Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
Chapter 14 – The Golden Age
Five years passed without one drop of bloodshed, for peace reigned throughout Britain. Each of the former kingdoms settled easily into being mere regions of the united kingdom of Britain, the change made as easily as it was for it was exactly as Arthur had said, that little would change in terms of day to day life. The fact that the former monarchs of Albion kept their titles and positions was enough to appease their people. As for the Saxon territory, Arthur's uncle, Agravaine, had been asked to oversee it as warden of the northern most tip of Britain. He did so reluctantly, for he enjoyed his quiet life in the country, but also gladly knowing that Arthur needed someone he could trust unreservedly in that seat of power. The Saxon people themselves discovered that Arthur was nothing like their former King Mordred, but rather was a just and merciful ruler. The common people were almost given a blanket pardon with only very few exceptions for they had been following their King out of duty, and also having been lied to, both Morgause and Morgana having heralded Mordred as The High King of prophecy. The Saxon nobility, however, were much more scattered in their pardons. Some received them, others were banished from Britain, while Mordred's commanders who had known exactly what their King was after and intended were sentenced to death. Lord Agravaine oversaw the Saxons exactly as his nephew would and his kind yet firm hand saw them rebuild and find a place in this new Britain.
Within Camelot itself, Arthur found that he had much more time to oversee matters of the kingdom. Without the extra duties a war brought, there was no longer not enough hours within the day, but just enough; as High King he was certainly never idle, but he was no longer running himself ragged. This was a fact he was very happy for when in late winter the year after the Battle of Badon Hill Gwen gave birth to their second child, who was the daughter Arthur had hoped for. Princess Eleanor Ygraine Mithian Mable had her father wrapped around her little finger from the moment she was born, though he wasn't the only one. The young Princess had earned a special place in Percival's heart the first time she latched on to his finger with her tiny hand, and ever since he had declared himself her protector. Arthur was quite glad for the added protection for his daughter and happily assigned the First Knight as her guard whenever she ventured outside the royal chambers. Gwen deemed this overkill, knowing that her children were never alone and so within the castle itself should not need a personal guard, but raised no complaints knowing it made Percival happy. The scene of the big, burly First Knight carrying the tiny Princess, chasing after her as she grew and turning to mush under her pout was initially quite amusing, though quickly became a common sight, especially as Eleanor's father was just as much putty in her hands as Percival was.
William, for his part, took to being a big brother quite well, when his sister joined the family just over a month after his first birthday. Even at such a young age he was much kinder and loving towards his sister than Arthur remembered ever being towards Morgana. However, William proved to certainly be like his father in his love for mischief. As Arthur had predicted, Bors' youngest son, Royston, or Roy as he was commonly called, had been born within months of William and the two became inseparable just as Arthur and Merlin had been. The tricks they played as they grew rivalled The King and Court Mage's and although he stood by Gwen's side sternly whenever one of the pranks went too far and they scolded their son, Arthur was quietly proud of him. It had been decided that after Arthur's death the title of High King would be retired, for there was only one prophesised High King, the one who would unite the land, the ancient prophecies having never spoken of The High King's descendants. However, that did not mean that everything Arthur and everyone else had worked for would be dismantled, and so William was still the future King of Britain, not merely Camelot, and as such he began his studies early, with Roy by his side. Both fathers were even preparing to begin their training as knights shortly, much to their wives' chagrin who believed the boys to be far too young, regardless that they would soon the be same age as Arthur, Percival and Leon when they began their training.
During the last five years, Merlin had seen the last barriers to magic within Camelot dismantled, and as Emrys saw peace reign within magical Britain as their unofficial leader; every sentient magical being and creature having turned to Emrys unanimously after word of his power in the Battle of Badon hill spread far and wide. The biggest change in his life, however, was his marriage to Princess Mithian. After the rest of Albion declared Arthur their King, Mithian had almost immediately went to Merlin, citing that his one reason for not being with her, that she would one day be a Queen and ruler of her kingdom, was no longer valid. Merlin had protested and, in fact, downright refuted her claims. He said that regardless of the fact that she would now never be Queen of Nemeth, she would always be Princess of Nemeth and would one day take her father's place as warden, Queen in practice if not in name. Mithian had been heartbroken at his flat out rejection and had retreated to Nemeth for some months, until her friend's imminent labour recalled her, for she would not miss the birth of Gwen's second child. Those months had been hard on Merlin, for whether or not he claimed they could not be together he undeniably loved her. It also didn't help that both Arthur and Gwen knew why Mithian had run back to Nemeth and made their displeasure with him known; especially as Gwen grew increasingly hormonal the closer her time came and he had still not made amends with Mithian. Shortly after Eleanor's birth, and after overhearing that Merlin was just as miserable as she was, Mithian decided that enough was enough and pursued Arthur's Court Mage once more, this time publically.
