A/N: Well, here it is. This is the final chapter! Thank you to everyone who has reviewed this. It really means a lot to me. I hope you like the ending and as always, feel free to review.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

/

For nearly a week after Camelot had been reclaimed from Morgana, Uther refused to leave his chambers. The king had barricaded himself inside and wouldn't even let a servant come in to serve him food. On the seventh day, Arthur had had enough. He, with the help of a few knights, broke down the king's door. Uther was sitting in a corner of the room with his crown at his feet.

"Leave us." Arthur said when he caught sight of his father. The knights nodded in understanding and left the two men alone. Arthur approached the king slowly.

"Father. You can't keep doing this. You've run out of water and you haven't eaten in days. If you keep this up you're going to die." he said softly as he knelt in front of the older man. Arthur tried to pick up the crown, but Uther grasped his wrist in a weak hold.

"Don't." His voice broke on the word. It had been so long since he'd last spoken, and Arthur shook his head.

"Father, you're the king. The people…"

Uther interrupted him when he said, "The people don't need me. I failed them."

"No, Father. You did all you could. The army was made up of immortal men."

Uther looked up and met his son's gaze for the first time.

"You defeated them. You reclaimed this kingdom with only a handful of men. Why would the people want me when you can protect them better than I can?"

Arthur could feel tears building up in his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. He would not cry in front of his father.

"I'm not the king." he stated.

"You should be. You've proven without a doubt that you are ready. You don't need me anymore. No one does."

Arthur shook his head fiercely.

"That's not true!"

Uther gave him a small, sad smile.

"It is. I've done all I can for you and for this kingdom. Leave me be."

Arthur grasped his father's forearm in a tight grip.

"I won't sit by and let you starve yourself to death. I won't, Father."

Uther laid his hand over Arthur's and squeezed it gently.

"Consider it my last order as your father and your king."

"No! I refuse!"

Uther cupped Arthur's cheek and the prince realized his father's hands were shaking.

"You mean everything to me, and I'm so proud of you. I couldn't have wished for a better son. You will be a greater king than I ever was."

Arthur shook his head, but Uther just pushed him away.

"Please, Arthur. Leave me."

"Father…"

"Go. That's an order."

Arthur stood up. He knew he'd lost. Before he turned he looked down at his father and sighed. Still fighting back tears he said, "I…I love you, Father. I won't let you down."

Arthur turned and walked quickly from the room. Even still, he heard Uther whisper, "You never could."

/

Merlin was waiting for Arthur when he returned from seeing his father. She only had to look at him before he broke down. Merlin was at his side in an instant.

"He's ordered me to let him die." Arthur said after a few moments.

"He can't expect you to do that!" Merlin insisted, but Arthur just shook his head.

"He can and he does. I can send him all the food and water the kitchens can spare, but I can't make him eat or drink. I have no choice but to watch him waste away."

Merlin hugged Arthur closer. It was all she could do for him.

/

Five days later Gaius came to Arthur to tell him that Uther had passed. His only response was to order that the black flags be flown and that wood for the funeral pyre be cut. Merlin wanted to wrap her arms around him and show him that she wasn't going anywhere, but a familiar voice in her head changed her plans. She left the castle and went out into a clearing in the forest to meet the dragon.

"Whatever it is you want, make it fast. I need to be with Arthur right now."

"Indeed, for he is now King of Camelot. You've done well, young witch, but there is one more thing you must do."

Merlin crossed her arms over her chest.

"And what is that?"

Kilgharrah leaned closer to her.

"You must reveal who you truly are to Arthur, and you must do it tonight."

Merlin's arms dropped back to her sides.

"I can't. Arthur just lost his father; I can't throw this at him too. I'll tell him, but not today."

"You must! Arthur must know you for who you are before he is crowned. It is imperative that you tell him today."

Merlin shook her head. She didn't understand.

"Why?"

Kilgharrah sighed.

