A/N: This is officially the last chapter of the year! Also, I think this is my longest chapter yet.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia silently makes her way down the hall of the Dungeons, slipping bread to Sir Leon and as many of the other Knights as she can without alerting the Guards who are watching her from down the hall. Amelia has been miserable in the week since Morgana's coronation. She is just trying to be strong, to keep at least some sense of control of Morgause and Morgana until they find their chance to stop them.
It is hard though, the Knights are fierce and defiant, refusing Morgause and Morgana at every turn, refusing to pledge their allegiance to them when the women demand it. Amelia had hoped that they would realise that she does not want this to happen, and it seems they do by the way they greet her with a smile and whisper thanks when she tries to sneak them more food though it's not much and Amelia can see they're still very hungry.
She tries to keep her sisters from outright killing them for their defiance though, spouting something about how if the Knights of Camelot kneel to Morgana's reign, then so will the people who still remain hesitant. She can tell though that her sisters are growing restless.
—
Guards drag a dazed and weakened Sir Leon into the Council Chambers before throwing him at Morgana's feet. All the Immortal army now wear a uniform just like Camelot's had done but it is black with an image of the Rowan oak in red. The same imagery is everywhere Amelia looks, reminding her of the change in leadership.
Morgana grins from where she is seated on the throne, wearing the crown on her head. Morgause smirks from where she stands to Morgana's right while Amelia stands on her left watching anxiously with Anne and Gwen standing slightly further back.
"Tell me, Sir Leon, how have you enjoyed the first week of my reign?" Morgana asks. Sir Leon remains silent. Morgana's face hardens. "Speak up. Are you and your fellow Knights ready to honour and serve me?"
"I would rather die." Leon declares.
"That can be arranged." Morgause remarks happily.
"My loyalty is to the King and Prince Arthur. There is nothing you can do to change that."
"We shall see." Morgana nods and two Guards drag Sir Leon out of the room.
—
Despite Amelia's protests, the Camelot Knights are standing in a line in the Square with the people gathered around them. The Immortal Soldiers are lined up in front of them.
Morgana addresses them from the Castle Balcony. "I will give you one more chance to pledge your allegiance to me."
The Soldiers threaten the Camelot Knights with their crossbows. Sir Leon and Morgana stare at each other. He smiles.
"Long live the King!"
"Long live the King!" The other Knights echo.
"Perhaps this will help you change your mind." Morgana gives a signal. Soldiers turn towards the crowd and they use their crossbows. People scream and start running to escape the arrows. Amelia gasps and covers her mouth so she doesn't scream in horror. How can her sister do this? What has she become?
—
Amelia watches in dismay from a window as the Soldiers are collecting corpses from the Square. She doesn't like this person that's impersonating her sister. Amelia is more determined than ever that she needs to defeat her sisters.
Amelia retreats to her Chambers with a bucket of water that she places on top of her dining table and waves her hand over it, channelling her magic.
Amelia peers into the water and her spirits are lifted by the sight of Merlin, Arthur, Gaius, Gwaine and Elyan in a cave. This confirms that they are all still alive. What is needed now is to get to them.
There's a knock on her door and Amelia immediately stops scrying and puts the bucket on the floor and calls, "Come in!"
Anne and Gwen walk in with some bedding and a tea tray. Amelia sighs in relief that it's these two. Soon after Morgause and Morgana had taken over Camelot, Amelia and Anne had quickly recruited Gwen into their little band of rebels and the three of them have been biding their time to strike.
"My Lady." Anne greets while Gwen simply smiles. Amelia can see their cheerfulness is slightly dimmed and Amelia can't blame them. This morning's massacre was awful.
"Gwen, Anne." Amelia greets back. "Are you ready?"
Gwen places the tray on the table and sets it out while Anne makes quick work changing Amelia's sheets. Whenever the three of them meet up, the two maids always came up with an excuse of why they are there to not raise Morgana and Morgause's suspicions of a coup.
Gwen nods. "Yes, I'm planning to ask Morgana today."
Before they can say anymore, the door suddenly opens and Morgana strolls in. She smiles as she looks at the tea on the table. "Tea?"
"I felt you deserved a cup." Amelia says calmly, trying not to show any of her anxiety as she takes a seat. She gestures to one of the other dining chairs. "Please have a set, your Majesty."
Morgana grins as she sits across from her. "I don't think I will ever get over hearing the words 'your Majesty' being spoken to me."
"Nor should you." Amelia declares. "You deserve this, Morgana. It is your birth right."
Morgana sighs. "If only everyone saw that."
"What do you mean, your Majesty?" Anne asks. Amelia thinks Anne does quite a good job at covering up how she's feeling about all this.
"I'm beginning to see the challenges that I face. Being Queen is not so simple." Morgana frowns.
"You're doing well, your Majesty." Gwen reassures her as she serves them tea.
Morgana scoffs. "You think? The Knights do not share your view."
"It is because they don't know you." Amelia reasons, placing her hand in Morgana's in a reassuring gesture.
