Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
The Investiture section I could not find much info on so this is how I think it would be, if I'm wrong I'm sorry.
Hope you enjoy chapter eleven!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Chapter Eleven
It was six weeks later when the Investiture was set to take place in London at Buckingham Palace.
Arthur had invited Gwen as his guest, she at first declined saying she would have nowhere to stay, but when Arthur said he had booked two adjoining rooms in a motel and that he was paying she finally agreed.
They had left Lincoln the day before and had gone to London by train. Second class was as good as they could get with seats together. They travelled to London in their uniforms.
They arrived at Victoria Station and Arthur hailed a cab to take them to their motel – The Dorchester.
When they got out of the cab Gwen turned to Arthur with a shocked look on her face. "You didn't tell we would be staying here, I don't belong in a place like this."
"Yes darling Guinevere you do." Arthur told her as he took her hand and kissed the back of it, "come on the porter has our bags so we may as well follow them don't you think? I don't want to be anywhere else but with you." He told her looking deeply into her brown eyes.
Arthur led her over to the reception and said to the girl behind the desk "Hello I have booked two adjoining rooms in the name of Pendragon."
"Pendragon? I'll just check sir." The girl said, "Yes here it is rooms 304 and 306. If I can just get you to fill out this card sir, ma'am" she looked over at Gwen.
Arthur filled in the card, the girl looked at it, "sorry sir but we thought it was for Uther Pendragon."
"Uther is my father, is there any problems?" Arthur asked.
"No sir." The girl said quickly.
"Good, what time is the Dining room open?" he asked.
"Diner is from 630pm to 830pm, breakfast is served there from 7am to 9am."She informed them "I hope you enjoy your stay." She said in parting.
"Thankyou, I'm sure we will." Arthur told her he then turned to Gwen and motioned to her they should follow the porter to their rooms.
They had got to their rooms and the porter had shown them in and then left them only then did Gwen walk around her room her mouth open, she was watched by Arthur- who was enjoying watching her.
"I have never dreamt of a room so posh let alone been in one!" she said looking at him, "why did you do it?" she asked.
"Oh I don't know maybe I wanted to make it memorable- not that having a DFC being pinned to my chest by the King won't be DFC pinned to your chest by the King is definitely a highlight for me." She kissed him.
"My pleasure, I'll have to do it more often if I can get to be with you like this." He grinned at her.
"If by that you mean in a posh motel room then yes, but I'd rather you took care of yourself and I would be with you anywhere." She smiled back up at him.
Arthur wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply, when they broke apart for air he looked at his watch it was 5.30pm.'Darling we better get ready remember the diner reservations are for 6.45."
"Right, it's just as well you told me about staying in London tonight when you did I was able to borrow a dress from Morgana." She said.
"I look forward to seeing it! I'll pick you up 6.30, is that enough time for you to get ready?" he enquired.
"Yes it's enough time thankyou sweetheart." She smiled.
He bent down and kissed her quickly on the lips. "I'd better go then, I love you Guinevere." He said.
"And I love you Arthur." She kissed him back.
"Right see you at 6.30, Arthur said "you know where I am."
"Just next door love, now go so I can get ready." She laughed at him.
He turned and walked towards the door, when he got there he turned back to her winked and said "See you soon." And walked out the door.
Gwen got herself ready, after a shower she put on Morgana's borrowed dress, it was deep purple silk with mid length sleeves, it's length was just below the knee. Morgana had had it from before the war. She pulled her hair back away from her face but left the rest of it down so it sat on her shoulders just as Arthur liked, she used just a touch of lipstick- she only had the one it was red and with the shortages she had to make it last. She wore her small heeled shoes they were a light tan colour.
There was a knock on her door. She looked at her watch 6.30. She went opened the door, there was Arthur in his service dress.
"My god Guinevere you look beautiful!" He said as he entered the room and held her by the shoulders as his eyes feasted on her.
"You look very handsome yourself Arthur." Gwen replied.
"Do you want room service instead because I don't want to share you with anyone else darling." He asked quickly.
"No Arthur I would like to see what a posh motels dining room looks like, plus I've got all dressed up it would be a shame not to go out in it." She grinned at him.
He licked his lips and looked at his watch "Right we should go then ok darling?"
"Alright sweetheart." She said as she put her hand in its usual spot. They soon found the elevator then across the foyer to the entrance of the dining room
The Maître came forward, Arthur said "Table for two for Pendragon for 6.45 please."
The man checked the reservations "Of course sir, ma'am this way please." He led the way over to a table for two near an alcove – just as Arthur had wanted, he wanted to be with Guinevere not the rest of the world.
