Uruk's Queen

by FateInspiration

Summary:

A worthy princess must always do her duty, even when a famous tyrant king comes to claim her hand in exchange for saving her country from destruction. But in reality, was it not she who saved him?

Arturia is forced to leave her country for another where life is so different from home. Will she live up to expectations?

Chapter 1: Introduction

Notes:

This fanfiction is inspired by the characters in Fate and the living conditions of women in certain eras. Elements are not historically correct.
Chapters vary in length. Some are very short, others very long. I preferred ease of reading.
I'm not English. Thanks to Lime for being my beta tester.

Arturia was suffering from a terrible headache.

Lack of sleep and regular nausea made this condition worse.

The dark circles under her eyes had invaded her face and her poor appearance gave the impression that she was ill. In the morning, when she was being prepared, they tried to improve her complexion with makeup and tricks. But the illusion had ended up not being effective any more and the people who crossed her in these circumstances showed themselves worried, rumours circulated and she heard the murmurs on her passage. So Arturia had decided to reduce her public appearances to only the bare essentials, thus limiting the embarrassment around the royal couple... until time would calm everything down.

But her condition was not improving.

The servants finished undoing her crown and hair for the night. They brush her hair carefully while she looks in the mirror and sees only a shadow of herself. A tired woman... A walking corpse.

They help her to undo her clothes for the bath, they soak and wash her body in perfumed water and once she gets out  they finish putting her in a lighter, more comfortable outfit for sleep, Arturia signals with her hand to dismiss them.

The tension in her shoulders eases when she is finally alone. Her somewhat skinny hands pick up her shawl sitting on a chair that she puts over her shoulders and as she walks across the room, she has glanced at the bed with a sideways glance.

So tired... she fought sleep and looked away to the balcony.

The night was cool, but the queen didn't mind as she enjoyed the gentle evening breeze on her face. The starry sky was beautiful here, yet so different from her memory of watching the world with Merlin. She recognized a few constellations that should not have been so high in the sky and the North Star was only visible from the other side of the ziggurat.

Everything here was different, everything had a different flavor, different colors, different mentality and know-how. All these things she had learned to appreciate in a certain way.

Snuggled up in her shawl, she sat in a soft armchair. She was enjoying this moment of tranquility and was fighting as best she could against her urge to sleep to avoid ruining everything. She would be alone again tonight and she had her own misfortune... but she didn't want to anticipate what would happen, again.

Enjoying the present moment, she repeated herself indefinitely.

Minutes pass and heavy footsteps are heard behind her, the queen slowly turns around to see the huge beast moving into her room with tranquility.

The old lion had learned to open doors long ago, and it had been a long time since he regularly visited Arturia in the hope of getting some tenderness. The queen smiled, she reached out her hand and the old lion gently rubbed against her, savoring the gesture in her mane. He shows his affection by licking her fingers and purrs softly as he rests his head on her lap.

"Anbu... what would I do without you?"

The animal just closed his eyes while she stroked his fur. This moment was the greatest comfort she could hope for, so nice and it brought her some warmth in this cold night.

The queen settled more comfortably in her armchair while caressing her furry friend. He so faithful and so close to her.

Although another presence would have been preferable for this night.

Chapter 2: Act 1 - Chapter 1 - When he becomes the only hope.

~ ONE YEAR AGO ~

-

ACT 1 - Chapter 1

 

---

 

"... It has been months now since Vortigen turned into a Dragon and began ravaging my kingdom. The situation in Britain has reached a critical level. Our resources are dwindling, my forces are unable to cope with the invaders and the evil that terrorizes the population. My hands and feet are tied, King Gilgamesh. Your stories and legends have crossed the borders, your strength and your greatness are no longer to be proven. That is why I turn to you and beg you to help us. I am ready to offer you anything you want. My life if need be!"  

Her father's speech was humiliating, but it was a decision that had been made with much time and thought.

Arturia had prostrated herself with her father in front of the golden throne, her presence here was only a support to her father's words. Two members of the royal family of Great Britain came in person. There was the hope that this would  bring home the gravity  of the situation. Merlin allowed a quick trip through a magic circle to prevent the king from being away for too long.

They were accompanied by two knights, Lancelot and Kay, to ensure their protection in such a remote area, but it was required that they remain outside the throne room, armed to the teeth.

