Chapter 35 [Royal Crypt]

[A/N: Apologies that this took so long to write and post. RL's been keeping me busy. Also this part was difficult to wrap my head around. So many potential threads to be explored just here alone! Anyhow here goes….]

A somber scene descended over the granite subterranean chamber. The torches cast a flickering orange light over the entire mausoleum. Incense wafted through the air. Four rows of royal generations lined the crypt's far wall; the brass name plates and gold edging refracted eerily in the fires' hue. A few minstrels played doleful laments from their harps and rebecs.

In the midst of this environment, a small yet diverse group mourned the deceased royals. Sadly, due to the circumstances and timing, only a dozen dark clad Nemethians mourned their late King and Prince. Off to the side, King Bors, Queen Elena, Queen Annis and Prince Bors talked amongst themselves. Freya meditated somberly on the whole affair.

Such as it went in a time of chaos and upheaval….

Merlin reflected solemnly on the occasion. He'd received a lengthy pep talk from Gaius. Now his mind focused on the switching of roles. As a servant, he'd remained in the corner or lurking in the background much as the servants and remaining knights did. He'd been free to his own thoughts and meditative moments.

As the new Crown Prince, not so much. Whereas he could linger in Arthur's shadow, now he had to take the lead. He had the kingdom to think about along with his crown. He needed to calm his jangled nerves right then and there. His mind already staggered under the weighty duties before it….

…well Mithian and him both….

He watched his Princess talking with the three monarchs. He marveled at her self-control. He couldn't believe how she could simply make small talk with nary an emotional ripple. How can she do that? I know it's tearing her up inside.

She coughed briefly taking a heartbeat away from the discussion in progress. It is but we can't let it show, Merlin. It will be all right. We have to be strong. You're doing fine, my Prince.

Even if he didn't quite believe that, he simply nodded dutifully. Granted he'd driven Shame and Failure back allowing his resolve some beachhead on which to base itself. From the aborted coup attempt, he'd gained some measure of confidence. He'd begun to work out his feelings vis-à-vis Arthur's death. Acceptance granted an understanding that Morgana and Mordred lay behind it not him….

…a fact that everyone around him had tried to drill through his thick skull over and over again…

Fingertips brushing across his right hand stirred him from his reverie. They snapped his senses back to the there and now. He turned to find Mithian considering him placidly. "How are the guests?"

"They're fine. Everyone's concerned about the overall situation of course. Still they all wanted to compliment you as well," Mithian replied evenly.

"Compliment me?" He raised a confused eyebrow at that assessment.

"Why yes." She smiled. "You've endured Arthur's death then my brother's and father's passing. You instinctively dealt with our crisis before. And here you are. You're participating actively and selectively. You're pushing yourself out into the center rather than just seeking a shadow."

He deflected, "I have Gwen and you as role models in that regard."

She rolled her eyes. "I wish I could take credit, Merlin. Frankly you always have this knack of rising to the occasion. You most certainly can deal with a great many challenges. Experience will help you. Just as I did with diplomacy, you did with being a servant and with your sorcery, I'm sure." She rubbed his arm. "Besides your presence reassures me."

"And yours does me," he assured her. "Thank you for the support and belief in me…in us."

She smirked. "We both believe. It's a matter of being confident and steadfast in that belief." Just then she saw Gwen and the Camelot knights entering the chamber. "This is sudden."

"Gwen?" Merlin queried before following his fiancée over to his former Queen. He bowed slightly to her presence. "You honor us, Milady."

Mithian cleared her throat at his instinctive reaction. Even if she knew there was no truth to it, she feared rumors and gossip concerning Camelot's designs on Nemeth and Merlin as a potential puppet.

Gwen glanced around the room. She could see the few nobles noting Merlin's greeting. "As you do me, Prince Merlin. Thank you for the gesture. I'm content with a slight nod of the head." She motioned to the other rulers. "As they should be as well. You're no longer my servant. You're not even their equal. Soon you will be over them. Princess Mithian is the only concern in that regard as you are hers. Carry yourselves as King and Queen. Take it from someone a few steps ahead on the path you're both about to start on. They're always watching. Even when you're uncertain, look certain."

He nodded. "Thank you for being so understanding. I was just telling Princess Mithian that you and she are my two role models in this regard."

"Now it is you who honor me. Princess, I never knew the Prince to be such a flatterer when he was at my court. This is certainly new," Gwen wondered.

Mithian shrugged. "He knows suitable role models when he sees them? I am surprised that he hasn't mentioned King Arthur."

"I just wanted to be considerate of everyone's feelings," he explained.

"Such are the elements of diplomacy. You're trying to understand everyone else's feelings and priorities above your own," Mithian pointed out. "Father said as much."

"He did?" Merlin blinked. Even after Rodor had told him such things several times, the message hadn't hit home yet. "It seems like common sense to me." He rubbed the back of his neck. "But there's something else." He sighed from deep within himself. "I failed you, Gwen."

"Oh? How so?" the visiting Queen queried.

"I should have been there sooner. Arthur might be alive now. You wouldn't be alone. I'm sorry," he apologized almost in a raspy whisper. He bowed his head. His eyes burned and watered with Shame's tears.

Gwen nodded in understanding. "So that's why you didn't come back? Merlin, I know you did your best. Gaius explained to me what happened. I know Morgana did something to your magic and you had to get it back. You were there as soon as you could be. As it is, you turned the tide of the battle. I know you did everything you could to save Arthur." She embraced him. "There's nothing to forgive. We both care about him. I know you did as much as you could to keep your word to me. He'd want you to be strong right now. Think how he'd be for us and the rest of Camelot. Be that way for your Queen and people now."

He wiped his face clear of the offending tears. "I know. Thanks though for the reminder."

"Any time. Remember that Camelot is open to you both. We're here as friends and allies both," Gwen reminded them.

"It works both ways," Mithian affirmed. She squeezed her Prince's hand gently in hers. "Maybe we could get caught up later? It's time to get started."

"It is. Gwen, thank you for coming," he expressed while trying to seem and sound as royal as possible.

"My pleasure," Gwen assured him. As they walked toward the wall in question, she marveled at how he had taken to the role. Granted she'd needed to rise from servant to Queen without much hesitation. Still she admired how he was taking to the role as Prince and effectively King. Not even Arthur did so this smoothly even after years of being in Uther's household. He does have a knack for it. Then again, Mithian is a wonder as well. This situation would crush most people. Merlin, as always, you're rising to meet it. Well done.

With that, she took her place with the other dignitaries as events were about to begin….