Weeks passed since we all returned to Camelot, since Arthur's victory. The kingdom was celebrating but it was plain to see that the events preceding Arthur's victory were still troubling him. He blamed himself for trusting his uncle, for not seeing through his deceit, for even allowing Morgana the opportunity to take Camelot, and for the suffering she caused to his people. Unlike his father, who had fallen into a deep depression after Morgana's first betrayal, Arthur set about rebuilding Camelot. Slowly, but surely strength returned to the Kingdom.
I re-joined Gaius as his apprentice, apparently there was still no hope for Merlin. Only this time Arthur insisted that I should have my own chamber, rather than have my brother's room. It was a welcome change; I still spent a lot of time in Gaius' chambers but it was nice to have a space that was my own. The room wasn't large, but it was enough for me. It was on one of the upper floors of the palace, with a view out over the courtyard, Arthur's own room was directly opposite, I would often see him pacing in front of his window. My own window was much smaller and sat just left of the bed. I'd usually leave a collection of books on it. I had a small fireplace opposite the bed with a table and chair just to the right. I'd had the room for a few weeks, but it had already filled with books, fabrics and the odd candle. Gwen had taken to teaching me how to embroider, I'd never done anything more than sewing a very basic tunic. I do wonder, how long before Gwen realises I have absolutely no artistic talent, time will tell.
In the evenings Arthur will often visit, provided his not busy with royal duties, our relationship had become more public but other than that little had changed. We would often eat together, and occasionally take a short walk. Merlin still wasn't overly impressed by the situation, and he definitely told on me to our mother. There wasn't really anything she could do about it, so nothing changed. I'll admit though, I did feel bad, we'd both left our mother in a rush and neither of us had any intention of going back, at least not for anything more than a visit. Mother did write to me, she told me of Frederik's departure from the village; but she made no mention of if he intended to come back, I'd be lying if I said the thought of him returning didn't fill me with dread. Her letter didn't mention much more, other than the usual comings and goings in the village.
We would occasionally hear whispers of Morgana's movements. Camelot would mount a patrol and investigate but nothing was ever found. It was as though she was a ghost. The whispers weighed heavy on Arthur and Merlin, but there was nothing anyone could do. Life continued in this vain and I suppose we were all somewhat content with it.
Life settled into a routine. I would awake shortly after sunrise, wash and eat breakfast as I read one of the many books lent to me by Gaius. Then I'd join him on his rounds, visiting all the sick and injured, we'd return to his chambers by lunch and eat together. Occasionally, Merlin would also join us but Arthur did normally keep him busy throughout the day. In the afternoons, I would often ride a short way into the forest bordering Camelot and forage for the various plants used in Gauis' remedies. I love living in Camelot but I do miss being surrounded by the nature in Ealdor. Once or twice, Merlin has come foraging with me. The first time, he fell in a bog and had to be rescued by the passing patrol; when he got stung by nettles the second time, it was decided that he should stay in the city and leave the foraging to those with eyes… and common sense.
There truly was little happening in Camelot and I often found myself thinking of Harry. I knew he was my son, but I didn't understand how, or how I was able to visit him. I started searching for information. I found a few scarce stories is Gaius' books, mentioning links between families of magic, some strong enough to allow one to interact with another in the past. Most read like fairy tales and the ramblings of bereaved relatives, nothing really answered my questions.
One spring afternoon, I was walking the edge of a small clearing in the forest. My mind wandered as I picked various herbs and flowers, I felt a rush of air behind me and turned quickly. Towering above me was the Great dragon, Kilgharrah. He surely was magnificent, standing taller than the trees, with golden eyes the size of my own face, his scales were the size of my hand and a combination of a bronze and silver colour. He bent forwards until his head was just above level with mine.
"You are troubled child." His voice was deep and gravelly, his eyes bore deep into my soul.
"I… how do you know?" I could hear the uncertainty in my own voice, Merlin had told me stories of the Great dragon, but they didn't do him justice. His stature was imposing even though nothing in his words held any menace, I was still nervous.
"Your soul is clear, dear child. Your thoughts radiate clearly. We are born of the same magic Lilia, I can hear your thoughts, just as I can hear your brothers."
"Is that why you're here? Because you hear the questions in my mind?"
"Do you not want answers?"
"You can give me answers?" There was clear hope in my voice, nervousness faded quickly, replaced by curiousity.
His head nodded slowly.
"But, I have nothing to offer you in return."
"I need nothing from you child, your destiny will serve us all well." There was a glint of excitement in his large golden eyes. The dragon settled himself down, his body flat against the ground. His face was slightly raised towards my own. "You know your brother is destined to unite the land of Albion, that Arthur will be one of the greatest King's ever to live. But you, Lilia, you are the force behind the both of them. You will protect them both, the child you bear will achieve more than either of us could imagine."
"My child? The boy I keep seeing? Harry?"
"Yes." Kilgharrah nodded "Harry's destiny is as monumental as your own. You will both have many obstacles to over come." There was something sad in his eyes when he told me of the obstacles, something that told me the answers I'd asked for weren't really what I wanted to hear.
