Season 1 Episode 12.

Story 12: Hidden

Chapter 17: Wedding Night

Arthur stared at her outstretched hand for several seconds. He was so confused. She went from hating him to offering to dance with him. He would never understand women.

After a moment Arthur hesitantly stood up and accepted her hand. She literally whisked him away, introducing him to people and teaching him a dance native to Ealdor. Arthur wasn't going to say he had a good time, because he was far too stubborn to admit he was wrong, but he didn't not enjoy himself.

Arthur found himself truly laughing for the first time since his father died. He was filled with such joy, such peace. Even if this was only to last the night, he was grateful for Eilonwy. It seemed she knew exactly what to say to make him laugh. For one night, he wasn't King Arthur with the weight of his people on his shoulder. He was Arthur who was allowed to dance and be merry.

As the festivities died down, he and Eilonwy went back to the hay bales they had sat down on before. "You were right," Arthur admitted reluctantly. "I do feel better."

"Of course I was," Eilonwy said with a grin. She hesitated. "I was wrong as well. You really aren't like other kings. You're different. Good different."

Arthur smiled at her. Perhaps it was because the darkness made him feel like he could do anything, or the fact that Eilonwy looked so beautiful in the flickering candle light that illuminated Ealdor, or the fact that for the first time in a long time, Arthur felt like he was where he should be, but Arthur found himself leaning towards Eilonwy. He wouldn't normally be so forward, but after the night they had spent together, it felt right. He didn't take his eyes off of her. At any sign of objection, he would pull back. He didn't want to force her into anything.

She didn't object. When he got closer, her eyes fluttered shut in anticipation of their moment. It never happened.

An uncomfortable cough from behind them pulled them from their moment. Arthur and Eilonwy turned to see Merlin. "Eilonwy, your father is looking for you," Merlin told her in an even voice.

"Of course," Eilonwy said. A sour expression came across her face.

She kissed Arthur's cheek before she stood up. She went over to Merlin and gave him a hug, once again congratulating him.

"How bad is it going to be when I go home?" She asked Merlin fearfully when she pulled back from the hug. She spoke quietly so only Merlin could hear her.

"He didn't see you sitting with Arthur, so he shouldn't be too bad," Merlin told her quietly. "But you never know with your father. I just didn't want him to find you. Then it would be very bad. I'm sorry."

"No it's alright. Thank you," she whispered.

"If it gets too bad or if he tries anything, you know my floor is always an option. My mother won't mind. She's all alone in that house I think she would welcome the company," Merlin offered her.

Eilonwy nodded. She knew she would never go to Hunith. Merlin was the only one she truly trusted with her secret. "Goodbye," she whispered.

"What was that about?" Arthur asked angrily when Eilonwy was out of earshot.

"I told you not to get involved Arthur," Merlin said turning to face him. He was furious. "This won't end well for either of you. Look past her beauty and tell me you truly want to be with her."

"It's too soon to tell," Arthur answered honestly. "But I really do like her. She speaks to me like you did once. She didn't let me be an arrogant ass. She made me enjoy myself. I've never met a woman like her before."

Merlin groaned. This was exactly what he had been trying to avoid. "You only just met her. Are you sure you feel this way? Perhaps you had too much mead or the adrenaline from the celebration is getting to you?" He asked hopefully.

"Why don't you want this to work? Answer me honestly," Arthur ordered.

"It's not my place to tell you," Merlin said quietly. He started to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Arthur asked surprised. Merlin was just walking away?

"I'm the groom Arthur. It's my wedding night," Merlin said with a blush.

Arthur couldn't help but chuckle. "Gwen is waiting for you?" He asked amused.

If possible, Merlin's blush deepened. He reluctantly nodded. "I told her I wanted to say goodnight to you," Merlin admitted.

"Well goodnight," Arthur said. His eyes were shining with merriment. "Good luck."

With that, Merlin walked away shaking his head. Gwen was waiting for him in the distance. Merlin took her hand in his and kissed it before they began walking back to the inn. Gwen had been staying in the inn while Merlin stayed at his mother's house. They had decided the inn might be more appropriate for them to stay in after they were married. Once they were in the safety of their room, Gwen turned to Merlin. "Did you get there in time?" She asked Merlin anxiously.

Merlin nodded at her. "I believe so," he told her.

A relieved look crossed across her face. "I'm glad. How furious was Arthur?" She asked. For the past three days, she had listened to Merlin tell her everything. Every secret Merlin had ever held close to his heart, he shared with her. He had told her all about Eilonwy.

"Not as angry as I expected," Merlin told her. "I didn't think he would, but he really likes Eilonwy. What do I do?"

"You think about it in the morning," Gwen told him. She wrapped her hand around the back of his neck. "That problem will still be there in the morning. It's time for us to be man and wife." Gwen leaned up and kissed him eagerly.

The moment their lips touched, Merlin forgot about everything. He forgot about Arthur and he forgot about Eilonwy. For in that moment the only thing that mattered was him and Gwen.

Merlin woke up the next morning, with his arms wrapped around Gwen. His heart was beating fast as he observed his bride. As she stirred in his embrace, he gently kissed her forehead.

Her eyes flew open and she looked at Merlin. "I could get used to this," she told him quietly.

"As could I," he agreed. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. "Good morning."

"Morning," Gwen said cheerfully. They stayed in bed for nearly an hour more before Gwen finally got up. "Go on," she said quietly.

"What?" Merlin asked her confused.

"I know you want to talk to Eilonwy," Gwen said. "I'll go talk with Elyan, or maybe I'll visit Gia and Lancelot. I'll be fine."

Merlin kissed her again. "Thank you," he told her. "I promise after I talk to her, I'll stop worrying about Arthur."

"No you won't," Gwen said amused. "Arthur is your destiny. You can no more stop worrying about him that you can stop breathing. I knew what I was getting myself into when I married you. I understand. Sometimes you have to put him before me. I accept that."

"I love you," Merlin told her. He didn't know how he had managed to find a woman as amazing as Gwen. He hardly felt he deserved her.

"I love you too," Gwen told him. She accepted one last kiss from him. "Now go."