Word quickly reached her father who had hastened to Camelot. He had conflicted feelings regarding his daughter's choice of suitors. That Merlin was not of noble birth could be overlooked due to current status as Court Mage and the prophecized Emrys. That he would be able to protect her was undeniable, his power being known throughout all of Britain, which was certainly a plus in his favour. However, his destiny by Arthur's side meant that either he or Mithian must give up their destinies, or live separately, for he could not be by Arthur's side, as well as Mithian's while she ruled Nemeth. Merlin latched on to that excuse and it was some months before Mithian was able to tear down his walls and reach the true reason for his continued refusal. Merlin finally admitted that he was scared. Scared that his position as Emrys would place a target on Mithian's head should someone decide to hurt her to get to him. Scared that she would resent him, or he her, if their marriage drew him from Camelot or her from Nemeth. Scared what his destiny meant, that perhaps one day it would conflict with his marriage and he would be forced to choose between Arthur and Mithian. Scared that being The Immortal Mage would mean he would have to watch her grow old and die then go on living eternity without her. Mithian had listened to his reasons calmly before asking him if part of his destiny included being unhappy in this life. Even Emrys could not know what the future holds, so for all he knew nothing he feared would come to pass and he was making them both unhappy for nothing. She then left him to think on what she had said which was how Arthur had found him. Merlin confessed all to his best friend as well, and Arthur, after listening quietly, had slapped him over the head and told him that he was being an idiot. Arthur told his friend that if he loved Mithian he should not let anything stand in his way, that he should bugger the ancient prophecies and forge his own destiny, and Arthur himself would never forgive him if he did otherwise.
With Rodor's blessing, given quite willingly after his daughter informed him in the plainest of terms that she would have no one else and he would be condemning her to a lifetime of unhappiness if he refused Merlin's suit, the two were wed in the fall of the second year of Arthur's reign as High King. To make things simple, Mithian had planned after her marriage to renounce her claim on Nemeth and have her father choose another heir; however, the people would not hear of it. They acknowledged their Princess' need to be with her husband but would have no other. As such, the son of Rodor's long time Steward, who was slated to become the Steward himself when his father passed, was given the task of handling things in Nemeth when Mithian was in Camelot. Given Nemeth's proximity to the capital, it being a mere day's hard ride or two at a luxurious pace, Mithian and Merlin agreed to spend one week a month in Nemeth while they remained in Camelot for the remainder. They would, of course, travel there more often should the need arise, as happened in the spring of the third year of Arthur's reign when continuous heavy rain flooded some of the lower lying villages. When word of the emergency was brought to Camelot, the two immediately set out with supplies and a contingent of men to help those in need.
Since their marriage, the only sadness either could confess to was the lack of a child. Gaius declared Mithian in perfect health and said there should be no reason for them not to be able to conceive, and to give it time. Alaria seconded Gaius' advice of time saying that it had taken over a year of marriage before she became pregnant with Lucan and had taken almost eight years after that before a second child was conceived. She had near given up after eight years, but it had happened and so told Mithian that, although not a short time, three years was too early to give up. Mithian and Merlin both took this advice to heart, though it was hard at times when their friends succeeded in having children and they did not. Aside from Dagonet and Bors, Leon and Tristan had also gotten married and had children. Leon had married Princess Elena of Gawant, the only daughter of King Godwyn. Unlike Mithian, who was her father's only heir, Elena had a younger brother who was to inherit and so had no such ties to hold her back from moving to Camelot permanently. The two had welcomed a baby girl, Sara, not quite a year ago. Tristan had married one of the healers in the city named Mary whom he had met when she'd patched him up after a particularly gruelling training session, and now had two sons, Alastair and Ewan. The new children were welcomed into the fold with open arms, Sara and Eleanor had become fast friends while Alastair followed William and Roy around constantly. Bors' other children as well as Lucan knew they were always welcomed, but given the age difference between them and the younger children they chose more often than not to go their own way. As for Ewan, who was, for now, the youngest at only a few months old, it appeared that he would soon have a companion as well, for Gwen was once again with child.
