Amelia's POV
Percival and Amelia are finally getting married. It's also the Feast of Beltane. Amelia liked the idea that they would merge this feast with her wedding feast.
Anne lounges uncomfortably in one of the chairs in Amelia's Chambers as Amelia stands in the centre of the room as one of the maids, Jean, flitters about her, making the final adjustments to Amelia's dress. Anne would normally have helped but she is so close to term, it would have been too much. The only way they could all get Anne to not go into a strop over it was if she would be there to preside over Amelia getting ready from a chair.
Amelia has kept her look simple. Her hair is kept loose, flowing down her back, and she wears a crown of flowers. The cream coloured dress has a wide neckline, and the wide, flowing sleeves are almost hanging off her shoulders. The lacy fabric brushes along the floor as she walks. It's finished with a belt made of the same fabric loosely tied around her waist.
Amelia is the happiest she's been in a while. The only let down is how she had always imagined there'd be more people here with her such as Morgana and Gwen, even Helen, her adoptive mother.
"Perhaps straighten that sleeve would you Jean?" Anne orders. Jean hurriedly moves to do just that. The poor girl's nerves are at the end of her tether since Anne has been barking and snapping at her frequently.
Amelia raises an eyebrow at Anne, who just shrugs. Amelia then feels bile come up her throat and she abruptly slaps her hand over her mouth. Please not now of all times.
"My Lady?" Jean questions worriedly. Amelia looks away from Anne's pointed look.
Amelia swallows heavily. "I'm fine, Jean. Thank you for your help." The maid nods and leaves the room.
Anne watches her leave before turning to Amelia. "When are you going to tell him?"
Amelia sighs. "Soon. I promise."
—
The wedding is a grand affair with many guests. Amelia and Percival, like Anne and Merlin, had chosen to get married in the Chapel rather than the Throne room. It is beautifully decorated.
Amelia beams as she gazes upon her fiancé as she walks down the aisle, carrying a bouquet of tiger lilies. Percival waits, dressed in his finest clothes.
Geoffrey of Monmouth presides over the ceremony. It goes off without a hitch. Amelia is almost tearful as she and Percival exchange their vows and rings.
"By the sacred powers vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Amelia and Percival kiss. They grin as they kiss due to the whoops and cheers of all their friends. It is almost perfect. The only thing that would make it better is if Morgana and Gwen were with them, like in the old days. Though Agravaine not being in attendance does help.
—
It's time for the joint feasts and everyone begins to take their seats.
"Have you seen Agravaine?" Arthur asks Gaius as they walk towards their seats.
"Er, no, sire. Not since this morning." Gaius replies.
"Strange. He should be here by now."
Amelia frowns. She thought so as well. While Amelia had gotten Arthur to make sure Agravaine doesn't attend her wedding (he's been almost bending over backwards to please her), she had relented and accepted his presence for the feast.
Arthur sits at the head table with Amelia then Percival on his right and Gaius on the left. Anne sits at the top of the table on Amelia's right. Merlin arrives with a heaping plate of food and places it in front of Arthur. Other servants walk forward with Gaius, Amelia, and Percival's meals.
"Ah! My favourite. Herb crusted caper." Arthur grins.
"Easy now, we don't want any more holes in that belt." Merlin quips.
Percival chokes on his wine as he sniggers, Amelia slaps her hand over her mouth so as to not laugh out loud and Anne simply giggles. Arthur forces out a laugh as he beams a false grin.
Merlin turns to Gaius. "Wine?"
Gaius nods and Merlin pours him a glass. He turns to Amelia. "Wine?"
Amelia shakes her head. "No thank you." She tries to not notice Percival looking at her curiously.
—
Morgana's POV
Morgana watches Camelot from the hills, Helios at her side and the Southron army behind her.
She smirks. "Happy nuptials, sister."
Her smirk deepens when she sees the Lower Town has gone up in flames.
"It's time."
—
Amelia's POV
As the feast goes on, Amelia laughs and chats with those around her. Conversation between her and Arthur is stilted but better than before. Their relationship is still weak, still fragile.
They are all startled when the warning bells sound. Arthur stands in confusion as Gwaine enters.
"Sire! We're under attack! They're within the City walls!"
Arthur takes off his cloak. "Merlin, get everyone to the Inner Chamber." He orders.
"Yes, sire. Everyone follow me!" Merlin calls, immediately helping Anne to stand and make their way out.
Arthur jumps over the table and grabs a sword. "Gwaine, secure the Armoury! Percival, with me!"
Percival and Amelia share a kiss before he follows his King. Amelia wants to follow, wants to help but then she clutches her stomach and thinks it'll be safer if she doesn't. Plus, she needs to protect Anne.
