Amelia's POV
They had heard rumours that King Caerleon had seized land that rightfully belongs to Camelot and that there is a small band of his men that are stationed on the land. Arthur had amassed the Knights and their uncle and is going to go confront the men in an effort to reclaim the territory. He'd asked Amelia to come along, to help with negotiations and the battle.
Amelia winces as she watches Merlin, dressed as a Knight, trip over onto the ground then an axe land between his legs. Merlin had offered to act as bait to lure the band of men to the right spot. Amelia really hopes that Merlin doesn't get himself killed in the process or Anne will kill her.
Merlin picks up the axe and runs on straight into the dead end, just as they had planned. Everyone waits just out of sight above the ditch Merlin and his pursuers are in. Merlin turns to face his pursuers, who are now strolling in to meet him and raises the throwing axe.
"Trapped, are we?" The leader of the men remarks smugly.
An arrow hits one of the men in the back. Merlin's pursuers look up to find themselves surrounded by Arthur, Amelia, Agravaine and the Knights of Camelot.
Merlin smiles. "That's the idea."
"On me!" Arthur yells.
They all follow, jumping and climbing down to engage the enemy. After the battle, they collect the prisoners and make their way back to their camp. Amelia grimaces as she wipes some blood from her face as she walks along beside Arthur.
"Your Majesty." Agravaine calls out causing them to turn to see him dragging along the leader of the prisoners. "Look what we have here."
"He comes with us. We'll deal with the prisoners when we get back to Camelot." Arthur orders.
"I fear this is no ordinary prisoner, Your Highness." Agravaine pushes the man to the ground and rips the necklace from his neck and hands it to Arthur. Amelia leans around him to have a look and her eyes widen in realisation when she sees what it is.
"Well, well." Arthur murmurs.
"What is it?" Merlin asks.
"This, Merlin, is the royal crest of Caerleon." Amelia tells him.
"Is it not... Your Highness?" Arthur remarks pointedly to their prisoner, King Caerleon.
—
Amelia isn't entirely sure why they're still keeping King Caerleon as a prisoner, that isn't the respect a King deserved since he is a King of a land on the brink of war with Camelot. She feels it should be obvious that they treat him with a bit more care so as not to spur him into more war. Agravaine seems to think differently and has locked him away with the other prisoners under the watch of a few Knights.
"I still think it was a foolish move," Amelia remarks as she gathers in Arthur's tent that night, Merlin standing beside her, Arthur pacing and Agravaine standing with his hand on his sword, watching. "It's not going to help relations to treat the person commanding the armies like that."
"This is not the first time he's trespassed on our lands." Arthur argues.
"No, sire." Agravaine agrees immediately, making Amelia roll her eyes, already feeling a manipulation coming. "Only last week he seized the Village of Stonedown on the western borders."
"We're not on the borders now, Agravaine." Arthur points out. "This is the heart of the Kingdom. He took a grave risk coming here."
"Perhaps he doesn't see it that way. I fear it's no coincidence that all this has happened since Uther's death." Agravaine remarks.
Amelia stiffens at that, seeing it starting, Agravaine is going to twist the situation into making it seem like a play of power.
"What do you mean?" Amelia asks, really hoping that this isn't going to play like she fears it will.
Agravaine merely ignores her and turns to Arthur. "Arthur, your father was a strong king. His enemies feared and respected that strength."
"Are you saying I'm not worthy of that respect?" Arthur demands.
"No, sire, not at all!" Agravaine insists. "There isn't a citizen of Camelot who would not lay down their life for you. But your enemies... to the enemies of Camelot, you are still untested as a King. You must send a clear message that any action against Camelot will be met without mercy."
"I think that's what you did today, Arthur." Amelia looks at him meaningfully.
"But not enough." Agravaine argues. "Not enough to deter the likes of Odin and Bayard and the countless others who covet Camelot's wealth."
