Arthur and Guinevere Fanfic
"... I now pronounce you Husband and wife. Arthur kissed his new bride with reluctance. After all, he was not marrying for love but for duty. His father even threatened disinheritance If Arthur didn't comply and acquiescence to his father's wishes.
The people of Camelot shouted in delight and reverence in honor of the new union between Arthur and Elena. Arthur searched the crowd, for the one person in the entire room he wished to see but Gwen was nowhere to be found. She was there in the beginning of the ceremony, but obviously she slipped away after it was official. Uther decided it was time to feast. Everyone important including Arthur and his new bride, and the two kings joined to eat, laugh and celebrate.
Gwen was heartbroken. After Arthur got married, she hurried out of the room before the tears started to swell in her eyes. She knew it was going to happen sooner or later, but she had hoped it would be the latter. Still she had work to do and she certainly didn't need anyone else knowing that she was absolutely lugubrious over the fact that her and Arthur were no more. Uther ordered her to work the feast and she did so, accordingly. She poured, and wiped and fed the royalty, she noticed Arthur staring at her all night, not even bothering to look at his new wife. She didn't dare stare back. Whatever they had was over. She was trying to wrap her head around that, but one look into Arthur's deep blue eyes and she would be imagining a life with him again. She kept her head down and her body still so she could show no emotion other then that of weary. Arthur noticed her not trying to glance at him, it made him sad. He knew she was doing it for his sake, but he needed her to look at him, just one last time.
After the feast was over, Gwen finished her nighttime Morgana duties and was on her way home. Arthur hid behind a column and pulled at her arm when he saw her walk past, Gwen shrieked but then went quiet when she saw it was Arthur under a dark blue cloak.
" I didn't mean to frighten you." Arthur said sternly.
"You didn't, my lord. What is it that you need?" she looked into his eyes for the first time since his marriage and regretted that she did. She could drown in the love she saw shining through his blue cores. But that did not matter; she cannot have him any longer. She broke their gaze quickly.
"Guinevere, i- I'm Sorry. " it's all he could say. What else would there be? He was a broken man. "You don't need to apologize sire. We both know it was just a dream, but your reality is Elena your wife and future queen of Camelot. I have a feeling she will be a great queen." Gwen felt her tears growing. It was like they were coming out of their own volition. Arthur captured one with his hand and swiped it off of her while caressing her face, she quickly removed his hands. " You must know that I will always love you Guinevere. Even if I stay married forever. You are my true love."
Arthur took her by the waist and pulled her close to him. He desperately pressed his lips to hers in a frantic, loose kiss. At first she pulled back but then all she could hear was her heart sing as the kiss between them deepened. Finally she pulled away, and panted heavily against his breath. He too was panting. They both felt the pull of love and yet there was nothing he could do about it. "Guinevere..." Arthur said. It came out so desperate. Like he was trying to tell her everything in one word. That he loved her, he wanted her, and he needed her. "Goodbye Arthur. I wish you peace and happiness. As long as I live I will never love another the way I love you." more tears ran down Gwen's face, seeing this made Arthur cry too. "I have to consummate my marriage tonight, with a woman I do not love in the slightest. What am I to do, when all my heart screams for is you. Guinevere I... I love you." Arthur didn't care if he didn't look manly crying. He just lost something precious; the thoughts of never being able to kiss Gwen again made his heart sulk and blood boil. He grabbed her hands gently and pulled her close to him, she let go of him and ran towards her home. Arthur thought about running after her but fought against it once he saw the wedding ring on his hand. He sighed and turned towards the castle preparing for, what promised to be a very interesting night.
Gwen fought tears, as she sat upright on her bed. Thinking about Arthur and how he was doing. Every time a memory of him popped in her head she started to cry. She laid down looking at the dusky wood of her celling. She finally closed her eyes and there he was. The only place she could be with him now... Her dreams. "Arthur..."she said in a slumber. And in that dream he answered. "Guinevere... My love..."
Arthur was pacing. Merlin was finishing up his bed folds for the night. He could tell Arthur was worried about his night with Helena. He made merlin chuckle. But then he thought about how Gwen must be feeling and the laughter faded. "Is there anything else you need my lord?" merlin asked. " Merlin, do you think I can do this.. You know.. Have, relations with my wife, when I have no feelings for her whatsoever." Arthur wanted to do the right thing and please his father but how could he when the only thing that made his member come alive was the mere sight of Guinevere. Elena was beautiful but she did nothing for him.. Physically. "Well considering the fact that she is your wife perhaps it would be best to push all thoughts aside and get on with it." merlin suggested. "How can I! All I can think about is..." Arthur stopped himself. He didn't want merlin to know that he was still thinking about Gwen. He didn't want anyone to know. "Gwen?" merlin said. He could read Arthur like a book; he knew his nervousness was not about Elena but Gwen. It truly was sad. He thought that him and Gwen were true love, but alas. True love does not trump royal obligation. "Guinevere? What does she have to do with this situation?"