—
The wounded begin to pour in so banquet tables turn into temporary beds for the wounded and the Council Chambers are turned into an Infirmary. Amelia, Merlin, Gaius, and Anne help with the wounded. Amelia tries to use some of her magic to at least able ease some of the injuries without raising suspicion.
Through the chaos, Amelia notices Anne wince, pressing a hand to her side. "Are you alright?"
"I think so." Anne replies, no longer in pain. She rubs a hand across her extremely rounded and swollen belly. "Gaius said that the baby isn't due to come for another week."
"Gaius also said that extreme stress can bring on early labour." Amelia points out.
"Well, I'll just have to remain stress free, won't I?" Anne retorts.
Amelia opens her mouth to reply, but quickly closes her mouth when Merlin barges over to them. "The Lower Town is lost. It's only a matter of time before they reach the Citadel."
"But how did this happen? How did they get in without being detected?" Anne questions, looking all too happy at the change in conversation.
Merlin gave her a look. "I think we both know."
"Agravaine." Amelia growls. At least her sister had the decency to wait until after the ceremony.
"We knew he was planning something." Merlin says.
Amelia shakes her head. "When I get my hands on that lying, betraying—"
"Language." Merlin slightly scolds. He pecks Anne on the cheek and then runs off.
"Where are you going?!" Anne calls after him.
"I've got to find Arthur!" He calls back as he leaves the Chamber.
—
Merlin returns with a badly injured Arthur, who's clutching his side. He gets placed on the table and Gaius immediately begins to examine him.
"I can bind the ribcage, but even that would run the risk of puncturing a lung." Gaius explains.
"Do whatever it takes, Gaius, just so long as I can swing a sword." Arthur replies.
Amelia stops what she's doing when she notices Gwaine and Percival enter, barring the doors. She runs over and wraps her husband in a tight hug, not caring how dirty and sweaty he's become after fighting the Southrons. She feels him kiss her hair.
Percival smiles at her adoringly. Amelia knows she must look a tight sight in her wedding dress by this point.
Amelia knows they have more pressing matters and moves so she's looking at both Gwaine and Percival. "How do we stand?" She asks as Anne and Merlin join them.
"The Citadel is overrun. We can't hold out much longer." Percival explains.
"How long before they reach us?" Anne asks.
"Minutes at best."
"We can't wait for Arthur. If they find him, they'll kill him." Merlin warns.
"We must get him to safety while we still can." Percival decides.
"Arthur would never abandon his people. He'd rather die." Gwaine counters.
"Barricade the doors. Give us as much time as you can." Amelia orders. Gwaine and Percival move to do just that while Amelia pulls Gaius aside with Merlin and Anne behind her. "We need to get Arthur out of here whether he likes it or not. Give him some kind of potion, something to knock him out?"
"I don't have anything strong enough. In my Chambers, perhaps, but the Southrons control the Palace." Gaius says regretfully.
"There must be something." Anne says exasperatedly.
"I'm sorry." Amelia sees an idea come to Gaius. "Maybe there's something you can do, Merlin. Arthur won't go willingly. What if he was to lose his will?"
"Are you suggesting magic?" Merlin asks.
"You'll do it?"
"I can try." Merlin steps behind Arthur and Gaius steps in front of him as Arthur leans back against the table. Amelia and Anne linger nearby.
"I'm sorry, sire, this is going to hurt." Gaius warns.
"Just get on with it!" Gaius presses his hands into Arthur's wound and Arthur howls in pain.
"Mod wæs cræftleas." Merlin's eyes glow and Arthur stirs weirdly. Gwaine and Percival rush over. "We need to leave now, sire!"
Amelia looks at Anne, anxiously waiting to if it worked.
"Of course." Arthur stands up, slightly unsteady and the others look at each other. Percival gives Amelia a questioning look. Amelia knows what he's asking and gives him a slight nod. Merlin gives Gaius a shrug and Gwaine and Percival brush off their surprise.
"Then let's go." Percival slings Arthur's arm around his neck and helps him out. "We'll use the postern gate."
Amelia watches as Anne and Merlin gather some things, but she doesn't move, already making up her mind about what she's about to do.
Gwaine stops as they walk out and offers his hand to Percival. "I'll keep them off your back as long as I can."
Percival looks surprised for a moment, then grasps Gwaine's arm tightly. He turns to leave till he realises Amelia isn't following. "Amelia…"
"You go." She shakes her head, looking at Percival with tears in her eyes. "You need Merlin, not me."
"Amelia what are you…" Percival begins at the same time that Anne shouts, "Amelia don't be ridiculous!"
Amelia looks at them sadly. "I'm sorry." She whispers. "I can keep Morgana occupied and you need to protect Arthur. Go. Get out of here and don't turn back!"
Percival hesitates then relents and exits with Arthur. Anne lingers.
