Hello everyone :) So, this is finally the last ever chapter of Destiny ( sorry for the delay ! ) I wont post an epilogue because I quite like the end this way ... Anyway, I'll do all of my thanks in the end so... enjoy the read and I hope you'll like it ! :)
Chapter 12 :
Arthur was walking the corridors trying to clear his mind, forgive his father? No. He couldn't. Not when Guinevere has been so close to death... He could never forgive him. Ever. He finally reached the kitchen and smiled. Seeing Bahir; he walked closer and laid a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yes." Smiled the child, finishing his cake.
Arthur then saw Leon walk in and without wasting any time, he call him.
"Leon?"
"Sire?"
"I have something to ask of you."
"Anything my lord."
"Can you take care of Bahir for me, until tomorrow?"
The knight frowned and Arthur only said.
"I'll tell you everything. All will be done, with luck by tomorrow night at worst."
Leon bowed. "There is no problem."
"I owe you Leon, Thank you."
Arthur patted his friend's shoulder before kneeled in front of the boy who was staring at him with his big blue eyes.
"Are you leaving Arthur?" He asked in a worried voice.
"Listen to me buddy; you're going to stay with Sir Leon until tomorrow." Seeing the tears in the boy's eyes, Arthur hurried to add. "No more than tomorrow, I promise."
"Alright." Sniffled the boy. "But can I have more of this cake?"
Arthur then laughed, soon followed by Leon.
The King got up and walked closer to the bars, as if he has seen a ghost.
"It's me my lord." Guinevere said calmly and for a while, no words were said.
"What do want?" Said the King bitterly. "Are you coming to gloat?"
He saw the young woman shook her head sadly before resume.
"I have no reason to gloat. I would really love for Arthur to forgive you."
The King's eyes widened, he couldn't hide his surprise.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I know how much he is suffering right now, even if he would never admit it aloud. You are the only parent he has left and I know how hard it is to lose a father ..."
Uther frowned.
"Tom Leodegrance..." Muttered the King, "I remember now, he was guilty of using magic-"
"My father was a good and honorable man whose only crime was to want his family to have a better life and you had him murdered!" Gwen got carried away and she closed her eyes, breathing deeply, trying to resume herself. "I don't want Arthur to feel this loss; I know he would not be able to forgive himself."
On this last words, she slightly bowed, and left.
Arthur felt guilty about the harsh way he treated Guinevere earlier, and hurried back by her side, the thought of apologizing clear in his head.
A thoughtful Gwen headed toward Arthur's chambers, deciding to wait for him there. But before she could get there she felt herself being pull away by an arm. When she saw who it was, she almost screamed seeing the person in front of her.
"I beg you, don't scream." Louis immediately said, making her sign to close her mouth."
"What are you doing in here?" Asked Gwen alarmed. "If Arthur saw you-"
"I'm not afraid of your Prince." He replied stubbornly.
"That's the reason why you're hiding in the corridors and waiting for him to be gone before you dare speak to me!"
He blushed and took her hand.
"I had to see you."
She receded right away and walked a few steps away from him.
"You place isn't in Camelot anymore Louis."
"Then leave with me!"
Her eyes widened from her stupor.
"What?"
"It still time to run away with me!"
"You still don't get it, do you? My heart belongs to Arthur and nothing you can do can change that!"
"I can try..." Answer the young man and before Guinevere could say a word, she felt his hands at her waist and his lips on hers. She tried to break free but he was too strong for her and suddenly, she heard someone run toward them and grab Louis forcefully. She turned and saw a raging Arthur throw him against the hard wall, before throwing himself at the man. Seeing Arthur so angry so full of rage scare her but after a few seconds, she had to interpose before Arthur kills Louis. She slowly and carefully put herself in front of Arthur, whose eyes were saying all the anger in the world, and laid her hands on his chest, stroking it slightly, trying to calm him. He finally walked away, throwing a withering look toward Louis before entering his chambers, slamming the door hard.
Louis slowly got up and wiped his bloody lip.
"You should go." said simply Gwen. "Bye, Louis."
And on these words, she turned around and enters the Prince's chamber.
Arthur was pacing in his room, trying to figure out what just has happened. It has to have an explanation. From outside, it seems that Guinevere was kissing another man but there must be an explanation. He was trying to find one when Guinevere came in, shyly and he couldn't help but felt the anger rise in him again, due to the exhausting and the sensitivity he felt this days.
"Do you want to explain yourself?" He asked, more coldly that he would have wanted to and if only he had, if only more than two hours of sleep, his temper wouldn't have got the best of him.
"There is nothing to explain Arthur." She only answered, tying her hands in front of her and he found her so beautiful, he only fell harder for her; which, unfortunately, didn't help the slightest and a humorless laugh escaped him. "Nothing to explain, huh?"
"Yes."
"And his lips on yours?" He finally screamed and she jumped. "That kiss?"
"Arthur..." She started in a reproaching voice but it has just had the effect to make his anger leave and turn it into heavy weariness.
"You want to go with him now?" He asked, so gently that Guinevere felt her eyes filled with tears. "I'm so tired of all that, Guinevere." He finished slowly, closing his eyes and running a hand on his face.
"Of course not, you royal idiot." She breathed, walking closer to him and almost despite himself, Arthur sketched a smile. Comforted, Guinevere walked closer to him and laid a tender hand on his face, while the Prince closed again his eyes and lean on her hand before opening his eyes.
"I'm sorry." He only breathed and she smiled, stroking his cheek.
"You're exhausted Arthur, take a nap."
"I can't." He weakly answered.
