Warning: Longish chapter.

I don't really own them but I use them

He does not know how to handle this Arthur. He had dealt with pouting Arthur, morose Arthur, angry Arthur, excited Arthur, sad Arthur and of course pratty Arthur. But this one, he has no clue. Arthur has been cursing, sighing and pacing the floor until Merlin swears he can see a footpath on the floor. Merlin has not yet been able to get anything out of him so he has not been much help to his master and friend at all. So like a good friend, he tries again.

"Arthur, mayhap if you were to tell me what the problem is, I could help find a solution. It can't be that bad, whatever it is."

"Well, it is because you don't know what it is Merlin."

"Exactly my point, Arthur. Sometimes two heads are better than one."

"Yes but I don't know if one of those heads is yours."

"Well you are certainly not going to find a solution drilling ridges into the floor with your pacing like you are doing right now. Okay let me see, it can't about Camelot; there hasn't been any messengers that have arrived. It can't be about the bandits; there hasn't been any attacks that have been reported since the knights got injured. Which leaves only one other possible matter." Merlin contemplates, brows furrowed and eyes narrowed.

Arthur should have known that Merlin would not give up easily. He had hoped that his uncooperativeness would put Merlin off.

"Is this about Gwen?"

Arthur's whole body jumps to attention although he tries to disguise it. Merlin almost laughs out aloud. It would be funny if it wasn't so …so… something.

He pins Merlin down with a deadly glare.

"Oh so it is about Gwen?"

Another scorching glare.

"So what has Gwen done this time?"

"What makes you think she has done something?"

"Well, let's see. You are giving me the looks from hell. You have been pacing up and down like a mad man and your face has developed worry lines. Should I go on?"

"Alright, alright I will tell you. But you have to keep this to yourself. If I ever learn that you told this to anyone, I will make your life a living hell."

"More than you do already?"

"Yes."

"Okay I promise, I will take your secret to the grave."

"I wish that were true. We both know you cannot keep a secret to save your life. But I will tell you anyway." Arthur releases a loud sigh and sits down on his bed. "Well Morgana summoned me to her chambers as you know. She said she had something important to tell me."

"Concerning?"

"Apparently Lady Brianna has asked Guinevere to consider having the marriage ceremony as soon as possible in the hope that it will help Ewan's recovery. Something about giving him a reason to fight for his life." He mumbles through the last part.

"I can see the logic in what she is saying, but what is Gwen saying?"

"That's it, I don't know. I have not had a chance to talk to her about it. But what if she agrees?"

"Good for her. After all they are betrothed. They were going to get married anyway. Whether it's today or tomorrow doesn't really matter." And then he realizes that the look that Arthur is giving him could easily knock his head off. "Or maybe… it does?" Merlin amends hesitantly.

Arthur first scowls and then sighs combing his hair with his fingers in frustration.

"Arthur, what is going on?"

"I find myself in an arduous position Merlin. On one hand I feel guilty for feeling the way I do, but on the other, I can't help thinking I'm not to blame for the way I feel. I did try to stop it but I just couldn't help it. Nothing I have tried to do has changed the way I feel about her. It's like watching yourself going over a cliff and being unable to stop."

"Ah-h! You have finally realized the feelings you have for Gwen run much deeper." Arthur looks sharply at Merlin. "Yes Arthur, it is that obvious, a blind man could see it. I have been on pins and needles hoping the realization would come to you first before Elyan challenged you to a fight to the death for behaving improperly towards his sister. It seems this is the day it has finally dawned on you. So what are you going to do about it?"

"What can I do about it Merlin. I love her so much and I don't want her to marry Ewan. It would just about kill me if she did."

"So I repeat what are you going to do about it? Does she know how you feel?"

"Merlin I can't tell her. What will she think of me going after another man's woman? Besides what if she doesn't feel the same way about me?"