Morgana smiles softly, breaking Amelia's heart as she sees the old Morgana sometimes when she smiles like that.
"Thank you, Amelia." Morgana murmurs. "But I need their allegiance. Without that, the people will not yield to me."
Gwen looks to Amelia unsure and Amelia nods in encouragement. "My mother was a maid in Sir Leon's household. We grew up together. I could talk to him, try to make him see sense?" The maid suggests.
Morgana's expression is unreadable. "You would do that for me?"
"Uther killed my father."
"We have all suffered because of him." Amelia remarks, unbeknownst to Anne and Gwen, she really does mean it. "Well sister? I think it's a great plan. Worth a shot."
Morgana nods thoughtfully. "I will arrange it."
"Thank you, your Majesty." Gwen bows to Morgana and leaves the room. Amelia wants to see if Morgana is truly fooled and nods to Anne, who understands the signal and leaves.
Morgana watches her leave closely before turning to Amelia. "Morgause believes Anne and Gwen are betraying us."
Amelia tries to hide her fear and panic by presenting it as a shock. "You can't be serious?! What makes her think this?"
"The two always seem to be conspiring with each other and we both know of Gwen's feelings for Arthur."
At least neither of Amelia's sisters had made the connection that Amelia herself has been a part of the conspiring as well. This isn't good but Amelia can work with this. As long as Morgana and Morgause don't get to the hideout, they can use this as it'll make it easier for them to get out of Camelot. Small mercies.
Amelia nods. "Yes, I have noticed it but I didn't dare think of such a betrayal. What does our sister suggest we do?"
"Gwen's talk with Sir Leon will provide a perfect opportunity." Morgana smirks. "And make sure Anne is with her, we need to be certain."
—
Amelia does as her sister asks but also warns Anne about the spying just in case she or Gwen say something incriminating about Amelia but not to reveal it to Gwen. Anne had wondered whether they should go through with the plan but Amelia insists this is their best chance.
The door of Sir Leon's Cell opens and Gwen and Anne come in. Hidden next to the Cell just above, Morgana, Amelia and Morgause watch and listen.
Leon stands in surprise. "Guinevere! Anne!"
Anne hands him a small amount of food. "It's all we could get; I know you haven't been eating."
"I don't understand. What are you doing here?" He starts eating greedily. Amelia watches sadly, despite her best efforts, she knows that the Knights are still hungry and this just proves it.
"Morgana sent us... to talk to you, to make you see sense." Gwen explains. Leon spits out the food. "Listen to us."
"I'd rather starve. Guard!"
"We're going to help you escape." Gwen hurriedly murmurs to him causing him to pause. She turns to what Amelia can only assume is a Guard after hearing footsteps. "It's alright. Get me some water." Nothing happens and Gwen raises her voice. "The Queen has instructed us to get the prisoner food and water." Footsteps retreat.
"You know what will happen to you if you're caught." Leon murmurs to her. Amelia's eyes flicker to Morgana and Morgause. Too late.
"We have to find Arthur and Merlin." Anne persists.
"I've a good idea where they'll be hiding."
"Then we need to get you out of here."
"How? It's impossible, surely?"
"We're trusted members of the Court." Gwen argues. "Morgause has the keys to the Cells in her Chambers."
"No, Gwen, Anne…"
"It is as we suspected. They've betrayed us. I will have them executed at dawn." Morgana declares.
Amelia looks at her sister in alarm. "We cannot be too hasty, sister!"
Morgana frowns. "What do you mean?"
"What if we let them escape? Let her go to her beloved Arthur, she will lead us straight to him." Amelia argues. This will hopefully make Anne, Gwen and Leon's escape easier and all Amelia has to do is to stop the pursuit without any suspicions.
Morgause nods. "She's right, sister. Then we can be rid of the Prince once and for all."
Morgana smirks and nods in agreement.
—
Morgana and Amelia enter the former's Chambers to enact the next part of their 'plan'. Gwen is lighting candles as they enter. The maid gives them a small smile.
"Did you speak to Sir Leon?" Morgana questions 'innocently'.
"Yes."
"And will he do as you asked?" Amelia asks. She sends her a questioning look as if to ask if the actual plan is in place even though she knows herself, but if Gwen knew then she wouldn't go through with it.
Gwen smiles and nods at her. "It might take some time, but I think he will come 'round."
"Gwen!" Morgana grins big and wide before walking over to where drinks are laid out nearby. "This deserves a celebration."
Amelia can only see her back but knows that Morgana is pouring some of the tracking potion into one of the glasses.
"Your Majesty." Gwen looks uncomfortable. Amelia reaches over and squeezes her hand.
Morgana comes back with three glasses causing Amelia to let go of Gwen, handing them out then raises a toast. "To friendship and loyalty."
Amelia swallows thickly as she echoes Morgana's words along with Gwen. She just wants out of this nightmare.
