A/N: Thank you to everyone who has followed, favourited and commented on this story. I've heard that some of you might not be getting notified when I upload? I'm also not getting alerted anymore when someone leaves a review. Also, if you don't like a story, don't leave horrible reviews for the author to read, just exit out of the story and leave it. Thankfully it was a guest review so I deleted it.

—

Amelia's POV

"You've agreed to what?!" Amelia splutters as she stares at Arthur agape. She had been forcibly led to Arthur's Chambers after being told the King wants to see her. She had hoped it was going to be a quick session of Arthur pleading for her forgiveness, again she wouldn't give it then she would leave but Amelia hadn't expected this.

"Marriage. It is not that big of a deal." Arthur rebuffs. "What's important is that the lands of Gedref will no longer be in dispute between us and Nemeth."

"Not that big of a deal?!" Amelia retorts. "Marriage isn't something that should be treated casually! And what about—"

Arthur feigns ignorance but is clearly angry and upset. "What?" Amelia doesn't reply, staring at him in silence. "You mean Guinevere. I told you not to mention her name again."

"I'm trying to have a logical conversation with you which is why I didn't." Amelia replies testily. "But can you really do this to her?"

Arthur's face morphs into anger. "How many times do I have to tell you? Guinevere made her choice. She betrayed me. Now she must take the consequences."

"But—"

A knock echoes and Arthur voices his acceptance for them to come in. The doors open and Agravaine saunters in. Great. "My Lord?"

Arthur sends their treacherous uncle a tense smile. "Uncle, I was just telling Amelia the news before I announce it to the Court later."

What?! Amelia's head snaps to Arthur, who has the decency to look down, ashamed. "You're announcing it today and you're only just telling me?!"

"It was confidential, we couldn't tell—" Agravaine pipes up.

"I wasn't talking to you, Agravaine." Amelia snaps, sending a dark look to her uncle over her shoulder. She turns back to Arthur. "Why the negotiations? Why now?"

Before Arthur can reply, Agravaine cuts in, "We were, at best, in a tense friendship with them. We now have an opening for a more solid friendship between the two realms so this danger will not exist, and they will be one of Camelot's firmest allies and..."

"I am good friends with the Princess of Nemeth." Amelia cuts in, rather enjoying how Agravaine's lips purse at that. She faintly remembered knowing Mithian after Nimueh's attack, Morgana and Anne had provided more solid recollections of the Princess, who's been very understanding when Amelia last visited before she got kidnapped by Morgause, and Morgana had been corrupted, she had filled Amelia in on a lot of other details.

Amelia shakes her thoughts away. "For many years I, along with my sister, travelled there frequently. I don't believe it's a tense friendship if Uther was willing to allow his ward and daughter, with only a handful of Guards, to attend celebrations in the Kingdom."

"Yes, well, the friendship now has a chance to be a solid alliance—"

"And marriage seems the only way." Amelia interrupts again, looking up at him with a frown.

"Exactly." Agravaine smiles, Amelia can see it's strained. "It can be argued that the King and Princess Mithian are a good match, politically speaking." He adds that last part quickly when Amelia narrows her eyes at him.

"How can I be expected to believe you understand the relations that Camelot has with its neighbouring Kingdoms?" Amelia questions taking Agravaine by surprise.

"I shall have you know—" He begins.

But she cuts him off yet again. "Given that you had not set foot in the Kingdom since Queen Ygraine passed until more recently, how are you fully aware of the other realms and how Camelot feels for them or them for us? Until such a time as you can prove your competence in describing the details and relationships Camelot has to others, I am afraid I cannot trust your judgement."

Arthur sighs tiredly as if he's dealing with a misbehaving toddler, which Amelia takes offence to. "I know you don't like it but it needs to be done, Amelia, it's the only way."

—

Amelia storms in front of Arthur as they walk towards the Council Chambers and pointedly stands among the Knights, Gaius, Merlin, and Anne instead of by Arthur at the head of the room. Arthur walks to the front of the room and faces his Court.

