Thank you LaurenTuckley for your inspiration and suggestions.

Chapter Nineteen, The Wedding

It took a few months of planning, as they'd decided for a spring wedding which would be enough time for Merlyn's mother, and Gwaine's mother and sister to get to Camelot from Ealdor and Mercia respectively. The reason why it had taken so long, (Merlyn now being five months), was because Uther was unsure of a battalion from Mercia being in Camelot. Fearing treason as he always did.
"Why would a battalion of Merician guards need to pick up Merlyn's mother and why do they need to be in Camelot?" Uther shrewdly asked Gwaine, in front of the whole court.
"Because Sire, my sister is married to Lord Bayard's son, Benjamin and my mother lives there as well." Gwaine explained, causing whispers to spread amongst the court.

"So, not only do you have connections through your father being a Knight in Caerleon but your sister will be the next Queen of Mercia?" Uther questioned. "You do know that your betrothed almost caused a war between us and Mercia several years ago!"
"Father!!? You know that is not true!" Arthur shouted, but he was ignored.
"No she did not. She was tricked by an evil sorceress playing as Bayard's maid. Tricked into drinking the wine so Arthur would race to save her and die in the process therefore killing Merlyn as well. Everyone knows, your enemies included, that Merlyn fights alongside Arthur and will protect him despite only being his maid. I've written to Bayard myself and explained this and he does not hold Merlyn accountable." Gwaine stated firmly.
"Very well." Uther sighed, getting up from his throne and dismissing the court as he and Morgana left.

***

Two weeks later the battalion from Mercia arrived with a red curly haired, Benjamin at the front with a gorgeous woman with brown eyes and dark brown hair, but lighter than Gwaine's, was dressed in a cerulean dress sat beside him on her own horse. Behind them on two more horses were a woman that Merlyn recognised and was most eager to hug; her mother. Besides her was a woman around her age, with curly blonde hair and blue eyes and was dressed in a paler blue dress than her daughter.
"Prince Benjamin, welcome to Camelot." Uther greeted them. "And this must be your lovely wife, Esmerelda."
Benjamin did not look impressed with Uther especially as he saw how tired and weary his soon to be sister looked.

"Yes, thank you." He drawled, his pale green eyes looking over the welcoming party disdainfully until he looked at Merlyn and Gwaine where he beamed happily.
"This is my mother-in-law Lady Adelaide and Merlyn's wonderful mother, Hunith." He said, as he helped his wife off of her horse while Mercian guards helped Lady Adelaide and Hunith off of their horses.
"Mother." Merlyn exclaimed happily, breaking from the welcoming party and hugging her mother.

"Oh, my sweet girl, you look weary to the bone. You must rest more." Hunith said worriedly, looking over her five month pregnant daughter. "But oh how I have missed you."
"I missed you too, mother." Merlyn said, sounding like the eighteen year old girl she was. Shocking Arthur, Gwen and Leon as they'd never heard her like that and they suddenly realised with a jolt that Merlyn wasn't of age like they were, she was only a girl. A protective desire surged through Arthur and Leon stronger than before.
"I apologise for Merlyn -" Uther started, but was cut off by Gwaine greeting his mother, sister and brother.

"Hello mother, sister and brother. Dear sister, has Ben been treating you well?" Gwaine asked, hugging his mother, then his sister, and then clapping Benjamin in a manly hug patting each other's backs.
"But of course I have, dear brother. You know Esme is my world." Benjamin said, hugging Esmerelda around the waist and kissing her temple lovingly. "Have you been looking after my sister in law?"
"I have. Merlyn is my world also. Mother, Esme, Ben, this is my lovely fiancée Merlyn, her mother Hunith as you know, and her uncle Gaius." Gwaine introduced Merlyn who stood smiling shyly, as Gaius and her mother interacted again. "Merlyn, Gaius. This is my sister Esmerelda but she likes Esme, her husband Benjamin but he likes Ben, and my mother Lady Adelaide." Gwaine introduced.

"Please, no need for that Lady nonsense we're family." Adelaide said, stopping Merlyn and Gaius from curtsying and bowing respectively. Esme and Ben offer similar announcements.
"Dear sister, you are so beautiful." Esme said, pulling Merlyn in for a gentle hug followed by Ben and Adelaide.
"As are you, Esme. I've never had a sister." Merlyn said quietly.
"Well now you do." Esme stated firmly, linking her arms with Merlyn.
"And a brother in me." Ben declared, making Merlyn smile.
"Would you like to come and have refreshments with me Lady Adelaide and Princess Esme?" Morgana asked sweetly.
"I think not." Esme declared, glaring at Morgana. "I saw how you were glaring darkly at my sweet sister, here, so mother and I will have nothing to do with you. And it's Princess Esmerelda to non-family members so I suggest you use it!"

