Chapter 4
The knights gathered around the dining table with Arthur and Guinevere sat at the end. Merlin and some other servants stood around, ready to refill any empty goblets. Gwaine and Leon drank their wine quickly, laughing together about whatever nonsensical things they were discussing.
Guinevere's thumb traced Arthur's hand as she smiled at him. Whatever announcement she was preparing to make tonight must have been big. She seemed more excited than usual, like she was urging the time to pass.
Arthur seemed distant and distracted. He was the only person at the table who was not conversing with anyone. Though he tried to hide it, his eyes kept wandering back to Merlin. Oh, beautiful, innocent, loyal Merlin. He was talking to one of the serving girls, who seemed to trying to flirt with him. Merlin looked disinterested, but Arthur felt a twinge of jealousy regardless. How dare she look at Merlin like that? Who does she think she is? She is a serving girl and Arthur is the king! Merlin was Arthur's and- no. Gwen was Arthur's, not Merlin.
He looked over at his wife, her brown eyes glowing with anticipation. He swallowed. Right. Guinevere. Not Merlin.
Gwen smiled at him and turned back to face Percival, who she had been engaged in a conversation with, her hand still lovingly placed in Arthur's. Arthur looked back at Merlin. The serving girl had wandered off and he was left tending to Gwaine and Leon's goblets. Merlin looked up to meet his gaze, holding it for far longer than what was likely appropriate. He smiled. Merlin's jaw line was sharp enough to kill, and his beautiful face was illuminated by the light of the candles.
Guinevere squeezed Arthur's hand, making it known to him that she had witnessed the exchange. Arthur pulled his eyes away from Merlin to face Gwen again. He cleared his throat.
"When were you planning on making this big announcement?" he asked her. Suddenly, Arthur felt inconvenienced at having to be here. It was sort of annoying how Gwen was waiting to tell Arthur what was on her mind, as though he was just one of the knights and not her husband. Guinevere looked at all of the Noblemen feasting on their chicken and drinking their wine.
"Now seems as good a time as any." She stood up from her chair. "If I may have everyone's attention," she called, straightening her gown. All of the noblemen silenced and looked at the queen. "As you know, it has been a full year since Arthur and I wed. Already, we have faced many enemies and threats to the kingdom. Our main defences are strong, and our kingdom is stronger," she started. Arthur looked up at her, waiting. "But we all know that Arthur and I will not live forever, and it is our duty to ensure that there is someone to continue leading our amazing kingdom after our passing." She paused and looked at Arthur, motioning for him to stand with her. He did, and she grabbed his hand. "So it brings me great pleasure to announce that an heir has been made. Arthur and I are to have a child."
Arthur's eyes widened. "You're pregnant?" He whispered audibly, shocked. She nodded.
"Aren't you glad?"
"I am! Of course I am." He smiled. "I was just surprised." Arthur kissed Gwen's hand and the room erupted into applause. Merlin stood in the corner, clapping along with them. He was happy for Gwen and Arthur, he just knew that this meant that it was over for him. It was pushing it already to occasionally steal kisses with Arthur while he was married to Gwen, but with the queen pregnant, Merlin knew that whatever he had with Arthur had to end now. He pushed his personal emotions aside and cheered with the rest of the court.
"Long live the King! Long live the Queen!"