—
Anne's POV
Gwen and Anne set to work stealing the key, duplicating it and delivering it to Leon. Anne feels nervous the entire time, knowing that Morgause and Morgana are already onto them but Amelia reassures her this is their best chance to save Camelot and had promised that her sisters won't find them. Anne was reluctant but agreed, she trusts Amelia and really misses Merlin.
That night when the warning bells sound, Gwen and Anne wait in the former's house already dressed to travel with their bags for Leon's arrival. The Knight soon barges inside.
"We haven't got time to waste." Gwen tells him as she hurriedly shuts the door. She hands him a dress.
He looks at the dress in disbelief. "You...you can't be serious."
Anne looks at him in disbelief and irritation. "Does any of that silly notion stuff matter right now?! You need to be in disguise or the Guards will recognise you! Now put it on!"
"Augh." Leon grumbles before beginning to change. Gwen and Anne turn their backs.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia is with her sisters when the bells sound. They leap up and hurry to a window with different reasons as to why they are so eager to see what has happened.
"Sounds like the wait is over," Morgana says as they move to the window and watch the three runaways escaping from Camelot. Amelia internally sighs in relief. At least one part of the plan is going well. It's her turn now.
"Beo þu leohte bewunden!" Morgause chants. A glimmering path appears, showing the trail of the runaways. "The potion does its work."
Morgana glares after the figures. "Off you go. Hurry along to your beloved Prince."
"I must go after them soon. I'll take a band of Soldiers with me." Morgause tells them. "Then we will have Arthur at our mercy."
An idea comes to Amelia. "No wait. What if I do it?"
Morgause and Morgana look at her in concern and Amelia really wishes they wouldn't look at her like that. It almost makes her feel bad for lying.
"Are you sure, sister?" Morgause asks.
Amelia nods. "I want to prove myself."
Morgana gives her a warm smile. "You already have, sister."
It's not her she's proving herself to. "Thank you, sister. But I still want to help and Morgause is needed here to help you secure the Knight's allegiances."
Morgause nods her consent and instructs Amelia on what she needs to do.
—
Amelia follows after Gwen, Anne and Leon with Immortal Soldiers following her. She stops and looks around before casting the spell Morgause taught her.
"Scin scire!" The glimmering trail appears through the woods. "That way." Amelia murmurs to herself.
She glances back at the Soldiers waiting diligently behind her. It won't do having them follow her to the hideout.
"Ic þé wiþdrífe!" She cries. The Soldiers fly backwards and land on the ground unmoving. Amelia sighs with relief before running away hurriedly, following the trail, as she doesn't know when they are going to wake up.
She reaches the cave and skids to a stop as Elyan appears and assumes a defensive position, his sword raised at her.
"Elyan, please, I mean no harm. I just need to speak to Arthur." Amelia pleads.
Elyan frowns distrustfully at her then Arthur, Gaius, Merlin, Gwaine, Leon, Anne and Gwen emerge from the cave. As soon as they see her, Arthur and Gwaine glare and also point their swords at her.
Amelia looks at them in alarm. "Arthur, Gwaine, Elyan. Please lower your swords. I don't mean any harm."
"I think not, you traitor." Arthur growls, stepping closer to her with the sword.
She looks pleadingly at the others, she can see she has Gwen, Anne, Merlin and Gaius' support but Leon is impassive. She doesn't blame Elyan for not trusting her but when she sees Gwaine's mistrustful look, it really hurts.
"Gwaine?" She pleads. He doesn't change.
"Arthur," Merlin begins, stepping forward, "she's right. She's not with Morgana and Morgause."
"How can I be sure? And how do you know?" Arthur demands to know. His glare hurts.
"He's right Sire." Leon then argues. "She's been helping me and the Knights during Morgana's reign. She's risked her own sisters' anger to help Anne, Gwen and I to escape."
Arthur still looks mistrustful when he looks at her but he's not as hostile as he frowns at her in confusion. "You're not with them?"
Amelia shakes her head vigorously. "No. I've been against their plans for Camelot from the start. I've only been pretending to be on their side to find out their plans in order to foil them." She blinks back her tears. "Arthur, I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you."
Arthur is quiet for a second. "Then why didn't you?"
"Would you have believed me?" Amelia asks. "More importantly, would Uther have believed me? Morgana is his daughter, not me. He would always pick her over me. And there would go my advantage about knowing their plans."
"How can I believe you?"
Amelia swallows, she has to word what she says next carefully. "You know me, Arthur. You grew up with me, you've known me all your life. I'm loyal to you, Arthur, and Camelot."
Gwen steps forward and puts her hand on Arthur's shoulder. "Arthur, I believe her. She's been working with Anne and I during the past week so that we could save Camelot."
Arthur nods at her and turns back to Amelia. "I'm going to find it hard to trust now. You will need to prove yourself."
Amelia sighs. "I will I promise Arthur. But we don't have time. I had Morgana's men following me, but I evaded them before they could ambush you. We need to go."
"She's right Arthur." Merlin argues. "Trust her or not, we have to go. Those Soldiers will find us soon if they haven't already."
Arthur nods.
"They're going to follow us. How are we going to stop them?" Elyan wonders.
