The Once and Future Queen

by Bringmebacktoreality

In amongst the old prophecies from an age long ago, it has been foretold that by the side of the once and future king of Albion there is the once and future queen. It is she who would be his most trusted advisor, his true love and his closet friend. The only question is, when he finds her, will she accept her destiny or fight against it?

20. Chapter 20

In the Gawant castle nursery a baby is sleeping peacefully in her rocking crib when suddenly everything dos down including the bird mobile above the babies head. A sidhe flutters I tot he room looking over the baby.

'Attrab i n-ingin-seo ocus oentaig lé!' The sidhe elder casts and the babies skin glows a bright blue. She wakes and begins crying as the blue light fluttered out of the room, time starting once more.

- 20 years later -

In Gawant castle, Princess Elena walks about barefoot, picks her teeth, farts, and chews an apple with her mouth open. She comes down the drawbridge skipping and greets her father with a kiss.

'Oh, come on, we're going to be late!' Lord Godwyn tells his daughter.

'Not if you get rid of that thing.' Elena points at the carriage behind her father.

'I want you to arrive like the princess you are.' Godwyn states

'It's no fun in there.' Elena whines

'Fun?' Grunhilda says in disbelief waddling down the drawbridge 'Who said anything about fun? Certainly no fun chasing after you. I tried, sir.' She sighs

'I'm sure you did, Grunhilda.' Lord Godwyn places shoes in front of Elena and Elena's jaw drops.

'Go on then.' Her father nods to the shoes and Elena groans squishing her feet into the heels with difficulty

'Perfect.' Grunhilda grins

'Perfect for what?' Elena asks in disbelief 'Certainly not for walking in.'

'Elena.' Grunhilda's arms and soon enough to the carriage is leaving the castle with the princess, lord and maid servant inside.

Arthur and Merlin make their way through the throne nodding at those who bow as Arthur approaches the dais where his father is waiting. 'Arthur. It is an exciting day.' Uther greets.

'The arrival of Lord Godwyn is always a cause for celebration.' Arthur nods

'And Princess Elena.' Uther adds

Arthur nods hesitantly 'Yes.'

'I hear she's something of a beauty.' Uther states

'Really?' Arthur nods sarcastically.

'Oh, yes. Beautiful, charming, witty. Strategic.'

Arthur frowns 'Strategic?'

'I have always thought so. W-we have always thought so.' Uther stutters out 'That is, Lord Godwyn and myself. That is, he finds you strategic, not Princess Elena.' He corrects and Arthur turns to look at his father frowning in disbelief.

'He finds me strategic?'

'Oh, yes.'

'And beautiful?' Arthur guesses and Uther looks at him confused.

The throne room doors open and Godwyn, Elena, and Grunhilda enter. 'Father, what are you trying to say?' arthur presses on.

'Lord Godwyn is a serious ally. The strength of such a match cannot be underestimated.'

'Please tell me you mean a jousting match.' Arthur pleads

'I mean a love match.'

'Love?!' Arthur gapes at him.

'Not love. Love has nothing to do with it, but the other bit. You know, a permanent union.' Uther says

'Marriage?!'

'I knew you would understand' Uther emitters before crying out 'Godwyn!' Uther and Godwyn hug happily.

'Oh, it's been too long.' Godwyn speaks

'Princess Elena, you are most welcome.' Uther greet her and she smiles. Elena walks forward only to fall flat on her face, Merlin and Arthur looks down at her as people gasp from around.

After introductions Kara and Arthur walk down the corridor in discussion with Merlin lagging behind carrying bags. 'You put them in the best guest quarters?' Arthur asks

'Everything's arranged. Princess Elena can't fail to be impressed.' Kara nods

'And Merlin, it would be good if the bags were to arrive before they did.' Arthur says and Merlin glares at him before pushing last hitting Arthur with several of the bags in frustration, Kara smiles sympathetically for her friend before looking at Arthur seeing a distant loo on his face.

'Okay what is it? You've had a weird expression on your face ever since the throne room, she confronts him and Arthur sighs.

'My, er, my father had some surprising news for me. He expects me to marry Princess Elena.' Arthur explains and Kara can't help but gape at in shock.

'Marry?' She asks in surprise.

'Oh, don't worry, I'm not going to.' Arthur assured her taking her surprise for worry.

Kara looks at him 'oh I wasn't worried' she shrugs

'No. No, why would you be?' Arthur says and she nods before walking away from the awkward and slightly tense atmosphere.

Arthur is preparing for bed later that night with the help from Merlin 'It's strange, isn't it? Elena couldn't be more different to Lord Godwyn.' Arthur observes, climbing onto the bed.

'Yeah. Perhaps she takes after her mother.' Merlin guesses

'I never met her. She died when Elena was born.' Arthur said solemnly.

'That can't've been easy.' Merlin says and Arthur nods 'Perhaps you've more in common than you think." Merlin s,lies trying to lighten up the mood 'Augh, bad breath for example.'

'Excuse me?'

'Appalling table manners.'

'Er, now, hang on a minute.'