"My lords, fellow Knights, gentlemen." Arthur greets. "As you are all aware, Camelot's claim to the lands of Gedref has long been in dispute. Today I can announce that, after many months of confidential negotiations, the Kingdoms of Nemeth and Camelot have reached an agreement."

Murmuring broke out amongst the Court because this is actually a really big deal. Nemeth and Camelot have been disputing Gedref for years, going back to Uther's time.

"There's nothing to fear." Arthur assures. "It is a fair and honourable agreement that benefits two great Kingdoms." He pauses, then says, "Furthermore, our friendship will be cemented by a union that cannot be broken. My hand in marriage to Her Royal Highness, Princess Mithian."

More murmuring amongst the Court, but then applause follows. Amelia looks over at Merlin and Anne who are staring slack-jawed at Arthur.

"Smile," Gaius mutters to the two of them.

Merlin shakes his head. "He can't mean that."

"He has to be joking." Anne mutters.

Amelia glares at Arthur. "He isn't."

"And clap. Smile and clap."

Anne and Merlin immediately put on big fake smiles and do over the top clapping. Amelia stays stone faced and arms crossed, narrowing her eyes at Arthur. How could he do this to her friend?

—

Anne and Merlin immediately turn on Amelia as soon as the meeting is over.

"Why didn't you tell us about this?" Anne questions as she tries to keep up with Amelia as she strides along the corridors. Merlin is hovering just behind Amelia on her other side.

Amelia sighs, slowing down her pace to make things easier for Anne. "Arthur only just told me before the meeting."

"Why didn't you stop him?" Merlin asks, almost accusingly.

Amelia scoffs, stopping, which causes the others to do so as well. "Trust me. I tried. Everything had already been signed off by the time I got wind of it."

Anne looks at her husband. "How come you didn't know any of this, Merlin? Did Arthur not say anything?"

"He didn't." Merlin replies.

Amelia rolls her eyes. "Probably because it's 'confidential'."

"He just- he can't do this." Merlin utters in disbelief.

"He's the King, Merlin. He can." And with that, Amelia strides off leaving the two of them alone.

—

Arthur, Amelia, Agravaine, the Court, the Council, the Knights and everyone else is gathered on the steps leading to the Castle for the arrival of Princess Mithian. An armed Guard enters the Square preceding ahead of her. The party halts once they are in the centre.

"Knights of Nemeth, Camelot welcomes you and extends the hand of friendship." Arthur greets them.

The Guards in front move aside and allow the Princess to approach, Arthur steps down the stairs, taking a breath as he prepares to meet his future bride. Princess Mithian raises her veil and Arthur's jaw drops, stunned by her beauty, frozen.

As Amelia remembers, she is beautiful. Like, breathtaking, impeccable, beautiful. Her dark hair cascades down her shoulders accompanied by innocent, doe brown eyes. Her porcelain skin is clear and smooth, her thin lips gracing into a smile.

A Guard helps her dismount and, once down, Mithian stands there expectingly, staring at a frozen Arthur, who hasn't moved.

Amelia sighs. Incompetent. Amelia moves down the stairs, towards Mithian. "Mithian, it's been years!" She greets her with a tight smile, she may not want Arthur to marry Mithian but she is happy to see her again. Amelia gives her a warm hug, which the Princess reciprocates.

Mithian sends Amelia a coy smile as they pull back. "It is good to see you, Amelia." She replies pleasantly but there's something almost secretive underneath that contrasts with her voice's pleasant tone.

Amelia blushes slightly. "I'm sure you've heard that I'm engaged."

Mithian simply grins. "Of course. I offer you, my congratulations."

Arthur is able to collect himself and steps forward, joining them. "Princess Mithian, you are most welcome." He greets, flustered.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Mithian replies. "I have heard much about you, and you are more handsome in person than reports suggested."

Arthur isn't sure how to handle the compliment. "Erm..."

"Are we to stay in this chill all day?" Mithian remarks amusedly.

