Amelia's POV
Amelia and Anne stand next to the Dias in the Throne room with Morgana and Gwen next to them. Arthur and Merlin make their way through the room nodding at those who bow as Arthur approaches the Dais where his father is waiting.
"Arthur. It is an exciting day." Uther greets. Amelia and Anne are within hearing distance of the two and can hear what's being said.
"The arrival of Lord Godwyn is always a cause for celebration." Arthur nods.
"And Princess Elena," Uther adds. Amelia shares a look with Anne. The two of them seem to be getting an idea of what Uther is implying.
Arthur nods hesitantly. "Yes."
"I hear she's something of a beauty." Uther states. Amelia rolls her eyes knowing all this will be a lost cause.
"Really?" Arthur nods sarcastically.
"Oh, yes. Beautiful, charming, witty. Strategic."
Arthur frowns. "Strategic?"
"I have always thought so. W-we have always thought so." Uther stutters out. "That is, Lord Godwyn and myself. That is, he finds you strategic, not Princess Elena."
Arthur turns to look at his father, frowning in disbelief. "He finds me strategic?" Amelia lets out a slight laugh causing Anne to nudge her to be quiet and Morgana and Gwen look at her confused.
"Oh, yes."
"And beautiful?" Arthur guesses and Uther looks at him confused. Amelia splutters.
The Throne room doors open and Lord Godwyn, Princess Elena, and a small toddling woman enter.
"Father, what are you trying to say?" Arthur presses on as the trio walk toward them.
"Lord Godwyn is a serious ally. The strength of such a match cannot be underestimated." Amelia's eyes widen at the statement before trying to rearrange her expression.
"Please tell me you mean a jousting match." Arthur pleads.
"I mean a love match."
"Love?!" Arthur gapes at him.
"Not love. Love has nothing to do with it, but the other bit. You know, a permanent union." Uther says. Amelia frowns, this doesn't help with her hopes of Arthur and Gwen coming together.
"Marriage?!" Arthur hisses.
"I knew you would understand." Uther emitters before crying out, "Godwyn!" He and Godwyn hug happily. Arthur splutters after his father before his frantic expression turns to Amelia, who shrugs helplessly.
"Oh, it's been too long." Godwyn greets.
Uther turns to the man's daughter. "Princess Elena, you are most welcome."
Elena walks forward with an awkward smile and falls flat on her face. Amelia, Merlin, Anne and Arthur look down in surprise as the Court gasps.
—
Amelia walks down the Phoenix Corridor with Arthur and Gwen, followed by Merlin with the bags.
"You put them in the best Guest Chambers?" Arthur anxiously asks.
"Everything's arranged," Gwen reassures.
"Princess Elena can't fail to be impressed, Arthur," Amelia adds.
Arthur turns to Merlin. "And Merlin, it would be good if the bags were to arrive before they did." Merlin huffs and pushes past, knocking the bags into Arthur's stomach. Amelia winces sympathetically.
"What is it, Arthur? You seem troubled." Gwen asks.
Arthur sighs. "My, er, my father had some surprising news for me. He expects me to marry Princess Elena."
"Marry?" Gwen blurts in surprise. Amelia uncomfortably flicks her eyes between the two as she stands in the middle.
"Oh, don't worry, I'm not going to," Arthur replies.
"I wasn't... worried," Gwen murmurs. Amelia winces. Why does she have to keep on being the third wheel with these two? If it's not them it's Merlin and Anne. Perhaps it's because she's in the know with both couples.
"No. No, why would you be?" Arthur hastily replies. Gwen then quickly leaves.
"Awkward..." Amelia remarks.
Arthur jumps as if having forgotten Amelia is even there, which Amelia takes offence to, before replying, "Shut up Amelia."
—
Other than being an excellent horsewoman, as Amelia finds out from Arthur and Merlin the next day, Elena is a chaotic and awkward mess, which Amelia gets a full view of that evening in the Banquet Hall for the feast.
Arthur sits on the end while Elena sits between him and Amelia. Morgana, Godwyn and Uther sit on Amelia's other side. Gwen, Merlin and Anne stand behind the head table.
Elena begins stuffing her face and burps in between. Amelia tries to make conversation with the girl but it often seems to not work well. Amelia has never seen Arthur so miserable before. Not even when he was under that potion and was obsessed with Vivian.
Amelia slightly winces at Elena's table manners. She rips a piece of meat off of the bone as she chews noisily. Amelia looks over at Arthur, who gives her a pointed look.
Amelia can only lift a shoulder at him in response. "Talk to her." She mouths.