'Good sense of humour.' Merlin lists 'No, no, you're right, you've nothing in common.' Arthur tosses pillow at Merlin but he ducks and the pillow lands at Uther's feet as he enters. Merlin looks down a the pillow and then at uther his expression changing to a blank one.

'A word...' Uther days looking at his son 'Alone.' Merlin nods, picks up the pillow and leaves quickly, glancing back once at Arthur.

'I need to talk to you about Elena.' Uther begins and Arthur sighs quietly taking a seat on his trunk in front of his bed 'I realise that this is a delicate situation.'

'There's nothing delicate about it.' Arthur corrects,

'Lord Godwyn, as you know, is not only a very good friend of mine, but a longstanding ally of Camelot.'

'I have nothing against Lord Godwyn. I've nothing against Elena.' Arthur said before muttering 'Except marriage.'

'When we talk about your future, Arthur, we're not just talking about your happiness, but the safety and security of the whole of Camelot. You may one day be a husband, but more importantly, you will one day be King.'

'But I have no feelings for her whatsoever.' Arthur protested

'Then I would encourage you find some.' Uther states before leaving his boots clacking against the floor.

In her guest chambers Elena wails quietly in her sleep, fidgeting left right and centre in her bed 'There, there, my sweet. Soon all this will pass.' Grunhilda assures watching over her before she pulls out pixie dust and sprinkles it on Elena's face, revealing the Sidhe within.

M
Out in the woods at night grunhilda's heads to a lake in the forest as wind rustles around her. 'A shruith inn Side, is Grunilda messe!' She announces and the lake shines a bright blue as light flicker out moving fast. Grunhilda's eyes shine gold and time slows.

As the lake ripples grunhilda's sheds into her true form of a pink skinned pixie and watches as the sidhe flutter around the surface of the lake almost gracefully.

The sidhe elder moves to fly in front of her 'I sincerely hope you bring me good news.' He speaks pointing at the pixie with a stern expression.

'The fathers are committed to the match.' She tells him.

'We have waited many years for this moment.' The elder grins

'It's only a matter of time, your esteemed majesty. You have been most patient, your esteemed majesty.' Grunhilda's mutters

'And the girl?' He asks

'She has no idea that a fairy lives inside her just waiting emerge.

'But that cannot happen until her marriage to Arthur is complete.' The sidhe warns

'And it will be soon, I promise. Then you will have what you most desire, one of your own at the heart of Camelot. A Sidhe for queen.' The sidhe elder grins evilly.

In the main square the next mornig Arthur was preparing to go out riding with Elena. Speaking of e princes she approached the horses at that moment 'here, let me assist you.' Arthur offered

'Oh, please, this is something I can actually do.' Elena mounts and nudges her horse into a run. Merlin and Arthur watch her take off stunned until Arthur realises he should follow. Arthur mounts his horse and takes off after her, catching up to her in the woods.

'Slow down!' Arthur calls

'No chance!' Elena laughs.

Arthur dismounts where Elena has dismounted by a stream, rubbing her horses neck 'That was very impressive. I'm not easily impressed.' Arthur calls put walking to meet her by the horse

'Oh. Well, neither am I. And I wasn't!m Elena laughs, snorts, and punches him in the arm! Arthur stares at. Her in shock and Elena realises what she had done and the smile drops before changing the subject 'I've been riding since I was a child. I don't get to do it as much as I'd like, princesses don't, but apparently my mother was an excellent horsewoman. I never met her.' She finished sadly.

'I never met mine either. I...often wonder if I'm like her. I hope I don't take after my father entirely.'

'Oh, you don't!' Elena laughs before backtracking 'I don't mean that in, in a bad way.' Arthur laughs awkwardly.

'Er...so, the real reason why you beat me here is because I stopped to smell the roses.' Arthur pulls out a large pink rose and offers it to Elena.

'Aww, thank you. It, it, it's beautiful.' She smiles before she sniffs the rose only to sneeze on Arthur. The prince forces a smile over with grimace when Merlin arrives from behind,

'Shall I set up here?' He calls
'Merlin! What kept you?' Arun grinned walking towards his sever at before muttering 'Do not leave me again.'

'You were riding so fast. I thought you were eager for some' he drops his voice to a whisper 'time alone'.

'Nobody likes a clever clogs, Merlin.' Arthur glares

Merlin shakes his head 'No.'

Arriving back at the square after a rather awkward picnic lunch, Arthur and Elena dismount and two guards grab the horses. 'Thank you. I had a lovely time.' Elena smiles

'Me too.' Arthur nods.

Elena kneels down and hugs him, pressing her head this chest awkwardly 'See you soon I expect.'

'I hope so.' Arthur says over his grimace before smiling as she pulls away. Elena walks up the stairs only she trips. Arthur jerks forward for a moment to help her but Elena smiles sheepishly before tromping up the steps.

'Oh dear.' Merlin meters from beside Arthur

'For once, Merlin, I completely agree.'

In the banquet hall that night joyful music plays as the lord and ladies of the court eat. Morgana being placed between Godwyn and Elena had both Kara and Gwen behind her with Merlin beside them. Arthur stands behind his chair and waits for Elena to be seated before sitting down at the feast.