After they were seated Arthur asked Gwen "What do you think?"
"It's amazing, I've never seen anything like it, thankyou again." She smiled and it seemed to Arthur that she glowed.
"Anything for you darling." Arthur looked around, there were chandeliers, plush carpet, subtle lighting, the tables were not too close- so conversations could be held without fear of being overheard.
A waiter came round they gave him their drink order- a bottle of champagne.
They looked at their menus, both decided on fish.
The waiter returned with the champagne and an ice-bucket he uncorked the bottle and poured a small amount into Gwen's glass, she tasted it "Lovely" she said. The man pour the rest of her glass and then poured Arthur's and left. Another waiter came and took their orders for the fish.
Looking around Arthur smiled when he looked back at Gwen "You know darling you were worried that you might not fit in, on the contrary you outshine most of them here." He told her as he took her hand in his and kissed the back of it.
Their meals soon arrived and they ate in a comfortable silence. After their plates were cleared away they sat talking.
"Guinevere pardon me for asking this but could you please tell me about your mother, when I met your dad I could not help to notice that he was white, so I'm intrigued about your mother, sorry."
"It's ok Arthur, yes as you see da is white, my mother Angelia was half English and half Jamaican, Mum was darker than either Elyan and I, we're about ¾ white, so when I blush people see it."
"I'm sorry I asked darling." Arthur said as he rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.
"It's alright darling- it's not the first and it won't be the last time I'll get asked that question." She told him.
"I had been wanting to ask since I met your dad, and being here away from everything I just had to know- sorry." He apologised again.
"Truly it's alright, but could I ask you about your mother?" Gwen looked at him.
"There's not much to tell- Father and Mother met during the Great War, I don't know where Father never told me but they married soon after the war ended, they were in London when they found out Mother was pregnant. She had a hard time delivering me, it took it out of her, she never recovered from the loss of blood and she died two days after I was born." Arthur looked distressed.
"Oh Arthur I'm so sorry, if I had any idea I would never have asked." Gwen looked deep into his eyes.
"It's alright my love- I have no secrets from you." Arthur told her.
After they had finished the bottle of champagne they both agreed it was time to return to their rooms, it had been a long day and the champagne was making them weary.
Arthur escorted Gwen back to her door, she invited him in, "Only five minutes darling." He told her "beyond that and I won't probably behave myself." He smiled down at her.
"Ok Arthur but it would feel nice not having to sneak kisses behind buildings all the time." She said.
"I know that too sweetheart and believe me it will happen," he looked at his watch "10pm I'd better go breakfast 8am?" he asked.
"Sounds good to me." She said.
"I'll pick you up." He closed in on her, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply when they broke apart for air he said, "Guinevere I know we will be together."
"I know that too darling- I look forward to it." She told him.
"Alright my love I must go, see you in the morning." Arthur kissed her deeply again, held her close to him and then walked to the door, he turned looked at her and said "Goodnight my lovely Guinevere."
"Goodnight darling Arthur- sleep well." She replied.
"Only when I dream of you." He told her and left.
They both had somewhat restless nights due to the proximity of the other.
Arthur met Gwen at her door at 8am she wore the apricot dress again, Arthur didn't mind she looked beautiful in it, but when didn't she look beautiful? Arthur was in his dress uniform.
"You look lovely Guinevere." He told her as he lent in to kiss her.
"Thankyou Arthur, you look dashing yourself." She said with a smile.
"Shall we?" he asked presenting his arm to her.
"Why not." She said placing her arm in position.
They went down to the dining room, there were sideboards along the side wall with tea, coffee, toast, butter, jams and some fruits.
After they had got a table the waiter asked them what they would like, both ordered tea and toast, the waiter soon returned with a trolley with a pot of tea, a small jug of milk, a full toast rack, butter and assorted jams in small pots.
As they ate Gwen noticed Arthur was nervous, "What's wrong darling?" she asked although she thought she knew the answer.
"I'm just getting my head around what is going to happen today, I'm getting a DFC from the King and you're meeting my Farther and I don't know which one to be more nervous of." He looked embarrassed.
"It's alright love I'm nervous too, if that helps." She smiled at him.
"It does I thought it was just me." He said.
"Let's just make today something we will cherish for the rest of our lives." She suggested.
"That is a very good idea darling." He said smiling at her, "come on we had better get ready don't want to keep the King waiting." Arthur told her.