"Anne." Amelia looks at the woman. "Please…"
Gwaine moves over to Amelia, putting a hand on her shoulder. "She'll be fine." He promises.
Anne still looks hesitant but eventually turns and runs after Percival the best she can. Merlin is protesting at Gaius deciding to stay behind.
"No time to argue. I'm sorry." Gwaine shoves Merlin toward the exit. The banging of the Southrons is clearly heard, reminding them of how little time they have.
"Look after our King, Merlin." Gaius says.
Merlin hesitates, then runs off. Amelia takes a shaky breath as she turns to face the door with Gaius and Gwaine on either side of her. This is it.
The Southrons burst in then, Morgana in their midst. They immediately surround the trio and Gwaine allows his sword to be taken.
"It seems your victory is short-lived, dear sister." Amelia remarks as confidently as she can.
Morgana scowls and turns to the door. "Prepare the horses! We're going on a hunt."
—
Anne's POV
Being on the run while heavily pregnant isn't easy Anne realises, especially when you're experiencing sharp pains as you try to run. She had felt one earlier when tending to the wounded. She had to drop everything in her hands and put her hands to her side. It lasted a few seconds before she was able to shake it off.
Since leaving Camelot, they had lost Percival then Elyan so now it's just Anne, Merlin, and Arthur. Anne leans heavily on her husband. She has a huge stitch in her side along with the sharp pangs. She doesn't tell Merlin about those pains, he's already worried enough after they got blasted to the floor by Morgana.
Gaius had told her that this is what labour pains feel like, but Anne really doesn't want it to be labour pains. That would be the absolute worst. Either way, her water hasn't broken yet, so she's still safe. For now.
Anne is relieved when Merlin stops running, letting her rest a bit. She's knocked slightly by Arthur who runs into them.
"Sorry! My fault." He immediately apologises. Anne looks at him in surprise at this new development.
Merlin looks equally as surprised, but says instead, "Well, I think we're safe for now." He walks Anne over to a tree stump and sits her down. "Are you okay?" He asks.
Anne nods. She is slicked with sweat and her stomach keeps clenching, but she will be okay. "I'm fine."
"You're in pain." Merlin corrects. "You think I don't know when you're in pain?"
"Gaius said that my body has fake contractions." Anne counters him. "To prepare myself for the real ones. These are just the fake—" Anne cuts herself off with a low scream as she clutches at her stomach. Anne leans forward a bit to try and relieve the pressure on her back, but it just worsens the pressure on her stomach. She clenches her jaw shut and straightens her back.
"Maybe we should make camp here," Merlin suggests, running his hand through Anne's sweat soaked hair.
"No." Anne shakes her head. "We're still too close to Camelot. W-we have to get to Ealdor. Once we get there, we can rest. I'm sure your mother will have something that will be able to help me. She'll know what to do. We just have to get there."
"If you're sure." Merlin says uneasily.
Anne knows that he'd rather them wait, but she would rather they put some more distance between them and any of Morgana's men before they put their guard down. Anne glances over at Arthur before leaning closer to Merlin. "Think about it," Anne whispers, "with me in pain and Arthur... incapacitated, you're the only person that can defend the two of us."
Merlin looks over at Arthur. He is picking at something on his chainmail, absently flicking it away before moving on to another piece. He turns to face Anne again. "Good point." He holds out his hands, and she takes them so she can pull herself up. He looks back over at Arthur as he says, "First things first, we need to find you some kind of disguise. You're too conspicuous in those clothes."
Arthur looks down at his armour and red cape. "Well, whatever you say. I'm entirely in your hands."
Merlin and Anne both stare oddly at Arthur for a moment. They have been given way too much power.
—
Amelia's POV
Gwaine and Gaius get dragged away to the Dungeons while Amelia is locked in her Chambers with shackles on her wrists, which she soon realised is spelled so she'll be unable to use her magic but doesn't restrict her movement. She isn't in there for long before she is dragged into the Council Chambers by two Southrons who hold her in place.
Morgana is curled up on the throne, smiling up at Helios. Ugh.
Amelia's entrance causes Morgana to turn her attention to her sister. Morgana smirks. "Hello dear sister. I hear congratulations is in order."
Amelia knows she must be talking about the wedding but that doesn't stop her from tensing. She can't know about—
"Thanks." Amelia sarcastically spits, trying to distract herself from her thoughts. "Sorry you didn't get an invite. Didn't want one of my guests being murdered."
Amelia wonders if she imagines the flash of hurt on her sister's face but it's quickly covered by a smirk so she's not sure.
Agravaine enters then, interrupting them. "All quarters of Camelot are now under our control. Some Knights have fled to the woods, but those that did not escape are either in our Dungeons or dead."
"Very good." Morgana replies.
Agravaine smiles at Morgana, but it fades when he catches Helios' eye. Interesting…
"Have the people of Camelot welcome me as their Queen?"
