Chapter 8 :
She saw Arthur eyes opened wide and an only a tear escaped them. Gwen would have wanted to squeeze him in her arms, take away his pain, but she knew it wasn't possible... She didn't, however try to hold the tears from her eyes and looked as Arthur shook his head and suddenly it seem his face completely change, there was no emotion there.
"Arthur?" she breathed.
"I ... I have to go. We are expecting... guests." His eyes were empty. He was standing in front of her but was not really there.
"Arthur I..."
"I'll see you later Guinevere."
He didn't look at her and seemed lost, confused. Seeing that too, Merlin walked toward the Prince frowning. He threw a puzzled look towards Gwen but when she opened the mouth no words came.
"We have to go Merlin." Arthur resumed in that same blank voice, looking around him as if he was lost and didn't know where to go. "I ... I can't be late."
"Arthur, the castle is this way."
"Oh. Yes of course."
And in a strange walk, Arthur headed toward the Castle. Merlin turned one last time toward Gwen.
"He needs you now." whispered the young woman before run away.
Merlin felt torn between two of the people he loved the most. From one side, Gwen seemed at the edge of tears and from the other, Arthur seemed ... strange. The strange behavior of his best friend won the race of his worries and he ran after him.
'I'm going to get married, Arthur.' Arthur was headed toward his castle. All was shoving in his head and he seemed not to know anything 'I'm getting married Arthur' He didn't know where he was anymore, nor what he was doing nor anything. 'I'm getting married Arthur.' He went behind the screen to prepare himself for tonight, he had to be there, he couldn't keep on disappoint everyone. 'I'm getting married Arthur.' He heard Merlin's worried voice but didn't care. 'I'm getting married Arthur.' This way, he could see Guinevere and tell her he wanted her back. 'I'm getting married Arthur. I'm getting married Arthur. I'm getting married Arthur. I'm getting married Arthur. It kept repeating in his head like a mantra. Suddenly, reality crashed over him and the overwhelming feeling of total lost and devastation set, she was going to marry, someone else. She didn't love him anymore, all was over. He should have fought for her. The pain he then felt at his chest was such that he had to grip his heart with one hand while the other was clutching at the wall. He clenched his jaw but the pain didn't stop, it was as if his heart was squeezing so hard in order to prevent him from breathing. Feeling that something was wrong, Arthur crept into his room, still bent; hand on his heart, eyes half closed.
"Arthur?"
"Go..." hissed the Prince through the pain, "Go and fetch Gaius..."
Merlin stared at him, trying to decide if yes or no, it was reasonable to leave him in that state, before Arthur felt sudden tiredness come over him and his eyes closed, he fell and the last thing he remembered was some words said in a foreign language.
When Arthur regained consciousness again, he didn't want to wake up at first, not now anyway. The throbbing pain had ceased, but he was still hurt more than words could say. He didn't want to live in a world in which Guinevere didn't want him anymore. If only they let him close his eyes and pretend that the woman he loved above anything wasn't going to marry another man... He sighed and stopped himself. Arthur was a warrior; he couldn't just let himself die. He opened his eyes and saw nothing but blur for a few moments. He tried to raise his hand in order to rub his eyes but something was preventing him from doing it. Morgana was here, asleep, her hand in his. He smiled and with his forefinger pressed her cheek, as he did when they were children in order to annoy her. She frowned, muttering…
"Leave me alone Arthur..."
Then, something seemed to wake her, as she opened her eyes suddenly and Arthur gave her an impish smile.
"Arthur!" she screamed before jump at his neck.
He laughed and squeezed her before she pulled away from him and hit his head.
"Ouuu! What was that for?!"
"For having given me the worst scare of all my life!" she answered and he saw tears in her eyes.
"Morgana..." he whispered, squeezing her hand harder. "I'm fine."
"You better. Otherwise, I'll kill you."
He laughed again and she let a small smile escaped her lips too. At this moment, Gaius and Merlin came in the room.
"Arthur!" exclaimed Merlin, "You're alive!"
"It seems so."
"And I was hoping to finally have some peace..." sighed Merlin in a dramatic way but Arthur saw a playful glint in his eyes, he smiled in return toward his best friend and turned toward Gaius.
"What happened to me?"
The old physician walked closer, frowning. Arthur tried to get up but discovered his body was making him hurt badly...
"Ouuu..." he couldn't help himself but whimper at the pain.
Morgana get up right away and rearranged the cushions.
"Do not move Sire." resumed the physician, "You need to rest."
"But... What about the guests? And my knights? And..."