There was a silence after King Uther's speech. Which was not a good sign, according to Arturia. She was very tense, she had taken the time to observe him when they arrived in the throne room. An imposing man capable of destroying an army on his own, being able to face fierce creatures from the gods. The intimidation was there. The man seemed to take their visit as a spectacle that came to him. Relaxed on his throne, he watched them, sipping from a cup of wine that he had drunk in one gulp and continually refilled for the umpteenth time since their arrival. She felt his gaze weighing on her from the moment he had given them his attention, a gaze that pierced her and made her uncomfortable. But now, she contented herself with observing the ground, her hand itched, holding herself back from chasing this look away from her as if it were an insect.

But she remains calm, very calm.

"A so-called King from a distant land, breaking into  my kingdom, and demands that I do his dirty work like a poor servant rolled in the dust…Isn’t it hilarious Siduri?" 

A woman at the foot of the throne bowed her head. "Yes, your majesty."

An unpleasant laugh was heard.

"And in exchange, this Mongrel offers me his life? His life is no more valuable than an insect, just like a cockroach staining my vision."

Her father had many faults, but Arturia was outraged by such talk. Her father was humiliating himself in front of a foreign king and he was being treated so badly. She didn't have much affection for her father, but she loved her country enough to recognize the effort that was being made for it.

"King Gilgamesh..." Uther began.

"I have had enough. Get out of my sight. I am merciful enough to let you live. At dawn, your presence shall no longer soil my Ziggurat."

That old man Uther was no longer young enough to handle failure and insult. Arturia saw him clench his fist in anger and frustration. King Gilgamesh was not even willing to think about it. 

Seeing her father about to collapse, Arturia immediately stood up to grab his shoulders and help him up. The heat of the place must not have helped a man of such an advanced age and their clothes were too hot for such an environment.

Once he was up, Arturia held his arm to help him stay stable. But she was also angry at such treatment. She allowed herself to send an fierce glare towards King Gilgamesh sitting on his throne with a smug look on his face, his piercing red eyes watching them... When their eyes met, his eyes squint at her boldness, but his advisor Siduri approached the two visitors with two guards.

Arturia gave them no opportunity to come between her and the King. "O King! Your reputation and power precede you." The princess's loud voice echoed throughout the hall. The king raised an eyebrow, Uther placed his hand on his daughter's arm. "There are many who are willing to bow to you, to serve you, to ask for your support. We are among those people you consider beggars, ready to acknowledge anything to you for even a little help... but tell me... are you so amused by our torment? O King Gilgamesh?! What you consider entertaining in truth  it is not befitting  of a king or of a hero"  

She pronounced his name as if she were spitting poison. The cup of wine in the king's hand creaked, a vein drew in his forehead and his brows furrowed. Their gaze clashed for barely a second... before King Uther collapsed. Arturia quickly turns around to catch her father who is losing consciousness.

“Father!!”

An icy silence fell in the room. Audience was taken aback by the words of the princess. Arturia was the only one to move to support her father...

"Leave..." Repeated Gilgamesh as if he only had a headache, surprising his subjects who expected his ire on the two visitors.

Arturia wanted to take one last look at the King, but Siduri interfered in her field of vision, indicating to the princess that it was over. In her eyes, one could read that she begged Arturia not to insist and that she had to leave.

The guards helped Uther out of the throne room and Arturia followed Siduri who urged her out.

Notes:

Given the enthusiasm for this fic thanks to the presentation and introduction, I didn't want to keep you waiting too long. I hope you like it :)

Chapter 3: Act 1 - Chapter 2 - Never give up

ACT 1  - Chapter 2

 

---

 

Isolated in a room, there was only a bed on which King Uther lay, a table and chairs. Kay had taken a seat on one of the chairs, watching his king for a moment before being annoyed by Arturia pacing around the room. Lancelot, near the door, was content to remain silent, also watching the young woman.

Arturia was on edge. There were only a few hours left before they had to leave. Her father was visibly unwell. The environment, the heat, and perhaps even Merlin's magic had made him ill.  Her father could do nothing to convince King Gilgamesh ...

But King Gilgamesh did not seem inclined to listen, not at all. He was very indifferent towards their cause, even when his past prowess was acknowledged. There was a strange detachment while his reputation for arrogance made him seem more like he appreciated being recognized for what he is, which further angered Arturia.

