Chapter 11: Under Pressure

Months passed by and Elaine's stomach expanded. Gwen helped her to hide her growing secret by letting out her dresses which did not reveal her shame. The young princess tried her best to stay out of the public eye but her uncle continuously asked for her presence. One night after she had dined with her uncle, cousin and Morgana, she lay on her bed with her arm wrapped around her large stomach and that was when she felt the first surge of love for her unborn child. The child moved within her. Her hand moved to the roundness of her stomach, Elaine waited a moment and let out a laugh when she felt the soft kick. It was barely there but it was there.

She sat up and wiped away the tears, that had fallen earlier. "You really are there." She whispered as her fingers stroked her stomach. "I will never let you go." Her baby responded with another kick. "I will never let you go and that is my solemn promise." She kissed the tips of her fingers and placed them on the top of her stomach. She was paying so much attention to her unborn child that she did not hear her door open. She spoke softly to her kicking child as the person moved further into her chambers.

"Elaine?" Morgana spoke softly, shock on her face at Elaine stroking her round stomach but she stopped at the sound of Morgana speaking to her. Elaine stood up quickly and her hand dropped to her side. "You are with child?" Elaine stood there silently as tears formed in her eyes. "How long?" Morgana stepped forward but Elaine moved away. "Elaine, let me help you."

"How can you help me Morgana?" Elaine spoke timidly as her tears ran down her cheeks and her legs gave way as she sat on the bed, her face buried in her hands. "I have shamed myself." Lifting her head up and looking towards Morgana, who was slowly moving towards her.

When she reached Elaine, she sat on her left hand side and watched the young woman. "Does anyone else know?" Placing her hand over Elaine's but Elaine pulled her hand away. "Elaine talk to me. I'm your friend."

Elaine sat silently for a moment. "I am with child." Placing her hand on top of her stomach. "I do not know how far along I am." Her thumb gently sweeping across a small portion of her stomach. "I'm scared, Morgana." Turning to face her friend, tears continuously forming in her eyes and falling down her cheeks. "The King will never forgive me." She sobbed hard and Morgana wrapped her arm around Elaine's shoulder, trying to calm the poor woman.

"I understand. I shall help you keep it a secret and when the times comes, I will help you deliver the baby. Tell me, who else knows?" Morgana pushed her for an answer as she held Elaine in a comforting gesture.

"Just Gaius and Gwen. I had to tell them. I was so ill and they were pushing to find out what was wrong with me. Gaius visits me every week to see if I was well enough and the child was well." Her hand subconsciously moved to her stomach, where her baby was moving. "I am scared Morgana. I am scared of what my uncle will do."

"He would not hurt you. He loves you dearly." Morgana continued to comfort her and gain Elaine's trust.

"I do not think he would ever trust me again. I think he will separate me from my child, once it is born and then send us both away." She sobbed hard. "I haven't even told the father and I know he will help me and will love our child." Her fingers caressing her slightly large stomach. "I do not know where he is and I know we will not be able to marry." They sat in silence before Elaine spoke again. "He is a commoner." She began to sob hard into Morgana's embrace. "What do I do? I asked Gaius to rid of the baby but he said that it would possibly kill me."

"That is a good thing." Morgana reassured her by rubbing her back softly. "It would kill Gaius if you died from his treatment." Still holding her tightly. "There is a woman who has been treating people and they have been close to death or not been able to recover fully and she treated them with one hundred percent successfully. She could possibly help you."

"I do not know." Elaine shook her head. "Before you came in, I felt the baby move and I felt the surge of love for the baby. I want my child but sometimes I want to get rid of this child because I'm afraid of the consequences."

"With the King and Arthur?"

"Yes." She whispered softly. "The King will hate me and I do not know what he will do to me." She sat up straight and wiped her tears away with the back of her hand but they were replaced by new ones and Morgana handed her a handkerchief. "Thank you." She whispered and dabbed the corners of her eyes. "I know what I must do." She stood up. "Where is this woman?" Turning and looking down at Morgana.

