Disclaimer: All rights to BBC

Jen laid in Gwaine's bed, enjoying the fact that she was only in her chemise, but still spending time with him. She knew it was highly improper, but she couldn't help it. She wanted to be with him, and they were both unsure if he would work up the nerve to ask for her hand in marriage before she left with the king and queen of Luxtera. They wanted time together.

Jen loved Gwaine. She could finally look at him and admit it to herself. She loved his rough exterior that covered the compassionate and caring man underneath. She loved his passionate nature, how he devoted himself wholly to the things. She loved how her heart fluttered at a single touch. She loved him.

"What're you thinking about sweetheart?" he asked, crawling on the bed. He took to laying on his side and looking at her next to him, an arm snaking around her waist to hold her. "Your nostrils are doing that flaring thing that happens when you get thoughtful and your eyes are unfocused."

"Not much," she lied. "My amazement that not a soul has tried to assassinate my cousin yet. At home, she needed constant protection. Here, having Arthur around is enough."

That was partially true; she had been thinking about it...earlier.

"That's because all the people who try to kill Arthur were people with magic or people Uther had harmed because of magic," Gwaine said. "Your uncle is a kind man. Arthur is trying to accept magic. As of right now, I don't know who would want to kill him or the princess."

"There's always someone," she chuckled. Jen was distracted then as he softly peppered her face and shoulders with kisses. They weren't fast, quick pecks like usually. This time, he softly pressed his lips to her skin, with enough pressure to assure her he was actually kissing her, but gentle enough to make her sigh contentedly.

"You're exquisite," Gwaine murmured against her skin. He kissed her collar bone. "How did I get so lucky?"

"You're a charming dancer."

"Oh, that's it, then?"

"That's what got me," she told him. "Of course there might have been some contributing factors."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, the beard is marvelous, you know I love it."

He laughed. Gwaine's focused a moment later and he cleared his throat, seeming somewhat nervous. "Truly, I need to know why a kind woman such as you fell for me. You actually like me, not just for a night, and I admit that I'm curious."

Jen wondered what it was about holding each other in bed that made Gwaine so vulnerable. She briefly thought that it may be his usual association with women in bed was quick and gone before the break of dawn, and she was the only one he stayed with or that bothered to stay with him. At any rate, she smiled softly at him and laid a hand on his cheek.

"You act like you have only one thing to offer," Jen whispered. "But under that is loyalty like none other. There is a compassionate heart for the people of Camelot, and a good judge of character. You work hard to get what you want, and when you find something to be passionate about it shows. There is a certain pride in you, but also a lack of it that balances out nicely. I love it all, even when you irritate me."

Gwaine eyes had closed at her touch, but now he opened them to look down at her with a swelling emotion. "God, I love you, woman. You see something in me that few others do and I love you for it."

"I love you too," she whispered back. They kissed sweetly, Gwaine pouring out the sincerity of his words into the kiss. Jen returned the emotion, glad that he said it aloud to make it feel real, rather than just in glances.

"Stay with me?" he asked against her lips.

She smiled happily. "Always."

)-(

Ellie sat in her room, just about to prepare for bed, when a knock came at her door. Thinking it was Drea, she called for her to come in. When she turned around, however, she found Arthur standing there with a smirk on his face.

"Oh," she blushed. "Hello."

"Hello," Arthur said. He walked forward and took her hands, gently tugging her closer. "How are you this evening?"

"Engaged," she giggled. They shared a small kiss. "What are you doing in here?"

"You and I are sneaking out," he informed her. She blushed more as one hand rubbed her back lovingly and he lowered his voice. His other hand stroked her arm. "We will lay under the stars and I will hold you close and whisper how beautiful you are in your ear."

"I like the sound of that," she smiled. "Will it bother you that I have to change so I'm not walking through the forest in a dress?"

"I'll wait," he said simply. "Then you'll meet me outside the gates, I have a horse waiting."

"Make sure you bring your sword," she teased. "Jen would kill me if I died because I snuck out without her."

"Kill you if you died...?"

"It's an expression, darling."

"Right," he said. Arthur kissed her nose lightly. "I'll see you soon?"

"Of course," she answered, biting her lip as he walked away. When he left, she smiled to herself, happy he was making an effort to be alone with her.

When Drea came in, the princess told her what was happening and got help changing into a blue tunic with light brown leggings. She laced her own boots up after Drea braided her hair back and sent her on her way, sneaking through the castle. She found Arthur where he promised, waiting with a horse.

"I don't get my own?" she asked.