Amelia lets out a quiet snort at Mithian's comment. The Princess immediately catches it and sends another coy smirk in Amelia's direction.

Arthur looks at her confused. "Forgive me." Arthur takes her hand and faces his welcoming committee. Amelia slots in beside Mithian. "Tomorrow there will be a great feast to welcome our worthy friends."

Everyone applauds and smiles. Amelia feels hesitant to, almost as if she's betraying Gwen if she does.

—

Anne's POV

"I just don't understand." Anne muses as she pokes at her food at breakfast the next day. "In Amelia's dream, Gwen was being crowned Arthur's Queen. It had the power to get through her healing bracelet, so it must've been powerful. How can Gwen become Queen if he marries Princess Mithian?"

Merlin sighs from where he sits across from her. "I don't know. I thought it was Arthur's fate to marry Gwen. Are we supposed to do anything about it?"

"Gaius would berate us for trying to interfere." Anne points out, frowning as she leans back in her chair with her hand resting on her protruding stomach. "And Arthur would throw us both out of Camelot if we tried as well. Besides, Amelia has tried to argue against to Arthur and he still won't change his mind."

Merlin groans in annoyance. "So, what should we do?"

"I don't know." Anne admits. What can they do?

—

Amelia's POV

The Court dines on a feast. Arthur chats with Princess Mithian at the head of the table. Amelia shifts uncomfortably from where she sits on Arthur's other side as the two talk, smile and laugh together. Amelia likes Mithian, they've gotten on well with each other before, but she doesn't like the reason she's here in Camelot, and doesn't like Arthur flirting with her.

The only person here who shares her frustrations is Merlin. Anne hasn't been serving any feasts for a while now, but she usually attends them at least but the baby has been kicking her relentlessly today so she hasn't attended so that she can rest.

It is then Merlin casually strolls to the head of the table to interrupt them. "Would you like more soup, sire?"

"No, thanks." Arthur says dismissively before turning back to Mithian.

"You sure?" Merlin presses.

Arthur leans forward, across Amelia who pulls a face, she glances at Mithian to see she's grinning and Amelia allows herself to smile back.

She's brought back to what's happening when Arthur harshly whispers, "Merlin, you've asked me that three times now. Will you just..." He makes a frustrated face, telling him to 'go away'.

Merlin's gaze flickers over to Amelia, and she shoots him a look that tells him to just leave it alone. He nods and walks away.

Mithian put a hand on Arthur's arm, regaining his attention. "You were saying?"

"I... was very surprised." Arthur begins to say when suddenly his hand flips a spoonful of soup onto his chainmail.

Amelia stifles a laugh. She looks over at Merlin and the twinkle in his eye confirms that he used his magic to make Arthur do that in hopes that it would make him look like a fool in front of Mithian.

"Er...sorry, I, erm..." Arthur stammers as he begins to stand to clean himself up, but Mithian puts down her goblet and wipes Arthur's chainmail with her napkin.

"No harm done." She chuckles at the situation and Arthur regards her warmly. They share a poignant look and Amelia rolls her eyes.

It ends and Mithian turns her beaming smile to Amelia. "Amelia, I have been fortunate to speak with your fiancé. You're lucky indeed."

Amelia smiles. "Thank you."

"Arthur speaks about him in glowing terms." Mithian adds.

Amelia feels her smile dip as she sends a dark look at Arthur, who sits between them. "I wouldn't find that reassuring."

There's an awkward pause as Arthur looks ready to bury himself in a hole while Mithian just looks lost on what to say. Thankfully, Agravaine approaches them and disrupts the moment. Amelia hates that she is now often finding herself being happy when Agravaine appears, this shouldn't become a habit.

"The Vaults are secure, my lord, and, er... there were no plans missing." Amelia and Arthur's uncle reports. This causes Amelia to pause. What plans? Why did they think the Vaults wouldn't be secure?

"Thank you for performing your duties with such haste, Uncle. Now you have to make up for lost time. We're to have dancing," Arthur looks at their uncle with a smirk, "and I hear that your… jig used to be something to behold."