"Arthur, you will never know unless you tell her. You have everything to gain. If she feels the same way, you could stop her from marrying a man she doesn't love and thereby making the greatest mistake of her life. If she doesn't, you can stop obsessing over her and move on with your life."

"I am not obsessing Merlin."

""Matter of opinion I guess. Anyway, it's always better to know isn't it? Either way you can start planning your life."

"What if she doesn't feel the same way I feel about her. Or maybe she is not willing to take me and all the baggage I come with. I know there are some ladies that would give an arm and a leg to become my queen and I just had to fall in love with someone who doesn't seem to care about sitting on the throne."

"Well, I rather think that makes her the perfect lady for you, don't you think? If she does like you it will be for who you are inside and not because her eyes are on the crown. After all you have always wanted to marry for love, haven't you? Here is your chance. Besides, I think the lady is not exactly indifferent to your charms."

Arthur's eyes have a little light of hope when they look up to Merlin. "You think she likes me? You think she would be willing to give me a chance Merlin?" At this point he really doesn't care he sounds like a desperate love sick juvenile.

"Honestly I don't know what she sees in you. You the most irritating person I know. You are stubborn, supercilious…"

"Oh that is a big word Merlin. Sure you even know what it means?"

"Condescending, conceited, patronizing …"

"Doesn't quite mean that."

"These are the other things you are."

"Merrrlin!"

"Big-headed, pompous, egotistical…"

"Shut up Merlin."

Merlin chuckles. It works like a charm every time, never disappointing. "You do have some redeemable character traits though. Like the way you care for your people; the way you are always willing to risk your life for your men or the way you never ask anyone to do what you yourself are unable or unwilling to do. You can be kind and surprising thoughtful. I'm sure Gwen has had a glimpse of those few qualities. She probably thinks you are a half decent king."

"Well at least I have the confidence of my servant. Maybe I will go and look for her right now."

"You do realize she might still be sleep…" it takes a few moments for Merlin to realize that he is now talking to himself.

Trapped, trapped and from all corners, that what Gwen feels one moment, and then the next she feels like she is choking and get enough air into her lungs. She tries to take a gulp of air but her throat muscles are constricted. The walls in her chambers feel like they are closing in on her and the room, suddenly devoid of air. I need to get out of here.

"Relena, please get my riding attire. I need some fresh air."

"My lady, is something the matter? You look out of sorts?"

Gwen would normally talk to Relena but she is just too unsure of everything so she is not ready to talk. Besides airing her feelings might shock the poor innocent and sheltered girl and change the way she thinks of her mistress.

She forces herself to smile brightly. "I am fine Relena. I just need to go out for a spell." Her mind moves back to the previous night's events.

After her conversation with Lady Brianna she had spent the evening totally alone. She had not felt much like company. A visit from Morgana had not helped her melancholic mood. Morgana expressed her disgust at Lady Brianna's request in no uncertain terms and her words had not been complimentary towards the older lady, calling her selfish and manipulative. Gwen knows that the lady is none of those things as she knows her better but sees her request for what it is; a desperate act of a mother who loves her son deeply. She also knows Morgana has become a dear friend and she had not meant to be too judgmental but was only been looking out for her.

In the middle of the night she had paced the floor until she could see her footprints on the stone floor. She had tried to convince herself that she could marry Ewan and maybe find happiness; that her consent would be the best thing all around. But the memory of crystal blue eyes would not let that decision settle well in her heart; the recollection of soft looking full lips and a stunning mind- numbing pearly- white smile had haunted her like a wraith. If she had not known it before, she now knows for sure. She has fallen in love with the man who is deemed the best warrior in the five kingdoms. She swears that he is now haunting the confines of her chambers. The night seemed to stretch an eternity. Morning and thereby hope for a reprieve had not come soon enough for her.