'It's a big occasion. The total joining of our two families.' Godwyn whispers to Uther.

'Indeed, this union would cement what has long been an unofficial alliance between our kingdoms.' Uther agreed,

'It would give me great pleasure. I can assure you, my heart lies with yours. As for their hearts, who can say?'

'No matter. The affairs of state take precedence over feelings. Arthur knows that. I'm sure Elena does too.' Uther says.

Across the hall grunhilda's takes a seat next to Gaiu 'May I? You've been avoiding my gaze.' She said

'No, no. Er...my gaze isn't as sharp as it used to be.' Gauis muttered out an excuse.

'That's why I thought I'd move a bit closer. All the better to appreciate me, eh?' She laughs and Gauis laughs as well though his is more uncomfortable.

'Are you having a good evening?' Gauis asks out of politeness.

'I intend to. Oh, yeah. A very good evening, indeed.' She grins.

At the top table Elena finds food down her dress, picks it out and eats it as Morgana, Arthur, and Kara look on. Then she begins. To hiccup '*hic* Oh dear. I seem to have, erm...had a little too much *hic* of what is in that glass. *hic* What, erm...what is in that glass? *hic*' she says looking into the goblet.

Kara squeezes Arthur's arm slighting in sympathy when he sends her a "help me" look before leaving to get another jug of wine.

Grunhilda brushes Elena's hair before bed in her chambers 'I think that went okay, don't you?' Elena wonders staring at her election in the mirror.

'Oh, you'll be just fine, Petal.' Grunhilda's assures

'I mean, I suppose it could've gone better. I'm not the perfect princess, am I?' She says looking I tot he mirror with a frown.

'Poppycock. And what does that mean, anyway, "Perfect princess"? Sounds perfectly boring. You've got spirit, child. If Arthur's got half a brain, he'll recognise that. And if he doesn't have a brain, well, you can always him for his brawn' she laughs.

'I want to make this work for Father's sake. I know how important it is to him, and I respect his judgment. Don't tell him I said that.' She said looking at her servant alarmed.

'I wouldn't dream of it. And you'd be best keep your doubts to yourself. These are dangerous times. Marrying a Pendragon will secure your future.' Grunhilda tells her and she nods.

'You're right.'

'Here. This'll cheer you up!' Grunhilda presents Elena a box with a frog inside.

'Our little secret!' Elena grins happily before picking the frog up and eating it alive.

'You're very special. Believe me, I know.' Grunhilda's whispers.m

'I mean I'm not worried or anything, I'm sure Arthur will get out of the marriage somehow. I don't sound worried do i?' Kara questions Merlin whom rolls his eyes as he gather herbs for Gauis. She had decided to join him after finishing her chores for Morgana and as he was the only she could really talk to about this stuff.

'Nope not worried at all' Merlin muttered sarcastic when he saw grunhilda walking somewhere in the distance and pointed her out to Kara, the two frowned, wondering what she was doing out in the woods before following her.

They find her kneeling by a small pond and heard a snapping noise. The two use their magic, eyes shining gold slowing down time enough to when a long purple tongue snapped out of grunhilda's mouth and snatched up a fly from the leaf. Merlin dropped his basket in shock and the two quickly ran out if the woods.

'I've seen some strange tongues in my time. Maybe she was suffering from an infection. Was it discoloured?' Gauis questioned as they sat in the physician chambers.

'Discoloured? Yes.' They both nodded

'Brown?'

'Purple. And...long. Like...' Merlin picks up large stick from the table 'this long.

'That's not an infection.' Gauis nodded.

'No, really?' Kara said sarcastically.

'No. It's magic. Some sort of magical creature has infiltrated Lord Godwyn's household. The question is: why?' Merlin asks

'I don't know. But I have a feeling we should probably find out.'

'Agreed' Kara nodded.

Gaius snoops around Elena chambers later that day and discovers a hidden bag underneath her pillow. He grabs only to have golden dust fall from the bag onto the floor. Bewildered he quickly hides it underneath just as the door opens and Grunhilda enters.

'Can I help you?' She asks looking at him.

'I, erm...' Gauis stutters out, not sure what to say after all it was usually Merlin who was caught doing these type of things.

'Something you need, perhaps?' She asks raising her eyebrow.

'I wanted to inquire whether Princess Elena would like a perfume concocting. Essence of lavender, perhaps?' Gauis asked, quickly making something up as well quickly.

'That is a very bad excuse.' Grunhilda's says with a smile.

'Really?'

'You don't fool me for one minute. You were looking for me.' She said stepping forward with a flirty smile.

'I was?' Gauis muttered dumbfounded.

'I understand. It's alright.' She nodded

'I think probably I should be going.' Gauis quickly said trying to get out of there as quick as possible.

'Elena won't be back for ages. Why don't we make sweet perfume together?' She asked, leaning back onto the bed and Gauis looked at her stunned wondering how he was going to get out of there.

'Pixie dust?' Both Merlin and Kara asked in disbelief with raised eyebrows.