"Arty..." Kay was tired of seeing the princess like this. "You're going to dig up the ground if you keep this up."

Arturia ignored him.

"You should at least rest." continues Lancelot.

At his voice, the princess turned to him, as if he had just said something stupid. "Fatigue does not ail me, and how can I remain calm?" She turned to Kay. "I have to do something."

"This is a country where they cut off the hands of thieves. Do you really believe they will allow a foreign woman an audience?”

Kay stood still as Arturia glared at him. Lancelot approached.

"He's right. We'll find other solutions. We'll find volunteers... I can..."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Arturia's gaze was on him with concern. Would she really allow her friend to be sent to his death? “While your skills is recognised by our master at arms  Sir Ector, my father's knights, Merlin and I, that is not a cause to risk your life. Vortigern will not be amused by giving you or others a second chance. King Gilgamesh has an arsenal that could stand up to this monster. If not him, who else?"   

"I will!" Lancelot insisted. "If I die, it will be with honors”

His intense gaze, accentuated by the framing of his short hair that fell on his forehead, made the woman incredulous, but Kay rose from his chair and stepped between them. "Enough, no one is going to sacrifice themselves and we can always look for another solution. In a few hours the king should be fine and we can go home."

"I said I had to do something and I will do it."

“Arty…”

"My decision is made." She turned to the door, but the two knights tried to stop her. "Out of my way…"

"We can't do that."

"If you don't step aside, I promise you the worst jobs for a year in the latrine..." And she will.

Kay raised his hands in surrender and Lancelot sighed at her stubbornness. They stepped aside and Arturia opened the door to meet two guards in front of it. They looked at her menacingly, she did the same in return.

"I demand to see King Gilgamesh." The two guards looked at each other with a look of not understanding and did not move.

Of course, they must not have spoken English. Arturia tried to pass, but they did not let her  go forward, their spears getting in her way. However...

"Is there a problem?"

Arturia recognized the king's advisor, Siduri. She was accompanied by two maids carrying food and drink for their unexpected guests.

“Lady Siduri…”

Notes:

Next update, Christmas Day, youhou !

Chapter 4: Act 1 - Chapter 3 - The drift of a king

Notes:

Merry Christmas everyone ^^

ACT 1  - Chapter 3

---

 

"You should know, Princess Arturia, I will not be able to guarantee your safety once you face him."

"I thank you for agreeing to give me a chance to talk to him."

"You don't understand... His majesty is... Don't upset him. For your sake, don't upset him."

"I will do what needs to be done..."

Siduri looked at her for a moment before nodding and she moved out of her way to let her pass. Arturia walked slowly into a large garden with breathtakingly beautiful greenery and the path she took guided her into an open area lit by torches and braziers under the starry Uruk sky.

There he was, sprawled on a couch covered with finely embroidered cushions, slumped as if the world no longer interested him, holding in his hand the same golden cup she had seen in the throne room. King Gilgamesh, dressed in a simple red cloth on his chest, his jewels torn off by the trouble of wearing them and a simple wide white pentalon, was there, lost in his thoughts, emptying the cup and noting that it was empty with a bad mood.

Arturia observed him click his tongue and straighten up to catch the jug on the small tripod table. Nonchalantly, he filled his cup, while the lion who was keeping him company, lying on the floor at the foot of the couch, raised his head in Arturia's direction, this new smell having attracted his attention.

The Princess' lips pursed when Gilgamesh deigned to turn his gaze towards her, alerted by his pet. At first he seemed extremely annoyed to be disturbed in his drinking effort. But when he recognised her, a strange sparkle appeared in his eyes.

The lion growls, slowly getting up.

Arturia remained unmoved.

"Go away..." The king ordered her coldly.

But the princess did not move, keeping her attention on him as the lion approached and circled her

"I need to talk to you."

Gilgamesh tilts his head to the side, flashing a strange, but hardly comforting smile. "Well, lo and behold...  The Little Northerner can consider herself lucky to still have her tongue, sneaks into my garden and demands an audience... Could it be the irrepressible need to make amends?" At this he drank his cup in one gulp and stood up at the same time.