"Because he blames magic for Uther's death. In his eyes, if Morgana and Morgause's army had not been enchanted to be immortal, then Uther would have been able to fight them off and protect Camelot. It was magic that made him helpless, and it was his helplessness that brought him to his death. Arthur needs to see that magic is not always evil if his heart is to remain open to it. You must show him."

"I can't! Not yet."

"If you want to succeed in your destiny, then you must. If Arthur does not know that the one he loves has magic before he becomes king, then he will never let magic back into this land and he will never unite Albion."

"Why can't you ever ask me to do something easy?"

"Because it is only the things that are difficult to do that are truly worth doing."

/

When Merlin returned to her room she saw an elegant gown laid across her bed. It was a deep red color with gold piping at the neckline, sleeves, and hem and gold laces on the bodice. It was worthy of a queen.

"Arthur brought it for you. He asked the seamstresses to make it days ago. He wants you to wear it tonight for the funeral." Gaius said quietly from behind her. Merlin trailed her fingers over the silky material and turned to look at her guardian.

"It's his colors."

Gaius nodded.

"It's meant to be a statement. You'll stand at his right side in his colors tonight, and all of Camelot will know that you are his."

Merlin gave him a small smile.

"But for how long?"

"What do you mean?"

Merlin sat down on her bed beside the gown.

"The Great Dragon called me. He says I have to tell Arthur who I really am tonight before he's crowned. If I don't, then Arthur's heart will forever be closed against magic."

Merlin heard Gaius gasp, but she didn't look up. She still didn't when she felt his hand settle on top of her head.

"Everything will be fine, my girl. You knew you would have to tell him eventually."

"But not on the same day he lost his father. If he already blames magic for Uther's death, then how is he going to react when he finds out that the person he loves and trusts more than anyone was born with it?"

Gaius tilted her head up and made her meet his gaze.

"I don't know, but I do know that he loves you. You mean everything to Arthur and he won't give you up. Not for magic, not for anything."

"How can you be so sure?"

Gaius smiled.

"I just am. You trust him, don't you?"

Merlin didn't hesitate before she said, "With my life."

"Then do what the Dragon said. If you trust Arthur with your life, then trust him with everything that you are."

Gaius left her alone to prepare for the funeral. Merlin slipped out of her clothes and picked up the gown Arthur had made for her. When she slipped it on it fit her like a glove. She was about to put a braid in her hair when she remembered that Arthur liked it better when it was loose. She gathered a few pieces and pinned them back, but left the rest. When she looked at herself in her small mirror she couldn't help but think that she looked like a princess.

/

The whole city came to watch Arthur light Uther's pyre. When he stepped back Merlin could see that his eyes were glued to his father's face. Just before the flames reached it, Merlin took his hand. He squeezed her hand hard, but didn't turn to look at her. He watched as his father's body was consumed with a blank face. When there was nothing left but glowing embers, Merlin tugged his hand. They were alone in the courtyard now. Everyone had gone home or to make preparations for the ceremony in the morning where Arthur would be crowned King of Camelot. It was time.

"Arthur, come with me."

He finally turned to her.

"Where are we going?"

"I need to show you something."

She led him away from the city and into the forest. If Arthur wondered where she was taking him, he didn't ask. Finally, Merlin came to the place where she'd thrust Excalibur into the stone.

"What is that?" Arthur asked when Merlin had released his hand.

"That is Excalibur. It is a sword that was forged in the Dragon's breath for the King of Camelot."

Arthur took a step back.

"It's magic?"

Merlin nodded.

"Then it can stay where it is." Arthur spat. He moved to drag her away, but Merlin shook him off.

"The sword isn't all I wanted to show you."

She backed away from him and raised her arms in the air. After taking a deep breath to steel herself, she let her magic out and called lightning from the clear night sky. It struck around them and caused flames to appear in a perfect circle that encompassed Merlin, Arthur, and Excalibur. Merlin opened her eyes to see Arthur looking around frantically. She waited until he was looking right at her before she whispered a spell that caused the sparks from the fire to gather and form the Pendragon crest between them. Then, with a wave of her hand the flames went out and all that was left was the glowing mark of Arthur's house.

