Amelia's POV
Amelia had told Gaius, Merlin and Anne what she'd told Percival though doesn't mention the whole other life and notebook etc to them. They had admitted him into the fold so now there's another member of their gang. Percival was amazed and shocked to hear how much they have done for Camelot.
They also inform Percival about Agravaine which leads to Percival arguing to Amelia in private that they need to throw the notes away lest someone like Agravaine got his hands on them. Amelia is happy to agree.
Amelia soon throws herself into planning for Arthur's birthday that's coming up. A huge feast is being held along with dancers, jugglers and acrobats for entertainment. The day arrives and Amelia eagerly watches as the Square becomes a hive of activity. A caravan of colourful carts is being unloaded by acrobats, dancers, jugglers, strong men, and jesters spill into the walls of the Castle.
—
That evening, the Banquet Hall is filled with Knights and Courtiers and all those that are here to celebrate Arthur's birth, tucking into a feast. The entertainment Amelia had secured are wandering around, giving small shows and wowing the entire audience with their talents. Amelia herself sits beside Arthur, the man clapping as he sees an acrobat do a rather complicated twist in the air as they jump.
"Enjoying yourself then?" Amelia smiles at him.
"Yes." He nods, seems he can admit that. "Though... I think I would have liked it more if you had remembered a birthday present for me." Arthur gives her a teasing smile.
"And what do you call this?" She gestures at the entertainment in front of them and the line of food up and down the tables.
"A traditional feast."
Amelia scoffs in offence. "Fine, this isn't all my present to you." She glances towards Uther, who sits on Arthur's other side.
Arthur blinks and looks to where his father is sitting, having actually joined them, the man raising his goblet to his son as he catches his eye. He raises his goblet in return before he turns back to Amelia. "You got my father to agree to come?"
She shrugs. "I merely mentioned the date to him..." She doesn't like the man, borderline hates him, but that doesn't mean she won't try and make this a good day for Arthur.
Arthur raises an eyebrow. "Are you sure you didn't threaten him?"
"I felt it was necessary." Amelia remarks.
Among the performers stands a man, who bows at the end of the act. All eyes focus on him as a hush descends over the Hall.
"I require a volunteer..." The Entertainer steps forward and sets his eyes on Arthur. "Prince Arthur. What better or more fitting occasion for you to demonstrate your legendary bravery?" Arthur's caught out, put on the spot. "Do you accept the challenge?"
Amelia sees the eyes of the Courtiers and Knights awaiting Arthur's decision. Arthur stands and holds his arms wide in a dramatic fashion. "Of course."
Amelia groans internally as there's a round of applause as Arthur makes his way through the Hall. Merlin intercepts Arthur and they have a whispered exchange, likely Merlin trying to talk him out of it but Arthur instead takes off his cloak and jacket, giving them to Merlin, making an excuse to cover the true nature of their exchange. Arthur heads over to the circular board where the Entertainer waits for him. Arthur smiles at the crowd, reassuring and places himself against the board. The Entertainer and a shorter man strap Arthur's ankles and wrists to the restraints on the board.
"Do not fear, my Lord. I never miss my target." The Entertainer reassures.
"Good. Glad to hear it." Arthur replies loudly.
The Entertainer pulls out an apple and turns to Arthur. "May I?"
Before Arthur can object, the Entertainer places the apple in Arthur's mouth making the crowd chuckle and Amelia frown. The man is edging dangerously close to insult by doing that, but she remains quiet, Uther seems entertained, but Anne and Merlin are tense as well.
The Entertainer steps back, gesturing to his assistant who pushes the wheel, making it spin with Arthur on it. The Court makes "ooh" sounds. A small man runs over with a set of three rather sharp knives and holds them up to the Entertainer, who shows it to the crowd before he suddenly turns and throws the knife at Arthur, hardly aiming. It thuds into the board, centimetres from Arthur's face. A huge gasp goes up, followed by a round of applause. Amelia doesn't relax, she can't till it's over.
The tension builds, and suddenly the Entertainer throws a second knife. It flies through the air and thuds into the board on the other side of Arthur's head. Another round of applause. The Entertainer waves the final knife at Uther. Uther nods permission for him to throw it. Amelia hears the blade slice into something not wood and the crowd gasps and holds their breath for a moment. The wheel slows to a stop and it can be seen that the knife stuck straight into the apple. The Hall erupts in applause.