Arturia makes every effort to ignore the menacing lion around her legs, but the animal was very demonstrative about its ability to tear her flesh apart in an instant. "No, I am...."

"Really?" Gilgamesh was beginning to approach, his face clearly annoyed. "If not to make amends for the impertinence she displayed in my entire court, why would a little lioness come here, alone, to face her king? The first thing I'll expect is to see you bowing down, on the ground, begging for me to spare you and willing to do anything to please me."

Arturia looked up as he approached, finding his words abhorrent. She did not hide the disgust in her eyes and he was not in the mood to indulge. His pupils were slightly dilated and even if he seemed to have a remarkable control of his liquor, Arturia was not duped in front of the obvious.

The woman's face becomes serious. It was necessary to choose the right words, to convince him in a few seconds. It was necessary...

"Unless your purpose in coming here behind your father's back is not for my heroic feats that I have admirably performed in the past. But for my other conquests which I have greatly led in my bed."

Her temper flared, Arturia automatically reacted to the insult and she was in the process of slapping him when he intercepted her wrist with assured movement despite his state of inebriation. The lion roared next to her, which did not prevent her from looking severely at the king who himself did not hide his anger at her gesture.

"I'm afraid I was mistaken..." The princess paid no attention to the force on her wrist and stared at the king. "I fear you are actually of no use. I have come here to seek out the great Hero who slayed the demon of the Cedar Forest and the Bull of Heaven, but unfortunately that is a thing of the past and I am now faced with only a shadow of what he once was... A drunkard."

The grip on her wrist tightens, almost breaking her bones... but Arturia did not flinch... The combat training in her younger years was far worse than her current predictment.

"Punish me and lock me up as much as you like, it will probably be better than seeing my country annihilated. Tarnish me if it pleases you, if it will spill Vortigen’s blood. You may even kill me. When the ordeal is over, you can return to your solitude."

She resisted his force as much as she could and even his intimidation did not affect her. The king's gaze shifted and the bright red of his eyes slightly widened. She detected the change in his expression. Her words caught him off guard and gave her the opportunity, an opportunity she decided to take.

"Know that I pity you, you who could surround yourself with whomever you want and whenever you want... But I only see a disoriented and lonely man, someone lost their purpose. No one to understand you, nor to stand by your side, you isolate yourself and drink to drown in sorrow..." It was when the grip on her wrist gently loosened that she grasped the weight of his words. "What have you lost that you don't realize your own drift?"

She managed to snatch her wrist from his hand, so abruptly that the lion took it as an aggression. He roared, wanting to come between her and his master, but even though his voice was probably weaker than he would have liked, the King said "Anbu", which stopped the lion who watched Arturia in a strange way.

The woman glanced at the animal, before she turned her attention back to the king.

"She may be insightful, but she's too insolent for someone who's come to ask for support. Have you come to convince me, or are you looking to be executed for your impertinence, little lioness?"

Arturia did not appreciate the nickname. "King of Uruk... My country is at the brink of despair which has pushed us to come here in the hope of seeking aid. No matter how small it may be. Just like my father, I am willing to do anything, take my life in place of his if you want, but please, at least consider my request..."

"Is that how you consider your own worth?" Although she knew that the king considered her a bug, just like her father, this notion about life seemed to particularly annoy him. He turned to walk back to the table where the jug of wine was.

"My father is an old man and I am merely a replaceable piece. My brother will one day inherit the throne. My duty is to ensure his safety until then."

"Your duty...?" The king poured himself some more wine and took a sip, turning his gaze to Arturia. The lion was no longer threatening and sat next to the princess, looked at his master, as if waiting for his orders. "A notion of duty that is peculiar to you... little lioness."

She pursed her lips again and gently rubbed her wrist to ease the pain, a gesture the king obviously noticed, but he seemed thoughtful... very thoughtful. He licked his lips as if judging the bitterness of the wine.

"You may leave tomorrow at day break, until the,n may your dreams be pleasant.. A healer will come to see your father..." Gilgamesh watched the wine in the jug as if something began to dawn on him.

"King Gilgamesh..."

"I have given you and your father my attention, isn't that enough? Isn't this what you wanted? You have tested my patience with your impertinence more than enough... Disappear from my sight... Anbu."