"Er... 'used' is the word, sire. A-alas I am not as nimble as I once was." Agravaine says, flustered. Amelia smirks, she'd gladly see him make a fool of himself.

"Nonsense."

"I do feel that dancing is best performed in youth and appreciated in age." Agravaine hastily departs.

—

After the feast is over, Amelia is making her way back to her Chambers when Arthur stops her in the corridor.

"What is it, your Majesty?" Amelia asks shortly, returning to using his official title. "It has been a very long day and I wish to retire."

"The way you were speaking to me in front of Princess Mithian." Arthur says, ignoring her biting tone. "I do not like it."

"That sounds like a 'you' problem." Amelia retorts and turns to keep walking.

Arthur follows after her, grabbing her arm and forcing her to stop. Amelia angrily rips her arm away from him.

Arthur sighs. "I realise that you are upset with me, Amelia. I know that, and I know I do not deserve to be forgiven for what I did to you. But Princess Mithian is our guest here, and I expected that we would at least be cordial with each other."

Amelia glares at him. "You turned your back on me, thought I could be a traitor, chose everybody over me at any given opportunity, banished my best friend, didn't let me say goodbye to her and you want me to be cordial, Arthur?!" Amelia thunders. She shakes her head at him. "I cannot believe you."

Amelia turns to leave when his voice stops her. "Will we ever get over this?"

Amelia doesn't look at him over her shoulder as she replies, "I don't know." This time when she walks away, he doesn't stop her.

—

The next day, Arthur continues to woo Mithian by taking having breakfast as a picnic for some reason. Merlin had tried to embarrass Arthur once more by using his magic to make Arthur burp but it doesn't work as Mithian does her own big belch. Honestly, Amelia should've told Merlin that would happen considering that apparently she and Mithian used to do burping matches and Mithian often won.

Amelia largely avoids the two for most of the day as she doesn't want Mithian to be caught up in the animosity Amelia currently has for her cousin. However, the day after that is the Festival of Ostara accompanied by the traditional hunt where Amelia will not be able to avoid being around the two.

"Ready for the hunt?" Amelia hears a familiar voice remark from behind her in the Phoenix Corridor. She turns to see Mithian grinning.

"Of course." Amelia returns her grin. "Wouldn't miss it."

Mithian's smile dims as she turns serious. "I can't help but notice things are tense with Arthur."

Amelia's jaw tense as she's reminded of why she's been avoiding Mithian. "I do not know what you mean."

Mithian scoffs. "Come on, Amelia. We've known each other long enough for me to notice and you're not being subtle about it."

Amelia doesn't reply, looking away from her.

This doesn't deter Mithian. "I will not pretend I know why or understand whatever it is between the two of you, but your opinion matters so much to him." Amelia scoffs. "No, it's true. You matter so much to him. I have heard of the special place that Arthur holds you in ever since Morgana betrayed you all, so imagine my surprise when I see the hostility between you two when I arrived." She draws a breath. "It is not my place to interfere with your relationship to Arthur, but he values your opinion more than you really know." Mithian twiddles with her fingers. "I like him, Amelia. I really do. I didn't expect to, but... well, he's a lovable person, isn't he? Underneath it all. All I ask is that the two of you talk it out and find some middle ground. Can you do that?"

Amelia sighs, turning to Mithian. "I'm not forgiving him, but I suppose I'll be less antagonistic with him for you." Amelia smiles with a nod and Mithian smiles back.

"Thank you."

—

The hunting horns sound as the hunting party make their way through the woods.

"Deer!" Leon cries.

Amelia quickly urges her horse into a canter as she joins the chase after the doe running through the woods.

Amelia slows down her horse along with the others as they near the doe when she hears Merlin's voice in her head say, "It's Gwen."

Her head snaps towards Merlin, who stands at the edge of the group. "What?"

"The doe, it's Gwen."

Amelia's eyes widen in panic. Oh, no.