Elena soon finds food down her dress, picks it out and eats it as Morgana, Merlin, Amelia, Arthur, Anne and Gwen look on with varying degrees of emotion on their faces.
Elena eating and drinking too quickly soon shows as she begins hiccupping. "Oh, dear. I seem to have, erm... had a little too much," she hiccups as she turns to Gwen, who had approached behind them, "of what is in that glass." She hiccups again. "What, erm... what is in that glass?" Hiccup.
Arthur and Amelia share another look and this time, she doesn't blame him.
—
"I've seen some strange tongues in my time. Maybe she was suffering from an infection. Was it discoloured?" Gaius asks. Merlin had seen Grunhilda walking off while he was gathering herbs. He had followed her and saw her catching flies with a frog tongue.
"Discoloured? Yes." Merlin splutters.
"Brown?"
"Purple. And... long. Like..." Merlin picks up a large stick from the table. "...this long." They eye the stick precariously.
"That's not an infection," Anne concludes.
"No. It's magic." Merlin affirms. "Some sort of magical creature has infiltrated Lord Godwyn's household. The question is: why?"
"I don't know. But we need to find out." Amelia declares.
—
Gaius had gone to search Elena's Chambers and has come back with what he has found.
"Pixie dust?" Merlin questions as he paces while the others sit before leaning on a table.
"There's no mistaking it. Grunhilda is a Pixie." Gaius announces. He stands up. "It would explain a thing or two. Pixies have one weakness, which is for... more... distinguished gentlemen." They frown at his awkward words.
"What are you trying to say?" Anne asks.
"Grunhilda has shown a certain interest toward me," Gaius explains.
Amelia grimaces. "Wait, are you saying she likes you?" Gaius nods.
"Oh, that is disgusting," Merlin complains. "Imagine... imagine if she kissed you. Ugh." Anne giggles at his words.
"Merlin!" Gaius exclaims in offence. "Pixies are the servants of the Sidhe. To them, Elena could be very valuable. I think Elena may be a changeling."
"Changeling?" Merlin questions.
"Inhabited by a fairy at birth. It would explain the clumsiness." Gaius goes on to explain.
"And Elena has no idea this thing's inside of her?" Anne asks.
Gaius shakes his head. "And when the time comes, it will possess her entirely."
"You think that time is now." Merlin realises. Oh dear, this isn't good.
Gaius nods. "The Sidhe live for more than a thousand years. They're a patient people. It may be that they have created this changeling knowing that Lord Godwyn and the House of Pendragon would one day seek unity through marriage. That would give the Sidhe something they want more than anything."
"A Sidhe Queen," Amelia utters.
—
Anne and Gwen serve Morgana, Amelia, Uther and Arthur at dinner in the Council Chambers without Godwyn and Elena. This is when Arthur decides to bring up Elena.
"Father, there is a delicate matter I wish to discuss with you."
"Your proposal. Excellent!" Uther exclaims excitedly. "We must make a fuss. Women like that kind of thing, isn't that right, Morgana, Amelia?"
"Cannot think of anything worse," Amelia remarks. Literally her worst nightmare.
Morgana nudges Amelia for her remark and turns to Uther with a sickly sweet laugh that Amelia tries not to roll her eyes at. "I have no idea. I'm delighted to hear the news, though."
"I couldn't be more thrilled," Uther adds. "Amelia is just jesting." Amelia does roll her eyes at him. She watches Gwen sombrely serve Morgana food from the corner of her eye.
"She's a wonderful woman," Morgana adds.
"She'll make a wonderful wife."
"No, she won't." Arthur suddenly interrupts. "Not for me, anyway. Father, I have tried to get to know Elena, but the truth is, I have no feelings for her. I'm, I'm sure she's a wonderful person, but I cannot marry someone I don't love."
"You can, and you will," Uther says tightly. Arthur looks toward where Anne and Gwen stand. Gwen looks away, upset. Amelia is concerned when she sees Morgana looking between Arthur and where the two maids stand with a frown on her face.
—
Merlin goes to spy on Elena and bursts back into Gaius' Chambers to where said man, Anne and Amelia wait. "You were right. Poor girl, no wonder she's got a wind problem. You should see what she's got trapped inside her. We have to tell the King."
Gaius looks at him exasperated. "Merlin, Lord Godwyn is one of Uther's dearest friends. Accusing him of having a Sidhe for a daughter and a Pixie for a nurse is not something that can be undertaken lightly."
"We have to do something." Amelia insists. "Uther wants Arthur to marry her."
"Then we don't have much time. We have to find a spell that will force the fairy out of her." Gaius announces.
"But none of us know anything about Sidhe magic." Anne points out.
"Then it's time we learned." Gaius hands Merlin a book.
