A/N: Here we are at the last chapter. Again my apologies for how long this took. I sincerely hope you enjoy the end of the story. Your comments and constructive criticism are welcome. Thank you.

EPILOGUE - Desperate Tales

1 YEAR LATER

Arthur was in the council room with his knights and Merlin. They were reviewing strategies and plans when a messenger arrived from Glastonia. He was surprised to say the least. It had been more than a year since Guinevere had been rescued from that madman Melwas. Arthur read the parchment, and then dismissed everyone so he could go see Guinevere.

She was in their secondary chambers, which essentially were the chambers next door to theirs. This is where the baby would sleep with his maid/wet-nurse. But many nights he slept with his parents since neither Guinevere nor Arthur could bear to part with him. During the day Guinevere usually cared for him in this chamber so Arthur would be free to sit at the table and work in peace in their chambers if he needed.

When Arthur entered he saw her sitting in a chair; their son suckling from her. Arthur stood there watching them. No matter how many times he witnessed this sight, it never failed to move him. He wondered if he would ever see anything as beautiful as his wife nursing his child from her breast.

'My family' he thought. After all this time, he was part of a real family.

Guinevere was so lost in their son's face that she didn't even hear Arthur come in. As he approached, she finally looked up and smiled.

"Hello my love, how are my two favorite people?"

"We are both fine." Guinevere considered her husband's face. "Arthur, what is…" The question died on her lips as she suddenly looked down at their son. "Someone is finished with their lunch."

The maid came to take the baby from Guinevere so she could rearrange her clothing, but Arthur held out his hands and took the baby from her instead. The nursemaid then helped Guinevere fix her clothing.

Arthur looked down into his son's little face. Everyday he changed a little, he could see his features forming more and more. He could not believe how much the baby looked like him. He could even see traces of his father's face. Bright blue eyes looked up at him as his son smiled, or it could have been gas, he was never really sure. He saw Guinevere in there as well, but not as strongly. He hoped their next child would look more like Guinevere, he loved her face and would love to see it preserved.

He stroked his son's cheek and then put the baby over his shoulder and gently patted his back. Guinevere's clothing was back in place. He looked at her radiance. Motherhood suited her well. She watched him with their son.

"What is on your mind Arthur?"

"How easily you read me. It always amazes me." He cleared his throat. "I just received a message; the ruler of Glastonia is on his way here. He will arrive in the morning."

"Melwas" said Guinevere, her mind obviously going back to those troubled times over a year ago. Over time her memory of being kidnapped and the first week in Glastonia came back to her. After Melwas' potion had full control, those memories never returned to her. Arthur was grateful for this, because those memories would only bring pain.

"Did he say why he was coming?"

"His note said to make amends."

"Do you believe him?"

"I don't know, but I definitely don't trust him. If you want to, I will send him away…"

"No! I will face him" she said with determination. Arthur knew she would want this, which is why he didn't just immediately reject the message. "When does he arrive?"

"Tomorrow morning. I need to meet with the knights and have the guards doubled. I'll also speak with Merlin and find out if there's some protection spell or something he can cast over you and the baby."

Guinevere shook her head, "Over our family. You need protection too love."

At that moment they both heard a fairly sizeable burp come from over Arthur's shoulder. He took his son off of his shoulder and looked at this perfect little person. His eyes were already shutting in sleep. He reluctantly handed their son back to her. He gave her a gentle kiss.

"I should get to work." Arthur went and prepared for Melwas' arrival.

ooOoOoOoo

The next morning the guards had been tripled and Merlin had placed a spell of protection around the royal family. It wasn't a guarantee that all magic against them would fail, but it was better than nothing. The guards would be there to take care of any non-magical threats. Merlin would also remain in the room with them as an added precaution.

The small delegation arrived mid-morning, a covered carriage was at its center. There wasn't much in the way of formal greetings. Sir Leon stood to meet them. All of the knights and a battalion of soldiers were standing there, hard-faced and battle-ready.

A figure in a hooded green robe emerged. The hood was over his head. Sir Leon smirked slightly, evidently Arthur's fury left Melwas disfigured. He deserved that and more.