Guinevere slowly walked closer and stole him a kiss.
"It wasn't a request, my lord."
He choked a little laugh and she brought him toward the bed, before helping him lay down. She helped him removed his boots and his shirt and, in his semi-conscious state, he brought her toward him. She smiled and let him do it, before a yawn escaped her, she could use a nap too. Guinevere then cuddles against the Prince and felt his arms tighten around her, while Arthur's breath was already slowing, proof he was asleep, and she doesn't last much longer before sleep took her ...
Gwen was slowly taken for sleep by tender strokes from her shoulder to her forearm, she smiled, stirred a little and turned her head toward Arthur, who smile lovingly at her; Gwen sighed with contentment before she cuddles against his muscled chest again and felt him lay a kiss in her hair.
"Did you sleep well?" She asked gently, drawing shapes on his chest.
"Like a baby." Was his only answer before she heard him take a deep breath. "I'm sorry for earlier."
The young woman got up and stroke his chest, before plunge his eyes on hers. "Arthur, there's nothing to be sorry for. I understand. Besides you were exhausted."
"Perhaps, but that was not an excuse for the way I acted toward you."
She sighed and took his hand in hers.
"Let's forget about all this."
But, at her surprise, Arthur got up and found himself sitting up in front of her, his eyes sparkling with love and sincerity.
"No! We have to talk about the whole thing. I don't want to react this way every time I see you with a man. I don't want to be that type of husband, I love you too much for that, I respect you too much for that."
She grimace and took a deep breath. She wanted to avoid this conversation as long as possible.
"What do you want to know Arthur?"
He looked down a few seconds.
"I want to know about your relationship with Louis." He seemed to hesitate. "You were engaged." She heard his voice broke. "You were engaged seven days after our break up; while I was not imagining my life without you in it, you were already seeing yours with another, and I want to know why."
She looked at him and laid a hand on his cheek, forcing him to look at her.
"I'm here Arthur."
"I know." He murmured.
Guinevere sighed and closed her eyes; she didn't feel ready to tell him this truth, not now anyway.
"You'll have to trust me in this Arthur." She saw his eyes widened.
"I do trust you."
"I will explain it to you. But... not now."
He stayed quiet for a while before ask in a hesitant voice, as if he was afraid of asking but couldn't do otherwise.
"Did you love him?"
Guinevere plunged in his ocean blue eyes.
"Did you love him Guinevere?" He asked again, gently yet desperate. "I will not be angry with you if you say yes; I will not break our engagement. I just want to understand so I can make sure to never make the same mistakes again."
Suddenly the easy solution came to her. All will be so simple if he believed that! Because, if she did denounce Louis, if she told her prince that Louis had blackmailed her, her hand against Morgana's union with Cenred, Arthur would have no mercy for the young man and she knew that no one, not even her would be able to tame his rage; Despite all of his doings, Louis was an old friend and she would not be able to forgive herself if she let anything happen to him because of her. She then raises her head toward Arthur, whose face was tense, before simply saying.
"Yes."
She saw him broke and already regretted her word. She would've told him the whole truth if only the look on his face would go. Arthur simply lean his head on the wall, avoiding her eyes.
"Arthur?"
"I ... think I need some fresh air." He only say in a sad voice before get out of his bed, catch his shoes, his shirt and turned toward Guinevere ; she saw the tears gathering in his clear blue eyes, but he walked closer nonetheless and laid a tender kiss on her forehead before leaving the room, without adding another word.
"What do you think he will do?" asked Morgana, cuddled against Merlin's chest, whose arms were circling her in a protectively.
"I truly don't know." Breathed the young man.
"He tried to kill my best friend and I could never forgive him for that but Merlin." She raised helpless emerald eyes toward him. "He is our father..."
"I know..." He breathed, soothing her while she burst out in tears.
"I have to talk to him." Said suddenly the Princess.
So, she has been engaged for love. Arthur sniffled, it was hurting. Very much so. Even if now, he didn't doubt her love for him anymore, Guinevere's heart has been split at one time and she had chosen Louis. That is, until his accident put them together again... He was walking, thinking, something wasn't right. He thought again. Guinevere was honest and her heart was the purest he has ever seen and above all, he now knew that this heart was his to claim; could it be possible to love two persons at the same time? No. Not so soon, not after just a week. Unless ... Suddenly, he stopped and turned around, almost running toward his chamber. He entered hurriedly and found Guinevere, sitting at the end of the bed. Her head in her hands, sobbing. At his coming, she raised her eyes before turn it away.
"Oh my love." Murmured Arthur, before throwing himself at her knees, he took her hand in his and kissed it with love and devotion, making her head turn towards him.
"Do you still love me?" She asked in a small voice.
"I could never love anyone else but you Guinevere." He said vehemently. "You won my heart, making it impossible for anyone else to come in."
"But-"
"I know you have lied to me."
He saw her pale and put back a curl behind her ear.
"I know you didn't love Louis."
"Arthur-" She started weakly.
"You've been enchanted, haven't you? You were acting against your will? I'll have him hang for that. I-"
"Arthur." She cut him off, more firmly and he looked at her to notice, with surprise, that the weakness was gone from her features, replaced by determination. "I will tell you what happened, but you have to promise me, on your knight's honor, on your man's honor, that you won't hurt Louis."
"Guinevere-"
"Promise me."
He sighed and laid his hand on her cheek, stroking it slightly with his thumb.
"I give you my word." He ended and she smiled, while he got up to settle by her side.
Morgana went downstairs; in the stairs that was leading toward the dungeons and Merlin's grip tighten around her hand.