"Calm down Arthur." Morgan cut him off with this voice that sisters sometimes use for disobedient younger brothers or sisters. "Mithian and his father could not come after all, the Queen is very ill and they have to stay by her side."
"Oh no..." breathed Arthur, genuinely sorry. He knew well too much just how much a drama like this one could break a family, even a kingdom...
"I know. Their messenger just left."
"Father?"
"He locked himself in his chamber, giving the order not to be disturbed." Morgana then resumed, gently. "He did check you were alright first." She pushed his hair away from his forehead and he try to remove her hand, which made her laugh. This man in front of her was surely not the little boy she used to hold, but he was her little brother nonetheless, and he would always be. "And for your knights, they can survive without you for a little while, you need some rest."
Arthur sighed; he wasn't a man of rest. Stay still in his bed all day was not some of the things he liked to do.
"Tell me Gaius." he sighed, turning toward the old man again.
Gwen was at the door, tears rolling freely down her face. She had come the moment someone told her, and she had stayed here for hours now, waiting for him to awake. Merlin and Gaius had tried to make her come in, but she had declined their offer. She couldn't. All that she wanted was to know Arthur was fine, in a good health, and that she won't lose him. Because it was one thing to know that they couldn't be together because he was the Crown Prince and she was a merely servant, but it was another thing to know they couldn't be together because he had disappeared from the Earth forever... She couldn't bear that.
"Tell me Gaius." he sighed and she gets closer trying to hear.
"Sire," started the old man, "I'm not sure, but my best guess is that your heart stopped for a little while."
Gwen froze. This wasn't possible. How could his heart stopped so suddenly. Why would his heart stopped and then start again. Everyone knew that once you died your heart stops beating. Did that mean he had die and come back. No that is impossible. As an echo to her thoughts, Morgana's clear voice could be heard.
"How could his heart stop, only dead people's hearts stop."
"In theory, yes. But let's not forget the prince is a warrior and he may have physical damage inside his body that I'm not able to treat… I also have seen people experience such intense physical or emotional shock that their bodies cannot seem to handle it and they shut down temporarily.
A deep silence settled on the room and Gwen felt her legs giving up on her and soon found herself on the ground.
"You have had luck Arthur," resumed the physician. "You warned Merlin soon enough and he was able to heal you."
She heard her Prince thanked Merlin warmly and she also heard footsteps that were coming in her direction, but she could not move and Gaius almost collapsed on her.
"Gwen!" he exclaimed, "Child, what are you doing on the ground?"
"I... I did... I did that ..." she sobbed, "I... almost killed A... Arthur!"
The old man frowned and helped her get up. Gwen needed rest and talk.
Arthur stared at the ceiling, 'an intense emotional shock'. Huh, was the losing the love of his life responsible in this case?
"Arthur?" breathed Morgana and when he looked at her, Gaius has left eaving only Merlin and her in his chamber.
"You can go to rest Morgana. I'll be fine."
She nodded slowly and kissed the top of her head, before go away.
"I'll come see how you are feeling in the morning" she concluded leaving Arthur and Merlin alone.
"Gwen was here you know."
"Shut up Merlin." cut the Prince in a sudden blank voice.
"She stayed here for hours."
"I said, shut up Merlin!" screamed Arthur and this time, Merlin jumped.
"What happened Arthur?" asked gently his friend.
"None of your business."
"What did she tell to you?"
"Nothing that concern you."
"Arthur..."
The young Prince turned his head in the opposite side in order that Merlin can't see the tears that were ready to roll down his cheeks.
"She's getting married..." his voice broke.
When Merlin didn't answer, Arthur turned again and saw his dazed look. He didn't know either...
"It's over Merlin. She has made her choice, and it's not me."
Gaius brought her a glass of water, which she took gladly.
"Thank you." she whispered.
"What's going on Gwen?"
She closed her eyes and others tears fell.
"I cannot tell anyone."
The old man sighed.
"It is gnawing at you from the inside."
"I know..."
The young woman drinks the water and gets up, trying to smile reassuringly at Gaius.
"Gwen, you should get some rest ..."
"I'm fine."
"Gwen..."
"I have to go."
Merlin got out from the Prince's Chamber and crashed on to Morgana.
"Merlin!" she exclaimed almost falling but he caught her.
"Sorry"
"My bad actually, I wasn't really looking where I was walk..." she wiped her eyes and Merlin felt the sudden urge of soothe her, "How is he?"
"He's sleeping."
"Good, he needs to sleep."
"You too Morgana."
"No." she shook her head. "I can't. I must take care of Arthur."
"Morgana, it wasn't a suggestion."
She looked up toward him and he saw then just how exhausted she truly was. A slight smile lighted up her face.
