Chapter 14: Be My Forever
It had been nearly a month since Arthur was attacked by the Questing Beast and Merlin had saved him. Since then Arthur had been acting differently around her, he had become more affectionate with her, and much more open about their relationship with others; but at the same time he was slightly distant. For the last week he had been disappearing a lot and everyone seemed to know what was going on except her.
Merlin seemed to be avoiding her as well, though she didn't know if it was on purpose or just because he was so busy following Arthur around doing secretive things. Her brother kept giving her odd looks as well, and she couldn't seem to decipher them. One minute he was looking at her as though he was the proudest brother in the world, then the next second it was as though he had just found out that they would never see each other again.
King Uther, while he had always liked Juliana and enjoyed her company, spent quite a bit more time with her now, requesting for her to join him in his council chambers and asking her questions about how she would handle certain situations. Juliana just figured it was because he was grateful to her for taking care of his son during his time of sickness.
Morgana, her dear friend, was a bundle of odd behavior. She had requested Juliana's measurements, telling her that she was having some new work dresses made for her as a thank you for taking care of Arthur. Morgana had also been having Juliana accompany her to some of her lessons and ladyship duties.
To Juliana it seemed almost as though everyone was trying to train her to become a lady, but for the life of her she couldn't understand why. One thing was for sure, Juliana was getting sick of everyone acting differently around her.
It was a fortnight later when everything began to make sense. The rest of her companions seemed to have disappeared, so Juliana had been with Gaius most of the day mixing ingredients.
It was late afternoon before she saw anyone but the aging physician. Juliana had just finished mixing a new batch of Morgana's sleeping draught. She was so focused on her work that she hadn't heard the door open.
"What are you making?" The sound of someone behind her caused Juliana to drop the potion and let out a startled scream.
"Arthur," She scolded as she turned to face him, "Don't sneak up on me. Now look what you did." She motioned to the broken vial on the ground.
Arthur gave her an apologetic smile rubbing the back of his neck anxiously, "I'm sorry my love, I was just coming to see if you would like to join me for a private dinner in my chambers."
Juliana sent him an excited smile, it had been a few days since she and Arthur had spend any length of time together, "Oh yes, I would love to. Just let me get changed and I will meet you in your room in a moment."
Arthur smiled back nervously, "Good, I'll be waiting." He gave her a small kiss before turning and walking out of the room.
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Juliana smoothed down the front of her dress for a final time before knocking on Arthur's chamber door. They had spent so little time together lately that Juliana had decided to make herself look a bit nicer that usual by putting on one of her nicer dresses.
The door was opened, not by Arthur but by her little brother. Merlin grinned brightly at her and opened the door wider for her to enter. The sight that greeted her on the other side of the door was enchanting. The room was illuminated in candlelight and there was a delicious meal on the table with a bouquet of all her favorite kinds of flowers in the center.
Arthur must have changed his clothing as well. He stood next the table in a royal red tunic, and a pair of black breeches. His hands were clasped behind his back as he waited for his love anxiously. He looked so very handsome and completely nervous.
They were so caught up in each other's eyes that they didn't even notice Merlin slip out of the room, leaving the two alone at last. Arthur cleared his throat as he moved closer to Juliana.
"You- you look very beautiful." He said softly as he took her hand and led her over to the table.
Juliana smiled bashfully as Arthur pulled out her chair for her to sit down, "Thank you, you look awfully handsome as well."
Once she had sat down Arthur moved to take his seat as well and they began to eat their meal. Juliana was a bundle of nerves, nearly to the point that she was not able to eat. Little did she know that Arthur was experiencing the same bout of anxiousness.
They ate in silence for a while before Juliana looked up and asked, "Arthur, are you alright? You're awfully quiet tonight."
Arthur nodded his head slowly, "Yes I'm fine; I just have a lot on my mind tonight."
"Anything I can help you with?" she asked curiously.
Arthur hesitated, opening and closing his mouth several times before simply shaking his head and looking back down at his food.
Juliana sighed softly as she stood to her feet and walked over to Arthur, kneeling before his chair; the prince looking down at her in confusion.
"Arthur do you love me? Truly love me?" She asked hesitantly, worried for his answer.
Arthur frowned, "Of course I love you; you know I do. Why would you question my love for you?"
