Gwen smiled fondly when upon waking, she saw Arthur up and about.

"You never wake before the sun or me," she said sleepily. "You used to be so difficult to wake. Merlin -"

Arthur's quiet response took her by surprise. "Don't."

"Don't?"

She heard him sigh, then walk over to her. "Have you noticed that ever since I agreed to return, you've been comparing me to the husband you lost in Camlann?"

Slowly, Gwen sat up in bed, clutching a pillow to her chest as if it might give her protection against the pain that she could feel coming. "You are the husband I lost in Camlann."

Slowly, he sat on the bed next to her but didn't touch her. "But I'm not, Guinevere. I'm not the Arthur you lost. Not completely."

The words said out loud pricked her heart. At a loss for words, she stared at him, at the sadness that shadowed his eyes.

Reaching out, Arthur took her hand, turning it around and drawing invisible lines on her palm with his finger. Then he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it. "I was thinking about my return from the dead. Without my memories, without all my past experiences, I will never be the Arthur you love so deeply. Are we fooling ourselves?"

Gwen moved, leaning into his warmth and strength, and cupped his face, wanting him to feel her love for him, even as his words chilled her heart. "What brought this on? I thought you were happy here? Being with me, being King."

"I love you, Gwen. I think that as long as I exist, you are the only one for me." He smiled slightly, then kissed her hand again, then slid his fingers between hers. "Do you love me? The person I am now? Or are you in love with the man I was before all this?"

"I love you, Arthur," she said quickly, too quickly she realised when she saw doubt flash in his eyes.

"I know you love the Arthur that I can't remember. I see it in the way you talk about him, the way you look at me sometimes."

"It doesn't mean I don't love you. Maybe you don't call me Guinevere as often. Maybe you wake up earlier than he did. Maybe you have a more realistic view of your father." Gwen tilted her face towards him, placing one hand on his chest. "But inside, you're still the same man – the same honourable, kind and stubborn man I fell in love with. Everything else, even though I forget at times, they don't matter that much."

His blue eyes bore into hers, before he closed the distance and kissed her. With a sigh, Gwen sank into the familiar taste of Arthur, trying to kiss away the doubts she thought he'd overcome. He nibbled her lower lip and desire pooled in her stomach. No matter how messy everything was, this always felt right. As if to prove her point, Arthur groaned, pulled her closer and slid one hand under her nightdress.

He broke the kiss, harsh breaths puffing against her cheek. "If this price that we have to pay is too much, then –"

"No. You promised. Just last night." Her heart beat sped up and she sucked in a calming breath.

"Guinevere –"

She shook her head. "Your child needs you. Camelot needs you. I need you. Whatever we have to do, we will do it." Doubt still clouded his eyes, but he nodded. She reached up to kiss him. "Let's get through today, finalise the new agreement and send all these troublemakers back to their kingdoms."

Arthur flashed a grin. "And be crowned champion of the tournament."

"You're too cocky," laughed Gwen as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Which is another thing that will never change, I fear."

"Never. And you like it that way."

Affection made her heart ache and she smiled up at him. She didn't care what the price was, there was no way she was going to give him up again.

Beside her, Merlin cheered as Percival easily disarmed his opponent. The tournament was in full swing and like all tournaments, it was a celebration of tentative friendship and sword skills. From her seat, she could see Lord Edward and Lady Joan next to each other. They sat as far as they could without unbolting the chairs from the floor and stayed silent, but Gwen took it as a good sign that they had managed to not kill each other over the past few hours despite being in such close proximity. King Lester, however, had left Camelot immediately after signing the agreement in a huff. He was going to be a problem, but not for a while. Hector had disappeared in the night, too crafty to stay and accept the consequences for his behaviours. The rest of the old council were strangely subdued that morning during the meeting, bowing their heads when Arthur tore into them for the way they had treated her. A smile ghosted her lips as she remembered the scene – Arthur slamming his hand against the round table as he made his point and Merlin's smirk as the council babbled apologies to her.

"With my advice and tactics, of course Percy was going to beat all his opponents," said Arthur smugly as he slapped Percival on the back, distracting Gwen from her thoughts.

