Author's Note: I'm sure many of you have read more spoilers regarding episode 9. I'm actually confused as to which scenes are in which episodes, so I'm just going to write my own little version of what's to come. Hope you still manage to enjoy my episode.
Queen of Camelot (continued) – by AudiRox
The next morning, everyone's busy in the tournament grounds. Merlin is seen outside Arthur's tent sorting the armor as Lancelot walks up to him.
"Hello there, my friend," says Lancelot casually as he looks down at some of the armor.
"Lancelot," says Merlin surprised.
"We haven't had a chance to catch up."
"No," Merlin shakes his head, "you seemed busy last night."
"Yes, well," says Lancelot as he looks around the grounds. "Seems I am to take Lord Agravaine's place."
Merlin looks up at the stands as Agravaine takes a seat near Gwen. "Is he not feeling well?"
"No, it seems it's in honor of my return from the dead," jokes Lancelot.
Merlin smiles but sees that things aren't the same between him and Lancelot. Something is off.
Moments later, with a few shiny pieces of armor, Merlin walks into Arthur's tent to find his master and the court physician inside.
"Ah, Merlin," says Arthur, "where have you been?"
"Sorry," says the young man and helps Arthur with his remaining armor.
Arthur smiles at his servant and surprises him by saying, "Thank you, Merlin."
As he walks out of the tent, both Gaius and Merlin follow and stand by the opening.
"He looks very happy," says Gaius.
"As he should be," says Merlin, "he's soon to marry the love of his life."
"And one of Camelot's finest knights have returned," Gaius adds.
Merlin isn't as sure about it, "Well, yes."
Gaius notices Merlin's tone and turns to him, "What is it, Merlin?"
Merlin sighs, "I don't know."
"Do you have reason to doubt him?" asks the old physician.
"How is it that he defied death, Gaius?" Merlin softly continues, "I mean, he walked into that veil. Even if he didn't die, how does he not remember anything since then? He doesn't look aged or weathered one bit. How is it possible?"
Gaius nods, "Yes, it is strange, but stranger things have happened."
"I don't know, maybe I'm reading too much into things," the young warlock continues, "as much as I want to believe he is who he says he is, there's something very different about him."
The older and wiser of the two replies, "Well, if you have any reason to doubt that he's the Lancelot we know, I suggest you keep a keen eye on him, Merlin." Gaius looks out into the stands and continues. "Especially if he is to joust against the king."
With these words, Gaius exits the tent, leaving Merlin to his thoughts.
The jousting has started. Elyan has proven victorious against another knight and so he takes a bow in front of Guinevere and Agravaine.
Gwen smiles at her brother as she claps.
"Your brother is a very skilled knight," says Agravaine.
Gwen is surprised by Agravaine's sudden compliment. "Yes, indeed."
"Camelot is very lucky to have such loyal..." he pauses to find the proper word, "servant." It is clear that Agravaine has other motives for sitting by the future queen.
Gwen simply smiles and carries on.
Merlin watches from the sidelines as Arthur rides his horse to the middle of grounds and stops in front of Gwen. Behind him, an eager Lancelot sits on his horse as well. Arthur smiles up at Guinevere before he places his helmet firmly on his head. The two men take their places. The sound of a horn can be heard and then cue the two men on horseback riding towards each other with lances.
Merlin watches keenly as they inch closer to each other. "What is it about you, Lancelot?" he whispers to himself.
The crowd goes wild as the king of Camelot and his knight meet halfway with their lances. Arthur jabs Lancelot with his lance hard enough for the lance to break and for the knight to lose his balance on the horse.
Merlin sighs with relief. No one can deny Arthur's skill in jousting. The other knights, including Leon, Gwaine, Elyan and Percival applaud.
Arthur's triumph brings Gwen to her feet as she claps her hands. Agravaine forces himself to his feet as well.
The king dismounts his horse and walks over to Lancelot, who is being helped off his horse.
"Are you alright?" asks Arthur as he inches closer.
Lancelot smiles, "Only a little bruise, sire." He looks around at the crowd of people still cheering and then looks back at his sovereign. "You are victorious, my lord." He kneels in front of Arthur and bows his head for everyone to see.
"Thank you," says Arthur genuinely.
Lancelot gets back on his feet, "I'm a little rusty but will be good as new once I get a few days of practice."
"Of course," nods Arthur.
"I will then be fit to serve this great kingdom," says Lancelot faking sincerity.
Arthur is grateful and so he smiles.
