In this chapter: Following the planning of the mission, Vivian goes bridal shopping and Arthur goes groom shopping. Percival, Gwaine, Mithian, Catrina, Merlin and Morgana are playing spies, and Merlin is in preparation for the decoy bride. Arthur reveals some heartwarming news.

Allowing everyone to leave the coffee shop that afternoon, Arthur wrote the details out for Trisha and dropped the note by the counter for her to read later.

8th December

Percival was the first to wake up that morning. As both of his parents were away - his mother somewhere unknown and his dad was working a shift, he began collecting the materials together to begin the preparation. The camera was in the form of a plant pot. The camera was buried within the dirt and had a little peep hole to focus. The camera was angled towards the front door. The second one was angled towards the car. For the time being, with her father away and just Vivian and her mother, there was only one car. Funny enough they didn't have electronic gates or someone driving them around in a Bentley. Percival arrived at the house just before 6am, gently placing the plant pots near the hedge next to some other plants. The plant pot named "A" was focusing on the door. "B" was on the car, parked on the driveway opposite the pot.

Having the pots set in place, Percival gave Morgana a ring.

"Hello."

"Check the monitors Morgana."

"Percival, it's 6am. Go back to bed!"

"Morgana. I need to know if the camera's work. It's not easy being master of tech in the spy department. Turn them on and let me know what you can see."

"Fine." Morgana huffed and slipped out of the bed. In the front room contained the monitors on her desk, her laptop temporarily finding shelter in her bedroom. Morgana switched them on. "Oi wiz-tech! It's password protected. Give us the code."

"All right, not so bossy. It's Echo0792Sierra335."

"One word?"

"Of course it's one word!" Morgana typed the password in as Percival got into the car, waiting for the confirmation.

"We're in. Two of the three monitors are up and running. Is that good?"

"It should be. Now what can you see?"

"Well, one is focused on the car and the other is on the door."

"Good. The other monitor is for your trackers. We'll deal with the rest later. Right, leave them on."

"Won't the battery die?"

"No. The battery lasts for 48 hours." Morgana sighed as she padded her way back to her bedroom. "You're doing well. Now back to bed. I'll be over before 9."

Percival and Gwaine arrived before nine at Morgana's, Gwaine setting up extra equipment at Morgana's desk. Catrina dropped Merlin off at Morgana's for nine before Catrina continued on for Vivian's.

Morgana eyed the added objects on the desk. "What's that?"

"Speakers. We've got some more ideas."

"Oh bloody hell. Just don't run up my electric bill guys!" Gwaine continued preparation as Morgana went for a shower. Merlin was slouching on the couch as Gwaine and Percival applied gloves and went to add the first tracker to Morgana's car. The tracker was in the form of a car air-freshener. The top half contained a chip for the tracker and a voice recorder to record extra information. The bottom half contained the escence of some fragrance. They locked the car and came back up. By the time they had come back, Mithian had arrived and Morgana was showered and dressed. Gwaine went for the bag that contained Morgana's wig. The wig was dark brown, long and had curls to it. The wig also contained volume to hide any ebony hairs.

"Okay. This could work."

"Merlin? What does Morgana usually wear in clothing?"

"Black. Everything is black, or dark purple, or sometimes red and green's. Goth colours."

"Brilliant. I've got the perfect items for you. You're not going to love this."

"If it's for the sake of my brother and my friend then I'll do it."

"Good, because you're not backing out now." Gwaine got the other bag and took the first item out. The first item was a cream floral top that came just came to her waist. Next came a pair of blue skinny jeans with some boots. A jacket would cover the top with a long, black winter coat to finish off, coming with hat, scarf and gloves.

"Don't damage anything. These are my girlfriend's, minus the wig. I snuck that out of the drama department."

"Lovely."

"Off you go and change."

When Morgana returned, Percival gave her a hair clip as Gwaine set the wig into place, hiding her natural hair. Through having problems, Merlin and Mithian came to help. "What's this?"

"This is your voice recorder. Don't put it in until you've got there. Once you clip it in place, we'll be on." The wig was in place and the hat went on. "Now get in the car with Mithian. We're just waiting for Catrina to notify us that she's there. "By the way, my undercover name is Mitchell, Gwaine's is Oscar and you are going to be Lydia Rotchford. Mithian is your best friend Emily Harvey. You're looking for prom dresses because you want to impress Liam who is your crush at college. Mithian is helping you out. Got it."