Arthur played dumb. " Do I really have to spell it out for you? You don't want to sleep with princess Helena cause you love Gwen. It's so obvious you're in love with her."
"What's next Merlin? The ol a blind man could see it line?" Arthur said.
"Well since you mentioned it yes. A blind man could see it." merlin smiled.
"Merlin?..."
"Yes sire?"
"Get out."
"Yes sire." Merlin ran out smiling wide. Arthur was in for a very interesting night.
In the morning, Morgana woke up to Gwen already laying her stuff out for her. Her bath was already ready along with her brush, comb and clothes. Too bad Gwen couldn't stick around for when she took over Camelot, morgana thought.. Or could she? She'd have to think about it. Gwen looked saddened and morgana knew why. Oh well. She got in her bath, and Gwen took her sheets for washing. "Gwen, you are amazing. Thank you."
"No need for praises my lady. It is my job." Gwen smiled half-heartedly and walked out. She ran into Merlin in the hall making his way down the corridor to Arthur's chambers. "Gwen, good morning." Merlin said smiling.
"Yes. Good morning indeed Merlin." she put her head down and walked off. Once she was in the street she heard someone call her name loudly out of the palace window. She looked up and then turned when she saw a horse coming at her full speed. She felt down and almost hit her head on the pavement. The person got off the horse and helped her up. It was princess Elena. Future queen and Arthur's new beautiful wife. "You all right?" she asked Gwen. She looked at her up and down. Wow she thought. She is too beautiful to be a servant. "I'm fine. Thank you." she jumped up and bowed. "I would like to know the name of the young lady whom I almost killed." said Helena. "It's Gwen. Now I must do my lady's laundry."
"Wait.. Gwen you say? Like Guinevere? Is that your name?"
"Yes." Gwen stood there while Helena, studied her. This was woman Arthur loved. And she could she why. She was beautiful and seemed humble. Helena found out just last night the effects she had on Arthur. In fact it was because of Gwen that her wedding night wasn't consummated. Gwen walked away thinking princess Helena was a strange woman indeed.
Arthur was walking back to his chambers. A long day of training his men and thinking about Guinevere left him tired and sulky. He turned the corner and saw his beautiful wife waiting outside his room. "My lord, it is good to see you." Helena smiled she was doing her best. After all she was married to him. Even if the awkwardness still resided between them. "My lady. It is good to see you as well." Arthur looked down while he said that. He couldn't look her in the eyes not after last night. He made a fool out of himself without even knowing.
They looked at each other oddly. Seemed as if they both knew what the other was thinking of...
Flashback:
A knock on the door to Arthur's chambers. "Come in" Arthur said. It was the princess and his new wife. They both knew why she was there. And it was time to get down to business. " My lord... Are you alright?" she looked at the small sliver of sweat forming near his brow. She could tell he was nervous. His uncertainty made her nervous as well. "Yes I am. Shall we?" he took her hand; she smiled as they walked towards the bed. They both sat on the edge of the bed; she looked into his eyes and got lost. She was so ready for him to take her. But she knew his ego wouldn't allow her to just jump on him so she waited for him to make the first move. He moved closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She got closer as well hugging his neck. "I do not know what to do." Arthur admitted. She smiled "nor I my lord, but why don't you start with a kiss?" he moved forward once more and pressed his lips to hers. She deepened the kiss cause it seemed as though Arthur was trying to get away. Arthur closed his eyes and there she was smiling at him, his Guinevere. He brought her closer and kissed her with glee. The princess was excited Arthur finally seemed interested in kissing her. Tongues came into play; his hands gripped her waist tighter holding on for dear life. She finally broke the kiss and opened her eyes. "Guinevere" Arthur whispered unknowingly. Then he finally opened his eyes as well realizing he was with his wife, and not Gwen. She was looking at him with confused and contempt in her eyes. He wondered what was wrong. Surely she didn't know that he was thinking about another woman.. Did she? "My lord I'm sorry I cannot do this." she got up abruptly. "Is there something wrong?" he asked. " Yes, actually I feel I'm sickening with fever. Can we resume this another time?" she wanted to get out of there. And fast. "Of course." Arthur answered. " Have my guards escort you back to your chambers." She nodded and walked out. Arthur didn't know what happened but he thanked his lucky stars that he didn't have to consummate this marriage. For now anyway.