So here she is in the morning and nothing much has changed. She still she cannot run away from her thoughts. She has decisions to make. Riding always helps clear her mind. Relena gets her ready quickly. She picks up her cloak and makes her way to the kitchens picking up some apples and continuing to the stables. It never ceases to amaze her how the smell of horses tends to uplift her spirits when other ladies of her station probably find it revolting. She moves through the stables talking to and touching every one of her horses until she reaches her priced palfrey, Dame Isobel. She greets the palfrey lovingly and she laughs delightedly at the way its ears prick at the sound of her voice.

"I missed you so much my lovely. Did you miss me?" She feeds Dame Isobel an apple and strokes her velvet nose affectionately.

Her head groom approaches and bows to her smiling.

"I am sure she did my lady. She positively pinned for you while you were away."

"Alexander, it's so good to see you. I have missed home immensely. Can you saddle her for me? I fancy a ride. "

"Of course, my lady. Are you going alone? Do you need me to ride with you? It might not be safe for you with all these bandits attacking villages around us."

"I will go with her, that is, if her ladyship doesn't mind." A voice disengages itself from around a corner. Gwen's heart bits a million times at a time. She turns her head and finds herself face to face with Arthur. He is in his riding attire as well. How can one look so good in riding habit? Oh, the unfairness of it all! And how her heart beats so fast for him.

"Sire." She curtseys dipping her head modestly. Her eyes sneak a peek at him from underneath her eyelashes.

"Lady Guinevere," he acknowledges her bowing his head. He doesn't like the formality between them especially when all he wishes is to dip her low and give her the deepest kiss that would make a swoon.

"I thought I would ride out for a bit. I would be honored if you would allow me to keep you company." Arthur sends a silent prayer of forgiveness.

Arthur had gone to talk to Gwen and had been informed by her worried- looking maid servant that she had gone to the stables. He had known right away that she would probably be riding out and had asked Merlin to help him change into his riding apparel quickly. He had made his way to the stables in haste, silently hoping that he would not find her gone already. He did not fancy having to hunt her down, which he probably would have done if she had already left. She might think him outlandish which might not exactly aid his self- impose quest of making her fall so hopelessly in love with him, she would not deny him anything . He had been so relieved to hear her speaking to her groomsman. He had stayed hidden unsure of how he would get her to agree to go with her without a chaperone. At that moment he had realized that he had not thought his idea through. The groomsman had just given him a brilliant excuse which he grabbed with swiftness, not willing to look the horse gift in the mouth.

"Thank you Sire, but I do not want to put you out." She sounded so calm. How did she manage to sound so calm?

"It's no trouble at all as I was going for a ride myself." Hell's gates are surely open wide for him. "We might as well go together and put your groomsman's mind at rest." He looks pointedly at Alexander, who has no choice but to nod enthusiastically in concurrence, making it difficult for Gwen to protest any further, without raising the groom's suspicion.

Within moments they are trotting out into the crisp, frosty air. Gwen gives Dame Isobel her head, galloping to the edge of the forest. Arthur follows suit spurring his horse on after her. There is such a feeling of freedom and release from societal constraints as they gallop away from the castle. They take a path leading to the left until they come to a clearing. Gwen reins in her horse urging her to slow down so that they ride side by side at a slower canter and eventually a much slower pace. They come to a small stream and decide to stop for a while and rest. Arthur regrets not having had a picnic prepared. However, considering how impromptu the ride had been, there really had been no time for all that.

"The way you handle horses never ceases to amaze me, my lady. You truly have a gift."

"Thank you, sire. I would like to think so. I love riding and it's something that I do when I need to think. It helps me clear my mind and think clearly."

"You have something on your mind, my lady?"

Gwen had not seen that one coming or else she would have been careful with her words. She is not sure how she can come out of it.

"It's nothing that need concern you, sire. It is just some personal matter that I have been struggling with. I will not entangle you in my affairs."

"But if it concerns you, it definitely affects me my lady. I would like to help you if I can."

Gwen heart beats like a drum, threatening to come of its shell. How does she tell the man she is interested in that she is considering marrying another man?