"Everything is going to be alright." He whispered, trying to comfort her.
The young woman sighed before watch him and smiled sadly.
"You can't promise me that..." She then took a deep breath and looked in front of her again, "Whatever happens, I beg you, don't let me go."
"Never." Was the young wizard's only answer.
Arthur saw Guinevere hesitate and he caught her hand, laying it to his lips.
"You can talk to me you know."
The young woman sighed and shook her head.
"I..." she closed her eyes and got up suddenly, walking toward the window, her back on him.
Arthur got up without making a noise and stopped behind her. She couldn't explain why, his sudden appearance by her side gave her strength and she sighed again, before starting her story.
"Arthur you have to know, I never once stop loving you, never once."
This time, she heard him approach and he tied his hands around her waist, laying his chin on her shoulder while she was leaning against him.
"I never loved Louis more than I love a friend, and I'm sure that, in his own strange way, he was only trying to protect me."
The Prince didn't interrupt her, letting her continue, and she was really grateful for that.
"Do you remember that day when I told you it wasn't what you wanted, but what you could do?" She felt him nod and he tightens his embrace around her. "That day, I decided to end our relationship, but not for the reasons you are thinking. Earlier, Louis had come to me and had opened my eyes; I couldn't wait for something from you Arthur, you're the Prince, I'm a servant and even if I knew you would have taken me for wife, it would have weakened you toward your enemies, maybe even your allies and I couldn't take the risk to be the doom of the great King I know you will be." She stopped a little and turned around, looking into his gorgeous sea blue eyes. "I had made up my mind. I would let you go and live a solitary life since I couldn't have you. And at this time, all was ruined."
Arthur frowned but still didn't spoke.
"Louis went to find me, and when I made him understand that yes, I was to end our relationship but not in order to throw myself in his arms, the least we can say is that he didn't take the news well... And he became insisting. "She cut off Arthur's remark by laying a finger in his lips. "Nothing violent, not in a physical point of view at least. But he told me ..." Again, she hesitated and he saw it. Arthur took her hand in his.
"I gave you my word Guinevere; I won't touch him, no matter how much I'd want to."
She slightly smiled, comforted.
"He came and told me that he was a close advisor to Cenred and by consequent, he had the power of influencing the King's choice." Again, Arthur frowned. "He had me faced the biggest dilemma of my life Arthur ; either I agreed to marry him and he promised Morgana didn't have to marry Cenred and you would be safe, as well as Camelot and all the people I care about ; or if I refused, and chose you I would have to faced the consequences. I did what I thought was the best by making you believe I didn't feel anything for you, but you have to know Arthur, that watching you from afar, watching you suffer from afar, as I did, without being able to do anything... It was killing me. And when I learned about your accident, my world stopped and crumbled and ... and you know the end."
She looked up toward him after, somewhere in her story, having looked down without noticing and what she saw worried her. Arthur was in front of her but elsewhere, his jaw was so tight and his blue eyes froze by the rage, was staring at the window in front of him.
"Arthur?" She asked slowly but didn't get an answer; the coldness of his features and eyes was offering a startling contrast between the softness and tenderness of his hand in hers. "Arthur?" she said worried.
He receded a little and shook his head before finding his voice.
"How could you make me promise such a stupid thing as not touch him after all this?" He said, the anger making his voice trembling.
"Arthur-"
"How Guinevere?" He screamed in anger making her jump. Right away, he closed his eyes, trying to keep his anger in check, his breath ragged. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scream at you, nor scare you."
"Arthur." She resumed. "I'm sorry."
He opened his eyes and a sudden laugh took him, but Gwen didn't laugh, she had never saw Arthur this way and honestly, it was scaring her.
"Sorry? You were ready to sacrifice your own happiness in order to save Morgana and our Kingdom and you're the one sorry?"
He walked closer and in an impulse, squeezed her against him.
"My love, what did I do so great to deserve you by my side?"
"I don't understand." Breathed Gwen, the head buried in his chest.
He walked away a little and she saw the adoration sparkled in his sapphire blue eyes, chasing away the anger, little by little.
"You were ready to sacrifice your happiness for me."
"But its normal Arthur, you would have done it."
He shook his head and smiled sadly.
"I wouldn't have had the strength to break us apart, even for my father's sake, or this kingdom's, I would have been too selfish for that."
"You're wrong!" She exclaimed. "You agreed to let me go, even if it was breaking your heart Arthur, you did it for me, you're so far from a selfish man..."
He laid a hand on her nape and brought her toward him, in order to kiss her; soon, his tongue was asking for entrance, which her lips greedily gave, and the embrace became more passionate. When they broke apart, breathless, Arthur whispered coldly, his eyes full of rage.
"I promised you I would not touch him, so I won't. But I don't want him in Camelot, I want him gone and if he comes back, even you could do nothing for him."
He saw the grateful smile that lighten up her face.
"Oh Arthur, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you."
He smiled again and glued his forehead to hers.
"I owe you that."
The guards bowed in front of Morgana and the young woman gave them a slight smile, before heading toward her father's cell, Merlin by her side.
"Father?" She breathed in a voice that suddenly seemed stranger to her.
"Morgana." Answered the King in a desperate voice before throwing himself at the bars. "Oh my dear daughter, you came."
"Yes." She holds back her tears. "I want to know why."
Right away, Uther paled.
"Oh Morgana..."
"You... You tried to kill Guinevere." This time, tears started to fall. "You wanted to take away my best friend and the woman Arthur loves more than anything in the world, why?" Uther opened her mouth but closed it. "Father, why?"