End of flashback.
"Well, it has been a long day. I'm going to take a bath. Will you be joining me later on, my lady?" Arthur questioned. He hoped the answer was no. "not tonight my sweet. I fear my fever has not yet gone away. But goodnight for now." she kissed his cheek and waked away. Arthur sighed in relief and entered his chambers. There he saw Guinevere fixing his bed. He smiled, and wondered where merlin was, and why he wasn't doing his nighttime duties. She looked as so beautiful; Arthur looked at her up and watched as some of her curls became untangled in front of her face.
Guinevere, what are you doing here... Making up my bed?" he asked. "Merlin asked me to fill in sire, he mentioned something about Gaius being sick. If you want to me leave.."
"No of course not. You can finish."
Gwen began fluffing his pillows, not making any sort of eye contact with Arthur. He was a married man now; in fact she couldn't bear to look at him knowing what had happened between him and Elena last night. He probably enjoyed himself thoroughly Gwen thought. Arthur noticed her not looking at him, even when she would look in his direction she look up and around instead of in his face. He missed seeing her beautiful brown eyes staring into his. One stare from her is all he needed to get him through the day. Gwen finished up with Arthur's bed and was ready to get out of there quickly. " All done sire, I know I'm not merlin, but hopefully everything is to your liking.," she said, finally looking at him in the eyes.
"It is more then perfect Gwen. Thank you." Gwen began to walk away, Arthur pulled her arm. "Yes sire?" she asked confused. "I had a dream about you, last night, I was wondering if you wanted to hear it."
" I do not mean to be so blunt sire, but no. I do not wish to hear about your dream, you have a wife, that's the woman you should be dreaming of."
"She does not matter to me. I told you Guinevere, I never loved another, it's me for you, always."
He reached around and held his hands tight on her waist. Sliding them down her bodice. She closed her eyes and let his hands roam, she knew it was wrong but she missed his touch, but then realizing this man was married she pulled away.
"Are you that arrogant? That you think you can have your way with me, and your wife as well?" she moved back three steps. The further away from Arthur she was the better.
" Guinevere, it's not like that, I love you, not her. I thought you knew that?"
"You cannot expect me to believe you still care for me, after what you and the princess engaged in last night." she took his old clothes, and put them in her hamper bag, ready to walk out. Arthur hurried to the door and stopped her.
"Gwen, please hear me out..." Arthur pleaded.
Gwen put his clothes down and folded her arms in front of her waiting to here his excuse for being so cross with her.
"I did not sleep with her. She has a fever. She left before anything could happen. I swear to you the only thing we did is kiss, and even that revolted me. I'm not saying she isn't beautiful, it's just hard, when all I can think about is you."
"Arthur, I believe you. I too cannot get you off of my mind, but we both know it is as it should be. So no more inappropriate glances or touching. We must be go back to before, where I am your servant and you are my prince."
"What if I can't bare it? Seeing you unhappy, because of me? I cannot lay eyes on you everyday, knowing I have such feelings for you and cannot act upon them."
" Do you want me to leave Camelot sire? Is that what you're requesting?"
"No. I just am going to find this very hard to deal with that's all." Arthur looked down. This was going to be very hard indeed. Next thing they both knew uther came rushing into Arthur's chambers. Gwen put her head down.
"Arthur I need to speak to you..." Uther said. "Privately. "Gwen bowed and moved towards the door.
The next couple of days were hard for both Arthur and Gwen. On Arthur's side his new wife was always reluctant to consummate their marriage. And uther kept pressuring him to do so. On Gwen's, she found it harder and harder to be near Arthur, and his new wife would always give her dirty looks. Like she hated her for some reason. Gwen didn't know why.
Gaius asked her to go picking for some special leaves in the forest, because Arthur had merlin shining all the knights boots for spending another two days in the tavern no less. She wondered the forest picking up leaves, then realized she was far too deep, in fact she was border lining cendred's kingdom. She walked back hoping to not get into any trouble. Suddenly she hears a crack of leaves from behind her. She started to walk faster. Out of nowhere bandits surrounded her. Gwen tried to look for a way to run, sadly there was none.
"Look what we have here boys... Fresh meat" one of the bandits yelled. Guinevere tried to run past them but they pushed her from side to side.
