Amelia's Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 20: The Once and Future Queen

A/N: I was sidelined from writing this as I had covid then I went away. Then things just got busy. But got this done eventually 😅

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Amelia's POV

Amelia stands to the side of the Tournament Grounds next to Merlin as she watches Arthur and the Knights practice for the Jousting Tournament.

Arthur is running at full tilt on one side of the barrier in the direction of another Knight, Sir Samuel. He un-horses the Knight who then falls to the floor. Amelia winces at the sound of them falling. Arthur directs his horse towards where her and Merlin stand, handing over the broken lance to Merlin.

"That has got to hurt." Merlin comments.

"That's the point, Merlin. It's not a pillow fight. Fetch me another lance, will you?" Arthur sarcastically comments. Merlin does as he is told.

After Arthur walks away to line up for another charge, Merlin turns to Amelia. "How are you not worried about him?"

Amelia rolls her eyes, "Arthur hardly ever gets unhorsed."

Arthur jousts against Sir Leon this time. However, as they are charging down towards each other, Amelia sees a flash of light temporarily blinding Arthur, leaving him vulnerable.

"Maybe now he will," Merlin says to her. Despite the advantage, Leon chooses to pull out rather than take his advantage.

"Or not," Amelia says cheekily. Merlin rolls his eyes at her.

Once he is dismounted, Arthur charges toward him angrily. Amelia watches from the side along with the other Knights that are training.

"Why did you pull out, I was wide open? You could have unhorsed me." Arthur demands.

"I was fearful that I might injure you, Sire." Sir Leon answers.

"You had the advantage. You can't afford to hesitate." Arthur says, continuing his tirade.

"I wouldn't have done it if I were facing a different opponent." Oh dear. "You are the future King, My Lord."

Arthur's face forms into one of hurt and disbelief. "You jousted against me in the tournament last year. Are you saying you let me win?"

Sir Leon now begins to look uncomfortable. "No, My Lord," he hastily answers but he's fooling no one.

The statement is enough for Arthur and he turns to the other Knights that are loitering. "It doesn't matter who I am! I do not expect any special treatment from you, from any of you! Is that understood?" The Knights hesitate and nod.

——

That evening, Merlin informs her of Arthur's plan to 'prove' himself and begs her to help. So as Amelia stands in Gwen's house, she wonders if she should be putting Gwen through having to deal with Arthur and maybe she should have told Anne as well. She knows, from her notes and the legend, that Gwen and Arthur become a thing but they have to get there first.

Merlin and Arthur enter through the door, Arthur's obscenely large hood obscures his face. Very discreet Arthur.

Gwen curtsies behind Arthur, who takes off his hood and turns towards her as she speaks, "My Lord."

"Guinevere." He greets. "It's good of you to let me stay in your home."

"I'm happy to help," Gwen says before there is a lull in the conversation and no one knows what to say.

"Food," Merlin whispers to her so only Gwen and Amelia hear.

"I'll prepare some food for you." Gwen quickly says. Arthur gives a brief smile before turning around. Gwen quickly turns to Merlin whispering, "I can't believe you talked me into this!"