Lady of Magic

XVIII

"It's been two days," Arthur argues with Agravaine. "They should have been back by now."

"Maybe they got lost," the adviser tells them.

"A group of Camelot's finest knights, I doubt that."

"Are we going to go after them?" Ava asks. 

"Yes," Arthur agrees. "I want to leave soon."

"I'll go get ready then."

"Don't you think you two are being brash?" Agravaine asks.

"No," they respond at once. Gaius steps forward.

"Actually I would need to go with you in case anyone contracted the disease," he states. "The problem is we need someone here just in case. So I would suggest Ava remaining behind in order to fill my position. And she would be able to make immediate decisions if need be."

Arthur considers while Ava glances over at the physician. The king agrees to this. The red head fakes a smile and agrees to this. Everyone leaves to quickly get everything in order. Arthur and Ava are left in the throne room. He places a hand on his sister's shoulder.

"We'll find him," he promises. "Who knows, Merlin may even be taking his sweet time."

She looks her brother in the eyes. She can see worry behind his eyes.

"And she will be fine too."

He smirks at her, nodding his head. He heads off to join the others in the rescue team. She looks out the window, crossing her arms around her stomach. Most are going on about their daily business while a few take notice to the king and his adviser leaving with the physician and a few guards. 

She lets out a sigh before heading to the table full of papers. So much to go through. Why is it that as soon as they get so far ahead of work, more pile up? Her eyes scan through the words scrawled on the parchment. Picking up a quill, the princess writes notes on the side just to remind herself her main points later on. 

~~~

The party returns and Ava stands at the door, waiting for them. Merlin quickly hops off his horse and wraps his arms around her. They pull each other close, another chance of them loosing each other.

"Let's get married this week," he requests.

"Yes," she agrees. Everyone doesn't seem to notice the couple, or just ignore them. That is until Arthur walks over and places a hand on Merlin's shoulder.

"What are you two planning?" Arthur asks.

"Getting married soon," Ava states.

"I can get it set up soon then," he promises them.

The couple smile at him before he goes to find Gwen.

~~~

Gwen helps Ava put on the dress, an ivory, off the shoulder dress with draping sleeves and gold detailing. Her stomach fluttering about as she sits to put on the jewelry to go with it.  

"Toady's the day," Gwen states, smiling. 

"Today's the day."

There is a knock on the door, and Gwen goes to open it. Standing at the door is a prince Ava did not expect to see.

"Niklaus," she smiles, turning. "I am glad you could make it."

Gwen allows the prince in and Ava stands to greet her friend.

"I wouldn't miss it," he smiles. "I wanted to personally wish you luck for your wedding, and to give you this."

He moves his hands to the front to show an ornate box. The redhead carefully opens it to see a gilded dagger.

"Thank you."

"I figured best gift to give the Little Warrior is a weapon. Now if you will excuse me, I should join the others."

He bows towards Gwen before leaving.

"He seems nice," the dark hair maiden chuckles as Ava goes to pull on her heels.

"Well you may have to deal with him as an ally," she jokes. Gwen rolls her eyes. The redhead grabs the bouquet of flowers before the ladies leave the room. Gwen goes to her spot near the front while she waits by the doors. They open up and she walks down the aisle to where Merlin is. Geoffrey is also waiting to officiate the wedding. 

The ceremony doesn't even fully register in her mind, just the fact that this is finally happening. This moment they have talked about for a bit. This one moment. At the very end, Merlin and her grabs hands and turn to face the crowds. Cheering picks up as the couple walk down the aisle together, husband and wife. 

Everyone goes into the Dining Hall to celebrate. Ava is careful not to drink any of the wine, thankfully no one notices though. The newly wedded couple laugh as Arthur and Gwen go and dance. The redhead leans close enough to Merlin so just he hears.

"I have a surprise for you," she tells him. He smirks looking at her. "I'm pregnant."

His face lights up at the thought of being a father. He looks around before smirking. He pulls her to her feet and to the center of the room. They join the dance with the rest of the guests. Even the knights are enjoying their time. The castle full of cheer and excitement. Only one not participating is Agravaine, who slipped out of the castle in order to update Morgana on what is going on. Along with a secret he overheard.