"I was born with magic, Arthur. The Druids call me Emrys, and they claim that I am magic incarnate. It is my destiny to protect you and see you become king, and that's all I've ever tried to do. Everything that I am, everything that I can do, is only to serve you."

Arthur was shaking, but Merlin couldn't see his eyes in the dim light. With another deep breath, she got down on her knees before him and bowed her head.

"You are everything to me. I love you, Arthur, and I never wanted to hurt you. I should have told you who I was years ago, but it wasn't the right time. It had to be now. You have a choice to make. You can draw the sword at your side and kill me. I wouldn't stop you. Or, you can draw Excalibur from the stone and embrace your destiny. It is written that you will be the greatest king this land has ever known; that your name will be remembered until the end of time. I believe in that. I believe in you. You are the reason I have my gifts. You are the reason I was born. Make your choice, Arthur."

It was silent for what seemed like an eternity. It seemed even the creatures in the forest were waiting to see what Arthur would do. Finally, Merlin heard footsteps. The sound of a sword being drawn echoed around them and Merlin tensed. When Arthur's sword landed in front of her, she finally looked up. Arthur was standing a few feet in front of her and staring at the crest.

"I have so many questions, Merlin, and I expect to get honest answers to all of them. I'm confused and hurt and a little betrayed, but most of all I'm angry. I'm angry with myself for never seeing it, and I'm angry with you for lying. I'm angry that such a large part of you was kept hidden from me when nothing about me was kept from you. But the thing that I'm most angry about is the fact that you thought for one moment that I could kill you. You gave me a choice, Merlin, when there is no choice. I would rather cut out my own heart than harm one hair on your head."

Merlin's breath caught in her throat as she watched Arthur walk up to the stone and grip Excalibur. He didn't hesitate before he pulled the sword smoothly out of the stone. When he turned toward her with it in his hand, his crest dissolved and he crossed the space between them in four strides. He extended his free hand to her and she grasped it for the lifeline that it was. When Merlin was standing again Arthur wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to his chest.

"You may be the biggest idiot in the entire world, but I still love you. I love everything about you, and if you're magic, then I guess I love magic. I don't want to spend one day without you by my side, Merlin."

Arthur stepped away from her and put Excalibur in the sheath at his side. His other sword laid forgotten on the forest floor. Once the blade was secure, Arthur got down on one knee and pulled a ring from the pocket of his jacket.

"I planned on doing this tomorrow after I was crowned, but now is as good a time as any. I told you once that when I was king you would take your place on the throne beside me, and I still want that more than anything. Merlin, would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife and Queen?"

Merlin smiled bigger than she ever had as she said, "Yes. You know I will, you prat."

Arthur slipped the ring on her finger and then stood up to kiss her. When they pulled apart Merlin looked down at the ring. It was gold and had the Pendragon crest etched on it.

"It was the ring my father gave to my mother when they were married. I thought it was fitting that you should wear it now." Arthur whispered.

"I love it. Thank you."

Arthur kissed her again and smiled against her lips.

/

The following morning Arthur was officially crowned King of Camelot. Merlin stood in the first row wearing yet another dress that Arthur had made for her. This one was crème colored but had red and gold embroidery along the bottom hem and on the bodice. Gwen and Hunith, who had arrived early that morning after Gaius had written to her, had helped her with her hair and it was elegantly done up with crystal pins and flowers. Merlin was a vision. Arthur was in his chainmail and cape, but Excalibur was at his side and he was wearing new trousers and boots.

As soon as he stood wearing his new crown, the room erupted in applause. He allowed it for a moment and then he held up a hand to silence everyone.