Amelia breathes a huge sigh of relief and joins the applause. Arthur sighs in relief as well, slumping against the board. Amelia had sensed Merlin using magic, had seen his eyes flash when no one else had (having all been watching the performance) and knows he'd slowed time down to make sure that the knife wasn't going to truly harm Arthur. The Entertainer takes a bow and the assistant is rushing to release Arthur from the wheel as Amelia makes her way over to help.
"Are you alright?" She asks him, hugging him tightly as he takes the apple from his mouth.
He smiles hugging her back. "There was nothing to worry about, Amelia." Arthur tells her, tapping her nose.
Amelia rolls her eyes at him, reaching out to snatch the apple as he tosses it in the air. "As though you weren't nervous." She smirks at him.
Arthur scoffs. "Knights are trained to never be nervous." He takes back the apple and saunters over to Merlin, who helps him shrug on his jacket.
Amelia rubs her forehead in annoyance and as she brings her hand down, a strange scent wafts past her. She blinks a moment, frowning as she looks at her hands. Amelia lifts her lips to her nose, masking it as though she is rubbing her nose but really, she is sniffing her fingers. There is an odd smell to them and she can only recall having touched that apple. The apple Arthur is now munching on as he celebrates with his Knights.
Amelia closes her eyes a moment and shakes her head. Oh, Arthur, what has he gotten himself into this time?
—
Amelia expresses her concern to Merlin about how through the night, Arthur gets increasingly drowsier and unsteady but Merlin dismisses it as Arthur being drunk. Amelia doubts this as she knows Arthur is quite tolerant and she's hardly seen him drink enough to be how he is. She's relieved when Merlin hoists Arthur towards his Chambers at the end of the night.
Amelia is finally retreating to her own Chambers a short while later when she sees Arthur walking along the Phoenix Corridor in the direction of Uther's Chambers. Amelia frowns in concern when she sees him let out an enormous yawn and struggle to keep his eyes open. She peeks around the last corner, seeing him slip past two Guards and into Uther's Chambers, and just moves to step around the corner when someone comes striding up the stairs beside the Chambers.
She barely manages to get her hand over her mouth as the Entertainer appears and quickly slits the throats of the first Guard, throwing that same knife into the heart of the second Guard. The man then steps over the two Guards that he has just taken out and draws one of their swords before heading inside.
"Merlin!" Amelia shouts in her head as she hikes up her skirts and bolts down the corridor towards the door. "Anne! Help!"
Amelia makes it to the door just as she hears the sound of swords clashing and moves to pull the door open but it is locked. She looks up, hearing a crash, hearing Arthur weakly shouting for the Guards.
"Alisan!" Amelia hisses at the door, not bothering to hide her magic as the Guards are clearly dead. She hears the lock click and tries the door again but it doesn't budge, it has to have been barricaded on the other side.
"Amelia!" She hears Merlin shout as he and Anne came running down the corridor when her head snaps back at the door, hearing a second clash of metal and Uther speaking. "Amelia, what's wrong?"
"The Entertainer from earlier is attacking Arthur and Uther!" Amelia tells them. "He's blocked the door..."
"I'll get the Guards." Anne says. She runs off.
"Merlin..." Amelia prompts, knowing they need a powerful blast.
Merlin nods throwing out his hands and blasting the door open then quickly flying at the door with his shoulder, making it seem like he'd broken it down with his shoulder. A wise choice as they do not know what might await them inside, whether it'll be Uther and Arthur awake and observant of the use of magic.
Uther stands over the Entertainer, thrusting his sword into him just as the man on the floor draws a knife and lunges at Uther, stabbing him in the heart. Amelia gasps at the sight.
"Father?" Arthur calls as he weakly lies on the floor on the edge of the room. Uther's knees buckle as the Entertainer falls to the ground, dead. Arthur jolts forward and catches his father as he sinks to the floor.
"Arthur!" Amelia runs over to him. Arthur cradles Uther in his arms and stares horrified at the blood on his hand that he'd gotten from Uther's shirt. Both Arthur and Uther look to be fighting to stay conscious.