One minute came, then two. Morgana wiped her eyes and straightened herself before turning around when a voice reached her.
"I was foolish Morgana, I forgot."
She turned around slowly.
"What did you forget?"
"What it was to love. When your mum... "He shook his head. "When Ygraine left us, a part of me left with her, the best part of me I'm afraid."
Interested now, she got closer again.
"As everyone, I obviously noticed the recent changes in Arthur, the good changes; He seemed more humble, mature, more grounded, and wiser. I notice his growing interest for others, the fair decisions he took, the ideas to ease the life of his people... I told myself a woman was behind all this changes but I pushed the thought away. And then, I surprised him with her, and I saw the way he had defended her so fiercely, the way he fought for her but I didn't see it. I couldn't fathom it ... My son and a servant? Never going to happen."
A slight silence came again.
"The fact is I closed my heart to love, would it be for myself or the others. I refused to see that Arthur was in love, genuinely in love. And I ..." to their surprise, Morgana and Merlin heard a sob escaped Uther. "I failed on everything... Now, Arthur will never forgive me and..." Sobs choked his words away.
Morgana felt then, against her will, her heart tighten for this father, whose life had been destroyed by his wife's death.
"Arthur will forgive you." She gently breathed. "Give him time."
And on these words, she left.
Morgana was walking in the corridors and when she arrived in front of the door she was searching, she took a deep breath and knocked. After a few seconds, her little brother's voice answered.
"Come in!"
She came in and when he glimpsed her, Arthur gave her a bright smile which warms her heart. She saw Guinevere, blushing, and realized she must have interrupted something.
"I'm sorry to disturb you-" she started but Arthur cut her off.
"Nonsense. You never disturb us, sister."
She gently smiled and cleared a throat.
"I want to talk to you about something."
Arthur frowned and she saw Guinevere's eyes widened.
"Oh! Sorry!" She exclaimed but Arthur caught her waist in order to prevent her from living,
"Arthur." Resumed the young woman.
"No." Was the Prince's only answer. "Whatever Morgana needs to say, she can say it in front of you."
Morgana nodded, but Gwen slowly receded from her fiancé's embrace.
"I think that Morgana wishes to speak to you alone." She saw a grateful smile from her friend. "I must see Elyan anyway; see if he needs me for anything." Seeing that Arthur won't let her go, she said in a low voice, so low he could be the only person to hear it. "I will come back soon, I promise." Without one more word, she kissed his cheek tenderly and headed towards the door, laying a friendly hand on Morgana's elbow which earned her another smile.
Once Guinevere gone, Arthur walked toward the table and filled a glass with wine, before holding it toward her sister, who took it with a smile.
"What did you want to talk to me about?"
Morgana hesitated, looked down, before looking up and plunged her emerald stare in his ocean blue brother.
"Our father."
Right away, she saw Arthur tensed.
"Arthur-"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"But you have to do something!" She exclaimed. "You can't just leave him locked in the dungeons! He is still the King, and more important, he is our Father!"
"He tried to kill Guinevere." Answered stubbornly the young Prince.
"I know. And believe me; he regrets it, he-"
"How do you possibly know that?"
She tensed right away and began to sway from one foot to the other, as when a child, she was taken after doing something stupid.
"I just talked to him."
"What?" exclaimed Arthur.
"I wanted to know Arthur." She resumed quickly, "understand."
"Believe me, there is nothing to understand here."
"Arthur, he's sorry."
A bitter laugh escaped the younger man.
"Sorry ? He is sorry?" He got closer to Morgana and resumed in a cold voice she didn't know he had. "He almost retire from me the one person I could never live without, and he is sorry? Damn him and his remorse."
"Arthur-"
"End of the discussion."
"Are you going to listen to me, for God's sake?" Goes mad Morgana which had the gift to make his brother shut and stare at her. "Thank you." she said. "Arthur, father is sorry, he knows he went far too far this time." She saw Arthur opened the mouth but was quicker. "No, you have to let me speak. He admitted being stupid-"
"Stupid?"
"Arthur!"
"Sorry, keep talking."
"He has admitted to seeing, as we have seen, the changes in your persona. Since Guinevere has entered your life and your heart; But he refused to accept it though, and when he saw you defend her right after she had been arrested ... Arthur, he really blame himself and fear you could never forgive him."
A slight silence accompanied her speech, before the Crown Prince spoke.
"And on that he is right, I could never forgive him."
He saw the hurt stare of his sister, but could do nothing about it. This time, his father went too far, he would not forgive him.
From where she was, Ygraine frowned, before shook her head. No. That wasn't how things were meant to be. She must be something to reunite her family, broken by her death; but what? Suddenly, an idea came to her and without think about the risks she took, she closed her eyes, sing some spells and, in a few seconds, her body fall on the white ground.
Arthur was looking outside by his big window, where he loved to go when something was wrong in his life when suddenly, a gust of wind, an odor, hers. He jumped and turned around quickly, seeing no one near him. Arthur frowned and turned again towards his Kingdom but this time, without knowing why, a chill took hold of his body... He turned around, slowly, and the woman in front of him gave him a teary smile, who he can do nothing but answer by a trembling voice,
"Mother?"
Guinevere was heading toward the Castle when she felt dragged in a corner. At first, she smiled, thinking that was Arthur, but something was wrong; it wasn't his odor, and the hand on her arm wasn't his ... She receded slowly, whispering.
"Louis."
"Mother?" said again Arthur, slowly, before rubbing his eyes.
The Queen laughed and walked closer to him, reaching a trembling hand toward his cheek.
