Arthur watched how Merlin helped Gwaine; how they laughed.
All the morning, Arthur had felt it: something had changed between those two. They had been friends for a long time, and Gwaine was always ready to do anything for Merlin, but Merlin was equally always reserved around Gwaine. Although, Merlin was always bit reserved with everyone, expect…
"I haven't seen him laughing so freely since Lancelot's death," Guinevere said, coming up beside him.
Right, Lancelot.
Gwaine had finally gained the same bond with Merlin that Lancelot had. Arthur realised, and felt a sudden pang of jealousy. He had known Merlin longer than either of those men. Could he ever know Merlin in the same way that Lancelot and Gwaine knew him? To them, Merlin was only a friend, not a servant, not an advisor. Arthur knew that he was stupid to think anything like that; but like Guinevere, Merlin was important to him. He wanted to know Merlin like Gwaine did, and he wanted Merlin to be a part of his little family. Or what was left of it.
Arthur noticed Hunith, who was wearing some other dress Guinevere had given her. Hunith walked over to Merlin, who kissed his mother's cheek and started to speak joyfully about something. Slowly they started to walk toward the royal table. Hunith sat down near the end of the table, while Merlin came to Arthur's side.
"Everything is ready, Arthur," Merlin smiled.
Arthur nodded. Merlin signalled to the musicians, who sounded the fanfare. Arthur moved forward and looked at the audience, and among them the competitors in the tournament. Among them was Andrew.
"My people, my guests. All of the competitors. Camelot has always been known for its tournaments. We've organised them for many reasons. The prize has been money and honour. This time, as you know, the prize could be something more. All the tournament's participants have the opportunity to earn a knighthood. The reason is very simple: we have lost many good men in the war that has reached even this city's streets."
Arthur paused. He glanced Guinevere, who smiled, and turned back to face his audience.
"Moreover, times are changing. My intent is to ensure that in this realm we can live in peace; that our friends, our families, can face the future without fear."
Arthur paused again and steeled himself. This was going to be one hell of an announcement.
"We have faced a lot in the past few years. For the past three years, many of those problems have been caused by my sister, the Lady Morgana. We… I have been blind to many things. After last time, I realised how close I was to losing everything dear to me. Camelot and it's peoples are my heart and my soul; I live for this kingdom and it's people. I have realised that… "
Arthur hesitated, but he could feel Guinevere's eyes on him. They had spoken about this a lot. He knew that he just had to choose to do this, or else the entire realm could be in danger. But it was still a hard thing to do, and he didn't like it.
"… that I need near me; someone who can help. Someone who can help us to face one of the most perilous of dangers. So I let you know now, that in the final day of this tournament, there is going to be ab different kind of battle. Spread the word: that a position which has been banned over twenty years is again free among the council. The place of Court Sorcerer."