped his response would be appropriate.

"May I speak freely?"

"You may."

"She is indeed a lovely woman and by the look in your eyes I can see how much you love her. …If she hadn't return would our marriage been realized?"

"I do love Guinevere with all my heart and because of that love there wasn't the chance of it ever being realized." He began to see the signs of sadness in her eyes. "Merlin warned be what may become of this decision but I foolishly chose not to listen to his sage advice. My actions have caused you hurt and for that I seek your forgiveness."

Her eyes softened. "And I forgive you. Any woman would admire and be drawn to your presence. I knew the type of man you are from the first time we met. Lady Guinevere should be grateful to have been chosen and I hope she appreciates the great love that you bestow upon her."

"Is it because you were born noble and she wasn't that you utter those words?"

Mildred didn't know how to respond, pressing her lips together.

"Nay Princess, it is I who appreciates the love that she has bestowed upon me. Without her I wouldn't have become the King or the man that you so admire. I sent her away without just cause and it almost cost me everything I hold near and dear to my heart."

"How could you not find her?"

"I honestly don't know but I did my best."

"I wish she had returned earlier then I wouldn't be experiencing all these different emotions…"

"I pray one day you will share that love with a man who deserves it."

"The way you speak demonstrates that Camelot is unlike any other kingdom. Princesses' lives are cast around for political gains not love. It makes me envy her more and I always will because she has you and always will."

She turned to walk away but Arthur couldn't allow her to leave just yet. Something troubled his thoughts.

"Princess Mildred there's another matter that we need to discuss most urgently."

"Certainly, Your Highness."

"As I've told your father during our meeting, I'm the only person to blame for what has happened. My wife is the dearest thing to my heart and I expect everyone to treat her with the respect she has earned as the future Queen of Camelot. I've created your unhappiness, not my wife," he reiterated, "She is worthy of greater respect than myself."

"Forgive me Your Majesty. You've shown me the error of my judgment. The next time we meet I shall show her the utmost respect as Queen of Camelot."

"Thank you."


Do it Morgana, align our powers and make me known to him.

"It isn't necessary I do not fear Merlin's words or his little displays of power. He can easily be dismissed."

Then why is he here! This place cannot be visited by any marauding warlock.

"Then why am I here. You've always feared one being who is capable of destroying you. Don't you remember Morgana…He is your destiny… and he is your doom. I am Emrys!"

Morgana's eyes grew wide, searching for any visible clues on or around Merlin. Emrys, her greatest fear but she imagined someone with more power than those demonstrated by this imposter.

"That's Impossible," she scoffed at the notion. "Or you would have been rid of me a long time ago!"

Recite the spell Morgana or my power will leave you.

"Maybe your once innocence got in the way but no longer…"

"Enough talk!"

Beo Strangra Ond Steacra! Strengthe Ealdan Aewfaestnesse!

Morgana's body started to slowly rise from the ground. Merlin saw something else as well; her body started glowing blood red. The power of the stone had been transferred.

Apeostnian!

Morgana's appearance altered; along with her body her eyes turned blood red, her voice deep, unusual, cold.

Well Emrys I have no fear of you. It is you who should fear me now. Fear Dreor! Acwele!

A blood streak shot from her eyes striking Merlin hard, sending him crashing to the ground. The attack reverberated inside every part of him but his body absorbed the blow very well; he wasn't dead though he tasted fresh blood on his lips.

ARGHHHH!

"Are you surprised that I'm not dead?" Merlin asked, wiping away the small bit of blood from the side of his mouth while standing up. "You've had your chance now it's my turn."

GEHAEFTAN!

A silver beam sprung forth and began steadily winding its way up from her feet, coiling around and around and around.

What's this?!

Morgana could barely move. She merely watched perplexed. When the beam reached her upper arms it began slowly constricting. Morgana let out a sinister laugh.

You can't bind me!

ONLUCAP ME!

"Your spell cannot release the hold I have on you. Now you can never deny who I am!" Merlin's eyes glowed. "Feel the pain that you have inflicted on so many. Their spirits are eagerly crying out for your punishment and I intend to sate them."

Hierste Thaet Cicen Sona!

AHHHH! AHHHHH!

Such an intense pain took over her body and the beam affected her power as well. She slowly drifted towards the ground where she fell on her knees before Merlin's feet.

"I must do know what I've failed to do so many times."

"Merlin, wait!"


Gwen was surprised to find that Ellen and Amelia weren't still at the feast. Since she'd taken up residence in Arthur's chamber, the two occupied her vacant room. After taking her bath, a refreshed Gwen dressed and dismissed Eleanor for the evening. She then allowed Ellen to brush and style her hair which had been beautifully placed in a chignon.

"I'm very ecstatic about your marriage to Arthur," Amelia remarked gleefully with her hands clasped together. "My one regret is our absence when Arthur made the announcement. But Ellen wasn't feeling well and we decided it best to leave."

Ellen countered, "I told her she could stay…"

Gwen angled her neck to face her. "If you're not feeling well then I could ask Gaius to see you."

"I'm afraid it's not a sickness than can be cured with medicine," Amelia enlightened.

"Amelia!" a disgruntled Ellen shrieked at her and their argument began.

While the sisters argued, Gwen's mind briefly drifted to Arthur and his conversation with Mildred. The argument grew louder snapping Gwen back to reality.

"Ladies…please!"

"Forgive us, Your Highness."

"Ellen, please take a seat beside your sister and I shall share a confidence. Promise me that you won't disclose any of this outside of this room."

The sisters stared at each other briefly then returned their gaze to Gwen saying, "We promise."