"I get to take charge this time," he told her proudly. "So get on the horse and hush."

Ellie raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Commanding Arthur was rather attractive. So, she climbed onto the horse with him and wrapped her arms securely around his waist. It felt nice to touch him this way, so wholly and completely without a chaperone or court member nearby. She often envied Jen, as the blonde was able to show her affection for Gwaine openly. It was a known fact that they were in love, and that they enjoyed each other's company. Ellie and Arthur couldn't do that because they were royalty.

Arthur brought her to a patch of grass in the woods. It was slightly covered by a tree whose roots were high above the ground. You could see the intricate parts that were normally covered by ground, completely bared to the world. It made a nice little alcove that was perfect to cuddle in, laying on a blanket that Arthur had packed.

The king did indeed snuggle the princess closely to him, whispering in her ear how beautiful he thought she was. Ellie enjoyed every moment of it, stroking his chest with her finger as he did so. Their legs were intertwined, making them seem closer than before.

"Does the future ever scare you?" Ellie asked as they gazed up at the stars. "Such as all the responsibility you hold?"

"Every moment of every day," he replied immediately. "I have to wonder if I'm doing my job right, leading my people the way I should, or making the right decisions that impact more than just me. I'm completely terrified of doing something wrong. Why, what are you thinking of?"

"If I'll be a good wife and queen," she said softly. "I know my destiny said I would be the greatest, but I'm not sure I will be."

"It said the greatest queen, not wife."

She groaned. "Arthur."

"I'm sorry," he said at the look on her face. "I was trying to make you laugh."

"Well you didn't," she sighed, sitting up.

"Ellie, what is it?" Arthur asked in complete seriousness. He sat up as well, rubbing her shoulders. "What makes you nervous about marrying me?"

"I've been raised to be a queen," she said. "Never a wife. It was discussed, but I spent more time in court and political lessons than what it was like to be married. I don't want to be a bad wife."

"You won't be, darling," he assured her.

"How do you know that?"

"I don't want to be with you purely because of a political arrangement. That's part of it, yes, but I want to marry you because...well, because I love you."

Ellie looked over at him, smiling nervously. "Really?"

"Yes, silly woman," he chuckled, continuing to rub her back as their foreheads rested against each other. "I love you, and that's what makes a good marriage. Love, loyalty, and determination, three of your best traits."

"I love you too, Arthur," she sighed. "Thank you."

"Anytime," he promised. "Now kiss me, will you?"

Ellie giggled and leaned in to press her lips to his. He rested a hand on the back of her neck, bringing her closer. She took in a sharp breath when he pulled her tightly against him. He was muscular and firm, making Ellie feel secure and safe. She loved the feeling of his muscles quivering beneath her hands as they roamed down his back. They'd never gone that far, always proper, but now she didn't care. Lost in the moment and feeling brave, Ellie ran her tongue along the bottom of his mouth, causing him to grip her more tightly and kiss her more fiercely.

She let out a small moan as Arthur leaned her back onto the grass, a hand gripping her thigh firmly. She let him kiss her neck and chest, causing her head to spin. All there was in the world was Arthur. He kissed her passionately, ran his hands along her thighs, let her feel the comfort of his body on hers. She felt the need to make him feel good to and took the initiative to have her hands under his tunic and run her fingers teasingly down his spine. This seemed to be right, as Arthur groaned and kissed her more forcefully. She almost smirked in satisfaction and began stroking down his spine, her fingers against his bare back.

When they pulled apart later, neither of them were sure how long they'd spent kissing. Ellie could hardly breathe—her body was on fire—but she didn't care. She loved the intimacy that came with feeling his breath against her neck and his body pressed to hers. If it weren't for her control and the cool air that night, she wasn't sure she would've stopped.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Arthur suddenly sitting up. Ellie frowned when she noticed the look on his face, suddenly alert. Knowing better than to talk, Ellie stood smoothly and remembered everything her father taught her. She tried to pinpoint the rustling that Arthur no doubt heard. It came from their left, but in all honesty it was difficult to anticipate where the sound was coming from until it burst forward from the bushes.

Right at Arthur.

Ellie didn't know what she was doing, but she launched him out of the way, a serpent's head the last thing she saw and Arthur's yell the last thing she heard.

)-(

In the castle, Jen shot up in bed, a shriek of terror ripping from her lungs.

Soooooo yeah. I thought Ellie and Arthur needed a little fun time, since they always have to be so proper in front of people. The next chapter will show the two how they're truly meant to be together, so I'm excited for that!:)