The crowd keeps cheering. "Your people and your lady await you, sire," says Lancelot as he gestures.
Arthur looks over and his eyes lock with Guinevere's. He walks over to the middle of the grounds to take his well deserved praise.
Gwen can't help but be proud of her Arthur. All seems well, except for the scheming Agravaine and his new accomplice.
Later that afternoon, Arthur is seen walking along the corridors. Agravaine, having anticipated the king's walk, hurriedly walks after him. "Sire," he lifts his voice.
"Uncle," says Arthur as he turns to greet him.
"A word, my lord?" asks the older man as he inches closer to him.
"Yes?"
"A fine show of sportsmanship this morning, sire."
Arthur nods in gratitude, "Thank you, uncle."
Silence as Agravaine organizes his thoughts.
"Was there anything else?" asks the king.
"Well, I did want to speak with you regarding one matter. A matter that has been troubling me since your engagement to…" Agravaine finds it difficult to call her his future queen.
"What is it?" asks a curious Arthur.
"I fear I may have spoken out of terms in the past with regard to Guinevere and I hope to make amends."
Arthur looks directly at his uncle, "I see."
"You have made a fine decision, sire. And though it may not mean much, I fully support you and our future queen."
Arthur is pleasantly surprised, "Thank you, uncle. It does mean a lot."
Agravaine smiles.
Another silent moment.
"If I may sire, have you already acquired a gift for your bride?"
"Oh," says Arthur confused.
"It is customary for the king to get his future queen a piece of jewelry that is not just the ring."
"Yes, of course. I knew that, but with all the festivities and the commotion with Lancelot's return, I completely…" says Arthur a little frazzled.
"No worries, sire!" the old man cuts in. "I know a fine jeweler that will be more than happy oblige."
Arthur is grateful and so he opens his mouth to thank him, but Agravaine cuts in again.
"Please, it is my honor."
Arthur smiles and nods at Agravaine and takes his leave.
The older man watches Arthur as he walks further away from him and whispers, "I feel sorry for you for what's about to happen, dear boy. I really do."
Meanwhile, Merlin finds Lancelot in the local tavern with Gwaine and Elyan. The knights managed to sneak out and to enjoy a drink or two before they returned to their duties.
"Ah, Merlin!" shouts Gwaine, happy to see his friend. "Come join us."
"There you are," says Merlin as he sits by Elyan, directly in front of Lancelot. "I've been looking all over for you."
"Who? Me?" asks Lancelot.
"How about a drink?" asks Gwaine.
Before Merlin can answer, both Gwaine and Elyan get up on their feet and move away to the front of the tavern.
Merlin watches Lancelot take a sip of his cider. "Isn't it a little early to be drinking?"
"Everyone's celebrating, Merlin."
Merlin sighs and looks curiously at Lancelot.
"What is it?" asks the knight.
"Do you remember anything before you… you know, walked into…"
"Death?" smirks Lancelot.
Merlin isn't comfortable with his humor.
Lancelot thinks, "I think so. I remember things," he says vaguely.
"Anything…" Merlin asks nervously, "in particular about…"
"About?"
"About me?" asks Merlin.
Lancelot is confused, "About you?"
"You know," Merlin swallows and tilts his head, "about…"
"I'm sorry, Merlin, I haven't a clue what you're talking about. What is it?" Lancelot curiously looks at the servant.
"No," says a surprised Merlin, "nothing."
Gwaine and Elyan decide to return with more cider.
"I should go," the young man gets to his feet.
"But we just got more cider," says Gwaine.
"Come on, Merlin. Stay!" says Elyan.
"No, no… I… I forgot," says a nervous Merlin, "I forgot to do something for Arthur." He nods at the knights and rushes out the tavern, leaving Lancelot more curious.
Once outside, Merlin pauses and looks back at the little structure with a concerned expression.
Back in the castle, Arthur is in the throne room with Agravaine. A well dressed old jeweler stands before them with a tray of fine jewelry.
"How about a beautiful necklace, my king?" asks the old man.
Arthur looks over the extravagant necklaces. "All very beautiful," he nods. "But no," he shakes his head, "I don't think they're suitable."
The jeweler looks at both the king and his adviser, Agravaine. "Perhaps, something more subtle?"
"A bracelet, perhaps?" suggests Agravaine to Arthur.
Though not quite sure what he is looking for, Arthur nods. "Yes, let's see your bracelets."
"Oh, of course!" says the enthusiastic old man. He walks over to the stand and takes a tray cover with a velvet cloth. "I have only recently acquired these beauties." He takes the tray closer to the king and uncovers it. "My choices are very limited, but three beautiful bracelets, indeed."