"They will swear allegiance to no one but Arthur." Agravaine answers.
Amelia smirks at her sister. Seems not everything is as easy as you thought, sister. Morgana glowers at her before turning to Agravaine. "I expected no less. Burn their crops."
Amelia looks at her sister in alarm. Even Agravaine is shocked. No, she can't—
Amelia is again reminded of how much her sister has changed.
"Let's see how they feel when their children begin to starve."
"And what of Arthur?" Helios asks.
Morgana turns to Amelia and asks, "Where would Arthur run to?"
Amelia clenches her jaw and silently stares back at her.
Morgana shrugs. "Fair enough, I can ask someone else."
Morgana nods and a couple of Southrons shove Elyan into the Chamber. Helios nods and they shove him to his knees in front of Morgana.
"And it'll oh so much more painful."
—
Amelia is held in place and is forced to watch as Morgana holds out a small black snake in front of Elyan. Amelia knows what it is. It's one of the many delightful things Morgause showed them.
"Do you know what this is?" Elyan looks at it blankly. "No? It's a Nathair in the mountains of Asgaard. Harmless enough most of the time, but with a little persuasion, it can cause a man pain beyond all imagining. So, you have a choice. Tell me where Arthur is..."
Elyan smirks.
"Or sample the delights of my little friend here."
Amelia winces. "Elyan, please."
"I'll tell you nothing." Elyan declares, ignoring her plea.
"Hm. You really should have listened to Amelia, but no worries, I was hoping you'd say that." Morgana holds up the snake. "Unmicel snaca, suge þa soþan... swilcnesse!" Morgana grabs Elyan. Amelia watches in horror as Morgana applies the snake and Elyan screams in agony.
—
It had seemed to go on and on till Elyan is tortured to the limit of human endurance and has no choice but tell Morgana what he knows. Arthur is heading to Ealdor, which means the others are as well. Amelia worries for Anne in particular, Anne and the baby.
After it had finished, Elyan had been taken to the Dungeons and Amelia to her Chambers where she feels like she can still hear his screams. She's looking out the window, breathing heavily as tears run down her face.
She finally is able to change out of her wrecked outfit. She gazes at it sadly. She had hoped to keep this dress for longer, to preserve the happy memory but now the dress is ruined and carries memories of pain and anger.
Her door opens and Amelia hurriedly wipes away her tears but knows it's pointless. She straightens and turns to find it's Agravaine is the one who had entered.
Amelia narrows her eyes. "Agravaine."
He swallows. "Amelia."
Amelia smirks, pleased to have made him nervous. "What do you want?" She spits.
"I want to help you."
Amelia wrinkles her nose in disgust at the mere thought. "Help me?"
"I think it's best if you join your sister. You need to join the victor if you want to survive." Argravaine argues.
"Join her?" Amelia tries not to show how tempted she is. For once she wouldn't have to hide who she is. She might have her sister back. But then she looks down at the chains around her wrists. "Never." She turns away, facing the window once more.
"Do you not want to know who your real father is?" Amelia freezes, not daring to turn around for fear of revealing how she's feeling. "I could tell you if you join us."
This causes Amelia to scoff, turning around and glaring daggers at him. "With you by her side? I don't think so." She strides over to him and leans close to his face to deliver the blow. "None of your own family loves you, you're meaningless to Morgana, I despise you and no doubt Arthur would rather never see you again. What is the point of you, uncle?" She steps back with a satisfied smirk and turns away, effectively dismissing him.
"I see," Agravaine says quietly. "I'm leaving to lead the hunt for Arthur." Amelia makes no move to reply. She hears Agravaine open the door and then pause. He then says something that unsettles her, "I'm sorry." And he leaves.
Amelia lets out a shaky breath, annoyed Agravaine affected her so. Her hand moved down to stroke her stomach. They will get through this.
—
Anne's POV
Anne tries not to snigger too much as she glances over at Arthur as they make their way through the woods. They had gotten Arthur to ditch his chainmail and cape for a disguise. Now Arthur plods along next to them dressed in trousers that reach just below the knee, sleeves that barely reach past his elbows, and a shirt that shows a large section of midriff.
They came across a group of travellers led by a couple, Isolde and Tristan. The latter seems a bit prickly but the two agree to let Anne, Merlin and Arthur join after Merlin offers them gold. Anne would rather they wouldn't join anyone but she knows that she needs rest and that wagon looks extremely inviting and she knows that Merlin worries about her safety. Travelling with a group will offer her better protection.
Anne sits in the wagon with a simpleton Arthur sitting next to her while Merlin finds himself having to walk. The journey is spent with Anne rubbing at her extremely swollen ankles, grimacing at the pain she feels while Arthur, except for when he would gaze out the window of the wagon, would turn and pat her stomach now and again, almost like a child. It's rather sweet.