'There's no mistaking it. Grunhilda is a pixie. It would explain a thing or two. Pixies have one weakness, which is for...more...distinguished gentlemen.' He muttered out before walking away. Merlin and Kara glanced at each other before looking back at Gauis.

'What are you trying to say?' Merlin questioned

'Grunhilda has shown a certain interest toward me.' Gauis said and Kara raised her eyebrows.

'She likes you?' She guessed and Gauis nods.

'Oh, that is disgusting. Imagine...imagine if she kissed you. Ugh.' Merlin said in disgust and Kara couldn't help the laugh that escaped her as well.

'Merlin! Kara!' Gauis scolded and they quickly went quiet 'Pixies are the servants of the Sidhe. To them Elena could be very valuable. I think Elena may be a changeling.'

'Changeling?' Merlin questioned

'Inhabited by a fairy at birth. It would explain the clumsiness.' Kara spoke and they looked at her and she shrugged 'I read'

'And Elena has no idea this thing's inside of her?' Gauis shakes his head .

'And when the time comes, it will possess her entirely.' He added

'You think that time is now?' Kara guessed

'The Sidhe live for more than a thousand years. They're a patient people. It may be that they have created this changeling knowing that Lord Godwyn and the House of Pendragon would one day seek unity through marriage. That would give the Sidhe something they want more than anything.' Gauis explained

'A Sidhe queen.'

Kara found herself beside with Gwen later that night serving the pendragons and Morgana dinner. It had been quiet between them until Arthur spoke up 'Father, there is a delicate matter I wish to discuss with you.'

'Your proposal. Excellent!' Uther cheered happily 'We must make a fuss. Women like that kind of thing, isn't that right, Morgana?' He guesses looking at the woman in question.

Morgana laughs 'I have no idea. I'm delighted to hear the news, though.'

'I couldn't be more thrilled.'

'She's a wonderful woman.' Morgana complimented

'She'll make a wonderful wife.' Uther agreed,

'No, she won't.' Kara paused in pouring more wine into Morganais goblet before continuing like nothing had happened, 'Not for me, anyway. Father, I have tried to get to know Elena, but the truth is, I have no feelings for her. I'm, I'm sure she's a wonderful person, but I cannot marry someone I don't love.' Arthur argued.

'You can, and you will.' Uther stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. Arthur looks over at were Gwen and Kara stood his eyes meeting kara's but she pretended not to see it, looking away instead.

Further into the castle Merlin spies on Princess Elena as she wails in her sleep, kneeling on the small table outside of her room looking into the grate in the wall. Grunhilda hurried over and sprinkles pixie dust on her face and the Sidhe appears.

Merlin jumped at the transformation and the table begins to move out from under him. He stays on it but the metal vase on it clanged to the floor. Grunhilda's looked up hearing the noise. Merlin bolts down the corridor unaware as Grunhilda's notices his retreating back.

Merlin entered the physician's chambers seeing Gauis reading at his desk 'You were right' he exclaimed upon entry 'Poor girl, no wonder she's got a wind problem. You should see what she's got trapped inside her. We have to tell the King'.

Gauis leaned back in his chair with a sigh 'Merlin, Lord Godwyn is one of Uther's dearest friends. Accusing him of having a Sidhe for a daughter and a pixie for a nurse is not something that can be undertaken lightly'.

'But Uther wants Arthur to marry her' Merlin argued.

'Then we don't have much time. We have to find a spell that will force the fairy out of her' Gauis stated

'I don't know anything about Sidhe magic.'

'Then it's time we learned' Gaius hands Merlin a book.

The next morning, Morgana watched out her window seeing Arthur and Merlin cross the square, fingering her necklace. A smirk appeared on her face as she turned.

'I wouldn't like to be in Arthur's shoes.' Morgana spoke, catching the attention of gwen who was making the bed and Kara whom had been putting Morgan's clean laundry away.

'What do you mean?' Gwen wondered.

'Forced to marry someone against his will.' Kara paused slightly at the comment.

'I don't think he'll marry her if he feels that way.' Gwen spoke up.

'I know it's hard to believe, but he may not have a choice.' Morgana said turning back around her attention on gwen. Kara frowned slightly out continued putting away the dresses 'Even if it isn't what he wants. Even if his heart belongs to another?' Morgana said coming to stand in front of gwen and Kara paused watching the exchange.

'Even if she feels the same way. Gwen, we've known each other for too long, I can see it in your eyes. You like him, don't you?' Morgana asked gwen who frowned confused.

'No. Don't be silly.' Gwen shook her head and Kara looked away realising what Morgana had assumed, she assumed gwen was in love with Arthur instead of her.

'And he likes you.'

'I don't think so ' gwen argued but Morgana merely smiled.

'I'd like to think it was possible. But Arthur can't change 200 years of history no matter how much he may want to.'

'Of course' gwen nodded before leaving the room with a confused frown on her face.

Poor girl, it's foolish to fall in love with a prince don't you think?' Morgana said turning to look at Kara who quickly nodded in agreement.

