Sorry – last chapter wasn't the wedding. This is the wedding. I really do promise. ;)

Their Day

Chapter 6

The doors swung open as the fanfare sounded and Arthur froze. She was here, walking down the aisle. He could imagine Elyan's uncomfortable expression, as he walked with Gwen to give her away. Merlin was facing the back of the hall, at Arthur's side. Merlin smiled, and nudged Arthur.

'Arthur, look.'

Arthur swallowed awkwardly and shook his head slightly. 'No.'

Merlin grinned. 'Arthur. Just look, honestly.'

Arthur forced the muscles in his neck to move round.

Arthur's jaw dropped open, and the breath caught in his throat. Gwen was clinging onto Elyan's left arm, and making her way effortlessly toward him. She was wearing the dress that she had been fussing over endlessly for the past few weeks. It was pure white with lace patterns swirling down toward the ground; the bodice and the short, floating sleeves were embroidered with golden lace. The fabric hugged her body, accentuating how beautiful she was.

Gwen caught his eye and grinned, biting her lip a little to try to calm her nerves. Arthur smiled at her, emotion in his eyes, and took a deep breath.

'She looks beautiful.' Merlin whispered.

Arthur didn't remove his gaze from Gwen. 'She always looks beautiful.'

Merlin grinned at how Arthur's jaw dropped expression was left unchanged.

Gwen's heart pounded in her chest as she and Elyan drew nearer to the end of the aisle. Arthur was staring at her, as if this was the first time he had really seen her. She smiled – he made her forget about the hundreds of people watching, or the fact that she would have to speak in front of them in just a few moments. She took a deep breath as she stopped at Arthur's side. Elyan let go of her arm, and she turned to face him – she had forgotten him, him and everyone else; the bridesmaids walking behind her, one behind the other; the congregation of people come to watch the King of Camelot marry the serving girl. Elyan took her hand in his and smiled at her, looking into her eyes, telling her how proud he was. He bowed and kissed her hand gently, before straightening up and winking at her. She grinned at him as he stepped back and she looked over at Arthur – they smiled at each other excitedly and he linked her fingers with his and gave them a small squeeze.

'My Lords and Ladies. We are gathered today to witness the marriage of King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot, and Guinevere Leodegrance of Camelot.'

Gwen's heart sank a little in her chest – in a few short moments, she would be 'Guinevere Pendragon of Camelot', and in a few short days, 'Queen Guinevere Pendragon of Camelot'! She would never again be just 'Gwen' – never to be able to fade into the background. But of course, she made that choice months ago. She bit her lip and frowned a little, casting a glance at Arthur. He was looking at her worriedly, no doubt wondering if she was having second thoughts. But how could she? She had waited so long to be here – why would she turn away now?

She smiled reassuringly at Arthur, as Geoffrey of Monmouth droned on. Arthur smiled, relieved. Gwen looked at the love in Arthur's eyes and her heart jumped. None of this 'Queen' business mattered – she would always be 'Gwen' to Arthur, and she knew that in a few short moments, she will be proud to be 'Gwen Pendragon', and will be for the rest of her life.

The next few moments were a blur; Arthur said his vows; Gwen said hers; Geoffrey explained the sanctity of marriage – everything was going smoothly.

Geoffrey looked round at Merlin. 'Do you have the rings?'

Arthur whipped round, scowling. Merlin had said he would give them to Geoffrey. Merlin slid his hand into his pocket, smiling happily, and then froze, searching frantically around in his pocket. Arthur scowled menacingly at him.

Merlin frantically patted his various concealed pockets, searching for the rings that had trustingly been placed in his care. Eventually he stopped and slid his hand into another pocket, a relieved look on his face, and passed them gently to Geoffrey, smiling apologetically.

Gwen giggled quietly at Arthur's disgusted face. 'He's your best man.' She whispered.

'It was your idea.' Arthur muttered, annoyed.

Gwen laughed. 'It wouldn't be the same without him – and you find it funny really.'

'No I don't.'

'Yes you do.'

Gwen's dress… I hope I picked a good one – there aren't that many wedding dresses out there that look a bit medieval and also would suit Gwen unfortunately…

Google – 'debenhams phase eight elizabeth wedding dress'