They took a cab to Buckingham Palace and reached it by 10am as they got out near to the palace as possible Arthur had to force the cabbie to take the fare- when he found out Arthur was getting a DFC he was not going to take his money. When the cabbie left Arthur and Gwen walked arm in arm towards the palace from Horse Guards Parade, as they got closer to the front gate where people were being admitted Arthur looked and found Uther Pendragon in morning dress complete with top hat standing just to the side, Arthur led Gwen up to him.
"Father." He said to Uther's back.
Uther turned around "Arthur," he looked at his son and then at Gwen, "you look well."
"Thankyou Father I am, may I introduce to you Guinevere Madden, the love of my life."
"How do you do Guinevere." Uther said holding out his hand.
"Very well thankyou Mr Pendragon, and its Gwen please, Arthur is the only one who calls me Guinevere I've tried to get him to stop but he can't." she said while shaking his hand.
They got in line and were soon inside the gates of the palace after their names were crossed of the guest list, they headed to the reception area as directed, there Arthur was directed to a smaller anteroom where he was prepared and instructed on what would happen when he was called.
Gwen and Uther found theirs and Arthur's seats while the military band played light music, soon all the guests were seated and the band played God Save The King, everyone stood as the King appeared in full naval uniform. The first name was called out for the CGM (Conspicuous Gallantry Medal) the DFC was a higher award and would be called later.
Over the next thirty minutes the other awards were given out, then it was the turn of the DFC's there were four of them and Arthur was the third in line, as he stood waiting he had to calm himself as the group in the anteroom dwindled, when the first of the DFC's went up he wiped his sweaty hands on a napkin and took a couple of deep breaths, he gave himself a quick once over making sure everything was by the book. The other P/O was next and then it was just him and a Squadron Leader to follow.
Arthur heard "Pilot Officer A.D Pendragon." Taking a deep breath Arthur marched through the doors and towards the King where he turned and came to attention in front of His Majesty as the citation was read out.
His Majesty King George VI took the purple and white striped ribbon with a silver cross off the pillow and came forward and attached it to the pin that was already placed on the left side of his jacket just below his wings. The King said some things to Arthur, he answered and then as the next name was called out Arthur took three steps backwards and then did an about face and marched to his seat. He sat there trying to take it all in.
After the last award was given out everyone stood as His Majesty retired from the room, everyone was ushered to another room for refreshments, they mingled there for about thirty minutes chatting to other guests and between themselves.
Uther looked at his watch. "Arthur if we go now we will make the reservations I've made for lunch at The Savoy."
"Ok Father, Guinevere can I interest you in lunch with Father and I?" Arthur asked with a huge smile on his face.
"I would be delighted Arthur, Mr Pendragon." Gwen smiled back.
"Gwen please call me Uther," he smiled at her.
"Ok Uther it is." Gwen nodded to him.
"Let's go and get a cab then." Uther started to lead the way Arthur and Gwen happy to follow.
Soon they were outside hailing a cab to The Savoy, on the way Gwen helped Arthur take the medal off and put it in its case and replace it with the miniature. When they reached The Savoy the cabbie refused all attempts to pay him the fare.
Once they were seated in the dining room of The Savoy and their orders for drinks and food had been taken Uther turned to Gwen "So tell me Guinevere, sorry Gwen how did you and Arthur meet?"
"My brother Elyan is Arthur's tail gunner and just after they had arrived on the base the whole crew walked past my friend Morgana and I on our way to the Medical Flight to start our shifts. Elyan doubled back and the rest of the crew followed and I was introduced to Arthur." She looked at Arthur and smiled.
Uther then asked Arthur "Did you ask her out straight away?"
"No Father about a week later," he looked at Gwen for confirmation- she nodded, "I sprained my ankle playing football with my crew and the following morning I went to the Medical Flight and Guinevere strapped it for me, as I was leaving I plucked up my courage and asked her out, it was the best thing I have ever done."
"Gwen when did you know that you loved Arthur, sorry but all those years in the courtroom I just want to get the facts straight." Uther smiled at the pair of them- holding hands Arthur's thumb caressing the back of Gwen's hand.
"It's alright Uther, I found out by the end of our first night out that I loved Arthur."
Their meals arrived- cottage pies all round, they ate in a comfortable silence.
Gwen said "Excuse me but I need the restroom."
"Certainly." Uther said and he and Arthur stood as she left the table.
After they had sat back down Uther turned to Arthur "She is a wonderful girl, have you asked her to marry you yet?"
"No Father, but her father has given his blessings." Arthur told him.
"I have no complaints son, have you brought a ring yet?" he enquired.
"No Father." Arthur replied wondering where this was leading to.
Uther reached into his pocket "Good, give her this." He leant forward and placed a ring box in front of Arthur.
