I'm genuinely sorry for my quietness! This chapter has been half-ready for ages, but my schedule is busy and my days crazy. Finally got it done, so enjoy! As you might see, we're getting closer to the finale - tie your seat belts! Thanks to all new followers and favourite-adders, I love you all. Read and review, I appreaciate it so much!

ooo

Finally, as the summer was closer to its end than its beginning, on one rather chilly evening the Queen experienced her first contractions. The whole city went crazy of preparations for the birth of their heir to the throne. Evelyn and Merlin were given the duty of preparing the bedroom for labour, in which they proceeded in great hurry. After many long and desperate hours, Guinevere gave birth to a healthy son on the early hours of the next morning.

Immediately, the preparations for the birth switched into the preparations for the baptisement of the child. Guinevere's maid was the main baby-sitter of the baby, and she had requested Evelyn to help her out in everything. She was glad to be of help, and her relationship with the Queen grew stronger every day. It was very time consuming, however, and her already limited time with Gwaine was shrunk into almost nothing. On the evening before the celebration, however, when she was on her way back to her room, late and exhausted, opening her door she found a very pleasant surprise waiting for her.

The curtains were closed, and red candles had been lit all around the room. The small table was set for a small supper, and the white sheets of the big bed were covered in red, strongly fragranted rose petals. Gwaine himself was standing by the window, peeking outside, but turned hastily around when he heard the door close.

"Finally! I've been waiting for quite a while, young lady."

Evelyn was surprised. "Gwaine… Wow, you're amazing." She made her way to him, reaching her hand towards him. He took it in his grip, and pulled her to an embrace. "No, you are amazing. Now, you hungry?"

She laughed happily. "Always!"

They sat down and ate the simple supper Gwaine had prepared, talking about everything else but the upcoming celebration. Occassionally Gwaine would rise and pour them more wine, but never breaking the intimate atmosphere.

"Thank you, Gwaine. It was delicious. And so thoughtful of you."

Gwaine reached to brush his hand against her cheekbone. "Anything for you, my love."

Evelyn froze, her eyes locking with his. "W-w-what?"

Gwaine's brow furrowed. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Gwaine… "

"Are you saying you're not ready for that much yet?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I believe we're talking about the same thing." He paused. "Love."

"I just wasn't expecting that, that's all. You caught me by surprise there."

"With love?"

"With what you called me."

Gwaine took away his hand. "Are you trying to politely say you don't feel of me the same way?"

Evelyn looked confused. "What way? I haven't said anything."

He rose from the table, and walked back to the window, turning his back to her. "This isn't going like I expected."

"Gwaine… What's going on? I don't understand."

Gwaine spun around fast. "What is so difficult to understand? I love you!" He lowered his voice. "Don't you love me?"

Evelyn was about to say something, but shut her mouth quickly. She rose to her feet, and pronounced for the millionth time that evening; "Gwaine…"

His expecting look fell, and he swung his hands in desperation. "Yeah there it is. I love you. I was expecting a little more enthusiasm or something. Must have been an idiot. Sorry for that."

She took two hesitant steps towards him, only causing him to retreat the same two steps. "No, Gwaine…"

"It's ok, Evelyn, it's fine. I can't expect such from you, of course not."

"Of course you can! I just never in my life thought… I mean, you totally caught me by surprise."

The hurt in Gwaine's eyes was striking. "You never in your life thought that I could love? That I could actually care for someone? Seriously, Evelyn, is that how highly you think of me?"

"Gwaine! I never thought I could be enough for anyone, let alone you. That I could ever be loved. No man has ever loved me before."

Gwaine's eyes softened. "Evelyn, I have known this in my heart for very long now. And know that I have never said nor felt love for any other woman. Understand how much I've fought with myself!"

