Amelia's POV
Amelia, Merlin, and Arthur ride to a hill overlooking a small Village. They had just finished a long day of hunting. Amelia had enjoyed herself as she had been able to take a break from the emotionally draining performance she has to do in front of Morgana. To explain why she would go anywhere willingly with Merlin, Amelia had lied and said Arthur had insisted, not herself, and it would be suspicious to deny him.
"You know what you need after a hard day's hunt?" Arthur asks.
"Sleep," Merlin replies.
"Shower," Amelia mumbles to herself so the other two can't hear.
Arthur ignores Merlin. "A nice cold tankard of mead." He rides towards the Tavern.
Merlin is unimpressed. "Mead?" He looks at Amelia.
"It is nice to be refreshed." She offers. Merlin rolls his eyes and the two of them follow after Arthur.
—
Amelia, Arthur, and Merlin dismount and tie their horses up in the small Village.
"No better place to measure the mood of your people than the local Tavern," Arthur remarks.
"This is one of those moments where I tell you something is not a good idea and you ignore me, isn't it?" Merlin admonishes and Amelia sniggers.
"You are learning, Merlin. Slowly, but you are learning." Arthur replies with a quick reproachful look in Amelia's direction. "Now, remember, in here you are not my servant, I'm just a simple peasant like everyone else." They finish tying the horses up and walk towards the Tavern.
"Simple part's right," Merlin mutters as they walk side by side.
"What?" Arthur asks.
"He said, the sun is very bright." Amelia covers, hiding a smile.
"Yeah. Yeah, it is."
—
They walk into a busy Tavern and quickly take their seats. As they walk over, Amelia notices a man with long brown hair staring at them. She feels something niggling at her brain as if she should remember. Is this man important? Either way, Amelia admits he isn't bad looking. A woman soon walks over to take their order.
"Afternoon. What'll it be?" She asks.
"Er..." Arthur looks around, presumingly to figure out what others are having.
"Mmm... You're a handsome fellow." The woman says. Amelia looks away from Arthur and back to the woman, feeling curious.
"Well, you wouldn't be the first to say it," Arthur says cockily. Amelia rolls her eyes and Merlin huffs annoyed.
"Oh, no, sorry." The woman apologises. "I was talking about your friend here." She gazes appreciatively at Merlin. Merlin looks at her surprised. Amelia giggles, glad someone wasn't stroking her cousin's (it still feels weird when remembering that the two of them are related through their birth mothers being sisters) ego.
Arthur is stunned. "Him?"
Merlin's expression turns pleased. "Thank you."
Amelia laughs. "Yes, he has a lady friend who would agree."
"Mmm... lucky her and a shame for me." The woman responds. The women share a laugh while Merlin blushes.
"Three tankards of mead, please!" Arthur says abruptly. The woman gives Merlin another smile before walking away.
"I was wrong, coming here was a great idea," Merlin remarks.
"I still do not understand why Anne likes you," Arthur grumbles. It was just before the Goblin incident when Arthur had learned that something was going on between his servant and Amelia's and he hadn't stopped complaining about it.
They soon receive their drinks but after a short while, the Tavern suddenly goes quiet. Amelia turns around to see that a large and dirty man had just entered and he doesn't look friendly. He slowly walks into the room. It is when he throws the dishes held by a waitress do Arthur and Merlin take notice of him.
"Afternoon, Mary." The man greets the woman, who had flirted with Merlin, threateningly. "Business looks good."
"We have our better days," Mary replies calmly but Amelia can see she's no longer the chatty and smiley woman from before.
"I don't suppose you'd begrudge me my share, then." Mary throws him some coins. Amelia realises he must be extorting money from the Tavern.
He counts them. "And the rest?"
"That's all we got," Mary replies.
The man suddenly grabs the front of Mary's shirt and pulls a small dagger near her chest. "I'll not ask again!"
Amelia is alarmed when Arthur stands and walks over to the pair. "Take your hands off her."