Arthur picked it up and opened it, from the few photos he had seen he knew it was his mother's engagement ring! He put it in his pocket.
"Father are you sure?" he asked looking at Uther.
"Your Mother would be so proud of you, both about today and also finding such a lovely girl to fall in love with." Uther told him.
"You're the second person today to tell me my mother would be proud of me." Arthur said.
"Who was the first?" Uther asked.
"The King, when he was pining this on me." He fingered the ribbon. "He said he wished my father would be as happy as he knew my mother would be. What did he mean Father?" a puzzled look was on Arthur's face, "Did the King know Mother?"
"They were distant cousins, yes they knew each other." Uther informed him.
Gwen arrived back at the table and saw a stunned look on Arthur's face, "What's wrong Arthur?" she asked.
"I thought I was the bomber pilot but my father has dropped a bomb on me! My mother was a distant cousin on the King!" the look of amazement on Arthur's face was only matched by Gwen's.
"It's true Ygraine was a distant cousin- De Bois have an Earldom somewhere on the south coast." Uther informed them.
Arthur laughed, "That just makes the day perfect, Father thankyou for lunch and for coming today but I think Guinevere and I would like to have some time to absorb everything that has happened today, would you mind if we left you now?"
"Not at all, I totally understand, it took me some time to get my head around it too." They all stood, "Gwen it has been a pleasure to meet the apple of Arthur's eye." He came around the table and kissed her and then turned to Arthur, "Son I'm so proud of you." And shook his hand."
"I thought I was always a disappointment to you." Arthur looked stunned.
"That's my fault, I should have told you more often, I have always been proud of you." He hugged Arthur. "Go and enjoy your time in London with Gwen."
They left and walked around for two hours or so then decided to walk back to the Dorchester, it was about 330pm when they arrived back so they decided to have afternoon tea in the Tea Room.
After they had were seated at a table and placed their orders Gwen looked at Arthur and said "It has definitely been a memorable day darling."
"Yes it has and thankyou for being there with me for the whole experience," he took her hand in both of his and smiled at her "I can't believe that I am related to royalty- that my mother was related to the King, Gwaine is always calling me "Princess" what is he going to do when he finds out about this? I shudder to think!"
Their order arrived and it was very welcome and refreshing.
"I have an idea darling," Gwen said, "how about after we finish here we go to our rooms and get ready for diner, we can book for 630pm and have an early night as we have a long day tomorrow?"
"Very good idea my love." Arthur told her.
They finished their cups of tea went and then went up to their rooms, outside Gwen's door Arthur stopped and Gwen turned to him, "What's wrong?"
"It all seems to be a dream, meeting you and falling in love, the DFC, the King, finding out about my mother. I don't know when I'm going to wake up." He said.
"When you do I will be there with you darling." She kissed him.
"I might go and have a nap and then get ready." Gwen said.
"I was thinking the same thing- I'm exhausted," Arthur replied, "I'll see you at 620pm ok?"
"That's fine darling," she went and unlocked her door and turned to him, "I love you Arthur."
"I love you Guinevere." he answered, she walked into her room.
After he had dozed for an hour and a half Arthur decided to have a shower and a shave, he wanted to look his best for the big moment that would happen tonight.
He took the ring box and opened it. The diamond was stunning, it was an old fashioned cut but showed it at its most dazzling. He knew how he would do this.
615pm found Arthur outside Gwen's door, he took a deep breath and knocked Gwen opened the door almost immediately.
"Sorry darling I know I said 620pm but I couldn't wait anymore." Arthur said apologetically.
"It's alright I have been sitting here twiddling my thumbs for the past ten minutes, come in." she stood back to allow him to enter.
Arthur stepped inside and then looked at Gwen she was wearing Morgana's dress again, she looked and said "I know I wore it last night but I have nothing else that suits."
"I don't care darling and if anyone says anything they can argue with me and this, he pointed to his chest- he had put the full sized DFC back on.
"Alright my champion." She smiled.
"Always darling never forget it," he came forward and kissed her deeply, when they came up for air he asked, "Time to go?"
"Yes I think so." She told him and took up her usual position on his left side holding his arm. They went down and were met at the entrance of the Dining Room by the Maître d- who first looked at Gwen and then at Arthur and the strip of purple and white striped ribbon with the silver cross hanging off the end of it soon caught his attention.
"Sir, Ma'am, your table is this way." He led them to the same table as the night before, just as Arthur had asked for.
They were soon seated and the drinks waiter had appeared, Arthur ordered champagne- tonight was a celebration and hopefully more so later.
After the drinks waiter had left they were given the menus, both decided on lamb.