"Well, what do you suggest?" Arthur looks at their uncle.
"I suggest..." Agravaine pauses, making it seem like he is struggling to make the recommendation, and Amelia knows it is not going to be a good thing at all. "I suggest that we force him to accept a treaty on our terms. He must withdraw his men from our land, return our territories us. He must surrender Everwick."
"He'd rather die than agree to such terms." Arthur scoffs.
"Then you are left with no choice."
"You can't kill a King in cold blood Arthur." Amelia argues. "That would be war no matter what!"
"Arthur, you must do what you need to do to assert your authority on this land." Agravaine argues.
"No, he doesn't." Amelia counters, glaring at this supposed lump of flesh that's apparently related to her. "And if he does, there's a different way to do it."
"There is no other way." Agravaine sighs and looks at Arthur. "Think on it. Decide by tomorrow."
Amelia glares at the man who merely steps out of the tent. She looks at Arthur and nearly groans under her breath. He has his deep face on, the deep thought face that means no matter what she says at this moment, he'll be practically deaf to her.
—
"Arthur?" Amelia moves to sit beside him in his tent that night. She had glanced in on her way to bed only to see him sitting in a chair, staring ahead of him, still in thought. She leans over and picks up a small blanket, turning to drape it over his shoulders, startling him out of his thoughts.
"Amelia?" He blinks at her.
Amelia smiles. "Let me guess, you're not going to sleep a wink, are you?"
Arthur sighs and rubs his face. "I've got too much to think on."
"About what Agravaine suggested?" She guesses and he nods. She looks at the entrance of the tent, she can see Agravaine speaking to a Guard on watch a few feet away, the man glancing in at them sitting there. Even while the rest of the camp settles for the night, the man is awake. "Well, I can tell you right now, I don't think you should do it."
"My father was a great King Amelia, but I don't have his wisdom or his conviction." Arthur remarks. Amelia internally pulls a face at that. "I can only follow his example and do what he would've done."
"You're not your father though." Amelia argues. "You're a better man than he is. Please tell me you mean only to request a treaty."
"I have to show my strength. Show that I'm worthy of my father's name." Arthur argues.
"And that means killing him if he refuses?" Amelia shakes her head at him.
"Caerleon will have brought it upon himself."
"Do you hear yourself?" Amelia stares at him. "Arthur, the thing your Knights, your people admire most about you is your mercy and respect in battle. You wouldn't ever do this, never. This isn't who you are. This is who Uther was." Please don't let what she did be for nothing.
"You have no idea what it is to make these decisions." Arthur argues. "Decisions that will shape the future of this land."
"Right." Amelia nods sarcastically. "It's not like I've been sitting in on Council meetings since I could speak and have been helping you run this Kingdom." She gives him a look. "This isn't you, Arthur!" She looks over to where Agravaine still stands and the words are slipping out of her mouth before she can stop them, "Perhaps someone is influencing you."
Arthur follows her gaze, and he then looks sharply back over at Amelia. "What are you implying?"
Amelia sucks in a breath. "I'm just saying that it's no secret that since Agravaine has come to stay in Camelot, you haven't exactly been... yourself."
"You are not my Queen, Amelia!" Arthur yells, then lowers his voice because other people are settling down or sleeping. "And Agravaine is my uncle. I won't have you insulting him just because of some crazy theory that your brain has cooked up."
He might as well have slapped her in the face. He just implied that Amelia isn't a part of his family. She blinks back tears, and she feels that awful lump in your throat when you're trying not to cry form. "Our uncle, but I understand." Amelia nods. "I'm just a bastard. Doesn't matter what I think, does it?" Amelia stands.