'Yes, very foolish'

Back in the physician chambers gauis and Merlin are surrounded by books of all sizes 'I think my brain is going to burst, and my eyes just pop out of their sockets' Merlin complained collapsing on to of the book he had been reading,

'Now, don't make a mess over this one.' Gauis muttered, tapping the page.

'Why? Is it any more useful than any of the others?' Merlin wondered talking into the pages of his book.

'It's the last one we looked at, and by the ancient law of Sod, it must provide the answer.' Gauis said hitting the book and Merlin looked up.

'What?'

'There is this potion, created long ago by the witches of Marador, which if I am right, will force the fairy out of the girl' he sighs in exasperation 'I've no idea how to make it. I've no idea what a lot of these ingredients are.'

Merlin sighs, his head leaning back down onto his arm.

Arthur's chambers door open and he's surprised to see Kara on the other side 'kara' he smiled, the surprise being a happy one.

'Sorry, if I'm disturbing you I can go' Kara said as the thought that she could have disturbed something important struck her.

'No it's fine, come in' Arthur said motioning her inside.

Kara closed the door behind her and saw Arthur had moved to look out the window, his figure lit up the sunlight pouring through the glass. She guessed that he had previously been in that position, lost in a deep through most likely.

'So everyone's talking about your marriage to Elena' the room filled with an almost tense atmosphere as Kara spoke those words, Arthur let out a breath, rocking from leg to leg as he leant against the wall, unable to stay still like he knew what was coming 'I know you say you do not want it but I also know that you can't get everything you want no matter how much you may want it'

Arthur sighed, turning to face her 'Is what I want really that insane?'

'Yes, Arthur.' Kara nods 'to everyone else it is completely insane'

'Then I'm happy being insane.' Kara huffed a laugh before looking down 'Surely it's better than being miserable'.

'I don't think she'll make you miserable' Kara argued softly 'despite the general clumsiness she has a good heart'

'As do you' Arthur inputted and Kara sighed sadly.

'Arthur, we both know that it can't be' both felt a small pang in their chest as they accepted the raw truth of her statement

It was quiet between the two before Arthur spoke 'But if I do it. If I marry her, what will you do?' Kara looked up at him, seeing his eyes were glossy with unshed tears and she knew her own eyes reflected the same.

'I will watch you grow into the great king I know you'll be'

The court gathered inside the council chambers with Arthur standing in front of the throne, the pendragon cloak still behind him and a silver crown adorning his head. Kara stood behind Morgana with go wen at. Her side, her eyes to the ground avoiding everyone eyes as she put up walls around her.

Merlin hurried into the room ahead of some ladies and lords of the court coming to standby Gauis 'Please tell me you fixed the potion, I have a very bad feeling about this.' Merlin whispered, urgency laced in his voice.

'Witches of Marador are the worst recipe writers I've known.' Gauis commented.

'Gaius!' Merlin whisper shouted frustration and annoyance clear on his expression at the bad news.

'I'm working on it. But we need to find the stamen of the Dropwort flower. They're rarer than a four leaf clover' Gauis told him and Merlin sighed exasperate wondering why nothing could be easy in Camelot.

At the doors of the council chamber stood Elena, her blonde hair sticking up all over the place and grunhilda standing by her side. Grunhilda gave her a small shove, pushing Elena down the aisle towards the throne where Arthur is waiting. Elena waves slightly and Arthur nods.

'I am honoured to be standing before you today in the presence of our dear friend, Lord Godwyn' Godwyn smiled from behind him 'and his wonderful daughter, Elena.' Elena bit her lip with a confused frown 'The people of this kingdom are very dear to me. This place is my life. I hope one day to continue the good work of my father' he said looking back at Uther whom nodded 'and to make Camelot a place of peace and happiness' the court applauded at his speech.

'It is my sincerest hope that you, Princess Elena, share these dreams. With this in mind...' Arthur goes down on one one and Elena stared down at him gobsmacked at the sudden action.

'I would like to ask you to do me the honour of being my' he hesitated slightly before choking out the last word '...wife.'

Elena glanced nervously at her father whom nodded encouragingly before turning back to the prince at her feet 'yes, I will marry you' she agreed and the court applauded, the two kings with proud smiles on their faces. None of them seeing the broken smile on Kara's face as she blinked looking up at the ceiling to hold back any tears that were threatening to fall.

Later that night Gauis was brewing the potion required to get the sidhe out of Elena when Merlin entered, covered in brown mud.

'I got it!' He exclaimed holding up the flower walking to Gauis.

'Grown in boggy and marshy terrain?' Gauis questioned wondering if his research had been correct.

'In the middle of boggy, marshy terrain.' Merlin glares at the little flower in his hand in annoyance 'Right in the middle.'

'You did a good job. This'll sort things out. Hopefully before tomorrow's wedding'. Gauis spoke taking the flower

Merlin frowned 'Will it hurt her when the fairy leaves?' He wondered, suddenly conscious that Elena could get hurt in the process.

'She'll feel like a new person. She probably doesn't realise how much trouble it's been causing her' Gauis said as he clinks his tongs against the potion bottle dropping a petal of the flower into the liquid inside.

