A/N: Sorry for the huge delay here. I haven't been well recently - had a bad cold. :( But here it is, chapter 10. Thank you for your fab reviews!
Enjoy! :)
Arwen4eva xxxx
The next morning Gwen wakes up with Arthur fast asleep exactly where he had been the previous night.
Cradling his head carefully enough so he doesn't wake up, she moves him off of her chest.
Gwen smiles as she sees Arthur's brows furrow slightly due to the loss of his wife's body heat.
As each morning before, Gwen feels sick. But this time, it's worse.
Her stomach turns at the mere thought of food and her mouth becomes dry.
'Water. I need water.'
She sits up and swings her leg off the side but immediately regrets it.
A huge wave of dizziness floods over her and her sickness worsens considerably.
Her hand darts under the bed, takes hold of the chamber pot handle, and she vomits into the chilled metal.
Arthur immediately wakes hearing Gwen vomit up the contents of her stomach into the pot.
He scampers up behind Gwen quickly and rubs her back as she finishes.
"Has it stopped?"
His answer is more throwing up.
"Guard!"
A guard quickly bursts into the room.
His eyes widen at the sight of his Queen retching and his King extremely worried.
"Get Gaius immediately. Tell him to come quickly."
The guard nods disappears to fetch the old physician.
Arthur continues to rub Gwen's back.
"I...I think it has stopped now." she says lifting her head up.
Gwen places the vomit filled pot onto the floor.
"Are you sure?" Arthur asks.
With a nod of Gwen's head, Arthur shuffles backwards and Gwen flops back down.
Arthur takes hold of her legs and pulls them up onto the bed with the rest of her body. He recovers her body with the sheets.
"Are you ok-ish now?" Arthur asks.
"My head hurts." Gwen says putting her hand on her head.
"Do you want some water?"
Gwen nods and Arthur swiftly grabs her a goblet of water.
He slowly lifts her head and Gwen sips from the cup.
After a few sips, Gwen pushes the goblet away.
"Do you still feel sick my love?"
"A bit."
Arthur places his hand on her forehead.
'No sign of fever. Her skin is its normal beautiful caramel colour. So what's wrong?.'
"Well, at least we know it isn't a fever." he says.
The doors then open to reveal a slightly out of breath Gaius.
"I came as quickly as I could. What is the matter?"
"It's Guinevere."
Arthur steps aside so Gaius can look at Gwen.
"Could you go outside so I can examine her please Arthur." Gaius says kindly, looking down at Gwen.
"No, I must stay with her."
"It's fine Arthur." Gwen says, feeling drained. "Go."
"Fine. I will be outside. Shout for me if I am needed."
"Don't worry Arthur, I will." Gaius says.
Arthur then walks outside.
"How are you feeling my dear?"
"Honestly Gaius, not great."
"In what way?"
Gaius sits beside Gwen on the bed so his heart is able to calm down to its natural rhythm.
"Throwing up for one. Also I have a headache. I felt very dizzy as I sat up."
"Ok. Did that medicine I gave you yesterday work for you?"
"Yes, it did thank you."
Gaius smiles.
"That confirms my suspicions then."
"Suspicions Gaius? You know what is wrong with me?"
"Indeed I do and quite honestly, I am surprised that you haven't picked up on it with your medical training. You see, that medicine I gave you is mainly for women who are with child to help with their morning sickness issues Gwen."
Gwen's eyes widen with surprise.
"You...you mean to say that..."
"Congratulations Gwen, you are with child."
Gwen smiles and places her hand on her stomach.
"You should rest. Especially if you are attending the feast later."
"I can't. I have the council meeting later, you know I do." she says sitting up.
Gaius grasps her shoulders and sets her back down.
"Well, it will just have to be cancelled for now my lady. You should sleep."
"What about Arthur?"
"I will tell him if you wish."
"If you could Gaius." Gwen says her eyes drooping.
Gaius pats her hand.
"Sleep Gwen."
Gwen then quickly falls back to sleep.
Gaius picks up his medicine bag and exits the room.
Once the door quietly closes, Arthur is right next Gaius, worry clear as crystal on his face.
"What is wrong with her Gaius? Is she sick?"
"Gwen is fine Arthur."
"Why did she throw up then?"
"It is natural for a woman of Gwen's condition to throw up and feel sick in the mornings."
"Condition?"
Gaius smiles at a worried Arthur.
"Congratulations Arthur."
Arthur becomes very, very confused.
'What on Earth is he talking about?'
"Arthur, you're going to be a father."
Arthur mouth hangs open.
'I...I...I'm going...to be...a...father...'
Merlin then walks up to them with two plates in his hands - Arthur and Gwen's breakfast of fruit and bread. Something small for the upcoming feast this evening.
When he sees Arthur's face and Gaius smiling towards their King, he is confused.
"Why are you two out here and why does Arthur look like he wants to catch flies in his mouth." Merlin asks Gaius.
Gaius just looks at Arthur whose mouth is now closing.
"I'm going to be a father." he mumbles.
"What?"
"I am going to be a father." Arthur says louder and more clearly.
"Well, congratulations!"
Merlin places the plates down on a small table beside him and hugs his friend.
Arthur doesn't return the hug and frowns.
"Merlin...get off." Arthur says regaining his senses.
Merlin quickly releases Arthur and stands back.
"Sorry. I'm just happy for you." Merlin says with a grin plastered on his face.
"Thank you. Um, Gaius, is it okay for me to go back in?"
"Of course, just be quiet. Send for me when she wakes, we will need to go through some details. And when she does wake, make sure she sits up slowly otherwise she will be dizzy and will have another headache."
"Of course. Thank you."
"Merlin." Gaius says. "When you leave, I need you to take the chamber pot, empty and sterilise it as that is what Gwen had to throw up in."
Merlin groans which causes Arthur to laugh.
Arthur opens the door and holds it for Merlin as well.
"Thanks Arthur."
Arthur sits in his chair and laughs quietly as Merlin takes the chamber pot away.
Whilst watching Guinevere, Arthur begins eats his breakfast.
Over an hour later, Arthur sees Gwen waking up.
He rushes over and kneels beside the bed.
His hand find her cheek and he gently strokes the soft skin.
Gwen's eyes flutter open and she smiles as does Arthur.
"Hello mister." Gwen says.
"Hello my love."
"Did Gaius tell you?"
Arthur's smile broadens.
"He did. I love you so much Guinevere."
"I love you too."
Arthur's hand then goes to her still flat stomach and he strokes the skin gently as well.
Gwen places her hand on top of his.
"These next months are going to be busy." Gwen says.
"From what I have heard about the whole having children thing, yes it will be."
Arthur's comment causes Gwen to laugh.
"I suppose when our little one is born, I am going to have to share you aren't I." Arthur says with a pout.
"Unfortunately yes Arthur." Gwen says, her finger tracing his bottom lip. "But then we will be a family at last, a compromise of sorts."
Arthur gives Gwen a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth.
"I could wish for nothing more."
End note: Reviews as always are greatly appreciated as your opinion means a lot to me! :)