"She is staying with Gaius." Morgana stood up and gripped Elaine's hand in her own. "Do you wish for me to come with you? You cannot go through with this alone, Elaine. Is there anyway I can talk you out of it? I think it would be safer for you if you didn't go through this ordeal."

"I cannot Morgana. I need to be free of this burden." Her arm wrapped across her stomach where her child kicked once again. She gave a small smile which did not go unnoticed by Morgana.

"Elaine! You want the baby! I can see it in your eyes!" Standing up and walking up to her, grabbing her hands. "Do not go through with it Elaine!" Still holding Elaine's hands in her own. "Do you love your baby? Do you love your child more every time he or she kicks from the inside? Does your hand automatically rest on your stomach whenever you go to sleep?"

Elaine pulled her hands away from Morgana and turned away from her. "Yes! Yes I do! I love my baby with all my heart but I cannot be a mother! I want to be a mother with all my heart but it's the people around me that I am afraid of!" Tears still streaming down her cheeks. "I have to go! I have to get rid of this burden!" Turning away from her and walking towards the door.

"No!" Morgana spoke sternly and rushed after Elaine, stepping in front of Elaine, stopping her from running out of her chambers. "Your baby has been created and given to you for a reason. Do not get rid of your child!"

"Why should I?" Elaine glared at her. "To give birth in secret? Hide my baby away from the world?" Moving away from Morgana. "Let me do this!"

"Elaine!" Morgana groaned as she let Elaine move out of the chambers, her skirts twirling behind her as she rushed out. Morgana turned and rushed after her. "Elaine!"

"Leave me alone Morgana!" Elaine stopped in her tracks and turned around to face her. "I want to do this!" She stopped talking as two guards came into view and they stopped at the sight of the royal women. "Just leave me alone." Elaine whispered and walked away from the Kings' ward, who stood in silence.

Morgana had failed. She needed Elaine to remain pregnant for her to be shamed in front of her uncle and the people of Camelot. Deep down she knew Elaine would not get rid of her child. She knew her child was important to Elaine and that Elaine loved her child and would not have the heart to get rid of her child.

Elaine did not stop until she reached Gaius' chambers, where she took a minute or two to knock on the wooden door. She took a deep breath as the door opened to reveal an older woman with a kind face and soft smile. "May I come in?"

"Of course, my Lady." The woman curtseyed and opened the door wider to allow Elaine to walk inside. "Gaius has gone out for a moment but is there anything I can help you with?" Closing the door behind Elaine.

Elaine looked around the room before turning to face the older woman. "Are you the woman responsible for the miracle of the inn keeper?" Alice only nodded silently. "I need your help. I am desperate."

"Is it about your child?" Alice stepped forward and placed her hand on Elaine's well-hidden swollen stomach. Elaine's tears soon formed and fell. Alice led her to a stool and sat on another stool. "I only notice as I have seen countless women who have come to me. I am guessing you wish to be rid of this burden?" Holding one of Elaine's hands in her own, she turned it, with Elaine's palm facing upwards. "You have asked Gaius to do so?" Elaine nodded silently, trying to wipe away her tears. "You should not."

"Why? I am the King's niece! I will be shamed for the rest of my life. People will spit on my child because of my mistakes." Elaine's angry tears fell fast and hard. "I have nowhere else to go to protect my child!" Her free hand resting on her stomach, which barely showed when she sat down, even though she would give birth within a month or two.

Alice listened as she looked at Elaine's palm. "I do not think you will have to be afraid of what people think. A wise woman in my village taught me to read the lines on a person's hand, which told of their life. Right now, I see your son. He will grow to be tall and brave and successful. More successful than anyone you know."

Elaine pulled her hand away and stood up quickly. "This is magic. It is forbidden!"

"It is not magic. It is a common fact, you just have to read the lines carefully." Alice spoke calmly and held out her hand to Elaine, who reluctantly sat back on the stool and placed her hand in Alice's. "For you, I see a man. Tall, handsome and a little bit rugged." Both she and Elaine chuckled. "He will love you and your son with all his heart." Alice looked up at Elaine and saw the blush brushing on the young Princess' cheeks. "Do you know of such a man?"