The entourage of Glastonia began to assemble behind the hooded figure.

"Only your sovereign may enter" called out Sir Leon.

Captain Bennett stepped forward. "We will leave everyone here, but surely one lone guard can be an escort."

Sir Leon opened his mouth to respond, but Bennett jumped in again. "I will leave my sword here. Search me if you so choose, but I must provide protection."

Sir Leon frowned as he cocked his head slightly. "Search him"

Gwain stepped forward and quickly, but thoroughly searched for hidden weapons.

"He is clear" he said to Sir Leon.

"You both may pass. But I warn you, tread carefully. Aggression towards the king or queen will not be tolerated."

"You have our word" said Bennett as he nodded.

In the throne room they all braced themselves as the hooded king and Bennett entered the room. They stopped a few feet from the royal couple and bowed. Then Melwas pulled back his hood.

Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere and others in the room cocked their heads as they looked at the robed person before them. It was Guinevere who finally spoke up.

"Malina?"

"Malina?" said Arthur who looked at her with confusion. "The maid who fed you the potions and helped Melwas corrupt your mind?"

Guinevere nodded.

A wry smile crossed the woman's lips briefly. "Yes, that is the name you knew me by when you were in Glastonia. My real name is Edlyn."

"Edlyn? Queen Edlyn?" replied Arthur.

"Yes, one in the same."

"But it was told that you died years ago. During child birth, I believe."

"No I did not die. But my life was stolen from me." She looked at Guinevere "It would seem that you were not the first victim of Melwas' potion."

"My word" she said as she looked at her incredulously "But how was this discovery made."

"It is a long story."

"It is one that I would like to hear" stated Guinevere.

Arthur nodded his head "We would both like to hear it. If you would sit down with us for tea we would like to hear your story."

Queen Edlyn nodded. "I would be honored my Lord."

They all moved to a nearby parlor. The guards were dismissed from the room, but Merlin and Bennett stayed with them.

They sat down, everyone's mind was raging with curiosity. They began to all bombard her with questions. "How did you break free? How did you end up under his influence? When did you…"

Edlyn held up a hand. "I will answer all of your questions. But I think it will be easier if I tell you my story from the beginning." They all nodded as she began to speak.

"I am the rightful ruler of Glastonia by birth. I am the daughter and only child of King Eaton."

"My father knew him" said Arthur. "He said he was a great man."

"Thank you" said Edlyn. "I was born at a time when there was an abundance of female heirs in the kingdoms, but very few male heirs. On top of that I was stocky, awkward and not considered the most beautiful. Many say I had too much of my father in me." She smiled to no one in particular.

"My father was concerned for my future and the royal line of the kingdom. He looked among his own noblemen and came upon the house of Digby. Lord Digby's youngest son was overdue for marriage, and the prospect of having a son in the monarchy pleased him very much."

"What did you think?" asked Guinevere. Who never ceased to be appalled by the royals obsession with arranged marriages. One thing she knew for certain, her son could choose his own wife, and he was free to marry anyone he truly loved.

"I rather liked the idea. He was a fair bit older than me, but he was handsome and he treated me very kindly during that meeting. We were wed within the month."

"That must have been a nightmare" said Arthur.

"Based upon your history with him, you would think so, but it wasn't. Once we overcame the initial shyness of an arranged marriage, we got along well. I was happy and my father was pleased by that. My beloved father died three years after we were wed."

"The fever" added Arthur.

"That's right. Many lives were claimed during that time. So there was the loss of my father and the burden of running the kingdom on top of that. It was a lot for someone who was only nineteen winters old"

"You ran the kingdom? But what about Melwas, he was the king?" asked Guinevere.

"As long as I lived he could not rule."

"So that's when he gave you the potion" said Merlin with assurance.

"Actually no. We continued on for some time after my father died. It was like we were running the kingdom together, I gave him many responsibilities and much authority."

Merlin's eyebrows knit together "Then why would he do such a thing?"

"Evidently, that wasn't enough for him. After all, I had the final say. While we did agree on most things, there were times we did not agree. And my word was the law. I could tell it bothered him, being in my shadow, but I never could have imagined how much.

