A/N: I was sidelined from writing this as I had covid then I went away. Then things just got busy. But got this done eventually 😅

—

Amelia's POV

Amelia stands to the side of the Tournament Grounds next to Merlin as she watches Arthur and the Knights practice for the Jousting Tournament.

Arthur is running at full tilt on one side of the barrier in the direction of another Knight, Sir Samuel. He un-horses the Knight who then falls to the floor. Amelia winces at the sound of them falling. Arthur directs his horse towards where her and Merlin stand, handing over the broken lance to Merlin.

"That has got to hurt." Merlin comments.

"That's the point, Merlin. It's not a pillow fight. Fetch me another lance, will you?" Arthur sarcastically comments. Merlin does as he is told.

After Arthur walks away to line up for another charge, Merlin turns to Amelia. "How are you not worried about him?"

Amelia rolls her eyes, "Arthur hardly ever gets unhorsed."

Arthur jousts against Sir Leon this time. However, as they are charging down towards each other, Amelia sees a flash of light temporarily blinding Arthur, leaving him vulnerable.

"Maybe now he will," Merlin says to her. Despite the advantage, Leon chooses to pull out rather than take his advantage.

"Or not," Amelia says cheekily. Merlin rolls his eyes at her.

Once he is dismounted, Arthur charges toward him angrily. Amelia watches from the side along with the other Knights that are training.

"Why did you pull out, I was wide open? You could have unhorsed me." Arthur demands.

"I was fearful that I might injure you, Sire." Sir Leon answers.

"You had the advantage. You can't afford to hesitate." Arthur says, continuing his tirade.

"I wouldn't have done it if I were facing a different opponent." Oh dear. "You are the future King, My Lord."

Arthur's face forms into one of hurt and disbelief. "You jousted against me in the tournament last year. Are you saying you let me win?"

Sir Leon now begins to look uncomfortable. "No, My Lord," he hastily answers but he's fooling no one.

The statement is enough for Arthur and he turns to the other Knights that are loitering. "It doesn't matter who I am! I do not expect any special treatment from you, from any of you! Is that understood?" The Knights hesitate and nod.

—

That evening, Merlin informs her of Arthur's plan to 'prove' himself and begs her to help. So as Amelia stands in Gwen's house, she wonders if she should be putting Gwen through having to deal with Arthur and maybe she should have told Anne as well. She knows, from her notes and the legend, that Gwen and Arthur become a thing but they have to get there first.

Merlin and Arthur enter through the door, Arthur's obscenely large hood obscures his face. Very discreet Arthur.

Gwen curtsies behind Arthur, who takes off his hood and turns towards her as she speaks, "My Lord."

"Guinevere." He greets. "It's good of you to let me stay in your home."

"I'm happy to help," Gwen says before there is a lull in the conversation and no one knows what to say.

"Food," Merlin whispers to her so only Gwen and Amelia hear.

"I'll prepare some food for you." Gwen quickly says. Arthur gives a brief smile before turning around. Gwen quickly turns to Merlin whispering, "I can't believe you talked me into this!"

"I'll help you," Amelia says to her. Gwen smiles at her gratefully and the two of them turn to Gwen's small kitchen off the side. Out of the corner of her eye, Amelia can see Merlin and Arthur having a hushed argument.

"How are the preparations coming along? Have we found someone to play our Knight in the tournament?" Arthur questions Merlin loudly.

"Absolutely. He's a farmer from one of the outlying Villages, and no one will recognise him." Merlin says confidently.

"But does he look the part?"

The look on Merlin's face is an answer in itself.

—

The man, William, presented in front of them definitely does not look the part. His hair is wild with his face looking equally wild as it is covered in muck showing his station as a farmer. His clothes, or should she say rags, are not any better as they look as if they are tearing at the seams.

"Great," Arthur mutters as William shifts awkwardly.

Merlin and Gwen begin the task of washing and dressing William in order to make him look more like a Knight. Arthur frowns throughout the whole thing while Amelia cannot help the small giggles she lets out every time William makes a face or a silly noise.

Merlin presents him with a seal of nobility. "From now on, you're Sir William of Daira."

Gwen and Merlin move to stand with Amelia and Arthur as they try to instruct William on how to correctly present himself.

Merlin provides no help. "Imagine you're really... arrogant. Knights like to think they're so much better than everyone else."

"It's not arrogance. Ignore him, he's an idiot." Merlin pulls an affronted look at Arthur as the man in question speaks. "A Knight must behave with honour and nobility."

William's walk becomes a strut. "That's...better. You must convince everyone that you were born into a noble family."