She watches in alarm as Arthur aims and the doe stops and looks at them. Amelia hears what sounds like Gwen's weeping. Amelia's eyes flash and sees a tearful Gwen in her mind's eye.

"I've got it." Merlin says just as Arthur shoots. The bolt suddenly veers off course and misses. Arthur gives his crossbow a confused look.

"I thought you were a good shot, my lord." Mithian remarks, aiming and firing before either Amelia or Merlin can stop it. Amelia winces as she hears the bolt land out of sight. "Gold sovereign says she's hit."

Everyone immediately gets off their horses as they begin searching for traces of the injured doe while Merlin and Amelia look frantically around for Gwen.

"Deer tracks." Leon spots, kneeling on the ground in a clearing.

"Ah. It can't have gone far." Arthur remarks.

Amelia's eyes frantically dart around the woods for any sign of the doe or Gwen with Merlin beside her doing the same while Arthur searches for more deer tracks. It is then that Amelia sees Arthur reach down and pick up something shiny from the forest floor. Amelia stops breathing when she realises what it is, and Arthur seems to recognise it as well. It's Gwen's engagement ring on a bit of string meaning Gwen must've been wearing it as a necklace. Oh, Gwen.

Mithian walks into the clearing at that moment. "Have you found the trail? My lord?"

Arthur doesn't respond, staring at the ring, completely lost in it. Amelia is unable to say anything, frozen as she watches Arthur.

"My lord?"

Arthur looks up at Merlin and Amelia, trying to process the pain of this shock. Merlin breathes heavily and continues to roam his eyes around the woods worried for Gwen while Amelia, for the first time in a while, looks at Arthur with a sympathetic gaze.

Mithian looks at them and back to Arthur, sensing something's wrong. "My lord?"

Arthur stares off into the woods, breathing heavily in his emotion. "There'll be no more sport today." Arthur gets up and walks past Mithian, lost in his own head.

"I didn't take you for a poor loser, sire." Mithian tries to joke in an attempt to bring his attention back to her as he passes but he continues walking.

Mithian looks back at Merlin and Amelia, confused. Amelia looks away from her, unable to bring herself to say anything.

—

Amelia and Merlin return to the woods that night, searching for Gwen.

"Gwen! Gwen!"

Amelia joins in. "Gwen! Gwen!"

There's no response.

Amelia looks at Merlin. "Come on." She dismounts and goes searching for Gwen on foot with Merlin following.

"Gwen?" Merlin calls as they move through the woods.

Amelia spots something and picks up the pace. "Gwen? Gwen?"

They find her lying unconscious, shaking from cold and shock, with a crossbow bolt in her leg.

Merlin pulls out the arrow and places his hand over the wound. "Ic hæle þina þrowunga."

Amelia places a hand on Gwen's shoulder and eventually, she sighs and stops shaking, relaxing into sleep.

—

Amelia and Merlin sit with Gwen as she sleeps. Amelia is relieved when she wakes.

"Merlin! Amelia!" Gwen exclaims in happy surprise.

Amelia beams back while Merlin grins and says, "How are you, Gwen?"

"I'm all right!" She hugs them happily. "I think." She pulls back. "What are you doing here?"

"You were injured, Gwen." Amelia tells her. The fever and being enchanted must've made Gwen a bit disorientated.

The memories seem to be coming back to Gwen. "Oh, yes, I remember now. Where's Morgana?"

Amelia's head immediately darts around as if her sister is going to appear any second.

"She was here?" Merlin asks tightly.

Gwen nods. "She enchanted me. She and the Southrons and Helios, they're planning to attack Camelot."

Amelia frowns as she thinks over her sister's new scheme. "They'd never succeed. They must know that."

Gwen shakes her head. "They have help. Agravaine gave them plans of the siege tunnels under the Citadel." She reveals. Of course…

"Agravaine?" Merlin repeats. Gwen nods. "We must tell Arthur."

There's a sudden noise that causes Gwen to tense. "What's that?"

Amelia realises it's the sound of hoof beats drawing near as Merlin gets up to check and he smiles a little.