—
Anne and Amelia have to leave them to it during the night so as to not raise any suspicions as Amelia is to join Morgana for breakfast the next day. She isn't really complaining as she's just glad not to be pouring over books for hours on end.
Morgana watches out her window, fingering her necklace. Amelia catches a smirk appearing on her face as she turns to the others in the room.
"I wouldn't like to be in Arthur's shoes," Morgana comments offhandedly, catching the attention of Gwen who was making the bed and Anne who is clearing the breakfast dishes away. Amelia gives her sister a questioning look but Morgana gives her a slight shrug of the shoulder to let her know there's nothing to worry about, which makes Amelia worry.
"What do you mean?" Anne wonders.
"Forced to marry someone against his will." Amelia sees Gwen pause slightly at the comment.
"I don't think he'll marry her if he feels that way," Amelia speaks up in defence of Arthur. She doesn't like how Morgana is upsetting Gwen. "But again, Uther rarely listens."
"I know it's hard to believe, but he may not have a choice." Morgana walks over to Anne, trying to catch her eye. Gwen looks up startled, pausing in fixing the sheets. Amelia shares a frown with Gwen who then continues with her task. "Even if it isn't what he wants. Even if his heart belongs to another?" Morgana says coming to stand in front of Anne and Gwen pauses watching the exchange.
"Even if she feels the same way. Anne, we've known each other for too long, I can see it in your eyes. You like him, don't you?" Morgana asks Anne who frowns in confusion. Amelia understands. How is saying this to Anne meant to harm Gwen?
"No. Don't be silly." Anne shakes her head and Amelia looks away realising what Morgana has assumed, she assumed Anne is in love with Arthur instead of Gwen.
"And he likes you."
"I don't think so," Anne argues but Morgana merely smiles.
"I'd like to think it was possible. But Arthur can't change 200 years of history no matter how much he may want to." Amelia winces at the comment.
"Of course." Anne nods before leaving the room with a confused frown on her face. Gwen hurriedly follows her.
"Poor girl, it's foolish to fall in love with a prince don't you think?" Morgana says smirking as she turns to look at Amelia.
Amelia quickly nods in agreement with a false smirk on her face. "Yes, very foolish." Amelia worries about what Morgana will do to Anne but also fears correcting her as she worries about what'll happen to Gwen.
—
Later that day, Arthur has called the Court to a meeting, and Amelia has a bit of a bad feeling about it. Merlin has told her and Amelia that he and Gaius found a recipe by the witches of Meredor, which will force the fairy out of Elena but he is struggling to understand the ingredients.
Amelia stands behind Arthur with Morgana, Gwen and Anne at the top of the Council Chambers while Merlin and Gaius stand at the side further down as Grunhilda pushes Elena down the aisle towards where Arthur is. Once she gets to the front, Arthur addresses his people.
"I am honoured to be standing before you today in the presence of our dear friend, Lord Godwyn, and his wonderful daughter, Elena. The people of this Kingdom are very dear to me. This place is my life. I hope one day to continue the good work of my father, and to make Camelot a place of peace and happiness."
The Court applauds, and Amelia is forced to do it as well.
"It is my sincerest hope that you, Princess Elena, share these dreams. With this in mind..." Arthur goes down on one knee. "I would like to ask you to do me the honour of being my... wife."
Elena, as this is happening in front of the whole Court (Amelia can't think of anything worse), has to say yes.
—
Amelia and Anne are in Gaius' Chambers that night, waiting for Gaius to brew this potion that will get rid of Elena's changeling. The door bursts open, and Merlin strolls in, covered in mud.
"Oh, wow." Amelia blurts, covering her mouth.
He holds up a flower as he says, "I got it!"
"Grown in boggy and marshy terrain?" Gaius asks.
"In the middle of boggy, marshy terrain. Right in the middle." Merlin grumbles, handing it to Gaius.
"Please take a bath before you kiss me," Anne says to him. He gives her a look in return, to which she gives him a sweet smile.
"You spend too much time with Amelia," Merlin remarks.
"Oi!" Amelia exclaims as if offended but she's not really. She's glad her and Merlin are no longer tense with one another as they were before. "What's that supposed to mean?!"
"You did a good job." Gaius praises, ignoring their squabbling. "This'll sort things out. Hopefully before tomorrow's wedding."
"Will it hurt her when the fairy leaves?" Merlin asks with concern. Amelia tries not to laugh at the soppy look on Anne's face.
"She'll feel like a new person. She probably doesn't realise how much trouble it's been causing her." Gaius reassures.