The man smirks and attacks Arthur but Arthur dodges his punch. Arthur then throws the man into a shelf.
"I'm gonna make you pay for that." The man threatens.
Merlin chuckles. "I'd like to see you try."
"Merlin!" Amelia hisses sharply. How is that helping?! She doubts the man came alone.
The man whistles and a large group of tough looking men enter the Tavern. Amelia hates it when she's right. Merlin and Amelia quickly stand.
"You had to open your big mouth, didn't you Merlin?" Arthur remarks, glaring at his manservant.
The long brown haired man Amelia had noticed earlier walks over. "You three have got yourselves in a bit of a pickle, haven't you?"
"You should get out of here while you have the chance," Arthur warns.
"You're probably right." The man takes a swig from his drink, hands the drink to the man who had been threatening Mary, and punches him.
A brawl then ensues. People are punching each other with their fists or grabbing anything around them. Amelia grabs a chair and whacks a man in the head, knocking him down.
"Arthur!" She hears Merlin yell. Amelia looks to see that Arthur is being pinned down by the first man.
Merlin stands in the middle and Amelia hurries over to him. Despite Merlin having powerful magic, there's only so much he can use discreetly and his physical fighting isn't too good so she worries about him. They jointly take down a man that tries to knock them down.
"Merlin! Amelia!" Arthur yells. They both look at him. "Behind you!"
Just in time, Amelia and Merlin duck just as a man throws a chair. It flies over their heads. Arthur gets himself free and gets the upper hand.
"Ætslide bencþel." Amelia hears Merlin say. His spell throws a bench at two large men marching toward them.
Amelia then moves to the bar. She notices the man with long brown, who had started the actual brawl, has another man's arms locked around him. A different man from the gang tries to hit the long haired man on the head with a stool but ends up hitting his friend on the head when long haired man spins them around.
Mary is trying to rescue her merchandise as Amelia slides under the bar. Mary helps her knock out some other man by using some jugs. Amelia then magically throws plates at another attacker and the long brown haired man approaches the counter as he knocks out the man he has in a headlock.
"Pass the jug, heh?" He asks, holding out his hand.
Amelia blinks at him and hands him the jug. He takes a swig and then punches an attacker behind him.
"What do they call you, then beautiful?" He asks. Amelia stares wide eyed.
"Amelia."
"Gwaine. Pleasure to meet you." He holds out his hand. She offers hers and he kisses the back of it. Amelia gasps. She blushes in embarrassment at her behaviour. Amelia then sees another man approaching from behind.
"Gwaine—"
Gwaine smashes the jug on another attacker's head.
"Such a waste, heh?" Gwaine jokes.
Arthur is still fighting the leader and gets knocked to the floor. The larger man then pulls out a knife. Gwaine then lunges at him. They both fall to the floor. Gwaine struggles to get up and when he does, he falls over and knocks himself out on a bench. Amelia gasps when she sees the knife sticking out of his thigh. Merlin bends down to examine Gwaine.
"How is he?" Arthur asks. Merlin bandages Gwaine's leg.
"Not good. He's losing a lot of blood." Merlin explains.
—
The people throw rotten food at the leader, named Dagr Amelia had learnt, in the stocks outside the Tavern. Gwaine is slung over Arthur's horse while Amelia and Merlin sit on their own.
"If this man ever troubles you again, word is to be sent to Camelot. Soldiers will be here within a day." Arthur declares to the people.
"How can you make a promise like that?" Mary asks.
"Because I'm the King's son, Prince Arthur," Arthur explains and begins walking off on his horse with Amelia and Merlin following. The people gasp.
"Prince Arthur? Prince Arthur in my Tavern?" Mary utters in disbelief. "Come on!" Mary and the others pelt Dagr with rotten food.
—
They quickly bring Gwaine to Gaius' Chambers so he can be treated for his wound. Merlin and Arthur set Gwaine down on Merlin's bed.
"Merlin, fetch me some fresh water, towels, a needle, and silk thread." Gaius orders.
"And honey?" Merlin asks.
