And I just wanted to let you know ahead of time this is the last chapter of Twice Upon a Time. I'm just so incredibly thankful for all my readers and for the few, yet lovely reviews. You all kept me inspired when it comes to Armione. I've never had so much fun writing a series. Before you start crying (haha, I wish) remember this will be a trilogy so the third and final story will be released soon!
"Jada, I'm so... scared," Hermione admitted as her maid finished her hair. She stared at herself in the vanity she sat before, seeing someone completely different. Of course, she was ecstatic to be marrying Arthur. But even then, the entire population of the castle, visiting nobles and royalty alike would be watching, and she couldn't just walk down the aisle and trip over her own skirt. She had to make a good impression on her... subjects. It felt odd calling them that, so she decided to call them her friends instead. She wasn't sure how ready she was for monarchy at the moment. In fact, she wasn't sure about much as she gazed at her own terrified reflection.
"You needn't be, Hermione, you're getting your happily ever after," Jada reminded her with a bright smile, holding a hand out to help Hermione stand up.
"I know, it's just..."
"It's just the nerves, Hermione," Jada promised. "When you see him, you'll calm down, trust me. Everything will slow down once you see the King. You'll feel as if the weight of the kingdom has been lifted off your shoulders, seeing the man you love."
Hermione took a calming breath and smiled at Jada, leaning in to hug the pretty redhead.
"Thank you, Jada, for everything," she said quietly. She turned to walk to the chamber doors, her escorts waiting outside, when Jada stopped her.
"You left this here the last time you were in Camelot," Jada said, holding out the necklace she'd given Hermione so very long ago. "I kept it hidden because I knew one day you'd come back."
She smiled shyly and Hermione had to take a moment to blink back tears. She had never appreciated Jada more than right then.
"Please, put it on me," Hermione requested in a thick voice.
And so, once the clasp was done, Jada walked with Hermione to the throne room, where expectant knights, courtiers, council members, servants, and many more awaited their future queen.
Arthur stood by his throne on the daïs in front of the assembled knights, guards, servants, cooks, and citizens who stood in the throne room. It was decorated grandly but not gaudily. Gold and crimson, the colours of Camelot, floated around as curtains and flags. Gold shone brightly in the sunlight that drifted in from the windows around the hall and it lit up the room. People smiled and stood in quiet anticipation, two large groups on either side of the long red carpet that led from the wooden doors to the thrones. Arthur wore a long, crimson cloak over his freshly cleaned chain mail and a small smile upon his face, though he kept his lips closed and tried to look as regal as he could for the ceremony. The glistening crown sat upon his head and the people were reassured to see it on his head and only his head.
The grand doors behind the people opened and they all turned to look, excited and joyous. Arthur couldn't help but smile bigger at the sight of his betrothed.
Hermione stood tall and graceful at the doors in a lovely scarlet gown. The corset was adorned with golden stitching and red fabric flowed lightly down her arms. A small necklace with a charm rested on her collar and her hair tumbled down to curl over her shoulders. Her skirt flowed behind her as she walked along the carpet, a glow on her face with a smile to accompany it. She reached Arthur, stopped before him, and got on her knees on the dais. The Archbishop of Canterbury held out a pillow, a beautiful crown ornamented with jewels resting on it. Arthur took it, and held it above her head.
"By the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you... Hermione... Queen of Camelot."
He placed the beautiful crown on her head and she smiled up at her King and husband, sliding her hands into his to step up. They leaned in and shared a whole-hearted kiss that sealed their fates for good. Hermione pulled away, a radiant smile on her face, and revolved to stand on Arthur's left, her right hand in his as he held them up.
"Long live the Queen!" he spoke loudly for everyone to hear.
"Long live the Queen!" the people echoed back happily. Merlin grinned and repeated the phrase with everyone, putting his entire heart and soul into the words.
Morgana stumbled through the trees of the Darkling Woods, breathing become ragged and her hand clutching her side. The pain was so intense and the wound was so deep. She didn't know how to heal herself, and knew she was too weak to anyway. Morgana couldn't take it any longer.
