Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.


Chapter 13 – The High King and Queen


Gwen stood staring out the window of the royal chambers with William clutched in her arms. They'd received word two days ago that the battle had been won and Gwen had barely left her place by the window as she waited for her husband. Unlike the last two days, however, it seemed that her patience finally paid off for two men at arms raced into the courtyard and quickly dismounted before continuing their race into the castle. As quickly as she could without jostling her son, Gwen hastened to meet them in the presence chamber. If the men were surprised to see their Queen enter carrying the babe herself, and not only that but with neither maid nor nurse following her, they hid it well as she took a seat still holding William close.

"What news to you bring?" Gwen wasted no time.

"The King rides for the castle, Your Majesty, not two hours away."

"And those with him?"

"His Excellency, The Lord Mage, as well as The First Knights were also spotted, My Lady." Gwen breathed a sigh of relief knowing that while there would be many casualties, her husband and dearest friends were safe.

"Thank you for coming so swiftly. Please go-" She cut off as the doors swung open and Nan, and Sefa ran in. "Perfect. Sefa please see these men get some food and a place to rest." Sefa nodded and led the men out as the nurse came forward.

"You had us worried, Gwen. We left for not five minutes and you disappear on us!" Nan had to qualms bout scolding her former charge.

"I'm sorry, Nan." The Queen apologized, handing her son to her old nurse, who also acted as his for the time being, as neither Arthur nor Gwen had found a proper nurse that they liked or trusted enough. "But Arthur returns this day! I must find Hunith and have everything prepared for his arrival." Leaving William in capable hands, Gwen went off to find the Head Housekeeper. With preparations underway it did not take long for word to spread. The royal guests of the other monarchs who had remained behind were just as excited to see their husbands, fathers, and mother, return and Gwen and Hunith were quickly joined by Mithian who helped out in any way she could, knowing the castle well from the previous winter. The entire court along with the visiting royals, were all gathered in the throne room when Arthur led his Knights, Merlin, the other monarchs and their advisors inside. Gwen awaited Arthur proudly on dais and gladly accepted the kiss he offered her. A few moments were taken as the other monarchs greeted their families as well, allowing for Arthur to take his son into his arms.

"He was being fussy." Gwen explained the baby's presence for they were usually never included in any adult gatherings. "I think he wanted to welcome his victorious father home as well."

"Or perhaps the commotion that our imminent arrival no doubt made unsettled him." Arthur went with the more likely reason.

"I like my version better." Gwen muttered. "In either case I wanted him here, stuff tradition and whether or not 'it is done.' " She raised an eyebrow at Arthur, daring him to disagree with her.

"As do I, sweetheart. As you said we must forge our own way, and we will. Including where it concerns our son and where and when it is appropriate for a babe to be present." Gwen smiled and kissed her husband once more before the two turned to the gathered crowd, only then becoming aware that they had an audience. Arthur cleared his throat in embarrassment but still made no move to relinquish his son, waving away Nan who stepped forward to take her charge.

"There will be a time for celebration and speeches, but it is not now." Arthur said. "We are all tried and dirty and I am certain I speak for one and all when I say we would love nothing more than a bath and to seek our beds."

"All is ready for just that. You may retire to the chambers you had previously where the servants await to attend you." Gwen added. While relief was seen on the face of everyone who had just returned from war, none of the monarchs moved, and so no one else did either.

"Before we retire, we wish to formally acknowledge you, Sire." Rodor said, stepping forward. His address of Arthur drew some gasps, from Gwen included. Rodor had not merely addressed Arthur respectfully, as if on the same level as his fellow king, but rather as if Arthur was his liege lord.

"That is not necessary." Arthur tried to say.

"Oh but it is." Annis spoke up. "And all of Albion is in agreement."

"I do not recall agreeing to anything." Arthur murmured.

"That is because you were not consulted as you have no say in the matter." Annis teased in response. Regardless of his new status, Arthur was still Arthur, he had made that quite clear.

"What is she talking about?" Gwen asked her husband.

"We speak, Your Majesty, of the allegiance we offer The High King." Godwyn spoke. This statement received more gasps and Gwen tried to control her shock as she looked to Arthur for an explanation. None was forthcoming from him and so Alined, of all people, stepped forward.