Footsteps then can be heard above them in the ditch they all stand in. Everyone panics and those with swords, including Amelia as she knows she can't rely on her magic with Arthur and others around, point them in that direction. Two men emerge. Amelia definitely knows she doesn't know who one is, a giant man. But the other looks familiar to Amelia but she can't place him, her memories are fuzzy.
"Lancelot!" Gwen gasps in surprise. Lancelot?! How could Amelia have forgotten him?
"We need to hurry." Lancelot says to them.
He gives a nod to the man next to him. The man nods back and walks to a pile of large rocks on a ledge not far from them.
"Look out!" He says as he begins pushing at the rocks. Everyone ducks and Amelia gapes in amazement as one huge rock falls and blocks the way, followed by dozens.
—
A little later, they rest in the forest. Amelia hesitantly follows Arthur as he walks over to Lancelot and the unknown man.
"I suppose I must thank you." Arthur comments in a way of greeting.
Lancelot introduces a giant, who looks rather shy. "This is Percival. It was his strength that brought them down."
"Your Highness." Percival bows.
"Arthur." The Prince corrects, offering him a hand to shake.
Percival smiles in surprise but returned the handshake. "Arthur it is."
He looks at Amelia, she smiles kindly at him. He blushes and looks away from her. Interesting. She can't help but smile at the sight of such a large man being shy around her of all people. She admits he's quite cute.
"And this is Amelia." Lancelot introduces happily but Amelia can see him frown in concern about how tense Arthur then becomes at the mention of her name.
"It's lovely to meet you." Amelia says kindly, trying to ignore Arthur and not show how much it hurts. She offers her hand and Percival shyly shakes it.
"What were you doing here?" Arthur questions.
"Er... it was me." Merlin says, hurrying over to them. "I sent for him."
"Well, we owe you our lives. Thank you." Arthur says. Arthur and Lancelot shake hands. Gwen and Lancelot exchange glances and Amelia winces at that. Someone's heart is definitely going to get broken.
—
Now they need a new hideout so they all move out to a new location. They are mostly walking in single file or pairs. Amelia lingers at the back as she knows Arthur, who's leading, isn't exactly comfortable with her right now.
They reach a large fallen tree on their journey so they all take their turn to climb over. Amelia is about to take her turn when a large hand appears in her eye-line. She looks up and sees that it's Percival who's giving a soft small smile.
"Oh, thank you." She murmurs as she takes it and he helps her over the tree and they join the others as they continue walking. "You must know now why Arthur, Gwaine and Elyan don't trust me right now despite the other's words yet you aren't acting standoffish with me. Why?"
"You haven't done anything except help us." The gentle giant replies softly.
"Thank you. May I ask, how did you come to know Lancelot?" Amelia questions.
"I met Lancelot not too long after the Immortal army had raided my Village and killed my family." Percival explains sadly.
Amelia furrows her eyebrows. Must've been the work of Morgause when she gained control of the army from Cenred. "I'm so sorry."
He gives her a thankful smile. "As a result of the attack, I knew I must fight against everything to do with Morgana and Morgause."
Amelia smiles hesitantly. "Not everything I hope."
"No, not everything." They share a soft smile before he quickly clears his throat and looks away. "When Lancelot received a message from Merlin requesting his aid in Arthur's bid to retake the Kingdom from Morgana, I decided to accompany him to Camelot."
"Thank you, we need all the help we can get." She suddenly accidentally slips, but thankfully she's saved from face planting the floor by Percival quickly grabbing her arm and settling her right.
"My Knight in shining armour." Amelia comments teasingly. They share a chuckle.
—
They reach some ruins of an old Castle. They enter a vaulted room. It is dark, the furniture is covered with spider webs. They all follow Arthur, holding torches.
"Are you sure we'll be safe in here?" Gaius asks.
"This Castle belonged to the ancient Kings. It'll do for a while." Arthur reassures.
"Can't be worse than that cave." Elyan grumbles.
"Search the place, see what you can find." Arthur tells them. They scatter and start searching.
Those still giving mistrustful looks to her are Arthur, Gwaine and Elyan. Thankfully the others know the truth, or like Percival, has only just joined all this and hasn't exactly formed an opinion. Arthur is understandable, but it hurts Amelia to see that even Gwaine is looking at her like she has betrayed them. They are waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Anne and Merlin can tell that something is bothering her because they look from where Amelia is watching Gwaine over to her from their spot in front of the fire that they are making.
"Ignore him, Amelia." Anne tells her.
Amelia huffs. "How can I?"
"He knows you, he cares about you, Amelia. As does Elyan and Arthur. They'll come round." Merlin tries to reassure her.
"What if they don't? What if they're never going to trust me again?" Amelia laments.
"They will. You'll prove it to them." Anne declares determinedly.
Amelia shakes her head. "I lied to them all. I didn't say anything to them about Morgana. I hurt them by not saying anything. I could've stopped all this. I'm just as bad as them."