She fell to her knees and then tipped over onto the soft earth, the will to care leaving her. She let herself fade away, letting her eyelids close over her dim eyes and started to leave. But then something trod before her body and examined her curiously. It breathed a surprisingly cool, effective magic that hit Morgana and caused her strength to come flowing back. Her eyes flew open and she sat up slowly to see her saviour. It was a marble white dragon. And it watched her in curiosity, young and caring.
She allowed a smile to come onto her face and she instantly felt a connection form with the creature. She had something worth living for again. The dragon made an adorable noise and then flapped its wings and disappeared up into the clouds.
The feast was enormous, and Hermione didn't think even Hogwarts could have outdone Camelot's cooks. Everyone had the chance to fill their stomachs to the max, and Gwaine made sure to regain everything he'd lost during his time in captivity. Gaius was recovering quickly with the help of Merlin and Hermione, so he too attended to feast, but had to sit the whole time. He didn't mind. After hours of fun, eating, drinking, and laughter, Hermione knew it approached. The consummation– the very thought of the word made her body shake and shiver. As she began to leave, she could feel many eyes on her– she blushed to think everyone knew exactly what was coming up.
"I'm exhausted, and I probably smell like Merlin after he gets out of the stocks, so I need to bathe first," Hermione told Jada with a wrinkled nose and chuckle.
Jada gladly set up a bath for the new queen, and after a bit of scrubbing Hermione came out squeaky clearn and smelling of roses (Jada's concoction was heavenly to the nose). Hermione tied a robe around herself, sitting behind Arthur's dressing screen (she was officially moved into his chambers) as Jada pulled out a new, richly made night gown. Hermione had been informed she was to be fitted for a new wardrobe after the wedding, and she made sure to instruct the seamstresses to make her sensible, modest gowns that were comfortable for everyday use. It made her uncomfortable to dress too finely, or in anything too obstructive of movement.
"Jada, I think I'd prefer that pretty nightgown I wore years ago," Hermione decided with a newfound confidence arising in her.
"Are you sure, Hermione? This one is so much... newer," Jada offered persuasively, already holding the fine gown that had been set aside for the queen.
"Really, I'd much prefer it," Hermione insisted politely. Jada did as she was told and found the gown once more, setting it on top of the screen so Hermione could grab it. She slipped it on over her head and came out from behind the screen.
"Thank you, Jada, you can go back down to feast if you like," Hermione thanked the girl.
"I honestly think I'll be getting to bed, Hermione, I'm quite tired," Jada insisted as she hid a yawn behind her hand, brown eyes quite weary.
Hermione blinked as the door shut behind the maidservant and turned around, toying with strands of her hair as she took a good look around the fixed room. Some servants had laced vines along Arthur's bed posts and candles had been lit all over. Her heart was jumping every second, and she found herself suddenly extremely nervous.
She definitely wanted to be with Arthur again, she was certain of that. She loved him very much and obviously found him incredibly attractive. There were times her head filled with thoughts of the two of them she'd be highly embarrassed for anyone to find out if they could read her mind. But she was frightened, too. She'd only ever been with him once, long ago, and after that she'd stayed away from all other men. She was certainly no expert in the department. What if Arthur might suddenly find her unattractive or turn her away? She highly doubted it, especially after their incident in the forest long ago... but it plagued her thoughts as she stood near his– their bed.
Suddenly the door flew open and Hermione flipped around, startled. Arthur was striding in, a smile on his face from one of the knights' jokes still on his mind and his eyes glowing. He was truly the happiest man in the five kingdoms, and the wine certainly helped with his mood.
"You look beautiful, as usual, Hermione Pendragon," Arthur romanced her, liking the way her new full name sounded. Hermione smiled at his tone, quite liking the way the name sounded herself.
"Thank you," she giggled softly, watching his moves as attempted to take off his armour. Hermione padded over to help him as he got the cape off himself, unlatching all the pieces and pulling them over his head. He stayed silent as she got all chain mail off until he was down to the blue shirt she adored and his trousers. She'd messed up his hair a little getting the items over his head, but he let it be, hardly noticing it. What he did notice was the gown she'd specifically chosen to wear.