Morgana huffed and stormed off while Uther looked furious. Arthur and Sir Leon were trying to hide their smirks but were failing miserably.
"My daughter is so passionate when it comes to family. I'm sure you understand Uther." Adelaide said diplomatically, although her eyes said she agreed with Esme and Uther knew it too. "Now, why is Merlyn so weary to the bone when she is five months with child?" She asked fiercely.
"She's my maid but I've been trying to get her to rest but she often refuses. Even Sir Leon, Gaius and Gwaine have tried." Arthur said unsurely and hesitantly.
"Yeah, but with Camelot being attacked every five minutes because of your father, how can I rest?" Merlyn muttered quietly, but Esme and her mother who stood on either side of her heard and frowned in worry and concern.

"Well that changes now. She will be resting with full pay until after the birth. If she is needed it is only for emergencies and they have to be cleared by Gaius before she does them. This is not up for debate Uther. Now, I would like to freshen up so we can plan and set up for the wedding at the end of the week." Adelaide said firmly.
"I can help." Gwen offered. "Gwen, my Lady." She added curtsying to Lady Adelaide. "I've been making Merlyn's wedding dress and helping her plan when Gwaine is busy with his Knight duties. I can also show you to your rooms."

"Thank you Gwen." Ben said gratefully. "Merlyn, Gaius, Hunith, we'll see you shortly. Gwaine there's some things we need to talk about." With that the family left, leaving the rest of the welcoming party on the steps wondering what had just happened and looking cautiously at Uther.

***

Gwaine's family had been told the truth about Merlyn after being sworn to secrecy and they had promised that if worse came to the worst, they would protect Merlyn, the baby, her mother and Gaius and obviously Gwaine. They were amazed at how kind Merlyn was despite all those against her just because of how she was born, and they all knew the baby would be as well and they all strived to protect them all. They even went as far as to make plans to get them all out of Camelot safely and to Mercia where they would be protected if it came down to it.

With everything planned out; along with her measurements taken, and Gwaine and Merlyn had finally picked emerald green and gold for the colour theme; Merlyn was under strict instructions to rest under the watchful eye of Gaius. While Hunith, Esme, Gwen, Adelaide and the servants they brought with them (Gregory, Pamela, Henri and Violet) got things ready for the wedding. While Ben and Gwaine were under strict instructions from Adelaide to keep an eye on Morgana at all times. She trusted the witch as far as she could throw her.

***

The day had finally arrived. Merlyn's stomach felt like it held butterflies due to her nervous excitement which is not helped by the baby kicking furiously. Gwen had arrived this morning with the most beautiful wedding dress she'd ever seen. Not that she had seen any before now, but still. It was pure white with ivory stripes on the neckline, arms and the belt around the waist, there were also white pearls in the shape of a flower in the middle of the neckline and directly below it on the belt. There were also emerald green jewelled flat shoes, and the dress was in an off-the-shoulder neckline and had bell sleeves. Gwen had stayed to help Hunith get Merlyn ready, working together on her hair and makeup while Merlyn rubbed soothing circles on her stomach.

"There we go, you look beautiful, my darling." Hunith said, tears in her eyes as Gwen held up a mirror to show Merlyn. Hunith was wearing an emerald green dress. Merlyn gasped once she saw herself in the mirror and couldn't believe that was really her. Her midnight black hair had been twisted back with a few strands framing her face and white flowers worked into her hair. Her eyes were outlined by dark black colour making her blue eyes pop, a shimmery silver on her eyelids and rose pink on her lips.
"Thank you, mother. Thank you Gwen." Merlyn said gratefully, after they'd helped her into her dress. Hunith wiping away the tears that were cascading down her cheeks but more kept on falling. "Mother, don't cry." Merlyn begged, upset.

"Oh, my sweet little bird. I can't believe you're getting married at eighteen. I just wish your father was here to see you." Hunith said, embracing her daughter, while Gwen left Merlyn's bedroom to give them a private moment.
"Me too, mother. He loved you so much. I'm so sorry he died saving me. I couldn't heal him, it was too deep." Merlyn sobbed.
"It is not your fault sweetheart. You are his daughter he'd do anything to protect you just as I and Gaius would. Just as you and Gwaine will protect my grandchild. Do not blame yourself for I do not." Hunith said sternly, before embracing her daughter once again as they took solace in each other. 

Once they'd calmed down they left Merlyn's bedroom and entered the main room where Gaius was moved upon the sight of his pseudo daughter.
"My dear girl, you look beautiful and I'm so grateful you want this old man to walk you down the aisle." Gaius said, kissing the top of her head.
"I'd have no one else, Gaius." Merlyn said sincerely.
"Well then, we better get you to the Ceremonial Hall. Gwen is checking things over with Esme and Adelaide." Gaius informed his niece and great-niece, linking one arm with Merlyn while she linked the other with her mother who held Merlyn's white rose bouquet until they got to the Hall. The trio walked arm in arm all the way down to the Hall, where Hunith placed a soft kiss to her daughter's forehead, handed her the bouquet and entered first followed by Gaius and Merlyn once the music started.