This news had been well received throughout Britain as news of another heir always was, and Gwen found herself being the centre of attention at the first meeting of The Round Table since the news was announced. The Round Table was an old tradition of the ancient Kings of Camelot. They believed in equality in all things and so held council at a round table so that no one stood above the others, not even The King. The practice of The Round Table had been lost many years ago during the time of Arthur's great-great-grandfather, but the knowledge of it had not and Arthur re-instated its use. The Round Table consisted of many people, including all those who had formed the Council when Arthur was first crowned, along with many new additions including Lancelot, Bors, Gwaine, Tristan, Galahad and Dagonet, who had earned their places from their deeds during the Battle of Badon Hill, as well as Mithian and Elena who offered much insight given their royal upbringings and the years of political training. The other former monarchs of Albion, and Agravaine, were also members of The Round Table though only appeared there several times a year for they remained in their own regions more often than not. This particular meeting of The Round Table was one such meeting with every member present, and as such, was quite the gathering.
"Your Highnesses, Councillors, noble Knights of Camelot, friends. I welcome you to this meeting of The Round Table. For five long years we have been blessed with peace and prosperity. As the fifth anniversary of the Battle of Badon Hill nears, we wish to celebrate. We shall declare a holiday, allowing the people a day of rest and celebration. We trust you will arrange the proper announcements and entertainments within your own regions." He was met by nods and so continued to describe the events Camelot would hold, particularly the joust to take place three weeks hence, before moving on to other matters of state. The meeting was long as these meetings always were, but everyone left quite happy, rather than frustrated or angry as had been common at Council meetings before the Battle of Badon Hill. Arthur and Gwen returned to their chambers, followed by Merlin and Mithian, where they would take dinner with their children, only to find someone there already.
"Sir Percival." Arthur called, trying to sound stern, though failing utterly at seeing the First Knight on the floor of the nursery, rolling a ball around with Eleanor. "If she were not still a babe I would be concerned about the amount of time you spend with my daughter."
"You're just jealous that she likes my company over yours." Percival scoffed. "Is that not right, Princess?" He reached over and tickled the little girl's stomach, eliciting a laugh.
"How did you even beat us here?" Gwen asked, not even trying to hide her amusement.
"You lot stopped to speak with King Rodor."
"For all of five minutes."
"It doesn't take that long to get here from the council chambers."
"So you rushed up here the moment the meeting was over?" Mithian asked. She, like Gwen, was quite amused by Percival's antics.
"Possibly." He admitted with a shrug. "I came to say goodnight."
"And ended up playing instead I see." Gwen now scolded, for Percival well knew that it was nearing Eleanor's bedtime.
"Well when she saw me she smiled with those dimples and held up her ball, looking at me with those big blue eyes." He tried to emulate the look, but only managed one that was quite comical. "How could I say no?"
"With practice." Arthur responded, coming over to pick up his daughter. "When you have one of your own you will no longer give in to the dimples and big eyes."
"Or tantrums." Gwen added.
"And this is why she likes her Uncle Percival's company more." Came the response as he stood up. Arthur scowled but otherwise said nothing.
"Say goodnight to Uncle Percival." He instructed the three year old.
"Night Percy." Having been unable to pronounce Percival when she began to speak, Eleanor had given him a nickname and it had stuck.
"Goodnight Princess." He responded, dropping a kiss to her head before taking his leave.
"He'd make a wonderful father." Gwen murmured sadly. It was known within their small circle of friends that Percival did not enjoy the company of women. It had been openly spoken about only once, and only between Arthur and Percival, when one of the lords tried to set Percival up with his daughter. They had all thought it a good match, and Arthur almost publically gave his blessing in an attempt to push them together even more, but was stopped only by Percival's confession. The two had talked of it for a while before Arthur conceded to his First Knight's wish that they drop the subject, though he had given Arthur permission to tell their friends. While scared of their reaction at the beginning, Arthur's quick acceptance gave Percival hope that the others would react similarly and was happy to see they did, none of them batting an eye nor making a comment, though he was certain they knew for he received a smile or clap on the shoulder full of meaning the next time he saw them. To his friends, he was still just Percival, though they knew that many would not see it that way and so it never left their circle. While they had accepted that Percival would never marry, though they suspected he had a lover somewhere, they did worry over him some, particularly given his love of children. It was one of the reasons they voiced no complaint when some days it seemed like he spent more time playing with their children, especially Eleanor whom he had bonded with, then he did in training or attending to his duties.
"Indeed." Mithian agreed. "Though he does make a wonderful uncle. And there are children out there who have lost their parents or are unwanted whom he could take in should he so desire."
"Don't think he's reached that point yet, but maybe one day." Said Merlin, wrapping an arm around his wife. The four made their way into the antechamber outside Gwen and Arthur's room. When William was old enough to sleep in the nursery they had added a door leading from the nursery, which was already next to their chambers, to the antechamber, allowing them to have easy access to their children, though still be separate.
