A/N: I really have enjoyed this ride; I hope you have too.
Enjoy!
EPOV
"Ladies and gentlemen…your new king!"
Shouts and cheers erupted as I stepped into view. I saw a few men put two fingers in their mouths and blow, creating a whistle sound. Women applauded and there was much merriment.
I smiled and raised my hand, asking them to be silent. After a few seconds, they complied.
"Thank you for the warm welcome. I hope every time you see me you do that. In fact, I might make that an order." The crowd laughed. I saw smiles gracing everyone's faces; they were all happy that the kingdom was not falling to Mordred.
And it stays in the same bloodline nonetheless.
I continued.
"Seriously, though. Thank you for accepting me as King of Camelot and of England in general. I cannot promise that all will be sunshine and roses. There will be hard times ahead. I have been informed that the upcoming summer will be cool and crops will be less likely to grow. I believe produce will be light this year. Please take heed of this information and plan accordingly."
Murmurs and nods from the crowd. A few whispers as well.
"While we are at peace, there is word that Spain is looking for a new country to conquer. Apparently they have heard of my uncle's death and it is rumored the country may attack to see how weak of a king I am. I am warning you of this now."
The people nodded and then a low round of applause. I was in awe that they were hanging onto my every word.
"I can promise to be the best king that I know how to be. I realize that I have huge shoes to fill." Applause at the compliment paid to Arthur. I was starting to like this. "I am not sure if I can fill those shoes fully, nor am I sure that I want to. I am my own person and certain things will be different. I guarantee that I will be a fair king; everyone will be allowed to speak when necessary. I guarantee that I will be a king who is also just; if someone harms us, we will retaliate."
More cheers and applause. I took a breath and then continued.
"Most importantly, I want to be someone you can come to. Do not be afraid to ask me for favors. I cannot always guarantee a 'yes' answer, but I can guarantee that I will do everything in my power to help you. As you are my people, I am yours."
The crowd went wild at this statement. I turned and smiled at Merlin. "I am your servant, citizens of England. I will make this country better for you," I said as I turned back to them.
The trumpets flourished and the crowd once again began cheering and applauding. I waved at them as I disappeared into the castle. I could still hear the shouts and cheers as I walked away and into the throne room.
My work was not done. Once I entered, two men awaited me. They were surrounded by the Knights of the Round Table. Smiling, I walked over to Jacob who handed my father's sword to me.
I looked at him questioningly.
"It's your Excalibur," he whispered. I nodded and went to stand in front of the first man.
His eyes were lowered to the ground and he knelt on a stool. He looked nervous. I wondered why; this was a joyous occasion. Making sure everyone was accounted for; I lifted the sword and placed it gently on his right shoulder, near his neck.
For some reason, I felt the need to raise my eyes and look behind him. When I did, my breath stopped. Standing behind him and in front of me was my father. No one else could see him. He smiled and nodded, then gestured to his sword lying on Riley's shoulder.
He's telling me to proceed.
Gathering my wits, I began.
"Riley Swan, you are here today for valiant conduct against an enemy when Camelot was under attack. The Knights of the Round Table have unanimously decided that your efforts have earned you the title. Are you willing to accept knighthood and exercise it to the best of your abilities?"
"Yes, your highness," he said and looked up at me. His brown eyes threw me for a second as Isabella flitted into my head. But I had to keep focus; I couldn't mess up on my first day.
"Very well then." I lifted the sword from his right shoulder and raised it above his head, letting it rest briefly on his left shoulder before moving it back to the right." "Arise, Sir Riley Swan of Camlann."
The Knights began cheering and applauding as Riley stepped off of the stool and straightened up. I fastened his insignia on his tunic, officially conferring his status as a knight. Then I placed a hand on his shoulder and looked into his eyes.
"I know I speak for everyone when I say that we all owe you a debt of gratitude. Your bravery that day saved not only Sir Jacob but other Knights as well. Wear this title proudly, Riley. You've earned it."
He smiled and bowed. "Thank you, your highness."
I released him and he turned to step into the line that had formed, waiting for the next man to be knighted.
I smiled when I saw him. Before me knelt Emmett in adult form. Apparently Mor-my mother found a way to alter his current body to an adult size. I wondered how she did it, but knew better than to ask. She was a witch and knew of ways of doing things that I didn't even know about.
Like saving my life.
I will never be able to repay her for that, no matter how long this existence lasts.
And the body before me was exactly what Emmett would have anyways. He was tall and muscular, a big man but not heavy. He had light curls in his short hair and his muscles rippled against his tunic.
Once again, the apparition of my father appeared in front of me. I felt his hand briefly on mine before I blinked and it was gone. But it was warm and familiar. I wondered how that could be.
Snap out of it!