—
The next day is the day of the wedding, and Merlin has informed Amelia and Anne that the night before he had been attacked by the Sidhe King and that the potion had been destroyed in the process. Gaius has to remake it as quickly as he can.
Now all they need to do is get Grunhilda away from Elena. Merlin suggests using Gaius as bait. Amelia, Anne, Merlin and Gaius wait in the Vaults for the Pixie's arrival.
"You look very handsome. Perfect bait." Merlin jokes.
"If this doesn't work, if it seems she is overpowering me," Gaius says.
"We will just watch and wait," Amelia says solemnly though she knows there is a hint of a smile on her face.
"You will rescue me." Gaius corrects. "And if it does work, let us never speak of it again."
"Hello, my lover!" Grunhilda calls. Anne, Amelia and Merlin dart behind one of the monuments as the Pixie rushes in. "Oh, what a romantic place. I've been dreaming of this moment." The three observers slip out of the room.
Gaius swallows heavily before replying, "Me too."
"Longing for this time."
"Longing." Amelia tries not to laugh at Gaius' face as it'll alert Grunhilda.
"At last, we two will be as one." Grunhilda puckers her lips with her eyes closed. Gaius takes the chance and runs out.
Merlin magically locks the gate. "Ne onluce!"
Grunhilda rushes to the locked gate and once she realises she can't open it, she lashes out her frog tongue and licks Gaius' face. Amelia, Anne and Merlin all pull faces of disgust. "You'll never know what you've missed."
"I'll take your word for it." Gaius remarks before they all run off.
As they hurry away, Gaius catches the amused looks on the others' faces. "Never speak of it. That's what we agreed." He reminds them.
They reach the corridor outside Elena's Chambers. Merlin carries his Sidhe staff and Gaius has the potion.
"You got your staff. When the Sidhe is released, it might not be very happy." Gaius tells Merlin.
"Don't worry, I'll be ready for it," Merlin reassures.
"You better be ready for me first!" Merlin hits Grunhilda with the staff energy beam, but she gets up.
"We'll see how long we can hold her off, you better be quick," Anne says.
Amelia goes inside with Gaius while Anne stays with Merlin.
—
Amelia and Gaius enter.
"Grunhilda?" Elena peeks around the curtain.
"It's only us," Amelia says.
Elena steps out from behind the curtain to reveal she is still in her nightie and trying to put on a necklace. "Where has she gone? I'm getting married in less than an hour." Electric popping noises and screams are heard from the corridor. "What was that?"
"Er... preparation for the wedding. Everybody's very excited." Gaius hurriedly says before diverting the conversation. "But you must be nervous."
"I'm a little flustered," Elena admits, putting down the necklace. She sits on her bed.
"It is only natural so I asked Gaius if he could bring you a tonic to calm your nerves," Amelia tells her. She tries to remain calm but knowing they need to do this quickly is making her panic internally.
"You are very kind." Elena takes the bottle and takes a tiny sip but nothing happens. "I cannot believe this is actually my wedding day."
"Best to drink it all for the full effect." Gaius anxiously suggests.
"Oh." Elena takes another tiny sip. "I really wish my mother was here."
Amelia is just getting frustrated now. "Try another sip." She sits down next to her and Gaius stands next to them. Again there is a small sip.
Amelia hears a final scream before Merlin and Anne charge into Elena's Chambers ready to fight the Sidhe. They give Gaius and Amelia looks when there is no Sidhe to be found.
"We are trying," Gaius whispers.
"Elena, this is going to make you feel a whole lot better!" Merlin takes the bottle, pinches Elena's nose, and pours the potion into her mouth. Elena passes out on her bed. She writhes while the Sidhe is forced out. It buzzes angrily for a moment before Merlin kills it with the staff energy. Elena then wakes and sits up primly.
Amelia helps her up. "Oh Elena, I think you must've fainted. Such excitement!" She cries cheerfully.
"Fainted? I feel... amazing. I haven't felt this good in years!" Amelia is amazed at how prim and proper she appears when she speaks then stands, turning to the four of them. "Where is Grunhilda?"
"We'll look into it." Gaius and Merlin say in unison. They look at each other weirdly.
Anne rolls her eyes. "In the meantime, I'll help you get ready." She offers.
"Oh, so kind," Elena says.
—
Amelia runs over to stand next to Morgana and Gwen in the Throne room. she wears a cream-coloured dress with her brown hair freely flowing down her back with white flowers placed in it. She smoothes down her skirt as Morgana asks, "Where have you been?"
"I am here now, am I not?" Amelia evades.
