Standard disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of its characters.

This was a complete story but I felt there was more to come so I've updated this story to include a new chapter (7).

Enjoy!

"Long live the queen!"

Leon watched Gwen's face, saw her mouth fall open while she stared at the door.

"Ar..Arthur? How can this be?" Heads turned while gasps sounded around the room.

"Gwen."

"You're … you're alive!"

The shock registered on her face before the newly crowned queen ran towards her husband, sobbing. She threw her arms around him. "Arthur! Arthur! I can't believe you're here!"

Arthur held her and looked around the room, searching for one face, one face that was missing.

Cries of excitement rang out all around. "Arthur! He's alive! He's alive!" Leon fell to his knees with joy.

"I can't believe it!" whispered Gwen, incredulously.

"It's true, Gwen. I'm here. I'm alive." He smiled and kissed his wife's forehead tenderly.

Where was he?

"What happened, Arthur? How are you here? We all thought you were dead!"

The room fell silent when Arthur started to speak.

"It was Merlin. Merlin saved me. He saved my life."

"But it was Merlin who told Gaius you were dead! I don't understand …"

All eyes were on Arthur.

"Merlin was taking me to Avalon to be healed. We stopped in a field. I was exhausted and couldn't go on. I don't remember what happened next."

"You died, Arthur." Gwen shuddered at the word. "Merlin put you in a boat and guided it towards Avalon for your body to find its resting place. You died!"

Arthur paused a while at the thought of what Merlin had been through and the mention of his name pulsed deep within him. Merlin was the only person he had thought of all the way back to Camelot and he had expected to find him here, waiting.

"Merlin did what he was supposed to do," Arthur began. "He led me to Avalon. I woke up there several times. My memories are vague. There were women around me. It's unclear. They were chanting and administering potions. They were helping me. I don't really know what happened. I was drifting in and out of consciousness. I eventually awoke alone. My wound was healed. I was restored. I couldn't find Merlin. I looked everywhere for him then made my way back to Camelot."

Gwen smiled up at her husband. "You know Arthur, I never really believed you to be dead. I knew somehow that you were still alive. I felt it." Arthur kissed Gwen gently.

"Merlin killed Morgana, you know. It's over."

"I know. We owe Merlin a huge debt of gratitude. I don't know how we can ever repay him for what he's done for us all."

Murmurs of agreement echoed around the room.

"Where is he?" said Arthur. "Where's Merlin?"

Gwen's face fell. "I don't know Arthur. I never got a chance to speak to him. He came to see Gaius, to tell him that you'd … and then he disappeared. None of us saw him."

Arthur tried hard to conceal his disappointment. He walked towards the old man. "Gaius."

"Sire. It is wonderful to see you again. It's a sight I thought I'd never behold." The two men shook hands.

"Gaius, do you know where Merlin is?"

"I'm afraid I don't, my Lord. He was distraught. He watched you die. He felt he'd failed you."

"Failed me? I owe him my life! I owe him everything!"

"He is a remarkable young man."

"Yes. Yes, he is." Arthur worked hard to hold back his tears. He felt bereft at Merlin's absence. He couldn't bear the thought of Merlin alone, believing Arthur to be dead, holding himself responsible when he had done so much. He should be here. Nothing else mattered.

"I must find him. I must bring him back home, to Camelot."

"That may prove difficult, Sire, since I have no idea where he is. I wish I knew."

"Come, Arthur," said his wife. "I am sure we will see Merlin again. I am sure news will reach him of your return. For now, you must rest and eat. We must all make up for lost time."

"Yes, yes you're right. Of course."

"Arthur, I have the crown. I didn't know when you'd be coming back. I thought …"

"It is as I wished."

"I know." Gwen said gravely. "Gaius told me. But it is not meant for me. It is meant for YOU Arthur. We must return it to you."

"In time," said Arthur. "In time. Anyway, it suits you! Gwen, where is Gwaine?"

Gwen paused and looked down. "I'm so sorry, Arthur," she replied with tears in her eyes.

"No," he whispered. "So much loss. So much bloodshed."

"I know. It is over now, my love. Come, you must rest."

Days passed as the kingdom adjusted to the news that Arthur was alive and that peace had finally come to Camelot. It also grieved for the loss of so many lives. Gwen began to notice that her husband was distant and preoccupied. It was not surprising - he had been through so much, had lost so many dear friends - but deep down she knew it was more than that.

One morning at breakfast, Arthur took his wife's hand in his and said "Gwen, I have to look for Merlin. He thinks I am dead. I have to show him that I am alive and to thank him for all he's done. I have to bring him back to Camelot."

"I know, Arthur, I know you do. I will come with you."

Arthur lifted his eyes to look earnestly at Gwen.

"No, Gwen. Thank you, but this is something I must do alone."

"But Arthur …" Her husband had only just returned and she didn't want to lose him again.

"It's okay, Gwen, there's no danger now," he reassured her, almost as if reading her mind. "Morgana is gone. I won't come to any harm."

"No. No of course you won't. I - I understand."

In the courtyard, they kissed goodbye while Arthur rode off into the distance.