The waiter returned with the champagne and an ice bucket, he uncorked the bottle and poured a sample in Gwen's glass, she tasted it, "Yes thankyou it's very nice." The waiter poured the rest of her glass and then Arthur's and left.
"To you darling for making my special day just that much more special- thankyou." Arthur toasted her.
"You're very welcome my love." Gwen said after she had had a sip from her glass.
A few minutes later Arthur thought "It's now or never!" he got out of his chair, got down on one knee alongside Gwen, reached into his right jacket pocket and pulled out the ring box.
"Darling Guinevere, you know I love you, and after all we have done today would you marry me? It would cap off both the day and my life perfectly!" He opened the box so she could see it, and looked deep into her eyes.
"Oh Arthur yes! I am the happiest girl in the world, yes darling Arthur it would be my greatest pleasure to marry you." She leant towards him and kissed him.
He pulled back and took the ring out of the box. "This was my mother's engagement ring, my father gave it to me at lunch with the instructions that I was to give it to you darling." He said this as he slid it on to the third finger of her left hand- it fitted perfectly.
"Oh Arthur it's beautiful!" she looked at it and then at him with tears in her eyes.
They then heard the clapping from the staff and their fellow diners.
The Maître d then arrived with another bottle of champagne, "Compliments of The Dorchester- congratulations."
"Thankyou." They both said blushing.
Later after the commotion had settled down, Arthur was holding Gwen's hands they both looked at the ring then at each other and smiled.
"I've got to ring Dad, we'll have to get his ok." Gwen said.
"It's alright darling I asked him when we had lunch, you had gone to the Ladies so I asked him and he said if you said yes it was ok with him because he could see how much I loved you and he wanted you to be happy." Arthur smiled at her.
Their meals arrived shortly afterwards they both enjoyed them.
They decided to go back to their rooms soon after they had finished their meals, they took the unopened bottle of champagne with them, and it would be nice to have something to celebrate with when they told Morgana and the crew.
They reached Gwen's door, she unlocked it and turned to Arthur, "Come in darling? I want to ring Dad."
"Yes sweetheart I think I will." Arthur said with a grin and followed her in.
After a deep long kiss Gwen broke away and went over to the phone and asked the operator for her father's number and was soon connected. Arthur listened to Gwen's side of the conversation.
"Hello Dad its Gwen, no everything is fine, Elyan is ok as far as I know. I'm ringing from London, Arthur got his DFC today from the King. I met Mr Pendragon, yes he seems nice. Dad Arthur asked me to marry him and I said yes. Thanks Dad, yes he is here." Turning to Arthur Gwen held out the phone to him, "He wants to talk to you darling."
Arthur came over, kissed her cheek and took the phone, "Hello Tom."
"Arthur congratulations son, I'm very happy for the pair of you, I could not wish for a finer son-in-law." Tom told him down the line.
"Thankyou Tom, it means a lot to me to hear you say that, I'm a very lucky man and I will cherish Guinevere every day." Arthur told him. "Ok son, could you put Gwen back on?" Tom asked.
"Certainly Tom, thanks again," Arthur said beckoning Gwen to the phone "I'll talk to you soon, here's Guinevere."
He handed the phone back to Gwen. "Yes Dad, I know I'm lucky. I love you too bye." Gwen hung up the phone.
"Dad said I'm a very lucky girl and I agreed with him." Gwen said as she walked up to Arthur and began kissing him.
Arthur had his hands on her hips and gently steered her to the wall, once there both sets of hands went mad. Gwen's slipping in under Arthur's unbuttoned jacket running her hands over his chest and around to his back. While Arthur's roamed from her shoulders down to her hips and then on down her thighs. She managed to stop him long enough to take his jacket off so she could run her hands over his muscled arms and shoulders.
The second time they came up for air Arthur stepped back "Darling I want to do this properly and wait until our wedding night, how soon can we get married?" he asked with a smile. "I'd better go before I get carried away." He kissed her softly on the lips.
"I know what you mean my love, having to behave is so frustrating!" Gwen panted.
"It will be worth it in the end darling! Breakfast 730am ok with you?"
"That would be good, the train leaves at 9am."Gwen told him.
"I'd better go my love." Arthur said knowing there was a possibility of a cold shower on the cards.
"I love you darling Arthur," Gwen kissed him lightly on the lips. "Goodnight darling."
"Goodnight sweet Guinevere." Arthur said as he left the room.
Once they fell asleep- which took a while to happen they both had dreams of how the future would be, both woke with smiles on their faces.
Author's notes: I am using the 12 hour clock in London as they are with civilians.
DFC: Distinguished Flying Cross