Chapter 4 [Garden]

Elaine smelled deeply of Azalea's perfume. She closed her eyes. Her ears drank in every sound. Her skin dimpled in the breeze. The fragrance tickled her nose. Her brain noted the pleasant scent. She should have been content in that place…in the heart of her paradise.

Should have been….

Alas Hope abandoned that notion. Her heart beat faster with each dropping grain in the hourglass. Her mind refused to pick itself up. A frown spread across her face. Worry ate at her. What if Lancelot is the One? Can he love me or would he love Guinevere? What if he's hurt or worse on this expedition? Should I admit to my feelings or will I be a fool? Can I not tell him? No other man has been that kind to me save the Prince. She sulked. She wiped a stray tear from her cheek. Her eyes glinted.

Around herself, white petals descended. They descended with little fuss. They kissed the other flowers in their path.

"And now I make a bigger mess," she griped.

"They add just the right touch, I'd say."

She stiffened. Embarrassment widened her eyes and flushed her cheeks darkest red. She turned slowly to find Lancelot watching her in turn. She gulped. "Sir Lancelot." She curtseyed to him.

He bowed to her in turn. "Lady Elaine, I'm glad I found you. I was looking for you."

"Oh." Her breath suddenly caught in her throat. "You…were?"

"I was." Warmth shone in his smile and twinkled through his eyes. "I needed to speak with you before the expedition's departure."

"You…do?" She gulped again. "What have I done? I apologize if I've offended you."

"Offended me?" He scratched his head. "How would you have done that, my Lady? You honor me with your friendship. You possess a warm heart. You serve others before yourself. In every way, you are special. So how would you offend me?"

"I…just thought I did." She blushed and bowed her head. "Perhaps you might help me?"

"In however I can," he agreed. "It's all right. Make your request."

She raised an eyebrow. Disbelief forced her to hesitate for a long heartbeat. Still she pressed on. 'Would you…care to hear truth? That is if I can keep these stones from swallowing me up first." She sucked in a deep breath.

"Of course. Whatever you say is between us," he assured her.

She trembled. She bit her lip. Her heart ached. Still she forced her eyes up to meet his. "Lancelot, I care for you more than any man I've ever known. If you think that's silly, I'll understand."

He regarded her for a couple of heartbeats. His emotional turmoil stirred up. My hesitation misleads her. She thinks I don't care. He cleared his throat. "And why would I consider that foolish? I am touched and honored by such care."

"You are?" She trembled again.

"Aye. I am." To be honest, her confession stunned him. He'd wanted to tell her how he felt first. Still she'd beaten him to the punch. He mulled over his own feelings. Despite lingering desire for Gwen, he felt the tug in Elaine's direction. His heart beat faster in her presence. His mind wanted to free her from Desperation's bonds. "In truth, Lady Elaine, I care for you as well. My thoughts are with you and have been since our first meeting. Now perhaps, you can help me with a request?"

She gulped once again. She quaked. "If…If I can."

He got down on one knee. "Marry me. We can care for each other. Perhaps we can speak to King Rodor about Anna? I've had enough time alone and frustrated. Perhaps the answer is in front of us both?"

She stared at him. Incredulity fogged her mind over. "You…you want to marry me? You want to adopt Anna?"

"Aye to both…if you'll have me," he affirmed.

She leapt up into the air. "AYE! AYE!" Elation and Joy lightened her heart. "I would be delighted to have you, Sir Lancelot! I am the most blessed woman in the world!" She seized him in the tightest hug she could manage. Her lips whispered across his cheek.

He held her close to himself as well. As if by some miracle, his feelings unified. Devotion pointed him directly toward Elaine. "A woman who wishes my companionship."

"And you're surprised, my Good Knight? There are more than you think." She smiled. Her eyes sparkled with tears. "They can deal with it. I have the privilege of making you happy, Sir Lancelot. And I will do just that."

He grinned. "Of that I have no doubt. Shall we share the news with Merlin and Mithian then? Perhaps they can legitimize our union?"

"I'd like that. I didn't want to rush you though. If you need time to resolve any final feelings about…well…you know…" She frowned and motioned toward the woods and the path heading east.

"Gwen is with Arthur. I need a strong yet good woman to love and cherish. Elaine, I've known that for a while. You were in my thoughts even in Camelot itself. I told King Arthur that I was moving on. I had feelings even there for you. I would say that's a great hurdle passed. I am true, my Lady," he declared.

"Aye. I agree. Shall we go and speak with the Prince and Princess?" she concurred. Relief flooded through her. She took his hand. With great strides, she led them back toward the passage.

For some, news like this shouldn't wait…..