"That's my personal favourite gown of yours," Arthur murmured in a slightly gravelly voice. He turned away to set his things aside. Hermione bravely came up closer behind him and spoke.
"I thought you might like this one, as worn as it may be," she remarked, a hint of success in her voice as her daring move had brought a positive reaction. Arthur revolved to face her, forgetting his armour immediately, and caressed her cheek with the tips of his fingers. She closed her eyes and made a soft sound. Arthur smiled tiredly, but his eyes burned in the dim light.
"You enjoyed the feast, didn't you?" he asked in a tender voice as her eyes remained closed, her hand wrapped loosely around his wrist.
"To be honest, I'm enjoying this more," she spilled out. Her eyes widened and she went cherry red in the cheeks while Arthur smirked.
"Sorry, I meant the feast was wonderful!" she added in embarrassment. Arthur, in one swift movement, picked her up bridal style and swept her over near the bed. Hermione let out a shocked sound and then she giggled.
"I have legs," she reminded him.
"You're Queen now, you shouldn't have to tire them," he said as an excuse, grinning like a fool as he sat her on the side of the bed. Hermione was smiling in return when her stomach began to flip around again. So, to make it cease, she pulled Arthur's head down to hers to kiss him tenderly. He responded quickly with passion and his arm slid around her back carefully. Hermione's other hand was entangled in his hair and she kept tugging the golden locks gently.
A few seconds later clothes lay abandoned on the floor around the elegant bed and Arthur hovered above Hermione, who was flushing madly. She was just hoping she wouldn't embarrass herself, though he had done his best to make her comfortable and feel relaxed. Arthur placed one sweet kiss on her lips as he looked down at her.
"You're more beautiful than I remember," he whispered as he gazed upon her in awe.
"I'm not so sure about that," she said, looking away.
"I am."
Hermione had to look back up at Arthur, and he moved to place more tender, sweet kisses all over her. Hermione lay still, in a trance and tingling wherever his lips made contact with her skin. Arthur's lips stopped above her arm where the burn mark remained, faint, but always present. Hermione noticed Arthur hesitating and glanced over to see him examining her scar. Tears filled her eyes but she blinked them back, not wanting to worry him. He noticed and was instantly looking into her eyes in concern.
"Do you want me to stop?"
"No, I'm fine," Hermione told him, calming by the second. "I'm fine now."
Arthur nodded, went back to kiss the scar, his lips pressing against it a little longer, and continued where he'd left off, Hermione's sadness diminishing as love filled the air.
"Arthur?"'
Silence.
"Arthur?"
"Hmm?"
Hermione carefully took Arthur's arm from around her waist and pulled herself up into a sitting position in the bed. She made sure the grip the blankets strongly to pull them over her chest and her gaze lowered to stare at Arthur as he slept ungracefully. One thing she always found quite adorable was that Arthur could never sleep normally. He always had his face smashed into a pillow and his hair in all directions. It reminded the witch of herself, waking up each morning with hair askew.
"I'm hungry, aren't you?" she asked, gently rubbing his back and then brushing his hair back with the tips of her fingers. He blinked and opened his eyes and took a moment to wake up. He pushed himself up next to her and, before Hermione could even squeal, wrapped his arm around her and pulled her up against his side. His skin was so warm against hers, and goosebumps rose on her arms.
"What did you say?" he asked after kissing her bare shoulder.
"Food. Me. You. Eat," she said slowly, hoping he heard it this time. He scoffed at her and rolled his eyes, but he wasn't really annoyed.
"What time is it anyway?" Arthur asked, glancing at the light streaming through his windows.
"Hm, just about midday," Hermione told him nonchalantly.
"Oh."
"Yes, my love," she laughed.
"We probably should eat, shouldn't we?" Arthur rubbed the back of his head and raised his eyebrows. Hermione made a noise as she stretched and then threw the covers off herself, hopping off the bed to find her gown.
"We don't have to eat, actually," Arthur told her casually.