"The ancient prophecy concerning The True King of All Britain came true on the battlefield at Badon Hill. The Sword in The Stone revealed itself, and Arthur pulled the sword out." Alined had been one of the staunchest opponents to The High King, or rather more to the thought of giving up his throne, but it seemed that not even he could deny Arthur's destiny. The High King in question sighed as he handed William to his mother and reached for the sword at his hip. A shimmer of light ran over the sword as he grasped it and it changed before their eyes, becoming the golden hilted sword he had wielded in battle.

"Excalibur." Gwen murmured. "The Lady of the Lake's power. Any sword in the hand of The High King is Excalibur." Arthur nodded and re-sheathed the sword, the shimmer of light appearing once more as the sword returned to the blade that he had pulled from the stone.

"We offer our allegiance, High King Arthur." Cenred said as he and the other monarchs knelt before him, their family and retinues, and Camelot's court, following their example until all bowed before The High King. Although Arthur wanted to tell them to rise and refuse their offer, he knew that had The High King been revealed to be another, he would have been kneeling there himself, for had he not sworn to offer allegiance to The High King?

"I humbly accept your offer." He spoke softly, though his voice carried. "We shall discuss this in detail at a later date, though I will say this: little will chance in regards to the governance of Britain." Surprise registered on the monarchs' faces at his words. "You know your kingdoms and your people, not I. I will accept the title of High King of Britain so long as you remain Kings, and Queen, under me." He was met by rather blank stares and so elaborated. "Continue to run your kingdoms as you have. If an issue arises which will affect all of Britain, or should you require aid, or wish to involve me on a matter, then, and only then, will I be included. There will be a unity and a peace in this land like never before seen, but daily governance shall not fall to me, I shall rely on you in this matter." Silence followed his impromptu speech as the monarchs of Albion became aware of what it meant. Here was Arthur, accepting his place as The High King in the ancient prophecies, but without grabbing at the power given to him. Instead of disbanding the other royal houses and declaring all of Britain as his, Arthur was allowing not only their royal status to remain, but their king and queenships. There was little doubt in anyone's mind that this was exactly why the ancient prophecies decreed that Arthur was The High King. Anyone else, even one of them, would have grasped the power with both hands without hesitation, yet Arthur rejected it. His goal was peace, quite clearly and with no strings attached; he wanted none of the power or extra bits being offered him.

"As you said, we shall hash out details at a later date." Annis said, seeming to be the only one able to speak. "But we graciously accept your terms, My King. We would be both ungrateful wretches and utter fools to do otherwise." Her pride in the man she now called her King was evident. She was the first to pledge herself and the kingdom of Caerleon as vassal to The High King and Camelot, though the others were quick to follow.

"We will, of course, make this official." Rodor said. "A celebration for the end of the war, and a coronation for our new High King. And his High Queen." He added with a respectful nod to Gwen. The two high monarchs in question nodded back and made their exit as quickly as possible, citing their now sleeping son as an excuse. Once they were returned to their rooms, Gwen put William down and helped Arthur remove his armour so he may make use of the bath she had prepared for him.

"We never recovered Morgana's body." Arthur confessed suddenly as Gwen ran a cloth over his back, cringing at the numerous bruises she saw there.

"What?" Her hand stilled as he said that.

"Neither hers, nor Mordred's."

"Why not?"

"When we went to bury the dead, they were not there."

"What?" She asked again.

"They had simply vanished."

"How is that possible?"

"I don't know." Gwen was silent for a moment, and resumed washing his back.

"Do you think…could they still be alive?"

"I don't see how. I ran Mordred through, right in his chest, no one could survive that wound."

"And Morgana?"

"Merlin hit her pretty hard. He said he didn't think she could have survived."

"He thinks? So he's not certain. She might still be alive."

"It's very unlikely. And if she is she will certainly think twice about coming after us again. Especially now that The Lady of the Lake's power cannot be hers."

"I knew it was you." Gwen said, smiling softly and changing the topic for now.

"Merlin said the same thing."

"Well, we knew the same thing, he and I. That it could only be you, there is no one more dedicated to peace than you, Arthur. Who else could it be?"