"Hey." Merlin says. He grabs her shoulders and turns her so she's facing him and Anne. They've given up on the fire by this point. "You are nothing like them, okay? You're here, with us, where you belong. Nothing is going to change that."
Amelia nods slightly. "Yeah, okay."
"Now say it like you mean it, with that smile of yours." Anne says, nudging her at the word 'smile'.
Amelia finally offers them a smile. "This is where I belong, and nothing is going to change that."
Merlin huffs. "That's the best we're going to get, isn't it?"
Amelia nods. "Yes."
Gwaine returns, holding an armful of weapons as he dumps them on one of the small tables. "They must've been left by bandits." He deduces.
Amelia looks over at Arthur, who looks under a sheet at a table that Gaius sits at, and her heart is starting to hammer as she realises what the table is. Amelia may have lost her knowledge of the show, but she still does remember some things of the King Arthur legend, most famously... Arthur rips the sheet off, revealing a large round table that is surrounded by chairs.
"Here!" Arthur calls out, and the others all raise their heads to look at him. "Come and join me." Arthur looks around the room at them and his gaze finally stops on Amelia. He nods his head at the table, and she feels a little hope bubble in her as she realises this is an invitation to sit at the round table with them.
They all take a seat around the table. Arthur stands, between Merlin and Gwen.
"This table belonged to the ancient Kings of Camelot." Arthur speaks. "A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other. They believed in equality in all things. So, it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now. Without each of you, we would not be here…"
Amelia and Anne exchange glances and smile.
"My father has languished in prison for too long. Tomorrow, I make my bid to rescue him. Are there any around this table who will join me?"
Lancelot is the first one to stand. "You taught me the values of being a Knight, the code by which a man should live his life. To fight with honour for justice, freedom, and all that's good. I believe in the world that you will build."
Elyan takes his turn. "Even though I was a commoner, a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur. It is now my turn to repay you."
Arthur is looking more and more moved.
Leon stands. "I have fought alongside you many times. There is no one that I would rather die for."
"I think we've no chance." Gwaine remarks then smirks as he stands. "But I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Percival stands and simply declares, "Your enemies are my enemies."
"If you need an old man." Gaius says once he stands.
Arthur is barely holding back his tears. Amelia doesn't blame him. Maybe they all really have a chance.
Anne stands. "I'll join, if only to keep an eye on Merlin." Everyone chuckles at that and Merlin fondly rolls his eyes.
Amelia takes a breath and stands up; she gives them a small smile. "I know some of you don't trust me now, but I swear that I will prove it to you. There's no other group of people I would rather fight with. I hope you will accept me."
She looks over to Arthur hesitantly and he thankfully gives her a nod with his own small smile.
"You know the answer." Gwen simply says. Arthur gives her a nod of gratitude.
There's silence and a certain manservant seems to be not making any sign that he's moving any time soon.
"Merlin?" Arthur prompts.
Merlin ponders for a moment before remarking, "No, don't really fancy it."
"You don't have a choice, Merlin."
"OK." He stands and he and Arthur share a grin. Amelia huffs to herself amusedly. Typical Merlin.
"I want to thank you all for staying loyal to me in Camelot's hour of need." Arthur says. "I'll do something that my father won't approve of."
Lancelot, Gwaine, Percival, and Elyan kneel in front of Arthur. Each man Arthur knights then declares their new title.
"Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Gwaine, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Elyan, Knight of Camelot."
Amelia feels full to the brim with joy at the scene. One by one the new Knights stand up.
Arthur addresses them. "Tomorrow, when you fight, you can stand proud knowing you are members of the most noble army the world has ever known."
—
Later, they all lay on the floor, trying to get some sleep. Amelia is struggling to. She can hear Merlin and Lancelot whispering to each other and tries to ignore it until she hears Lancelot say something that piques her interest.
"What are you planning? And don't even think about lying; I know you too well."
"It's too difficult to explain." Merlin says evasively.
"You can tell me."
"Morgana and Morgause have the Cup of Life. If I can find it and empty it of the blood within, then the army will be destroyed, and they will be powerless." Merlin explains.
Amelia's eyes widen, of course, that makes sense. The pact they had made with Morgause had actually made them quite easy to defeat just the part of getting to it will be difficult.
"Aren't you forgetting something? It's guarded by an immortal army." Lancelot points out.
"Aren't you forgetting something? I have magic." Merlin retorts.
"It doesn't make you immortal."
"No." Merlin admits.
"You know, Merlin, you're the one Arthur should knight. You're the bravest of us all and he doesn't even know it."
"He can't. Not yet." Merlin argues. "That's why I need to find a way to get to the Cup without Arthur knowing."
"Leave that to me." Lancelot reassures him.
—
The following day, they are all gathered in a circle, going over the plan. Amelia had spent the rest of the night coming up with a plan for what she'll do. She needs to go with Merlin and Lancelot.
"There is a tunnel under the northern ramparts that brings us only a few paces from the entrance to the Dungeons." Arthur reveals. "It will be well guarded. So, if we're going to break everyone out, we must remain unobserved. We cannot let them raise the alarm."