"I'll get Gaius." Merlin rushes out of the room to get the Physician.
"Arthur..." Uther breathes as Amelia kneels at Arthur's side, reaching out weakly to him, "Arthur..."
"I'm here, Father." Arthur grabs his hand. "Amelia..." He looks at her for help.
"Anne is getting the Guards and Merlin's gone for Gaius." Amelia reassures him. She does feel genuinely sorry for Arthur but also feels happy to know that Uther seems to be finally dying.
"No..." Uther shakes his head. "It is my time..."
"No." Arthur cuts in. "You can't die."
Uther looks at him weakly, using the last of his strength to speak to his son. "I know you will make me proud, as you always have. You will be a great King."
"I'm not ready." Arthur whispers. Amelia puts a hand on his arm, squeezing it, trying to support him without speaking, not wanting to interrupt the moment between father and son.
"You," Uther swallows, "you've been ready for some time, Arthur."
"No. I need you."
"I know I've not been a... a good father." Uther breathes. "I put my duty to Camelot first, I'm sorry."
Arthur shakes his head. "Don't say that."
Uther grips Arthur's hand with all his remaining strength. "But know this one thing," Uther looks at him intently, "I've always loved you."
Arthur stares in horror as his father's eyes slowly close and his head slumps to the side, the King falling into unconsciousness. "No... father? Father!" He tries to shake him but Amelia stops him.
"Don't jolt him." She whispers in his ear, stilling his hand with one of her own. "Arthur... I'm so sorry."
"No..." Arthur gasps. "No, he... he's fine. He'll be fine." But even as he says it, his eyes fill with tears and Amelia turns, wrapping her arms around him as he starts to sob, his father fading fast in his lap.
—
Gwen is standing beside Arthur, Amelia with Percival and Anne with Merlin, the six of them gathered in Uther's Chambers, Gaius tending to the King. Uther is lying in his bed, unconscious, his breathing shallow and looking pale and weak.
Amelia watches as Arthur stares at his father mournfully, guilty, likely blaming himself for putting his father in such a state. Amelia gets it, if Arthur hadn't gone to see Uther, the Entertainer would have just gone after him and his father wouldn't have had to defend him and be harmed. Amelia fears that Arthur might be the one lying in front of them instead if that had happened, which is a worse fate.
Amelia tears up at the thought causing Percival to wrap an arm around her to comfort her. Likely mistaking her upset about what could've happened to Arthur as upset for what's happened to Uther. She's never expressed her hatred to Uther in front of Percival so it's not non-plausible.
Arthur fixes Gaius with a desperate look. "Gaius. Can you treat him?"
The two of them walk partly away before the Physician speaks, "The blade has touched his heart. He's bleeding inside."
"There must be something... there must be something you can do. Please, Gaius." Arthur begs.
Gaius shakes his head. "It is just a matter of time, I'm afraid. I'm sorry, Arthur."
Amelia looks at Arthur and sees him looking back at his father. His face reads that he can't accept that and is struggling to accept that Uther is going to die.
—
Amelia seems to have been tasked with a lot of Arthur's responsibilities as the man cannot cope and can only focus on his father. So when Leon and Agravaine are reporting to them about what they'd found out about Uther's assassins, Arthur just stands there, staring blankly and leaving all the talking to Amelia.
"We traced the assassin to the town of Whenham. It's in Odin's land. It seems he hired him to kill you to avenge the death of his son." Agravaine reports.
Arthur barely responds as he takes this in so Amelia asks, "Was he acting alone?"
Amelia had decided to be cordial with Agravaine while this is going on so as to not trouble Arthur too much. The last thing he needs is to find out his uncle is a traitor or have his family squabbling.
"We believe he had an accomplice among the performers, but he has fled the City." Leon replies. "We have doubled the Guard, should there be another attempt on the Prince's life."
Again, Arthur barely responds, so Amelia talks again. "Thank you." She says to the two men. "You are dismissed." The two men bow before leaving.
When they are alone, Amelia leans forward and puts a hand on Arthur's arm. He barely responds to it. "We're all here, Arthur. You're not alone in this."