"You're learning," Gaius says. Merlin leaves to gather the material needed.
"Helps fight the infection," Amelia explains to Arthur, who looks confused. She misses the days when she was young and spent all her time in Gaius' Chambers.
"Will he be alright?" Arthur asks.
"Providing he's strong," Gaius replies.
"He's that, alright. The man saved my life, Gaius. He's to be given anything he needs." Arthur declares before leaving. Amelia stays to help Gaius and Merlin.
—
The next day is full of preparations for the mêlée and the Knights are arriving. Amelia and Morgana decide to take a break from the hubbub and go to the stalls in the Lower Town. Morgana wanders off from her momentarily and that's when Amelia gets absconded by an upright Gwaine who presents a small flower to her.
"I believe this belongs to you." He declares.
Amelia raises an eyebrow. "I do not think so. It's not my colour."
"Ah, well... let us see." Gwaine puts the flower in her long brown hair. Amelia pulls a face and quickly takes it out.
"I bet you've got a whole bunch of those to hand out," Amelia remarks casually as she twirls the flower in one hand while she carries a basket carrying some of the merchandise she had brought.
"No. Yours is the only one." Gwaine holds up empty hands as proof.
Amelia scoffs and hands him the flower. "I see you are recovering well. Arthur will be pleased."
Gwaine pulls a face. "I'd rather talk to you." He smirks.
Amelia rolls her eyes. "Well, if you are being like that, I'm busy." She tries to move past him but he doesn't let her.
"You did not tell me you are one of the most important women in Camelot. I would have paid more respect." Gwaine then speaks.
"I often don't tell people who I am if they don't know so to avoid them being fake or being prejudice." Amelia explains.
"You are not a mere lady but a princess." Gwaine bows to Amelia.
Amelia sees people staring, which makes her uncomfortable as they usually don't notice her due to the fact that she makes the habit of going down to the Lower Town often. "Stop it." She hisses. "People are staring."
"Not until you accept my gift. Or are you too high and mighty for a flower?" Gwaine challenges.
"Fine." Amelia huffs and takes the flower. She puts it back behind her ear and then puts her hands out in a sarcastic 'ta-da'.
"There." Gwaine straightens. "That was not so hard now, was it?"
Amelia tries to move past him. She clings to her basket.
"Let me carry that. A princess should not have to lump her purchases." Gwaine continues.
"Unfortunately, I'm not a princess but a mere lady." Amelia mocks his earlier words.
"Ah, but you see... you are no mere lady to me." Gwaine retorts.
Amelia stares at him in disbelief and laughs. "Am I now?"
"This isn't working, is it?" Gwaine realises.
"I could not say," Amelia smirks. "Thank you for the flower though. I'm sure you can find more in case someone else takes your fancy." She continues down the street.
"I've only eyes for you." Gwaine declares.
She turns around to look at him. "I'm sure." Gwaine chuckles as he turns to walk up the street.
Morgana suddenly arrives at her side. "Who was that?" She links her arm with Amelia's.
Amelia laughs. "No one."
Morgana doesn't laugh. "It should be. We have got more important things to worry about."
Morgana's reference to 'their' wider plans for Camelot sobers Amelia's joyful mood. She gives a simple nod.
—
The two women walk into the Main Square to see two Knights storming past on horseback.
"I see more Knights arriving," Amelia observes.
"It's good to Sir Oswald again." Morgana has a pleased smirk on her face.
Amelia frowns in confusion. "Again? We have met him before?"
"Yes, do you not remember?" Morgana asks, looking confused herself.
Amelia rolls her eyes and huffs. "Head injury, remember?"
Morgana shakes her head. "Right of course. Sorry sister." She looks at the two Knights that have stopped at the steps leading up to the Castle. "I do not recognise the other man."
Sir Oswald and the other man dismount. Arthur and Merlin emerge from the Castle and go down the steps to greet them.
"Do we greet them?" Amelia asks.
Morgana's face twists. "Best not. I do not want to be around Merlin any more than I have to."