She closed the gap between them, forcing her hand on his cheek despite his light struggle. "Then know how honoured and special I feel." And she pressed her lips on his. He didn't answer first, but kept still, but as her arms wound around his neck and her lips worked their magic against his, he put his hands on her hips and kissed her back. A lone tear escaped Evelyn's eye, as their passionate, yet intimate kiss deepened, and Gwaine's hands slid up and down her back as she placed soft kisses on his jawline and throat. He pulled her towards the bed, and roughly laid her under his body, pressing against her. A quiet whimper escaped her lips, and she reached her hands behind his head, raising his eyes to hers.

"I love you, Gwaine. Of course I do."

Gwaine's mouth, only inches away from hers, spread into the brilliant smile of his, as he rolled on his back, letting her on top of his.

ooo

The next morning Evelyn woke to a wet kiss on her lips. She smiled, eyes still closed, and reached to stroke Gwaine's messy hair. "Good morning, princess."

"Good morning", she replied with a little hoarse voice, and Gwaine laughed. Finally opening her eyes, she found Gwaine on his side next to her, playing with her equally messy hair, his eyes cast upon her. She admired his bare chest with her hand, absently running her hand up and down on its hard muscles and hairy surface. "Any idea what time it is?"

"Still quite early, although I guess we better get dressed. The Queen will probably be needing your services before the ceremony." Pressing one last kiss he rose from under the covers, and gathered his clothes from next to the bed. Evelyn's gaze wandered on his bare behind. "Like what your seeing?"

Evelyn blushed. "Nah, not my type at all."

Gwaine turned around, still undressed. "Really? That's not how it sounded like last night, love."

Evelyn blushed even more of what she was seeing now. "Average. Plain average."

Gwaine made it towards the bed. "Don't play with me, woman, or…"

She laughed, and pulled herself up from the bed aswell, and it was now Gwaine's turn to admire the view. "But seriously Gwaine, about last night – "

His face spread into a huge grin. "Yes, love?"

"Nothing. Just that I love you." She winked at him, and disappeared behind the dressing room door.

"I love you too", Gwaine replied softly, pulled on his pants and shirt and went for the door. "I'll get you before the event."

ooo

When the time reached noon, Evelyn was back to her room, tying the last bits of her blonde hair into a loose bun. She was wearing a dark burgundy dress, as all guests had been asked to dress in either one of the Kingdom's colours. Just then there was a knock on her door, and Gwaine stepped in, wearing his usual uniform. "How beautiful you look, my love."

Evelyn turned around. "You came? I thought we're going separately as always."

"I told you I'd come."

"I thought you were joking."

Gwaine offered her his arm. "I wouldn't joke of such matter. I thought it would be time to go together."

She smiled and took his arm. "I think so too."

They made their way to the hall, and took their places. The ceremony itself went by smoothly, and the whole crowd rose to greet their new prince, Ector Pendragon. When the applauses faded, however, the doors slammed open. The crowd went silent, whent hey saw a single black raven fly in. No one dared to speak, as it closed upon the royals. Before reaching them, it slowed down, and the crowd whimped as it started to change in front of them. In a short moment Morgana was standing right in fron of the throne, an evil smirk on her lips. All swords were drwan, and Gwaine stepped in front of Evelyn protectively, as the King handed the baby to his wife, stepped in front of them, and raised his hands as a sign for his knights to stop. "What brings you to ruin this celebration, sister? As far as I recall, you haven't been invited."

"How odd that is indeed, that I wasn't invited to celebrate the birth of my nephew?"

Arthur stepped slowly forward. "There's a reason this event hasn't spread widely across the country. And you are the reason." He paused. "I've ordered my men to stop. What do you want?"

She flipped her hair in anger. "Indeed, if it wasn't for a little friend I would have had no idea pf the party. Lucky me!" She closed the distance in between them. "I have one simple request." And she raised her hands and murmured a lon spell outloud. Evelyn watched in horror, as Merlin's face went white as chalk, and Gaius had to pull him down to keep him from running. Arthur grapped her, but too late. "What have you done, sorveress?"