Arthur finally manages to pull himself together enough to respond to her. He puts his hand on top of her own and gives it a gentle pat. "Thank you, Amelia. Your support means a great deal to me. I know it must be hard for you, too."
Amelia is glad he isn't looking at her as he'd see the tight smile on her face as she says, through gritted teeth, "We have each other. We'll get through this."
Merlin enters at that moment and Arthur immediately responds to Merlin's arrival. "What news of my father?" He asks.
"There is no change." Merlin replies.
Arthur snaps. "Well, why isn't Gaius doing something, then?!"
Amelia shares a look with Merlin and they both know they need to tread softly.
"Arthur." Amelia murmurs gently. "Gaius has done all he can for him. There is nothing he can do."
Amelia can see that Arthur knows this and that is what pains him.
—
Amelia is walking down the corridor when it has gone dark when something in the Main Square catches her attention. She slows and walks to the window and looks out to see it's the people grouped together as they hold a candle-lit vigil. Amelia is watching when she hears footsteps walking towards her. She turns to see a solemn Arthur approaching her.
"Seems the people are beginning to mourn." Amelia murmurs quietly. She's fearful that if she speaks any louder, Arthur will hear the disgust and annoyance at what the people are doing. They have no idea what the King is truly like.
"They won't be mourning for long." Arthur says.
Amelia turns to him in surprise, confusion and mild annoyance. Can't he just— "But… Gaius says he only has a couple days to live. There really is nothing that can be done."
Arthur shakes his head. "There is one way to heal him…" His voice drops off and he looks at Amelia hesitantly.
She frowns at him. He can't mean— "What?" Amelia asks.
Arthur doesn't answer her and pulls her down the corridor before pushing her into her Chambers and closing the door. "With magic."
Amelia is stunned as she takes this in. No… he wants to save the man that's caused so much fear and terror for people like her. She couldn't—
Amelia looks away so Arthur can't see her expression and swallows thickly before turning back to him. "You want to ask someone with magic to heal your father? Someone who is part of a community that your father has ruthlessly persecuted for over 20 years?"
"…yes."
Amelia reaches towards Arthur with her hand and taps his head. "Is everything alright in there?"
Arthur grumbles in annoyance and Amelia can see some light returning to his eyes briefly. "Yes. I've already talked with Merlin about it and he's gone to Gaius."
Amelia sighs. She can't blame Merlin as this seems like a massive opportunity. But they're in a perilous situation. Not only does Amelia personally not want them to have to save Uther and will happily take this, but if they use magic and save Uther, Uther will not be grateful, he will have them murdered. If they use magic and fail, Arthur will forever be turned against magic and they'll still end up murdered one day. If they try to dissuade him from using it, he will take it as them not supporting him or worse, not wanting to see Uther better.
"But… who'd want to do this, Arthur?" Amelia broaches hesitantly. "There... aren't many magic users that would be eager to risk the wrath of Camelot to heal its King."
"What?!" Arthur exclaims. "Why wouldn't they want to help?!"
Amelia blinks. "Uther killed their families?" She supplies. "Uther would kill them? You'll kill them if they fail? Uther would kill them if they succeed? It's nearly a death trap for them to even enter Camelot and you want someone who suffered at his hands to be willing to put all that aside to help him now?" Amelia shakes her head. "Arthur did you not learn from the Dragonlord incident that foresight is not your father's strong suit?"
"There is...truly no hope, is there?" Arthur whispers brokenly. He sits on Amelia's bed and puts his head in his hands. Amelia's mind jumps to the activities she and Percival have done on that bed but is snapped out of it by Arthur, who lets out a slight sob.
Amelia sighs. "Oh, Arthur." She sits next to him and rubs his back. "If anyone knows, it'll be Gaius."
Arthur calms and turns to stare at her wide eyed. "If you were me, if you had a chance to save your parents, would you use magic to save their lives?"
Amelia sighs, again, and closes her eyes. "Yes… yes, I would. I would do whatever it took."
—
Amelia is with Arthur in his Chambers when Merlin enters. Amelia tries to catch the Warlock's eye so to see what's going through his mind but he doesn't look at her, only Arthur.
"Well? What did Gaius say? Did he have any information?" Arthur asks, his impatience showing.