Upon entering the Hall Merlyn was amazed at how well Gwen, Esme, her mother and Adelaide had dressed the Hall with the help of some servants. Silk banners of gold and emerald green streamed beautifully around the large Hall, wreaths of white roses wrapped around the pillars. Long tables in the banquet hall could be seen through the open doors, topped with white candles, ornaments of white roses, golden cutlery and a beautiful five tier green and white cake sat on a round table beneath a golden silk tablecloth. Gwaine stood beside Geoffrey Mornment at the bottom of the steps at the back of the room, dressed in a smart white shirt, black waistcoat, black trousers and black boots. Merlyn barely noticed everyone standing to their feet as she and Gaius entered; as her eyes were locked on Gwaine's.

A wide smile spread across Gwaine's face as he looked at Merlyn, the grin almost splitting his face in two, as tears built up in his eyes. Which was most likely a mirror image to her face, Merlyn thought.
"You look gorgeous my bird." Gwaine said, kissing Merlyn's cheek as soon as Gaius and Merlyn had reached him.
"And you look so handsome." Merlyn said,
"Thank you Gaius." Merlyn added, kissing Gaius's cheek before taking his seat besides Hunith, Esme had come and taken the bouquet once she'd reached Gwaine. Somehow Merlyn and Gwaine made it through the appropriate parts of the Ceremony, although, they didn't know how as they were lost in each other's eyes until it got to the vows.

"Merlyn and Gwaine have chosen to perform the traditional act of handfasting for their vows." Geoffrey informed, as he wrapped a white silk cloth around their hands followed by a flowered vine.
"Do you Sir Gwaine Lotsson, Knight of Camelot take Merlyn Ambrosia to be your lawful wedded wife to have and to hold, through sickness and in health; for better or worse; for richer or poorer. For as long as you both shall live?" Geoffrey asked, only pausing to ask for Merlyn's last name as no one in Camelot knew it. Uther frowned slightly recognising the name but quickly brushed it off.
"I do." Gwaine agreed happily.

"Do you Merlyn Ambrosia take Sir Gwaine Lotsson, a Knight of Camelot to be your lawful wedded husband to have and to hold, through sickness and in health; for better or worse; for richer or poorer. For as long as you both shall live?" Geoffrey asked.
"I do." Merlyn agreed happily.
"Then by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride." Geoffrey said, as he unwrapped their joined hands and Merlyn and Gwaine slipped identical silver ice topaz rings on to each other's left ring fingers. As their friends and family erupted into cheers, Gwaine pulled Merlyn into his arms kissing her passionately, bending them backwards for a deeper kiss that lasted several minutes.

When they finally pulled back so they could catch their breath, everyone erupted into cheers again, throwing confetti over them as they made their way back down the aisle.
"You look very handsome, Gwaine." Merlyn said, kissing his cheek as they stood before the tables in the banquet hall waiting to greet their guests before dinner.
"And you look stunning. When I saw you, you took my breath away, for it felt like my heart had stopped beating." Gwaine said, his voice husky as he pulled her in for another passionate kiss. That is until they were interrupted by Gaius and Arthur clearing their throats.

"Oh, congratulations baby." Hunith cried happily, hugging Merlyn tightly as she started crying again.
"Come on Hunith, let someone else congratulate them." Gaius said, trying to coax Hunith to let Merlyn go even if he looked like he wanted to do the same.
"Congratulations to both of you." Adelaide and Esme said happily.
"Thank you." Gwaine and Merlyn said, wide grins on their faces.
"Congratulations." Arthur, Ben and Sir Leon congratulated. Although the looks Arthur and Leon were giving Gwaine promised a world of pain if he ever hurt Merlyn in any way.

***

After a wonderful meal and the speeches which elicited many laughs, smiles and tears it was time for the first dance.
"May I have this dance, my Merlyn bird?" Gwaine asked. Smiling Merlyn placed her hand in his and let him lead her to the dance floor where she wrapped her arms around his neck and Gwaine wrapping his around her waist, only pausing to rub her bump gently. .
"Of course My Knight. Who am I to turn down a dance with my amazing husband?" Merlyn teased, kissing his cheek and causing Gwaine to laugh. "Hope missed you this morning. She would not stop kicking me."
"Hope? So you agree then?" Gwaine asked, with a large and almost giddy smile.
"I'll admit she feels more like a girl." Merlyn admitted, causing them both to laugh happily.

They had a wonderful evening dancing with each other and their friends and family. Thankfully after the ceremony, which they had been forced to attend, Uther and Morgana didn't attend the celebrations so they had a moment of peace so they could enjoy their wedding. Merlyn only hoped Morgana and Morgause did not make their move while she was heavily pregnant as she would not be able to protect Arthur without putting her baby at risk and that was something she seriously did not want. She didn't want to have to choose between her baby and Arthur.