Chapter 15
Gwen walked down to the market in the lower town a few minutes later. She carried a basket with her. She needed some things for her dress and also a few personal items. She noticed a few people staring at her. She assumed that the news of the new Prince had made it down from the castle. The footman and servants on duty last night had no doubt spread the word.

"Gwen!" A voiced called out from behind her.

Gwen turned and smiled at Leon. "Hello Leon."

"Elyan told us you were back. "I'm very glad to see you. Arthur has been in the foulest of moods for months. I'm on my way to the Council meeting. I'm late or I would stay and chat."

"I don't want to keep you. I will speak to later." Gwen smiled as he grinned and rushed off.

Gwen was looking forward to reconnecting with all her friends. Especially the Knights she knew the best.

Gwen shopped for a while. She was finding everything she needed with no problem. The merchants had mixed reactions when she told them to send the bill to Arthur. Most of them seemed pleased when they realized that she was back to stay.

Gwen was on the way into the apothecary. She had almost everything and it was the last stop. She heard a voice behind her. She turned to face an old friend.

"Gwen?" The woman came up to her. "What are you doing in Camelot? Are you back for good?"

"Yes I am. Lily, are you still working in the kitchens?" Gwen asked.

"Yes. There isn't anything else, really. You aren't looking for work, are you?" Lily looked confused.

"No. I need a handmaiden. Would you want the position?"

"For you?" Lily looked confused. I knew Elyan was doing well but…."

"I will be a Queen in a few days and I'm going to need one." Gwen said.

Lily looked shocked. "You and Arthur are back together? That was fast. I didn't know you were back until now."

"It's complicated but we still love each other." Gwen smiled. "We are getting married finally."

"I would love the position. I would take anything to get out of the kitchens." Lily said.

"I'll speak to Arthur this afternoon but I have to tell you…" Gwen started to say.

"Mummy!"

Gwen turned around and saw Merlin and Duran coming towards her.

"Hello Merlin." Lily said

"Hello." Merlin said. His cheeks pinked slightly. "We are done with seamstress. He behaved like a gentleman."

"Mummy I want to play." Duran said.

"Is he yours?" Lily asked. "He's adorable."

"Yes. This is Duran. He was what I was going to tell you about." Gwen looked at Merlin. "I am happy to hear he behaved. Duran, we will go to our chambers and I want you to play quietly until the midday meal. Hold my hand so Merlin can get on with his day."

"I can take him with me if you aren't finished." Merlin said.

"I have one more stop. Are you sure it's no trouble?" Gwen said.

"I will just take him with me to Arthur's chambers. Arthur should be done with the council meeting shortly. I have to get him ready for training." Merlin said.

"Please Mummy." Duran looked up at her with Arthur's pout.

"Go on then." Gwen smiled. She couldn't resist that pout when either one of them did it.

"I suppose you are going to need a nurse for him too." Lily said.

"I hadn't thought of that." Gwen frowned. "I have been raising him by myself since his birth. I didn't think about how that would change after we marry."

"I can ask around if you like." Lily said.

"Let me speak to Arthur first he may have that taken care of already. I know he has some things arranged for Duran already."

"He looks like the King." Lily said.

"Yes. He does favor his father quite a bit." Gwen answered Lily's unasked question. "I must get on. I will send word to the kitchens after I have talked to Arthur."

"I will see you later then." Lily left her there and headed off to the castle kitchens.

Gwen went to the apothecary and got the last thing she needed and headed back to the castle. When she arrived at Arthur's chambers she heard laughter.

"What is going on here?" Gwen asked as she came in.

"We were playing." Arthur said. He was standing there in his armor with his sword.

Duran was holding his wooden sword and wearing a chainmail shirt that reached his ankles and hung over his hands.

Gwen bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Where is Merlin?"

"He had to do something for Gaius last minute." Arthur said. "We don't need Merlin to look after us all the time. Do we, Duran?"

Duran shook his head and the helmet wobbled

"I hope that is your Malay blade." Gwen tried to give Arthur a stern look but the sight before her was too hilarious.

"It is." Arthur gave her a smile. "Did you get what you needed?"

"Yes. Have you engaged a nurse for Duran?" Gwen asked.

"No. Does he really need one? He is too old to be in the nursery. He can take the chambers next door after we are married. Merlin can act as his manservant until we get him one of his own." Arthur said.