"He didn't know much. But he has heard of a sorcerer. An old man. He lives in the Forest of Glaestig. Gaius thinks he may be able to help you." Merlin tells him. Amelia knows this is a clear lie and knows exactly who this old man is.
"Will he lead me to him?"
"No, he's told me all that he knows. We will have to find him ourselves." Merlin tells him. He looks at Amelia as if he's asking for reassurance but she simply raises an eyebrow at him.
"Then we have no time to lose." Arthur declares.
—
Merlin, Percival (Amelia may have told him much to Arthur's irritation but Merlin supports this and says he may be of help) and Arthur head off the next morning. Gaius, Amelia and Anne wait in the Physician's Chamber, anxiously waiting for his return. Merlin and Percival eventually hurry in much to everyone's relief.
Amelia leaps up to greet Percival.
"Merlin." Anne hugs her husband. "I was worried. I thought something had happened."
"Well, apart from Arthur thinking there's something very wrong with Merlin's bladder, everything went to plan." Percival chuckles.
Amelia shakes her head, a smirk on her face and turns to Merlin. "You completely forgot you'd need an excuse not to go with Arthur to meet yourself and used 'peeing in the woods' as an excuse, didn't you?"
Merlin rolls his eyes and runs off to search through the books on the balcony.
"Then everything is set?" Gaius cuts in, more concerned with the plan than Merlin's excuses.
Merlin nods and darts back down with some books in his arms. "If I can heal Uther, Arthur has given me his word that when he is King, magic will no longer be outlawed. This could change everything."
"I'm still unsure about this." Amelia comments. Mostly because she doesn't even want this to happen. She doesn't want Uther to live or risk something going wrong.
"And what if something goes wrong? What of Arthur's attitude to magic then?" Gaius questions.
Merlin stops and looks at the three of them. "Me, Anne and Amelia live with the risk of being exposed every day. If I don't take this opportunity, maybe we'll spend the rest of our lives having to hide who we really are. And so will my child. Everyone's always telling me I have this great destiny. Maybe this is it. I have to try."
Amelia can tell by Anne, Percival and Gaius' faces that they feel the same as her. They can't bring themselves to argue, not after that speech. Merlin gathers up the books and heads into his old Chamber with Anne behind him. Gaius, Percival and Amelia share a thoughtful look. Can Amelia really let this go ahead?
—
They finally find the spell needed. Amelia quickly excuses herself from the group, feeling more determined than ever to do something about this. Amelia sees, to her surprise, Agravaine emerging from Uther's Chambers as she approaches them. She darts behind a pillar as he turns and walks past her. Once he is gone, Amelia pokes her head out and steps inside the Chambers. She walks up to the bed to see Uther is still breathing but barely. He's nearly gone.
Amelia frowns then when she notices something around Uther's neck. She reaches forward to lift it out of his shirt to see it's a necklace with a triangle at the end. Amelia realises immediately that this must be the work of Morgana. For once in a long while, Amelia smiles, pleased at the work her sister has done before realising something. What will this do to Uther when Merlin tries to heal him with magic? She knows that Arthur, against her advice, had told Agravaine of their plans and he must've told Morgana. This could completely backfire on them and turn Arthur against magic forever.
Amelia knows what she must do. She sits next to Uther on the bed. "Arthur wants to save you, I can't let that happen. After all that you have done, you really shouldn't live." Amelia hisses. She looks down at the necklace, taking it off. "This necklace is going to kill you anyway when Arthur tries to save you with magic and that will turn him against magic. I can't let that happen either."
Amelia recalls a spell Morgause had taught Amelia and Morgana. Amelia back then had planned never to use any of the spells she'd learnt from Morgause but perhaps it's time. She swallows thickly. "Goodbye Uther Pendragon." Amelia stands, takes a breath and stretches out her hand towards Uther. "Gesweorc, hine beclyppe!" She brings her fingers closer and closer together causing Uther to choke and gasp for air. Because he's so weak, it doesn't take long for the King to stop breathing.
Amelia hears footsteps and hears Arthur's voice speaking. She panics and slips out of the side door. She slips along the corridors before entering her Chambers, to her relief Percival is nowhere to be seen. Amelia slumps against her door as she registers what she's done. Revenge doesn't taste as sweet as she imagined and to her surprise, she begins to sob, clutching to the enchanted necklace. Amelia hopes Arthur never finds out what she's done.