Repeating my ministrations, I spoke. "Emmett McCarty, you have chosen to become a Knight of the Round Table. Your counterparts have unanimously agreed after seeing you defeat the dragon at Cornwall last night. You are an asset to Camelot and we are all proud to have you with us."
I omitted the fact that Emmett survived because he was immortal. No mortal man could beat that dragon. I knew that because we lost several Knights in the past who tried to do just that. Emmett had an ace in the hole. That didn't need to be shared, though.
"Arise, Sir Emmett McCarty of London."
Cheers and applause from the Knights as Emmett did as told. I placed my hand on his shoulder and the two of us spent a moment having a silent conversation with our eyes. I was telling him that I would guard his secret as long as he guarded mine. He agreed and then smiled.
"Thank you, your highness," he said bowing. His deeper voice threw me for a loop; for some reason I wasn't expecting it. I nodded and he turned and ran to Jacob. He turned and winked at me, his golden eyes shining.
I chuckled and handed my sword to Seth who put it back on the wall with care.
My father would be proud.
As if to confirm, Carlisle stood by the mounted sword. He didn't say anything, just continued to smile at me. It was unnerving.
After a few minutes, Merlin came to see me. The men began trickling out slowly until just Jacob remained. I nodded at him and he repeated the action before turning on his heel and walking out.
Sir Jacob Black, Head Knight.
"Thank you for being here Merlin," I said as I walked to my throne. Before sitting, I looked wistfully at the one next to mine and reminded myself that she would be here soon enough.
But I wanted her with me, not in Avalon.
Isabella was becoming immortal.
I had a hard time coming to terms with that. But I finally realized it was for the best. I loved Isabella with all of my heart and I can't bear to be without her. I decided that if that was what she truly wanted, I would not stand in her way.
I did warn her that immortality is not all it's cracked up to be. She said she understood that but did not want to spend any more time away from me. I hadn't realized how much she had suffered during my absence, but hearing her tell me how she survived those six months broke my heart. And I understood.
I was her heroin, as she was mine. I could not live without her.
"What were you inquiring of, your highness?" Merlin asked me, bringing me back to the present. I sat in my throne and gestured for him to occupy the other one. He glanced at it nervously and looked back to me.
"I can't, sir."
I raised an eyebrow. "Why on Earth not?"
"That is where the Queen sits."
I smiled. "Very true, Merlin, but she is not here today. I know Arthur did not allow you to sit there, but I am not Arthur." I gestured again. "Please, sit."
He did, gingerly. I had to stifle a chuckle. He looked like he was about to be condemned to Hell for simply sitting in a chair.
I watched him look around the room slowly. He seemed to enjoy the view he got from where the thrones sat. After all, they were up three steps and the held the highest view in the room. It was no surprise he liked it.
My eyes flitted to the wall where Carlisle's sword was. The apparition of my father was gone.
Perhaps he was never here.
I must be losing it.
"Merlin," I said, stopping my train of thought. He turned to me expectantly.
"What happens now?"
He raised an eyebrow at me. "What?"
I gestured to myself. "I mean, with me. How long will I rule? I'm sure people will start to notice their King not aging in ten years."
He chuckled. "You can rule for as long as you want, your highness. Do not worry about aging; Morgan already has a spell for you. When the time comes, you are to drink her potion and over time gray hairs and wrinkles will appear, giving the impression of aging. Then, after about fifty years or so, you will step down as King. Then you are free to move away and live the rest of your existence as your youthful self."
I nodded and ran my hand through my hair. I was still dealing with being immortal and I wanted questions answered.
"I will have to have an heir. How does that work if Isabella is immortal? How did it work when…when.…" I couldn't finish.
"When your mother became pregnant?" he asked with a smile. I nodded; relieved that Merlin knew what I was thinking.
"Your mother is the greatest witch in all of England. She knew that her immortality would not allow for her to bear children, so she did what the only thing she could do; she created a spell. She created a spell because she so wanted your father to have an heir and immortality robbed her of such a gift. Morgause also figured out the spell as well."
"So Carlisle is not my biological father? Alice and I were created from a potion?" My voice rose on the last part.
Merlin looked shocked. "Heavens no! Carlisle is your biological father. Morgan did not go into detail with me about the spell because it was private, but what I do know is that a man's sperm and a woman's egg must be present. Then it becomes a waiting game. Morgan may not have been able to conceive, but that didn't mean she didn't have all of the goods."
I laughed at the expression the old man used. He smiled at me and continued. "It is the same spell she will give to Isabella when the two of you are ready to produce children of your own. And contrary to beliefs, you do not have to have them immediately."
He seemed to anticipate my next question before I could answer it. "Your children will be born human. That is what Morgan wanted for you and Alice."