"You have been so distant as of late, and I was worried that perhaps your love had faded." She confessed sadly.
Arthur stood from his chair and pulled her to her feet as well, "I am sorry, my love. I know I have been distracted and have not been spending as much time with you as I should be."
Juliana shook her head, "No, I know that as the crown prince you have other responsibilities and I do not require your constant attention, but perhaps when we are together you could pay attention to me?" she teased.
Arthur smiled down at her, "I promise. From now on our time together will be just that, our time."
Juliana smiled lovingly at him, "That sounds perfect, my love."
Arthur seemed to be hesitating once again, "Juliana, I think it's time to discuss what has been on my mind lately. Please sit." He motioned to the chair next to his as they sat down.
She nodded, "Alright, you know you can talk to me about anything."
Arthur took a breath, "Juliana, We have been through so many trial and tribulations together. You make me happier than I ever though I could be. I promise to always fight for you, and if need be I would sacrifice my life for you. I miss you terrible when we're apart, no matter what length of time and regardless of the distance. I promise to believe in our relationship, to stand by you through the best and worst of times, to have faith in our strength as a couple. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, be there for you whenever you need or just want me and to never leave you." By this point Juliana had tears running down her face as Arthur moved down on bended knee, "I never want to live without you and I know in my heart you are the one for me. Juliana, will you be my forever? Do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Juliana smiled brightly at Arthur, "Oh Arthur, yes! Yes, I will marry you. I love you so much." She exclaimed as she jumped from the chair and threw herself into his awaiting arms.
Arthur let out a sigh of relief as he held her tightly to him, "I love you too, Juliana."
She pulled back slightly and asked, "What about your father? Surely he would never allow you to marry a commoner."
"Father has already given his consent. You know he adores you." H told her before pulling her back into his arms.
Suddenly she began to laugh, "So all the council meeting your father had me sit in on, all the lessons and dress fittings Morgana had me go to… that was all because you were going to propose?" she asked. Juliana couldn't keep the grin off her face. She loved this man oh so much.
Arthur nodded his head smiling down at her, "Yes, Morgana has been trying to turn you into a Lady, and father has been coaching you for when we take over the kingdom. I've had a lifetime to prepare, you're falling a bit behind." He teased her
Juliana playfully hit his arm, "Well excuse me for not preparing for a roll I never thought I would be placed into." Though, behind her joking attitude Arthur could see that she was, in fact, worried.
He smiled lovingly down at her, "I have no doubt that you will be the very best Princess, and eventually a truly amazing Queen. The people of Camelot love you."
She looked adoringly at her fiancée, "You always seem to know how to make me feel better."
"It's my job as your future husband to make all your fears go away."
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Everyone was ecstatic upon hearing the news of the prince's proposal. Merlin was a bit disgruntled at the fact that his sister was marrying his master but he eventually got over it after seeing how happy his sister was, and now he was beyond happy for them. Uther confirmed his approval by throwing a grand feast in honor of his son and future good daughter.
Many noble houses that where allies to Camelot came to meet the future princess. Though they were all shocked that she was not also of noble birth, and while a few disagreed with the marriage for that fact, there were many, who upon getting to know Juliana, praised the prince for his wise choice in bride.
For the next eight months all was peaceful in Camelot as Juliana, Morgana, and Gwen planned her and Arthur's wedding. All the while Juliana continued to attend council meetings with the king and Arthur, and took etiquette lessons from Morgana, as well as having an entire new wardroom made fit for a princess.
She had never been busier in her life and many were watching her, waiting for her to fail or cave under pressure and quit; but Juliana proved them all wrong by accomplishing every trial thrown at her. Arthur was incredibly proud of how well she was handling everything, something he told her every time he saw her.
Finally the day they had all been awaiting for finally arrived and Juliana was a nervous wreck, though Merlin had assured her Arthur was not any better. Morgana and Gwen had offered to help her get ready for her wedding, Gwen having helped her into her gown and Morgana fixed her hair.
Once she was ready, Juliana stood up and began pacing back and forth anxiously until Merlin came to get her. Uther had allowed him to escort her into the hall.
The siblings reached the double doors leading into the wedding. Merlin stopped and turned to look at his big sister, "I love you, Juliana. You have been the best big sister a boy could ask for."