"My sweet little boy..." She whispered and this was all it took for them to fall in the other's arms. Soon, they found themselves in a maternal embrace, once Arthur missed so much during all those years...
"Guinevere." Breathed Louis and she noticed his voice was strange, hurry, weird.
"Louis, what are you still doing here?"
"I'm leaving." Was his only answer.
"If you ask me to go again with you-" She started but he cut her off.
"No. I won't."
"Well." She said, more gently. "Good luck Louis then, despite everything, I do wish you to be happy."
He stared at her as if he was seeing her for the first time, before look down.
"I'm so sorry." He whispered.
His confession took her aback.
"Oh Louis-"
"I was trying to protect you."
"I know"
"I..." He looked at her in the eyes. "I wanted to thank you, before leaving."
"Louis, its Arthur you should be thanking, not me."
A laugh escaped the man's lips.
"I'm not stupid Gwen. I know that without you, Arthur would have given me a slow painful death or throw me in the dungeon forever, in the better case!"
She got closer to him and squeezed his forearm.
"Goodbye Louis."
He smiled and laid his hand on hers.
"Farewell."
And on this words, she slowly left and resumed her walk toward the Castle, smiling.
Arthur receded from his mother and saw the tears in her blue eyes, her blue eyes so much like his...
"I've missed you so." He breathed and a tear escaped his eyes. "I barely remember you, I remember your smell only, but some days, I could swear you're here, with me, and that you're watching over me."
Filled by love, she took him in her arms again, this man who was her son, before receding to face him.
"Oh Arthur, that's because I'm here." She laid a hand on his heart. "Since forever and forever. I'm so proud of you my boy, so proud of this brave, honest, fair and kind man you've become, so proud... "
The tears were rolling down their beautiful faces, so alike.
"Are you going to stay with us?" He asked in a small voice, and seeing his blue eyes filled with hope, she then saw again the little boy she left, and her heart sank. She shook her head, didn't trusting herself to speak.
"I'm here to talk to you about your father, Arthur." Breathed the Queen and she saw her son's eyes widened.
"I won't forgive him mum, I can't."
A chill took her. This 'mum' was the purest melody she has never heard.
"You are saying this now Arthur, but he is your father, whether you want it or not. And whether he wants it or not, you're his son, his only son, as you only have one father. You can't hate one another Arthur."
The young man widened his eyes again; these words, nobody said it to him; whereas it was the word he needed to hear now.
"I don't ask you to be with him as you were before all this." She resumed gently. "But please Arthur, let him out of the dungeons, I know he truly does regrets what he has done. Give him a second chance. I beg you, do it for me."
He looked down, but not before she saw a tear on his cheek; in a maternal gesture, she tilts up her only son's face and he murmured, in a weak voice.
"For you mum, I'll do it for you. I'll try."
"That is all I ask." She breathed, taking him again against her, squeezing him hard, trying to memorize the feeling. "Thank you." She then said in his ear, and he squeezed her back.
After a few seconds, they receded and Arthur saw the pain on the features of the one he missed for so many years now.
"You must leave already."
Not even a question. She nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks, before she tried to smile.
"I'm so proud I had the chance to have you for son." She smiled, stroking his cheek. "So glad I could hold you in my arms one last time, I love you so, my Arthur."
"Mother-" he started.
But she was already walking away, laying a soft kiss on his forehead before receding; he closed his eyes, feeling like a gust of wind again, and he knew she was gone.
"I'm so proud of you..." Seemed to sing the wind and he smiled, soothe.
"I love you, mum."
Morgana smiled towards Merlin, before waving at him, trying to reassure him. She had managed to convince him to get some rest, that she will be fine. Once the young man gone, Morgana felt a huge blank in her and she settled in front of her mirror, tears in her eyes, before opening a drawer in which she took a small necklace, and she squeezed it against her heart.
"I miss you so much mother, if you were here, I would know what to do. I would not be feeling so alone and-"
"Oh my darling, my beautiful little daughter."
Morgana felt her heart sink. She paled and turned slowly, getting up hardly from her shaking legs.
"It can't be..." She whispered at the person in front of her.
When Guinevere came into Arthur's chamber, she found him at his desk, writing something, his beautiful face of his; but she noticed with surprise that he wasn't tensed anymore, in fact, he seemed ... serene. She got closer and he didn't even heard her, so she came and wrapped her arm around his shoulders, burying her face in his neck ; he smiled and turned his head one second, kissing her curly hair tenderly.
"What are you doing there?"
"What I have to." Was his only answer and, curious, she looked more attentively the paper he was writing ; a smile then light up her face, soon giving back by her Prince. "If you agree, of course."
"Oh Arthur."
He pushed aside his chair and she climbed on his lap before wrapping her arms around his neck and gives him a passionate kiss.
"I will take that for a yes." He smiled, breathless, before kissing her again. "But that is not all"
She plunged in his sea blue eyes and he took a deep breath, before say.
"I will talk to my father."
Right away, Gwen let out a shout of joy and threw herself on his lips, kissing him again... When, due to the lack of air, they had to split up, she stroked his cheek tenderly and asked.
"What happened Arthur?"
He smiled and kissed her cheek lovingly, before look into her honey-eyes and put back behind her ear one of her curl.
"I will explain to you."
And he would. But not now; he wanted to keep his mother for him alone, at least for a while longer.
Ygraine walked closer and took Morgana, dazed, in her arms. At soon, the young woman was stoic but soon, the Queen felt her body shook by sobs and her first born was holding her fiercely.
"Oh mum." Cried the young woman when they split up. "I've missed you so much!"