"That hardly sounds like you," she drawled, pulling her gown on in a painfully slow manner, but smiling all the same. She tossed Arthur his pants and rubbed her eyes. The previous night had proven her fears wrong, and a great worry had been lifted from her shoulders.
"I'm going to have Jada help me dress in another room, you know, to save your modesty," Hermione informed him mercilessly. "Or whatever of it is left, anyhow."
"You could stay in here and dress," Arthur suggested.
"When did you get so cheeky?" Hermione asked, jaw dropping.
"Need you ask?" Arthur shot back.
"Point taken, but I am changing in the other chambers," she said in a sing-songy voice, going to call for Jada. Arthur leaned back against his fluffy pillows, crossing his arms.
"MERLIN!"
"Do I look all right? Just thought I'd ask your opinion."
Arthur had to blink a few times after catching sight of Hermione in a rich green gown with a subtle golden band under her bust and a swishing skirt. The only jewelry she wore was her wedding band and the necklace from Jada.
"Is it that bad?" she asked with a frown, looking down at her outfit.
"No! No, you look very.. queenly," Arthur said, pressing his lips at his stupid compliment as they sat down at the table in their chambers.
"That's good, right?" Hermione questioned in confusion. Merlin snickered as Hermione looked down again at her dress, pouring more juice in Arthur's goblet. Arthur pinched Merlin in the side hard, and the manservant gasped. He missed the goblet and juice spilled on the table. He aimed a glare at the King, who had seemingly recovered fully from his error.
"Merlin, stop being so clumsy and clean that up," Arthur ordered, barely concealing his amusement.
"Of course, Sire," Merlin muttered in loathing, grabbing rags to wipe up the spill. Hermione pursed her lips, knowing exactly what was going on because she'd witnessed it many times before.
"Merlin, you should go have Gaius treat that before a bruise forms," she commented. Arthur's mouth opened slightly and Merlin leaned back up, a smug look on his face.
"Thank you, My Lady," he bowed his head and left the chambers.
Arthur quickly grabbed his goblet and sipped innocently.
"You're not that clever, Arthur."
"What do you mean?" he asked, pretending he had no idea what she meant.
"I'm going to pinch you and see how you react," Hermione raised her eyebrows, .
"What if I like it?" Arthur asked calmly.
"Then I'll have to do it more often," she shot back just as coolly. They both took a sip from their goblets and when they lowered them, smiled in amusement at each other before breaking out in laughter.
"You and Merlin are ridiculous," Hermione shook with laughter.
"He's the ridiculous one!" Arthur protested loudly. Hermione just shook her head and went for another strawberry, a grin still on her lips.
"I love you so much, you dollophead," Hermione told him, and he smiled proudly.
When the sun went down and the moon came up, Guinevere went out. She threw on a cloak and slipped through the dark streets to go to the forest. Through the Darkling Woods she went, until she became rather lost. She knew Morgana was out here somewhere, just not sure exactly where.
"Morgana?" Gwen whispered hesitantly. She received no reply, as she expected, so she turned to leave.
"Hello, Gwen," Morgana came closer to her after the maid jumped in fright. Morgana smirked and stopped inches in front of Gwen, who stood up tall and put on a dark expression.
"I came to see what your next plan is," Gwen told Morgana, a disgruntled look on her face. "Now that dearest Hermione is Queen... the people are just so happy."
Morgana scowled through the black. "She won't be Queen for long, I can assure you that."
"What are we going to do?"
Morgana's scowl dropped and she joined her hands neatly. "Oh, I've got a few things up my sleeve. My first solution, however, might solve our first problem."
"Which is?"
"The lovely Queen."
Gwen's eyebrow arched slightly before she quickly asked, "What can I do?"
"For now I want you to keep me updated on events," Morgana requested seriously. "That's all I need to do my work."
"Of course, Morgana."
"Don't worry about finding my home," Morgana told Gwen, turning to crunch away through the leaves. "I'll find you when you come. I'll see you soon."
"Yes, Morgana."
Gwen raised her chin and strode back to the citadel, a twisted joy in having someone truly on her side and choosing her. Hermione might have thought her dreams had finally come true.
But, really, the nightmare was just beginning.
To be continued.