"We're good."

Then Morgana's phone rang, Morgana grabbing it off the kitchen counter. "Hello? Yeah okay, I'll let them know." She ended the call. "All right boys, get to work."

Over at Vivian's, the three were sitting down to coffee whilst Vivian was running though a catalogue of different rings from a jeweller. Catrina's phone went off, receiving a text that the boys had arrived. She went for a sip of her coffee and then began her task. She turned to Una, who was rambling on about politics and of course the wedding.

"It's a shame that Ygraine couldn't see her son getting married, don't you think Catrina?"

"It is indeed a shame. Can I just use your loo?"

"Of course. You needn't ask. It's just through the kitchen door at the back."

"Thank you." Catrina grabbed her hand bag and went towards the kitchen. Inside the crystal glass bowl on the marble counter was the car key, exactly where Arthur had mentioned the keys would be. Applying a latex glove, cautiously she eased them out of the bowl and into the small side pocket of her handbag and then went to the loo. Once out, she made her way back towards the sitting room.

"I'm just popping out for a cigarette. I'm assuming you wouldn't want the smell of smoke in here?"

Vivian was still admiring the catalogue, her head completely in the clouds as Una projected. "Oh no, better not do that, Rupert would go on a frenzy if he could smell smoke. Anyway, I thought you gave up smoking?"

"Can't help having the odd one or two now and again. Don't tell the other half though."

"It's safe with me. I'll just finish up and then we'll go." Having the hangbag still on her shoulder, she skimmed the room to check that the windows were locked. Having the confirmation that no noise could be heard, she slipped out of the door. Percival noticed Catrina slip out of the house, and the two got out of the car, bringing the tracker with them.

"How long have we got to install it?"

"Well Una is just finishing up and then they're on their way out, so I say five minutes at most." Catrina grabbed the keys from her handbag and passed them over to Percival. Both already had their gloves on as they opened the car door. Percival slid in, keeping low to avoid being caught. Gwaine was crouching, taking note from Merlin through his ear-piece, where Merlin was at Morgana's checking the cameras.

"No one in sight in the front room. Hold on, woman is searching for something. I think she's noted the keys are missing. Hurry up you sods!"

"Done it! Tracker is officially on."

"Merlin, can you see the new tracker?"

"4 Duddeston Drive, Camelot?"

"We're on. Now, better get back." Percival locked the car and handed the keys to Catrina. Gwaine and Percival walked from the driveway back to the car and went towards Arthur's. Catrina slipped back inside the house. Because Una was in the kitchen and Vivian was upstairs, it'd be pretty impossible to place them into the crystal bowl without Una noticing. Knowing that the long cream winter coat belonged to Una, she slipped them inside her coat pocket. She then discarded the gloves and chucked them into her bag and followed suit into the kitchen.

"What's wrong Una? Lost something?"

Una was looking in the cutlery drawer and even the fridge for the keys. "Lost the car keys. I'm sure I put them in the bowl last night."

"Now why would they be in the fridge? Where have you looked?"

"At the moment, the kitchen and the front room."

Catrina leant against the counter, choosing her words wisely. "Have you tried your coat pocket?"

"I never leave them in there."

"Maybe it was that cold and with so much going on right now with Vivian's wedding and all that, you forgot yourself and left them in the coat?"

"It seems unlikely but I'll check anyway." Una closed the cupboard door and went to her coat, fumbling in each pocket. Her hand clasped the keys and she drew them out, showing them to Catrina, who urged to look impressed. "Well, what do you know? Come on Vivian, I've found them." With Merlin watching the cameras, the three left the house and went to the car.

"All right, they're in the car. Una is mumbling about the air freshener, not remembering it. Catrina is making some excuse up about that maybe Rupert put the thing in there. She's buying it and starting the car. They're heading for Mary Road car park where they're entering for the Elegance shop. Percival, you know what to do."

"All right Morgana, are you with me?"

"Morgana and Mithian here."

"Good. Drive to Mary Road car park. Once you're there walk to the Elegance shop. Remember your intentions."

"Got it. And once there put the hair clip in?"

"Well done. You're learning."

Gwaine went up to Arthur's as Percival came back to Morgana's. With Merlin allowing him in, Percival took control of the cameras whilst Merlin went to make coffee for the pair of them. A few minutes later he returned back with two mugs. They sipped on their coffee as they waited for the two groups to arrive at the shop. Vivian and company arrived first. The shopkeeper instantly recognised Vivian and Una and went to them.