William pauses in his pacing, turns to Merlin and speaks in an authoritative voice. "Polish my armour, boy."

Amelia points a finger at him. "Now he's getting it!" She exclaims. William sniggers. Amelia sees Gwen trying to contain a laugh, not that Amelia can blame her as she is doing a similar thing.

"That's a good point, you do need to polish our armour," Arthur says with mock seriousness.

"Yeah," William says in the same tone as before causing them all to look at him but he can't hold it and breaks into sniggers again.

Amelia lets a small laugh escape.

—

The next day Amelia rises from her seat that is on the right of Uther's chair with Morgana on the left. Uther walks across her before stopping in front of his own to address the crowd and the Knights that are lined out in front of him below the stand. Amelia spots William among them.

"Knights of the realm, welcome to Camelot. You've trained for this day for many years…" Throughout Uther's speech, William seems to have difficulty staying on his horse. "...your bravery, strength and your skill to the test. Today you will fight for glory and for honour. For this is the ultimate test of courage. And it will be the measure of you as men. For only the most skilful, the most fearless among you will emerge as a worthy champion."

The Knights then leave and Amelia sighs in relief as William has made it through that part without falling off despite his struggling.

The Jousting Tournament begins. Amelia tries not to cheer too much for Arthur as he wins each match so as not to reveal who 'William of Daira' really is. She cannot help but think how well William is doing when he plays to the crowd after his 'win'. So far so good.

—

Since Arthur had 'left', Merlin had begun complaining about how much work Gaius has begun to pile on him and that along with what he is doing for Arthur during the tournament… well, let's just say Merlin is not entirely happy.

Not only that but Gwen has also complained about Arthur's arrogant and selfish behaviour that he has been displaying during his stay.

Amelia rubs her head tiredly. Why does everyone feel like they need to come to her with their problems? She already has enough on her plate with the fact that her notes for this episode only say 'assassin trying to kill Arthur and Arwen begins when Arthur pretends to be someone else during Jousting Tournament', which isn't very helpful. What is she to do?

—

The next morning Amelia walks toward Gaius' Chambers to see how Merlin is and comes across Gaius himself on the way. They greet each other before continuing towards the man's Chambers.

As they enter, Amelia sees Merlin asleep on the floor, his hands still holding the brush and bucket. It seems he had been cleaning the floor.

"Merlin, on your feet." Gaius' cry abruptly wakes Merlin up. Merlin looks around in a daze. "Arthur may be away, but I'm not. And why is my leech tank still dirty? Where do you get the idea you can sit around all day doing nothing?" Gaius rants.

This seems to fully wake up Merlin. "Wha..? Do you think I sit around doing nothing?!" He scrambles up from the floor. "I haven't had a chance to sit around and do nothing since the day I arrived in Camelot! I'm too busy running around after Arthur!" His arms begin to flail about as he speaks. "Do this, Merlin! Do that, Merlin! And when I'm not running around after Arthur, I'm doing chores for you! And if I'm not doing that, I'm fulfilling my destiny! Do you know how many times I've saved Arthur's life? I've lost count. Do I get any thanks? No. I have fought: Griffins, witches, erm...bandits, I have been punched, poisoned, pelted with fruit, and all the while I have to hide who I really am, because if anyone finds out, Uther will have me executed! Sometimes I feel like I'm being pulled in so many directions, I don't know which way to turn!"

Merlin gets no response from her as Amelia stares at him open mouthed, she is sure Gaius is doing the same thing as there is no response from him either. Though before either of them can speak, Merlin storms around them and out of the Chambers.

"He has got a point." Amelia then speaks.

Gaius simply points a finger at her. "You are not helping."

—

The tournament continues for the rest of the day and Sir Alinor advances to the final, which leaves Sir Leon vs. 'Sir William of Daira'.

Arthur faces Sir Leon and wins and everyone rises to their feet cheering. Amelia cannot help but join in.

"You are excited, Amelia." Uther comments. "Did not think you thought much of this Sir William."

"Well I did not know how good he would be but now he is in the final! I thought I would allow myself to get excited." She says.

"I agree," Morgana speaks. "I am sure this final would be more interesting and exciting now that Arthur is not here." Oh Morgana you have no idea what's going on. Amelia sniggers to herself.

—

Amelia is walking down the street with Merlin in the Lower Town to visit Gwen and Arthur when they come across Gwen herself as she walks away from her house.

"Where's Arthur?" Merlin asks her once they reach her.

Gwen seems almost hesitant as she speaks, "He's cooking me dinner."

"Arthur's cooking?" Amelia asks her in surprise. The man has never cooked in his life!

Gwen gives them a look that reads 'surprised?' before continuing to walk away.

