Gwen got to Morgana's chambers late that morning, Morgana was already dressed, and she was about to put on her shoes. She turned to look at Gwen as she entered.
"Gwen, what kept you so long, you are never known to be late," she said smiling.
Gwen understood that Morgana knew she had spent the night in Arthur's chambers.
"I...ermm, I woke up late, I am so sorry my lady."
"As you can see, I am dressed for breakfast. I can't wait for this week to come to an end, I am getting bored with the talks of queen Katherine and Uther." Gwen smiled. "Please, help me tell Gaius I need another sleeping drought, the one he gave me is finished now," Morgana said clipping her hair up while Gwen went to lay the bed. "I'll do just that," she said, and she made the bed and dressed the room. When she was through, she left, wishing Morgana a nice morning. She was walking in the corridor of the castle when she saw Merlin and Arthur walking towards her down the same corridor. They smiled when their eyes met. Merlin, who noticed also smiled. They were almost getting close when Gabriella popped up out of nowhere.
"Arthur," she called. Arthur turned back to see Gabriella walking towards him with so much grace and arrogance. She had a beautiful, but smug smile on her face, though he had to admit that she looked wonderful in the purple dress she wore.
Arthur frowned when he saw her, her maid was walking behind her. He turned to look back at Gwen, she had gorgeous smile on her face. She didn't stop, she just smiled and moved on Merlin looked at Gwen, and she smiled at him.
Gabriella got to where Arthur was and gave him her hand. He took it and forced a smile. They started walking away while Merlin and Christine followed behind them. Arthur turned to look at Gwen, but she was already gone.
It was Thursday the next week, and Arthur and Merlin were in Arthurs chambers.
"Sire, when are the queen and her daughter due to leave Camelot?" Merlin asked watching Arthur.
"It's Sunday, my father said they are going on Sunday."
"I bet you can't wait for them to leave," Merlin said smiling. He knew that Arthur's relationship with Gwen had been waxing stronger everyday and because Gwen feared that someone might be suspicious of their closeness lately, Arthur had to play along with Gabriella and his father, which hadn't been fun for either of them.
"Of course I do, the girl is such a boring person. She talks of nothing interesting except her clothes and other rubbish like –" Arthur broke into an impersonation "the colour of my favourite gown is this, this is my best wine, you are so cute, I love you so much. And her trying to seduce me every single opportunity she gets. Ugh, she pathetic."
This made Merlin laugh. Arthur looked at Merlin and laughed too.
"I guess I should go and see my father, he wanted to tell me something , I'd better go and find out what." He picked up his navy blue jacket and put it on. Merlin watched Arthur as he got dressed. He had noticed some changes in him since he had started seeing Gwen.
"If you need me sire, I'll be at home. Arthur turned to look at Merlin, then turned and walked towards the door. He got to the palace court where Uther was speaking with some members of the court. He dismissed them when Arthur came in.
"Father."
"Arthur, you are looking very happy and well these days. I believe you have found love in the princess." Uther smiled. "From the way I see things, you've been having a good time with the princess Gabriella and I know it would be good that your engagement to her would be announced tomorrow without delay."
Arthur was taken by surprise. He was expecting this, but not this early. "Father, I just started knowing this girl, I can't marry her, it's too early," he said, feeling confused and angry. "She's too childish, she's just not my type and I don't love her."
"You don't have to like her son. Anyway I just wanted to let you know I am announcing your engagement tomorrow and, they are staying till next Sunday."
"But father, this isn't right. I'll not marry her so you better send them home cause they are wasting their time."
This provoked Uther. "I'll not have you disobey me." Arthur stood up to his father, he was so angry.
"This is not disobedience father, it's my happiness we are talking about here. I am in love with another so tell that rubbish thing called Gabriella that there in no space for her in my life and in Camelot." Uther burst into laughter which made Arthur feel foolish.
"This is the second time you are talking about love, the first one didn't work so why do you think the second one will? And who is this girl you are in love with?"
"That is my business father, so send Bayard's wife and daughter back to him, he must be missing them by now." Arthur turned to leave. Uther was clouded in anger.
"Arthur." He turned back to look at his father. He knew his father was angry, but Arthur had this expression on his face to make him know he didn't care.
"Settle whom ever you are having an affair with before I find the person out myself, you've got a duty to this kingdom." Without saying a word, Arthur left his father.
"Guard," Uther called as soon as Arthur had left. A guard close by came over to him.
"Your Highness."
Without looking at the guard, he said "Find out who my son is having an affair with."
Arthur got to his room to find Merlin still there, he was sleeping comfortably on Arthur's bed. Arthur thought of what to do to Merlin, but nothing came to his mind.
"Merlin," he barked out. Merlin who wasn't conscious of his environment jumped out of the bed confused and afraid. He saw Arthur standing close to the bed watching him. He got up from the bed and stood before him not knowing what to say.
"Ermm, I must have slept out," Merlin said staring at Arthur.
"Of course you did, just get my bed laid," he said and went to sit on a chair close to his table. Merlin turned to get the bed laid.
"They are staying another week," he said to Merlin. Merlin stopped what he was doing and turned to look at Arthur.