"When Merlin first came to Camelot, I too believed myself falling in love with him." The sisters gasped at the revelation. "He was the first man who stood up for others without fear of reprisals. He truly cares for our welfare even at his own expense. What woman wouldn't find that admirable?"

"That's all the qualities I see in him as well," Ellen reflected.

"Yet Merlin only saw me as a good friend."

"How did that make you feel?"

"I struggled at first but I grew to realize that I hadn't really been in love at all merely infatuated with the idea. What did I know about love? Only what I heard the other maids discuss. It surprised me when I finally found it in Camelot's prince."

"King Arthur is your one true love," Amelia injected.

"He is and it took us a long while to get where we are now."

"Your Highness what is love? Then I'll know how to decipher between the two."

"Love Is…"

They heard a knocking at door.

"Amelia, please see who it is."

Amelia did as requested.

"I'm certain it's the King," Ellen observed.

"I'm certain as well," Gwen smiled then returned to their original conversation. "When you're so young you often believe that you know everything in this world and all that it has to offer. It's only when you've matured that you realized the best is yet to come. Sometimes love can be found in the strangest places."

When Amelia approached, Gwen and Ellen stood.

"Your Highness, Ither says the King is anxiously asking for you."

"Then I must leave you both but Ellen, please consider my words carefully and don't be dishearten for too long."

"I'll remember your words."

"Good evening Your Highness," both sisters said and curtsied.


Gwen slowly turned the door knob and slipped inside the vacant outer room. She thought it odd that Arthur wasn't standing or sitting outside but she soon found him. The bedroom appeared slightly changed, the bed linens a brighter shade of burgundy and a few more lighted candles added a romantic ambiance. Her whole body flushed with desire seeing a naked Arthur half lying on the bed, propped up on his elbows above the plush pillows. She noticed his relaxed member becoming aroused.

Gwen consciously licked her lips, goose pimples dotting her skin. It wasn't the first or the last time she'd see him this way but tonight seemed different.

"Forgive me," she uttered absentmindedly.

Her lovely brown eyes swept over his exposed skin most of which was a golden hue from his days of training in the sun. Seeing a few battle scars here and there added to its allure. She felt her need constrict from wanting to touch and be touched by every part of him.

A wide smile graced Arthur's face. "It seems you were worth the wait," he replied quite mischievously.

Those soft brown curls hung loosely around the sides of her face and nestled along her shoulders down her back. She untied her silk robe to reveal her ankle length, lavender nightgown made from the finest sheer linen which left little to his imagination.

"There are times when your beauty amazes me and leaves me delirious," he whispered with his eyes and body saying much more. "Come to me," he compelled her with an outstretched hand.

She eagerly climbed into his embrace, locked in his intense gaze. For a few moments no words were spoken, his palms rested on her cheeks while hers lay on his shoulders as she sat astride his hips, elevating her nightgown to mid-thigh, allowing her moist heat to be in direct contact with his fully erect member.

"Huh…huh…huh…Is my scent better than ale?"

Her jasmine scent filled his nostrils with its aromatic fragrance.

"Much, much sweeter," he breathed hot against her face with their lips a few inches apart. "I need you so much yet…"

"Yet…Huh…"

Arthur utters a low groan as she grinds against him, attempting to change his mind otherwise.

"Very, very clever my beloved but there's still some will left in me."

She lowers her eyelids when his tongue glides across her bottom lip, the action deliberately, frustratingly slow until he fully captures her yielding lips. Thereafter his lips release their hold, finding a new refuge on the nape of her neck, leaving a love mark while his fingers untie the ribbon of her nightgown. The fabric easily slides down her shoulders and his tongue soon follows. A moan escapes her lips, her body quivers when the nightgown drifts pass her sensitive nipples. She throws her head back, grasping at his neck as his tongue suckles its erect peaks while his hands massage the undersides of her chocolate mounds.

Arthur chuckles when she suddenly pushes him downward wanting to end his seductive torture.

"Are you at my leisure, my husband?"

"I'm at your leisure my beautiful Queen."

She lifts her arms and he aids her in removing her nightgown which helplessly falls to the floor. His eyes are transfixed by her perfect form illuminated by the flames of the burning candles.

"In my eyes, you are most perfect."

"And in my eyes," she begins leaning forward, kissing his torso, "You were created perfect…"

Arthur groans deep, his fingers playing within her curls as Gwen leaves her own mark of affection. She lifts her head wanting to see the reaction of his gorgeous blues as she grasps his throbbing member.

"Uh…"

She eases down her wet, fiery entrance, taking in all his fullness, crying out in pleasure, completely satiated.

They were so lost in each other's stare, gasping breaths, distinct and indistinct moans filling the air. Gwen's body bounced up and down, hair becoming flat by the infusion of sweat. Her left hand gripped Arthur's right wrist as it massaged her breast while his left thumb makes pleasurable circles around her clit. She could no longer bear to hold back the orgasm threatening to overtake her; she closed her eyes, arching her hips into him.

"Arthur!"

Her walls closed tightly around his member and he too cries out her name and his love for her. They fall away from each other, both trembling, breathing rapidly.

Afterwards they lay in each other's embrace completely silent, Gwen apparently distracted.

"Your husband is jealous that another has stolen away your thoughts," Arthur teases while his fingers contentedly strokes along her spine.

"I wonder where he is now and how he's doing," Gwen remarked, laying her head against Arthur's chest, the rhythm of his heartbeat almost like an instrument being played.

"Merlin always finds a way to succeed even when we're not certain that he can. Guinevere…." Gwen lifts her eyes to meet his. "He is safe," he said with much sincerity.

"Indeed," she smiles at him.

"And another thing…," he whispers pulling her face towards his. "I'm not quite finished."

"Neither am I."