—

Amelia and Merlin enter Gwen's house almost cautiously, fearing what they will find. Thankfully it is just Arthur crouching by the stove staring hopelessly at a raw chicken, poking it as if hoping it will suddenly do something.

"Amelia, Merlin, thank God," Arthur says, breathing a sigh of relief as soon as he spots them. He stands, turning to face them.

"Gwen says you're cooking," Amelia says, still feeling that disbelief she felt when Gwen told her and Merlin what Arthur is up to.

"Merlin, I need you to fetch me two dinners from the palace kitchens," Arthur says, bypassing her previous statement.

"So... you're not cooking," Merlin says.

"No, but Gwen doesn't need to know that. As far as she's concerned, dinner will be prepared and cooked by me." He says as if proud of himself for coming up with the idea. "Besides, Amelia has never cooked in her life either!"

"At least I am not pretending I will be able to cook a successful meal." Well technically she has cooked but that was done in her previous life with entirely different appliances and modern comforts. Anyway, neither of them needs to know this.

"You're trying to impress her?" Merlin asks suspiciously. This causes Amelia to smile a little.

"Don't be ridiculous, Merlin. And get me a decent shirt, will you? Your clothes are making me itch all over, it's like having fleas." Ah, that's typical Arthur.

—

Arthur watches the window for Gwen while Merlin and Amelia set the table.

"She's coming. Quick, out the back way. Do something with this." Arthur tosses Merlin the raw chicken.

"Hope Gwen's impressed with your cooking," Merlin says cheekily. Amelia laughs as she follows him out the back.

—

Not long later, Amelia hears a commotion from her Chambers where she is with Anne. The two of them follow and spot Uther, Gaius, Merlin, and Sir Leon inspecting the body of a Guard in the corridor nearby.

"What do you think is going on?" Anne asks her. But Amelia just sssh's her.

"His neck has been broken." Gaius is saying. "There's scarcely a mark on the flesh. Whoever killed him knew exactly what he was doing."

"Earlier this evening, an intruder was spotted in the Lower Town." Sir Leon speaks up. Oh god, this must be the assassin from her notes.

"Then I fear it's true, Odin has sent an assassin to kill Arthur." Well, that. That just confirms it. Also, that reminds Amelia of Arthur's previous conflict with Odin, more particularly his son.

"An assassin?" Merlin asks in confusion.

"Have you any word from Arthur since he left for the northern borders?" Uther asks him.

"No. None." Amelia can see Anne herself looks suspicious at Merlin's words.

"With this assassin in Camelot, we must be thankful Arthur isn't here. Search the entire town. I want the assassin found before Arthur returns." Uther orders.

The men disperse and Amelia stands up and begins to follow Merlin, but before she can go far, a hand grabs her arm stopping her.

"What's going on Amelia?! You know something!" A voice, Anne she realises, accuses.

Amelia turns to Anne, "Come on then. You deserve to know the truth." She pulls Anne along with her to follow Merlin, not giving her a chance to respond.

"Anne—" Merlin begins once he spots them.

"We might as well tell her Merlin." Amelia interrupts him.

"But—"

"Merlin she's already suspicious."

"Alright." He sighs. "Come on, we need to warn Arthur."

They run leaving a surprised Anne blinking after them. "Arthur?"

They don't answer her and quickly burst into Gwen's house with Anne scrambling behind them.

"Arthur, there's an assassin in Camelot. He's here to kill you." Merlin says to Gwen and Arthur who are standing suspiciously close to each other.

Once they are in Merlin begins to explain. "The assassin killed a Guard. Your father said Odin sent him."

"Why would Odin want you dead?" Anne asks Arthur, who is pacing. She has clearly gotten over the shock of learning that Arthur is not where she thought.

Amelia knows why and when Arthur glances at her she tries to convey how she thinks he should tell the others without words.

Arthur's face is solemn as he speaks, "Because I killed his son. Odin's son challenged me to a fight. I had no quarrel with him. I asked him to withdraw. Perhaps he felt he had to prove himself. I can still see his face. He looked so scared." His face looks distant as if his mind is trapped in the memories.

"You cannot blame yourself," Gwen says, trying to quickly reassure him, stepping forward. Amelia can't help but raise an eyebrow at that.

"No one but us knows where you are. If the assassin can't find you, he can't kill you." Merlin says soon after.

"May I continue to stay here?" Arthur asks Gwen.

"Of course, for as long as you need," Gwen says.

"Thank you. I'll sleep on the floor tonight." Arthur says, turning to the back of the house. It seems like they had a chat and Arthur has now realised how much of an idiot he's been.