Arthur's eyes suddenly go to the very simple yet elegant silver piece. "That one," he immediately points.
"But sire, is it not simple?" Agravaine fakes concern and walks down the steps, "What about this beautiful emerald one?"
"No, no… I know she will love that," smiles Arthur.
"But," protests Agravaine.
"No, uncle," insists Arthur. "I assure you, that bracelet will be loved."
Agravaine concedes as the jeweler smiles.
Later that evening, a knock on the door of his chambers makes Arthur turn around.
"Come," he raises his voice and smiles, already knowing who it might be.
Guinevere peaks in before she fully enters, "Arthur? You've ask for me?" she closes the door behind her.
"Yes, I have," says Arthur as he steps away from his table. "I hear you have refused to leave that house of yours."
Gwen looks down at her hands and smiles, "Not until it is official."
"It is official!" says an amused Arthur. "We are to be married."
Gwen smiles up at him, "You know what I am talking about, Arthur. I think it is appropriate for me to move in after we're married."
"Fine," concedes Arthur and turns his torso to fetch something from the table, "until then, I will double the guards at your door."
"Arthur," Gwen starts to protest.
"Not up for discussion," says the king.
"Alright," Gwen gives in.
"This," Arthur says as he holds a velvet pouch, "is the other reason I wanted to see you." He steps closer and hands it to Gwen.
Curiously she smiles, "What is it?"
"Open it," says Arthur impatiently.
Gwen pulls open the mouth of the pouch as she looks mischievously at Arthur. As she looks in, she very slightly gasps, "Oh Arthur," she says as she pulls out the elegant bracelet. "It's beautiful."
"I thought you might like it," says a proud Arthur. "Here," he asks for it, "let me."
Gwen smiles up at her king as he gently slides the bracelet over her hand. "I love it."
Arthur is quite happy with his decision and so he pulls Gwen into a kiss as their theme plays softly.
As the king lets go of his future queen, he takes a deep breath, inhaling her flowery fragrance.
Gwen looks down at the beautiful piece, "It is very beautiful. Thank you, Arthur."
Arthur lets go of her and leans against the table. "In fact, Agravaine helped pick it out."
"Oh," Gwen is surprised, "I… I don't know how to react to that."
"I think," says Arthur as he ponders, "it's his way of saying he approves of us. Not that we need his approval, but..."
"I see," says Gwen as she touches the bracelet even more."
"It is a nice gesture, don't you think?"
Gwen isn't quite sure why, but the piece of jewelry has got her mesmerized, she almost doesn't hear her king.
"Gwen?" asks Arthur.
The woman looks up, "What?"
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes," she shakes herself, "yes, of course. Everything is wonderful. I was just admiring my new bracelet."
Arthur is very proud of his selection, "I knew you would love it."
Gwen smiles.
Silence as they both look at each other for a few seconds.
Gwen sighs, "I should go."f
Arthur nods and watches as his future queen exits his chambers.
As Gwen makes her way down the stairs and into the dark corridors, her name is called out by a familiar voice.
"Gwen."
The woman turns around to see who it is. "Lancelot?" she says under her breath.
The knight steps forward as he smiles. "It is so good to see you."
"And you," says the woman with a genuine smiles.
"We haven't had a chance to talk since I returned," says the knight as he inches closer and stops just a couple of feet away from Gwen.
"No we have not," agrees Gwen a bit nervously.
"How are you? Are you well?"
"I'm well. And very glad to see you again, Lancelot," she pauses, "to see you alive."
"I'm glad to hear it."
Behind them, in the shadows, Agravaine watches keenly without a sound. A moment later, he turns to leave.
Back in Arthur's chambers, the king tends to royal papers when he hears a loud knock on his chamber doors.
Arthur curiously turns, "Come!" he says loudly.
"Sire!" enters Agravaine in urgency.
"What is it, uncle?" asks a concerned Arthur.
Agravaine suddently starts to pace and rub his hands together. "I don't know how to say this, sire. What I just witnessed…"
"Speak!" commands the king.
Agravaine stops pacing. "It is Guinevere…"
Arthur cuts in assuming the worst, "What! Has any harm…"
Agravaine cuts in, "and Lancelot. I...I" he stammers, "I saw the two of them."
Arthur isn't quite sure what to make of it and so he storms out of the chambers, followed closely by his uncle.