The lion straightened up and returned to his master while Arturia was now ignored by the king who was more fascinated by his wine. The princess did not want to end their conversation, but she heard some footsteps approaching her at her back. A hand was placed on her shoulder. Siduri nodded. The court counselor had no more concern on her face, but a natural authority that insisted Arturia turn around. The woman motioned for Arturia to leave with her and the young woman closed her eyes in resignation.

Arturia was leaving the garden when she heard a final exchange between the King and his servant. "Siduri... this wine has soured," For some reason Arturia heard Lady Siduri reply with a small smile.

"Yes my King." And she followed Arturia to see her off.

Notes:

End of Act 1
It was short, but it doesn't need more. There will be a short hiatus for a while, as I'd like to make some progress with the writing before starting to publish Act 2 :)

Chapter 5: Act 2 - Chapitre 1

Summary:

Several weeks after their return to Camelot, the knights are preparing.

Notes:

Back again with a new, sparsely developed chapter.
The story picks up where I left off. Unfortunately I haven't done what I wanted to do over the last few months, but I didn't want to keep you waiting any longer.
The next chapter won't be long in coming. Thank you for your patience.

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO

-

ACT 2 - Chapter 1

---

 

Arturia did not hide her displeasure as she listened to this idiotic meeting. Around the long table where they were talking about strategy, a dozen knights were there, around her father, discussing how they would attack Vortigern. An assault led by one man: Lancelot.

A fool, Arturia kept telling herself, she was angry at him for being so stupid. She had tried to convince him not to carry out this project, but he was sure of himself, much too sure of himself, and her father convinced her to keep quiet, because he himself supported the project of this idiot knight.

Her little brother Arthur was next to her, sitting beside her. He was still too young to give his opinion, a little boy with no experience, but who was forced to be present to listen and learn. He was, however, concerned about his sister, who was upset. He did not like to see her upset, because she did not smile and he saw in her eyes a sadness and a fear of losing her loved ones.

Arthur was too young to be close to Lancelot or the other knights present, too young to know them and who they were. But he knew his sister well.

Her little brother takes her hand hoping to console her. His sister looks at him and smiles tenderly, grateful for his attention. She shook his hand and remained silent. She would have things to say, to all those present, but they needed her support, the support of the princess, not of a woman worried about their lives. Encouraging them will give them courage... and maybe victory.

The meeting ends, they took care to leave Arturia out of the strategy, not for her lack of competence, but for her lack of detachment... which she understood and did not want to participate in sending them to their deaths. She stands up, still holding Arthur's hand, the few knights present salute her respectfully as they pass and Lancelot stops in front of them.

It had been a long time since he was still a boy. He was a man now, a new knight who had managed to get this title in record time, an incredible talent.

"Your highness..."

Lancelot hadn't called her by her first name in several years. This always made Arturia's heart ache as she still cherished their childhood memories, but she was afraid that they would not build any new memories now... now that he was going to meet his death.

"Lan... Sir Lancelot." Arturia still had a bad habit of calling him by his first name, something she was having trouble correcting. Lancelot also greeted Arthur, but the young prince merely nodded. "May you return victorious and most importantly alive... I will pray for you."

Seeing her face, Lancelot smiled. He gently took her fingers and she gently let him bring his hand to her face to brush her skin, not having the audacity to kiss it. Arturia recognized Sir Ector's chivalrous ways and she smiled at that.

"I promise, your highness."

Lancelot freed her and left the room, followed by the other knights to whom Arturia wished them the same wishes. To come back victorious and alive. These knights who volunteered with Lancelot to kill Vortigern. An incredible courage.

Fools.

When Arturia was alone with her brother and father, she inadvertently shook Arthur's hand. "Big sister..." Said her little childlike voice.

Arturia apologizes if she ever hurts him and drops him to turn to her father.

"Satisfied? Brave men will die for nothing..."

"Don't say that Arturia."

"Yet this is the truth. Merlin himself fears the difficulty of this mission. They will die, father."

"No Arturia. They will try to stop the massacre and because of them, lives will be saved."

"All our attempts have failed! How will it be different this time?"

"Sometimes a source of motivation is enough to make a man stronger..."

"What are you talking about?"

Her father just stared at her and she didn't understand. Arthur didn't seem to mind the argument and grabbed her arm to get her attention.

"Please Arty, don't be angry...Father is doing his best."

