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The Great Hall shone with a beauty that would only be appropriate for the grand event happening inside of it. The long-awaited wedding between King Arthur Pendragon and Guinevere. The Lords and Ladies of Camelot and many other allied kingdoms lined the walls of the room, smiling with great affection for the King and his soon-to-be Queen. In the King’s effort to keep a healthy relationship with his kingdom, many of Camelot’s people were also standing in the Hall. Arthur had insisted they be there, since ultimately, his and Guinevere’s marriage would serve as a symbol of Camelot.
Merlin quite liked the idea of the townspeople there. It is rather possible that he was in fact the one who suggested it, knowing Arthur would take to the concept.
There was an air of excitement amongst the crowd gathered in the Hall, the Knights and Castle staff standing in the front row eagerly awaiting the arrival of their King.
As Arthur entered the Great Hall a quick and heavy hush fell over the crowd. Merlin was standing at the corner of the parted aisle and felt his breath intake rather quickly as Arthur walked by. He looked regal, there was really no better way of putting it, Merlin noted. His Pendragon red robes shined through the room as Merlin knew they would when he had dressed Arthur this morning. He felt himself get lost in the sight of Arthur, drinking up this moment before he knew their relationship would change forever.
Even though he was happy for Arthur and Gwen, he couldn’t deny that he felt he was about to lose a part of Arthur forever.
Merlin was taken out of his thoughts when he felt Arthur’s eyes on him. He looked intimidated and a bit overwhelmed? Merlin thought that was a bit odd, Arthur never let his intimidation show, especially not in front of his people. Merlin could practically feel the weight of Arthur’s feelings radiating off him, both fear and excitement.
Merlin gave him a small, secluded smile and nodded his head slightly. Everything is going to be fine, he hoped his eyes communicated.
Arthur understood, he smiled back and his eyes seemed to say, This is the most important day of my life. I hope I am enough for Guinevere. Arthur turned his attention back to the doors of the Great Hall, relaxing into his shoulders and waiting for his Queen.
Merlin swallowed and turned when he heard the doors open.
Gwen walked in slowly, looking as beautiful as she ever had. She was dressed in an ornate gown and her hair fell delicately on her shoulders, flowers and a veil placed perfectly on her head. Arthur’s eyes softened as they fell on her and he let out a breath of awe as she walked towards him. Merlin felt tears threaten to well in his eyes.
Guinevere slowly made her way up the steps and stood opposite Arthur, holding his hands as they smiled at each other. Next to Merlin, Gaius looked over and gave him a soft smile, and a pinch of knowing sorrow reached Gaius’s eyes. Merlin tried to ignore that as he smiled back at him.
As the priest began reciting his scripture to marry the couple, Merlin permissed his hands to relax and for just a moment, he allowed himself to be taken out of this important moment, to retreat into his brain and find that pocket of sorrow that he kept tucked away. He allowed himself to ask, what if?
x
The priest swiftly makes his way through the ceremony, reciting beautiful passages about everlasting love and lifelong promises. Arthur and Gwen beamed at each other as the priest lowered his book and looked out into the audience.
Merlin knew what was coming and felt his breath begin to shake.
“Should anyone know of any reason this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
There is an expected silence that is swept across the Hall, Arthur and Gwen politely smiling at everyone standing before them.
Then Merlin is moving before he can even process what he is doing.
He steps forward and grimaces as he hears a collective gasp, and a muffled “Merlin!” from Gaius. Merlin dares to look around and sees nothing but horrified looks from everyone in the room. He turns
his head back to the altar and opens his mouth, but before he can say anything Arthur drops Gwen’s hands and turns around.
“Merlin, what are you doing.” He demands, looking sharply at Merlin.
Merlin suddenly feels like he can’t breathe, like Arthur looking at him, actually looking at him has sucked all the air out of his lungs. He knows the balance of this wedding currently hangs in his hands. Damning it all, he finally speaks.
“Don’t say yes.” He hears the desperation in his voice and it shocks even him.
And there are no words to describe the silence and horror that flood through the Hall.
“What?” Arthur looks befuddled, confused, and maybe angry, but more than anything else he looks sad.
“You-” Merlin stutters trying to get his words out, trying to fight back the tears. “You can’t marry Gwen, I can’t let you before I-”
Arthur looks like he’s going to be sick, but somehow Gwen doesn’t look shocked. Her face is filled with pity and knowing, she was his first friend here, after all, she could always read him like a
book.
Merlin’s face is pleading, and he has never felt so much longing in his life.
“I love you.”
Arthur’s face turns into something Merlin can’t read. It feels as if time is standing still, so he keeps going.
“Don’t say yes Arthur, please. Just meet me outside. At least let me talk to you- I can’t- I need you to know how much I love you first.”
Arthur stares in disbelief and doesn’t move for a few moments. No one in the entirety of the Great Hall dares to move or make a sound, save for a few older knights who move their hands to their swords.
Arthur finally moves, slowly walking down the steps towards him, Merlin is half-convinced he’s about to get smacked on the spot. But as Arthur gets closer, he can see the tears welling in his eyes, the slight quiver in his lips.
Arthur slowly raises his hand to softly touch Merlin’s hair, and smiles.
x
Merlin’s smile falls as he’s pulled out of his thoughts and refocuses on the scene in front of him. Arthur and Gwen smiling at each other, eyes so full of love it felt as if they were the only two people in the room
“Should anyone know of any reason this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Merlin blinks back tears, bites his tongue, and remains quiet.