The wedding was over and all of Camelot was now awaiting the coronation. For the first time in the history of all Britannia, a nation would be ruled by two kings. Neither would have a queen, and both would be sworn to each other; for better, or for worse. The coronation was to be held in Camelot’s famous cathedral. It was an incredibly huge building, and was able to fit the kingdom’s entire population.
“God. I’m actually a bit nervous.” Wesley admitted. He was rubbing his hands together anxiously. The motions were similar to that of washing one’s hands.
“Don’t be! The whole kingdom loves you.” Arthur assured him as he kissed him on the cheek.
“You’re right. No matter what happens, I still have the best husband in the world.”
Arthur smiled, he was truly touched by Wesley’s words. They leaned into each other, about to kiss. But before their lips could touch, they were interrupted by Meliodas.
“What do you mean ‘No matter what happens’?” The blond boy laughed. “They put a crown on your head, you’re king, and it’s over!”
“Yeah. But the entire kingdom will be watching me. And what if I make a bad king?”
“You probably won’t.” Meliodas shrugged his shoulders.
“Probably?” Arthur interjected. In truth, he was a bit offended that Meliodas would say ‘probably’.
“Well, yeah. I’ve only just met him… So I can’t know for sure. But I trust your judgement Arthur.”
There was a short silence, which was soon interrupted by the shaky, nervous voice of Wesley.
“Meliodas,” Mixed in with the anxiousness of the mage’s voice, there was a grim and ominous sound. “Get the other four sins. I need to talk to them.”
“About what?” Meliodas and Arthur asked in unison. However, Arthur’s voice was a bit more serious than Meliodas; the king thought- no, he knew that Wesley was going to tell them about Merlin. He was going to tell them about her tragic, untimely death. A death both untimely and overdue.
“It doesn’t matter ‘what about’ yet!” Wesley snapped. He was clenching hisfists and holding back tears. “Just get them.”
“It would take a while for me to find them. This place is huge. They could be at the cathedral already or still at the castle.”
“Ugh. Fine.” Wesley sighed. He snapped his fingers, and the four other sins appeared in front of him.
“Wait- what just happened?” Diane asked, looking around frantically. Her lipstick was smeared.
“I- I don’t know.” King stated. Rubbing off lipstick from around his mouth (but none was on his lips).
“I don’t mind. I was in a boring conversation with some old duke of somewhere.” Ban added.
“It’s most likely that Sir Wesley used a magical spell to transfer us here.” Gowther chimed in.
“Yes, yes. It was me.” Wesley huffed. “Now everyone listens. I have very sad, very important news for you guys.”
Everyone looked intently at him. Even Ban seemed a bit intrigued.
“Merlin is dead.” The words came out of his mouth like an arrow shot from a bow. The sound of truth in his voice, and honesty lead the arrow into the hearts of the Five Sins. They could tell he wasn’t lying.
“What…” Diane whispered. She was the only one who wasn’t speechless. Everyone else’s eyes were wide with shock and sorrow. Meliodas was the only one who was close to her, but that didn’t soften the blow.
“She was attacked by a crimson monster and infected with its blood. She knew she would turn into one in a matter of days, so she took her own life. That’s the quick summary. The whole story is very rich and long.”
“You’re telling me that the unkillable Merlin wasn’t able to just remove the blood?” King roared, furious that his friend died. Spit was flying from his mouth. “She’s the most powerful mage I know-” King stopped yelling, mid-sentence, when he saw the tears coming from Wesley’s eyes.
“There, there!” Arthur cued as he pulled Wesley in for a hug. His eyes were watering too.
“Did you say a crimson monster?” Meliodas asked, his eyes were wide and serious. “Those things have been attacking Liones for the past month.”
“Come to think of it, Elaine and I were attacked by one on our way here.”
“Yeah!” Diane piped in. “I’ve seen those too. I’ll make them pay for killing Merlin!”
“There, there.” Gowther said in a monotone voice as she patted Arthur and Wesley on the head. It was a bit too hard, but Wesley didn’t care.
“We’ll get together and deal with this later.” Meliodas smiled. “We can’t get all sad! It would ruin Wesley’s big day.”
“Yeah!” Arthur agreed. “We’ll team up and destroy these things together.”
***
It was finally time for the coronation. The entire kingdom and tourists watched as Wesley approached the cathedral’s altar. The Arch-Priest of Camelot awaited him. When he finally arrived, the priest held out a book containing the scriptures of the gods.
“Wesley Pendragon, place your right hand on the book and place your left hand on your heart.” The priest directed him. Wesley did so.
“Now repeat after me, and take the oaths that bind you to the Kingdom and to it’s throne.”
The priest paused, and then continued.
“On my pride, I vow to be a faithful servant, not only to the Kingdom, but to King Arthur Pendragon.””
“On my pride, I vow to be a faithful servant, not only to the Kingdom, but to King Arthur Pendragon.”” Wesley repeated. ‘I don’t deserve this.’ Wesley thought. He remembered the battle at the North Gate. All those deaths were his fault.
“On my life, I vow to not only protect the Kingdom of Camelot, but my dear husband and King, Arthur Pendragon.” The priest chanted.
“On my life, I vow to not only protect the Kingdom of Camelot, but my dear husband and King, Arthur Pendragon.” Wesley receipted. ‘I don’t deserve this! How I couldn’t even protect my friends and colleagues… Nanashi… Merlin…’
“On my honour, I pledge my life to the Kingdom and its people. Knowing full well that they will lay down theirs for me.”
“On my honour, I pledge my life to the Kingdom and its people. Knowing full well that they will lay down theirs for me.” Wesley repeated. ‘So many of them died… because of me.’ Wesley looked at his robes. They were the robes dawned by Kings. ‘I’m no king… I’m just a Snake in Royal Robes.’
“Wesley Pendragon!” Bellowed the priest. “Kneel down!”
Wesley through himself on his knees. His cloak lingered in the air a few seconds after he hit the ground.
“I pronounce thee,” The priest began to place a crown on Wesley’s head. “King of Camelot!”
The crowd roared with excitement, throwing banners and confetti in the air. Wesley stood up and faced them, waving at his people.
“LONG LIVE KING WESLEY!” The crowd cheered.
Meanwhile, the assassin from before looked at him. Pondering when she would make her move.
Wesley looked at the faces of his subjects. He silently swore he would right his wrongs. He silently swore he would end the azeels, even if it meant taking his own life to do so. But that would be a final resort.
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