The door opens and the trumpets blare as Arthur walks past them to stand at the dial with Geoffrey of Monmouth. Soon the doors open again and Godwyn leads Elena down the aisle. Arthur takes her hands when she reaches him. The two awkwardly give each other small brief smiles. Amelia can't believe this is really happening. She has always hoped Arthur and Gwen would pull through.
"My lords, ladies, and gentlemen of Camelot, we are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient rite of hand-fasting, the union of Arthur Pendragon and Princess Elena of Gawant." Geoffrey declares to the room. Amelia sees Arthur look towards Gwen, who looks back sadly before avoiding his gaze. Amelia's heart clenches at the sight, particularly when Elena notices. "Is it your wish, Arthur, to become one with this woman?"
Arthur faces Elena squarely. "It is." He utters quietly.
"Is it your wish, Elena, to become one with this man?"
Elena looks at her father, who nods encouragingly and then at the floor. "It is."
"Do any say nay?" No one says anything. Amelia's eyes flicker to the back of the room and see Anne and Merlin watching. "Then as we gather here today, we are all witness to this rite..."
"Wait." Arthur suddenly interrupts.
Geoffrey looks up in surprise. "There's something you would like to say, Arthur?" Amelia watches curiously, is he doing what she hopes he is doing?
"Something I should've said a long time ago. Something from the heart I dare not speak. Elena, you are a wonderful woman, and a beautiful bride, but I cannot deny my feelings."
"You do not love me," Elena concludes though doesn't look upset. Amelia sees that Gwen is watching anxiously, her feelings written on her face. It is then that Amelia realises that Morgana has noticed as well. Oh no.
Arthur shakes his head. "And I think, if you are honest, you do not love me either."
"No."
"Then we are both here out of duty. Can you forgive me?" He asks.
"I agree with all you have said. Thank you, Arthur." Elena says. Gwen is holding back tears of joy and Amelia sighs with relief. The mission to bring Arthur and Gwen together is still ago.
—
Amelia stands next to Arthur and Merlin in the Main Square to say goodbye to Lord Godwyn and Princess Elena.
"Can't imagine what's happened to Grunhilda." Godwyn wonders as he and Uther emerge from the doors at the top of the main steps. Amelia winces as she recalls Grunhilda's last screams before she exploded.
"No. I'm sure she'll turn up." Not going to happen Uther.
"I hope so. It's most unlike her." Godwyn says. Elena appears next to him and he affectionately strokes her cheek.
"There's something different about her," Arthur murmurs as they watch Elena descend the steps into the Square.
"Please tell me you're not changing your mind?" Amelia whines.
"Goodness." Arthur shakes his head, considers Elena as she walks down the steps, and shakes his head again. "No."
"Good." Merlin huffs.
"I wish you well, Arthur Pendragon," Elena says as she reaches them. "I hope one day we both find the love we deserve." Elena offers Arthur her hand. He blinks in surprise before kissing it. "In the meantime, if you ever want to be beaten in a horserace, you know where to find me." Arthur grimaces.
Amelia laughs. "Please do. I wish I had been there."
Elena grins. "I hope so." She walks away to her horse.
"He did the right thing, you know. You mustn't punish him. They were neither of them in love." Godwyn says as he and Uther walk down the steps and reach the bottom.
"That's not the point. It's not the way things are done." Uther complains. Amelia rolls her eyes; this man really grinds her gears sometimes.
"Maybe it's time things changed," Godwyn argues. "I think he has the makings of a great King. You should be proud of him." Uther and Godwyn embrace. Godwyn walks away to his horse with a nod to Arthur and Amelia.
—
The three of them walk inside. Arthur catches sight of Gwen descending the Griffin staircase and walks up to her. Merlin takes off in another direction but stumbles when Amelia grabs him and pulls him behind a pillar with her.
"Wha—"
"Sssh!" Amelia hisses.
"So... I'm still a single man," Arthur says when he stops a few steps below her.
"What are you two doing?" Amelia and Merlin jump to see Anne standing there.
"Um, watching?" Amelia says though it comes out as a question.
"Why?"
"Why not? Now shush!"
"...to have forsaken her for one equally as lovely. Who knows, perhaps even more so." Arthur is saying. Amelia wants to laugh and awww at his awkward flirting.
Gwen ponders for a moment. "I do not know of such a person."
"Me neither. But I guess only time will tell."
Gwen smiles at him and descends the rest of the stairs, Arthur skips to the top. Amelia pulls Merlin and Anne away so they're not caught.
"Why is everyone getting romance but me," Amelia complains.
Anne laughs and leans into Merlin. "But what about Gwaine?"
Amelia rolls her eyes. "You know he was not anything serious."
Merlin and Anne snigger as they walk away with Amelia trailing after them like a petulant child.