She looked up and smiled at her brother, "Thank you Merlin. You were the most troublesome little boy a girl could want in a brother, and I love you dearly for the adventures you have taken me on."
He leaned down and placed a kiss on his sister's cheek before the doors were opened and it was time for it to begin. Juliana looked up, her eyes coming to rest on Arthur. He was looking at her as though a man seeing the sun shining for the first time. She was a vision of beauty, and elegance as she was led down the isle towards her beloved.
Once she reached the end Merlin placed another kiss on her cheek before going to sit beside Gaius and Hunith.
"Juliana." Arthur breathed, completely in awe.
Juliana blushed and smiled up at him.
"My Lords, Ladies, and gentlemen of Camelot," They both turned to look at Geoffrey as the man began the ceremony, "We are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient rite of hand fasting of Arthur Pendragon and Lady Juliana of Ealdor. Is it your wish, Arthur, to become one with this woman?"
"Yes." Arthur nodded, taking Juliana's hands in his.
Geoffrey nodded and looked at her, "Is it your wish, Juliana, to become one with this man?"
Juliana smiled lovingly up at Arthur, "It is."
"Please join your right hands." Geoffrey turned, picked up a strip of red cloth, placed it on their joined hands, and wrapped it around them, "As your hands are bound together by this cord, so too, shall your lives be bound as one. This cord represents the marital bond. It is strong enough to hold you together during times of struggle yet flexible enough to allow for individuality and personal growth. May you be forever be one, sharing in all things, in love and loyalty for all time to come, and may you enjoy a lifetime of peace, happiness and prosperity."
Juliana and Arthur were only half listening to the words spoken by the man, too lost in each other's eyes smiling at one another, until Geoffrey placed his hands on top of theirs, "I now name you," He smiled at the two, "man and wife," He turned to the crown then and lifted their joined hands, "Prince Arthur and Princess Juliana of Camelot!"
The entire hall began to cheer as Arthur pulled Juliana to him and kissed her deeply; Juliana wrapped her arm around her husband's neck and kissed him back eagerly. Someone in the crown let out a wolf whistle causing the couple to separate and Julian hid her face in his tunic to hide her embarrassment while Arthur simple laughed. He was just happy to have her as his wife finally.
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The wedding feast that followed was a joyous occasion that continued well into the night. Juliana was passed from nobleman to nobleman, uncle to brother, knight to knight, and finally king to prince. She and Arthur shared their first dance as a wedded couple in front of a crowd of friends and family, and Juliana had never been happier.
It was during her dance with the king that Juliana was finally able to ask the question that had been on her mind for months, "Why?"
Uther smiled down at the young girl, his good daughter, "When my son was on his death bed I promised him that if he awoke for me I would allow the two of you to marry, and I am a man of my word. After I thought about it I realized this union could work to our advantage. You were born a peasant, and marriage is usually used to bridge a gap and unite people. The people of Camelot love and respect you, and with your marriage to Arthur you will bridge the gap between the common folk and the king, and give them a new respect for Arthur."
Juliana had never though of her marriage to Arthur as a way to strengthen alliances, but she supposed Uther had thought it through.
Finally it was time for the Bride and Groom to retire to the marriage bed. Arthur stood up and grasped Juliana's hand as they made their way to their bedroom. Juliana had never been so nervous in her life, this morning was a cakewalk compared to now. They finally made it to their chambers and were alone for the first time that day.
Juliana moved to the vanity and began taking her hair down as Arthur began removing his wedding attire, leaving him in a simple tunic and breeches.
"Are you nervous?" Arthur asked as he came to stand behind her placing a hand on her shoulder.
Juliana looked up at him and gave a small smile, "Only a little."
Arthur chuckled, "Come sit with me."
He lifted her hand and moved them to sit on the edge of their bed. They were quiet for a moment until they turned and locked eyes as he brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed her soft skin. Blushing, Juliana smiled and turned her head. Arthur lifted her chin to face him. He smiled and Juliana leaned up to kiss his cheek. He turned his head and kissed her lips gently until gradually increasing the passion. He pulled her close and very slowly began to lay her down on the bed never breaking the kiss.
