Guinevere sat at the round table, along with Percival, Leon and other trusted knights and court advisors. To her right was an empty seat where her husband once sat, as she looked further to the right another two seats were vacant from their owners: Sir Gwaine and Sir Elyan. Gwen averted her view from the seats not wanting to get emotional, she looked straight ahead to another empty seat: this chair had never been sat on, it was made for Lancelot to honour his sacrifice. The queen closed her eyes to focus her attention back onto the situation at hand. Leon was in a heated but well mannered discussion with one of the old court advisors, who had been around in Uther's reign, Sir Reginald was his name.
"What is your thoughts on this your majesty?" Percival interrupted. All the members of the court turned to Gwen to see her response
"I agree with Sir Leon, we must help the people of Diem, they are citizens of Camelot and as such are under our protection" Gwen held her head high as she spoke with conviction, the responsibility of the kingdom was on her shoulders since Arthur had yet to return from battle. She worried greatly about her husband, she didn't even know if he was alive. Merlin was with him, he was a powerful sorcerer, Gaius had told her about his skills with magic, if anyone could bring Arthur home it was him.
"Sir Leon you will send out a patrol to Diem, to help them against the bandits"
"Of course" Leon bowed his head to his Queen.
"The court is dismissed" Gwen rose from her seat, and watched as those around the table stood, bowed their heads and left the room. Leaving only Leon, Percival and herself remaining. The queen moved away from the table and stood at the window behind her throne looking out towards the sky.
Leon and Percival exchanged a worried glance over their queens obvious sadness
"You did well Milady" Leon broke the silence
"Thank you Leon" Guinevere replied, not turning back to look at the knights as she did so.
"If that will be all, we shall adjourn, and leave you be" Leon didn't want to leave Gwen alone, but knew that she wouldn't break her walls down in front of two knights no matter if she considered them friends.
There was no response, Leon and Percival took the silence as their cue to leave, they bowed their heads in respect and just turned their heels before Gwen began to talk
"Do you think he's still alive?" Her words so clearly said with pain and sorrow, caused the giant of a knight to walk over to his queen and embrace her in a hug. She quickly returned the embrace, allowing herself to be weak in front of her friends, tears slipped down her face.
"I think that..." Percival began
Suddenly the big wooden doors burst open, causing the giant to push Guinevere slightly behind him as he reached for his sword. Leon had already unsheathed his sword and was in a fighting stance.
"Forgive me your majesty" The out of breath guard, who had just burst through the doors panted.
"What is it?" Leon interrupted harshly
"It's the King. He has returned to Camelot" The guard continued.
Guinevere walked out from behind Percival "Are you sure of this?"
"Yes Milady, the guards spotted him walking towards the citadel along with another man, they should be here any moment"
Gwen looked up at Percival and then to Leon before rushing out the big doors the guard had just come through moments ago, the two knights ran after their queen towards the courtyard.
Guinevere opened up the lavish brown doors that lead to the courtyard and stood at the top of the stairs, the two remaining Knights of the round table stopping just behind her.
YOU ARE READING
The Aftermath (Merlin)
Fanfiction*Sequel Out now* Kilgharrah may have told Merlin that nothing he could do would save the Once and Future King, but that doesn't mean he was right. The warlock takes things into his own hands when he revives Arthur at Avalon, but there are consequenc...
