Lady of Magic

XXIX

Arthur and Merlin walk through the woods ahead of the others. The young king still questioning his ability to lead. 

"Did you know, before the five kingdoms, there were many tribes?" the dark hair one asks.

"Yes," Arthur groans. "Everyone knows the tale."

"Yes, well there was a tribes leader that stepped forward and formed an alliance."

"And became the first king of Camelot," Arthur adds. "And all kings descended from him. I have heard this many times."

"Yes but there is a part which you don't know. Gaius told me another part. On his deathbed, he requested to be taken to the woods. With the last of his strength, he plunged his sword into the stone. Only the true king of Camelot can take it from where it is."

"Cute story, but it ain't...."

He stops when he sees what is in front of him. His sister is sitting on a rock. Beside her is a sword that was embedded in the stone. She moves out of the way so Arthur can grip the hilt of the weapon. He pulls with both hands but fails. 

Citizens of his kingdom gather around to watch. He lets go and takes a deep breath. He grabs with one hand and pull the blade out with ease. Everyone starts cheering. His confidence starts rushing back in. Leon steps forward. 

"Are you ready to take back your kingdom?" he asks.

"I'm ready to take back our kingdom," Arthur responds. "If you will join me."

Leon agrees and others join in.

"About damn time," Ava jokes. "I want to have the kingdom back before this baby comes."

People start picking up and weapons they can find. Arthur starts giving out orders on what to do. 

~~~

The mass of fighters move through the underground tunnels, splitting up as they go. Ava goes straight to the dungeons with Leon and Percival. The rest of the members of the Round Table are there, beat and worn down. Percival opens the cell door. Leon helps Gaius to his feet while Ava helps Gwaine up. Elyan is celebrates briefly before taking a spare sword.

"Shouldn't you be somewhere safe?" Gwaine asks the redhead. "You're with child."

"And let you have all the fun?"

"Oh, you missed the fun I had the past few days."

He gladly takes a sword, even though he can barely stand. The rest with sword go in front. A mass of enemy soldiers run towards them. Ava swings her sword in a circle to create some momentum before leading the attack. The knights fight through in order to make it. 

Everyone keeps fighting like there is no other choice. It's life or death at this rate. Soon, anyone in the lower section of the castle that opposed Arthur is either dead or on the run. The maiden starts going through the various hallways to check if there are any more enemies. 

She hears some movement and turn. Merlin is standing there with his hands up. He has a huge smile, chuckling at her. She lowers the blade.

"We did it?"

"The kingdom belongs to Arthur."

She embraces him. The two pull into each other into a kiss, enjoying their first quiet moment in a while. He picks her up and presses her against the wall for more support. Her fingers weave through his hair as they continue kissing. His hands grip the bottom of her thighs. The two feel as if nothing around them matters any more. That is until someone clears their throat. The two stop to see a familiar knight.

"Really Gwaine?" Merlin asks as he sets his wife down onto her feet.

"I was on my way to be checked by Gaius when I came across you two. Imagine Arthur coming across a scene like that."

"Get out of here before I throttle you," Ava snaps at him. He laughs before going to Gaius' home. 

"I should probably go and help clean actually."

"Same. I'll see you tonight at the house."

"See you tonight."

The two head off to help put the castle back together. Ava comes across a scene of Gwen and Arthur kissing. She just turns around and let the two work it out.

~~~

Merlin and Ava watch in the front of the crowd as Gwen kneels before Arthur. He places a crown on her head.

"In the power invested in, I crown you Queen of Camelot."

She stands up and the two kiss. A cheer breaks out as everyone celebrates the crowning of the new queen. Ava looks to see Tristan cheering as well. He had lost Isolde in the battle, and yet, here he is celebrating along side them. Gwen dips low before walking down the opening in mass of people with her husband. Arthur has the biggest smile. Now he has the queen he truly loves.