"That sounds fine. I have asked someone to be my handmaiden. She is an old friend." Gwen said. "You can talk to Merlin about the manservant for Duran. Come along Duran. We will let you get to training."

"But Mummy, I want to play with Sire." Duran said.

"Now Duran, we will have some time to play later. Come let me help you out of your armor." Arthur chuckled. He took the helmet and chainmail shirt off Duran. "Go on now."

Duran started to protest.

"We will see your father at the mid-day meal. Now come on." Gwen held out her hand and Duran came over and took it. They went next door to the other chambers.

Arthur sighed and headed off to train for an hour.

Everyone met in Arthur's chambers for the mid-day meal. Afterwards Gwen took Duran back to their chambers to get him ready for his introduction to the Court.

Arthur sat on the throne and looked out over the room. He was impatient for them to come in.

The door opened and Merlin and Gaius came in. Gaius looked tired. The traveling had been a little too much for him.

The door opened again and Gwen came in holding Duran's hand. She had put him in his best clothes and combed his hair. She walked forward as everyone turned to stare.

Gwen bowed to Arthur formally. "Your Majesty, I present your son, Duran."

Duran smiled and bowed like a proper gentleman. Arthur wondered how many times Gwen had made him do that before he had gotten it just right.

"Thank you Lady Guinevere." Arthur said. He looked at everyone in the room then turned to Gaius. "Is there someone that can vouch for the child being my son and heir?"

"I can, Sire. I was present at his birth and I have knowledge of his making." Gaius said.

Merlin smirked. "So does all of Ealdor." He mumbled under his breath. He didn't realize his voice had carried until he saw Arthur glare at him. "Sorry."

Gwen blushed and looked mortified.

"Thank you Gaius. From this day forward let this child be known as Prince Duran Pendragon." Arthur beckoned Duran up to him.

Duran looked at Gwen then went up to Arthur.

"Face your subjects, Duran." Arthur whispered.

Duran faced the room with a serious look on his face.

Arthur stood. He took Duran's hand and walked down to where Gwen was standing with him. "I am to marry the Lady Guinevere the day after next. There will be a luncheon feast to follow." Arthur took Gwen's hand and gave it a kiss. "Court is concluded for the day."

The room seemed to clear in record time.

Arthur looked at Merlin. "Tell me why I shouldn't put you in the stocks, Merlin."

"I didn't think anyone heard me." Merlin said. "I'm sorry Gwen I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"It's all right, Merlin. It's not like the faeries brought him. They already think I am immoral." Gwen said.

"In any case, it was rude." Gaius said. "Sire, Merlin is going to do my rounds today. I hope that doesn't cause a problem."

"He told me this morning. You should get back to your chambers and rest." Arthur said to Gaius. "What are you waiting on, Merlin? Take him to his chambers and get to those rounds."

"Yes Sire." Merlin said. Merlin helped Gaius back to his chambers.

"We may need two manservants." Arthur said after the door had closed.

"Why?" Gwen looked confused.

"Gaius has been sending Merlin to do his rounds often these days. I may have to make Merlin the Assistant Court Physician. That means I will need a new servant as well."

"I didn't realize it was that serious." Gwen said.

Arthur shrugged. "He is past the time he should have retired. He just refuses to do it. I don't have the heart to force the issue with him."

"Is Merlin ready for such an important position?" Gwen asked.

"He has trained with Gaius from the moment he arrived in Camelot. I think he is ready." Arthur said. "Duran, I promised you a walk. Are you ready to see Camelot?"

"Yes!" Duran smiled up at them.

"I have sewing to do. Don't let him get into any mischief." Gwen said. She leaned down and kissed Duran on the cheek.

"What about me?" Arthur looked at her.

"You stay out of mischief too." Gwen gave him a quick kiss and left them alone in the throne room.

Arthur knelt down to look Duran in the eye. "Before we go on our walk, I want to talk to you. Duran, did you know that I am King of Camelot.

Duran shook his head. "Is that why I am a Prince now?"

"Yes. A prince has many duties that you will learn as you get older. I was a Prince before I became a King." Arthur told him.

"When will I become a King?" Duran asked.

"Not until you are a grown man and I have died." Arthur said.

"I don't ever want you to die, Sire." Duran hugged him tightly.

"It won't be for a long time." Arthur hugged him back. Let's take that walk now."

Duran nodded. Arthur stood up and they left to see Duran's new home.