"I know, little one." Whispered the woman, stroking her hair. "I'm not here for long, but I had to tell you that; I'm so proud of you Morgana, so proud of this independent, fair and clever woman you've become, so proud you've put up with your father and brother without begrudge." At this, the both of them let out a small laugh. "And to finish, I wanted to thank you, and tell you that what made me more proud of all, was that you kept your promise." The Queen's eyes became watery. "You were always there for Arthur, all those years, you raised him, you took care of him, was there when he was having nightmares, when he needed me so bad after I died ... Thank you."
Once again, they hugged and, as before, the moment to leave arrived.
"You'll stay around, won't you?" asked slowly Morgana.
The Queen smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Always."
And now, the harder. thought the Queen. Uther. Ygraine had been impatient to see her children, because she was proud of them, and wanted them to know that they weren't the problem. But, to face Uther; she didn't know what to do, what to say. He stayed the true love of her life, nothing could ever change that, but how could he be so different from the man she fell in love with? Somewhere, Ygraine knew she didn't want to face her husband because she knew, in the bottom of her heart, that she was the reason for his change. Her death had killed him. And even if she loved him with all her heart, even if she had missed him more than she could ever express, she resented him terribly, for letting grow Morgana and most of all Arthur, who was so young when she died, without the love they needed. Oh, she knew that Uther loved his children more than anything in this world, but the children in question would have needed attention, sometimes, a proof of their father's affection, they were so young... She then appeared in the room in a gust of wind and her odor made the King's eyes raised.
"Ygraine..." He whispered in a broken voice, before even he saw her.
Arthur softly knocked and Morgana came open to him; her eyes were red but her stare serene, and when she pushed herself to let her brother enter, she notice he was in the same state. She smiled then, and looked at him.
"You saw her too, didn't you?"
A smile lighted up the young man's face while he nodded.
"You don't honestly believe you were the only one?" He teased and she rolled her eyes, getting closer to him. "Because everyone knows that I am the favorite!"
"Oh, shut up and come over here!" She laughed before take his arm and brought him toward her, wrapping her arms around his neck. She felt Arthur squeezed her back and again, a tear rolled down her cheek and even if she said it less, now that they were adults, now, she needed him to know it, even if he probably does by now; "I love you, you know. You're my little brother."
"I know, Morgana." He answered, softly. "I love you too." She heard the smile in his voice and knew that, from now on, all will be fine.
When he finally glimpsed her, their eyes locked and if she wasn't already dead, Ygraine would have said that her heart had stopped.
"Uther" She breathed and there was so much tenderness in her voice that the man wavered and had to grab the wall.
"Is it you?" he asked weakly, "Is it truly you?"
"Truly."
He walked closer and in a hesitant hand, traced the outline of her cheek. Seeing a tear rolled down his own, the Queen couldn't take it anymore and threw herself in his arms and he kissed her, as he dreamt of for years. After a few seconds, she receded and stroked his face, aged by the years and the mourning.
"I came to talk to you about Arthur, Uther."
Right away, he paled.
"You have to let him make his own decisions, from now on."
He frowned, before sigh.
"Arthur would never forgive me and you know it, as I know that if someone had intended to hurt you, I would have done the same."
The woman's face softened.
"It wasn't your fault Uther."
She saw her husband tried to hold back the sobs that was little by little taking possession of him.
"You weren't to blame."
"I ... You were pregnant. I got you pregnant. It was ... It was my child that killed you and..."
This time, he sobbed and Ygraine took her in his arms, rocking him as she used to do with their children, once upon a time, in what seemed like another world.
"It wasn't your fault, my love, or Arthur's. It wasn't mine and it certainly wasn't Rose's." He looked up, "It was Destiny. We could do nothing against our Destiny..." She ended up slowly and he laid his forehead on hers, before she added in a soft voice. "You can't change what is done Uther, but you can change the future, make amends for your sins towards our children."
"How?" He whispered.
"You must leave space to them; Let them live, let them take more charge of their Kingdom, let them marry who they want to marry ...
He opened the mouth, but Ygraine was quicker.
"I have to go now."
The King opened wide, panicked eyes and tighten his grip on her.
"Already?"
"I've already stayed too much time, I'm afraid."
She laid a final kiss on his lips and walked away.
"I wished none of that happened ..." She whispered. "I love you, you know that."
A sad smile reached the King's face.
"As you know I love you, and I will doing so until the end of time."
Arthur came out of Morgana's chamber, smiling. He glimpsed Merlin who was coming and tried to hide his grin when he saw his friend blushing.
"Where were you going, Merlin?"
"I" Started the young man. "I was..."
"Visiting my sister, in all friendship?" He raised an eyebrow. Yes, the man was his best friend and he trusted him with his life without a second of hesitation, but he wanted to make sure he did loved his sister, before letting him anywhere close to Morgana.
Merlin sighed.
"I love her." He said quickly before his ears blushed too.
Arthur opened wide eyes; he did not wait for a declaration.
"And if it bothers you, I could try to walk away, for our friendship's sake." He raised himself and met the Prince's stare. "You are my best friend Arthur, the only I ever had, but I can't promise you to not love your sister and if she loves me back, I can't promise you to hide my feel-"
Arthur didn't know if it was the fact he had Guinevere by his side for good, or having saw his mother again, or the recent encounter with Morgana, but he suddenly felt obligated to walk closer to his friend and squeezed him in his arms, briefly. When he receded, he saw Merlin, dazed, and couldn't help his grin this time. Merlin was ready to walk in, when Arthur resumed.
"I must warn you though..." He said in a serious threatening manner.
Merlin stopped right away and looked at his friend, a worry look on his face.