"It was two years later when I carried our child. By the laws of Glastonia I would rule until my death and the throne would pass directly to my child provided he or she was of age.

"When it was announced that I was with child it seemed that the entire kingdom celebrated. I was happy, and Melwas seemed happy as well. He was such a doting husband… waited on me hand and foot like he was my servant. He even brought in a special physician, famed from a faraway land. A healer, that specialized in issues of birth. A precautionary measure, you see."

"Sumner!" said Guinevere with disdain.

"Yes. Sumner. I hated him from the moment I saw him, but Melwas went on and on about his reputation. He was to be there for the birth and no longer. And so I tolerated his presence." She paused for a long time. "I can't say when exactly it happened. I don't know any of the details. But sometime, shortly after I gave birth I was given that dreaded potion. They probably told me it was to ease the pain or something."

"My word" said Guinevere. Her mind reflected back to her own birth experience. She gladly drank every potion Gaius gave her to help her get through the pain and soreness after her birthing.

Merlin jumped in "But I don't get it. Why wait for a baby to be born? Why didn't he just get rid of you after your father died?"

"My blood relatives had the right and obligation to assume the throne if I had died without a true heir. However with an heir of my blood he could rule as the child's guardian until he or she turned of age, and beyond if the child and the council agreed. He could not be ousted. So with my 'death' he became not just a figurehead king, but the ruler of Glastonia. And the child would have become his successor once he came of age.

"Perhaps he could have waited to see if I would die of natural causes" she mused. "But I was young, much younger than Melwas, I was strong and I was healthy. With me and our child alive he would never be the sovereign of Glastonia. So, he decided to get rid of me."

Merlin spoke up again "But why go through all this potion business? I'm not advocating your harm, but why not just kill you?"

"Melwas was conniving, calculating and cold-hearted, but he was not a murderer. Or at least he wasn't at that time. He thought it was a kindness that I keep my life."

Arthur snorted in disgust. "But then he made you a servant. How could he have done such a thing? Surely people would notice the Queen walking around. How could he get away with something like this?"

Edlyn looked at him thoughtfully "Tell me, my Lord…"

"Arthur"

"… Arthur. Do you remember the girl who brought in our tea?"

Arthur looked at her with a hint of doubt in his eyes but answered confidently "I know all of the servants in the castle."

"Yes, but which one brought our tea? What was her name? Who were her parents? Was she born in Camelot? How long has she been a servant in the castle?"

Arthur just sat in silence as his eyes glazed over.

"That's how Melwas could get away with it. People rarely notice what is in front of their faces. And without the usual adornments, coupled with the fact that I was 'dead'… no one noticed." Arthur glanced at Guinevere as he considered Edlyn's words. Guinevere had been there his entire life, and he took no note of her until he stayed in her home. The love of his life was right there, and he didn't know it.

Merlin shook his head "The nobility might not have noticed, but your servants would have realized. Servants see everything."

"Apparently Melwas agreed with your logic. We have not pieced together what exactly happened after my 'death'. But I can tell you that once he had corrupted my mind he moved onto others in the kingdom."

"You mean all of Glastonia was on that potion?" asked Guinevere.

"Far from it. But my lady in waiting, my personal servant, and my cook were under the potions as well. It wasn't a lot of people, but it was the right people. Those few who would notice and those who would question. There were reports of people who took journeys and were gone for a few months. But none could recite to friends where they had been in detail. We think that was how they were able to place these people under the potions hold."

"But as for my story…" she sat for a moment, looking off into nothing. "My first memory is working assisting the baker. That lasted for a few years. Then I got a position in the palace doing laundry. I was so honored to be in the castle. It felt like home." She said as she laughed to herself.

"I worked my way up to being a palace maid. I had the honor of serving the nobles and even the king. My own husband… that I had a schoolgirl crush on – my own husband! And on occasion I even took care of the Prince… my son. I was maid to my own son and didn't know it. I had always felt I had a special connection to the prince, even though I dared not voice such a notion. Then one day there was that terrible accident. Prince Elgar died. I mourned as the kingdom mourned, but I did not mourn as a mother should."