Arturia placed her hand on his head and crouched in front of her brother while holding his hands. "I'm sorry. I'm mostly frustrated..."

He gave her that sweet smile he was so good at and she smiled back, ignoring her father's sigh at his daughter's behavior. There was no need to say more.

Chapter 6: Act 2 - Chapitre 2

Summary:

Something serious has happened.

ACT 2 - Chapter 2

---

 

Barely two days had passed when the king called an emergency meeting in the throne room. Several disturbing reports had reached him and Merlin also informed him that serious events were taking place. This portended a great upheaval for the kingdom.

Arturia tried to get him to speak, but Merlin simply smiled. "It appears that your wish has been granted, your highness." 

Words too obscure for Arturia to understand, as usual. Merlin’s comment felt vague and disturbing at the same time. They were all gathered in the throne room as her father had requested and there was a summary of the reports that had been brought to her.

"An unidentified ship has entered Britain;s water a few days ago. However, it remains offshore and has made no attempt to contact us. It is neither Saxon, Roman, nor Frankish. We are preparing to send one of our ships to meet them."

"The dragon Vortigern is behaving oddly. After ravaging a village, it flew away and showed no sign of life afterwards. Currently, Sir Lancelot and his men are heading to the last place he was seen."

"And what about that great magical energy that shook all of Britain less than a day ago? Should we expect another catastrophe?"

A silence.

Arturia glanced at Merlin.

He knew, but was reluctant to say anything. Her little brother stood by the mage, while the princess stood by her father. What was going on? Why so many strange things in just a few days? Merlin looked serene... which was annoying.

The knights stood around the throne. Kay was pensive, Percival was listening accompanied by Gareth. Gawain was not far from his cousin, Tristan and Bedivere exchanged glances. Agravain was standing on the other side of the throne.

Other men, councilors, nobles and guards were there too.

Something was going on and we had to act.

"We should send support to Sir Lancelot."

"Vortigern could be anywhere. If he attacks Camelot, we will need all the reinforcements we can get."

"The ship is possibly a Saxon scout, so we should consider securing our shores instead."

"We lack the information to act. Let's wait some more!"

A lively debate was going on and Uther remained silent. He was staring into space while listening to everyone's opinion. Arturia was watching this chaotic scene where all these people she knew were looking for solutions to their new problems... but her eyes turned once again to Merlin and the mage smiled at her.

It was a small, sad, compassionate smile as he looked at her. She watched as he stroked her brother's hair as if to reassure him, the atmosphere in the room could be unsettling for a child. For some strange reason, Arthur turned his gaze in the direction of the entrance to the throne room, as if a strong presence had just manifested itself somewhere there.

Arturia found it curious... when suddenly the doors of the room opened wide to let a man rush in.

Everyone present falls silent and moves out of the way of the guard who stops in front of Uther's throne and kneels before his king.

"My King..."

"What else is going on?"

"I inform you of the imminent arrival of his majesty, the king of Uruk, Gilgamesh..."

"What...? When?!"

"Now, my king, he has appeared before our walls... he..."

But the sound of heavy footsteps from a distant armor was soon heard on the other side of the doors. From afar, a shadowy glow could be seen, causing those he passed in his path to recoil. The guards at the opening stepped aside, holding the wooden doors wide open to allow free passage, and for some reason they themselves did not know, they bowed as a man in shining, golden armor entered the throne room.

An icy silence invaded the room.

A tall man that Arturia recognized at once advanced into the room whose presence overshadowed her father. All the knights, nobles and guards slowly moved out of his way, on their guard, ready to defend the place, but their presence reduced to the value of an insect.

The disdainful red gaze roamed the place as if he were in a disgusting kennel, judging every detail that seemed foul to him. But his gaze quickly fell on Arturia and the princess felt her breath catch.

A look that everyone noticed and everyone glanced at the woman with a worried face.

Uther slowly rose from his seat, more than a little surprised at this totally unexpected visit, fearful because of the identity of this man. "King Gilgamesh... we were not expecting your visit... you..."

Gilgamesh clicked his tongue, as if hearing the old man irritated his ears. With a bored face, he raised his hand, his eyes still on Arturia who was staring back at him. A large  halo of light appeared over the center of the room, startling the assembly who had never before seen such an impressive display of magic. Except from Merlin, perhaps.