"It's a Camelot patrol. They can lend you a horse." Merlin tells them. Merlin tries to grab Gwen's hand and pull her with him.

"No."

Amelia's head snaps to her. "But Gwen—"

"Please." She grabs their hands to stop them. "I can never see Arthur again."

"He wants to see you." Merlin insists.

Gwen shakes her head. "It cannot be. Not after I betrayed him. You two go. Tell him of the danger."

Amelia shakes her head frantically. "If they find you…"

"I have what I deserve." Gwen replies.

"No, Gwen, you can't—"

"Go! Hurry."

Amelia sighs. "Then promise me you'll go to Hunith, Gwen. To Ealdor. At least we know you're safe."

Gwen nods. "Okay. Now go."

Amelia and Merlin reluctantly leave.

—

Before heading out to find Gwen, Amelia and Merlin had promised Anne they would find Gwen and bring her home. So, Anne is surprised and upset when they come walking into Anne and Merlin's Chambers without Gwen.

"Where is she?!" Anne demands as soon as they walk in.

"She would not come back." Merlin answers, softly, trying to calm her.

"Then you should've dragged her here!"

"Anne, we tried but we couldn't force her to do something that she didn't want to do." Amelia explains.

Anne sighs, rubbing her back as she paces. "You're right, I'm sorry. I just worry so much about her. Is she okay? She's not hurt, is she?"

"She was, but I healed her." Merlin replies. Anne relaxes at that. "But that's not the important bit. She saw Morgana. She said that she and the Southrons are planning to attack Camelot."

"Well, that's stupid." Anne scoffs. "They'd never succeed."

"That's what I said but Gwen says Agravaine gave them plans of the siege tunnels under the citadel." Amelia says darkly.

"Oh my God." Anne breathes, putting a hand to her stomach. She covers her mouth with her hand. "They'll overtake us within less than an hour."

"That's why we have to go warn Arthur." Merlin says.

Amelia rolls her eyes. "I doubt he'll listen; he's especially not going to believe it if it's coming from me, not after the way I've been going after Agravaine this entire time."

"He might listen to Merlin." Anne gives him a little push. "Go. Warn him."

—

Arthur, of course, doesn't believe Merlin. The plans seem to still be there, so Arthur is furious at Merlin for daring to accuse his beloved uncle of treason. Though it seems Arthur hasn't been in a good mood since the hunt. According to Merlin, Arthur has been brooding in his Chambers all night. Merlin practically begged Amelia to go talk to him, and even though she didn't want to, she finds herself at his door, knocking.

When there is no answer, Amelia contemplates just leaving, but she pushes the door open and walks in. Arthur is sitting on the end of his bed, fully dressed in his chainmail. In his hands is Gwen's engagement ring. He plays with it as he stares at nothing.

Amelia clicks my tongue, causing him to look over at her. "Now this is a sorry sight." She remarks scathingly as she approaches him. "You look absolutely terrible. Mithian might not find you attractive anymore."

Arthur doesn't answer. She's surprised by his lack of response. Amelia pauses beside him, putting her hands behind her back. "Merlin said that you weren't talking to him so he's practically begged me to come see you, thinking I could help for some reason." Arthur is still avoiding her gaze, so Amelia leans to the side a little to get him to look at her. "So… do you need my help with anything?" She huffs.

"How can I love someone who's betrayed me?" Arthur asks in a small voice, it's rough from being unused. "It doesn't make any sense. And how can I make myself love another?" He finally looks at Amelia. "Tell me that."

Amelia sighs, sitting down next to him. "I can't tell you what to do or how to feel. Annoyingly." Amelia begins, rising a slight laugh from Arthur. "If you truly love Gwen and think that you can get past this, then you should be with her. But if you have any doubts about her, there can be no relationship between the two of you. And Mithian is a wonderful woman who cares about you. But if you do love Gwen and you don't love Mithian, then you need to tell Mithian that. It's not fair to condemn her to a relationship where she thinks that love will grow when you know it never will."