Amelia winces at her mistake and hurries to cover herself. She purposefully twists her face to match Morgana's expression. "I agree. He always has to ruin things, does he not?"
"Agreed." Morgana then smirks. "We'll get revenge soon sister. Do not worry."
That isn't what Amelia is worried about.
—
Throughout the rest of the day, Amelia sees Sir Oswald and the other knight, Sir Ethan, run Merlin around ragged. Amelia worries for him but knows Merlin can look after himself.
That evening, Anne hurries to Amelia's Chambers to tell her that Gwaine has drunk himself silly at the Tavern and is in trouble.
They go to Gaius' Chambers to find Merlin. They open the door to find Merlin and Gaius eating their dinner.
"Merlin, I think you need to come with us," Amelia says awkwardly.
—
They enter the Rising Sun and are quickly handed a large bill by an angry Innkeeper while a drunk Gwaine is being held up by some man.
"You drank all this?" Merlin questions.
"With some help from my new friends!" Gwaine yells.
"Yeah!" The Tavern folk cheer.
"He says that he hasn't got any money." The Innkeeper explains before grabbing the front of Merlin's clothes and drawing him in. "So, it looks like you'll have to pay."
"But... I can't afford this."
"You better find someone who can." The Innkeeper lets him go. Gwaine laughs and falls over.
Amelia sighs. "Don't worry, we will." If Arthur wants to help Gwaine so much then so be it.
—
Arthur is not pleased with the bill he receives and deems it necessary to hand out a punishment to Gwaine and Merlin. He has decided that the two of them clean the boots of the entire army.
"Arthur is a thoroughbred little braggart." Amelia hears Gwaine complain when she pokes her head into the Throne room to see how they're doing.
"What makes you say that?" Amelia calls to them with a smirk they turn to her and she makes her way up to where they are sitting.
"He's making us clean the boots for the entire army!" Gwaine complains.
"I think it's fair," Merlin says and he thoroughly scrubs at his boot. Gwaine pauses and looks at him in disbelief as Amelia plonks herself next to him.
"He seems to disagree," Amelia remarks, pointing at Gwaine before sticking out a hand, gesturing towards a spare brush. Gwaine blinks at her in surprise but hands her the brush and she gets to work on her own boot.
"If you admitted your father was a Knight, you wouldn't have to," Merlin argues.
This causes Amelia to pause and look at them in surprise. "What?"
"You are not the only one who hides their title." Gwaine remarks to her before turning to Merlin. "And maybe I should. But I'm not making the same mistakes that he did. Anyway, my father always treated his servants well."
"You didn't know him." Merlin points out.
"Well, I like to think that he did." Gwaine snaps. "What about yours?"
"No, he didn't have any servants. He didn't have... well... anyone." Merlin says sadly.
"When did he die?"
"About a year ago." Amelia looks at him sympathetically, thinking of what Anne and Merlin had told her about that time. "I just wish that I had the chance to know him better. So much he could've taught me."
"But you did get to meet him," Amelia says with a smile. "While I knew my adoptive father and he was a good man, I have never met my birth father."
"Yeah."
"If there's one thing that I learned from my father's life, is that titles don't mean anything." Gwaine declares. "It's what's inside..." he slaps Merlin's knee with the cleaning brush, "...that counts."
"Ow," Merlin grumbles and rubs his knee.
—
That night, Merlin returns to Gaius' Chambers with worrying news. Sir Oswald and his companion, Sir Ethan, seem to have anterior motives.
Gaius bandages Merlin's cut finger as Amelia, Anne and Gwaine watch.
"To the eye, the sword appeared blunt, but when I touched it..." Merlin mimics a grimace.
"You were lucky. I've seen those blades in action. They're forged using sorcery." Gwaine explains.
"What would they want with a blade like that?" Anne questions.
"I think they mean to kill Arthur in the mêlée." Merlin realises.
"But in front of all those people?" Gaius asks doubtfully.