The wagon comes to a sudden stop. "We make camp here!" Tristan's voice booms from outside of the wagon.
Merlin comes over to the back of the wagon. Another one of the men opens the doors, and Merlin holds his arms out for Anne. The man who opened the door is nice enough to grab her other arm and helps her down, and she nods her head at him. "Thank you," Anne says sincerely. She turns her attention back to Merlin, who looks around at the trees.
"Why don't you go sit over there?" He points to a large tree that Anne could lean against. "I'll help them unload and make camp."
"I can help." Anne tries to insist but then her own body betrays her with another sharp pang of pain erupting in her lower back, and she bites down on her yelp. "Maybe I should sit." Anne admits.
Merlin nods and pats her arm. "Take Arthur with you." He says, and just as the words leave his mouth, Arthur jumps out from the back of the wagon. However, he misjudges how tall he is, and he stumbles on his landing. He falls forward and ends up with a mouthful of dirt.
Anne sighs. It's like looking after a child, which, she supposes, is good practice. She looks back up at Merlin and nods. "Right."
Anne helps Arthur stand up and takes him over to the tree. He happily wraps his arms around it hugging it. Anne leans her back against the tree and tries to think of how she could sit down without losing her footing and falling over when Isolde strolls over to them.
"Need a hand?" She asks.
Anne eyes her warily, but honestly, she needs the help. "Only if you don't mind." She answers.
Isolde waves it off. "Nonsense." She grabs one of Anne's hands and puts her other hand on Anne's back. Isolde helps her ease down onto the ground.
Anne breathes a sigh of relief at the removal of pressure from her feet. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Isolde answers as she stands up. She looks like she is about to walk away when she suddenly stops and turns to face Anne. "How does it feel? Being with child?"
The question is so surprising, Anne's first instinct is to answer. "It hasn't been the easiest thing. The cravings and the nausea and the swollen ankles and the mood swings... though the mood swings affect my husband more than they affect me."
Isolde chuckles at her comment, and Anne does as well. "But…" Anne rubs her stomach, and a flurry of kicks occurs as a response. "It's all worth it. We're very excited." Anne looks up at her. "Why? Are you considering it?"
Isolde hesitates, then lifted a shoulder. "Sometime soon, is what we're thinking."
"Well," Anne nods. "I wish you luck."
"You as well." Isolde says and she turns around to walk away.
Anne tilts her head to the side, thinking over the whole encounter, but is then distracted by the sound of knocking on the tree. Anne looks up to see that Arthur has moved on from simply hugging the tree and is now rapping his knuckles against the bark of the tree, leaning his ear against it.
Anne shakes her head in amusement and faces forward again. Her amusement fades as she thinks of Amelia. She tries not to think about what Morgana might be doing to her. Anne shakes her head again, pushing back those thoughts and runs her hands along her stomach, she hopes her child will stay in there just a bit longer until they can figure out what to do.
—
Merlin, Anne, and Arthur had set up for themselves in one corner of the camp around a campfire the previous night. Anne had watched amusedly as Merlin had taken the rare opportunity of having helpful, nice Arthur and used it with relish. Anne had tried to admonish him but it lacked any real heat.
The only thing that had brought things down was when Anne had felt a kick and a clench in her stomach at the same time. Anne, without thinking, had scrunched up her face, both hands going to her stomach. It had taken a few reassurances before Merlin had calmed.
That night, Anne isn't the most comfortable as she sleeps but she's helped by the way Merlin cradles her as they sleep against the tree. They are suddenly woken by something knocking Merlin. They blearily look around for the source to see Arthur standing above them, glaring.
"You better have a damn good explanation for this, you two." Arthur murmurs.
Anne and Merlin simply stare at him in sleepy confusion.
"Fine. Then I'll just carry on kicking you." Arthur kicks Merlin some more and Merlin scrambles to his feet, helping Anne up.
"Arthur." Merlin looks into Arthur's face. "You're back."
Arthur looks at them blankly. "What do you mean 'I'm back'? You're talking gibberish."
"Listen to us, please. Camelot is lost. You were injured in an attack, you passed out. We had to get you out of there." Anne quickly explains before he begins stomping off.
Arthur is stunned as he seems to recall the memories of it happening. "Where are we now?"
"We're heading north to a safe haven, to Ealdor. Hopefully the Knights will meet us there." Merlin replies.
Arthur looks around the camp. "Who are these people?"
Anne and Merlin share an awkward look.
"They're, er... smugglers." Anne manages to say.
Arthur's head snaps towards them in alarm. "Smugglers?!" He cries a little too loudly.
"Shhh!" Anne and Merlin hiss.
Arthur calms slightly. "All right, let's assume, for one moment, you know what you're doing. It doesn't explain why I look like a Village idiot."
