Hey lovelies! Another quick reminder of the rating of this story! Like I've said before, it's nothing graphic, but for those who are picky, there is sexual themes in this chapter.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Two nights later, Ellie and Jen dined alone. Since she was in her room and surrounded by guards, Jen didn't require Gwaine to guard her. Arthur had also slackened the guard a bit when Sir Wilson confessed to working alone in his anger towards the magic-using woman during his trial and was sentenced to time at one of Camelot's special farms. Normally Jen would want Gwaine there at dinner, but she thought it would be…dangerous.
The past few days had been abnormally warm but that particular Saturday was unbearable for September weather in Camelot. The heat of the day caused Gwaine to wear less clothing, so his tunic was loose fitting and sticking to him with sweat. He looked quite nice and Jen had an itching to touch him, but knew if she did it would end badly, and she would not give in that easily.
Something was wrong with her. She blamed it on being able to use her magic when normally she could use it for little things. Combine that with the heat, which was getting to her head, and Gwaine's tempting remarks and touches, she was sure she would lose her mind.
Jen, however, was not alone. Most of the court were moody and irritable from the heat, including Ellie. She continuously thought of Arthur and seeing him train, almost to an unhealthy extent.
"Do you think it's magic?" Ellie asked. She was draped over her chair in a most unqueenly fashion, in nothing but her chemise and eating the cold berries Drea had so loyally picked for her. The thought of meat at the moment nauseated her. "Don't do the Druids have potions that make people like this?"
"They sometimes have a festival," Jen responded, fanning herself. She was dressed the same as Ellie and drinking water. "But that's in honor of fertility and spring. This is autumn and nobody has fertility celebrations anymore, it's quite odd."
"So it's just the heat then?" Ellie groaned.
Jen nodded. "I'm afraid so."
"I wish we were by the sea," Ellie groaned some more. "I've become quite spoiled by the ocean breeze and being able to go for a swim."
"Mm-hmm," Jen agreed. She suddenly smiled. "That's it! Gwaine and I went for a picnic by a swimming hole yesterday morning."
"Do you two only go on picnics?" Ellie teased.
"We like the seclusion," Jen's cheeks, which were already flushed from the heat, reddened even more.
Ellie briefly wondered what it would be like to go on a picnic with Arthur, secluded in the woods and hidden from everyone else... "My god, I cannot stand this! We are going swimming!"
Jen looked on in surprise as the princess ripped away the under dress and grabbed her tunic and a pair of leggings. "Drea darling, please pack my darkest tunics and some towels, with a spare change of clothes."
"Mariana, would you mind doing the same?" Jen asked sweetly. Mariana nodded and left swiftly. Feeling impatient, Jen borrowed a pair of Ellie's leggings and a tunic. The pair hurried to leave the blazing room for a night swim. Jen noticed her cousin heading towards Arthur's rooms. "Ellie?"
"I'm getting Gwen and the knights," Ellie said in determination. "Don't argue."
"It isn't considered proper," Jen reminded her.
"Which is why we will sneak unnoticed from the castle."
)-(
Jen and others followed Arthur's lead through the tunnels, their group giggling. When Ellie had gathered everyone in her room and declared that everything had been much too serious the past few days, the close circle of knights, Gwen, and Merlin were surprised. She proposed an outing, where they added to the excitement and snuck from the castle for a night swim. Their servants were informed to say that they were indisposed if inquired after, but the risk of that was minimal due to the heat keeping everyone indoors.
"You Luxtera women are a bad influence," Elyan teased. "Bringing magic into this kingdom and encouraging us to sneak from the castle?"
"Yes, it's all very scandalous," Lancelot chuckled.
"I rather like the adventure," Gwaine whispered hotly in Jen's ear. Of course she had been foolish enough to walk at the back of the line with him. Thankfully, everyone was too preoccupied with themselves to notice that the couple fell back.
"You can't do things like that," Jen reprimanded. "At least, not in front of people."
"Is whispering dangerous?" he leaned down, hand resting on her waist. She wasn't sure what was happening, but she let him slowly lead her so that her back was pressed to the wall of the tunnel. "I'm merely talking."
"Gwaine," she murmured. "We're going to get lost."
"Just give in for me, darling," Gwaine said lightly, his lips ducking down to press a kiss to her neck. "I won't stop courting you, if that's what you're concerned about."
Jen barely registered the last part. She focused on 'give in for me.' Suddenly, it was like she felt a surge of power. She let one hand grip his shoulder, while the other twisted into his thick curls. She leaned up and pressed a shallow kiss to Gwaine's neck, a spot just below his ear. His skin was salty from sweat, but it didn't bother her. She simply smirked to herself.
"If anyone gives in, it will be for me and my desires. I will be bedding you, not the other way around. I have control."
With that, she stepped back, winked, and walked away with an extra sway in her step. She caught up to the group, Gwaine joining her moments after. His eyes had darkened with desire, but he looked like his usual self with a self-satisfied smile. Jen let him wrap an arm around her waist and pull her along.
Evidently he was eager to go swimming.
