The next morning I woke to a beautiful floral smell. Jasmine. Jasmine mixed with the gentle scent of Baby's Breath. My mother's favourite. The scent in the warm air made memories of long Summers in Ivistor come flooding back. I opened my eyes and was amazed to see my chambers filled with roughly thirty vases of white flowers.

I got out of bed and looked in awe around the covered room. I then noticed something lying on the long table. It was a simple yellow gown with capped sleeves and a tiered skirt with silver detailing on every tier and around the bodice. Next to it was a note. It read:

Dearest Circa,

I hope you like the flowers. I had Gwen make this gown for you to wear. Meet me in the courtyard when you wake. And bring your riding gloves.

Arthur

I set down the note and held up the gown, the silver thread shining in the light. I put it on and knotted my hair into a braided crown before grabbing my riding gloves and skipping down the corridor. When I reached the stone steps leading down into the courtyard I saw Arthur readying two horses with help from Merlin, who glanced up and nudged Arthur when he saw me.

Arthur turned around and grinned with what seemed like pride as I descended the steps.

"Good morning." He said with a smile.

"Good morning." I replied curiously.

"What's all this?" I asked, gesturing to the horses.

"I just thought a breakfast picnic would be nice." He replied. "You look lovely, by the way."

"You are full of surprises, Arthur Pendragon." I said thoughtfully.

"I'm glad I'm not becoming predictable." He grinned. "Shall we?"

I climbed up into the saddle and together, we walked our horses out of the courtyard.

"No Merlin today." I noted as we left the gates of Camelot.

"I'll continue to surprise you and say that there are some things I can do without him." Arthur replied.

When rode through the forest, who's thick canopy acted as a cool shield against the warm sun and soon we reached a clearing at the edge of a still lake.

"Oh, it's beautiful." I marveled, sliding off my horse.

I pulled off my gloves and walked closer to the edge of the lake, the water so clear I was sure you'd be able to see for miles underwater.

"Join me." Arthur said and I looked over my shoulder to see he's laid out a tasseled mat and was beginning to empty the contents of the basket.

I walked over and sat beside him. There was a lavish breakfast of bread, fruit and cheese, followed by a range of small cakes. We chatted about this and that before deciding to stretch out legs. Arthur took my hand as we walked down to the water's edge and drank in the beautiful scenery.

Beside me, Arthur sighed and turned to face me, taking both my hands in his.

"Circa, I wanted to say thank you for sacrificing so much to protect Camelot. Morgana…was never your burden to bear, and yet you have bore it for three years. You are an amazing, beautiful, smart…testing woman. You make me a better man and there is no measure for how deep my love is for you. And I would be honored if you would become my wife." He said and knelt down, pulling a small box from his pocket. He pulled back the lid and presented to me, a silver band with three small diamonds inlaid across the top.

"Yes! Yes I will." I cried and threw my arms around his neck. I didn't let go as he stood up and lifted me off the ground. When he put me back down, I let go and he took my hand, sliding the ring onto my finger. "I love you."

"Thank you all for coming. You are, no doubt, wondering why I have gathered you here today." Arthur said to the crowd amassed in the throne room back at the castle. The council was there, the knights, and other people of notable authority, though I never knew their names. "Though we live in dark times, today I bring you light, and love." Arthur said, taking my hand in his. "It gives me the greatest pleasure to announce that I am to marry Queen Circa of Ivistor, uniting the kingdoms in the strongest unions of all."

The crowded room clapped and smiled. I saw Merlin nodding enthusiastically at Arthur as Lancelot had to stop Gwaine from whistling. However, the joyous moment was cut short when Sir Leon stepped forward.

"I am sorry to ruin the celebration your highnesses, but I have news from our scouts." He said. "They've found Morgana."