"You do know that angering both the Prince and the Princess of Camelot is a bad idea, don't you?"
"I'm willing to take the risk." he smiled,
She seemed to think then rubbed her eyes, before yawning.
"Fine, you won. But you must promise me you'll come and see me if any there's any change"
"You've got my word."
The young woman smiled and Merlin noticed how beautiful she was. Oh, he knew that she was, without a doubt, but tonight, there was something about her... He couldn't quite put his finger on it. She stared at him too, frowning slightly before taking her leave.
"Good night Merlin."
"Good night my Lady."
Louis sighed. He was annoyed and frustrated. He has searched for Gwen all day, has not been able to find her. He has finally learnt that the Prince has had an accident and right away, he felt a wave of anger passed through him. She was with him again. He had however forbidden her to see him again! He was doing all that in order to keep her alive, keep her happy, why couldn't she understand that? She was blinded by her love for him but he was going to make her change her mind. And soon, she'll be his, and not the Prince's. He went back for her when he saw a movement on the side of the forest, he immediately tight his cloak around him, so that in the sundown, nobody recognizes him, and went to join the shape. At his coming, Cenred was waiting for him, a blond woman by his side.
"Master."
"Louis." bowed slightly Cenred before resume, introducing the woman. "This is Morgause, and she'll be our magic ally in this war."
Morgause smiled slightly but Louis noticed her eyes still cold and he froze. He felt very uncomfortable.
"What are you doing in here? What if someone saw you?"
"We have learnt the Prince had an accident, the Princess is taking care of her little brother, and the King is devastated and locked in his chamber. Camelot is vulnerable. It's time to act."
"What?" Questioned Louis dazed. "But... you can't!"
"And why not?" said the witch, "Who are you to contradict your King?"
Louis looked down.
"Louis has been a loyal servant and good advisor lately." resumed Cenred.
"I see ..." hissed the woman, "But now, you've got me. You don't need advice from some... servant."
"He could be useful." said pensively Cenred, "So Louis, what side are you on, are you against or with me?"
"With you my Lord." answered Louis without hesitation.
Cenred smiled deviously.
"We'll attack at dawn."
Gwen stopped in front of his door for a few minutes. She knew that Louis must be looking for her but she pushed the thoughts away and focused on what mattered now: Arthur. After long minutes of hesitation, she finally opened the door slowly and saw he was sleeping. She walked closer and couldn't help the tender smile to escape her lips, he was adorable when he was sleeping, up, he was breathtaking but asleep, in this vulnerability so few knew the Prince had, he was adorable. Gwen walked closer again and settled at the top of the bed, like she did all those years ago, when he had been attacked by the Questing Beast. Hesitantly, she pushed some hair from his eyes and let her hand get lost on his cheek, stroking it tenderly. Right away, he put his hand on hers and she jumped, seeing his eyelids move and soon, two blue sleepy eyes were staring at her and she couldn't stop the flicker in her heart...
"Guinevere?"
"Hello Arthur."
"I must be dreaming..." whispered the Prince.
"A good dream I hope."
"We'll see." was his only answer "Lay down with me."
"What?"
"Please... I need you now."
She clearly hesitated but one night couldn't harm, could it? Gwen cuddles against him and felt his arms closed around her waist while she nuzzled against his chest, her face in his neck, his in her hair. She has been so afraid of losing him. She couldn't pretend, not now, not ever probably... she realized. The fear she has felt the moment Merlin has told her Arthur has crumbled without reason, that his heart has stopped beating, even for a few seconds, this moments had crumbled down all the walls she has built.
"Don't marry him."
She thought for a few moments that she has dreamt these words but soon, in a barely audible voice she heard it again.
"I beg you Guinevere. Don't marry him." He said his voice trembling.
She closed her eyes and cuddled a little more against him.
"I'm sorry. I should have fought for you," he said in that same low voice, "But all I ever wanted was your happiness, at any price, even at the cost of my own happiness... It was the most stupid decision I ever made, but now I have to be selfish. I can't live without you, no matter what you think. I love you. I beg you, don't marry him, marry me."
She felt her heart stopped and receded a little, wanted to meet his gorgeous blue eyes.
"What?"
"I know that you don't feel the same way about me but..." he started but she cut him, laying a gentle hand on his chest.
"I never said that."
"Of course you did! You..."
"I said that I was sorry Arthur. I never said that I didn't love you anymore, you made your own conclusions."
She saw the distraught and utterly lost look in Arthur's blue eyes and suddenly, for the first time, she felt brave enough to tell him the truth. She was regaining her trust, Arthur was here, he loved her and he will protect her ... She must trust him too now.