Elaine smiled gently. "I think so but I would not call him rugged." Laughing softly as she looked down at her hand. "I am to have a son?" She gasped in shock as the realisation sank in that Alice had said she was to have a boy.

Alice nodded. "Yes. A truly magnificent boy. That is all I know from this line." She pointed to a line on Elaine's delicate hand. "This is your heart line. It is associated with everything you hold dearly to your heart and this baby is being held in a good place of your heart." Holding her hand tightly. "If you still wish to get rid of your child, I will help you."

Elaine thought for a moment. She wanted this baby but she didn't want to reveal to her family. "I shan't get rid of my child. I cannot but I am afraid of everything that will happen to me and to my child."

"Nothing shall ever happen to your child. Myself, Gaius and your family will never let anything happen to you." Alice spoke softly, stroking her hand. "I promise." Elaine smiled gently and nodded. "Now, would you like me to check on you and your baby?" Alice asked softly and Elaine replied with a small nod and a smile. "Come with me." Standing up and leading Elaine into the side room, where Alice was staying. "Just lie on the bed."

Elaine smiled and lay on the bed. "I am glad I can have a proper examination." Her hand resting on her stomach. "I have been too afraid to visit the midwife." Moving her hand from her stomach and allowing Alice to gently press her abdomen.

"You should my lady." Alice spoke gently as she continued to press on Elaine's stomach. "Your child is positioned well. Owing to your size, I'd say you are due to give birth in just two months." Holding her hand out for Elaine to take and sit up.

"Thank you." Elaine spoke softly and stood up, brushing down her skirts and rearranging them so her expanding stomach was not obvious. "Thank you for everything." Smiling slightly before leaving the room and Gaius' chambers.


Morgana paced Elaine's chambers. She knew she should have followed Elaine, continuously persuaded her not to get rid of her baby. Elaine was stubborn and once she had her mind set on something, there was no way anyone could change her mind. Morgana needed Elaine to be in her shameful position to be able to push Elaine out of the line of succession. Morgana may be Uther's daughter, she was illegitimate. Elaine had a stronger claim to the throne being the legitimate and only child of Uther's brother. The door to Elaine's chambers opened and revealed Elaine, who did not look ill or in pain. "Elaine?"

Elaine jumped in shock at the sight of Morgana in her chambers. Tears ran down her pale cheeks. "I couldn't do it Morgana." Closing the door quickly and moved inside. "I can't. I love my baby so much."

Morgana rushed forward and the two women met in a tight hug. "It will be all right. I know it will." Rubbing Elaine's back in comfort as she smirked to herself. This was good progress. Soon she would expose Elaine's secret and Uther would never allow her to remain in Camelot nor be able to inherit the throne. "I am here for you."

Elaine pulled away. "Promise me you will not tell the King or Arthur." She grabbed Morgana's hands. "Promise me!"

Morgana nodded slowly. "I promise that I will not tell them." Pulling Elaine into another hug as she smirked to herself. That was a promise she was not going to keep.

- - - - - - - - – - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The sound of the warning bell rang throughout the castle. Elaine had been brushing her long hair to be ready for bed. She put her brush on her vanity table and rushed out of her chambers. Sir Leon had been rushing towards her when she rushed out of her room. "Sir Leon, what has happened?"

"It is the King, my Lady. He has taken seriously ill. It is believed that he has been poisoned." He spoke quickly. "I suggest you remain in your chambers."

"No." She said stubbornly. "I will go to the King. I will sit with him."

"I shall escort you to his chambers." Sir Leon led her to the King's chambers, not leaving her side until she was inside the King's chambers. Not far from the King's chambers, Gaius and Merlin were talking quietly and the young woman thought nothing of it. She walked into her uncle's chambers to find Arthur sitting with the King. "Arthur? What's wrong with him? What happened?"

