Wow on chapter 10 already, how a story flies

Warning; this chapter is the most amorous it will get (I think) so if you're jittery wait until chapter 11 is up and skip on

Everyone loved Igraine. Gwen found her to be a wonderful lady to serve, always willing to talk and share a burden. For most others she was just a Uther loved her in a different way to everyone else, the way a man loves his wife.

"Gwen I can't…"

"Why on earth not? What, apart from locked doors would prevent you spending the night with Uther?"

"It's just that…I'll always be hoping… you know" Igraine hung her head

Her maid smiled "My mother had a saying: 'Expect nothing, then anything is a bonus'. Go to Uther and enjoy yourself. I'll sleep up here as I sometimes do and nobody except us will know where you've been."

"Tonight?"

"Why wait Igraine… you'll only give up on the idea otherwise"

The Queen of Camelot walked over to her maid and hugged her "you read me to well Gwen. Tonight it will be"

Dinner was just a family affair that night; Uther Igraine and Arthur with their personal servants to wait on them. Gwen, eagle eyed as always, couldn't help noticing the soft looks that Uther was giving his wife. Swallowing a grin she continued to carry out her duties, offering wine and keeping a guarded eye on the next course to be served: if anything was added at the last minute Igraine must not eat it, they'd had enough experiences of poison in Camelot (most notably Merlin's close brush with the Mortaeus flower).

The king seemed loathe to say goodnight to Igraine after the meal had finished. When he did the reward was great: her soft fingers curling round the thin chain that held the sapphire and tugging it gently.

In her room Igraine stood shaking as Gwen finished tightening her nightdress and slipping the cords out of reach. As she moved toward the connecting door Gwen leaned over and kissed her cheek softly "good luck Igraine" she whispered. The queen turned her head slightly in acknowledgement then opened the door and walked through.

On the other side she found Uther already in bed and apparently asleep but somehow he had rolled over to leave the connecting side of the bed free. Not one to resist a dare she wriggled under the covers and instantly found herself imprisoned by his embrace. The kiss that followed wasn't just a friendly brush of lips together; it was loving, contented and powerful. Each offering the other their life, their all. Igraine only drew away for want of air. "My darling" she let her arms curl round his neck as they kissed again and felt the grip on her waist and back tighten incrementally as he responded to her affection.

"My sprite of the wood, my golden angel of dreams" Uther whispered, allowing her head to rest on his chest as they snuggled close "my sweet golden haired wife". Subconsciously one hand ran up her back to stroke the glowing silk that grew from her head, the fingers twirling it round and round. She never resisted, only shifted to stay close to him…

They woke up to see the moon sinking; the night was dying and their time together was up, for the sake of secrecy.

"Who else knows?" Uther whispered as she rolled over to leave

"Nobody but Gwen. She won't tell a soul" Igraine stood up, briefly brushing his hand with her own before slipping back through the connecting door.

"Have fun?" Gwen stirred as her mistress entered

"You could say that" Igraine gave an impish smile and curled up in her own bed, falling asleep immediately. When she woke once more it was morning and a new day had begun.

Sorry for the lame last sentance. This chapter may be short but it is ultra significant for the Story (hint hint)

AoSB

P.S please tell me if time starts to rush by in this story and I will slow down. It's an old habit I can't break so all warnings welcome