"I only did that in order to protect you." she whispered a part of herself relieved by the truth.
"How's that?" he frowned, "It's my job to protect you Guinevere." He then seemed to understand what she was saying as he added, his voice shaking, "Then it means that you..."
"Yes Arthur. I never stopped loving you." She finishes tears falling down her face.
She heard the breath of relief that escaped Arthur's chest and she felt weight was leaving hers too. Arthur looked at her and without a second thought, without think about the fact that she was still to get married; he leant in and kissed her tenderly. Gwen answered his kiss and when she felt his tongue tease her lips, she parts them. Arthur's hands hug in her waist while hers was clutching at his shoulders due to this impetuous kiss. Little by little, she found herself beneath him, while he was kissing tenderly her lips, then her nose, then her chin, her neck... She sighed with pleasure and raised his head in order to kiss him again.
"Arthur..." she breathed, once the kiss was over, due to their need to breath.
"Tell me what's preventing you from being with me." he breathed at his turn, stroking tenderly her nose with his own. He felt as if his heart was finally beating again, as if his life had finally regained some sense. She hesitated and he saw it and kisses lips once again, slowly, tenderly, lovingly... And when he receded, he saw a tear escaped her warm brown eyes. "Please trust me Guinevere, tell me."
"Alright." she surrendered, "I will explain you. But tomorrow, for now, you need to sleep."
He stared deep into her eyes and saw pure love for him, something he though he never see again. She blushed at the look of pure adoration in his eyes. Comforted by what he saw there, he laid down bringing her with him and held her in his arms.
"You won't leave, will you?" he whispered in a sleepy voice.
"No. I'm here Arthur, and I'm not going anywhere..."
He smiled and squeezed her while, for the first time in weeks, nestled in the embrace of the man she loves; Guinevere felt the feeling of safety she only felt when she was with him.
It's cuddling together that Morgana and Merlin found them, some hours later, deeply asleep. They both smiled and left the room without making noise; the Prince was visibly in good hands.
A persistent sound came from Arthur's sleep. As a bell. Repeatedly bell ... THE ALARM! Right away, his eyes opened and he didn't feel tired anymore. He wanted to get up but found Gwen, snuggle against him, still deeply asleep. He tenderly smiled and kissed her forehead before trying to move without waking her; he managed to and hurried toward the corridors, seeing knights, servants and all kind of people running everywhere.
"What's happening in here?" asked the Prince.
A knight stopped and only said.
"Cenred's army is near Camelot."
He left again and Arthur froze for a few seconds. He must go and protect his kingdom, his people. He turned in order to take his sword and jumped, seeing Gwen awake, a terrified look on her eyes. He walked closer and stroked her cheek before leant in and captured her lips gently, he whispered against her lips before he left.
"Worry not. Everything's going to be fine..."
She weakly smiled and watched him leave. Right after he left, she get up and headed toward the door, she knew exactly who she has to see.
So ? I hope you liked it my friend :) Arthur's heart attack ? Arthur and Morgana ? Merlin and Morgana ? Cenred near Camelot ? AND FINALLY, what did you think of the moment between Arthur and Gwen ? And what do you think will happen ? We are close to the end of Destiny, by the way, two more chapters I think ...
So, my usual thanks now,
FIRST, thank you to my AMAZING beta who is doing an AMAZING job and who I can't thank enough, THANK YOU LunaSolTierra :)
THANK YOU to all people who read, review and add to favourites !
Thanks to : Arthurlover7, Cowboy's Lover Dimitri No 1, LHC1, LunaSolTierra, Missyhoneybee, MySocksNevrMatch, RavenBaller-23, carlinejo, expowriting025, somegirlinthisworld and tfurman2011 for following me, THANK YOU :)
Thanks to : Allie988, Arthurlover7, LunaSolTierra, RavenBaller-23, expowriting025 and -stories for having add this story in their favourites, THANK YOU :)
And finally, A HUGE THANK YOU to amazing people who wrote me AMAZING review that really help me write :) Thanks to : Cowboy's Lover Dimitri No 1, RavenBaller-23, Arthurlover7, LunaSolTierra, somegirlinthisworld, LHC1, larasmith and Guest, THANK YOU :)
I want to answer to the two 'Guests' who put review:
'Guest 1': Yep, finally hapiness ! I hope you liked it :)
Thanks for your review :)
'Guest 2 ' : Don't worry, I take it as a constructive review, so, I did took a beta after a few chapters for all my grammatical mistakes, and I'm glad you like the story !
Thanks for your review :)
So my friends, I really really hope you loved it !
Keep Safe :)