Arthur's eyes are wide with panic, now realising what he's said but it's too late. "Amelia—"
"I have only three things to say to you Arthur, and then I am leaving because if I stay a moment longer than that... I will kill you, cousin or not." Amelia declares. "First... you've left me in charge of the Kingdom before and it is still standing, it was you who had the faith that I could do this. Second, you listen to those who do not know what is happening instead of those who do. Agravaine has been in the Kingdom for how long? He doesn't know what our relations are with other Kingdoms and realms are. Yet you put more faith in what he had to say than me. And third think for a moment about how many times me and Merlin have been right."
With that, she storms off.
—
They all assemble and Agravaine presents King Caerleon with the treaty scroll. Amelia glares at her uncle as she watches.
"What is this?" Caerleon asks, not taking the scroll. Agravaine hands it to Sir Leon, who opens it. Caerleon scoffs. "You expect me to sign this? To humiliate myself before you?"
"You invaded our Kingdom and took what did not belong to you." Agravaine retorts.
"And if I do not sign?"
"Then you will pay, with your life!"
Caerleon scoffs. "And who makes these terms?"
"Arthur Pendragon." Arthur walks forward. "King of Camelot."
Caerleon pushes Leon's arm aside and steps forward. "Very well." Percival moves forward, trying to grab the King's arm but Caerleon shoves him off. "Then make it quick!" Caerleon kneels.
"Think what you're doing, Caerleon." Arthur warns. "This treaty could seal a truce between us. There would be peace. Like there was between your father and mine."
Amelia internally scoffs at this. How dare he act like he's in the right here!
"I am not my father, and you are not Uther! Do you really have the guts to kill me?" Caerleon questions.
"You leave me no choice."
"You do not choose anything, boy. It is I who choose to die, and I alone. Now, get on with it." Caerleon bows his head down to Arthur to give him clear aim at his neck.
"So be it."
Amelia sees Agravaine smirk and her glare hardens. As Arthur draws his sword, he makes eye contact with Amelia. In an act of clear defiance, she raises her head at him with the glare still on her face and turns around so that she won't have to witness the final act that will bring destruction upon the Kingdom and, in turn, turning her back on Arthur.
Amelia hears the sound of the sword cutting through the air, the sound of the blade hitting flesh, and then the sound of a head and a body dropping to the ground separately.
Amelia closes her eyes as she tries not to cry.
War is coming to Camelot.
—
Amelia completely ignores Arthur all the way back home. She ignores his attempts at talking to her and it was like Arthur Pendragon didn't exist. And he doesn't, at least, not the one that Amelia had known.
A couple of days later, a messenger arrives at Camelot. An army led by Caerleon's Queen, Queen Annis, was seen crossing Camelot's border at first light. When this is announced in the Council Chambers, Amelia simply raises an eyebrow in Arthur's direction and Arthur looks down. Both of them know she means to say, "I told you so."
The Council convenes to plan their next move.
They all listen as Arthur speaks, "At a forced march, Caerleon's men will reach Camelot by sundown tomorrow, which means we have no choice. We must intercept them before they reach the ridge of Landshire. That way, we hold the high ground. The Knights of Camelot make ready as I speak. We ride at dawn."
"Long live the King!" Agravaine starts the cry.
"Long live the King! Long live the King! Long live the King!"
Amelia remains tight-lipped and looks on unhappily.
—
Amelia is in her Chambers later that day, reading through some documents when there is a knock at the door.
"Enter." She calls out, not even bothering to look up from her papers.
The door opens, and Amelia doesn't look up to see who it is until the person is standing at her desk. When she does, Amelia is surprised to see Arthur. He looks tense and uncomfortable as he stands in front of her withering glare.
Amelia drops her quill and leans back in her seat for a second before standing up. She doesn't break eye contact with him as she picks up the ends of her skirts and drops into a curtsy. "Your Majesty." Amelia says coldly, finally breaking eye contact only so that she can bow.
"That isn't necessary, Amelia." Arthur says as she stands back up.
Amelia raises an eyebrow. "Is it not?" She wonders. "I am, after all, just another member of the Court."