Suddenly, a huge bloody mass fell from the golden halo and hit the ground, shaking the walls.

A head, as tall as two men and as wide as a siege catapult, dominating the space of more than half the room, now lay before them. Grayish white Scales covered the entire flesh. Its sharp teeth protruded from its open, dead mouth, and the glassy eyes watched the void.

Vortigern's head lay there in the throne room, shocking the assembly who had not expected such a display in these troubled days. Comments and whispers were made. Shocked, surprised, admiring or frightened... "Vortigern?" "Impossible." "It's the dragon." "He killed him?" "When...? How?" "Unbelievable."

Arturia did not understand what was happening. The vision was shocking and she was very surprised. Vortigern was well and truly dead and Gilgamesh was no stranger to this outcome. She looked at the creature, not realizing that a plague had just ended before her eyes. But her gaze turned away when the king finally deigned to move again, in her direction.

The few knights around her, unsure of the king's intentions, gently stepped between the king and the princess, the guards of their swords in their hands. But other golden halos appeared, weapons held at a distance Kay, Bediver and Gawain who were now threatened. Arthur, not far away, tried to join his sister, but he was held back by Merlin not to upset the king of Uruk.

Arturia watched Gilgamesh approach, just as he had done the day they met. Her eyes staring into his. She didn't know what to say and he remained silent with that enigmatic face. Everyone was watching them, everyone was worried. It was probably one of the most tense moments they had ever experienced...

Arturia felt her body contract. She didn't make a move to back away, nor did she show any fear, her hands tightened together as her face straightened to continue to see his.

The king stopped less than a meter away from her. There was neither anger nor disinterest as he watched her. Just a decision, a determination in his eyes that prevented Arturia from making her voice heard. Hypnotized by the covetousness that she succeeded in capturing in his glance.

"Accept this as an engagement gift...Princess Arturia Pendragon."

“...?”

Chapter 7: Act 2 - Chapter 3

Summary:

She has to give an answer now.

ACT 2 - Chapter 3

---

There was always a private room where a monarch could take refuge next to the throne room and it was there that Arturia took refuge after Merlin admirably managed to distract him from making her urgent need to leave the room insulting.

Arthur was entrusted to Gawain when Merlin decided to accompany Arturia. The idea that her little brother had seen something as horrible as a severed head made the princess worried about his state of mind. And knowing that he saw a man like Gilgamesh come to demand her hand in marriage made her partly angry.

But she also had her own state of mind to worry about.

Gilgamesh…

The powerful and great King Gilgamesh, whom she had voluntarily insulted a few months earlier when she came to him for help, not only granted her request by eliminating the dragon Vortigern without warning and... had just claimed her as his wife?

The situation was so insane that she was still struggling to come to terms with what had just happened…

Arturia, once the door was closed, began to pace around the room trying to gather her wits.

The situation was critical. A dangerous king was in the next room and she probably only had a few minutes to make up her mind, to give an answer... To do something... What could have gone through his mind for him to come and demand her hand? He could just as well have decided to leave her country to its own fate and in a few months Great Britain could be on fire. So why? Why did he do it? Why did he do it?

"Arturia...?" Merlin's voice seemed to be a distant sound and she didn't even pay attention to it.

She even caught herself mumbling a few words, seeming to think aloud.

"This is totally insane, improbable, what could possibly... Is he crazy? Vortigern... he's dead, well dead... betrothal... a gift... so suddenly... I don't understand..."

“Arty!”

Arty was the nickname she had acquired as a child. Kay had never lost the habit of calling her that, thinking of himself as a big brother to her. Lancelot had fallen out of the habit and thought of her as a princess. Arthur called her that from time to time, but mostly he called her Big Sister. The last person to call her by that nickname was Merlin, when he needed her to pay attention to what he was going to say.

Merlin gently grabbed her shoulders to turn her toward him.

Arturia must have looked totally lost because he offered a reassuring smile, not a childish mocking smile. Focusing on him helps her stay focused on the situation and for some reason a phrase comes to mind as she looks into his eyes.

"My wish has been granted..."

At this, Merlin smiled sadly and nodded.

Great Britain was saved... in exchange he was coming for her.