Out in the forest standing by the lake in her pixie form Grunhilda's took on an apologetic look as she stood in front of the sidhe elder 'Oh, master, I am sorry, but I fear we may have a problem. I may be wrong, but you know how things are.'

'Out with it!' The fairy yelled, his patience wearing thin with the pixie before him.

'The serving boy, Merlin, knows Elena is a changeling' she explained.

'So?' The elder snapped 'What can a serving boy do?'

'He is Arthur's serving boy' the sidhe gritted his teeth together with a menacing hiss at the news 'and you won't expect he will stay quiet for long'

'Do you know how long I have waited for this moment?' He said trembling with rage

'Yes, Sire! And I have been there with you every second of the way' the pixie assured him

'You have been there because we have chosen to keep you there! If the changeling is discovered, you will not be so useful anymore' the pixie,s eyes widened before nodding.

'No, Sire.'

'As to this Merlin' he spat out the name 'soon he will regret the day I ever heard his name. Let him learn who he's angered. Let him feel the power of the mighty Sidhe!' He growled.

The sidhe elders blue light flickered throughout Camelot as he flew towards Merlin's chambers passing a sleeping Gauis on the way. Merlin wokat the sound and stared up at the blue light. His eyes flickering gold to see the elder holding his staff out to attack.

Merlin rolled out of his bed just as a bolt of magic hit his bed, he reached under the paneling under his bed and pulled out his own staff. He spotted up and went for the door opening it. The elder growled and Merlin held up his staff only to trip down he stairs landing on the stone floor. The sidhe strikes again but Merlin dodged it. The blast however was enough to wake Gauis, jolting upright in his bed.

Merlin sends out his own bolt of magic at the flying fairy only to topple over a shelf. His eyes flashed gold again and he sent another bolt this time completely vaporising the sidhe elder, his dying cry echoing throughout the room.

Merlin pushed the shelf back up only to turn and see gaius staring horrified down at a smashed potion bottle. Merlin's eyes widened as he released what it was.

'Please tell me that wasn't all of it.' Melrin begged but gaius face was answer enough.

On the morning of the wedding, Elena lies in bed, belching which Grunhilda continues to babble on 'I don't think I've ever been so happy. I'm almost as excited as if it was my wedding day. In fact, given half a chance, I'd definitely marry him myself.'

'Maybe that's not such a bad idea' Elena thinks out loud.

'What?' Grunhilda stares down at her in shocked disbelief.

'I'm serious. I don't love him. He doesn't understand me. He certainly doesn't love me either' she sighed, collapsing back down on the bed,

'He respects you' Grunhilda points out.

'Yes, and I him. But is that enough?' She wondered

'Well, yes, definitely. I, I would say it was enough. I mean, what is love anyway? Here today and gone tomorrow. Respect, that's what lasts. Aw, it's just nerves. Understandable, but not to be listened to. Silly girl' she says, ruffling her hair and Elena shrugs taking another bite of her peach.

Down in the physician chambers on the other die of the castle Merlin watches eagerly as Gauis created another potion.

'That's it?' He asks eagerly when Gauis puts on the top of the bottle and nods. Merlin sighs in relief 'Thank goodness for that'

'Well, there's one more thing. How are we going to get Elena to drink this with Grunhilda around?' Gauis wondered and Merlin smirked

'I think I might know a way'.

That's how Gauis found himself knocking on Elena's chamber doors only ten minutes later. Grunhilda's opens the door and smiles when she sees Gauis standing there 'Well, hello there'

'Hello, indeed. I wonder, could you spare me a moment?' He asks

'But of course' she smiles and goes to open the door wider but gaius shakes his head

'Er, not here. Alone. The vaults beneath Camelot.'

'The vaults?' She questions confused

'It's a very private place.

Elena stumbles inside the room and groans 'I can't walk in these shoes'.

'I have a wedding to prepare' Grunhilda argues with gaius.

'No one will disturb us. There may not be another opportunity'

'You surprise me, Gaius. But, oh, what a lovely surprise! I'll be right there' she grins, agreeing before closing the door.

Down in the vaults stood Gauis, Merlin and Kara whom had been informed of the plan by Merlin earlier. 'You look very handsome. Perfect bait.' Merlin says smiling,

'Merlin, if this doesn't work, if it seems she is overpowering me.'

'I will just watch and wait.' Merlin smiles and Kara chuckles .

'You will rescue me. And if it does work, let us never speak of it again.'

'Hello my lover!' Grunhilda yells from down the hall. Quickly both Kara and Merlin hide. 'Oh, what a romantic place.' Grunhilda says looking around the vaults before stepping closer I've been dreaming of this moment.'

'Me too' Gauis chokes out with difficulty

'Longing for this time.' Kara screws up her face in disgust and Merlin muffles his chuckle as they sneak out of the vaults.

'Longing' Gauis agrees

'At last, we two will be as one.' Grunhilda puckers her lips. Gaius runs out and Merlin magically locks the gate. The keyhole shining with magic.

Grunhilda rushes back and rattles the bars before she lashes out her frog tongue and licks Gaius, Merlin and Kara cringes in disgust.