"Yah!" the cries were heard as they entered the antechamber seeing William and Roy going at it with the wooden swords their fathers had given them. Alaria was attempting to stop them, though had practically given up, moving against the wall to stop from being hit.
"William Pendragon!" Gwen called sternly. The play fighting stopped instantly, both boys knowing that particular tone, a displeased mother with just a hint of The Queen for added effect, all too well. "What were you told when your fathers gave you those swords?" She addressed both boys.
"Not to use them inside." They recited.
"Exactly. Now give them to Alaria, you may have them back day after tomorrow."
"But mama!" The five-year-old complained, though did as directed.
"No buts! You know the rules, William, and that there are consequences for breaking them. Royston, your sword will be given to your father to take home and he and your mother may decide when you can have it back."
"My Lady you know they will stick to whatever punishment you set."
"Just as I do when you two get into mischief at your house, Royston. Vanora and I think too much alike sometimes." Which was entirely true. Both women were utterly against beating as a form of punishment, though they would not hesitate to take away their toys or give them chores to do. The first time the two had misbehaved at Vanora and Bors' house, Roy's mother had them peeling corn instead of playing without even realizing she had just punished The Prince. She had been somewhat scared when she accompanied Bors to bring William back to the castle that evening to tell The King and Queen what she had done only to find that they were quite amused by the prospect of their son peeling corn and were quite alright with it given the circumstances. Since then should the boys misbehave together any punishment given applied to them both, though it was understood that if the punishment extended to when the boys returned home their own parents had the right to change it as they saw fit. "Your father is in the entrance hall, better not keep him waiting."
"Yes, My Lady." He replied and followed Alaria out of the room.
oo00oo00oo
The three weeks leading up to the joust passed by slowly as all within Camelot eagerly anticipated the event. Any who wished were invited to come watch, though only those who passed the testing the previous day were permitted to participate. Arthur had implemented this rule after watching one too many men be injured at an open joust when going up against a more experienced opponent. Gwen was seated in the royal box with Mithian and both her children when Arthur entered the lists.
"Mama, give papa my ribbon too!" Eleanor cried pulling at the ribbon that tied her hair back. Being unable to refuse that request Gwen undid her daughter's braid.
"My Lady." Arthur said as he held his lance out, resting it on the railing of the box, and waiting for Gwen to bestow her favour. Gwen smiled and stood, taking both ribbons with her and tying them around the end of the lance.
"You daughter gives you her favour this day as well." She explained the second ribbon. Arthur's face broke into a smile and he turned his attention to his daughter.
"My darling Princess." Eleanor clapped happily, and even William who sat beside her waved, excited to see his father joust.
"Joust well, husband." Gwen murmured as Arthur turned his attention back to her. He gave her a short bow and lifted his lance, riding off to his end of the lists. Gwen returned to her seat and helped her children cheer their father to victory, though it was quite a close call, having come down to him and Sir Gwaine.
"I fear all the excitement has bade me quite tired." Gwen said with a yawn when they all stood to depart the stands after the joust had ended.
"You should not overexert yourself when with child. Go rest." Mithian instructed. "Alaria and I can handle these two."
"I hardly call sitting in a chair all day overexerting myself."
"It has been an exciting day, and excitement alone can make one tired. Now go. If you want to be fresh for the feast this evening, you need sleep."
"Oh very well." Gwen said, though before leaving she bent down to hug her children. "Goodbye my darlings. Mama's going to rest a little, so will see you later. Be good for Alaria and Mithian." Both children nodded though neither appeared to be paying much attention as they had already begun to run in the direction of their father.
oo00oo00oo
Arthur removed his gloves as he walked down the corridor on the way to his chambers. He was quite hot and sweaty and in desperate need of a bath before he could even contemplate attending the feast that evening. His mind on other things, Arthur did not hear a thing until he was nearly upon them.
"Oh, Lancelot." A voice moaned in pleasure, a sound he knew only too well that stopped him in his tracks. Unable to believe what he was hearing Arthur crept forward and flattened himself against the wall, though he could see down the next corridor enough to see two people partially concealed in the shadows. Arthur's breath left his body as they shifted enough in the light to reveal his wife, the woman he loved, pressed against the wall with one of his Knights, the man whom had saved his life, pressed against her, his hands roaming and his mouth devouring her neck.
"Wait." Lancelot said. "We're too open here, we could get caught. Arthur-"
"Suspects nothing." Guinevere replied as she pulled him closer. Arthur had seen enough. Feeling a terrible pain in his heart and a tear roll down his cheek, he turned and walked away from those who had betrayed him.
A/N - Some of you have been quite vocal about your desire for no Arthur/Gwen/Lancelot love triangle...all I ask is that you stow the pitchforks and torches until next chapter.