Morgana pulled her hand free. "You have one day, Arthur Pendragon, to leave this city with your beloved ones, hand the crown to me, and never come back." She paused, swinging her arms open. "If not, the spell will ensure that you do not leave this place, as I bring down all my power to destroy you and anyone who tries to stand on your side!"

"NO!"

"You have a choice to make, Arthur. You can save so many lives, including your wife's and your child's. I'm giving you a chance to leave in peace."

Arthur drew his sword in rage, but it was too late; Morgana was gone, and the raven flew out of the door like a bullet, disappearing in the darkness.

The crowd erupted immediately, but Arthur's voice boomed over it: "Silence!" When the noise quieted, Ector whimped loudly. "Close the doors." He then faced the crowd. "Someone has betrayed us, and thus sentenced many people in danger." Pausing, he cast his gaze upon everyone. "That person is one of you. Anyone with any valid information is now asked to come forward."

It was dead silent for a moment. No one moved. Then, from somewhere befind the crowd, an old man stepped out. He walked towards the King slowly. Finally reaching him, Arthur spoke. "Gorlois, Librarian. Speak."

Gorlois stepped up and whispered something in the King's ear. His eyes were first unfocused, but then he leaned towards Gorlois. "I do remember. Indeed, I remember." Then he raised his gaze, and to everyone's surprise, they found one person in the front.

Evelyn froze, as Arthur's piercing blue eyes found hers. Does he finally know who I am? But it has nothing to do with- her thought was interrupted. I seem guilty in his eyes! Just then Arthur's voice boomed. "Step in front of me, lady Evelyn."

Gwaine grapped her hand protectively, trying for his sword with the other one. Lancelot hissed long. Evelyn, however, met Gwaine's gaze. "It's ok. I've done nothing. I promise."

Gwaine let her go, and she stepped in front of the King. He stood in long silence, with cold eyes, before speaking. "Merry meet, Evelyn. It's been a long time."

"It certainly has, sire."

"So you do not deny it?"

"Deny what?" Gwaine's voice was angry.

"Deny having a past here in Camelot. Deny knowing you before, Arthur. No, I do not deny that."

Gwaine went silent, as did the crowd.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Arthur's eyes didn't leave hers.

"For not reminding you? Might that not be connected to the reason I left in the first place?"

"For your treason! We have been friends since childhood. I thought at least we parted as friends!"

Evelyn took a step forward. "Arthur, this is not of my doing. I would never-"

Lancelot stepped forward. "Sire, surely there's no reason to believe such things-"

"After what has happened? There's all the reason! She has all the motif for commiting such thing!" He turned back towards Evelyn. "You want to tell everyone or should I?"

She lifted her shoulders. "Go ahead. I'm not embarrased."

Gwaine stepped next to her then. "Arthur, come to your senses, this is-"

"Quiet! Or should I think she has told you of her origin here? Well let me tell you. Evelyn here was born here in Camelot. Her father was a knight to my father for many long years. She was my best friend as a child, and we spent all our time playing together." He paused, letting his words sink in. "Until one day my father found out about the secret of her father. He was executed for the practice of sorcery!" Gwaine's eyes were on Evelyn now, who refused to meet them. "The rest of her family was sent to exile, with no food, money or name. My father destroyed her life." Arthur met her eyes, "and she has come to make me pay for it."

It was dead silent, until Gwaine opened his mouth. "Tell me it's not true. Evelyn, tell me he's lying."

Evelyn kept her eyes locked with Arthur's. "I can't. He speaks the truth, until his accusations." She looked at Gwaine, finally. "I would never do such treason, Gwaine."

But Gwaine stepped away from her, his eye full of disgust. "I can't believe you. Liar! You've sentenced us all to death!"

But before she could reply, Arthur announced: "Guards! Seize her." He faced Evelyn. "She is to be locked in the dungeons. Guilty of treason."