'You'll never know what you've missed' She cries

'I'll take your word for it.' Gauis calls as the three hurry down and away from her.

'Atot-oilg, a chomlae!' Grunhilda casts but Merlin spell holds firm and she rests her chin against the bars in defeat,

'Never speak of it, Merlin, Kara' gaius speaks as they make their way down the corridor 'That's what we agreed.' they nod but their smirks say otherwise.

In the vaults Grunhilda tries another spell to unlock the gate 'Ar-focraim uait, asndot-roilce!' But it still fails and she curses moving away from the gate in frustration.

In the throne room Uther stood greeting guests with a broad smile 'Welcome, welcome, welcome. It's good to have you here'.

Morgana looked on before turning to gwen 'have you seen Kara anywhere she should be here by now,' Morgana said with a concerned frown.

'I think she said she was helping Merlin with something' gwen told her and Morgana nodded.

'well I hope it doesn't take too long I'd hate for her to miss the wedding'

'Lasa n-uile fil ocum ar-focraim atot-oilg!' Grunhilda cried from inside the vaults and her spell boats the gate off it hinges and cheered happily before bustling out of the room.

Just outside the corridor to Elena rooms gaius turns to Merlin 'You got your staff. When the Sidhe is released, it might not be very happy' Gauis warns him.

'Don't worry, I'll be ready for it' Merlin assures.

'You better be ready for me first!' Grunhilda yells from behind them and she rushes forward but Merlin hits Grunhilda with a beam from his staff but she gets up.

'I'll see how long I can hold her off, you better be quick.' He said to Gauis who nods entering. Kara grabbed a sword from a nearby armour mannequin ready to fight Grunhilda off if the time came.

Gauis entered the room 'Grunhilda?' Elena calls peaking her head out from behind a curtain only to see gaius standing there.

'It's only me' gaius assured.

'Where has she gone? I'm getting married in less than an hour' Elena cries putting on a pearl necklace when she hears electric popping noises and screams in the corridor 'What was that?'

'Er...preparation for the wedding' gaius lied 'Everybody's very excited. But you must be nervous'.

'I'm a little flustered' Elena states sitting on the edge of her bed.

'Only to be expected, and just as I thought. I brought you a tonic to calm your nerves'

'You are very kind' Elena opens the bottle and takes a tiny sip, 'I cannot believe this is actually my wedding day' she mutters.

'Best to drink it all for the full effect' Gauis said

'Oh' Elena takes another tiny sip 'I really wish my mother was here.'

'Try another sip' gaius urges sitting down next to her.

Outside Merlin and Kara were getting more and more frustrated. Grunhilda was one tough pixie and no matter how many times merliin hit her with his staff she just did not want to die.

Kara finally had enough and threw her sword at the woman striking her in the heart, Merlin finished her off with a final blast from his staff and her body turned into dust. They look at each other and nod before rushing into the room ready to fight off the pixie only to see gaius and Elena on the bed, with half drunk potion in her give gaius a look.

'I'm trying.' Gauis whispers but Kara rolls her eyes, moving forward.

'Elena, this is gonna make you feel a whole lot better!' She cries taking the bottle, pinches Elena's noseand pours the potion into her mouth.

Elena passes out and writhes around on the bed while the Sidhe is forced out. Merlin kills it with a bolt from his staff and Elena wakes up, sitting primly.

'Not to worry, my dear. I think you must've fainted. Such excitement!' Gauis quickly speaks, assuring her.

'Fainted? I feel...amazing. I haven't felt this good in years!' She cried happily getting off the bed and moving into the room before turning to look at the three 'Where is Grunhilda?'

They all look at each other 'We'll look into it'.

Merlin entered the antechamber outside the throne room's doors finding Arthur standing there stiffly, looking absolutely petrified. 'I brought you your ceremonial sword.' He announces holding up the sword

'Is that for me to fall on?' Arthu wondered and Merlin frowned,

'Hopefully not. What's wrong?'

'You wouldn't understand, Merlin. You have no idea what it's like to have a destiny you can't escape' he said and Merlin smiled because he knew exactly who that felt everyday of his life.

'Destinies are troublesome things' he mutters and Arthur moves around and grabs the sword and seethes it into his sword belt 'You feel trapped, like your whole life is being planned out for you and you've got no control over anything, and sometimes you don't even know if what destiny decided is really the best thing at all' he rants and Arthur frowns at him, confused because it sounded like Merlin was speaking from experience.

'How come you're so knowledgeable?'

'Hmm?' Merlin was drawn out of his though before shrugging offhandedly 'Oh, I read a book'

'What would this book tell you? Should I marry her?' Arthur wonders looking back at him.

'That's not really my place to say so'

'I'm asking you, it's your job to answer' Arthur snapped

'If you really want to know what I think...' Arthur gestures for Merlin to go on and Merlin quirks his eyebrow before going on 'I think you're mad, I think you're all mad. People should marry for love, not convenience.' He states firmly 'And if Uther thinks an unhappy king makes for a stronger kingdom, then he's wrong. 'Cause you may be destined to rule Camelot, but you have a choice...as to how you do it' merlin finished with a whisper and a thoughtful look crossed Arthur's face just as the doors opened and trumpets began to sound.