"It's the perfect cover. If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional." Gwaine argues.
"I need to warn Arthur." Merlin declares.
"Merlin, Sir Oswald's a Knight." Amelia protests. "He comes from a well respected family. You can't accuse him without proof."
"Then we need that blade."
"I'll get it," Gwaine says.
"What if they catch you? What reason would you have to be in Sir Oswald's Chambers?" Merlin argues. "No. It's safer if I do it."
—
Merlin leaves to do just that but those waiting become anxious when it begins to take too long and Merlin does not return.
"Merlin should be back by now," Gwaine says.
"I know," Gaius murmurs.
"I knew this was a bad idea," Anne says anxiously.
"Shall one of us go find him?" Amelia asks.
"I'll do it," Gwaine says before walking out of the room.
"Gwaine," Gaius calls after him but it doesn't help.
—
Merlin was in trouble as Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan had caught him though not before Merlin realises the former is one of the thugs from the Tavern, Dagr, which Merlin explains to Gaius, Amelia, and Anne on the way to the Council Chambers. Gwaine had saved him but, using their disguise of respected Knights, Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan had Gwaine arrested.
Guards bring Gwaine into the Council Chamber in chains. Amelia watches anxiously from the side of the room.
"Sire, this man attacked me, with a sword, tried to kill me." 'Sir Oswald'/Dagr declares.
"Is this true?" Uther asks. Amelia rolls her eyes at him. While she hopes it'll be different, she knows who Uther will believe.
"I stepped in to protect Merlin," Gwaine replies.
"I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed. I'm sure that Sir Ethan will back me up." Dagr continues.
"Indeed, I can vouch for his every word." 'Sir Ethan' says.
This infuriates Gwaine and he leaps up but is quickly grabbed again by the Guards. "He's a liar!" He yells.
"I will have your tongue! How dare you speak to a Knight in that way?!" Uther yells.
"Nobility is defined by what you do, and not by who you are," Gwaine argues. "And these men are anything but. They are arrogant thugs!"
"Gwaine." Arthur tries but is interrupted.
"Well, you see, Sire, how he behaves," Dagr concludes.
"I've heard enough. For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the Knight's Code." Uther declares.
"I couldn't agree with you more, Sire. He must be made an example of."
"Sir Oswald, please." Arthur pleads.
"Nothing less than his execution will give me satisfaction." Amelia's eyes widen. She feels Anne place a hand on her arm in comfort.
"Father, I understand how this must look, it's an embarrassing situation." Arthur tries to divert his father. "Sir Oswald is a dear friend and our guest here in Camelot. But Gwaine is my guest here, too. And he may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart."
"How can you say that when you see the way he behaves?" His father protests.
"Gwaine risked his life to save mine." Arthur continues to argue. "I beg you, please, if a Knight's word is his bond, then I give you my word Gwaine is a good man. He deserves clemency."
Uther thinks for a moment before turning to Gwaine. "You are banished from Camelot. If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life. You have until dawn to leave the City."
—
Amelia runs after Gwaine as he leaves Gaius' Chambers with his belongings.
"Gwaine!" She calls after him.
He turns and gives her a small smile. "Amelia."
"I am sorry you are leaving but you did a brave thing, you know," Amelia says.
"Hell of a lot of good it did me." Gwaine retorts.
"I know Arthur. He's not like Uther." Amelia argues. "You saved his life, I'm sure one day he'll repay you."
"He tried to speak up for me." Gwaine comments.
"See? Arthur's fair. He'll be a great King. I know he will." Amelia declares.
"Maybe."
"Thought you didn't care about Arthur." She smirks.
"Yeah well, some nobles are worth it I suppose. Look after this one."
"We do it all the time." She puts her hand on his arm. "Good luck. I think I'll miss you."
"I'm sure you're sick of me already." Gwaine retorts. He looks down and Amelia sees her hand is still on his arm. She quickly let's go, blushing.
"Well, when you're not acting full of yourself and like a flirt, you're alright."