"The Lady Vivian Essington, and the Lady Una Essington. How can I help?"

Una would explain to the shopkeeper the situation. "Haven't you heard? Our young lady Vivian here is getting married to Mr. Arthur Pendragon."

"Oh the son of the man who's business went to pieces." Una scowled but continued. "Yes."

"Well, we have a brilliant selection of dresses here. We need the lady to look her best."

"We'll just browse for now."

"Very well." Then Morgana entered the shop with Mithian and pondered towards the back of the store, where the prom dresses were. Morgana took off her hat and set the clip in place, meaning that Percival and Merlin could hear what was going on. The shopkeeper approached the two.

"How can I help?"

"We're just searching for some prom dresses." Mithian continued on from Morgana left off. "You see our Lydia here and I have a prom coming up at the school and she wants to impress her crush. Have you got anything that could help?"

"Well, we're a little short on prom dresses, but maybe a wedding dress could be an alternative?"

"I'm open to suggestions."

"Brilliant. Follow me then." As the shopkeeper suggested designs to the pair, Morgana accidentally bumped into Vivian. Percival was concerned now, since all had been going so well. "Play cool. Act in character and pretend you worship the ground she walks on."

Morgana began the conversation, taking orders from Percival. "Oh, I'm so sorry."

"No, it's my fault. By the way, I love your hair. Where did you get it?"

"Well, I got it done the other day. I wasn't here at the time. Fantastic guy done it."

"Isn't it a bit odd to have men as hairdressers? Barbers yes but a hairdresser?"

At this point, Morgana was literally lying through her teeth. "He does both for men and women, but he has such a way with things, I don't know he does it."

"Well, it's pretty anyway. So, are you getting married?"

"No. I'm looking for a prom dress actually with my friend here. I'm trying to find one that does my figure good and that will impress my crush. I'm guessing you're here looking for a wedding dress on your marriage to Arthur?"

"Yes. How did you know?"

"Heard about it from a friend. She knows Arthur from college, well, when he was at college."

"It was his own stupid fault that he got out of there, if he hadn't..." Vivian then stopped.

"Go on."

"Oh, look this at one. Isn't it beautiful?"

"It is, I'd say you should try it on, and comes with a veil, if you're looking for one."

"Oh definitely! A veil completes it. Yes it is pretty and affordable. My father thinks I should splash out I want to keep things simple and affordable, and they say us women don't know how to rule our lives."

"Tell me about it? Say, you wouldn't mind if I chose the same dress as well? I know the dress looks far better on you than it does me but to be fair I'm on a tight budget and so can't go overboard."

"Of course not, and I'm sure it'd look perfect on you. Dresses don't impress men, it's what counts of yourself that impresses men." Morgana was on the verge of laughing, Mithian the same, but they remained calm. Morgana and Vivian went to try the dresses on as Una, Mithian and Catrina waited outside, the shopkeepers helping them to get into it. Morgana analysed the dress and knew that it would be too small to fit Merlin and would need the next size up. "This is a little tight in the back."

"It's meant to be tight."

"Well yeah, but I can barely get my arse in it and my baps are going to spill out. I want the dress to naturally fit."

"I see. Can someone get... What's your name?"

"Lydia."

"Can someone get Lydia the next size up please." Hearing her que, Catrina picked up a women's size fourteen and handed it over. Morgana eased herself into the bigger dress. "Ah, much better."

Vivian found a perfect size with a 12 and both ordered the dresses to hire, Morgana going a little eye-wide at the price of hiring it. Vivian bought hers.

"You're not buying yours?"

"It's only a prom, and I can't afford to buy it."

"Oh. Well, good luck." Vivian shook hands with Morgana as they left the shop, Morgana going her own way. Merlin and Percival high-fived in success.

Now that Merlin almost had the dress in hand and the veil, all was needed was the shoes. Morgana and Mithian returned to the flat where Percival continued to listen in on the conversation in Una's car. Next they were off to buy some shoes for Vivian. The dress was expensive enough so the shoes were to be affordable - and were off to the likes of Marks & Spencer, BHS or Debenhams, as they had a fantastic wedding collection.