"That would be the third week they will be staying here, are they not getting bored, does Bayard not miss his family?"
"I wondered that, but anyway, I don't blame him who would miss such set of people?" A thought just flashed into Arthur's mind then he smiled. "I guess if I stop playing along, that stupid Gabriella would get bored and know I don't like her."
"That's not a bad idea," Merlin said. Arthur stood up, a smile on his face, he was revitalised. "I feel like hunting."
It was Monday morning, and Morgana and Gwen were in Morgana's chambers. Gwen was folding Morgana's clothes that she just brought from the laundry while Morgana was making up herself. Gwen suddenly became dizzy while Morgana whom was sitting before her mirror didn't notice what was happening. Gwen held the bed post to keep from falling. She blinked her eyes and continued on what she was doing. She became dizzy again and tired then she fell. Morgana noticed her falling and ran over to help her up.
"Gwen, you are not felling too well." With Morgana's help Gwen struggled to her feet.
"I'm alright my lady, just feeling a bit tired and dizzy that's all."
"Then you should be home and have some rest, you've been working really hard lately." Gwen went back to folding the clothes.
"I'm simply tired, I will be fine." But unexpectedly, she gagged. she quickly
rushed to the bathroom to throw up and Morgana followed behind.
"Gwen, you are sick and need to see Gaius," Morgana said, helping her with a towel and water.
"You're right, I should my lady, I am sorry for my misbehaviour."
"Don't be silly. Now, I'll see you to Gaius you are in no shape to go alone."
Gwen didn't resist because she was tired and sick. She followed Morgana outside. They met Gaius alone in his chambers, Morgana explained to him how Gwen said she felt and how she was feeling dizzy and sick.
"Sit," Gaius told Gwen. He went towards her to examine her, then checked her eyes.
"Apart from being dizzy and weak how else do you feel?"
"I couldn't keep my food down this morning and even yesterday," Gwen said staring at Gaius.
"That is to say you started having these symptoms yesterday."
"Yes," she answered. Gaius looked at Morgana and back to Gwen. He took a deep breath.
"I fear you are with child Gwen." Gwen felt like fainting, what had she gotten herself into, she thought.
"Congratulations Gwen," Morgana said. Gwen just sat there staring at Morgana. She felt like crying.
"Please, do not tell Arthur of this I beg you."
"Why? It's good news. Uther would never have a reason to refuse you marrying Arthur. That is what the two of you said you wanted. You are carrying his heir."
"I am so scared my lady."
"You don't have to be my dear Arthur will take care of everything," Gaius assured her.
Later that evening Gwen got prepared to go home and Morgana called her aside to talk to her.
"Gwen, I think you should let Arthur know you are carrying his child, there is nothing to be scared of."
Gwen was happy and at the same time afraid. She had nothing to say cause her head was filled with thoughts. Arthur would be expecting her by now she thought.
"Goodnight my lady," she said in a low voice and left. She got to Arthur's chambers. She looked around and found no one watching so she crept in as the door wasn't looked. The guard assigned to spy on Arthur was close by watching as Gwen entered the chambers. Arthur smiled as she entered the chambers. He had noticed Gwen had been moody that evening.
"Guinevere," he called moving towards her. "I've noticed you have been quiet, are you feeling okay?"
So many things were going through Gwen's mind right now. She feared that if she told Arthur about the baby he would reject her. What would be her fate if that happened, she thought. She then took a deep breath and decided not to tell him just yet.
"Gwen are you all right?" Arthur said becoming serious.
"Yes." She forced a smile. Everything is alright, I just feel sick that's all.
"Then you should see Gaius."
"I have already and he gave me some medicine," she said.
"Then you need to rest. Come, you can use my bed," he said.
"I'm sorry, I should go home."
He stared at her for some seconds, then exhaled. "Okay, I'll take you home." Arthur said going to get a jacket.
"Don't worry Arthur, I'll see you tomorrow."
"No, I insist. I am taking you home." He picked up a robe so he could not be easily detected by the guards. He opened the door and Gwen followed. Unknown to them, they were being watched. The guard followed them as they left the palace down to Gwen's house them he returned back to the palace to report to the king.
Uther was just getting ready to retire to bed when the guard entered his chambers.
"What have you found?" Uther asked.
"Your highness, as I speak the prince is not inside the palace. He is having an affair with the lady Morgana's maidservant, Guinevere."
"A maid? Uther was provoked by this. "Arthur has been enchanted by that girl," he said. "I know my son would never stoop so low as to have an affair with an insignificant maid."
He picked up his jacket and turned to the guard. "Take some men with you, as soon as he leaves the girl's house, arrest the girl and bring her to the dungeons. Make it discreet, do not arouse the attention of queen Katherine or her daughter."
The guard left and Uther went to Arthur's chambers to await him. When he got there the door was not locked. He waited for two hours, and Arthur wasn't back. Finally, he came in at about twenty minutes to four in the morning. He opened the door and entered his chambers. He froze when he saw his father but he quickly adjusted himself.
"Father," he said uneasily. Uther stood up from the bed and stared into his son's eyes. "What are you doing here?"