"I won't have time with him? Will I?" My encounters started to make sense. The mirror had shown him his parents, those he longed to see, in the chamber my presence had surprised him. My son will grow up without me.
"No Lilia, you will not." Kilgharrah bowed his head. "The magic of the earth has to be balanced, you will not be with your child but you will still be there to guide him. When he needs you, nature will see you are there."
The dragons word sat heavy on my heart, forcing me down onto my knees. I was raised in the shadows, I was taught to hide to survive. Now I finally have the freedom I've dreamed of, there's a whole new obstacle. I never really imagined myself as a mother, I was never like the girls who would dream of their husband and children. But once I knew I would have a child, I did think that I'd be there with him. That I would teach him what nobody taught me. Sorrow filled my heart and perhaps just a little disappointment.
I felt a gush of air and looked up to see Kilgharrah flying off into the distance, he watched me as his wings took him further and further away, even from way below I could tell his expression was sad.
My journey back to the palace was a slow one. The dragons words echoed I my mind, my destiny is to make sure others succeed. I was curious as to what exactly would separate me from my child in such a drastic way. My feet carried me through the palace and towards Gaius' chambers, the bag of foraged goods clutched in my hand, all but forgotten.
"Lilia." My brothers voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He was coming towards me, his pace unusually fast.
"Merlin." I smiled at him, "Woah, slow down before you do yourself a damage."
"I hear Kilgharrah. Are you ok?" There was concern dripping from his voice.
"I'm fine, we were merely talking." I reached up and tapped his head, "Nothing for you to worry your little head about".
"Are you sure? The dragon is wise, but he has an agenda, don't let his words sway you too much sister."
"Really Merlin, it's all fine. He answered a question that had been on my mind, all is well."
Merlin looked me over, seemingly deciding if my answer was acceptable, he nodded. "Well, you best hurry to Gaius, the knights had a little incident whilst training. Gwaine took a chunk out of Leon's arm. Crying like babies, the lot of them."
"We'll take a chunk out of your arm then, Merlin. And see who cries like a baby then." Arthur appeared behind Merlin, amused by his own comments.
Merlin winced slightly and mumbled something about being injured enough whilst be used as a dummy in training. He scurried off passed me, rolling his eyes as he did.
"Where are you headed?" Arthur asked me.
"Gaius, I'm a little late delivering the herbs he asked me for." I held the bag up slightly.
"Should've asked Merlin to go instead." Arthur smiled, as we both began walking to Gaius' chambers.
"If I'd done that, he'd either get lost, injured, or just go to the tavern. And I'd still end up doing it myself." My words made Arthur chuckle lightly, a sound that wasn't heard all that frequently these days.
"Well, you've obviously had a hard day of work. Would you consider joining me this evening for dinner?" He asked me smiling.
"Sounds lovely, of course I will." I smiled back at him as we reached the door to Gaius' chambers.
"I will see you later tonight then." Arthur smiled, gave me a quick kiss and disappeared back the way we'd come.
Gaius wasn't there when I went inside. I assumed he was with one of the injured knights, so I set about bottling up the foraged plants, and mixing the few standard remedies that he always liked to have on hand. He still hadn't returned by the time I'd finished, I tidied the room a little and left some bread on the table, before taking my leave.
I walked back to my own room, seeing only guards and a few busy servants. The room was quiet and empty as usual, with a golden flash of my eyes the fire was lit and the chill that had been in the air began to disappear. I headed over to my wardrobe, looking for a clean dress to wear for dinner. The one had on was somewhat grass stained with a muddy hem. I picked out a pale blue dress with golden embroidery on the sleeves and neck line, it was the first dress I'd bought with my own money and was my favourite. I let my long hair out of its usual braids and let it fall in is natural waves down my back.
It took me only a few moments to reach Arthur's chambers, I smiled at the two guards and knocked on the door. The door opened and Arthur appeared smiling at me, he reached for my hand and pulled me inside, quickly shutting the door behind me. The guards didn't get so much as a peek inside, it might surprise you to know that the guards are bigger gossips than the women of the lower town.
The room was filled with flowers and candles, it was bright and cheerful and absolutely gorgeous. The dinner table had been moved closer to the window, and laden with all sorts of wonderful food. I felt Arthur's hand slide around my waist as he led me over to the table. When we were just in front of the window, he turned me to face him, and slipped down onto one knee.
I gasped, my hands flew up to my mouth as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny intricate golden ring.
"Lilia," he smiled pulling my hand softly away from my mouth, "Will you do me the absolute honour of becoming my wife and queen?"
Words failed me and it was all I could do that squeak out a quiet "Yes." I grinned and he carefully pushed the golden ring onto my finger. My hands wrapped themselves around the back of his neck and pulled him forwards into a gentle kiss.
We stayed in our embrace until I heard his stomach rumbled loudly. "Time to eat." I laughed and we sat to enjoy the meal he'd arranged.
Thank you for reading this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it and I'm sorry it's taken so long to update. I think I've rewritten it about 6 times today, hope it was worth it. Please let me know.
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