They all looked at her with sympathy.

"But that brings us to when he met you, your highness."

"Please, call me Guinevere."

"As you wish, Guinevere. Melwas was devastated by the loss."

Merlin's head popped up "Wait, but why was he still the king? You just said that he only ruled in the princes' stead?"

"Yes, those were the rules when he took power. He had the laws changed so he could rule until his death and then pass the throne to my son or his family. He essentially stole the throne."

"He was truly devious" stated Arthur.

"Yes, he was. It's one of the reasons it has taken so long to make this journey. Once our memories were restored, we had to sort through everything, put everything right again. So to continue… Melwas became sad and despondent after the death of my son. But you gave him hope Guinevere, to the point where he wanted you by his side at any cost. I know there was more to his reasoning, but it was incomprehensible."

"What did he say?" asked Arthur. His mind swimming with thoughts about her smile, her beauty, or the joy that everyone just seemed to have when they were around her.

"Do you sing Guinevere?" Everyone looked at Edlyn in surprise.

"Goodness no, I don't."

"He kept going on and on about wanting to hear you sing." She sighed "Who can know the inner workings of the mind of a madman. Anyway, from that time, I remember…"

"Wait. Why is it that you remember what happened when you were under the potion's influence and I can't?" interrupted Guinevere.

"The potion affects the memory, but eventually that side-effect wears off. It takes about a year or so. So I can't recall anything from the time of my birthing until the prince was about two years old. I clearly remember the celebration for his 2nd birthday. I helped the baker work on his cake."

Guinevere nodded as she absorbed this information. As a mother she could only imagine Edlyn's pain of knowing her child, yet never truly knowing her child.

"But getting back to my story, he met you and he was thoroughly obsessed with you. He had concocted a whole fantasy about you. He told me and a few others about how you would marry and bear the new heir of Glastonia." She chuckled. "He was completely delusional. He truly believed that you felt as he did and would go along with it if you spent sufficient time in Glastonia. I remember that he didn't start you on the potions under you ran from him."

"But how did you break free of the potions after all this time. After all, you helped him keep me subdued."

"Yes, and that is something that I deeply regret. But I had no knowledge of who I was, and I did what I was told. I hope you won't hold it against me."

"Of course not" said Guinevere.

"After you were rescued I came into the council room. Some men from the council were raging with anger over the humiliation brought to our kingdom, most just stood there in shock. Melwas just laid there on the floor and sobbed for quite some time.

"When I came near him he cried all the harder. At the time I was thoroughly confused. Now I speculate it may have been guilt. No one else would go near him.

"Sumner had been cowering in a corner all this time. Eventually he found enough courage to at least see to his king's wounds. Melwas looked up at the physician and blamed him for everything. Said that it was his fault 'his Guinevere' had been taken from him. Even with his broken ribs he finally picked up the sword that he would not raise against Arthur and he ran Sumner through."

Merlin spoke up again "Yeah, I didn't understand that. Why didn't he fight?"

"Because he knew that he could not beat Arthur in a sword fight. So he tried to appeal to him with words, or so I'm told. I wasn't in the room."

"A thief and a coward" said Arthur.

"Yes, he was, and he was also dumb. Melwas' mistake was in killing Sumner in that rage. No one truly knew what was going on but the two of them. A servant tended his wound and wrapped his body. And so within two days after Sumner's death, a strange illness swept through Glastonia. It started with a stomachache and became progressively worse. It affected the mind and the body. Thirty-four people all together fell victim. Melwas was so concerned with being in bed and licking his wounds, he didn't piece together the names of those who had this strange new illness.

"It seemed we would all die, but after a few days everyone began to recover. And when we did all of us had the veils removed from our eyes. It took some time to convince the council, and fend off Melwas' accusation of lies, but within a few days I was acknowledged as Queen Edlyn. You see there were some things about the monarchy in Glastonia that I never shared with Melwas. These are secrets, privileges that are only passed directly from ruler to ruler. Once I was able to produce the Ruby of the Isle of St. John from the secret vault, there was no doubt who I really was."