"I can't tell you how honored I am to be your king. I swear to you all that I will always protect Camelot and her people, but I can't do that alone. I'll need the help of someone very dear to me, someone that has never left my side even when I ordered her away. I'll need the help of my Queen."

Arthur held his hand out to Merlin and she stepped forward. Merlin heard everyone in the room begin to whisper, but when she looked at everyone she saw that they all wore smiles. Arthur kissed her hand and then got down on one knee again. He had to propose before the court.

"Merlin, will you marry me?"

Merlin smiled and said, "Yes."

When he stood up Geoffrey stepped forward once again, this time with a length of cloth in his hands. Arthur had apparently told him of his plans so the old man could come prepared. Geoffrey performed the ceremony making Arthur and Merlin husband and wife, and then Arthur himself crowned her Queen of Camelot. When Merlin finally sat in her throne for the first time she sought out her mother's eyes. Hunith was standing between Gwen and Gaius and gripping their hands as tears fell down her cheeks, but she was smiling like the sun itself. Merlin smiled back at her and then faced her people with Arthur at her side.

/

The feast that night was bigger and more joyous than any other that Merlin had ever attended. Even so, she couldn't wait to leave so that she and Arthur could be alone. Finally, just after midnight Arthur stood up to wish everyone a good night. He took Merlin's hand and they made their way out of the hall. Merlin purposely didn't meet Gwaine's eye when they passed him. He'd been smirking at her all night just to make her blush. When they finally got back to Arthur's chambers and he bolted the door, Merlin wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled.

"Alone at last."

Arthur smirked.

"Yes. And I can finally have you."

"Why are we wasting time talking?"

Arthur laughed as he said, "I don't know."

He leaned down and captured her lips in a passionate, possessive kiss that Merlin returned. Arthur didn't pull away, but he managed to pick her up and carry her to his bed. When he laid her on it and finally broke the kiss, Merlin giggled.

"I wasn't expecting that."

Arthur smirked.

"Humor me."

Merlin pulled him to her and kissed him again.

"Always." she whispered against his lips. When the kiss ended Arthur took his time removing her crown releasing her hair from its many pins. While he was busy with her hair, Merlin unclasped his cape and removed the crown on his head. She used magic to float both headpieces over to the table and Arthur stared when her eyes turned gold.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that." he said.

"That's okay. I still haven't gotten used to the fact that I can do this." Merlin responded as she let her fingers trail down his body until they reached his groin. She smirked when she felt how hard he was.

"You're wearing too much." Arthur hissed.

"So are you."

They quickly fixed both of those problems and smiled when they were pressed against each other skin to skin.

"I want to feel you, Arthur." Merlin gasped when Arthur began trailing kisses down her body. He paid homage to her breasts while his hands worshiped her legs and thighs. When his fingers pushed into her, Merlin arched in pleasure. Arthur left her chest to suck kisses into her neck. Merlin ran her hands down his back, lightly dragging her nails and loved the feel of Arthur shuddering over her. She squeezed his ass and he groaned.

"Tease." he whispered in her ear.

"I learned from the best." she responded as he curled his fingers inside of her. At that, Merlin moaned his name and reached between them to fondle his cock. She began to stroke it with one hand while the other ran over his stomach and up to rub over his nipples. Arthur kissed her hard and then moved back. He placed her legs over his shoulders and kissed her right ankle before he lined himself up at her entrance.

"Ready?" he asked as he met her eyes. Merlin nodded and Arthur gently pushed into her. Merlin winced at the slight pain, but she refused to close her eyes. They stayed locked on Arthur's until he was fully seated within her. Then Arthur bowed his head and fought against the need to move. Merlin allowed herself a moment to adjust before she moved her hips to tell him that she was fine. Arthur looked back to her and the look in his eyes took her breath away. He leaned down and kissed her as he began to move.

"God, so good, Merlin." he groaned.

