Rating: PG
Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Gwen, Merlin. Gaius
Summary: Gwen hesitates when she has something to tell Arthur.

YGRAINE'S BLESSING

"That's all for today," Arthur dismisses the Council meeting. "Guinevere, have you finalized the menu for the welcome feast for Bayard's ambassador."

"I was on my way to do that now." Gwen stood and suddenly felt dizzy. She grabbed the table and tried to fight the feeling but she lost the battle. Arthur caught her as she was falling.

"Merlin, get Gaius and have him meet me in our chambers." Arthur lifted Gwen up like she was nothing and carried her to their chambers. He laid her on the bed and she started to wake.

"What happened?" Gwen looked around confused. "How did I get here?"

"You fainted. I sent for Gaius. Just lie still. He will be here in just a few minutes."

"This is silly, Arthur. I'm fine really." Gwen started to get up and Arthur gently pushed her back into the pillows.

"That was a command not a suggestion." Gwen could tell that Arthur was serious.

"Oh now you want to play the King with me." She tried to lighten his mood by joking but it didn't seem to work.

"Guinevere, I am the King." Arthur looked concerned.

Gwen gave him an annoyed look. "I know that I was just trying to … never mind." She sighed

"Sire, Merlin said the Queen fainted." Gaius said as he walked through the door.

"Yes, she did. Could you give her a check, Gaius?"

"Yes Sire, I would be happy to if you would give us some privacy …" Gaius smiled and motioned to the door.

"Of course," Arthur nodded. He squeezed Gwen's hand and left the room.

Gaius waited until the door closed then approached the bed. "You haven't told him, have you? Gwen what are you waiting for?" Gaius said quietly

"No, I don't know how he will take it." Gwen bit her lip and looked a bit ashamed.

"I should think he would be happy to be a father."

"He carries so much guilt about Ygraine. I'm sure that is where his mind will go as soon as I tell him. He will think that he will lose me as he lost her."

"That was different. That was magic that took Ygraine from him. You are strong and young. I don't see you having any trouble with the birth."

Gwen looked down at her hands. The amethyst ring that was once Ygraine's caught her attention. "Gaius, why did Uther have to use magic for Ygraine to conceive?"

"She had a fever when she was very young and one of the side effects was she was left barren. Uther refused to accept that and had me ask Nimue for help. I will always be ashamed of my part in that." Gaius looked sad as he shook his head. "You need to tell him Gwen. He will see it soon enough, you know."

"He already mentioned that I am gaining weight. He thinks it's because I am eating better food and no longer working at hard labor. I almost told him then."

"Why didn't you?"

"I was too busy being angry at him for thinking I was getting fat." Gwen admitted.

Gauis laughed. "Tell him now, Gwen." He patted her shoulder and stood. "I'll stay if you want."

"No, but thank you." Gwen tried to smile but failed miserably. She nodded to Gaius. "Let him in and I'll tell him now."

"My Lady," Gaius nodded and went to the door to let in the King.

Arthur rushed in. "Gaius how is she?"

"I'll let her tell you herself, Sire." He bowed and left the room.

"Well?" Arthur sat on the edge of the bed.

"Arthur I have been trying to tell you for some time now but I didn't know how you would react …"

"Tell me what? Are you ill?" Arthur was starting to panic.

Gwen took his hands in hers and kissed them. "Arthur, we are going to have a baby. I am with child."

Arthur looked shocked at first then broke out into a broad grin. "A baby!" He laughed then turned serious. "Wait, why would you feel you couldn't tell me?"

"I thought it would bring up old hurts. That it would make you think about what happened to your mother."

"Does Gaius have any concerns about … your condition?"

"No, he says I am young and strong and should have no problems. I don't want you to worry Arthur. He seems to think all will be well."

"Then that is what we shall believe." Arthur nodded. "Is that why you threw that book at me yesterday when I said you were gaining weight? Was it the emotions of being with child?"

"Partly and that was rude, Arthur Pendragon. You should never tell any woman that she is getting fat, especially your wife." Gwen gave him a glare.

"I said it was nice and I liked it. I will enjoy watching you grow round with my … our child." Arthur smiled at her.

Gwen grabbed the pillow beside her on the bed and hit him in the head. "That's not funny, Arthur." Gwen went to swing the pillow again and he caught it before it made contact.

"You will always be beautiful to me, my love." Arthur leaned over and kissed her softly and slowly. When he pulled away, he placed his hand on her belly. Gwen placed her hand over his and smiled. "Thank you for this gift."

"You're welcome." Gwen looked down at their hands, the ring on her finger sparkled. It was like Ygraine gave her blessing.