Morgana carried up the dress and wondered at first whether Merlin could actually fit in it. Gwen hadn't long arrived, bringing her tape measure with her as well as a notepad to write Merlin's sizes down. "Merlin, Gwen. Bedroom now." Both followed her into the bedroom. Right, Merlin get your kit off. Merlin made quick work of his t-shirt, trainers and jeans. Gwen unzipped the bag and got the dress out, undoing the buttons first followed by the zip. With it down, Merlin stepped into the dress and the zip went fully up. Merlin turned around for the women to judge. The dress fitted him perfectly, minus for the front.

"What do you suggest we do?"

"Could you make a replica of this dress Gwen?"

"I could. I've got the material at home and the design is simple. One straight simple dress so within a few days it should be ready."

"But what we shove at the front ladies? I'm sorry but I can't magically grow a pair of baps! Basically what am I shoving down the front and don't say potatoes."

Morgana thought of something that made her giggle, and was doubling over in laughter. "Balloons!" Gwen giggled, Merlin snorted with laughter, trying not to damage the dress.

"They'll soon deflate and then my bazooms will look uneven. And what if they burst?"

"Well, we'll do once thing to give you some knockers. "We'll measure your chest and see what size you'll need that's comfortable. Vivian is at least a B, if not C, and I'm not going through her underwear drawer to find out."

"Wouldn't Arthur know? He's probably by force had to see her naked?" Merlin's eyes squinted, trying to get the train of thoughts out of his head.

"I'm not asking Arthur unless we have to. What I'm saying buy a strapless bra that makes your breasts look bigger and buy some silicone gel implants. They sell them for cheap up the high-street and chuck them inside the bra. Then it will look more realistic."

"Could we still use the same dress?"

"Considering that I can't make the majority of the dress then yes." The dress was a brilliant white-colour, the detail an off-white to stand out. From the waist up was a corset which the pattern was detailed in gold thread, something that would show off one's figure. The remainder of the dress contained many layers, which trailed down to the ground. Even in Merlin's height, he would have to wear heeled shoes to lift the dress up off the floor. The bottom of the dress was detailed with leaves and other patterns. This was an extremely expensive dress. The veil that came with it trailed down the entire length of Merlin. A pair of white gloves also came with it, where they reached Merlin's elbows.

"You look a very pretty lady, even without the dress. Gwen, do you have some white heeled shoes?"

"Not fit for a wedding no."

"Great. Merlin, get the dress off, we're going bride shopping."

"It just gets better and better doesn't it?"

10th September

Following a very busy weekend with the girls shopping for Merlin's shoes and jewellery, and the lads providing a suit for Arthur and Leon, everyone came over to Arthur's the Monday after to discuss further details. Trying to find space for everyone, Merlin sat on the piano stool, Merlin having to squish up so that Arthur could sit next to him. Morgana, Catrina and Gwen were on the sofa and Gwaine was in the green armchair. Arthur brought in the chairs from the dining room so that Freya, Mithian, Percival and Leon could have a seat.

"Okay, first thing is first. We've got the suits sorted for me and Leon, which you'll all see - minus you Catrina of course - on Saturday. I've got the cake sorted as well as the rings. Freya, have you got your made of honour outfit ready?"

"Yes. I've gave her the news of what Isabella will be wearing at the ceremony, having the priveledge to see it on Saturday. I took a photo of the outfit and sent it to Morgana with the details of where to get it. Thankfully it weren't that expensive, as Isabella doesn't come from a very rich family."

"Good. Percival, did the mission to go plan?"

"Yes, just about. We installed the cameras easily as well as the trackers, but when Vivian noticed on the way home of shopping that the air freshener was empty, she took the device out and placed it on the counter in their kitchen. Thankfully, Catrina noticed what she'd done, turned off the device and brought it to me. I removed the cameras in the early hours of Sunday morning."

"Good. Thank god for that." Arthur placed an arm around Merlin's shoulders as Merlin leaned on Arthur. "Next, Gwen and Morgana, how is my bride coming along?"

"The dress fits Merlin perfectly so Gwen doesn't in fact need to make a replica, but if he wants to look like Vivian, he's going to need some breasts, so we've got that one figured out. We went shopping for the remainder of items on Saturday and tried my idea, which actually works. Merlin complains about it a little. I'm not letting you know until you see on Saturday. I can tell you he's going to look wonderful."

"And how about with the shop? Did that all go to plan?"

"Yes. The wig was itchy though."