"Well, it's, you know, the perfect disguise. No one would ever suspect you of being, you know... who you are." Anne says.
"I'm sorry. I am not going around looking like this."
"You have to. You got to keep in character." Merlin retorts.
"Character? What character?"
"You two." Tristan calls. Anne and Merlin turn around. "We leave as soon as the horses are watered. Explain it to the simpleton, would you?"
Arthur looks at them and they smile sheepishly.
—
The camp descends into chaos when they're suddenly attacked. Arrows begin flying everywhere as Southrons flood into the campsite, swords raised. Arthur and Merlin immediately cover Anne as they run to take cover behind the wagon with Tristan and Isolde.
Arthur takes charge. "Head for those trees, we'll cover you."
Tristan and Isolde exchange a confused look probably due to the whiplash in personality from Arthur.
"Do you want to live or not?"
Tristan steps forward to question Arthur, but Isolde grabs his arm and they run off.
Arthur turns to Anne. "You as well, Anne. We'll cover you."
"What? But—" Anne tries to protest.
"There's no time!" Arthur grabs her arm and pushes her forward. "Go!"
Praying that she will be alright, Anne cradles her stomach and runs for the cover of the trees. When she gets there, Tristan and Isolde are already hiding behind a fallen tree.
"Are you alright?" Isolde asks her, putting a hand on her arm.
Anne nods. "I'll be okay." She turns her attention back to Arthur and Merlin.
Arthur and Merlin fire crossbows at the Southrons through the wagon a few times before they too run over and hide behind the fallen tree. Anne watches Agravaine as he directs the Southrons by the wagon. She glares at Morgana, Amelia, and Arthur's uncle.
"They haven't found the cargo." Isolde observes.
"They will. Besides, they weren't after the cargo. They were after you. Who the hell are you?" Tristan questions accusingly.
"My name is Arthur Pendragon." Arthur admits, not looking over as Isolde and Tristan share a look of alarm and shock.
"The King of Camelot!" Tristan hisses.
"At least I was."
"I've lost everything I've worked for some good for nothing King!" Tristan angrily cries.
Arthur turns to him. "That's quite something coming from a smuggler." He retorts. Anne winces, this is going to go badly.
"Well, I wouldn't have to be a smuggler if it wasn't for your damn taxes, would I?!"
"Those taxes help protect the people of this land."
"My people are dead. You call that protection?!"
Anne glances behind them and sees the Southrons have found them. "Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, but..." She directs their attention to the Southrons.
Isolde, Arthur, and Tristan charge the Southrons and fight side by side. Merlin stands defensively in front of Anne, ready to defend her if necessary. The group is doing well but then Isolde gets into trouble when one elbows her in the head and slashes her sword arm, kicking her to the ground. The Southron poises for the final blow, but crumples as Arthur stabs him in the back. Tristan runs to Isolde and holds her. Anne's heart softens at the gentleness with which he cradles her.
"Isolde. We had a deal. Partners for life, remember?" Tristan whispers.
Isolde smiles at him weakly. "When have I not kept my promises?" Tristan kisses her forehead.
"We need to keep moving. There'll be more coming soon." Arthur urges them.
"Then go. There's nothing stopping you." Tristan snaps.
"Come with us to Ealdor. You'll be safe there." Merlin pleads.
"I'm choosy about the company I keep." Tristan retorts.
"He saved my life, Tristan." Isolde weakly turns to Arthur. "Thank you."
"None of this would've happened if it wasn't for them." Isolde sighs at his stubbornness.
"She's injured. She needs shelter and rest." Arthur says.
Tristan sighs, looks at Arthur, then back at Isolde. Isolde nods. "Very well. But know this, Arthur Pendragon, I do this for her. You and your kind bring nothing but misery to this land."
—
Amelia's POV
It's the next day that someone else other than the Guards and maids enter the Chambers where Amelia is kept prisoner. Thankfully they always bring food, which Amelia is thankful for as it's not just her she has to think about.
Amelia narrows her eyes as Morgana enters. "What do you want?"
Amelia again wonders if she imagines the flash of hurt on her sister's face before it's quickly covered by a smirk.
"Time for some entertainment, why don't you join me?"
Amelia glares at the two Southrons standing behind her sister. "I doubt I have much of a choice."
Morgana shrugs with a casual smirk on her face.
Amelia soon finds herself in the Council Chambers as Southrons shove Gwaine into the middle of a fight circle where he's going to fight for food for him, Gaius, and Elyan. He gives a worried look to which Amelia tries to reassure him that she's fine with a slight smile from where she's been forcibly sat in a chair next to the throne.
Morgana stands in front of Gwaine, grinning at the rowdy enjoyment from the Southrons around her. Amelia shifts uncomfortably at it all. She does not like how Helios is leering at her sister.