"She snores, and she is suffering for what could be called ' violent outbursts'." Arthur ended in accomplish smile, before Merlin burst out of laughter's and went in.
Arthur was walking very slowly in the corridors, as if he could delay the moment he was going to talk to his father. He headed towards the dungeons and felt his blood freeze a little more. He stopped a few seconds and almost turned around, but his mother's voice rang through his ears. 'Do it for me.' Sighing, he went downstairs and, after having asked to the guards to leave them alone, he took a deep breath, opened the cell and came in, before sit down against a wall, at the exact opposite of his father.
"Arthur." Breathed this one in a voice who was melting the joy, the sadness and the remorse.
Guinevere was pacing in Arthur's chamber, asking herself for the million time, why she had refused to accompany Arthur when he had begged her to. I did it for him to have a moment alone with his father. She said to herself, for the tenth time. That's the reason why I'm here, alone, pacing instead of supporting him and- Shut up Gwen, you are doing the right thing. She laid a hand on her forehead.
"And now, I'm speaking to myself." She exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air, helpless.
For a few seconds, none of them spoke, then, the King decided to take the word.
"Do you hate me still?"
Arthur didn't answer right away, playing with a straw at his feet. When he opened the mouth, his voice was so weak he didn't recognize it either.
"I would love to."
"Arthur-"
"You tried to kill her. Take her away from me." Said Arthur sharply.
"I know."
"She matters more than anything in the world to me."
"I know."
"More than my life, more than Camelot, more than you..."
"Arthur..."
"Why?" Breathed his son, watching him square in the eyes ; and for the first time in his all life, Uther Pendragon didn't knew what to say. "Why?"
"I'm sorry Arthur."
"I don't care. I want to know the truth."
"The truth?" Asked the King and the young Prince nodded. "The truth is that since your mother died, I'm not the same man I used to be. I'm turned cold, and distant with everyone, even with you and Morgana, whereas you are what's more precious to me in this life!" He saw the flash of surprise in the blue eyes of his son, her eyes..."The truth is, I refused to see you had fallen in love, in that sort of love that changes a man. My hardened heart by the mourning only saw conveniences...I forgot Arthur. During all those years, with your mother by my side, I felt invincible and since she left, I am only ..." He closed his eyes a few seconds. "I am only a broken man, who tried to make everyone as miserable as he is. I'm sorry, so sorry!" A tear rolled down his cheek, then two; and this time, Arthur's eyes widened, never had he seen his father cry.
After a few minutes, the Prince got up with difficulty and Uther saw him wiped his cheeks discreetly, he get out and settled for letting the door open. Uther's heart was beating hard. Seeing that no one was coming to close the door, he got up and walked toward the exit and smiled, looking at the ceiling.
"I won't disappoint you a second time, my love." He whispered before leaving for good.
Arthur quickly went to his chambers and Gwen turned around, her worried face didn't change when she saw his reddened eyes, she walked closer and he squeezed her against him, hard; as if he was drowning and she was a lifeline. He squeezed her harder and buried his face on her neck. Finally, Guinevere receded, took his hand and led him toward the bed, before cuddle against him.
"I don't know what to do anymore Guinevere, I don't think I can forgive him but ..." he sighed. "He is my father."
"Arthur, you're getting hurt for no point. This situation can't continue, you have to move on now, together."
He smiled and looked at her tenderly, before kissing her, thanking her quietly for always being there for him.
The next morning, Arthur came in the Council room, tensed; Guinevere at his arms, who was stroking his skin, above his shirt. He walked until they are both in front of the Court and cleared his throat, before noticing Bahir, at Leon's side. The little boy gave him a shy smile, which Arthur gave happily back. Then, he opened the mouth, and started.
"Following the recent events, some things need to be cleared; first of all." He turned toward Guinevere and smiled tenderly toward her before kneeled again and take her hand. "I already asked you, but I'm doing it again, in front of everyone, Guinevere, will you marry me?"
"Yes Arthur." She smiled before whispering. "With all my heart."
He got up and brought her to him before kissing her tenderly while in the room, some people were applauding with enthusiasm; Merlin, Morgana and Leon part of it, some with politeness and others, with skepticism. But nobody noticed the King, hiding behind a pillar, staring at his son.
"There is another thing." Resumed the Prince, turning toward Bahir and Guinevere walked toward the boy, holding him a hand which he shyly took before hide himself in her skirts, "It is written and decided, that Bahir Johnson, recently orphan since the battle, will be, from now on, my ward."
A slight silence, then applauses again, while Arthur kneeled, in front of the child.
"Are you happy, Bahir? Is this what you want?"
"Does it mean I will be able to stay with you?" Whispered the little boy, his clear blue eyes full of hope.
"Yes." smiled Arthur.
"Forever?"
"Forever."
Suddenly, a smile lighted up the child's face and he threw himself in the Prince's arms, who smiled before squeezed him back and got up, the boy still in his arms. He bowed slightly toward the Court, and, followed by his fiancée, left the room, the face shinning with happiness. Uhter watched him do it and suddenly felt overwhelmed by seeing his son so grown, mature, taking his own decisions and assuming it ... He then made a decision of his own and smiled, sure of himself, serene ; a feeling he hadn't felt in years.
"I'm so proud of you Arthur." Smiled Guinevere, wrapping her arms around his neck.
He smiled and wrapped his around her waist.
"You are conscious that he is my son now, aren't you?"
"Arthur, I had understood that the two of you were bound to each other the moment I saw you." She smiled. "Furthermore, the boy will need a mother ..."