Arthur's other hand caressed her face as he continued to hold her to him. Juliana's one hand found his hair and the other began to caress his back as the kiss intensified. Slowly Arthur began to move his hand from her face to her neck, tracing her jaw line and collar bone. She sighed; his touch set her on fire. His hand reached her shoulder and slipped down her upper arm. She moaned softly and pulled up his shirt to run her hands over his bare back.
Still kissing her, Arthur carefully began to untie the lacing on the back of her dress. Feeling the material loosen around her body excited her. Never had she felt this way before now. As he opened the back she pulled up his shirt and breaking the kiss for the first time, she pulled it over his head. Using her finger she gently traced the lines of his muscles.. She could see many scars and a few scrapes but over all his body was a work of art. He smiled down at her as he touched her face then placed his hand over her shoulder.
"Arthur..." Juliana whispered.
"Yes..?" He said his voice barely above a whisper, his face inches from her face. The expression on her face was indescribable. Her eyes reflected the candlelight illuminating the room and her breath cast gently over his lips.
"Make love to me..." Her whisper was so faint he was scarcely sure he heard her but got the message when her lips met his. She held the back of his head gently as she pulled him into her kiss. His arms wrapped around her tightly as her untied bodice slipped off her shoulders revealing her creamy skin. A soft excited moan escaped Arthur's lips as he sat her up, still kissing her and caressing her bare back. He slipped down the neckline of her gown and slowly moved his kissing down her jaw line and neck. He nibbled softly on her ear then moved down to her collar bone. Slipping the shoulder of her gown down a little more he began to kiss her shoulder.
Juliana sighed in pleasure as his kisses continued. He slowly began to slip her dress down still kissing her. Her breathing became quicker as he let the soft material slide off her shoulders and she slipped her arms out, modestly hiding herself.
Arthur smiled, and touched her face, "Juliana, you have the body of a Goddess."
Juliana blushed at his words. She let him lay her down again as he smiled down at her. Only a moment passed before they were again locked in a passionate kiss. Arthur touched her face as they kissed and slowly moved it down her body until he was at her side. Slowly he moved his hand back up and gently began to message her breast.
Juliana jumped and softly gasped at the feeling of being touched for the first time. She touched his shoulder as he kissed her nipples and then her stomach. Sitting up he removed her dress and stood. He smiled down at her and untied his pants, letting them fall to onto the floor. He knelt on the bed beside her and touched her face; tracing his hand down her neck and then the side of her body until he was at her hip. Leaning forward he kissed her collar bone and then gently kissed her nipple as he touched her for the first time with his hands.
Arthur kissed her lips and held the side of her face as he continued to touch her. She was scared but her body betrayed her. She was soaked. Arthur carefully penetrated her body; first with on finger, then two, getting her body ready to accept him. Juliana gasped at each movement, her nails digging deep and trailing long scratched down his back and side. After he was sure she was ready he stopped and looked at her.
"Are you ready?" He asked his voice as shaky as she felt and Juliana nodded. He smiled and looked at her for a long moment. "I love you..." He said softly as he positioned himself between her legs. She smiled as he pulled her close, "I love you too."
Carefully he placed his cock against her most sensitive area and slowly pushed forward. He responded to each of her gasps by stopping to make sure she was ok. After a few minutes of preparation, he completely entered her body. Her muscles tightened at the wonderful never before felt passion that now surged through her body. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he began to move gently. Slowly at first then when he was sure she was fine, he slightly quickened the pace. She responded immediately, her body matching each of his movements. She scratched and bit at his neck and shoulder as he kept the rhythm grunting with each trust; their bodies, meeting for the first time, becoming one together for ever.
Arthur pulled her so close to him she thought she would stop breathing, and moaned deeply in her ear. She in turn shook repeatedly and the two convulsed in a wonderful, passionate moment of release. He collapsed on top of her, their heavy breaths lost to the pounding of the rain on the windowsill outside. Juliana's body slacked as the muscles in her body finally relaxed. She wrapped her arms around him
"Juliana..." Arthur whispered his voice still shaky as he rolled to his side. "I love you..."
"I love you too, my husband." She sighed as he pulled the covers over them and cuddled her closer. The two of them falling into an exhausted slumber.
So sorry it took me so long to update, i got a new job and have been extremely busy. But here it is, the Last Chapter!