The princess would have liked to blame Merlin for not having warned her. But no words came out, she just looked at him, she saw that he was powerless over the events, just like her. He couldn't see the future, or the past, just analyze the present.

Merlin raised her . He was also her family, despite all his faults and his misunderstanding of human beings... but Arturia was also a substitute daughter for him. He came gently to take her in his arms, wrapping her in his large white cloak and she let herself do it.

"I feel like he has no intention of hurting you... He wants and he takes. He's an arrogant egotist. He's here because he needs you."

"Me?" Arturia repeated.

"I don't know what he's thinking, but you won't be in danger with him."

"Doesn't he want revenge for what happened in Uruk?"

Merlin let out a small laugh. "Men are strange sometimes..." And Merlin himself didn't understand it. Arturia looked up at him and he stroked her hair as he had when she was little, still smiling. "It may look like you don’t have a choice but I assure you that this is an opportunity..."   

Merlin stepped back.

Arturia felt her mouth go dry, because yes, this was an opportunity and yes she knew what she was going to answer too, even if it was at the expense of her own desire.

The door of the room opens again and Uther enters, worried, impatient, nervous. When he sees his daughter, he approaches her with haste... but he doesn't know what to do himself. Arturia looks at him for a few seconds, before inhaling for a moment. "Did he say anything else...?"

Uther nodded, taking his daughter's hand. A gesture he rarely made. He rarely showed affection for his children.

"He announced to me a military support and a sharing on their knowledge in weaponry..."

"A purely political marriage for you." Reproached his daughter gently.

"Yes... But this is not a man who will take no for an answer, Arturia. But I have never been able to impose anything on you other than your duties as a princess."

It's true. She may have accepted her role as a princess at puberty, as required by her country's traditions, but she's always been free in some way. "I know."

By the look on her face, Uther knew she had already chosen her answer and he would not insist further. There was no need to drag this out any longer. Arturia released her hand, uncomfortable with her father's touch, and began to walk towards the exit.

When she walked through the door, the scene had changed a bit. Gilgamesh had appropriated the throne, dressing it in red velvet cloth to sit on and Vortigern's head still lay in front of him. A terrifying scene as the red cloth dragged gently across the floor and almost brushed against the coagulating blood of the dragon, giving the impression that Gilgamesh was sitting on his remains.

Arthur was not far from the throne. No doubt the king had exchanged a few words with him, but Gawain was standing nearby, ready to intervene to pull Arthur out of a dangerous situation. But nothing bad had happened, the king was waiting on the throne made of wood and iron. Far from the perfection of his own throne in Uruk.

His glance settled on Arturia when she returned. Gawain took the opportunity to put his hand on Arthur's shoulder and made him step back.

The princess stepped forward and stopped just in front of the place where the cloth and the blood almost crossed.

With all his magnificence, Gilgamesh was observing her, legs crossed, his face resting against her hand. He seemed enigmatic, completely impassive as he watched her... yet.

"There are limits to my tolerance and patience. I have made my decision known to you...I now await your response."

His gaze was like a judgment that was about to fall on everyone present. But it was only looking at her, the very reason he came here.

Arturia had dropped her surprise and shock. She had erased everything to leave room for reasoning and modesty. The king's words were like lightning and she quietly breathed in while holding her hands in a graceful posture, forgetting about Vortigern's head behind her, focusing only on the king. Something the king demanded of her.

""King Gilgamesh... it is with honor that I accept to marry you... "

Some people knew that she would accept his request, yet there was like an icy breath that slowly spread through the room.

Arthur clutched Gawain's hand tightly. Some of the knights held back from voicing their opposition, others closed their eyes, unable to bear the turn of events. Uther looked at his daughter with an apologetic expression and Merlin remained serene.

Gilgamesh slowly rose from the throne and approached her again to the singing sound of his armor. He reached out to her and she placed her hand in his. There was a moment when the king took the time to observe her wrist, for he recognized the few marks still visible from their first encounter, when he had squeezed her wrist so hard that he had nearly broken it. His delicate skin had been marked and slashed... but it was with extreme gentleness that he held her arm this time.

He raised his other hand and a small halo of light appeared, gently dropping a ring into the palm of his hand. He deftly grabbed it and slipped the ring onto her ring finger... sealing a deal.

"Thus, before all... I make you my bride."