—
Merlin's POV
Merlin, in his disguise as an 80 year old man, hides as Arthur approaches the Guards outside Uther's Chambers.
"You're dismissed." The Prince tells them but the Guards hesitate, surprised by the order.
"But, Sire. We were instructed not to leave our post." One argues.
"And I said you are dismissed."
"Yes, my Lord."
The Guards head off. Arthur waits until they've disappeared around the corner, then clears his throat. Merlin hobbles out of the shadows and is ushered into Uther's Chambers by Arthur, who then follows him inside.
As Merlin enters and approaches where Uther lies, he immediately notices something is off. Uther's chest is a bit too still.
"Your Highness…" Merlin croaks.
"What?" Arthur briefly looks at him as he hurries to his father's side.
Merlin steps up to Uther and feels for a pulse. There isn't one. Merlin reels. "He's dead."
Arthur struggles to accept this. "No... He can't be…" He shakes Uther. "Father... Father?!" Soon, Arthur realises the futility of his actions. He gives up and stares at Uther, his mind swimming. "I was too late. I should've been quicker."
"You shouldn't blame yourself." Merlin tells him.
Arthur's head snaps up, tears in his eyes. "Leave me. You can't help anymore."
Merlin panics. No, this can't be. "But what about your promise."
"Doesn't matter anymore." Arthur's voice catches as he speaks. "I made that promise if you saved the King, you can't do that anymore."
"But…"
"Leave!" Arthur yells. "This is your final chance."
Merlin, as quickly as he can, hurries from the room and once he's round the corner, he takes a sip from his bottle. Merlin feels the old man disguise fade away but he hardly notices, leaning against one of the walls in the corridor, trying to process what happened. Arthur was right, they should've had more time and now Merlin has lost his one chance to change Arthur's perception of magic.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia stands in her Chambers, staring out the window. There's no noise except the wind gusting outside. She's waiting, waiting for someone to tell her of Uther's passing and terrified that someone has or will work her out.
She feels that everything is vibrating and it's only when she looks down, does she realise that it's her body that's shaking.
Amelia suddenly hears her door open causing her to tense and hold her breath. She doesn't dare turn around.
"Amelia?" Percival.
Amelia swallows harshly, still not daring to turn around in case her face reveals something, before speaking, "Did it work?" She's glad her voice stays strong and doesn't brake.
"No, I'm sorry, Amelia. Uther passed before Merlin could help him." Percival replies, walking up to her and standing behind her but doesn't touch her.
It must be the shock, guilt and just being overwhelmed that causes Amelia to just break down into sobs. Percival makes a sound of sympathy and wraps his arms around her from behind, holding her. At any other time, Amelia would take comfort in his hold but all she can think about is how she doesn't deserve this despite ridding the world of a monster. It's different from killing someone in battle because this was someone she knew and it feels so personal.
It takes a good while before Amelia emerges from her Chambers with Percival to meet the outside world. Everyone seems none the wiser to what Amelia has done. She continues to feel shaken and teary from the enormity of her actions and the enormous guilt she feels as she watches Arthur mourn his father. Those around her, just like Percival, interpret her behaviour as genuine grief for the loss of Uther and she isn't about to correct them.
This is a new beginning for all of them. Magic may still be outlawed but Amelia knows that despite that, life will already be tremendously better for all those with magic as Arthur isn't so murder hungry and jumping to conclusions.
Uther is soon placed in the Throne room for the Camelot's people to pay their last respects to their King. He lies on a raised Dias in the centre of the space, surrounded by candles. After everyone is gone, the doors are sealed, with Arthur still inside. He needs this moment alone with his father.
—
Anne's POV
Anne finds Merlin sitting in the Antechamber Corridor near the Throne room, waiting for Arthur. She takes a seat next to him.
"We must leave him to mourn." Anne takes in Merlin's shell shocked expression. "Merlin…"
"I don't understand. I thought he had more time." Merlin murmurs without looking at her.