"I am not so certain I share your optimism, sweetheart."

"Why?" When he didn't immediately answer Gwen put the cloth down and came around the tub to look him in the eyes. "Arthur Pendragon, you have strived for peace in this land since before you even became King. You unwaveringly said you would give up your crown to support The High King in his quest for peace. Do not tell me that you falter now that The High King has been revealed to be you."

"Well, when you put it like that…"

"That is the only way to put it, Arthur. Your goal has not changed. Only now you possess the power to actually ensure it happens, instead of putting your hopes on another." Arthur smiled softly and reached out to grasp her hands.

"With your unwavering belief in me, Guinevere, how can I falter?"

"You can't." She replied with a smile of her own.

"Not with you by my side, at any rate." Leaning over he gave his wife a kiss. "With all my heart, Guinevere. With all my heart."

oo00oo00oo

The following weeks passed by in a blur given the rate at which things happened. The other monarchs returned home to see to their kingdoms before journeying back to Camelot to see their High King crowned as such. Given the number of dead to be buried and honoured, the families to see taken care of, and all other aspects of the aftermath of war it was near on two months when they returned, bringing with them provisions and gold to ensure it was a lavish affair. The capital of Britain, as Camelot had been decreed, was a hive of activity as preparations were made. Arthur and Gwen were reminded of their previous coronation, a thought which still amazed them for they never thought to have more than one coronation, though on a much larger scale. During this time the details Arthur had spoken of were discussed and it was as he had previously said. Each kingdom would retain their borders but would now be regions of one kingdom instead of nine separate ones. The monarchs would retain their positions of power within their regions as well as their titles as kings and queen, though it was agreed, at much insistence by the seven other monarchs, that their children and grandchildren would never assume those titles, remaining forever princes and princesses. Arthur tried to assure them it was not necessary but they insisted, not wanting the lure of being a king or queen, and the power that accompanies it, to cause their peace to be disrupted should one of their descendants get it into their head that as a king or queen they had the right to rule their own kingdom, and so sought to break Britain apart once more. It was their hope that within a few generations both the people and their descendants would realize that the royal titles they possessed were merely ceremonial and that they could one day be dissolved, leaving House Pendragon as the only royal house of Britain.

It was quite surprising to see the change of attitude some of the monarchs had. Some had been quite vocal about not believing the ancient prophecies and that they would never willingly give up their throne. Yet here they were, doing not only that, but giving more than Arthur asked. None could explain it save that seeing Arthur standing there wielding Excalibur left them with no doubt that he was The High King, he would bring peace to Britain and they would stand behind him in this endeavour, even if it meant giving up their thrones. Hearing this Arthur wondered if The Lady of the Lake's power had done something to them to alter their minds. However, Merlin assured him that The Lady would never take away their free will. He said he would not be surprised if the strength of The Lady's good magic allowed them to see things more clearly and destroyed any barriers that stopped them from believing or filled them with greed, but their thoughts and beliefs would be their own and their actions as well; if they truly believed the prophecies to be false and did not wish to follow Arthur, then they would not.

Arthur accepted Merlin's explanation and so found himself once more about to be crowned. Giving the large number of people who wished to attend, this coronation had been moved to the castle courtyard, allowing for both the visiting royals, nobles and common folk to attend; even two dragons found a place to perch atop the castle ramparts to look down on this historic occasion. As Arthur and Gwen made their way down the makeshift aisle, both to be crowned at the same time, they felt hope for the future fill them. With Arthur's coronation, Britain would be united as one, and the peace they had all strived for would be that much closer. On either side of the aisle they were met by smiling faces. Their people, their friends, not one person seemed to be anything but overjoyed. As they reached the front, they heard the gurgling and unintelligible sounds of their son and neither could help but turn to look at the lad who was currently clutched in Mithian's arms. Nemeth's Princess had become a great friend of Gwen's and aside from helping her through the birth had helped nearly every day thereafter, the young Prince taking quite a liking to his godmother. Shooting the babe a smile, Arthur and Guinevere began to ascend the steps to the landing and knelt on the cushions before Merlin. The three friends looked to each other and it was only the seriousness of the occasion that stopped the jokes and insults Merlin and Arthur wished to hurl at the other given the reversal of positions. As Emrys, and given the current upheaval to re-arrange nine individual churches as one, Merlin had been elected to perform the coronation, though many clerical representatives from all the newly formed regions of Britain stood behind him, publically showing their support. New crowns had been made for them and seeing them again now both Arthur and Guinevere were thankful that they'd put their foot down and insisted on reasonably sized crowns. Others had wanted the crowns of The High King and Queen to be larger and more lavish than any others, and while the two had gotten their way on size, the gleaming gold and shining jewels that decorated them were certainly lavish. When Merlin settled the crowns on their heads the same weight of being rulers they had felt at their first coronation was there, though instead of a heavy weight that accompanied war, it felt much lighter knowing that peace awaited them. With their crowns firmly in place, Arthur and Guinevere took each other's hands and stood, slowly turning to face the crowd, who silently waited for their new High King to speak.