Back in the darkly lit corridor, Gwen looks down, "I have felt so much guilt the past few months, thinking that it was I that sent you to your death."
"What do you mean?" Lancelot inches a bit closer.
"I asked you to bring Arthur back to me, and you said you would guard him with your life. You kept your word," says an emotional Gwen. "And when you died, I just couldn't…"
"Shh," says the knight as he gently places his hand on his arm. "I'm here now."
Something about his touch makes Gwen dizzy yet aware of his intentions. Feeling a surge of emotion, she briefly looks down at her bracelet.
Lancelot gently touches her chin and raises it so that she would look at him. "I'm here now," he says again softly.
With great emotion, Gwen looks up and subtly smiles at the knight.
"I'm here…" he says again as he leans in to give her a kiss.
Gwen places her hand on his shoulder and reaches up to meet his kiss, but they are interrupted by a very loud and violent Arthur. "NO!" he shouts as he pulls out his sword. Not acting fast enough, Lancelot is cornered and pushed against a column with Arthur's sword against his throat.
A few guards and Agravaine enter as well.
Gwen finds herself confused and wondering what on earth is going on.
"What is going on!" shouts Arthur. "I should slit your throat right now!"
"Then do it," says Lancelot with a smirk - of which Gwen catches a glimpse.
"No!" shouts the woman not knowing exactly what she is saying or doing.
"Sire, do not act in haste!" says Agravaine.
But Arthur isn't letting go of Lancelot, and so Agravaine commands the guards, "Retrain Lancelot."
Arthur forces himself off of the knight so that the guards can tie him up. Breathing heavily, Arthur looks at the knight and back at Gwen. "What's the meaning of this?"
"I…" says Gwen, "I don't quite know."
Arthur looks back at Lancelot, "I should kill you," he says but holds himself back with much restraint. He looks back at Gwen and walks directly to her, "What just happened here?"
"Arthur, please" pleads the woman. "I… I don't know."
Agravaine cuts in, "Sire, allow me to arrest him and interrogate. We should think calmly."
Arthur nods as he looks away.
The guards step aside as Agravaine pulls out a dagger and grabs hold of Lancelot's arm. "Come!" he shouts at the man.
Gwen hangs her head in shame of what had just happened.
Silence.
In the hallway, Agravaine forces Lancelot to walk in haste but not towards the cells. Instead, he pulls him into a corner and cuts the rope that binds his hands together and hands the dagger to Lancelot.
"Attack me," he commands.
"What?" asks Lancelot.
"Attack me!" Agravaine forces Lancelot hand (with dagger) to pierce his arm.
Lancelot is impressed at Agravaine's resolve.
"Now get away from here!" he commands the knight through his pain. "Go and tell her our plan is taking effect as we speak."
Lancelot nods and runs away.
Back in the castle, Gwen takes a step towards her king. "Arthur?"
Unable to process all that had just happened, Arthur looks blankly at Gwen. He then briefly looks over at the guards. "Guards," he says loudly, "arrest this woman."
The guards take hold of a struggling Gwen.
"Arthur! Please!" shouts the woman as she struggles to stay closer to him.
Just then, having heard of the raucous, Merlin runs into the room. "What is going on here!" he shouts and runs towards Gwen.
"Merlin, stay out of this!" commands Arthur.
"No! What's going on?" commands Merlin.
"Arthur," shouts Gwen, "please don't do this!" In her struggle, Gwen's bracelet slides off her wrist and falls on the floor. Though not as heavy, it hits the ground with much force.
Merlin rushes over to his master, "What has just happened here?" he asks.
With a heavy heart, the king looks directly at Merlin, but his servant can see that his master's gaze is blank. Arthur subtly shakes his head and leaves the space.
Merlin watches as his king leaves the room with a broken heart. When the king is out of sight, he looks around and finds a shiny object on the floor. He finds its power peculiar and so he walks over and grabs it. He takes a closer look and finds himself reacting intensely. "Magic," he says softly to himself.
Later, Merlin walks down to the cells with a pitcher of water and a goblet. As he gets closer to Gwen's cell, he hears faint cry. He can't help but feel sad for what has happened between Arthur and her, but he isn't quite certain how any of it was possible.
"Gwen?" he says as the cell door is opened by one of the guards.
Gwen turns around quickly with tears falling down her cheeks, "Merlin!"
The guard leaves the two alone.
"I brought you some water," Merlin sets the pitcher and goblet on a log.
"Thank you, Merlin."
Silence as the servant observes Gwen.
Gwen is unable to look directly at her friend, "Don't look at me like that, Merlin. I'm so ashamed."