For Merlin, it was still relatively painful but she didn't want him to know that, so she nodded. Arthur saw what she was trying to hide, so he kissed her again and brought his hand down to where they were joined. He sought out the bundle of nerves that always brought her pleasure and began to stroke it. Merlin's back arched as she moaned out his name.

"Better?" Arthur asked.

"It wasn't bad before, but yes, it's better when you do that." Merlin gasped out. Arthur nodded and his fingers never left her as he continued to thrust into her. He gradually sped up, and as he started to go faster he also thrust into her deeper. Arthur shifted his hips before one thrust, and when he did he hit something in Merlin that made her scream.

"Yes!"

"Good?" Arthur panted.

"Yes, Arthur. Right there!"

Arthur nodded and made himself hit that spot every time. Merlin didn't know a person could feel so much pleasure. Between Arthur stroking her outside and thrusting against that spot within her, it didn't take long before Merlin was pushed over the edge.

"Arthur! Arthur!" she cried as she came. Arthur groaned above her as she clenched around him.

"God, Merlin!" he groaned as he worked her through her orgasm. When she was spent, he gripped her hips and let her legs fall until her feet were on the bed. Arthur thrust into her at a furious pace and within a few minutes Merlin felt him spill into her as her name left his lips through his clenched teeth. After he finished, Arthur gently pulled out of her and then gathered her into his arms. Pulling the blankets over them, he whispered in her ear, "I love you."

Merlin smiled and snuggled against him.

"I love you too."

/

Things changed rather quickly after that. Merlin was moved into the rooms that were next to Arthur's and her wardrobe was filled with nice gowns and leather britches and silk riding shirts and fur-lined cloaks. She was given a coronet to go with her crown, and so many pairs of shoes and slippers she didn't know what to do with herself. Arthur just laughed at her when she complained.

Hunith stayed in Camelot. She wanted to take Merlin's old room, but Merlin wouldn't let her. The queen's mother was to get her own chambers, but Hunith would not accept a servant. That was something she would not budge on. Merlin couldn't say anything, as she too had refused a servant, and Arthur himself hadn't hired another one. Merlin still did most everything for him.

Gwen and Lancelot got married only a month after Merlin and Arthur, and they both attended the ceremony. It was obvious that Gwen had never been happier, and Merlin couldn't help but cry as she pulled her into a hug.

"I'm so happy for you!" Merlin told her as she stepped back.

"Thank you. I'm happy too."

They both laughed, and that made Arthur and Lancelot look over from where they had been talking. They just shook their heads at them and went back to talking.

/

Princess Elena came back to Camelot the next year. Her father was ill and so could not accompany her, but Arthur was happy to see her again all the same. Even Merlin was pleased to have her in the castle. When Elena rode up on horseback instead of in a carriage Merlin knew that they were going to get along.

"Hello Elena! It's good to see you again. I'm sorry to hear about your father." Arthur said as he helped her off the horse.

"Yes, thank you. He sends his regards. We both wanted to come as soon as we heard about your father, but he took ill just before that and wasn't up to the trip. We tried to wait until he was well again, but I fear that will never happen. He sent me because it would not do to wait any longer for us to acknowledge the new King and Queen." she said looking between Arthur and Merlin.

Arthur waved her off.

"We understand. We heard word of his illness a while ago. I'm sorry to hear that he's not recovering."

Elena gave him a small smile.

"Thank you for your concern, but he's lived a good life. He's content with how things are."

Merlin stepped forward and took her hands.

"Even so, you are always welcome here and if there's anything we can do to help you don't hesitate to ask."

Elena smiled at her and squeezed her hands.

"You always were too good, your highness."

Merlin giggled.

"Just Merlin, please."

Elena's visit was wonderful. She really was very charming without a fairy inside of her. Arthur even took her up on her offer of another horse race, and had to swallow his pride when he was beaten soundly. The best part about Elena's time in Camelot was the way she stole Gwaine's heart. He was lost as soon as he saw her, and it didn't take her long to return his affection. When word came that her father had passed and she was needed at home, Gwaine was more than a little upset. He made her promise that she would return when everything was settled at her estate, and Merlin knew that it was a promise she had every intention of keeping.