"But how do I know what to do, Amelia? I don't know what to do. I have no idea... what to do." Amelia watches Arthur struggle.

Amelia reaches over and takes his hand in hers causing Arthur to startle and look at her in surprise. She narrows her eyes at him to say, 'don't you dare say anything' and he wisely doesn't.

"You have to listen to your heart, Arthur." Amelia says. "It may lead you down the wrong path sometimes, but when it comes to love, it knows exactly what it's doing. If you and Gwen are meant to be, you'll find each other."

Arthur looks back down at the ring and slips his hand out of Amelia's, only to lean forward and pull her into a hug. Amelia blinks in numb surprise as he holds onto her tightly. "I'm so sorry for what I did that day." He mumbles into her shoulder. "I am sorry that I didn't let you say goodbye to Guinevere. I was hurt and angry and I took that out on you. I will not be able to atone for that for the rest of my life, and I do not expect you to forgive me either."

Amelia is in an even stronger state of shock. Arthur apologising? She doesn't know what to say so she awkwardly pats him on the arm.

When Arthur pulls away, he says, "I've put you through so much this past year, when you didn't deserve any of it. I did not expect you to forgive me for anything that I've done, but you kept doing so because you have a good heart. But this... this I will accept never receiving your forgiveness."

"You're right, it shouldn't be that easy, but I might forgive you if you convince my fiancé that we should have our wedding sooner rather than later." Amelia remarks, smirking.

Arthur chuckles wetly. "I can do that."

She hasn't forgiven him, but maybe- maybe she could? It's a step in the right direction anyway.

—

Arthur ultimately cancels the wedding. Mithian decides to leave as soon as possible and Amelia honestly does not blame her though she is sorry to see her go. Amelia waits with Arthur outside in the Square for Mithian along with everyone else just as they had done when Mithian arrived. Mithian's escort waits for her in the Square as she descends the steps.

She stops beside Amelia, completely ignoring Arthur. She takes Amelia's hand, giving her a soft, secretive smile. "It was a pleasure to see you again, Amelia, and I do hope you come to visit me in Nemeth soon, it has been too long since your last visit."

Amelia returns her soft, secretive smile and squeezes her hand. "Of course, I will."

Mithian nods and turns to leave but Arthur speaks, "Princess." She stops but doesn't turn around as she puts on her riding gloves. "Forgive me."

Mithian turns to face him. "The time for words is over, sire."

Arthur nods, accepting her harsh words. "I understand. And it is for this reason that I hereby offer you and your descendents all the disputed lands of Gedref."

"You would give up your ancient claims?" Mithian asks in disbelief.

"I have no desire for war. Or to grieve you any more than I already have." Arthur replies.

Mithian is still hesitant to accept. "Such an offer cannot be rushed into."

"I've had my scribes draw up an agreement." Arthur pulls out a scroll. "If you're happy with the terms, I'll sign forthwith."

"And if I refuse?"

"It's all I can offer. I do so most humbly." He bows his head and looks down, then looks her in the eye and holds out the scroll, waiting for her response.

Mithian considers him for a moment and then takes the scroll. "Tell me... who is it that trumps a Princess?"

Amelia smiles slightly, of course, Mithian noticed.

"No one." Arthur thinks for a moment. "And everyone." Aw.

Mithian's mood lightens. "What great family is she from?"

"…none." Arthur admits. "She's the daughter of a blacksmith."

Mithian is surprised but also looks a bit touched. "And for her you would risk your kingship? Your Kingdom?"

"Without her, they're worth nothing to me."

Mithian considers this and looks down. "Hm." Amelia watches Mithian's reaction. "I would give up my own Kingdom to be so loved." She glances at Amelia for a moment before turning back to Arthur. "Farewell, Arthur."

Arthur smiles a little. "Farewell, Princess."

Mithian gives him a small smile back and turns away with a bittersweet look. Amelia sadly watches her go.

—

A/N: Now we're in the two part finale! Can't believe I'm here!