"Let every man, woman, and child bear witness that from this day all Britons will be united in one common cause!" Arthur was never one for speeches, and now was no different. Having said his piece he unsheathed his sword, Excalibur appearing in a shimmer of light, and held it aloft in silent promise that he would fight to achieve this goal. A roar went up throughout the crowd and Leon and Percival led Camelot's Knights in following their King's example, unsheathing their own swords and holding them up. Gwen smiled proudly and reached up to grasp the hilt alongside her husband as the unintelligible roar became cohesive.

"Long live The High King! Long live The High Queen!"

oo00oo00oo

Four months passed in utter and blissful peace. It was the first time in the younger generations' lives that they were not at war, and those who were old enough to have been alive in times of peace had forgotten what it was like. As summer began to come to a close, Arthur began turning his sights on one of the most important days of the year as far as he was concerned: Guinevere's birthday. Like every one of her birthdays for the last few years, Merlin found himself summoned to the royal chambers, though unlike before it was quite early in the day and he was unsure why given Arthur now had a new manservant.

"Shh!" Arthur shushed Merlin when he yanked open the curtains separating the sleeping area from the rest of the room. In the quick look in he got, Merlin could see that both Gwen and William were still soundly asleep.

"What are you doing?" Merlin asked.

"I'm going to surprise her, breakfast in bed." Arthur whispered back.

"Oh, what a lovely thought." Merlin answered before grasping the curtains and pulling them shut again, preparing to leave.

"Where are you going?" Arthur yanked the curtains back open.

"Well you don't need me do you? In fact I don't even know why I'm here, you have George now for such things."

"George doesn't know Gwen's favourite breakfast." Merlin stared at him blankly.

"You're telling me that after a year George still doesn't know Gwen's favourite breakfast?" Arthur didn't answer but stared right back at the warlock unblinking.

"Yes." He finally said unconvincingly.

"I think you just don't want anyone else to see your soft side."

"You've got it all wrong, Merlin."

"Do I? Then let me summon George for you, won't take a minute."

"Alright!" Arthur hissed. "Alright, fine! George hasn't seen me like this. He's a great servant, far better than you ever were, make no mistake, but he's so stiff and such a stickler for propriety and decorum. I think he'd fall into a dead faint if I so much as suggested eating anywhere but at a table."

"I see." Merlin murmured, deciding if he was going to give Arthur a hard time still, or if he'd be nice and help out. The answer was an easy one.

"So again I ask, you don't need me do you? I mean, if you are going to surprise her, it should be you doing the work after all."

"Well I can't very well go and get the breakfast, can I? What if she wakes up and…panics?"

"Panics?"

"Just, go and get it alright?" Arthur ordered, closing the curtains and ending the discussion. Merlin shook his head but went to do as asked, deciding it was for Gwen's birthday and he wouldn't spoil it just to make Arthur look bad. When he reached the door Merlin heard the curtains open once more.

"Merlin, flowers, don't forget the flowers."

"Of course, it's the personal touch, nice." Merlin said with an eye roll. He returned sometime later to find Arthur holding one of the curtains open as he looked between the bed where Gwen still slept, and the door, waiting for Merlin to return. He took the tray without a word, snatching up a grape and popping it in his mouth.