"We need to take out the warning bell. That way the warriors have no means of communication." Lancelot suggests, and one glance from him to Merlin is all Amelia needs to realise that this is his idea to get Merlin to the Cup.
"Good idea." Arthur nods.
"I'll need someone with me who knows the Castle." Lancelot says.
"I'll go." Merlin immediately volunteers.
"I'll go, too." Amelia offers, and they all look over at her. Merlin in particular surprise. Amelia can tell some are all still just a tiny bit suspicious, and she still doesn't blame them, but that doesn't stop Amelia from rolling her eyes at them. "I think it'd be a lot easier to get around the Castle if they're with one of the members of the royal family, don't you?"
Arthur sees the sense Amelia is making and nods. "Alright."
—
Merlin immediately grabs her when they all split up.
"You know, don't you?" His question comes out as a statement.
"Know what?" Amelia casually asks. "That you and Lancelot are actually sneaking off to empty the Cup." He reluctantly nods. "Yeah, you both need to work on your whispering skills."
"It's dangerous." Merlin says. "What will Morgana and Morgause once they find out about your betrayal?"
"I have to risk it, Merlin."
Merlin opens his mouth to reply but pauses. Amelia looks up to see Gaius and Anne coming near them.
"You both need to be careful."
Merlin shrugs carelessly. "We've got the easy bit. The warning bell is nothing compared to the Cells."
"I overheard you, Merlin." Gaius says.
"And I smelt the lie a mile off." Anne says pointedly. "Are you both sure? If Morgause catches you, she'll kill you."
"We have no choice." Merlin persists.
"I can't let them win." Amelia declares.
Gaius smiles slightly. "I remember the bumbling idiot that came charging into my Chamber and the little girl terrified of her nightmares all those years ago. Who would believe."
They all hug. Despite the warmth of her friends, Amelia feels anxious.
They separate with Gaius going one way and Anne and Merlin the other. Amelia moves to follow Gaius but someone stops her by blocking her path. She looks to see it's Gwaine. She is hesitant about what he's going to say as he hasn't been exactly warm to her since she found them at the cave.
"Amelia, I-I wanted to speak with you." Gwaine awkwardly stumbles.
Amelia is surprised to see him without his usual confidence but doesn't let that deter her and steels herself for the verbal abuse.
"What Gwaine?" She asks sharply.
"Be safe, yeah?"
Amelia looks at him in surprise. She wasn't expecting that. "What? I thought you hated me? You've been avoiding me ever since I joined you all!"
Gwaine looks apologetic. "I know. And I'm sorry."
"You're sorry? Oh, there's a first." Amelia remarks more sharply than she'd intended.
He rolls his eyes. "Amelia, I'm being serious."
Amelia raises an eyebrow. "Sorry, but in my defence, you were the one being standoffish with me."
"I can give you a kiss as an apology?" Gwaine asks with a glimmer of his usual roguish smile.
Amelia huffs a laugh. "No, Gwaine."
"Is there still hope?" Gwaine asks quietly.
Amelia is surprised but smiles slightly. "We'll have to see."
There's a squeal and Amelia and Gwaine turn to see an excited Anne running towards them with a sheepish Merlin following.
Amelia stumbles in surprise when Anne launches herself at her, letting out a chuckle. "What's this?"
Anne pulls back with a grin. "Merlin proposed! We're getting married!"
Amelia looks at her wide eyed before looking at Merlin, who gives her a nod of confirmation, then joins in with Anne in giddy happiness. Amelia faintly hears Gwaine give his own congratulations to Merlin.
Now more than ever Amelia knows they need to do this.
—
They approach the walls of the Castle through the bushes. Anne had stayed behind as Gwen had and it would be suspicious if Anne came along as her magic is a secret to most of the group.
Soldiers are keeping watch on the ramparts near the entrance Arthur spoke of. They wait for the Soldiers to turn before taking their chance and slipping into the Dungeons.
"Good luck!" Arthur murmurs to Amelia, Merlin and Lancelot.
The group splits. Lancelot and Merlin go upstairs. Amelia moves to follow them but someone grabs her arm. She looks to see who. Percival.
"Be careful." He tells her.
Amelia gives him a small soft smile. He's sweet. "Don't worry, I will."
Amelia, Merlin and Lancelot sneak into the corridors, trying to avoid the Guards as Amelia leads them to where the cup is located. Suddenly, Amelia feels its power causing her to stop. She realises Merlin has done the same when he lets out an overwhelmed gasp.
"You feel it too?" Amelia rhetorically asks him but he nods anyway.
"What is it?" Lancelot asks.
"It's the Cup, we can sense it's power." Amelia explains. "Now we really do need to get moving."
Suddenly, a Guard arrives in front of them. Lancelot leaps forward and starts fighting but does not manage to defeat him. Merlin enters the fight. He hits the Guard with his sword and he explodes. Lancelot and Amelia look at him stunned.