"I do not know. I found him on the floor." Looking at his father, who lay in bed, looking ill. "I don't know what is happening." Arthur remained in his chair as he spoke and did not look at Elaine, who walked towards Arthur and she sat on the edge of the bed, close to Arthur and close enough to place her hand over her uncle's hand.

Elaine reached her free hand to rest it upon Arthur's shoulder. "It will be all right. Gaius will cure him." Merlin walked in silently to not disturb the royal cousins.

"It doesn't make any sense. His food and wine are tasted each and every meal. It's brought here under armed guard. No one can interfere with it in any way. So, it can't be his food and drink. The only other thing he's had is. Gaius's remedy."

Merlin spoke up. "Arthur, I think I know what happened. I thin...I know who did this." Both Elaine and Arthur looked towards Arthur's manservant. "It was Alice. Gaius' friend. She made the remedy and she slipped the poison into the remedy."

Arthur stood up. "Elaine, stay with my father." Elaine nodded and stood up too. Once Arthur moved away and left the room with Merlin, Elaine sat in Arthur's seat and sat with her hand over the King's. He rushed out of the room with Merlin and went in search of guards to be able to arrest the woman, who had tried to kill the King. Elaine remained at the King's side, not letting go of his hand. Tears silently fell down her cheeks as she sat with her ailing uncle.


"My lady." Gaius spoke softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You should rest. I will sit with the King."

Elaine shook her head and kept her eyes on her uncle. "No, I want to stay. I cannot leave him." Still shaking her head as her eyes focused on her uncle, not leaving his ill form. "But I cannot watch him die." She stood up and kept Uther's hand in her own. "How long do you think he has left?"

"Less than a day. Go and rest, my lady." Gaius gave her shoulder another squeeze. "I shall send Merlin to you if anything else changes." He gently guided her away from her Uncle. Elaine let go of Uther's hand and allowed Gaius to lead her out. "You need to rest for your health and the health of your child."

"Yes." She spoke quietly and left the chambers. It was hard to believe that the King was dying. Upon reaching her chambers, she closed the door and cried. It was the first time she had cried since her uncle had fallen ill. She was scared. Her hand fell to her stomach and her other hand tried to wipe away her tears but they were replaced by new ones. She looked around the room and moved towards her wardrobe. She needed to get out of Camelot. She needed to find Lancelot. He needed to know about their child. "We have to leave." She whispered to herself as she wrenched open the wardrobe doors and searched for her plainest dress to change into.

"My lady? My lady." Gwen's voice was heard on the other side of her door and she continuously knocked on the door. "Are you well my lady?"

"I am well Gwen." Her voice was shaky as she spoke but she tried to keep her a strong voice but failed. She pulled out one of her plainest dresses but the dark blue dress still showed that she was royal and rich. She knew Gwen was still waiting outside the room. Elaine moved around the room, packing a small bag and once she was packed she began to undo the dress she was wearing but she was becoming frustrated that she left out with a furious shout.

Gwen slowly entered the room and saw Elaine sit on her bed with her dress loose around her shoulders. "My lady? What is it? Are you well? Is it the baby?" Sitting next to her. Gwen's eyes flickered between Elaine's tearful face and her rounded stomach. "Shall I send for Gaius? Or a midwife?"

"No. No. I am well. I am... I am just frustrated with everything." Her hand subconsciously resting at the base of her stomach. "I do not want to feel even more alone than I already am." Her other hand was close over her mouth. "What can I do Gwen?"

"I suggest wait. You will know when the time comes to tell your family." Gwen placed her hand on Elaine's shoulder. "Have you tried to locate the father?"

Elaine nodded but knew it was a lie. "No one seems to know where he has gone but he promised that he would return." The two women sat on Elaine's bed as Elaine sobbed out her pain.

- - - - - - - - - - - - – - - - - - - –

Arthur questioned Alice to try and find a cure to save the King but she was either reluctant to give the cure or she genuinely did not know the cure. Both Arthur and Elaine took turns to sit with the King. They were in shock when he suddenly recovered. Both of them thought it was because of Gaius' remedies. The pair of them remained with Uther as he recovered from his illness. "I am glad you are well, uncle." Elaine spoke gently to her uncle as she sat next to him with a broad smile on her face.