/

Late in Merlin's sixth year in Camelot, Gwen gave birth to a set of beautiful twin girls. Merlin had held her hand throughout the labor and cried with her and Lancelot when the girls were proclaimed perfect and healthy. Arthur came down the next day to offer his congratulations and give both the new parents a hug.

That same year, Gwaine found himself proposing to Elena. They were married and left the city to live on Elena's family's estate. Merlin was sad to see him go, but knew that it was for the best. He and Elena were happy and Merlin couldn't wish more for them. Gwaine said he'd always come when Arthur called, and Arthur said that he would remember that. The two of them rode out of the city at dawn one morning as Merlin watched from Arthur's window. She didn't get to watch for long before Arthur caught her around the waist and pulled her back to bed.

/

In the seventh year, Merlin herself became pregnant. Arthur and the rest of the court were thrilled. Hunith and Gaius had constant smiles on their faces, and Merlin herself had never been happier. Her pregnancy passed by in what seemed like a blink of an eye, and before she knew it the time had come to deliver her baby.

"Arthur!" she screamed when she woke up to find her water broken and contractions wracking through her. He was awake in an instant and lighting candles. When there was enough light he kissed her hand and ran out the door to get Gaius and her mother. When he came back he asked them to wait outside for a moment.

"Merlin, promise me something." Arthur asked desperately as he knelt at her bedside.

"Anything." Merlin panted as another contraction hit her.

"Promise me you'll survive this."

Merlin looked over and saw that Arthur's eyes were filled with terror and he was shaking. He really thought he might lose her.

"I promise, Arthur. I'm not going anywhere."

Arthur nodded and stood up so that he could kiss her. When he pulled back he called for Gaius and Hunith to enter. The labor seemed to last forever, and it was well past dawn before Merlin heard her child's first cry.

"It's a boy!" Gaius called as he handed the baby to Hunith to clean after severing the cord.

Merlin smiled tiredly as Arthur kissed her before getting up to look at his son. Hunith cleaned him and then wrapped him in a silk sheet before handing him to Arthur. Merlin cried as she watched Arthur look at their son for the first time.

"He's perfect." he whispered as he handed the tiny bundle to Merlin. She looked into her son's face and cried some more.

"He looks just like his father."

Arthur climbed back onto the bed and wrapped Merlin in his arms. Gaius and Hunith left to give them some privacy.

"What are we going to name him?" Merlin whispered.

Arthur stared at the baby for a moment and then said, "What do you think about Bradyn?"

Merlin thought it over and smiled.

"Prince Bradyn Pendragon. I like it."

"Yeah?"

Merlin kissed him and nodded.

"Bradyn it is then." Arthur said as he cupped his son's head.

/

The eighth, ninth, and tenth year were spent fighting wars, but it was worth it when Arthur came away victorious. He had finally united Albion and brought magic back to the land. It had been welcome in Camelot since his first year as king, but now it was free to be used across the entire land. His destiny had finally been completed.

/

Years of peace passed. The people prospered and enjoyed the safety that Arthur gave them. It was obvious that they loved their king.

Bradyn got a little sister when he was five and her name was Ava. She looked like her mother, and like her mother and brother before her, she had magic. Arthur had been nervous when Bradyn started moving things when he was only three months old, but when Ava did it he just laughed and said, "Figures."

Not long after Ava was born Gaius passed away. He went in his sleep warm in his bed, and Merlin knew that it had just been his time. The man had been very old, but Merlin was still inconsolable for three days after his death. It was like losing her father all over again. Arthur made sure that Gaius was given every honor during his funeral, and Merlin thanked him for it over and over again. When he was gone, Hunith took over as the physician. Gaius had been teaching her since she arrived, and she had more of a knack for it than Merlin ever did.