Gwaine chuckles. "Thank you, Amelia." He turns and continues to walk down the corridor.
—
"I don't know what we should do," Merlin says as he paces the room.
"I could try and persuade Arthur to withdraw from the contest," Gaius suggests.
"He won't. You know what Arthur is like." Amelia argues.
"I'll have to somehow... use my powers to defend him," Merlin murmurs.
"With the King and half of Camelot watching?" Gaius questions in disbelief.
"Merlin..." Anne puts her hand on his arm.
"I don't have a choice." Merlin declares.
—
The crowd gathers in the Tournament Grounds. Amelia takes a seat on the left of Uther's chair while Morgana sits on the right. Anne and Gwen sit nearby. Merlin stands next to Gaius in the crowd opposite. Amelia knows that Anne has been restless and upset all night at the thought of Merlin risking exposure in front of everyone and nothing Amelia says will reassure her.
Uther enters the stands; the people stand and cheer. Amelia frowns, she feels annoyed at the people's support for Uther though she knows she needs to bite her tongue until Arthur becomes King.
Morgana and Amelia stand as well before retaking their seats when Uther does so. The Knights line up. Uther gives the signal and the mêlée ensues. Amelia follows Arthur's figure anxiously. She flinches as Knights begin to fall to the ground. She sees that Uther and Morgana are both smiling and cheering but Amelia can't bring herself to join in.
Amelia begins to notice that some Knights are beginning to look more seriously injured than knocked about and she knows that it's Dagr and whoever Sir Ethan really is are the ones to blame.
One of the imposters begins riding directly towards Arthur. However, Arthur ducks, and his attacker is thrown from his horse. Amelia sighs in relief. More Knights are knocked off their horses.
The thug that had fallen goes for Arthur on foot. Amelia knows Arthur is in trouble as the thug jumps and pulls Arthur off his horse as Arthur fights another Knight, and then tries to stab him. Arthur rolls out of the way. Arthur fights with the thug but Amelia sees the other thug riding toward them to attack Arthur.
Amelia makes eye contact with Merlin across the grounds. He gives her a nod before he begins to mutter. The spell he had enchanted breaks the girth breaks on the thug's saddle and he falls off his horse, then gets up to join the fray.
Amelia sees it is two against one and she worries for Arthur. Then another Knight gets up and joins Arthur though their arm appears injured. Amelia wonders who it could be. The Knight helping Arthur disarms one of the thugs and catches the sharp blade he carries. Amelia gasps in shock when she sees those moves. After what Merlin had said to her, there's only one person who can do that. Gwaine.
Gwaine stabs the thug he's fighting and the crowd gasps. The other thug knocks Arthur down and goes for the kill. Amelia leans forward in panic, as does everyone else (except, probably, Morgana). However, Gwaine blocks him and stabs him with the sharp blade, the crowd gasps. The people clap while Uther stands up. Amelia shares a false look of confusion with Morgana though she knows it's real on Morgana's side. Arthur and Gwaine get up and face each other.
But instead of fighting, Arthur removes his helmet, and the crowd cheers. He says something and Gwaine sticks his sword in the ground and lifts his visor. Arthur smiles and shakes his head as he can see Gwaine's face while the crowd can't. Gwaine then removes his helmet and turns toward the King's box, surprising those in it and surrounding it, except Amelia. She simply beams at him and he sends her a wink. But the cheery mood doesn't last.
"Guards! Seize him!" Uther cries. Guards run onto the grounds.
—
Amelia follows Arthur, Uther, and Arthur to the tent where 'Sir Oswald's' and 'Sir Ethan's' bodies have been laid. Gaius kneels over them.
"Is there nothing you can do for them?" Uther asks.
"I'm sorry, it's too late for them," Gaius admits.
"The prisoner is responsible for their deaths. I want him executed immediately." Uther hisses to Arthur.
"You might want to hold your horses before you pass judgment." Amelia interrupts. Father and son look at her confused.