"Thank you, Merlin. Oh, you're welcome Arthur, I didn't mind getting out of bed early for a job that's no longer mine." Merlin muttered to himself as he turned to leave.

"Merlin!" Arthur called him back quietly and Merlin wondered if he would finally get a thank you, only to be proven wrong. "Where are the flowers?" Merlin smacked his hand to his head, now remembering the flowers. Thankfully he was saved from answering as a groan was heard from the bed. Arthur whipped his head in Gwen's direction and motioned for Merlin to leave, pulling the curtains closed on his friend just before Gwen's eyes opened.

"Arthur." She said with a smile, seeing him standing there with a tray of food.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart."

"That is so sweet." She said as he came over and gave her a kiss as he placed the tray next to his wife.

"It's nothing." A bang was heard on the other side of the curtains, drawing Gwen's attention.

"Who's there?" Arthur demanded, trying to sound convincing, as if he did not already know. A moment later Merlin popped his head through the curtains and smiled. "Merlin! What are you doing in the…royal chambers?"

"I, uh, I came to wish The Queen a happy birthday."

"Well, maybe next time you'll be kind enough to knock."

"Y-yes, Sire." He said "And a very happy birthday to you, Your Majesty." He made to leave but Gwen stopped him.

"Merlin. Thank you." She said causing Merlin to laugh. Gwen was always so perceptive. With a glare from Arthur, Merlin finally escaped.

"It was my idea." Arthur defended.

"Mhmm." Was her only reply. Throughout the day Gwen could go nowhere without being stopped and wished a happy birthday. As touched as she was that her friends and the people cared so much, by the end of the day she was glad to have the excuse of needing to care for her son to find a moment alone.

"Oh! Lancelot, you startled me." She said as she entered the royal chambers, having not expected to see him.

"My apologies, Your Grace." He said, turning from the window where he had been gently bouncing William. "Alaria had to fetch some linens, she caught me in the corridor and asked me to stay with His Highness until she returned." He explained his presence.

"That's quite alright, you know you are most welcome." Gwen replied, moving further into the room. Upon his return from war, Arthur had introduced Gwen to the six newest Knights of Camelot, giving special attention to the man who had saved his life. The six had quickly integrated themselves into castle life, and had even penetrated the friendship their monarchs shared with Merlin, Leon and Percival. The five would always be very much like a family, but their new friends did not feel un-included. Alaria, William's new nurse, was even Dagonet's wife, both she and The Prince having taken to each other when first they met. Dagonet and Alaria's son, Lucan, was seven and had been helping his mother out at home with the wares she made for market. With Alaria's new post, Lucan now helped out in the castle doing odd jobs for Gaius who had taken the boy under his wing. Given their friendship, it was not uncommon for Lancelot or the other Knights to be seen in the royal chambers, and so after her initial shock, Gwen thought nothing of it.

"I do not believe I have had the chance to wish Your Grace a happy birthday."

"Well, you'd be about the only one left in the all of Camelot who hasn't it would seem."

"You've been ambushed have you, Your Majesty?"

"All day." She groaned though smiled happily as she reached for her son. "Hello there, my darling." The six-month-old Prince gurgled contentedly in his mother's arms as she walked to his cradle to put him down.

"I shall go now, Your Grace."

"Oh, Lancelot, do wait a mo-AH!" She cried as she turned quickly, stepping on a fallen toy and slipped. Lancelot reacted instinctively and caught his Queen before she fell, Gwen's arms coming up and around his neck.

"Are you alright, Your Grace?" He asked, pulling her up out of the mid-fall he'd caught her in.

"Yes, I-"

"Guinevere are you-" Arthur interrupted as he opened the door, coming in just in time to see Lancelot remove his hands from Gwen.

"Arthur, there you are." Gwen said, smiling at her husband.

"I couldn't find you, I was coming to see if you were already here. It is time to feed William." No matter how busy he was, no matter how much his friends teased him or tradition dictated he should not know such things, Arthur knew everything to do with his son, including how often the babe had to be fed.

"Yes, indeed it is." Arthur's eyes turned to Lancelot.

"I was keeping watch of The Prince while Alaria fetched some linens." He explained once again. "But now with you both here, I shall depart, Sire."