/

Morgana showed herself again shortly after Bradyn's fifteenth birthday. In her time away she had been studying magic and festering in her hatred. When she appeared in Camelot's throne room Arthur tried to talk to her, but she would not listen. Morgana said that her army would arrive at dawn and if Arthur would not fight, then he and all of his people would die.

The next day, Arthur put on his armor and Merlin stood at his side when he walked out to the knights. Gwaine had ridden through the night and was in the front row with Elyan, Lancelot, Percival, and Leon. He nodded to Merlin when she passed with Arthur, and she gave him a smile in return.

The battle lasted through the night. It looked like Arthur would win, but then Mordred stepped forward to fight him. Morgana had been slain and Mordred stepped over her body to get to Arthur. When Merlin saw him the words that the Dragon had told her so long ago rang in her ears.

"He will be the death of Arthur."

Merlin tried to stop him, but Arthur drew Excalibur once again and began to fight the person he had once saved. Mordred was skilled with a blade, but he was no match for Arthur. In only a few minutes, Arthur thrust Excalibur through Mordred's chest and watched as the young man fell to his knees before him. Merlin felt like she could breathe again, but in a split second that changed. Mordred raised his hand with the last of his strength and summoned Morgana's sword from where it still lay next to her body. Merlin couldn't stop it before it pierced Arthur's back and ran him through. Mordred died with a smile on his face knowing that Arthur would die with him.

"Arthur!" Merlin screamed as she caught him before he could fall. She pulled the sword from his back and held him to her as she collapsed.

"Merlin, don't waste your magic on me. I can't be saved." Arthur gasped out as blood poured from his wound.

"No, you'll be fine, Arthur. You'll be fine!"

Arthur brushed the hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear before leaning up to kiss her.

"I thought we said we wouldn't lie to each other anymore."

Merlin shook her head.

"You can't die."

Arthur smirked.

"I think you'll find I can."

Merlin pressed her forehead against his.

"I don't want you to die."

"And I don't want to leave you, or Bradyn, or Ava, but it looks like I don't have a choice."

Merlin choked out a sob. She whispered a spell and when she looked up again she and Arthur were no longer on the battlefield, but on the shores of the Lake of Avalon. With another spell, the gate appeared and Merlin turned Arthur's head so that he could see it.

"So, that's where people go when they die?"

Merlin smiled.

"Only when they earn it. It's where you belong, Arthur. You're the Once and Future King. The world might need you again."

Arthur huffed.

"Why? I'm not much good without you."

Merlin kissed him.

"That's why I'm going with you. We're two sides of the same coin. I can't be without you."

Arthur shook his head.

"The children need you. Camelot needs you."

"Camelot has your knights, it's in good hands. The children have my mother. Don't argue with me."

Arthur laughed.

"It never did me much good, did it?"

Merlin shook her head.

"You know, it's funny. Years ago Gwaine told me that when you died it'd be with a sword in your hand after you'd become king, gotten married, and had children. I said that's the way you would want it."

"You know me so well, and apparently, so does Gwaine."

Arthur leaned up and pressed his lips to Merlin's in a chaste kiss.

"I love you, Merlin." he whispered. Merlin knew that they would be the last words Arthur spoke in this life.

"I love you too, Arthur." she said as she felt the life leave him. Merlin stood up with Arthur in her arms, Excalibur still clutched in his grasp, and walked to the gate.

"Welcome Emrys. We have been waiting for you and your king." a smooth voice said just before she stepped through.

"I know." Merlin whispered. She walked through the gate and disappeared from the world without a second glance.

/

Thousands of years later a little girl was born with black hair and startlingly blue eyes. Her family couldn't have been more proud as they crowded in front of the glass to the nursery to look at her. Beside her was a newborn baby boy with similar blue eyes and blonde hair. He looked over at her and when their eyes met, her blue eyes turned gold. She reached for him, and he reached back. History was about to repeat itself.