"What did you do first?" asked Arthur.

"The first thing was to imprison Melwas while I met with the council, and those touched by the potion. We pieced together what had actually happened. My 'transformation' was the most significant. Not because I was the Queen, but because I had a new name and a new identity.

"Carling, while she is an excellent seamstress was actually my lady in waiting. And her two apprentices were my cook and my maid. But they all kept their names. Bennett…" she looked over at him and he smiled back at her "…Audrey, Garrick, several council members and others actually kept their same roles, but were persuaded by the potion to unquestioningly follow the orders of the 'beloved' Melwas. Once he had the key people under his control everyone else just followed along like sheep. I guess people often go through their lives without standing up for things they see as wrong."

"You mean some people knew what was going on and did nothing?" asked Guinevere.

"No. But your arrival, for example. Someone seeking refuge was not so strange. He told everyone that you were upset, by the treatment of your husband. I suppose this was to explain any sadness in your demeanor or random tears. But the whole of the kingdom was aware of your departure. They practically turned the city upside down to get you back. If you arrived of your own free will, could you not depart in the same manner? There were a few council members who questioned what was going on. But after a short meeting with Sumner those who would question 'why' you ran away and 'why' the army was dispatched to fetch you, suddenly didn't question these acts. And the others just followed their influence."

"So these people were taking bottles of this stuff everyday? It seems that Sumner's job would just consist of making potions all day" chimed in Merlin.

"No. From what we gathered from Sumner's notes, a person is started on full doses. After a few weeks, once they have accepted how you want them to think, you gradually decrease the doses over time. Take away a drop or two each week so they don't notice. As long as they receive just a bit per day to maintain the effect they will continue that thought pattern… presumably for the rest of their lives."

Arthur's mind returned to when they tried to free Guinevere a year ago. If they had only known this information they could have freed her from the potion right away. According to Sumner's notes many were receiving just a few drops per day to help Melwas maintain his control." She shook her head as she considered the injustice of it all "I even helped him administer it. He said it was a tonic to maintain good health for those with particular ailments. But without any potion at all, we were all freed."

Arthur's anger at Melwas was renewed over the injustice he wrought. "So how did you execute Melwas? Was he hanged?"

"Well, no…"

"Of course not" said Merlin. "Too easy. He was burned at the stake, right?"

"Uhm, no…"

"Personally I would have used a vat of hot oil" said Guinevere. Arthur just looked at her in surprise and then he took pleasure in the cute little curl of anger in her arched eyebrows.

"Actually he is still alive and quite well." They all looked at her, the surprise plain on all their faces. With the exception of Bennett who merely smirked.

"So you're starving him to death?" asked Merlin.

"Actually, I'm trying to maintain his good health."

"What!" said Arthur, almost a bit too loudly.

"I know what you're all thinking. I was going to execute him, and I still might eventually. But as I considered his fate I weighed in that he stole so many precious things from me. My son... my youth… my life… my kingdom. He is in my dungeon under 24 hour guard. Each day he is made to leave his cell. His first requirement is to clean every single chamber pot in the castle. After which he mucks out all of the stables. Lastly he washes the dishes for the balance of the day. Unless there's something more disgusting we can find for him to do. And he may not sleep until all tasks are completed.

"You see, he stole my life from me day by day. At any moment he could have changed his mind, made amends. Instead he used me to manipulate the lives of my subjects and when that wasn't enough he tried to steal another person's life." She looked at Guinevere. So, I think it's only fitting that I have my retribution day by day.

"Melwas loved his nobility and would not lift a finger more than what was absolutely necessary." Merlin shot a quick glance at Arthur. Arthur didn't notice, but Guinevere's lips turned up slightly at the corners.

"So each day he pays with his life by doing the lowest, dirtiest jobs in the kingdom. And each day he can think about his betrayal, and regret his actions. He stole 11 years from me, and that will be the start of his payment. Afterwards I may extend it, or I may execute him. But either way, the perfect life he sought in earnest, is no more. He will be able to see the soft bedding that he will never sleep on again and see the nobility in their finery that he will never wear again. I want him to see the remnants of the rich foods that are no longer available to him. A quick execution was way too easy for him."