"Who wants the first taste?" the bandits grabbed her by the wrists and pushed her to the ground. The head bandit yelled me! And he picked her up by her hair. "Were gonna have a good time with you." he dragged her far into the forest and back her up into a tree.
Guinevere cried as ran his hands over her body.
"Are you a maid?" he asked. Guinevere said nothing; all she had was tears running through her face. He held a knife to her throat. "Answer me! Are you virtuous or not? " Gwen shook her head yes. "Oh good" he smiled. I always wanted to be a beautiful woman's first. She screamed help loudly. He covered her mouth with a tight hand and laughed loudly. "No one can hear you wench. I'm going to ruin you, then let my friends have at It." he pulled at her skirt. Hiking it up.
"Release her!" a voice said from behind the bandit. The bandit didn't turn around he just said," Wait your turn!"
The man drew his sword "I will tell you one last time, release her. Or pay with your life." the bandit turned around quickly, drew his sword at the man. The man killed the bandit in one slash. Guinevere finally opened her eyes. Lancelot was standing before her smiling. "Guinevere" he said holding her face. "Lancelot! I thought I never see you again!" she hugged him tightly. He embraced her back, and buried his face into her curls. She smelled like fresh flowers and a warm spring breeze. Lancelot divulged in her not letting for go for a second. Guinevere finally broke the embrace.
"My lady there is no time. We must go now!" Lancelot took Guinevere by the hand and they both ran back to Camelot. Once they reached Gwen's house, Lancelot sat her down on the bench. Both breathing heavily, he examined her.
"I'm alright." Gwen said. "Thanks to you" she smiled at him. He was dirty, but still his handsomeness shined threw. His chunky black hair was cut down from when she last saw him but still full as the moon at nighttime.
"I have done nothing, no real honest man would've done. There is no need for thanks. Seeing you alive is thanks enough." he cupped her face once more to examine her. He stood up and looked out of the window the knights were riding around, and the day was carried on as usual.
"What became of you, when you left Camelot?" Gwen asked. Truth was she worried for his plight ever since he left. Lancelot sat back down next to her and looked straight into her brown eyes.
"I've been living my life the only way I know how... By the sword. But I fear it has little meaning to me now. I have become nothing." Gwen looked into to his eyes with sadness.
"I do not believe that is true. You are everything that is good and right in this world. Please believe me when I say this." he smiled at her words. He almost forgot how beautiful she was.
The moment between them was electric. They both could feel the pull of idolatry and want.
" I should get back to my duties. You can stay here. Please?" she pleaded. She wanted him safe.
"I cannot. I shan't." he argued.
"Please Lancelot? For me?"
He couldn't resist her worried gaze. "Ok. I do it only for you my lady."
"Good. There is food and water. And stay out of sight."
She smiled at him once more then left.
"Merlin! Merlin!" Arthur called out.
"Merlin where is my lunch?" he went into the hallway to look for him but no sign. He saw no one but guards. Then he heard the click of heels and thought it was his wife. He waited until he saw who it was. It was Guinevere holding a plate of food. He fixed his hair and threw himself into the hallway. Gwen did not notice him at first.
He stopped her dead in her tracks.
"Guinevere! Good afternoon" Arthur said.
"Good afternoon sire." she looked down. He picked her face up with his hands.
"Who did that to your face?" he looked at the bruises on her cheek and neck.
"I must get my lady her meal." she walked away. Merlin finally turned the corner with Arthur's meal.
"My lord, what are you doing out here?"
"Merlin, where did Gwen go this morning?"
"Out in the forest leave picking for Gaius. Why?"
"She's got these strange bruises on her face and neck. Like someone had hurt her."
"Well I haven't seen her since this morning sire. Maybe she fell in the forest?"
Arthur looked onward puzzled.
"Well, it's time to eat, come on then." merlin said pushing Arthur into his room.
"Just leave it in there merlin. I'll get to it."
"Yes sire."
"Oh and take my armor with you. It needs to be polished."
Arthur waited for Gwen to come out of Morgana's chambers. When she did, she spotted him and tried to walk faster.
"Gwen!" Arthur yelled. She walked even faster. "Guinevere I command you to stop!" she stopped dead in her tracks.
" Yes my lord?" she asked.
"I demand to know what happened to your face."
"It was nothing, sire. Just a fall."
"Gwen, do not lie to me. Just because I'm married does not mean I still don't care about you." one of his hands grazed her face. "Tell me. Please."