Arthur walks down to the altar everyone bowing to him as he passes including Morgana, gwen and Kara who wished to be anywhere else but there at that moment.

In Elena's chambers the newly freed woman turned to face her father wearing a gorgeous gown of white and her tied back neatly into place for once 'What do you think?' She asks nervously.

'Beautiful. No other word for it. Beautiful' Godwyn smiles and Elan takes her fatherLe arm.

The two walk down the aisle in the throne room, Godwyn wearing a broad grin as he passed Elan to Arthur. Kara watched with a frown beside gwen before masking her sadness.

Elena's and Arthur share a small smile before it disappears and Arthur takes her hands in his. Geoffrey of Monmouth comes forward as the minister of the wedding 'My lords, ladies, and gentlemen of Camelot, we are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient rite of hand-fasting' Arthur glances behind him and catches Kara,s eyes before she looks down. He turns back with a thoughtful look on his face unaware Elena had caught the exchange '...the union of Arthur Pendragon and Princess Elena of Gawant. Is it your wish, Arthur, to become one with this woman?'

'It is' Arthur said after a moment's hesitation and Uther smiles from his place in the crowd.

'Is it your wish, Elena, to become one with this man?' Elena looks at her father and then at the floor.

'It is'

'Do any say nay?' Kara's mouth twitches but she remains silent 'Then as we gather here today, we are all witness to this rite...'

'Wait' Arthur suddenly spoke up.

'There's something you would like to say, Arthur?' Geoffrey questions and Kara looks up to look at him. Merlin standing at the back looks at Arthur with a hint of smile on his face as he watches.

'Something I should've said a long time ago' Arthur begins and both Uther and Godwyn share a glance of confusion 'Something from the heart I dare not speak' Kara sees Morgana glance at gwen from the corner of her eyes with a smile and she makes a metal note to explain to gwen why Morgana thought Arthur was in love with her.

Merlin nods silently encouraging Arthur to continue 'Elena, you are a wonderful woman' Arthur smiles and she smiles as well 'and a beautiful bride, but I cannot deny my feelings'.

Elena smiles 'You do not love me'. Arthur shakes his head. Uther looks down in frustration while Kara lets out a silent sigh.

'And I think, if you are honest, you do not love me either'.

Elena shakes her head 'No' she said glancing at her father worried but he merely smiles and nods. Merlin smiles proudly at Arthur.

'Then we are both here out of duty' he leans forward 'Can you forgive me?'

'I agree with all you have said. Thank you, Arthur' she smiles. Uther glares at his so in anger but Kara on the other hand blinks back tears of joy and relief, immensely happy that she would not have to watch the man she loved with another.

Arthur takes off his crown as he enters his won chambers Clint the doors behind him only to have them slammed open and a furious Uther stormed in after him, 'What did you think you were doing?'

'The right thing, Father' Arthur stated, removing his cloak.

'For who? For Camelot, or for yourself?' Uther questioned

'The two things aren't entirely separate'

'Until you put duty before your feelings, you are clearly not ready to be King' Uther stated and Arthur sighed facing him.

'When I am ready to be King, I'll be a much better king for the support and strength of a woman I love'.

Out in the main square later that day Godwyn and Uther walk down the main steps 'Can't imagine what's happened to Grunhilda' Godwyn mutters.

'No. I'm sure she'll turn up' Uther assures.

'I hope so. It's most unlike her' Elena appears then her hair styled and wearing her yellow dress. She smiles at her father before making her way down the steps to Merlin and Arthur.

'There's something different about her' Arthur muttered.

'You're not changing your mind, are you?' Merlin wonders

'Goodness' Arthur shakes his head, considers Elena as she walks down the steps, and shakes his head again 'No'.

'I wish you well, Arthur Pendragon. I hope one day we both find the love we deserve' Elena said coming to stand in front of him? Elena offers Arthur her hand and he kisses it. 'In the meantime, if you ever want to be beaten in a horserace, you know where to find me' she smiles and so does Arun though his was more sarcastic than anything, not liking being reminded.

'He did the right thing, you know. You mustn't punish him. They were neither of them in love' Godwyn stated as he made his way down with Uther.

'That's not the point. It's not the way things are done' Uther argues.

'Maybe it's time things changed. I think he has the makings of a great king. You should be proud of him' Godwyn says and Uther nods before the two embrace.

Arthur and Melrin enter the castle and Arthur passes seeing Kara come down the steps. Merlin goes a different way and he bounds up the steps to meet her, 'So... I'm still a single man.'

Kara smiled 'so it seems, before glancing out the window 'I don't think you deserve her, actually. She's really very lovely'

Mmm... Well, I had hoped to have forsaken her for one equally as lovely. Who knows, perhaps even more so.'

Kara shrugs 'I do not know of such a person'

'Me neither' Arthur states and she smiles 'But I guess only time will tell'

Kara nods, going down the remaining stairs, Arthur going to the top.