"Behold!" Morgana cries, silencing them. "A Knight of Camelot, famed as the greatest Knights in Five Kingdoms." The Southrons laugh. Morgana grabs Gwaine's face. "Let's see if that fame's deserved, shall we?"
Gwaine scoffs with a smile and glares at her as she walks to sit on her throne. A Southron Bolg steps through the crowd, into the circle with a couple of weapons. The Bolg yells, inciting the crowd. Amelia really doesn't like how Gwaine has only been given a small wooden dagger for this.
Thankfully, despite that fact, during the fight, Gwaine is able to disarm one of the man's weapons.
"That all you have? You promised a decent fight." Gwaine jibes.
Bolg pulls out another weapon from his belt and disarms Gwaine.
"You're a very angry man, I can see that. Must be hard being so ugly." Gwaine provokes, and the man swings at him. "Children crying, women screaming." He tries again but Gwaine ducks again. "Come on."
Completely unarmed, Gwaine knocks the Bolg to the ground. Bolg gets up with one weapon left. Gwaine climbs on his back and punches him in the stomach. Bolg rams Gwaine into a column, winding him, but Gwaine gets off, punches him, and kicks him against the column. Gwaine picks up the mace and knocks him out with it in the now silent Council Chamber.
Morgana stands, clapping slowly, almost mockingly. "Congratulations, Sir Knight. And admirable display. You've earned your reward." She indicates to someone, and they toss a half-loaf of bread at his feet. "But you're going to half to do better if you want some more."
Amelia glares at her sister's carelessness towards Amelia's friends. She hopes the bread will be enough to keep them going for now.
—
Amelia had largely, up until now, been able to avoid having to spend long one on one time with her sister but then, instead of the food being brought to her, Amelia is once again being dragged into the Council Chambers. She is getting really sick of being pushed around.
The table is laid out with food. Morgana sits at the head of the table with an empty chair sitting beside her.
"Sister, won't you join me?"
Amelia doesn't move. Morgana gives a nod, and the Guards shove her forward. Guess she doesn't have a choice.
"I have not had the chance to talk with you properly, I have been too busy." Morgana remarks casually as soon as Amelia is seated. Jean, the maid, shakily begins serving them.
"Oh? Doing what? Starving the people, my friends? Hunting the rest of them?" Amelia replies with sharp sarcasm.
Morgana scoffs. "Are they really your friends?"
"Of course."
"How many of them know of your magic? Mmm?" Morgana asks pointedly.
Amelia purses her lips; she doesn't like that Morgana's statement is mostly true. "Percival does."
Morgana rolls her eyes at the name of her brother-in-law. "Ah, yes. Your darling husband. Why you didn't pick Gwaine is beyond me." She smirks devilishly. "But does he truly understand you?"
"He does." Amelia retorts sharply.
Morgana raises her eyebrows amusedly. "Does he? Does he really understand? Does he understand what you and I have been through because we have magic?"
Amelia stays silent. The only sound is the noise of Morgana's cup being refilled as the jug is shaking in Jean's hand.
"And your other supposed friends." Morgana continues. "Anne, Merlin, and Gaius. One of them betrayed and lied to us, trying to keep our magic hidden from us while the other poisoned you despite claiming to be our friend. Then your darling maid marries him and is pregnant with his child. Do you not see, sister? These people are not your friends, nor your family." Morgana reaches out and strokes Amelia's cheek gently.
Amelia almost leans into it, grateful for the familial touch before she remembers and slaps Morgana's hand away. "Don't touch me." She says weakly.
Morgana looks unfazed. "You will never be free while you live under the rule of my brother."
"Arthur is different from Uther." To Amelia's own ears, her tone doesn't match the confident words.
Morgana bursts out laughing causing Jean to yelp and drop the platter she's carrying with a loud clang, but Morgana ignores her. Amelia cringes at the sound. It's missing the heart and soul that used to fill Morgana's laughs. "Is he now? That's not what I've heard."
Amelia doesn't like this at all. "What do you want, Morgana?" She bites.
Morgana actually looks a little sad. "I miss you." She says, and she somehow sounds sincere. From the look on her face to the tone in her voice, Amelia dangerously feels almost persuaded that Morgana is telling the truth. "You were my best friend and my sister. And I confess that I miss your company." She leans forward a little. "Is there no way that I can persuade you to come to your senses and join your sister again? We would have so much fun." She glances down at Amelia's stomach. "And my little niece or nephew could grow up learning their magic in the right way."
Amelia clutches her stomach in alarm. If she hadn't been so alarmed, she would have laughed at the hypocrisy of Morgana's words because of how Amelia has been chained to prevent her from using her magic.
Morgana smirks. "You didn't think I would find out? Now, I ask again." She leans closer. "Will you join me?"