"Lancelot!" Gwen called before he could leave. "I was going to ask if you could find Gaius and ask him to send up some more of that salve for William. I fear his rash has returned." She directed the last bit to her husband.

"Of course, Your Grace." The Knight replied before taking his leave.

"What was going on when I walked in?" Arthur wasted no time in asking.

"What do you mean?" Gwen asked.

"He had his arms around you, Guinevere." Arthur's voice deepened, taking on a harder tone. Gwen raised an eyebrow and deliberately kept eye contact as she bent to pick up William's fallen toy, waving it at him.

"What do you think was going on?" Her own tone was not quite friendly, and Arthur recognized the warning signs.

"That you tripped?" He guessed, continuing when Gwen did not deny it. "And being the chivalrous knight that he is, Lancelot caught you." He ended with a sigh, hanging his hand in shame as he fell into a nearby chair. Gwen smiled and came over to her husband, taking a seat on his lap.

"That is exactly what happened, Arthur."

"I'm sorry." He murmured, softly, knowing she knew what he had been close to accusing her of. "I don't know how such a thought even crossed my mind."

"Neither do I." Gwen's tone was just as soft, but serious, truly wondering if Arthur could believe such a thing of her. "Do you really think me capable of committing adultery?"

"No." He answered without hesitation. "Stepping back I know that you are entirely incapable of such an act." She allowed him to continue, knowing this was as new a concept to him as it was to her. "I was…jealous. I have never been jealous before, not where you are concerned at any rate, but seeing another man with his arms around you, even for that brief moment…I was ready to kill him."

"Kill him?!"

"You are my wife, Guinevere. Mine. I admit I am being possessive, but I felt anger like never before at the thought of you with another man."

"That will never happen. You know I love you, Arthur. Only you."

"I do. Just as I hope you know that my love is only yours as well."

"Of course I do."

"Good. Then we shall say no more on the subject, confident as we are in our love." Gwen smiled and brought her lips down to his. Her gentle kiss had Arthur pulling her closer and demanding more, which Gwen was only too happy to give. However, they did not get very far as they were reminded they were not alone.

"Gwen." Arthur murmured against her lips when William's cries started up. "I have a confession to make."

"And what is that?" She murmured in return.

"I fear I was wrong when I said my love was only yours."

"Oh?"

"Yes. It is in fact split between two, you and our s-"

'Three." She interrupted. Arthur pulled back far enough to stare at her.

"What?" Came his intelligent reply.

"Three." She said again. "You said your love is split between two, but it is actually three." Arthur sat up properly as what she was saying took root in his head.

"You…you're…" He brought his hand to cover her belly and Gwen smiled, placing her hand atop his.

"I am." Arthur laughed and jumped up, taking Gwen with him and twirling her around the room. The noise of their happy laughter woke the young Prince further and his cries increased, demanding his parents' attention.

"Oh we're sorry, darling." Gwen cooed as she disentangled herself from Arthur and went to pick their son up. "We didn't mean to ignore you. And now we're late feeding you too." Gwen sat back down and opened her bodice, giving William access to his food source.

"Drink up, son." Arthur said, bending down and placing a gentle hand on the babe's head. "You need to grow big and strong, for you're to be a big brother! You'll have a little brother to follow you around and who you can teach to wield a sword when he grows, or a little sister to protect."

"Arthur!" Gwen scolded with a laugh. "He's only six months and you already have him wielding a sword, and chasing off boys."

"I'm merely excited." He said unrepentantly.

"As am I, but let us take this one day at a time, shall we?"

"You are right, of course. Ever the voice of reason when I get ahead of myself."

"And don't you forget it!" Arthur leaned up and gave her a quick kiss.

"As if you would let me." He replied. Gwen shook her head at him but smiled nonetheless as he settled down to watch his son.


A/N - For those of you who have seen King Arthur (2004, (I also don't own that movie, shocker I know)) you'll recognize the line Arthur spoke after being crowned. You'll also recognize Lucan, and Vanora from last chapter as well as her and Bors having lots of kids. I did say I would be taking certain things from that movie as well as from other takes on Arthurian legend.

Also a bit of a Guinevere/Lancelot tease...make of that what you will.