And we're back in Camelot! Just to be clear, this story starts after season 5, episode 5 (The Disir). This means that there is no Dark Tower and Gwen is perfectly herself. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

"Sire, a messenger from Amata," the anouncer's voice boomed through the throne room just as the huge oaken doors swung open to reveal a dust covered figure. Hastily he crossed the room in long strides, coming to kneel before Camelot's royal thrones.

"What brings you here Messenger?" Arthur asked curiously. The messenger stood and presented Arthur with a scroll sealed with the royal crest of Amata.

"My master wished that you would read his request. He offered you myself to deliver your response, if necessary." Arthur took the proffered scroll.

"You have done your work well Messenger. Now go and rest for the night. I will have a meal brought to you."

"You are most kind Sire." The messenger bowed and left.

"Well, open it!" Gwen leaned over excitedly to read the letter. As it was only himself, Gwen, Merlin, and the guards in the room Arthur quickly scanned the letter before loudly clearing his throat, and then reading aloud in an obnoxiously imperious voice,

To King Arthur of Camelot,

I regret to tell you that I have recently become unwell, and my physician has deemed me unfit for travel. Therefore I would like to request that we sign our peace treaty in Amata, as I do not know when I will be recovered, and I would not want to delay this important event. If you feel the same I will expect your arrival at our previously decided date. Otherwise I will await your answer via my messenger.

Sincerely,

Erebus, Sarrum of Amata

Arthur finished and turned to look at his wife. Gwen was deep in thought, mouth slightly open, hand squishing one cheek as her elbow rested on her armrest. He smiled and craned his neck to the side to see Merlin who was standing stiffly, eyes focused straight ahead. He had far to much of a servant's dutiful countenance, more than his irreverent personality could typically maintain. Arthur could tell already that Merlin was skeptical, and only waiting for his opportunity to express it.

"Arthur, it sounds like a trap." Merlin blurted when he noticed he had Arthur's attention. Arthur expected it, but on principle he rolled his eyes anyways.

"If the Sarrum is truly indisposed then it's a perfectly reasonable request."

"But we have no way to know! I still think it's likely a trap." Merlin crossed his arms. How many times had his manservant warned him against doing something important? And why? It had always been because "He just had a feeling." Still, how many times had Merlin turned out to be right…

Gwen still looked undecided, and Arthur knew he would have to wait until later to hear her opinion.

"Thank you for your observation Merlin, now could you go pick herbs, or do whatever else Gaius keeps you around for." Arthur was a man of principle, if nothing else. Merlin raised an annoyed eyebrow and strode frustratedly out of the throne room.

That evening Arthur was in the middle of changing into his sleeping clothes when Gwen's voice drifted over from the bed. He poked his head over the dressing screen to see her lying across the bed in her nightgown. He was so captivated by her effortless beauty that it took him a moment to register what she was saying. She noticed and giggled, eyes hiding a teasing smile.

"What do you think you'll do about the Sarrum's request?"

"I'm still not sure, although I don't see any good reasons to deny it."

"The Sarrum is a cruel, wicked man Arthur. If you pursue this peace treaty doesn't it look like you are endorsing his policies?" Arthur sighed.

"I have considered that. But Camelot is not ready to withstand a war against Amata. Even if by chance we won, our land and people would be devastated. This treaty is the only security Camelot has against the powers of Amata. The Sarrum is not known for his peaceful nature."

"A new king needs as many friends, or at least alliances, as he can get," Gwen said wisely.

"I could never consider the Sarrum a friend, but at least I will have one less enemy."

"But what if Merlin is right? You can't deny that it is potentially a trap." Gwen's voice became softer, her concern showing through. Arthur finished dressing and slipped into bed beside his wife. He took some strands of her petal-soft, shadowy hair and wound it around his calloused fingers.

"I don't know my love. If I deny the Sarrum I will have no believable reason to give him, but I could hardly accuse him of anything without evidence. However, I am not so naive as to not realize that a trap is not a possibility. He ran a tired hand through his hair. Gwen made a sympathetic noise. "What would you do?"

"Much the same as you, probably." She replied. "There are no easy solutions."

"If I went, but took the knights with me, I could have one main group, but have another, a smaller group, follow behind in case of an ambush. That way we would have at least two good defenses." Arthur sat up, suddenly inspired. "Yes! We won't risk needlessly angering Amata, but still be able to protect ourselves, and leave Camelot well defended." Gwen nodded, but sighed.

"And I will stay here, to await whatever news arrives." Arthur gaped at her.

"Are you telling me that you want to join us?" Gwen gave him a sad smile.

"If only to not have to face the days of uncertainty. But as queen I know my duty is to this kingdom, and I will stay. Arthur let out a breath.

"For a moment I thought you were serious."

"If only you could see how serious I am!" Angry, Gwen turned her back to Arthur but he could still sense the tears gathering in her eyes, and see the slight tremble to her sides. He reached an arm over to roll her back to face him. She glared away from him, tears still running over her cheeks, anger, sadness and fear all warring over the regions of her face. With a tender smile Arthur cupped her cheek and, with his thumb, brushed her tears away. Lightly he kissed her forehead. Gwen closed her eyes.

"I'm sorry Gwen. I spoke without thinking." She sighed, opening her eyes, and a small smile tugged the corners of her mouth. She rested a hand on his chest.

"Be careful Arthur. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Arthur- don't be careful just for me but," Gwen faltered, but the warmth flickered in her eyes again. She guided his hand to rest on her abdomen. "But for our child too."

"O-our… child?"

*Erebus is a name with Greek and Latin origins, meaning "darkness."