Amelia doesn't waste any time in giving Morgana her response. When people said mothers turn feral when their child is threatened. Amelia believes that must be why, without thinking, she lifts her hand and rakes her fingernails down Morgana's cheek, hard.
Morgana instantly recoils, pulling her face away from Amelia. Amelia can feel a wetness on her fingers and, to her delight, Morgana now has four long, deep lines of blood streaming down her face in thick waves. She raises her hand to her face and brings her hand back stained with red.
Morgana glares at Amelia darkly. "Guards!" She screeches.
Ah, maybe that was a bad idea.
—
Amelia finds herself being dragged down to the Dungeons with a Southron on either side with Morgana leading the way.
Morgana rounds the corner and comes to stand in front of a specific Cell. "Seems you have someone else to fight to get food for." Her sister remarks.
Amelia doesn't get a chance to see who Morgana is talking to because she is thrown inside and lands on her hands and knees on the ground of the Cell.
She feels someone wrap their arms around her and help her up. Amelia looks up to see its Gwaine and smiles thankfully at him.
"Are those markings on Morgana's face because of you?" He asks.
Amelia smirks. "Maybe." It drops when she notices an exhausted Gaius lying on the bed in the Cell. Elyan is crouched over him, feeding him bits of the measly bread.
"Gaius!" She cries in alarm, running to his side.
"Amelia…" Gaius whispers. "You can't be here. The baby…"
Elyan looks at her in alarm and shock. "You're pregnant?!"
Amelia sighs. "Yes, I am, and I really would've liked to have been able to tell Percival before all of you found out."
Amelia feels a hand on her shoulder and turns to see its Gwaine, who gives her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, you'll be able to tell him soon."
Amelia hopes so.
—
Anne's POV
Tristan supports Isolde as the five travellers enter Ealdor close to sundown the next day. Anne quickly catches sight of Hunith walking with a basket in her arms.
She looks up and immediately runs over to them with a huge smile on her face. "Merlin! Anne!"
"Mother!" Merlin says happily.
Hunith sets down her basket and hugs her son tightly first before hugging Anne. She is mindful of her bump when she pulls back. "My, look at you!" Hunith smiles and puts a hand on each of their faces. "Welcome home, you two."
Hunith turns and greets the others. She leads them to the house, and Tristan, Isolde, Arthur, and Merlin all go inside.
Hunith was about to as well, but Anne grabs her arm to stop her. "Hunith." Anne starts.
"Yes, my dear girl?" Hunith says.
Anne hesitates but manages to ask, "Is she here?"
—
She is helping one of the other villagers with their crops. When Anne gets to her, she almost can't believe it's her. Her hair is longer, and she seems taller. Anne hadn't gone so long without seeing her before. Her back is to Anne, so she doesn't see her coming.
"Guinevere?" Anne calls in a shaky voice.
She freezes, her hands wrapped around the handle of the broom. She immediately drops it and spins around. "Anne?" She breathes.
Anne bursts into tears and runs to her. Gwen meets her halfway, and they throw their arms around each other.
"I am so sorry!" Anne weeps into her shoulder. "Amelia and Merlin said that they saw you, but they wouldn't let me go with them—" Anne can't even finish her sentence. "Oh, how I've missed you!"
"I've missed you too." Gwen cries. She pulls away from their hug and looks down to Anne's stomach. "Oh, look at you! You're so much bigger from when I last saw you."
Anne wipes at her tears. "It's been a while. How are you? How have you been?"
"As good as I can be." Gwen answers. She hesitates, but asks, "Who else is here? What's happened?"
"I think you're going to need to sit down for this."
—
Gwen insists on being the one to treat Arthur's wounded ribs. Anne leaves her be and walks with Merlin and his mother. It's nice and peaceful, a change from how it's been the past few days, but it's broken by sudden screaming. Southrons' torches have surrounded the Village.
Agravaine has found them.
Merlin, Anne, Arthur, Tristan, Isolde, and Gwen watch as Agravaine and the Southrons harass the Villagers. Arthur is dressed in chainmail and Gwen is wearing furs.
"Any suggestions?" Tristan murmurs.
"Round the back." Merlin replies.
Anne turns and flees with the others. Suddenly a nearby cart goes up in flames. Anne knows that's Merlin, trying to create a diversion for them. Anne tightens her grip on Gwen's hand as they run. Her stomach churns when she hears Agravaine's voice call out, "There! Get them!"
In fact, her stomach does more than just churn. There is a sudden, sharp, long pain that erupts in her lower stomach and then a warm liquid spreads down legs.
No. No, no, no, no, no, no. This cannot be happening. Not here. Not right now.
As another deep pain spreads through Anne's back and over to her stomach, she knows there is no denying it.
Anne is officially in labour.
The baby is coming.