"I fear that..." Gaius pulls the Crystal from the neck of one of the bodies. "Sir Ethan..." Gaius pulls the other Crystal from the other body's neck. "...and Sir Oswald are not all that they seem." Gaius removes their helmets to reveal Dagr and the other thug, who Amelia recognises from the Tavern but does not know the name of.
"Sorcery." Uther gasps in shock.
Arthur crouches by the bodies before looking at his father. "And once again, I owe Gwaine my life."
"Now what do you say to that," Amelia says pointedly.
—
Amelia waits with Anne, Gwaine, and Merlin as they wait anxiously in the Phoenix Corridor as they wait for Arthur to tell them the verdict. After a while, Arthur appears from around the corner and they snap to attention.
"The King is prepared to overlook the fact that you fought in the mêlée," Arthur announces.
"That's fantastic!" Amelia exclaims.
"Thank you, Arthur," Gwaine says.
"But..." Arthur continues, "he's a stubborn man. He will not rescind his judgment. You must leave Camelot."
Gwaine gives a rueful smile and nods. Amelia looks at him with a sad expression.
"Oh, you got to speak to him, Arthur, make him change his mind." Merlin pleads.
"Merlin," Gwaine says to stop him.
"I'm sorry Gwaine. My father's wrong. If it were up to me..." Arthur apologies.
"I know. You don't need to explain yourself." Gwaine replies.
"You have until sunset."
—
Amelia walks in the Lower Town, looking for Gwaine so as to say a proper goodbye. She sees Gwaine salute Arthur and Merlin, who are on the ramparts, farewell.
Gwaine spots her when he turns around. "This is goodbye then." They stop in front of each other.
"For now." Amelia corrects. "I'm sure you'll turn up again somehow."
"You're not going to argue that I should tell the King who I really am so that I can stay?" Gwaine asks pointedly.
"Why would I?" She asks. "I understand that you wouldn't want to serve under Uther."
"See, I knew there was a reason I liked you over Merlin." Gwaine remarks jovially.
Amelia smirks. "Begging you to stay is he?"
"I think he might fancy me. What do we tell Anne?" Gwaine jokes. Amelia laughs and touches Gwaine's chest.
Amelia sobers. "It's funny, you came here hating nobles and you leave liking one. You seem to get on with Arthur well."
"They're not all bad." Gwaine looks pointedly at her. "I can think of another I like even more."
Amelia looks down with a bashful smile before looking at him again. "It would never work."
Gwaine smiles at her ruefully. "I know but why don't you give me a token for my journey?"
Amelia leans in and kisses Gwaine on the lips. They stay together, lips moving together softly before parting.
"There," Amelia says matter of factly, trying to ignore her blush.
Gwaine does a mock bow. "My princess." He straightens and they go their separate ways with smiles on their faces.
—
"Amelia." Amelia hears from behind her as she walks the corridors. She stops and turns to find Arthur leaning on a pillar behind her with his arms crossed with a serious expression on his face.
Amelia realises he must've seen her with Gwaine. "What?" She asks innocently.
Arthur, however, is not fooled. "I saw you."
"You saw me?"
"Yes, with Gwaine."
Amelia frowns in false confusion. "Gwaine? And what was I doing with Gwaine?"
This irritates Arthur and stands up and walks to stand in front of her. "Do not play innocent Amelia. I saw you, anyone could have seen you."
Amelia rolls her eyes. "And?"
"And?!" Arthur exclaims before quietening his voice. "He's not a noble. It could never happen."
Amelia huffs. "You can talk."
"What do you mean?"
"Gwen?" Amelia says pointedly. "I'm not the only one fraternising with the common people." She's not going to reveal Gwaine's noble heritage when he doesn't want anyone to know.
"Nothing's happening." Arthur insists. "Nothing can happen." He then seems to sombrely say to himself.
Amelia smiles at him sadly and rubs his arm. "You'll be alright Arthur. We'll be alright."
That's if Morgana and Morgause don't kill them first.
—
A/N: Had so much fun with the Gwaine/Amelia scenes 😅😂