They all nodded as they saw the logic in her plan.

Guinevere looked at her "I thank you for bringing word of what happened. It's given me closure."

Edlyn smiled as she nodded. "I wish I could have gotten word to you sooner, but some things should not be communicated by letter. But there is one more thing."

They all looked at her in earnest, wondering what other story she would tell. She reached into the pocked of her cloak, and pulled out a package and handed it to Guinevere.

"Glastonia can't begin to make up for the hell you both have been through, but we need to make amends somehow. Please accept this token. It is the most precious treasure we have in Glastonia."

Arthur and Guinevere sat together as she gently unwrapped the item. Edlyn continued to speak as Guinevere gently pulled back the layers of fabric.

"Everyone knows that Camelot has the mightiest army. And with Olaf by your side you could have decimated our kingdom. You spared many innocent lives that day and gave us the chance to come out from our oppression and actually heal as a kingdom."

Guinevere gasped as she saw a big red stone sitting in the middle of the cloth. It was larger than the palm of her hand. She handed the gem to Arthur who held it up to the light. He had never seen such a fine gem in his life.

"This is extraordinary" he practically whispered.

"It is the Ruby of the Isle of St. John" said Edlyn with pride. He handed the stone back to Guinevere. He heard her catch her breath again when she too held it up to the light and looked into it.

Watching their reactions, Merlin was almost beside himself wanting to hold the gem. And when he did, he couldn't help but gasp at its beauty.

As Merlin looked, Guinevere motioned slightly with her eyes to Arthur. His lips turned up at the corners, they were thinking the same thought.

"We appreciate your gesture, but a treasure with such history should remain where it is. Glastonia was a victim in this ordeal, not the cause. There is no need for further amends, knowing that Glastonia has a wise and just leader and that Melwas is paying for his crimes is enough." Guinevere began to wrap the gem back up and she handed it to Edlyn.

"Thank you. Thank you both."

Now that Edlyn was done relaying her message, they all sat in awkward silence for a moment. Then Edlyn spoke up "When we were in Alined's kingdom I heard the news that you have a new heir."

Big smiles crept across Arthur and Guinevere's faces despite themselves.

"Perhaps you would like to see him?" offered Guinevere. Edlyn's eyes lit up "yes."

Arthur nodded to Merlin, who spoke to one of Arthur's guards and within minutes the nurse-maid arrived carrying the baby who was wide eyed and sucking on his fingers.

"May I present to you Prince Thomas" said Arthur.

They allowed Edlyn to hold him.

"My word Arthur, the baby looks just like you."

"Yes, he is his father's son." He did not try to hide the pride in his voice. Guinevere smiled.

"If he has your wisdom and temperament he will be a great heir indeed."

As Edlyn held him in one arm, she stroked his cheeks and touched his little hands. He smiled at her, and her eyes began to well up with tears. "Thank you" she said as she handed him back to the wet-nurse. Everyone knew she was grieving over own son.

"Where are you heading now?" asked Guinevere.

"I'm on my way to Odin's kingdom. You see I'm right back where I was at the age of sixteen winters. I still need to produce an heir to take my place as ruler one day. This must happen while I am still young enough to produce an heir. Odin's younger brother is recently widowed and he may be a suitable choice, so I am going to meet him."

"But your relatives would step in and rule, correct?" asked Merlin.

"Yes. But my father's brother and his family live in a faraway land. They have never had an interested in the crown, nor do I believe they have the discipline to rule. If Glastonia is to stand the test of time we must have strong consistent leadership. I need an heir that I can mould and groom to rule just as I was. "

As Edlyn spoke about her meeting with Odin's brother, Guinevere saw the shift in Bennett's eyes. She recognized the look as one she had herself only a few short years ago. She remembered standing in the throne room watching as Arthur made his marital vow to a princess of another land. She remembered that pain, even now she could feel a knot in her stomach at the memory. Her soul mate was being forcibly taken from her. But thankfully Arthur followed his heart that day.

