The Safest Place to Hide

13. Magic Restored

By the next day, word was all over the castle and the kingdom. News had traveled fast. With Guinevere by his side, Arthur announced to the whole of Camelot that magic practitioners would no longer be hunted and that it was once again permitted to be used by the citizens of the kingdom. He decreed that any ill uses of magic would be punished severely and that any person who aided them would suffer also. He revealed that three knights had magic, and would be vigilant protecting Camelot with that magic. He didn't reveal their names, for their safety, and he told his subjects as much. The people of Camelot didn't seem to be upset about it, and Arthur assured them that no harm would come to them if they were to get upset He finished the speech by saying if anyone had concerns or felt threatened in any way by these new developments, they could request an audience with him and he would see them as soon as possible.

"We'll wait a few days and see what happens," Arthur whispered to Guinevere as they walked back into the castle.

Gwen smiled and nodded. "I think it will do wonders for this kingdom."

"I have high hopes now that Merlin is involved. I trust him. He has proven his loyalty time and time again, and who knows how many times he has saved me and my father. Not to mention the kingdom."

"Some part of me knew he had saved my father from that illness somehow. I hadn't told anyone he was better, but Merlin seemed to know. He was the only one to ask me if he was okay before I'd said anything."

Arthur smiled. "Yes, and he always seems to know who the traitors are. He knew about Morgana. I'd bet on it. And he tried his best to warn me about Agravaine. I wouldn't listen."

"Everything turned out alright though. We're lucky to have him, and we wouldn't if it hadn't been for Anna."

"I know. I just-I don't fully trust her. Even at the ceremony, she hesitated before declaring her loyalty."

"She's a princess, Arthur. There are a lot of factors she had to consider. She has her own kingdom to protect."

He frowned. "I never thought about it that way."

They walked into the throne room and sat down, side by side. They were completely alone for the time being.

"Gwen, we're alone."

"I see that." There was laughter in her voice.

"We're completely alone."

"Arthur, I know."

He turned in his chair and looked her in the eyes. "We're hardly ever alone like this. Kiss me."

Gwen's cheeks flushed with color. "What if someone comes in?"

"It's just a kiss. We're married."

Without further protest, Gwen leaned in and Arthur captured her lips with his. Since becoming King and Queen of Camelot, they barely had a spare moment to be affectionate with one another. It was nice that they were finally getting a moment to themselves.

"I can't believe how long your hair has gotten," Arthur whispered in her ear.

Gwen giggled, his breath tickling her. "I had forgotten how much I love to kiss you."

They resumed kissing right away...that is...until the door to the throne room opened suddenly. Gwen and Arthur jumped apart immediately, color flushing their cheeks.

Merlin walked through the door with his usual clothes on and the same expression of extreme focus on his face. "Afternoon, Arthur, Gwen," he greeted them with a bow. "I was wondering what you wanted me to do next. I just finished cleaning Arthur's chambers and polishing the rest of his armor."