I smiled at the mention of my sister's name. I knew that she would eventually find out my secret and knowing her, she will want to join me. I briefly wondered how Jacob would take to that information, but then shifted my thoughts.
She's HIS problem now.
My mind immediately switched to Morgan le Fay. Knowing she was my mother changed my perception of her, as did her lying to me. I could not believe she had been so deceitful; even if she thought it had been for our own good. Her lies almost destroyed us and Camelot as well.
And yet, I understand why she did it. She wanted to protect Alice and me. She believed she was doing the right thing. She wanted Carlisle to see me now, in this position, as King. While I have not totally forgiven her, I knew I would.
She is my mother after all. I love her.
"Your father would be proud of you," Merlin said, echoing my thoughts from earlier. I looked at him.
"Really?"
He nodded. "You are just like Carlisle. He was a great Knight like you with a bit of a temper. He sometimes acted irrationally but always with his heart. That is you."
I smiled. "I will spend the rest of my existence trying to make him proud of me."
Merlin nodded again. We fell into silence as reality descended on us.
I was King. I had a duty to perform. I had to get married. I had to produce an heir. I had to protect the people of England. I had to keep my friends close and my enemies closer. I had to keep my immortality a secret.
I was exhausted, mentally.
I knew when I accepted my fate that I would not get a day off. Today is my first day as King and I am starting to wonder if I made the right decision.
"You did," Merlin said. My head jerked to him.
How did he know what I was thinking?
He smiled. "What Morgan was unaware of was the fact that there was another prophecy. I saw it soon after she saw Mordred's. In it, you become king and everything turns out fine. Of course, there are bumps in the road, but you will rule happily for a long time. The people will love you as your mother and father do. Everything you're worried about can be read in your eyes, Edward. Take it one day at a time. That is the advice I gave Arthur."
He placed his hand on my arm. "Remember, we are both immortals. We are in this together."
I nodded. He was right. And so was my mother. And soon, Isabella. Alice would follow after that.
One big happy immortal family.
I knew I would make plenty of mistakes in this role, but knowing that I have an eternity to get it right satisfies me. Knowing that I will never again lose the ones I love makes me extremely happy.
Merlin stood and smoothed the wrinkles out of his robe. "I must go," he said. "There are spells and incantations that need to be worked on. Plus, Arthur may wake soon and I want to be there if and when he does."
I smiled. "Please, give him my blessing if and when he does."
Merlin laughed and then snapped his fingers. With a puff of smoke he was gone.
I sat back on my throne and contemplated all that I had learned over the past week. My real mother lied to keep me safe. My cousin wanted to kill me and take over Camelot. He was dead and Camelot was safe. I was now King. I would run Camelot and protect it for as long as they will let me. I will have a long and happy existence with Isabella. We will be able to bear children when necessary thanks to my mother.
A smiled formed on my face when I thought about all of the changes I would see, not only for England but for the world as well. What would happen? What would be invented? What would be studied? I was giddy like a schoolboy to discover that I had about a hundred lifetimes to live through.
Maybe this immortality thing isn't so bad.
Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I looked to my right. I suddenly realized that I was not losing my mind. My father stood before me and smiled widely. Then he nodded slowly. His silent gesture let me know that he was indeed proud of me. I sighed at his figure and then reached for him. He disappeared in a flash, but somehow I knew he wouldn't go far.
Camelot was mine. England was mine. Everyone relied on me. Although I never truly dreamt of fame or fortune, it was beginning to grow on me. Was the prophecy right?
I think I'm going to like this, I thought to myself. Forty to fifty years to rule…perhaps for eternity.
Eternity is a long time.
I grinned at that thought.
A/N: Thanks to all who have supported this story; I could not have done it without you. Once I get it finished, Mordred's letter will be posted as an outtake.
If you enjoy my work, please feel free to check out my other stories. Here are a few stories that I have planned:
Back to December (in progress):
Alice Cullen had it all: a great job, beauty and a smoking-hot boyfriend. One night in December, though, she threw him away. This is the story of what happens after. Based on the Taylor Swift song. A/J. Human.
Only In My Dreams:
Rosalie Cullen knew she was beautiful. She could have any man she wanted. The one man she wanted, however, she couldn't have. Human. R/Ja. Rosalie's POV.
Teardrops On My Guitar:
Alice Cullen has been in love with her brother's best friend, Jasper Whitlock, since she was five. Unable to express how she feels, she puts it in a song and sings it frequently to herself. What happens one night when Jasper overhears it? Human. HEA promised. Alice and Jasper's POV.
Higher Window:
Edward Cullen has always been in love with Bella Swan, but has desired fame & fortune more. After conquering the world, he returns to win her only to find out she's engaged to his best friend. Will Edward run from his feelings again? Will Bella allow him into her life? Will Jasper let her go without a fight? Human. Bella/Edward POV.