Arthur doesn't even attempt a response to that. Instead, he looks around at her Chambers. Amelia watches him take in the lack of packed supplies. He looks back over at her. "Are you not coming?"
"I cannot participate in a war that the King could have prevented." Amelia replies sternly.
"Amelia…" Arthur starts. "I had no choice."
"Are you completely out of your mind?!" Amelia snaps, breaking from her calm and calculated appearance.
"A show of strength was necessary."
Amelia scoffs. "More like brutality." She crosses her arms and glares at him.
"An example had to be made for the good of the Kingdom." Arthur argues.
"Oh yes, and what a fine one it sent to everyone, that their King will slaughter those who don't agree with him. How does that make you better than Uther?!" Amelia cries.
Arthur glares at her. "My father didn't slaughter those who disagreed with him."
"Oh no? What about the Druids? What about any magic user in general who believed magic should be used for good but because your father didn't agree, he slaughtered them? What about those not magical at all but Uther didn't care and condemned them anyway?" Amelia rants.
"Magic was a blight on the Kingdom, father was protecting his people." Arthur persists.
"And you've followed just perfectly in his footsteps in that." Amelia says sarcastically. "His actions led to more than 20 years of those with magic attacking to avenge their families. Now you've brought more war to this Kingdom as Queen Annis aims to avenge her husband."
Arthur's shoulders sag and he looks like he has aged one hundred years in the last few days. "I need you there, Amelia." He tries in a last ditch effort.
Amelia scoffs. "Then tell me this. Why did you side with Agravaine?" Amelia questions. "Why, when you knew that what I was saying was right and what he was saying was wrong? Agravaine, who has only ever seen you a few times in the past decade. Agravaine, who knows nothing about you. Agravaine, who is changing you." His eyes look down as Amelia continues. "Over me, who has grown up by your side. Me, who knows how you fight on the battlefield. Me, who can read your mind without you having to speak any words. Me, who knows what's in your heart better than you do."
Arthur has no answer for that and has the decency to look ashamed. Amelia nods at the heavy silence that hung in the air. She looks away from him as she sits back down and picks up her quill. "You should get some rest. You have a long day ahead of you, your Majesty." Amelia goes back to work, which is a sign of dismissal.
Arthur stands there for a few seconds, obviously debating if he should say anything else, but he finally just turns around and leaves. Once the door is shut behind him, Amelia deflates and wipes away the tear that has escaped her eye.
The doors open and in walks Percival. "Why did Arthur look like he was about to cry?" He asks as he walks over to where Amelia is sitting.
"I had a talk with the King." Amelia responds. "He didn't like what I had to say."
"You cannot be mad at Arthur forever." Percival points out.
Amelia rolls her eyes, knowing he is right but she isn't going to let go yet. "I certainly can." Amelia responds. "You didn't hear the way he spoke to me, Percival. Like... like I was just another Court member who was beneath him. Like... like what I had to say meant nothing. Like he's never left his Kingdom to me before. Like I didn't know what I was doing!" Amelia looks over at him. "He implied that I wasn't a part of his family."
"You know that's not what he meant." Percival says as he puts his hand on her shoulder and gives it a comforting squeeze.
"Well, that's what it sounded like." Amelia retorts. "Like Agravaine had more importance than I did. And Agravaine's not even helping Arthur! He's betraying him!" Amelia stands up so that she can face Percival fully.
"We know that but you saw how Arthur reacted when you simply implied that Agravaine was just changing the way he thought. If you said all that stuff to him, accusations that are serious crimes, who knows what he will do?" Percival argues logically.
Amelia sighs as she drops back into her chair. "That's true. I don't know what to do, Percival."
"Well, I know one thing you could do." Percival says as he turns the chair so that Amelia is facing him instead of the desk. "Come with us tomorrow."
Amelia gives him a look. "You know—"
"That you can't, morally." Percival finishes. "I know. But your counsel does matter to Arthur, whether you can see that or not."