"I don't know sire. It's a very delicate matter."

"Well I am very good at keeping secrets, ask anyone. I will take whatever you will tell me to my grave, knight's honor."

Gwen is still not sure but she really needs to hear someone else's point of view. She really doesn't have to disclose who it is, does she?

"Swear on your crown that you will not tell another soul. This could ruin someone's reputation."

"I swear by the word of the king."

Gwen giggles at Arthur's jesting. Arthur's chest swells at the sound and the knowledge that he has caused it.

"Alright, then, I will tell you." She seems unsure for a moment until he nods encouragingly.

"A friend of mine is betrothed to a man that she has recently found she doesn't ...eh love."

"Ah, I see. But isn't that the way with most nobles? What makes her situation any different?"

"The issue is, she has developed feelings for another," she continues shyly.

Arthur's heart is threatening to jump out through his chest. Could it be?

"Does the other gentleman know about her feelings for him?"

"I don't think so to be honest. My friend is too afraid to find out. She is not even sure if he feels the same way. You see my friend is not as bold as everyone thinks she is in matters of the heart having led a rather sheltered life like most of her peers. If only there was another way of knowing."

"Sometimes when something is important enough, a person needs to take a risk. Imagine if she never finds out and then she ends up in a loveless marriage when there is a chance the other gentleman feels the same. I believe that you need love to make marriage work better. A harmony of hearts is so important especially as marriage involves a lot of challenges."

Gwen knows he might not realize that he is talking about the two of them but Gwen cannot help the shortness of her breath or the way her heart constricts at his words. When he puts it that way it almost sounds very simple. The problem is, he does not know the rest of the story.

"You do seem to know a bit about love, may I be so forward as to assume that you have at some point experienced such emotion?"

Arthur takes his time to answer. He is looking at Gwen with a piercing expression that she cannot quite decipher but still creates havoc in her chest.

"You would be right in that assumption, my lady. The only problem is that like your friend I do not know whether the lady that I am sweet on feels the same way I feel about her."

With his words Gwen's heart plummets to the depth of the earth's pit. She wonders who the lucky lady is and how long he has been in love with her. And yet she had thought… but clearly she had been mistaken. A piercing jealous feeling goes through her heart like a double edged sword. However, noble as she is, she has to give the right advice.

"So maybe Sire, you might take the same advice that you have just given?" She raises her brow at him in challenge and yet a lump is lodged in her throat. She cannot believe she is challenging the man she loves to declare his love to another.

"Guinevere, may I call you by your given name?" He waits for her consent and moves on. "Yes, you are right of course. I really hate being hypocritical." Arthur moves closer to Gwen. His heart is beating so loud he swears she must see it through his cape. It's now or never. He continues so quietly that Gwen has to lean in to hear him. "So Gwen, do you?"

Now it's Gwen's heart that is moving towards her throat. "Do I what my Lord?" Her heart is like a swing. She dare not hope.

"Guinevere," he starts and her heart summersaults. The way he says her name alone can easily undo her. She has to deliberately force her mind to pay attention to the rest of his words.

"I hope I will not offend you but I have for some time wanted to tell you something that I have felt from the very first time I saw you." Arthur clears his throat as his voice turns hoarse from frayed nerves. "You see, I have found myself falling in love with you every day and though my head has told me that it is indeed folly to feel that way about a woman who is promised to another, I have been helpless to stop it."

"My Lord…" Gwen manages to gasp.

"If you don't feel the same way please just be free to tell me. Give it to me straight. I know I'm the king but I promise, I will not hold it against you if you do…" Arthur's heart is slamming against his rib cage. Her silence is worrying him. Maybe she does not feel the same way. I want her to tell me, no wait I don't want to know. It will kill me. No maybe it's better for me to know. Darn it, I don't know what I want.