"Oh." resumed Arthur, before threw her an impish smile. "And do you know where I could find such a person?"
"It depends." She whispered, getting closer. "What are you looking for?"
Their lips were only inches away.
"I'm not sure yet, she has to be kind."
"Hm-hm." She smiled, teasing his lips with her warm breath.
"And smart, caring and oh, beautiful too-"
"Shut up." She whispered suddenly, kissing him soundly.
He smiled and deepened the kiss, before receded against his will.
"We really better stop doing that, or I won't be able to control myself anymore..."
"And who told you I wanted you in control?"
"Guinevere..." He groans suddenly and she opened the mouth but was cut off by some knocks at the door. She heard him curse and laughed slightly, before going open the door and paled.
"Your Highness." She bowed quickly.
"My lady." Answered the King, bowing at in return. "I wanted to present you my sincerest apologies in person, with my more sincere congratulations. I know nothing that I do could change what I've done, but know, madam, that I am nothing but your humble servant."
First, Guinevere couldn't speak, so much the surprise was; then a genuine smile came to her lips and she said gently.
"You are wrong, all is already forgotten."
Then, she pushed herself aside and let him came in.
"Arthur."
Arthur bowed his head slightly and Uther raised himself. Guinevere walked again toward Arthur and seeing that the men obviously needed to speak, she kissed Arthur's cheek and took her leave.
"Bahir must have finished packing his things, now."
And she left.
A heavy silence came on the room. Nor father, nor son spoke. Finally, as before, it was the older man, who started.
"I relinquish the throne."
Arthur opened wide eyes.
"I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me well, I relinquish it."
"But, why?"
Arthur's stupor was so huge; it made him forgot his anger.
"Because you're more ready for it that I ever was. You'll be an amazing King, with the woman you love by your side. My turn is passed, I'm tired of all this; what is done is done, I can't change it, but I can choose to change the future."
Arthur seemed to think a few seconds, and Uther took his chance to walk closer and holding him a hand.
"I'm proud of you Arthur, for what it worth."
His son's blue eyes met his grey ones, and the future King's wall crumbled down while he took the hand, offering his father a slight smile.
"Thank you." He seemed to hesitate and finally add, almost a whisper. "Father."
The older man's eyes filled with tears and a smile lighted up his face, before some footsteps could be heard and Bahir came into the room, soon followed by Guinevere, who smiled, seeing her fiancée and his father together. She walked closer to Arthur, who was for now holding Bahir in his arms.
"He insisted in seeing you." She said, gently.
"Can I call you dad?" The boy asked shyly.
Arthur felt a warm and comforting feeling taking hold of him.
"Nothing could make me happier."
He turned toward Guinevere.
"So, you're my mum then?"
A tear rolled down the woman's cheek while she nodded a hand on her heart.
"So..." he turned toward Uther. "Who are you?"
Uther watched the child, then Guinevere and Arthur. Gwen saw that her fiancé wanted to talk but it was too soon for him, so she walked to the boy, leaned in and said slowly.
"It's your grandfather from now on, Bahir."
Ygraine looked at the scene, tears of joy rolling down her cheek, while Bahir, taking Uther by the hand, brought him outside; talking cheerfully, calling his new parents behind him. The late Queen smiled and laid a hand on her heart, thinking very hard; See you soon my loves, one day we will be together again.
Arthur looked at his family, in front of him and a feeling of fullness took hold of him seeing his adoptive son, talking with animation to the man he will get used to call his father again and the woman who will share his life forever; Arthur made a few steps and stopped suddenly, looking at the ceil, closing his eyes, seeing from where he was the proud smile of his mother.
"Arthur?" Asked a sweet voice, shutting him out of his dream. Guinevere walked closer and intertwined her fingers with his. "Are you okay?"
He smiled toward her and kissed her hand.
"I've never been so happy in my life."
"Father! Mother! Are you coming?" Shouted Bahir, a little ahead of them, both of them laughed and Arthur answer that they were coming as they start walking towards them.
"I warn you Arthur." Spoke suddenly and seriously Guinevere. "I want at least 5 children."
"5?" He said, laughing. "I was thinking no less than 7 ..."
She laughed too and soon, they caught up Uther and Bahir and start walking again, toward a bright new future, toward a brand new life, their life.
THE END.
TADAAAAAAA ! :D So ? What did you think ? I truly hope you liked it even if this one was a loooong chapter and I don't know for you, but here, in France, it's midnight, we are the 20, it's my birthday :D
So, first of all, I wanted to thank my AMAZING beta, who did an amazing job, putting up with me and all the mistakes of the chapters, Thank you so much : LunaSolTierra, I could not have done this without you :)
Thank you to all my followers : Arthurlover7, Cowboy's Lover Dimitri No 1, LHC1, LunaSolTierra, Missyhoneybee, MySocksNevrMatch, RavenBaller-23, Saodat, carlinejo, expowriting025, freckled98, , somegirlinthisworld and tfurman2011, THANK YOU SO MUCH !
Thank you to all the people who add me in their favourites : Arthurlover7, LunaSolTierra, RavenBaller-23, Saodat, expowriting025 and -stories, THANK YOU SO MUCH !
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I wanted to answer to 'Guest' : I'm so glad you loved it and I do hope you loved the end too :) Thank you, I spent amazing holidays ! And thank you so much for your kind review, too :)
So, anyone, I guess this is where we said goodbye ( with this story ), I'm so sad though ; but I want to thank all of you for being here and for beign amazing, that's what keep me writting ! I hope to see you all very soon, LOVE YOU PEOPLE :)
Keep Safe :)