When Amelia hesitates, Percival reaches out and grabs her face, cradling her head in his hands. "Think of it this way: you'll be going to protect the people of Camelot. The people of a Kingdom that you love. Plus," he leans over and presses a kiss to the crown of her head. "I need you there. So does Merlin even if it's only to keep an eye on him for Anne's sake."
Amelia huffs as she realises that he has her. "Fine. I'll come."
—
Amelia's mood isn't improved when she finds out the next morning that Arthur had broken up with Gwen when the maid comes to Amelia in tears. Arthur has suddenly broken it off with her because she's not 'appropriate'. Amelia had wanted to go to Arthur and smack him but Gwen had insisted to let it be though she shares Amelia's concerns he hadn't made this decision by himself. A certain someone has again influenced him.
When Amelia comes walking out of the Castle shortly afterwards, towards her horse, Arthur looks at her in surprise but Amelia doesn't look at him as she brings her horse over to where he's standing.
She doesn't look over at him, but Arthur starts, "Amelia—"
"I am not here for you, Your Majesty." Amelia tells him shortly. "I have not forgotten that the reason that we are even standing here today is because of a mistake made on your part. The only reason that I am coming is because Percival managed to remind me that while my quarrel is with you, I still love and care about the people of Camelot, and I should not be punishing them."
With that, Amelia continues forward and starts preparing her horse for riding. Once he is ready, she climbs onto the saddle and follows dutifully behind Arthur and beside Merlin. She glances back and Percival gives her an encouraging smile. She sighs and faces forward, preparing for the travelling ahead.
They reach the Ridge of Landshire just before nightfall and prepare dinner. Amelia sits next to Percival, leaning into his side, along with Merlin and the rest of the Knights as they eat. Amelia tries not to worry about tomorrow, about what'll happen to her friends but she knows she must savour every moment.
They all laugh and joke. Merlin makes a remark that leads to Leon tussling his hair causing Merlin to fake pout as if annoyed and they all chuckle.
Merlin then looks up and his smile fades slightly. This causes everyone to look over to see it's Arthur at the entrance of his tent, watching them. Amelia can see the longing look on his face before he realises he's caught.
"We should all get some sleep." Arthur tries to cover then turns back into his tent.
"Is he all right?" Gwaine questions.
Merlin shrugs. "He's our King. If anything were to happen to any of us, he'll hold himself responsible."
Amelia purses her lips at that. She wonders if that's the case anymore.
—
Arthur is a complete idiot, and Amelia is feeling like a complete idiot for not having realised what he was going to do. He'd snuck out in the middle of the night and into Annis's camp to try and reason with the Queen himself. He'd gotten a slap for it, which served him right, but he'd pleaded with her about how ashamed he is of what he'd done to her, how cowardly it was, how unjust and how deeply sorry he was for his actions. She'd not bent to that as words did nothing to bring her husband back to her nor return her people's King.
Arthur had proposed an alternative to battle though. He'd invoked the right of single combat, one champion selected from each side to face each other alone. All of it done with the hope to spare more lives, which had seemed to touch the Queen only slightly. If Camelot's champion won, Annis will withdraw her army, and if her champion won... half of Camelot will be hers.
"But, sire, we can win this battle. I know we can." Leon argues as they all gather.
"I don't doubt it. But at what cost? How many men will be slaughtered?" Amelia feels her frosty feelings towards Arthur begin to defrost slightly at his words. That's the Arthur she knows and loves.
"And what if we were to lose this trial? We can't give up our land." Elyan worries.
"That's the deal I've struck. I believe it to be fair, and I'll stand by it." Arthur counters.
"Well, then. All that remains, my lord, is for you to choose your champion." Agravaine declares. And so, Amelia is reminded of the reason why she's mad at Arthur right now. Their conniving uncle.
The Knights all step forward, pledging their readiness to take the fight.