"No, have my bed. You need to be well rested for the tournament tomorrow."

"I'll not hear of it. Goodnight, Guinevere." And he called her Guinevere.

"Goodnight," Gwen whispers.

Merlin walks over to Arthur while Amelia turns to Gwen. "Goodnight Gwen. Anne and I will leave you to rest."

Gwen smiles. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Anne says.

As Amelia steps out of Gwen's house, Anne leans towards her, "You better explain properly."

Amelia sighed. Clearly the night is not over.

—

Today is the day of the final. The day where they will see if Arthur can win on his own merit and the likely confrontation with the assassin. Though it is annoying how Amelia cannot remember how the assassin tries to complete his mission.

Arthur and Sir Alynor face each other on the course. It is a tense watch and when they reach each other, Arthur gets hit and drops his own lance as he is knocked back before slumping forward as he directs his horse to the side of the course.

Due to Arthur's reaction, Amelia feels suspicious. The way Arthur slumped is not the typical reaction to getting hit by a lance. She wonders if Sir Alynor is not really Sir Alynor and his lance is not a typical one. Oh god, the assassin.

She then sees Gwen running past the royal box and out of the stands to Arthur and Merlin heading after the likely assassin. Gwen supports Arthur as they rush towards the tent. Amelia feels irritated that she can't do anything if she does not want to raise Morgana and Uther's suspicions.

After a short while, a weak Arthur mounts his horse and motions to the lance rack with the help of a reluctant Gwen who hands him a lance. Arthur rides off to go against the assassin again. Amelia chews her lip in worry.

Arthur and the assassin tilt. It is tense as they get closer and closer. Suddenly the girth on the assassin's horse seems to snap (likely a Merlin trick) causing the man to tilt to the side, which gives Arthur the chance to, despite his weakened state, unhorse the assassin, killing him. Merlin rushes forward and helps Arthur off the course.

Considering all this was to prove that Arthur could win on his own merit, Amelia is surprised to see William emerge to get the crowd after his 'win' and not Arthur. It seems that Arthur had shown some humility.

Amelia cannot help but giggle quietly as she claps William, who is hilariously celebrating on his horse to wild applause.

Well, it was an interesting final like Morgana had hoped.

—

The next day after Arthur had 'returned', they all convene in the Council Chambers to essentially 'catch up'. Amelia sits on the right of Morgana, who sits on Uther's right. Anne and Gwen stand behind them on the right with Gaius and Merlin on the left of the room with the rest of the Court scattered about. Arthur stands before the Court with a bandage sling over his bloody armour.

"The assassin attacked us as we returned to Camelot. I was injured whilst killing him." Arthur says, using the lie they had come up with to explain his injuries.

"Odin must be made to pay for his actions. We must strike back at him." Uther bloodthirsty Pendragon says.

But Arthur stops his potential tirade, "Surely you understand the grief he feels for the loss of his son? We should try to make peace with him. There's been enough bloodshed." Amelia shares smiles with Morgana.

"Perhaps you're right." Uther concedes before changing the subject. "How was the rest of your trip? Fruitful?"

"Very. I learned a great deal." Amelia notices Arthur's attention is diverted to somewhere behind her. Amelia glances back and sees Gwen glance down shyly. Amelia notices Anne smiling at Gwen so clearly she had noticed too. "How was the tournament?" Arthur quickly asks awkwardly.

"Excellent. We have a new champion, Sir William of Daira." Amelia tries to cover her smile.

Arthur himself laughs. "I'm sorry I missed all the excitement." He gazes toward Gwen again. Well, he's got it bad.

—

Amelia steps out of the Council Chambers after Morgana and begins to follow her when she gets pulled into an alcove.

"Sssh," Anne whispers putting a finger to her mouth. "Let's listen."

Amelia is confused as she turns to look at what Anne is talking about. She sees Arthur approach Gwen, who had stopped not far from her and Anne's hiding spot.

Amelia sniggers. "I can see you noticed as well."

"Well, it's a good job that his father had not. Arthur is not subtle." Anne laughs quietly.

They turn to the conversation happening next to them. "I'm afraid my father would never understand," Arthur says awkwardly.

"You don't have to explain. Perhaps when you are King, things will be different." Gwen says sadly but hopefully. Amelia frowns. She hopes that they would not have to have this conversation but they had to for now. Particularly for Gwen's safety.

"Arthur?" Uther calls. Arthur walks to his father in one direction while Gwen moves to walk in the other, past Amelia and Anne.

"Well, we know what we need to do now," Anne says stepping out of the alcove.

"Yep. Help Gwen and Arthur make it." Amelia responds. Anne nods. Mission Arwen is a go!