"So did all of us." Anne solemnly replies. She hadn't thought she'd be so affected by Uther's death when it came, particularly since he sent her parents to the stake, but here she is. Though perhaps it's seeing how stricken everyone else is around her. Amelia has surprised her the most.
"We had a chance, a chance to prove to Arthur that magic can be used for good." Merlin continues.
"We must look to the future." Anne reminds her husband. "Uther's death will allow Arthur's progression to the throne. We must hope it brings peace and stability to the land."
"Magic will still be outlawed."
"What you were trying came with many risks. Gaius was right. You could've turned Arthur against it forever." Anne says. "Maybe this is a blessing in disguise."
"Arthur will be under even more pressure now that he's King. He will need us more than ever." Merlin declares.
Anne takes that in. She knows it's true. After a moment, she says, "I worry for Amelia."
"What do you mean?" Merlin asks, turning to her. He reaches over and strokes her stomach. He can just detect a slight curve.
"She's been acting strangely ever since Uther was injured and even more so now that he's died." Anne explains.
Merlin shrugs. "She's in mourning. She's lost a father figure despite her difficult relationship with him."
"Hmmm…" She isn't so sure. "There's nothing more to be done. Let's go and have some supper."
"I think I'll wait here."
Anne takes this in, touched by Merlin's devotion. She leans over to kiss him on the cheek then heads off, leaving Merlin to wait.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia finds Merlin waiting outside the Throne room on the floor against the stone railing and plonks herself next to him quietly. Merlin acknowledges her presence wordlessly. Amelia has been in a daze ever since she killed Uther. She's full of guilt for what this has done to the others and feels she needs to make up for what she has not only done to Arthur but also to Merlin and Anne.
Amelia and Merlin sit there for the rest of the night without sleep or exchanging words. Just waiting for Arthur to emerge from his vigil. Dawn has broken by the time Amelia hears the door open and sunlight stream in through the windows but doesn't turn until Arthur speaks.
"Merlin? Amelia?"
The two turn their heads to see Arthur standing over them. Arthur has dried his eyes and is calm and composed, almost serene. Arthur looks at the light flooding in through the window - in a contemplative mood.
"It is a new day."
Merlin takes this in, then stands. Amelia stands and walks over to Arthur, wrapping him in a hug. She never knows what to do with someone that's grieving but always found hugging works though, on the plus side, it hides her face so Arthur can't see it. Amelia pulls back and trades a small smile with Arthur.
"You been here all night?" Arthur asks the two of them.
"Didn't want you to feel that you were alone." Merlin replies.
"You're both loyal friends." Arthur says, touched. Amelia winces at that. Is she truly a good friend? She took away Arthur's chance to save his father all because of her selfish feelings. She had found the necklace and could've stepped away, leaving Merlin to save Arthur, to show magic isn't evil but instead, Amelia was overcome with hatred and finished the job the Entertainer had started.
Arthur then closes the Throne room doors and takes a breath. "You must be hungry?" He says to the two of them.
"Starving." Merlin replies.
"Me too."
"I'm not." Amelia says quietly.
Arthur turns to her with a small, warm smile that Amelia doubts she deserves. "You need to eat. Come on, Merlin. You can make us some breakfast."
Amelia trails after Merlin and Arthur as they head up the spiral staircase.
—
The sun shines over Camelot. The start of a beautiful day. Guards take their positions, Villagers head up the palace steps, and Pages blow their trumpets.
The Throne Room is packed with Courtiers who bow as Arthur walks toward the throne. An air of excitement and anticipation fills the room. Amelia stands next to Agravaine on one side, surrounded by the Knights, while Anne, Merlin, Gwen and Gaius stand on the other side. The Court and Villagers also fill the room. Arthur reaches the throne and kneels. Geoffrey of Monmouth stands next to him with the crown in his hands.
"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs?" Geoffrey asks.
"I solemnly swear so to do." Arthur declares.
"Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?"
"I will."
"Then by the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you Arthur, King of Camelot!"
Geoffrey of Monmouth places a crown upon Arthur's head. Arthur stands and looks out over the Courtiers, Villagers and Knights.
"Long live the King!" Agravaine starts the cry.
Everyone joins in the chant. "Long live the King! Long live the King! Long live the King! Long live the King! Long live the King! Long live the king! Long live the King! Long live the King!"
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