"There can only be one choice. One choice which is just and honourable. This fight's mine." Arthur declares.
None look pleased by this, but they can't object to their King. Agravaine is very pleased, smirking. Amelia glares at her uncle. Now while Amelia is mad at Arthur, she doesn't want him to die and is upset and angry that he's now put himself in this situation.
—
It's a new day and Amelia anxiously watches as Merlin finishes putting the armour on Arthur in the King's tent. She is still very upset that he'd ignored her, that he'd treated her like a subordinate, like a subject. But right now, he is about to face an army on his own for the sake of the Kingdom
Merlin pulls particularly hard on one of the straps causing Arthur to groan, "Not too tight, Merlin, you don't want to kill me before I've even started."
"Sorry." Merlin chuckles, sounding as if he's trying to hold back tears.
"Amelia." Arthur reaches out to take her hand, which is shaking, holding it. "If this day should prove to be my last... I want you to know that I am truly, deeply sorry. You know that's not what I meant that day." Arthur insists. "I just meant that I didn't like you insulting our uncle." He drops her hand. "You've always been a sister to me, more so than my real sister. You know that. I was just..." He sighs. "Scared. I've been scared out of my mind. And seeing the distrust and hatred in your eyes for me has been like being stabbed with my own sword. I couldn't stand the fact that you were against me on something. It made me worried that—" He cuts himself off.
"That I would realise the mistake that I made in siding with you and return to Morgana." Amelia finishes, knowing he can't bring himself to say the words out loud. Arthur gives her a minute nod. "I turned my back on both of my sisters for you because blood doesn't make family, Arthur. Relationships do. Trust does. There are some family members that we cannot choose, but others that we can. And I choose you. My cousin, my irritating little brother."
Now, Arthur isn't a man to cry very often, but he looks like he is going to burst into tears as he reaches forward and pulls Amelia into a hug. She hugs him back as tightly as possible.
"I choose you too, Amelia." Arthur says as they pull apart. She gives him a watery smile. He takes off his left glove and pulls off his ring, turning to Merlin as well. "And to also, give this to Guinevere." Arthur hands Merlin the ring. Merlin looks up sharply. "Tell her I'm sorry."
Merlin nods. "Of course." Arthur puts his glove back on.
"Arthur, do you really think this is worth the risk?" Amelia questions. "You're King now. Camelot needs you. Alive."
"I don't know what will happen." Arthur admits. "But for the first time since I became King, I know in my heart I've made the right decision. I know that if anything happens to me, you'll be there to look after our people." He smiles.
"Well, whatever happens out there...erm..." Merlin struggles to say, looking away as if to control his emotions.
"You're not about to start crying on me, are you?" Arthur remarks in his usual Arthur way, breaking some of the tension.
"No. Just, er, good luck." They smile at each other. Amelia watches them with a smile.
"Thank you, old friend." Arthur replies. They shake hands and like a bad smell, Agravaine enters, interrupting the sweet moments the three of them are sharing.
"It is time, my lord."
"Very well." Arthur doesn't move.
"Is all in readiness?"
"Merlin?" Arthur stands for Merlin's inspection.
Merlin swallows and nods. "Ready."
Arthur nods and draws his sword. Amelia doesn't like the smile on Agravaine's face as Arthur inspects it.
Arthur and Agravaine exit and Amelia watches after them worriedly before following along with Merlin.
—
The armies of Camelot and Caerleon face each other. The former on the ridge and the latter in the valley below. Derían, Annis' champion, a big brute of a man, and Arthur walk to the centre of the gap. Derían bares his teeth when they meet in the middle and Amelia knows Arthur is likely trying not to grimace.
Amelia's eyes flicker to the opposing army and quickly locate Annis amongst them but it's her companion next to her that causes Amelia to freeze. Despite the long year and the great change that has happened, Amelia can recognise the face of her older half sister any day. Amelia knows this isn't good if Morgana is assisting Annis.