"Gwen please, say something. Don't be afraid to deny me. It will kill me but I will …"

"Sire, shut up! I mean shut up, Arthur." Ohhh the sound of his name on her lips almost …makes him almost swoon. Do men swoon? It is positively orgasmic his eyes almost roll in ecstasy.

Gwen's eyes are twinkling with humor but Arthur recognizes something else, something that makes his hope flare and makes his heart move further up lodging itself in his mouth. Could it be?

He waits for her to say something but when she continues to gaze at him smilingly, he knows he will have to make the next move.

"Gwen, I hope I have not offended you but I had to say it."

"To the contrary, you have just solved one of my problems. Because you see, I have also discovered that I have fallen in love with the most handsome king in all the five kingdoms." She goes on despite the sharp intake of breath from Arthur. "And to hear that he feels the same way is priceless. So my Lord, I'm definitely not offended. "

Arthur moves closer towards her stalking her like prey. She remains rooted where she is, fascinated by the way he manages to move so quietly despite his size. No wonder he is such a great warrior.

When he reaches her and she is at arm's reach from him, he takes her hand gently, turns it and kisses her palm. Emotions the magnitude of a tidal wave hit her causing every nerve in her body to tingle and all the hairs on her body to stand at attention. His eyes never leave hers and Gwen cannot help the sensation that travels down her spine. Her mouth suddenly dry, she unconsciously licks it to moisten it. She realizes how her actions have affected Arthur when he freezes, his eyes dropping to her mouth before lifting up to her eyes again. He straightens himself, eyes still glued to hers.

He whispers, "Guinevere, I know I don't have the right to ask but may I please kiss you. I don't know if I could survive another moment without knowing the feel of your lips on mine."

Gwen shivers. Is it possible for a man to seduce with just his eyes and words because it is happening to her apparently.

She barely manages to nod her head, being sure that no word would come from her throat. Her eyes that have not moved once away from Arthur's definitely confirm her consent.

Arthur's kiss when it comes is like nothing she has ever experienced. It is soft and tentative but somehow it coxes every emotion out of her while it brands her at the same time. Every coherent thought leaves her normally keen mind. The kiss encourages her to forsake her cautious nature and lift up her arms placing them hesitantly on his chest. Goose pimples detonate on every surface of Arthur's body and he groans, drawing Gwen's body even closer. His tongue touches the surface of her lips cautiously not wanting to frighten her, while his body is screaming desire to throw all caution to the wind. Gwen releases a sound akin to the purr of a young kitten that almost breaks Arthur's control to smithereens as she allows Arthur further access into her sweet mouth.

They cling to one another giving and receiving from each other what they have until now dreamed of. By the time they both come up for air, their breaths are short and labored. They join their fore- heads trying to gain back some measure of control.

"Gwen I can hardly believe it. You really feel the same way I feel about you?"

"Well I really don't know how you feel my Lord but if you are as madly in love with as I'm with you then the answer is yes."

Arthur grins and brushes her lips with his. "I thought you said that you are not as bold as people think you are?"

"You knew that I was talking about myself didn't you? Was I that obvious?"

"It was only the hope of a man who is deeply in love and didn't know whether his feelings were reciprocated or not. I have a confession to make though."

"Let me guess. You are really not a king?" She teases. Arthur barks in laughter. One thing is for sure, he will never get bored around Gwen.

"There are times when I dream I wasn't but no I'm afraid I'm stuck with that responsibility. I did lie earlier about my plans for riding. I only decided to ride because I heard that you were going to ride out. I really needed to see you and convince you to fall in love with me."

"Really, my Lord? So did you succeed in your quest?"

"I'm not sure but I have one way of testing the outcome." His face looks serious but his eyes are twinkling with mischief.

"Pray do tell. What test is this, my lord? "

"I would rather show you, my lady." He says, sealing her lips with his again.

A/N So I had to cut this chapter at this point because it was just going on and on. It was getting too hard for me to keep my fav couple apart and decided it was time to get them together.