She shook her head, her curls flying, at his words and Arthur shot her a heated look. "You might have just given him the tools to defeat you later."

His laugh slid over her skin like warm honey and she smiled. He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. "And now I have to leave to prove you wrong. Merlin?"

With a grumble, Merlin followed Arthur to the competitor's tent, leaving Gwen with Amber in the royal box. On tip toes, Amber leaned against the fence and peered down at the knights warmed up as the servants got the arena ready for another round.

"Having fun?"

Eyes gleaming with excitement, Amber nodded. "Is Arthur next?"

"Yes," said Gwen.

"And he'll wear the lucky cloth I gave him?"

"Of course. It's called a token."

Then, Amber started to bounce and point, and Gwen knew that Arthur must have entered the competition arena. Like Amber, she leaned forward to watch him. He looked up, waved at Amber then smiled at her.

"Where's my Pendragon flag?" Amber scurried back to her seat and looked around. "I want to wave it."

"Here. Stop throwing it around or you'll really lose it one day."

But Amber was no longer paying attention to Gwen. Instead, she stood at the edge of the box and waved her flag furiously. With a shake of her head, Gwen leaned back into her chair and rested her hand on her stomach.

A horn sounded and Arthur lifted his sword.

"Oof!" Amber flung herself at Gwen, apparently the last part of her victory dance after Arthur defeated his opponent. Catching the ball of energy, Gwen lifted Amber in her arms and twirled her around, even as her back winced in protest.

"He won!" screamed Amber into Gwen's ears.

"He did. Do you want to run down to congratulate him?" Gwen set Amber down. She would go down with Amber, only her back was aching. And she didn't want to squeeze through the large crowd that had gathered around him.

As if he knew that she was thinking of him, Arthur looked up and caught her in his gaze. The nod was slight, as was the smile but it was enough to warm her insides. She mouthed her congratulations, then went back to her chair. Arthur frowned slightly, then turned to Merlin.

Within moments, Merlin was at her side, leaning towards her. "Are you all right?"

"Ah, my back hurts. I must have strained it, lifting Amber."

A blink made the disapproval she spied in Merlin's eyes disappear. "Come, let me escort you back to your chambers. Arthur is going to be busy with all the congratulations. I can already see his head getting bigger."

"You're proud of him," said Gwen, as she took the arm Merlin offered.

Merlin just rolled his eyes.

They stopped before Edward and Joan. Polite words were exchanged, mostly about how death hadn't done any harm to Arthur's prowess with the sword. Gwen accepted their muted congratulations and offered her own well-wishes for their travels home the next day.

"We will have a farewell breakfast in the great hall. It is not often that Camelot has the pleasure of your company."

"Pleasure is one way of putting it," said Lady Joan. "I apologise once again for my actions and I hope that Merlin is able to put it right."

A tight smile was all that Gwen was able to muster up. Part of her understood Lady Joan's desperation, but she couldn't shake the sense of dread that filled her whenever she thought of how Arthur's presence was due to dark magic.

Merlin responded curtly, then ushered Gwen back to her chambers.

"Maybe you should stay here," said Merlin as he drew the curtains. "Arthur and I can go alone."

Gwen's first thought was to insist on going. But, her child moved in her, reminding Gwen that she was now responsible for more than herself. Running a hand across her stomach, Gwen nodded. "I wish I could safely travel but I guess it's better if I were here."

"For the child," said Merlin. "And in case there are more political shenanigans."

Gwen scoffed. "Now that news of Arthur's return must have reached all corners of Albion, I doubt anyone will try anything funny in the near future."

"That and the humiliation of King Lester," said Merlin. "Would you like me to get dinner sent up to you?"

"Yes, but not too much, please."

Arthur tightened his arms around Amber as she nodded off again. He didn't blame her – the dinner the night before ended late and now, the sun had barely risen, and the three of them were riding out. First, to bring Amber back to Helb for a visit with Muriel, then onwards to the Isle of Blessed, hopefully for some answers. Optimistically, this trip would take them away from Gwen and Camelot for about one and a half weeks. He certainly didn't want to stay away too long. Gwen had done enough on her own, without him. He wasn't about to have her go through childbirth without him.

"Are you sure they will give us the answers we want?"