"Good."

"And how about the details of the car hiring?"

"Through Vivian babbling on, they're hiring CamelotWeddingGroup's Cars."

"Right. Have you heard of them Gwaine?"

"They're our rivals."

"Lovely. Well, I think we're up to date on everything. I'll change the details on the car and make sure the timing is correct so that Gwaine can arrive a little earlier. Gwaine also needs to bring Merlin's wig. Ah, does anyone know about Vivian's hairdo on the day?"

"Yes. She's having it open and curled up. That's what she told me in the shop."

"I should be able to get one. I'll just sneak back to the drama department tomorrow morning."

"Good man. The wedding reception has been booked up so we're sorted on that. Lancelot is doing the camera so that is sorted. Everyone just needs to get an outfit now for the ceremony and I think all is done. Oh one other thing that might help, especially with you Gwaine."

"What's that?"

"I've changed the location of the wedding."

"Why?"

"Because we can't afford to have it in the cathedral."

"So where."

"Our church. I've spoken to the vicar - who I've known for years and he's agreed to change the idea of the wedding."

"Well, what was the point in the decoy?"

"Simple, my father was the one who advised me to make the change He said we couldn't afford it, so everyone will be going there. Gwaine, you need to drive her to the cathedral."

"Okay."

"I'm going to make her parents believe that Vivian is getting married at the cathedral. Anyway, dad won't see any of them now until Saturday, so I'm not saying anything. He can't ring them either because Rupert won't be back until Friday night and our phone line is down. Why do you think I called you all off my mobile?
Also what it means is that on the document, it won't be Vivian Essington. The vows won't be either. Dad is going to be so shocked."

Merlin got the idea and turned to Arthur. "I'm going to actually be married then? In writing."

"Yeah." Merlin grinned and snogged Arthur, not caring that everyone was there to see him.

Following everyone departing and that Arthur had some time left before his dad arrived at home, Arthur walked Merlin back home. Merlin was over the moon that he was to actually marry Arthur coming on Saturday, meaning they had to buy flowers and everything else on top, as well as work out bridesmaid's within a matter of five days. Arthur had already sent out the invitations to everyone to help Hunith and Merlin, and Morgana, Elena and Gwen were to be the bridesmaids, Will the Pageboy.

Merlin turned the key in the door as he rushed in, leaving Arthur to close it. Hunith was in the kitchen preparing a late dinner for them when rushed up and hugged her. "Mum. I'm getting married!"

"Yes we know dear."

"You don't understand mum. On Saturday, me and Arthur are going to marry."

Hunith was bemused and looked at Arthur for verification. "Is this true Arthur?"

"Yes. Merlin and I will be married in writing on Saturday, even if he is wearing a bridal gown. I've changed the location to our church where we went to scouts." Hunith went to sit at the table, Arthur and Merlin joining them.

"Has the vicar agreed?"

"Yes. Also, my dad doesn't know about this, but her parents won't know about the location change. So you'll be walking Merlin down the aisle on Saturday. Uther will look suspicious about it and when the vows are announced he'll blow his nut. He won't know anything until the vows are spoken, but because he didn't object in the first place, he can't say anything, and so we'll be married. Then of course is the after party."

"I don't have the money for an outfit."

'No, but I do."

"Oh Arthur, you can't do that."

"Why can't a man treat his mother-in-law?"

"Mother-in-law. I'm going to have to get used to hearing that. Oh Arthur, you are brilliant."

"We'll go Wednesday and get you something mum."

"My boys. Oh my brilliant boys. Now, Arthur, you must be parched. Have dinner with us."

"I musn't."

"Oh but you must." Arthur gave-in and had dinner with the Emrys'. Following dinner and Arthur and Merlin washing and drying to save Hunith the job. they all knew that Uther would be due back soon enough. The snow had now cleared so Arthur grabbed his coat, Merlin following Arthur until stood in the doorway, Hunith now on the sofa.

"I'm going to love every minute of Saturday," Arthur announced.

Merlin met Arthur's ear, nose brushing the shell. "Yeah, well I'm going to love every minute of the rest of our lives together."

Arthur's eyes met Merlin's. "Until Saturday."

"Until Saturday, my love." They shared a departing kiss as Arthur tried to make his way down the lane, only to slip on his bum half way-down, Merlin snorting with laughter as Arthur blew him a kiss and continued back to Camelot.