Uther smiled and tapped Elaine's hand. "I am fortunate, indeed, that you found an antidote, Gaius."

"It will take time, My Lord, but you will make a full recovery." Gaius spoke softly as Elaine stood up.

"What of the woman?" Uther said sternly as he looked towards his son.

"We have her in the cells, Sire. She awaits your judgement." Arthur watched his father as he spoke about the woman, who tried to kill his father.

"She won't have to wait long. She's sentenced to death. We'll execute her in the morning." Uther spoke with no remorse.

"Yes, Father." Arthur nodded.

"Sire, if I may." Gaius stepped forward and spoke with confidence.

Elaine stepped back and left the room. She did not hear the rest of the conversation as her mind was focused on the constant kicks from her unborn child. She smiled to herself as she walked to her chambers, her hand discreetly rubbing her stomach. She felt sorry for the woman as she had tried to help Elaine and gave her reassurance but the woman had tried to kill her uncle and that was uncalled for.

Once she reached her chambers, she found her maid changing her bedding. "Oh sorry, my Lady." She stopped and curtseyed. "I was a little late this morning."

"It is all right, Amy. You carry on." Elaine smiled and moved to her vanity table and was about to sit down when she stopped herself. Sitting down was when her secret was most exposed. Only a few people knew and she didn't know if she could trust Amy. Amy had only been her maid for a few weeks and she needed to wait for the right moment to tell her. Elaine stood by the window, staring at the road that led away from Camelot.

"Is there anything you need, my Lady?" Amy asked after she had finished making the bed.

"No thank you, Amy." Elaine looked over her shoulder at her maid with a smile. "You can leave. Thank you." She returned her gaze to the road and continued in her wishes. Her wishes for her knight to return to her. To rescue her from shame. She heard Amy leave her chambers and immediately her hand cupped her large stomach. "We will be helped one day. One day."

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Alice had escaped from prison but Arthur and everyone were only glad that the King was well again. Elaine sat with her uncle as he completely recovered. "I have never been so scared when I saw you ill in bed. Even when.." She cut off before she talked about the horrors of her brief capture.

Uther put his hand over Elaine's. "You do not need to talk about it. But I am glad to know that you were watching over me." Raising her hand and kissing the back of her hand but the kiss was brief and barely there. "You look ill."

"I am well, Sire. Just a little tired." She smiled weakly. "It is late. I will let you rest." She stood up and pulled her hand away from her uncle's. "Good night uncle."

"Good night Elaine." He spoke softly and watched her leave the room. Gaius had stood back from them both. "What is wrong with her?"

"Why do you ask, Sire?" Gaius stepped forward.

"Elaine seems different. Older. Older than she should be." The King sighed heavily as he looked at the court physician.

"She has been through a lot, Sire. She may seem old because she has lost a lot. First her mother, her father and now she nearly lost you." Gaius gave a small bow. "You need to rest. I shall leave you." Gaius bowed and left the King's chambers. As he left the chambers, he found Elaine waiting by the door, leaning against the wall. "My Lady? Are you well?"

"Thank you." She spoke softly and quietly. "Thank you for not telling the King." Smiling softly as she stood up straight. "I cannot tell him, Gaius. He can never know." Casting her eyes to the ground.

"If you wish to, my Lady." Gaius bowed. "But are you well? No pains?"

"I am well, Gaius. Thank you." Elaine gave a small smile and turned away. It was nearly time for her child to come and she needed to prepare. Prepare to leave. Find somewhere to give birth in secret. Safe for her and her child. The time was coming.

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Responses from Chapter 10:

Lara Smith: I will try to do more ARWEN scenes but only when I reach the part where Series 3 ended and after that, there will be a lot more. I will be adding some of the knights from the legends but not all of them. I'm still not sure who Elaine should end up with. Could use a love triangle. Haha. Thanks for reviewing. :D