"Is that what I think it is?" Amelia murmurs. She hadn't seen that sword in years. Merlin nods.
"What is it?" Lancelot asks, still in shock.
"It was forged in a Dragon's breath." Merlin smugly explains.
—
Amelia, Merlin and Lancelot peek around a corner. The Council Chambers are being guarded by four Soldiers. Not very inconspicuous.
"What do we do now?" Lancelot asks.
"There's only one thing we can do." Amelia murmurs. She grips her sword. "Let's do this."
They emerge from their hiding spot and immediately engage with the Soldiers. Amelia and Lancelot battle with them the best they can before shoving them back to Merlin and he uses the sword to kill them.
They finally manage to get inside the Council Chambers and lock the door. They slump against the door to catch their breaths but the time of relief is cut short, as Amelia realises that there are facing more Guards in the room, guarding the Cup. Guards draw their swords.
Amelia, Lancelot and Merlin look at each other, they have to go on fighting.
They pull themselves up and engage in another fight. Again, Amelia and Lancelot fight them with their swords and fists the best they can before pushing them in Merlin's direction.
Amelia spins around when she hears a gasp of pain and sees a Soldier wounding Lancelot.
"Lancelot!" She cries before hurriedly engaging with a Soldier that runs up to her.
She turns back to him but he shakes his head, yelling, "Keep going!"
Amelia jumps back into the fray. Then the warning bell rings out. She winces at that; Arthur isn't going to be pleased. Amelia can see Lancelot is getting too weak to fight and takes over fighting the Guard he was battling. Amelia finally pushes the Guard to Merlin to kill him.
Realising that was the last Soldier, Amelia turns to Merlin. "Merlin! The Cup!"
Merlin runs forward to reach the Cup, but the door opens, Morgause enters the room and casts a spell that throws Merlin against a wall. Merlin is knocked down. Amelia's eyes widen with fright and steps behind a pillar so her sister can't see her.
"I have a feeling I won't be seeing you again." She remarks casually. She raises her hand and Amelia is about to step out, terrified of what Morgause will do to Merlin when a voice stops her.
"No, you won't," Gaius says, emerging from behind a pillar. Morgause raises her hand again but in Gaius' direction. Amelia takes this opportunity to emerge.
"No," Amelia says. Morgause's eyes widen at the sight of her. "You really won't." Channelling all the magic that she can pull out, Amelia sticks her hand towards her sister and chants a spell, "Oferswing!"
Morgause flies back and lands on the floor. Amelia brings her hand back and takes deep, short breaths. That magic she'd used has taken her breath from her.
Morgause stands up, in clear shock. But, before she can do anything, Merlin blasts her. She is sent flying, hitting the pillar with a sickening crack. She lands on the floor unconscious.
Amelia stares at her sister's body in shock. She feels ringing in her ears, which causes her to barely hear what is going on around her. She faintly hears Gaius yelling for Merlin to get the cup and Merlin doing so, but all Amelia can see is Morgause's unconscious body as she slowly kneels on the floor. Amelia reaches towards Morgause's head and pets it in a daze. Despite who Morgause is, she's still Amelia's sister, she can still feel that familial pull and the guilt for causing this despite knowing Morgause isn't dead. She would be able to feel it if she is.
Suddenly, there are arms around her, pulling her away. Amelia looks up to see that it's Merlin gazing at her sorrowfully.
"It's done." He murmurs. She nods numbly.
"No! No!" Amelia looks up to see Morgana running into the room and flinging herself onto the floor, embracing Morgause. "Sister." She kneels near her, sobbing, caressing her sister's face.
Amelia swallows thickly before speaking quietly, "I'm sorry…I-I didn't…"
Morgana looks up and sees Amelia standing with Merlin, something dawns on her face, and she gives them a hardened glare.
"You, you! How could you do this?!" Morgana spits furiously.
"I-I didn't mean to!" Amelia stumbles, tears forming in her eyes, begging her sister to understand.
"You've betrayed us!" Morgana glares hatefully at her, drawing Morgause's unconscious body closer to her.
Amelia shakes her head rapidly. "N-no, no! You were trying to hurt people I care about! I had to stop you both!" It hurts to see Morgana glaring at her with such hatred.
"It's over, Morgana." Merlin says, stepping forward, drawing Morgana's attention from Amelia.
"No, you're wrong. This has just begun!" Morgana growls at him before looking back down at Morgause, sobbing. Amelia's heart breaks at the sight of it.
"No…" and with a large sniffle, Morgana screams, "NO!" And with that "NO!", the entire Castle's structure begins breaking down around them.
Morgana continues to scream and roar. Windows explode and the ceiling starts crumbling. Stones are falling everywhere. Amelia, Merlin, Gaius, and Lancelot flee the place, the latter having to be dragged out.
Amelia stops at the doorway, turning to look back at the crumbling room, trying to find her sisters, but Merlin pulls her away. She knows her sisters will escape and wonders when she'll see them next.
—
As night fell, everyone is in the Throne room as it had been turned into a temporary Infirmary as lots of people had either been injured in the fight to reclaim Camelot or were hurt under Morgana and Morgause's tyranny.