"What happened, Gwen? Tell me."
Gwen shakes her head and takes a seat on the mattress. "I had just left Arthur's chambers and was on my way home when Lancelot called out to me. We talked for a bit and…"
"And?"
"And all I remember is feeling this surge of guilt at first for his death and then a force…"
"A force?" asks the young man.
"A power that was pulling me towards…" Gwen shakes her head and looks away, "I know it sounds ridiculous, but I honestly didn't know what I was doing."
Merlin listens quietly.
Gwen's tears start falling down her cheeks rapidly. "You know I would never do anything to hurt Arthur. I…" she pauses… "you know how much I care for him"
Merlin nods but feels it appropriate to ask, "What about Lancelot?"
Gwen looks up at her friend, "It was a relief to see him alive, but my feelings for Arthur cannot be matched."
Merlin knows this well and so he nods.
Gwen ponders, "Lancelot…" she wonders if she is even sane to say this. "Lancelot would never approach someone the way he did. The way he approached me seems so…"
"So?" Merlin is curious.
Gwen thinks of an appropriate word, "bold."
"Are you suggesting it is not Lancelot as we knew him?"
Gwen shakes her head, "No, I'm not." She is frustrated. "I don't know what I'm saying."
Though Gwen is unaware, Merlin knows exactly what she's saying and so he nods and slowly pulls out something from his pocket. "You didn't happen to be wearing this when all of this happened, did you?"
Gwen wipes away her tears and looks at the shiny object that Merlin's holding up. "Yes, Arthur had just given me that as a gift."
"Arthur?" says a confused Merlin.
"Yes, a betrothal gift," continues the woman, "I believe his uncle helped with the selection."
"I see," says Merlin as he quickly places the bracelet back in his pocket.
"Why do you ask?"
"You didn't feel anything odd when you put it on?"
Gwen thinks, "Now that you mention it, I did. I felt it so heavy on my wrist when Lancelot was getting closer to me. But I…" she stops and looks up at her friend, "What are you getting at, Merlin?"
Merlin sighs. "I think it's enchanted."
Shocked, Gwen looks down at Merlin's pocket, in which contains the enchanted piece of jewelry.
Later, Merlin rushes into Gaius' quarters to find the old physician tending to Agravaine's wound. Arthur, now in his chainmail, stands to the side.
"Ah, Merlin," says Gaius as he dresses the knight's arm. "Fetch me another bowl of water."
Merlin curiously looks at Agravaine as he tends to the bowl.
"Again, I'm very sorry, sire. I can't imagine how he was able to overpower me and run away," says the conniving man.
"It is alright, Agravaine," says an expressionless Arthur. "You're safe. That is all that matters."
"I promise you, we will find that traitor, sire!"
Arthur nods and quietly exits the physician's quarters.
Merlin places a fresh bowl of water by Gaius' side and gestures at the door. Gaius silently nods, knowing very well that Arthur should not be alone.
Merlin exits the quarters.
He walks into Arthur chambers and finds the king leaning with his right foot on the window sill, staring out into the darkness. He doesn't look behind him, but is well aware that his servant had just entered his room.
Silence as Merlin stands by the table.
"I can't help it…" Arthur starts to speak softly.
Merlin continues to stay silent.
"I can't help how I am feeling right now. I can't…" he looks down and closes his eyes, "I can't tear away this feeling."
The young servant is very sad for his master.
"This feeling of hurt," Arthur slowly raises his voice. He looks out the window again, "As if my heart has been stabbed over and over again with my own sword."
Merlin sighs.
He turns his head and looks at his servant standing several feet away from him. "How could she do this to me?"
Merlin finds the need to defend his friend. "She didn't."
"I know what I saw!" Arthur shouts. "I saw it with my own eyes."
Merlin steps closer in earnest. "I know what you saw, Arthur, but…"
Arthur shakes his head, "I don't understand why."
"Arthur, you have to listen to me."
The king is oblivious to anything his servant is saying and so he releases the windowsill of his weight and walks towards the door. "I won't rest until I know why she did this to me."
"Arthur!" shouts Merlin but he is unable to stop his king from exiting the chambers. Instead he rushes out behind him.
To be continued… (continue on to final chapter)
- -
So, another chapter.
I would like to thank you all once again. Your feedback and support are immensely appreciated. Will you please tell me what you thought of this segment? It's always a pleasure reading your thoughts.
Final segment will be up soon. Definitely before 4.09 airs. Thank you so much for reading!