"I hope so," said Merlin. "The Cailleach lied to me when I went to see her, pretended that she knew only a little of your return. In reality, she had allowed Lady Joan to bargain for your return, allowed you to pass back through the veil. She kept Lady Joan in the dark too, I suspect."

"What is the Cailleach playing at?"

"Clearly, Lady Joan wasn't the only one who wanted you back with the living."

"Clearly." But why did the Cailleach want him back? Did she have plans for him? The woods slowly woke up around him, together with Amber who stirred in his arms. Pushing his worries from his mind, Arthur kept up a conversation with Amber.

"My lord!" Muriel dipped into a clumsy curtsey before she turned her attention to Amber, sweeping her up into a hug. "Amber! You look like you've grown!"

Dinner was a joyous affair and Arthur realised that while he hadn't spent much time thinking about Helb back in Camelot, he quite missed the people there. Amber dominated the conversation at the dinner table, regaling everyone with her adventures in the huge castle. It was obvious that mother and daughter missed each other desperately and Arthur made a note to allow Amber more frequent visits home.

"I know the beds here aren't as fancy as the ones you get back in your castle, but must you really rush off tomorrow morning?"

"There's an errand we need to run and I don't want to leave Gwen alone in Camelot for too long." Arthur took a long drink from the tankard in front of him, letting the cool ale slide down his throat, soothing the disquiet that churned in him.

Muriel crossed her arms and leaned into the table. "You're being mighty secretive about this errand."

"Kingly stuff," said Arthur. "Nothing you should have to worry about."

Muriel snorted, then refilled his tankard. "You're king of the most powerful kingdom. Why would I worry about you? Whatever it is you two are up to, I wish you luck. And thank you for taking such good care of Amber."

"She's been great. I like having her around." And he did. Seeing Amber never failed to put a smile on his face – his relationship with her was uncomplicated and she never demanded more than he could give. Would being a father be like this? His mind drifted to the night before, as he had curled around Gwen, his hand on her round stomach, Gwen's heartbeat echoing his breathing.

"She is," said Muriel. "I hope she builds herself a good life in Camelot."

Reaching out, Arthur placed his hand over Muriel's. "We'll take good care of her."

The boat really didn't seem like it could take both his and Merlin's weight but they had little choice. In the distance, Arthur could see the looming towers on the Isle of Blessed and the wyverns that protected them.

"You have magic to deal with the wyvern?"

Merlin pushed off, dipping the oars into the dark, swirling water. "They won't give us any trouble, especially since I'm pretty sure the Cailleach is well aware that we are on the way. It is the unwanted visitors that should watch out."

They rowed in silence, the only sounds the distant screech of the wyverns and the gentle lapping of the waves against the creaky, wooden boat. The knot in Arthur's stomach only grew the closer they got to the Isle.

"What do you think is the price for my return?" They were, perhaps, three or four strokes away from shore when Arthur couldn't bear the tension in his chest.

Merlin looked at Arthur, then back out to the Isle. "I don't know."

Arthur yanked on his oar, annoyed that Merlin wouldn't give voice to the fear that had been plaguing him – that his and Gwen's child would be the price of his return. "We'll find out soon."

The wyverns swooped and circled but as Merlin predicted, they left them alone to walk along gravel and mud towards the large, empty hall that stood between the two towers. Even without magic, Arthur could feel something that was not of this world in the air. Rubble was strewn all over – broken pillars, abandoned armour, ghosts of those who had come and never left - and the temperatures dipped as they approached.

By the time, they stood in front of the pedestal that dominated the room, Arthur had to rub his hands together to warm them up. His breath made patterns in the air and he watched warily as Merlin stepped forward, raised his arms and muttered something in a language he'd never heard before.

The winds picked up, and Arthur tugged his cloak tighter around his shoulders. The wyverns stopped screeching, plunging them all into an unnatural silence, one so taut that Arthur feared moving. He stared at the podium and the air that shimmered above it – blue and red – it finally widened and an old woman stepped through.

"Emrys. And the returned Arthur."

She was old, wrinkled and hunched over, yet, as sure as he knew how he felt about Gwen, Arthur was certain that inside that body, the Cailleach held great power.

