Category: Het
Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Guinevere
Universe: Canon
Rating: K
Summary: Arthur and Gwen go on a picnic... but is Arthur trying to hide something?
Word Count: 677
The King's Weakness
Guinevere drew back the curtains in King Arthur's chambers. The sunlight seeped in through the window. She opened it and inhaled deeply, letting the fresh air revive her senses.
"Guinevere! Just the person I wished to see first thing in the morning." Arthur smiled at her from his bed. He sat up, trying to look more appealing. For Gwen though, he didn't even have to try.
"Good morning, my love. Slept well?"
"Excellent!" he answered. "I dreamt of a beautiful girl. She had big brown eyes, long eyelashes and the most brilliant grin in all the land. Oh, wait." Arthur paused. "It was you."
Gwen climbed into his bed and stroked his face. "Oh, I do love you."
Arthur laughed heartily. "And I you. Know what? It is such a glorious day! The sun is shining, skies are blue... how about a picnic?"
Gwen giggled. "That sounds delightful! Just give me some time to get ready."
"Get ready? You already look splendid enough!"
Guinevere left Arthur's chambers, in a pleasant mood. Once at home, she dressed in her finest emerald dress and plaited her hair neatly. She was excited for this outing. Just for the special occasion, she sprayed herself with a brand new perfume concoction she had recently purchased in the market. It smelled of roses and strong ones at that. She smiled. Arthur would most surely love the new scent.
Only an hour later, they both sat down together on a blanket, overlooking a small brook, trickling down the rocks.
"This truly is wonderful, Arthur." Guinevere exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
"I must agree."
"Mmm... these finger sandwiches are excellent!" Gwen proclaimed. Arthur didn't respond.
"Arthur?" she turned to glance at him. He was facing the opposite direction, hand hovering near his face. "Are you alright?"
He faced her again and forced a smile. "Just fine. Great! You're right, the sandwiches are quite s-s-some... some..." he appeared to be struggling with the word. Gwen cocked an eyebrow playfully. "You mean, they are quite 'something'?"
Arthur exhaled loudly. "Whoo. Yes, that's exactly what I mean." he gave her an award-winning smile. Guinevere leaned in for a kiss. Suddenly, Arthur jerked back. "Arthur!" she cried, confused. "Did I do something wrong?"
Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose. "No, no, of course not. I just..." His body pitched forward and Gwen heard a small squeak.
"What was that?" she asked in a hushed tone. "Bandits?" Another squeal and then an exhalation of breath. Guinevere sat upright. "Wait a moment. What that you?"
"No. No, not me." Arthur reassured her. He then ducked his head again, followed by another high pitched noise. "Arthur, I just saw you! It was you!"
"No," he argued, "it wasn't " Gwen noticed that his hand was still holding his nose. Strange. Without warning, she grabbed it and pinned his arm by his side. "Arthur, don't lie to me, I want to know what's going-"
"Heh... ahchoo!"
"Was that a-"
"Ahchoo! Atch!" Arthur sneezed, turning as far away from his love as possible. "I'm so, atchoo, sorry Gwen." he said between sneezes. She gave him a puzzled look. "I don't know what has," his breath caught, "atch! Come over me..." He managed finally, a blush creeping into his cheeks. "It must be allergies." he gasped, obviously trying very hard not to sneeze.
"But you're n-not allergic to anything." Guinevere stammered. "Right?"
Arthur freed his arm, the pinched his nose. Two more small squeaks.
"Actually, roses." he sneezed again. Gwen cupped her hands over her mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry. My new fragrance..." she trailed off abruptly. "I must leave at once! Maybe after Merlin draws water for a bath, it'll clear your sinuses enough so that you don't suffer. I'll meet you back at the castle. So sorry, Arthur!"
The king grabbed her wrist. "No. I don't," he drew in a sharp breath, "mind. I love you too much. Besides they're just some s-s-sneezes." he stuttered, quickly turning away. "AhCHOO!" he touched her arm. "I love you." She smiled gratefully back. "I, the same."