The fight begins. While Derían is large and strong, Arthur is small and swift, able to dodge his heavy blows while delivering some of his own. Eventually, Derían is able to knock Arthur to his knees and is ready to deliver another blow when Arthur rolls away and slices Derían's cheek. Derían checks for blood and howls, enraged.
After a few more blows, Arthur's sword suddenly drops like lead behind him and is unable to lift it. Amelia's eyes widen in panic, she glances over at Morgana's location again, feeling a pull of magic from her, knowing a smirk is likely gracing her sister's lips. Derían swings and misses on the down sweep then Arthur punches Derían's face and gets caught on the upsweep of Derían's sword. He cries out in pain and tries to lift his sword again. Amelia wishes he'd just leave it and get out of the way. Amelia glances at Merlin as Derían begins to strike and sees when his eyes glow causing Derían to freeze mid-swing.
Arthur finally leaves his sword and rams his shoulder into Derían, knocking him over and falling. Derían gets up first and kicks Arthur over. As Arthur lies almost helpless, Derían picks up his sword and raises it over his head.
"Ecg ætstande!" Amelia hisses and the sword drops out of Derían's hands into the ground behind him and he freezes.
Arthur rolls up behind Derían, grabs the sword and slices across Derían's back. The giant falls to his knees and Arthur kicks him down. Arthur is poised to strike but he looks up at his men on the ridge. Amelia looks on tensely. Arthur looks down at his fallen enemy and runs the sword into the ground by Derían's head. Amelia slumps in relief as the army around her bursts out cheering.
"Long live the King!" Percival cries, pulling Amelia into his arms and shaking her in excitement causing her to let out a laugh.
"Long live the King!" Leon echoes.
The rest of the army joins in on the call, "Long live the King! Long live the King! Long live the King!"
—
Annis approaches Arthur not long after Amelia had reached him and given him a hug in relief.
"You are victorious, Arthur Pendragon." The Queen states, coming to stand in front of them. "And you may rest assured that I shall comply absolutely with the terms of our agreement. My army will be gone by nightfall."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Annis holds out her hand and Arthur grasps it before they both let go. She then turns to Amelia. "And you must be the famous Lady Amelia."
Amelia smiles confusedly. "Your Highness?"
"You are different from what I expected but not disappointing. I see that you've made a choice you believe in." Annis declares.
Amelia stares back at her in surprise but realises she shouldn't be as Morgana has obviously talked about her.
Annis turns back to Arthur. "Tell me something. You spared my champion. Why?"
"Because it's not victory, I seek. It is peace." Arthur replies. "I hope that today will mark a new beginning for our Kingdoms."
Amelia smiles at him proudly.
"There is something about you, Arthur Pendragon. Something which gives me hope for us all." Annis declares. She considers him for a moment then turns to leave.
—
Amelia is happy with the outcome and that she and Arthur have mended her friendship. She's made even happier when Arthur pauses to pick some flowers for Gwen on their journey home.
They're greeted with bells ringing, streamers hanging, flags waving and cheering crowds as they all return to Camelot triumphant.
"You're a hero." Merlin remarks to Arthur as they enter the Main Square.
"Thank you, Merlin." Arthur replies.
Merlin and Amelia share a grin and the former adds, "Not to me. To your people."
"Right. You think different?" Arthur asks resignedly, probably now realising it isn't a compliment.
Amelia shrugs with a smile. "Maybe we know something they don't."
"Which is?"
"You know, that you're a cabbage head." Merlin remarks.
"Or a beetle brain." Amelia adds with a giggle.
Merlin laughs. "Cone head?"
Merlin and Amelia snigger as Arthur rolls his eyes at them. He dismounts, grumbling as Amelia and Merlin laugh behind him.
The Courtiers applaud as Arthur climbs the steps into the Castle.
—
A/N: I realised after writing this that Anne has no speaking lines 😅
Chapter 50 is next!