"You colluded with Lady Joan. The magic of her kingdom is not enough to return the dead."

Arthur watched Merlin, one hand on his sword, even though he knew that his sword alone was not enough to fend off any magic that the Cailleach might direct towards them. Standing in front of the Cailleach, Merlin looked larger, more confident than he was back in Camelot.

A bony hand reached out. "It was Lady Joan's request."

"You're not in the habit of granting everybody's request, especially not one that messes with the fabric of nature. You wanted to bring Arthur back and Lady Joan was just convenient."

The noise that emitted from the Cailleach was likely a laugh, but it was cold and unnatural, sending shivers down Arthur's spine. He took hold of the hilt of his sword.

"Have you come to pay the price?" She offered no explanation. "If Arthur means to stay, he needs to pay. Or he can return from where he came."

"What is the price?"

"Have you forgotten already? A life for a life. It is the way of magic. Even I cannot change that." From beneath the hood that kept her face hidden, she smiled. "I believe that there is a new life on the way."

"No." Arthur stepped forward. "Leave my child alone."

"Then whose life would you sacrifice to keep your own?"

Merlin caught his eyes and Arthur shook his head. He wanted to stay. He wanted desperately to stay, to be with Gwen. He had promised but to condemn someone else to death.

"Take me," said Merlin, as he stepped forward. "I will –"

"Have you lost your mind?" Arthur lunged towards him. "Gwen will never –"

They fell to the ground. Merlin might be Albion's greatest wizard, but he was also useless at anything physical and Arthur quickly wrestled him down, pinning him down. "Whose life are you going to sacrifice? With peace in Albion, there is no need for me."

"Fool!" For good measure, Arthur smacked Merlin's head. "You have to see your godchild grow up, ensure that people don't use magic for the wrong reasons and lots of other things!"

"You're not dying again. I watched it once. I am not watching it again."

"So, your solution is to make me watch you die?"

Merlin stopped struggling. "Wait. I have an idea."

Pushing Arthur off him, Merlin stood.

"That was very touching," said the Cailleach. "Unfortunately, I still need a life as a price."

"You already took it," said Merlin. His hair was a mess and his sleeve, torn. But he stood in front of the Cailleach, confidence radiating from him. "You took Arthur's previous life – his memories. A life for a life. Arthur's old life for his new one."

"No." For the first time, the Cailleach looked taken aback, as if she was no longer in full control.

"Even you cannot go against the laws of magic," said Merlin. He must have noticed the hesitation because he took another step forward and looked up to the sky. "We give up Arthur's memories forever. Now, leave us alone."

Even the Cailleach's sigh sent goosebumps skittling across his skin. Arthur couldn't see her eyes but he could feel them boring into him, hard and cold. "They agree. It is done."

Gwen stared at herself in the mirror. For months, she barely showed and suddenly in a matter of weeks, her stomach seemed to have doubled in size.

"Guinevere?" Percy popped his head around the door. "They are arriving."

"Is Arthur with them?"

Percy smiled and offered her an arm. "At the head. Shall we?"

Slipping her arm around Percy's, Gwen nodded. "Let's go."

On the steps to the castle, Gwen stood, watching as the horses galloped in. Arthur and Amber on one, Merlin on another. Arthur was laughing with Amber and whatever tension that had wrapped itself around her the whole week eased.

Arthur dismounted easily, lifting Amber off the horse, then setting her on the ground. The moment her feet touched the ground, Amber rushed to Gwen, stopping just in front of her.

"You're bigger!"

Bending as much as she could, Gwen touched Amber's cheek gently. "I am."

"Will it burst?"

Gwen took Amber's hand. "No, I hope not!"

"What are you hoping won't happen?" Arthur was suddenly next to her, the horses left to the stable hands. His lips brushed her cheek. "I missed you."

"Is everything alright?"

"I think so." Arthur leaned his forehead against hers as he moved his hands to hold her hips. "I think so."

"It's over? You're back for good?"

His hands moved to cup her cheeks. "It's all good."

She closed the slight distance, ignoring Amber's grumbles, and kissed Arthur. Against her lips, she felt Arthur smile before he deepened the kiss, pulling her as close to him as her stomach allowed.