Arthur stood before the most powerful allies of Camelot. He was on full display. He started to get nervous as he scanned the crowd for the suitors.
His eyes fell to his future bride and her farther beside him. She looked just as nervous. Arthur looked towards Richard at the back. He mouthed for Arthur to just take a breath. He glanced back at Morgana. She nodded encouraging.
Arthur took a deep breath.
"Kings. Princesses. Gracious allies of our kingdom. I am here before you today to announce which of your princesses, I shall marry…because you can't marry angels so their mortal form must be princesses to make them so angelic. And the angels I see before me tonight are all…."
Arthur glanced at Lancelot and remembered the night he met Merlin.
"Beautiful. Each one of them are,"
He glanced at Gwaine besides Gwanie who were perfect for each other and horrendously out flirting each other.
"Going to meet their true love. As for me I can only marry one of you. But if this experience has taught me anything, it's that…well a lot of things. Mainly that women are unique in many aspects but when they feel the way you do you just…click. The air of mystery just makes them enchanting. And they're beautiful and amazing and magical! You can tell them anything and everything you may not have told anyone else and have complete trust in them. But there's only one of each one so if you find the perfect one hold on tight… Because if you let go…even if you think fate will bring you back together in time… You might just regret it forever,"
There was a pause as Arthur tried to let go of Merlin. Fait and destiny had not chosen them to be together.
"Anyway! Beautiful Lancel. We, I feel, clicked on a deeper level. I believe you feel the same way! So, a beautiful flower, for my beautiful bride?" Arthur produced the final rose from the bush outside of town and offered it out to Lancel.
"Yes Arthur. I will be your bride!" She said. Arthur forced a smile as the others around them applauded.
"Found the culprit!" Morgana said.
Arthur looked towards her. She smiled. It was just as fake as his. Richard nodded and clapped. Instantly the other kingdoms sent servants to pack them away and the wedding plans went into full swing.
Back in Arthur's quarters, Arthur sat on the window ledge staring out to where he last saw merlin. Richard walked in with Arthur's wedding outfit.
"That went well. It was beautiful Arthur!"
Arthur leaned against the wall more. He didn't reply.
"You did the right thing! You're destined to be a great king for your instant decisions and this will be one of your finest!"
"Yeah. Finest!"
"Cheer up. Youre getting married tomorrow. Then it's your birthday!"
"Yeah. Thanks Richard. Hey you can have the rest of the day off. I think I'll just stay here."
"You sure?"
"Certain!"
"Thank you sire!"
The door shut after him but Arthur didn't hear it. He was in his own little bubble trapped leaning on the window to watch the other kingdoms ride away. He was away from the rest of the world in this bubble. All he could think about was how he was doomed to marry someone he didn't love while knowing his truelove is out there somewhere!
For the day of their engagement and the union of two great kingdoms, there was great sorrow in the air.
