Felicity couldn't believe the events that took place in less than an hour. There was no time to ask questions. Not when Gavin needed her.
He swayed and fell to the ground, motionless, Excalibur still glowing faintly beside him. She screamed and rushed to him, her heart pounding as she fell to her knees, cradling his face in her hands. His breathing was shallow, his skin cold.
"Gavin, stay with me," she pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please."
As she held him, the amulet around his neck began to glow softly. A faint warmth spread through his body, and his eyes fluttered open, meeting hers.
"Felicity?" His voice was weak, but he was alive.
Relief flooded her, and she let out a sob as she brushed a lock of Gavin's hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering for just a moment as if reassuring herself that he was truly here, truly alive. His heartbeat, faint but steady, thumped beneath her touch, and she silently thanked whatever magic still lingered in the air.
"You saved Camelot," she repeated, her voice soft, marveling at the enormity of what they had just survived.
Gavin smiled faintly, leaning into her. "If I remember correctly we saved Camelot... You and Sir Lancelot. Felicity, you believed in me when I didn't believe in myself."
She pressed a kiss to his temple, letting her lips linger against his skin. "That's what love is, Gavin."
Sir Lancelot cleared his throat with a good-natured grin. "As much as I enjoy a happy ending, we should get you somewhere warm before you collapse again."
Felicity chuckled, helping Gavin to his feet with Lancelot's assistance. "He's right," she said, looping her arm around Gavin's waist to support him. "But once you're fully healed, I expect you to make good on that promise you made."
Gavin raised an eyebrow, his grin mischievous despite his exhaustion. "Which promise? The one where I said we'd travel across kingdoms or the one where I swore you'd be my queen?"
She flushed, warmth blooming in her chest. "Both."
"Deal," he whispered, brushing a kiss against her lips.
As they walked toward the castle gates, villagers began to emerge from their homes, cautious but hopeful, as the first rays of sunlight painted Camelot's towers in gold. The echoes of victory rippled through the streets, and knights saluted Gavin as they passed, recognizing their king in the making.
The gates of the castle swung open, and waiting on the steps was Merlin, his eyes twinkling with wisdom and pride. "Well done, all of you," he said, placing a gentle hand on Gavin's shoulder. "Destiny isn't always kind, but today, it rewarded the brave."
Felicity smiled through the tears still drying on her cheeks. "Grandfather? Tell me honestly... Did you put a spell on Sir Lancelot's shield?"
Both Merlin and Lancelot laughed heartily. Merlin nodded. "I knew the man would be a wonderful, dedicated knight, and that he and Gavin needed each other."
She hugged her grandfather. "So, what happens now?"
Merlin's gaze softened as he looked between them. "Now? You get to write your own story. Camelot's future is no longer bound by prophecyâit's yours to shape."
The words settled over her like a comforting blanket, and she turned into Gavin's arms, laying her head against his strong chest. They had defied fate, shattered the chains of prophecy, and carved out a future of their own making.
Soon, they were surrounded by other knights, and people from the village as they entered into the castle's courtyard. The spacious grounds was alive with the sound of whispers, but the air held an almost sacred stillness.
Suddenly, everything grew quiet as if someone had switched off the power. Felicity swung her gaze toward the center of attention. King Hector. His ceremonial crown resting heavily upon his head. His eyes were solemn as they swept across the crowd, finally resting on Gavin.
Felicity held her breath, entwining her fingers with Gavin's, not sure what would happen now. They had beaten the witch, and now King Hector was their next obstacle. She could feel the tension in Gavin's muscles, the weight of this moment pressing down on him. But when he glanced at her, she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. You've earned this, her eyes silently told him.
King Hector cleared his throat. "For years, I have carried this crown, acting as steward to a kingdom that was never truly mine. I was tasked with preserving it, with protecting it, but I always knew this day would come." He paused, his gaze unwavering as he turned to Gavin. "The day the rightful king would return."
Felicity's breath hitched as she watched Gavin's face soften with both humility and determination.
King Hector continued, his voice firm. "Arthur Gavin Beaumont, you have proven yourself not through birthright alone, but through courage, wisdom, and sacrifice. You wielded Excalibur not for power, but for the good of the people. You've saved Camelot from ruin, and for that, you've earned more than a throneâyou've earned the trust of its people."
The weight of his words echoed like the final strike of a bell. With steady hands, King Hector removed the crown from his head. The sunlight reflected off its golden surface, casting shimmering patterns on the crown's jewels.
Hector approached Gavin and stopped just in front of him, holding the crown out in both hands. Gavin hesitated for a moment, his breath catching as the enormity of the gesture hit him. But Felicity gently nudged his arm. He stepped forward and knelt on one knee.
"I accept this responsibility," Gavin said, his voice strong despite the emotion flickering in his eyes. "Not as a prize, but as a promiseâto protect Camelot and all who call it home."
With a reverent nod, King Hector placed the crown upon Gavin's head. "Rise, King Arthur," Hector declared, his voice carrying the weight of generations. "And claim your destiny."
Gavin stood, the crown gleaming against his hair, and for a moment, Felicity felt as though time itself held its breath. The knights knelt, their armor clanking as one unified sound. The nobles followed, bowing their heads in respect.
Her heart swelled with pride as she watched him. They finally won. There would be peace once again in this land.
After a moment, Gavin glanced down at her and smiled. Not the confident smile of a king addressing his people, but the soft, familiar smile that belonged only to her.
King Hector stepped back, his role fulfilled, and the courtyard erupted in cheers as the banners of Camelot unfurled from the rafters. The sound of trumpets echoed, filling the air with the promise of a new era.
Gavin turned toward her, cupping her face in his hands, the crowd blurring around them.
"I couldn't have done this without you," he whispered.
"And you won't have to," she replied, her voice steady, filled with love. "I'll be by your sideâalways."
He leaned in, their lips meeting briefly in a kiss that felt like both a promise and a victory.
By the time the sun climbed higher into the morning sky, Camelot had a new king. But more importantly, its king had someone by his side who had proven that love, loyalty, and courage could change the course of fate.
And as King Arthur led his people into a future free from prophecy's chains, Felicity knew their happily ever after had only just begun.
THE END