After her confrontation with her sisters, Amelia needs something to distract herself. She throws herself into helping Merlin, Anne and Gaius with the injured.
After a few hours, the chaos calms down and Amelia finds herself with nothing to do and that is when the exhaustion hits her, physically and mentally. She steps outside the room and slumps against a wall, sliding down it till she's sitting on the floor. Amelia draws her knees up to herself and once she's in a ball, she starts sobbing.
"Are you well?" A voice asks. Amelia's head springs up to see Percival standing over her with a look of concern.
She sniffs and wipes away her tears, which don't work as they keep coming. Amelia gives up and sighs. "No, not really. That's what happens when you betray your family."
Percival frowns and sits next to her. If Amelia wasn't so upset, she would've laughed at how comical it looks to see a man of over six feet try and fit himself into a small space.
"You didn't betray your sisters." Percival argues. "They betrayed you first by trying to harm Camelot and those you care about."
"Somehow that doesn't make me feel better." Amelia murmurs. "I can't help but feel like I'm as bad as them. The things I did, how I felt. There were times I felt such darkness in me I—"
Percival cuts her off. "But you stuck by your goodness and saved everyone despite that."
Amelia smiles softly at him. "Thank you. You've been so kind to me ever since we met. I wonder if I deserve it." She looks down at the floor. Suddenly, she feels Percival's hand grasping hers. Amelia looks up at him in shock, a blush on her cheeks.
"There's a light in you that I can see. Hope, determination. I know you're not your sisters." Percival declares.
Amelia stares at him with wide eyes. They stare at each other for who knows how long. Amelia then, before she can think about it, leans forward and presses her lips to Percival's for a brief but sweet kiss. She panics and pulls back.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't've. I—"
Percival's hand, which isn't holding hers, on her cheek stops her in her tracks. He gives her a small warm smile before pulling her back in.
—
Amelia's eyes slowly drift open, and she changes her position so that her back is flat on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Anne is getting married today.
Amelia squeals in excitement and darts into the Antechamber to her Chambers where Anne has been staying the night. Anne and Merlin would be having their own rooms soon. Amelia had insisted that while the two of them had Anne's house, Merlin and Anne should have their own room in the Castle as well. Arthur had relinquished.
Amelia finds Anne only just waking up in her bed. Her maidservant startles when Amelia lets out another squeal. "You're getting married today!"
Anne blinks at her confused before it dawns on her and she begins laughing as she pushes her blanket off and gets out of bed. "Yes, yes I am."
Amelia lunges forward and begins pulling Anne into her Chambers by the arm. "Come on, come on! We need to get you dressed."
"I can get dressed myself, Amelia." Anne argues fondly.
"But this is your wedding day! You always help me get dressed, now I should help you!" Amelia persists. She had thrown herself all the way into the wedding planning as she had not wanted to dwell on what happened between her and her sisters.
Anne gives up and lets Amelia help her into her dress. Amelia smiles happily to herself as she watches Anne look at herself in the mirror. It is a white and golden dress that goes all the way down to the floor, and the sleeves were long but airy. Anne's feet are covered by white slippers. She looks beautiful.
Anne looks behind her shoulder at Amelia, who has just finished setting her hair. Despite not being her forte, Amelia had worked hard on perfecting the hairstyle Anne would wear on her wedding day. She has done quite well if she may say so herself.
"Thank you, Amelia. Really."
Amelia simply shrugs and offers Anne a smile. "This is the most important day of your life. I had to make it special."
The wedding is absolutely amazing. All thanks to Amelia's, as well as Gwen's, decorating making the whole thing immaculate. The wedding happens in one of the smaller rooms as Anne had baulked at the mere suggestion it be in the Throne room. Despite being one of the smaller rooms, it is still large enough to fit in all the guests. Arthur, Amelia, Gwen, Gaius, the Knights and many of the servants in attendance as both Anne and Merlin have become greatly respected and admired by them in the times the two have served in the Castle.
Geoffrey of Monmouth officiates the ceremony due to Arthur's orders. Amelia can see that her cousin needs something else to put his mind to as he has been dragged into meeting after meeting and ceremonial events since his father hasn't recovered after Morgana's treatment and has not left his room. Amelia has been supporting him the best she can by taking on some of the duties. She has been pulling Gwen along with her under the guise of extra wedding planning and moral support but really Amelia has wanted to give Gwen some Queenly duties training.
Merlin looks the best Amelia has ever seen him. He is wearing ceremonial clothes, a gift from Amelia. She had insisted that he will not be getting married in rags but it probably doesn't matter to Anne. Merlin could be wearing a paper bag and Anne would have still thought that he is the most handsome man on this Earth.
Geoffrey soon announces that they are married and that they may kiss. The two share a kiss as everyone claps and cheers around them. When Merlin and Anne pull back, they pay them all no attention. Amelia can't blame them as this is their moment, and nobody else's but theirs.
—
Merlin will return