Chapter 16
Over the next two days, the castle and the town were getting ready for the wedding and the celebrations that will follow it. The kitchens were busy creating special dishes for the daytime feast and flowers were being arranged in the Throne Room.

On the morning of the wedding, Merlin was getting Arthur and Duran ready for the ceremony. He had Duran dressed and he was helping Arthur.

"Stop fidgeting or you will wrinkle!" Merlin fussed.

"Sorry Uncle Merlin." Duran said as he tried to sit still.

"I was talking to your father, Duran, but you need to sit still as well." Merlin said.

"It feels tight." Arthur pulled on his belt.

"That's because it needs a new hole again. Really Arthur, you need to stop making such a pig of yourself." Merlin took the belt off Arthur and took it to the table to poke a hole in it with the dagger that was laying there.

"I am not a pig." Arthur made a face.

Duran giggled.

Merlin turned around. "Of course not Sire. Whatever you say."

"You don't have to say it all snarky like that." Arthur said. "Just give me the belt."

Merlin handed the belt to him.

Arthur looked at the new hole and sighed. "I wonder if she will still love when I'm old and fat."

"Arthur, we need to get through today then you can worry about later." Merlin said. "He helped Arthur put on his belt then stood back and looked at them both. "No fidgeting either of you. Where is your ceremonial sword? Ah there it is."

Arthur watched as Merlin took the sword off the top of the cupboard. Merlin presented it to Arthur.

"We need to get going." Merlin said.

"Is Guinevere ready? It takes women longer you know." Arthur said.

"I am sure she won't be late. Her maid will help her." Merlin said.

"Isn't that the one that you were carrying on about?" Arthur grinned.

"Yes that is the one." Merlin blushed bright red. "Gaius is still teasing me about that so I don't need you to do it."

Arthur laughed. "I think she knows you are sweet on her. She says your name all soft."

Merlin glared at him and took Duran's hand. "Let's go."

Arthur laughed as they left for the Throne Room.

In Gwen's chambers, Lily peeked out the door. "They just left."

"We will give them a minute and then follow." Gwen said.

"Where is your brother? Will he not escort you down the aisle?" Lily asked.

"He will meet us there." Gwen said. "She took one last look at the purple silk gown in the mirror."

"You look lovely." Lily said. "I had forgotten what a skilled seamstress you are."

"The cloth was a gift from Arthur. I just made it up into a simple gown. Morgana's gowns were much more elaborate. I suppose mine will be soon."

Gwen wondered what made her think of Morgana. It was probably because she had helped Morgana get ready for years and today felt very similar. She let herself mourn the friend she lost for just a moment.

"You will be the Queen." Lily reminded her.

"Not if I don't show up." Gwen said. "We should leave."

Lily opened the door and they left for the throne room. They met Elyan in the anteroom.

"Gwen, you are beautiful." Elyan offered her his arm. "Just wait until you see Duran. He looks every bit the Prince."

"I can imagine. Are they already inside?" Gwen asked.

"Yes and Arthur looks impatient." Elyan chuckled.

Gwen smiled. "Then we shouldn't keep him waiting any longer."

Lily opened the door and Gwen and Elyan went up the aisle. Arthur nodded at Elyan as he stepped back to stand with the other Knights.

Arthur took Gwen hands in his.

Sir Geoffrey cleared his throat to begin.

"Wait!" Duran ran up and put his hands on top of his parents' hands.

Arthur smiled and nodded to Sir Geoffrey to proceed.

Gwen and Arthur exchanged their vows and the garland was wrapped around all three sets of hands. Arthur and Gwen kissed to seal the union. Arthur picked up Duran and gave Gwen his arm.

"Let the celebrations begin!" Arthur said with a smile.

The Throne Room cleared and the Great Hall filled with guests as the feast began. Arthur and Gwen sat at the head table with Duran. They were laughing and talking to each other.

"I believe the fates have finally stopped twisting for Arthur and Gwen." Merlin said as he sat with Gaius to the afternoon feast.

"I believe you may be right, Merlin." Gaius said as he looked at Camelot's ruling family with pride.