She looked away in disgust. This noble versus peasant custom could have cost them both a lifetime of happiness. She wondered if Edlyn felt the same way as Bennett. After a few moments of careful observation while Edlyn continued to chat with Arthur and Merlin, her question was answered. Bennett refilled Edlyn's cup, and she saw how her eyes softened. It was subtle, but it was definitely there.

Now that her story was complete it became more of a free flowing conversation. The conversation eventually turned, and Arthur and Bennett were now engaged in a discussion of military strategy. Merlin simply sat there taking it all in. This finally allowed for a little "Queens chat."

Guinevere motioned to Edlyn and the two women stood across the parlor by the window. Guinevere leaned into Edlyn "I don't mean to pry, but I see a spark between you and Bennett. You care for each other."

Edlyn looked at her in surprise "I didn't know it was so obvious."

"It isn't. But all those years as a servant really does teach you to pay careful attention to everything and everyone around you."

"Oh my yes" said Edlyn, remembering her forced servitude.

"When you were in my kingdom you mentioned that you were a servant." She looked Guinevere over. "I still can't conceive of you as being anything but nobility. You truly do have the face and bearing of a Queen."

"Thank you."

"So it is easy to understand how Arthur could select you."

"It wasn't easy at all. Usually when he saw me I had an apron on and a tray in my hands. My hair was shorter because as a servant it's much easier to manage. There were no fancy perfumes or adornments and very often I had bags under my eyes from not getting enough sleep.

"My point is that he had to see beyond that, she who I really was. See that we were meant to be together."

"I can't imagine you as a maid, but it's hardly a stretch to imagine you as royalty with a face like that, in spite of any bags under your eyes. But, Bennett… well look at him. He's so coarse, so rough. He hardly looks like he belongs in the nobility, much less to be royalty."

"But don't you see. Having the right look wasn't why Arthur married me. There were plenty of princesses and noble women that were beautiful, refined and acceptable. And most of them would have given their right arm to be with him. But Arthur and I had a connection and that's what really mattered. So he fought for us. He fought against his father… and lost. Once his father no longer stood in our way then he fought against the opposition of the council, the nobility and all the other naysayers. He stood by our love and eventually everyone learned to accept it. Don't Bennett's his station or his looks deny you a life of love."

Edlyn just stood looking at her, taking in her words. "Again you affirm why you should be Queen. You have much wisdom."

"Thank you."

"I will continue on my present journey, but I will consider your words."

The visit ended not long after, and Edlyn, Bennett and the rest of the delegation continued south on their journey to Odin's kingdom.

Arthur, and Guinevere with Thomas in her arms stood on the steps of the courtyard to wish them farewell. Arthur watched the procession leave and Guinevere saw something in his eyes. Something that she had seen more often recently. She didn't want to see it, but there it was. Inwardly she sighed, she would not make this difficult for him.

"It's Ok Arthur, I know it's time for you to leave again."

"What?"

"I can see it in your eyes. There is another mission or quest on the horizon. But unlike in the past, I won't be asking to go with you for quite some time." She kissed Thomas' forehead.

"There is a quest, but I can't leave you and Thomas unprotected. Last time I left…"

"You have a destiny to fulfill, quests to accomplish. You have made adjustments to the security standards and we must trust that all will be well."

"I don't know… I…"

"Go and do what you must. We will be here when you return." She said with a reassuring smile.

He kissed her gently "You are so perfect Guinevere."

She rolled her eyes "So tell me about this new adventure, this quest."

In spite of himself his eyes lit up. "Have you heard of a cup called the Holy Grail?"

A/N: Thank you for reading all the way through. Please review and let me know what you thought.

Your comments have meant so much and have really helped the process. While I do value every comment (positive and negative) there are a couple of people that I have to acknowledge because their reviews literally altered the story.

A special thanks to:

Lara Smith – For pushing me to question the intensity of each chapter. Melwas was never going to die, but he got beat up more than I had originally written because of her comments.

GuardianIzz – Because of his (or her) comments, I actually wrote the scene where Arthur finds out about Guinevere being kidnapped. I was only going to reference it.

Lastly, I've got my next story in the works. There's about 6 pages written so far, and I should be ready to start posting in a few of months.

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