" I was picking leaves for Gaius when bandits surrounded me."
Arthur became furious. His eyes full of anger. " Did they hurt you? Gwen? Tell me! Did they harm you?"
"That was their intent. But I got away before any harm was done."
"How did you get away? Why didn't you tell me sooner!"
Gwen motioned Arthur to lower his voice. "With the help of a young man. I got away."
"A man? Who?"
"Lancelot." Gwen whispered. He saved me."
"Lancelot? I thought he was dead?"
" Seems not. He is staying with me."
"With you? Why"
"I fear he hasn't got anywhere else to go."
"I don't think I like him staying with you."
"You do not have a choice in the matter. He's staying with me, until he wants to leave. He saved my life Arthur. I am to repay him the only way I know how."
She gave him a stern look of seriousness.
"Fine, I will tell my father of his return. He can stay with me in the royal household."
"No. Arthur. It's all right. He can stay with me. But thank you for your kindness. As usual, you are amazing." she smiled and walked away.
"Merlin!" Arthur shouted.
"Yes my lord?"
Arthur ushered merlin into the corner and lowered his voice.
"Lancelot is back in Camelot."
Merlin smiled wide "really?"
"Well you look pleased. Something you wish to tell me?"
" No sire. I'm just happy he's back."
"Yeah well I wish I felt the same. He's staying with Gwen."
"Really?" merlin didn't look the least bit shocked.
"Why aren't you surprised? Did you already know about him being back?"
"No sire I did not."
Arthur looked as merlin tried to avoid his gaze.
"What do you know merlin?"
"Nothing sire. May I go?"
"Merlin unless you want to spend tomorrow mucking up my horses you will tell me what you're hiding."
Merlin sighed. "I don't know much, just that before Lancelot left, he had strong developing feelings for Gwen."
"What? How is that even possible? And Gwen.. What about her?"
"As far as I know, she seemed to have feelings for him as well."
"Merlin if what your saying is true. I cannot let Lancelot continue to stay at Guinevere's home."
"Arthur.. Maybe it's best to leave it be?" merlin said.
"No I will not let him win my lady."
"With all do respect sire, Gwen is not your lady. You are married afterall."
"shut up merlin. We have plans to make."
Gwen returned home that evening and Lancelot had dinner prepared with candlelight. "what's all this?" she asked. She saw the huge fully cooked chicken and veggies on the side.
"I know you told me to stay out of sight but I went out for a second I ended up saving a farmer from getting his crops stolen, he rewarded me with this."
"Lancelot you are the most kindest man I have ever knew." Gwen said. Lancelot smiled at her. Amazing how she affects him. Only a few words she has spoken and those feelings he felt for her rushed back spreading through him like a virus. "I was thinking i could stay in Camelot, for a while longer." he said. Gwen smiled. "I'm glad of it. Are you finished?" she asked he nodded and she picked up the plates for washing. She was cleaning them off while he looked at her. "I have thought of you often.," he admitted. Gwen turned around. "I will not tell a lie. I thought of you often too." that made Lancelot a very happy man. "But there is something you must know."
"You can tell me anything my lady."
"Once you left I started developing feelings for.. Arthur."
"The prince? You have feelings for him?" "Yes."
"And he you?" Gwen nodded.
"I heard news that he married, it is not true then?"
"Yes it is." Gwen looked down "Arthur and I agreed we wouldn't see each other any longer."
"Guinevere, I am sorry." he took her hands intertwining them with his.
"I should go to bed, unfortunately there is only one. But I will make you a cot so you can sleep in while you stay here."
"Whatever you do will be much appreciated."
"We need to find you work as well. I will ask around tomorrow to see."
"Thank you for everything Guinevere."
"Please. It is my gift to you for saving my life. Now get some rest. Goodnight Lancelot." he kissed her hand. "Goodnight my lady."
"Front, left forward!" good job men! That's enough for today. Arthur said to his knights. Guinevere was walking pass with the lady morgana's washing. Arthur watched her as she walked up to him. She looked so beautiful when the sunlight hit her. "Good afternoon sire."
"Guinevere, afternoon."
" I was wondering if you knew of any openings of work available?"
"Why? Morgana giving you trouble?"
Gwen laughed. "No. Not for me. For Lancelot, he has decided to stay in Camelot awhile, and I told him
I would ask around.. See if there was anything I could find out."
Arthur contemplated on telling her the truth. Merlin told him
I would ask around.. See if there was anything I could find out."
Arthur contemplated on telling her the truth. Merlin told him that