When Arthur led them to the swimming hole, almost everyone cried out in relief. The men stripped their shirts and the women snuck behind a tree to put on the longer, darker tunics. When they emerged, Ellie made of show of taking the pins from her hair and walking into the water. Arthur smacked Percival when the younger knight's eyes widened at her.
Gwen surprised all present by diving into the water and coming up in a very promiscuous manner. Lancelot looked as if he would faint on the spot. Instead, he pulled his wife to him and kissed him.
Jen thought it was positively precious until a thick pair of arms wrapped around her from behind. Instantly, she knew. "Gwaine!"
"Yes, Milady?" he laughed.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" she wiggled in his arms, but the feeling of moving her back against his bare torso forced her to stop. It was entirely too tempting and she felt like he knew it. He wanted her to lose all self-control.
"I'm giving you a refreshing swim," he muttered before launching himself backwards and taking her with him. Jen held her breath until Gwaine brought her back up and released her. She gasped for air before turning to shove him playfully, attacking him by climbing on him and trying to dunk him.
It became a sort of game. Everyone in the swimming hole participated. Jen had never seen such a large group of people having so much fun in one place. Wrestling and dunking matches took place, splashing and tickling as well.
Overall, it was quite a refreshing experience. Pent up energy was released and the heat didn't seem as horrid to deal with. They all enjoyed themselves for what felt like hours before Arthur decided they should head back.
The walk back was much less tense than the walk there. The knights were loose, the women were free, and Jen hadn't ever felt better.
That is, until Gwaine escorted her back to her chambers. They both had dry clothes on now, but Jen had a feeling it was pointless. She felt her will crumble. "Come in, Gwaine."
"To your room?" he asked in surprise. "I thought you said..."
"Gwaine. In. Now."
"Yes Milady." Gwaine followed her in. Once the door was closed, she pulled the knight to her and captured his lips in a slow, but intense kiss. Her body came alive in that moment. His lips were chapped and rough, but that made it almost manly. His beard scratched against her cheeks pleasantly, driving her to reach up and place her hand on his jaw. She absolutely loved his beard.
"My god," Gwaine whispered against her lips. "I've never felt such a way after only a kiss."
"Neither have I," she confessed, her body melting her his hands. Gwaine pulled their bodies flush against one another, kissing her again. She couldn't hold back the moan at the feeling of his muscular body pressing into hers. Practically driven mad with sudden desire, Jen's hands found their way to lock around his neck and twist into his still wet hair. He seemed spurred on by her actions and kissed her more forcefully, shoving her back into the cold stone wall. Jen gasped for breath when Gwaine's mouth moved down her jaw to press kisses along her throat and collar bone. He nipped the skin there, causing her to cry out.
Gwaine moved his hands from her back and waist to her thighs, lifting her body with ease. Jen was in shock. No man had ever been able to carry her without struggle. The realization of Gwaine's strength made her head spin in a delightful way, as she hungrily moved her mouth back to his.
"You please me first," Jen hissed, letting him carry her to the bed. "We do this my way, remember?"
"Whatever you say Milady," Gwaine smirked.
Silently, Jen casted a protection spell to prevent anyone from hearing them. She was in for a long night.
)-(
Unbeknownst to Gwaine and Jen, others across the castle were finding themselves in desperate need of a companion.
Lancelot and Guinevere found their nightly routine to be much more fun than usual.
Percival finally met that village girl he'd been chatting with for so many weeks.
Sir Leon's fiancé arrived at his door half past twelve.
Elyan found his childhood sweetheart and swept her off her feet—quite literally.
And the king...
"Arthur," Ellie whispered to him. "I've been thinking about you a lot. It's not very appropriate, but I can't help it. I..."
Arthur didn't let her finish. He drew the woman near him and let his desire sweep through them both, pouring everything he had into the kiss—desperation, need, compassion, and even a little frustration from their times in council. He let it all free.
Ellie moaned into the kiss as her body rose to meet the king's. The thin clothing that separated them was almost a tease as they passionately embraced. She couldn't believe the intensity of which her body yearned for Arthur, and only Arthur. It heightened with every touch of her waist and feeling of fresh smooth skin against her own. She wanted Arthur then and right then.
Until a bucket of cold water was dumped on them.
Arthur drew back in shock, sputtering water. He felt oddly like a spell had been broken. When his eyes cleared of water, he found his former manservant standing before them.
"I come back late at night and this is what I find?" Merlin exclaimed. "You two attacking each other in the middle of the corridor!"
Ellie gasped, covering her mouth in shame. "I don't know what came over me."
"Nor I," Arthur said in surprise. "Ellie, I am terribly sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for," she assured the king. Her eyes narrowed. "Now that I think about it, everyone has been acting rather strange. It's like we're all under some sort of..."
"Spell," Merlin finished, his face dropping. "How many people seemed affected?"
"Well, everyone," Arthur groaned. "Is there anything we can do tonight about it? Most everyone has returned to their chambers. It's probably too late by now."
"I'll look for something in Gaius' chambers," Merlin shook his head. "For now, the both of you need to go to bed—separately."
Ellie flushed and nodded. Without a word, the trio went their separate ways, all wondering what the hell was happening.
