Chapter 13- In sickness and In Health
*Arthur's POV*
It had been close to a year now since the twins arrived and their birthday was only a week away. Ness was now twelve weeks and so far her pregnancy was moving smoothly. She was still showing signs of improvement in her walking and now only wore one brace on her leg and was still using a cane. Father had been so thrilled of the news of the baby, but now was constantly pushing me to make an honest woman of Ness. For quite some time I had wanted to ask her and her birthday seemed like the perfect time. If the child was to be considered an heir we would have to be married before he or she arrived and before the court knew anything of the baby.
It was still dark out but soon would be light and Ness lay tangled around me in our bed. Her hair was getting longer and past her breasts. Her stomach now had a slight curve but was not noticeable unless she was naked. Ness never wore tight clothing she had always loved loose flowing clothes, and right now in her state it was a blessing. Her breathing was steady and her face shined in light of the moon coming through the window. I couldn't help but wonder what her answer would be if I was to ask her, and I was growing more impatient with each passing day. Last week I had asked Merlin for his blessing and he gave me his blessing after making me sweat it out for three days waiting. I swear he could be an ass but he was a good man deep down, he cared for his sister more than anything.
Carefully not to disturb her, I removed her from my body and sat on the edge of our bed. I opened the drawer in the bedside table and pulled out a small drawstring bag. Opening it I took out my mother's ring. Ness had small hands like my mother, the ring was quite beautiful and would perfectly fit her. My mother had loved sapphires and the ring dawned a round sapphire stone with diamonds around the band. It was a family heirloom from my father's family and he had given it to me hoping for it to be Ness 's once I had asked her. Sitting there lost in my thoughts I felt Ness stir in the bed, I looked over to see her mouth lightly agape and her hands proactively caressing her stomach. God was she beautiful, she glowed from the pregnancy and I was certain she would be an amazing mother. I decided I was going to ask her today and I knew the best way to do so.
Reaching over to her, I laid on my side on the bed and grabbed her left hand in mine. I could see her smile in her sleep at my touch. I kissed along her hand and then upon her ring finger, placed my mother's ring before setting her hand back down to her stomach. I looked with pride at her slight rounded belly and smiled before lowering my head to it:
"I don't know if you can hear me yet, but I love you so much already. Your mother is an amazing woman, she loves you dearly already. I hope you love me and I pray I can be a better father then mine. You are so loved and a blessing to us even under the circumstances in which we conceived you. I hope to marry your mother. Cross your fingers little one, that is if you have any that she will say yes. " I said to her stomach and then kissed it.
When I looked up I could see Ness was awake, tears pouring down her face and looking at me. I bent up and kissed her softly and grabbed her left hand.
" Nessa, I know we have known each other barely a year, but I have loved you since I first met you. You are beautiful and I know this baby is a surprise and we are not yet married but I was hoping we could change that. This ring was my mother's and my father's mother before that, will you accept it and do me the honor of marrying me Ness? " I asked looking into her beautiful eyes.
"It took you long enough, " she said kissing me fiercely, " Yes you prat, I want nothing more but to marry you, " she smiled as she pulled back from me.
I couldn't control the happiness I felt and the urge to take her right then and there. I pulled her into my lap and began kissing her, my hands roamed her body and I kissed her neck making her moan in approval. Kissing my way down to her collarbone I sucked and bit the sensitive spot her moaning becoming more and more louder by the second. I felt her nails scrape down my back and her to head fall back in ecstasy. Lowering my hands down to her night dress, I lifted it and pulled it over her head exposing her swollen breasts. I grabbed them gently and rolled them in circles causing her breath to hitch and my cock harden even more in my trousers. I took her left breast in my mouth and sucked in it leaving behind a bruise.
"Arthur, please fuck me," she moaned and I pulled back setting her down in order to remove my trousers.
She helped me and set my cock free it spring ing and leaking with precum. Ness motioned me to come closer to her and I crawled on my knees to her. Smiling she looked for to my cock and squeezed it gently moving her hand back and forth. I watched as she the licked the top clean of precum and moaned deeply. God did it feel amazing, my body was shivering in ecstasy and I came close to cumming as she put her warm lips around the tip of my cock. Smiling wickedly she took my cock into her mouth and I whimpered at the feel of her hot breath and tongue working wonders on my hard length
"Ness, dear I'm getting close!" I screamed my vision turning white and my balls beginning to tighten from her mouth. "
" Come Arthur, please sweetheart, " she moaned seductively and cupped my balls making me explode into her mouth. She swallowed my load whole and I kissed her my breath shaky from my release. I lowered her back to the bed and removed her underwear, I then dipped two fingers into her soaked pussy making her scream and back arch. I pumped in and out of her and lowered my mouth to her dripping heat. I sucked on her clit making her scream, her wall's were beginning to tighten and I lapped at her clit while pumping in and out of her. Her moans made my cock harden once again:
"Tell me Ness what do you want?" I asked looking into her lust filled eyes
"You, all of you Arthur," she whispered
I positioned myself at her entrance and slammed my cock hard into her, I ducked her hard and rough hitting her sweet spot everytime. Her walls were painfully tightening around my cock and she screamed my name as she began to climax. A few thrust later I came and fell into her my body worn out.
Our breathing finally steadied and she flashed her eyes gold cleaning us both up, a trick I learned to love. I held her in my arms smiling at her:
"That was amazing my dear," I said to her
"I couldn't agree more Arthur," she said and then pulled up to look at me " my birthday " she said
" What about it Ness? "
" I want to marry you on my birthday, nothing extravagant just our families and of course Geoffrey. " she said smiling.
I smiled and gave her a gentle peck on the lips. "Your birthday it is my dear, I love you so much Ness," I said and then placed my hand to her stomach, " both of you "
Her eyes filled with tears and I kissed her once more before laying back down with her in my arms, sleep claiming us both once more.
*Ness's POV*
I couldn't believe that in one week I was to be married to Arthur. My dreams were coming true! I knew that his father had been pushing him and I suspected soon he would ask me, but I never imagined this soon. I awoke again in his arms and smiled looking down and seeing his hand on my stomach. He loved this baby so much already and I couldn't wait for he or she to arrive. I looked down to the ring he had given me and smiled in awe. It was beautiful and I loved it so much, it meant a lot to me that his father and him entrusted it to be worn by me. Carefully I removed his arm from me and pulled myself up in bed. I put my night dress back on and swung my left leg over the bed and slowly moved my right to meet it. In was so thankful I could move it once again. It was still very weak and I had to wear the brace on it still and use my cane, but all in all I was quite pleased at my healing. I felt nausea creep up on to me and hurriedly stood and made way for the closet bucket by the changing screen. I fell to my knees and wretched into to the bucket holding my hair back the best I could. I felt a pair of strong hands on my back pulling my hair out of the way and knew it was Arthur.
"Shush it's ok dear," he said rubbing circles on my back, I started crying my throat burning from the acid that came up. He left my side and fetched me a drink of water and a cloth he had wet for me.
"Thank you," I replied as I wiped my mouth and got a drank of water.
He held me until the nausea passed and I felt well enough to get up. He helped me stand and guided me back to the bed setting me down. He then fetched me my lavender dress I had sown and helped me to dress. Once finished he knelt down in front of me and kissed me, his hands on my stomach
"Are you alright?" He asked
" I am now sweetheart, not much longer and this bloody morning sickness will be over, " I said and smiled to him.
"Do you feel well enough for breakfast with Father?" He asked me
" I do, we need to tell him anyways, we have a wedding to plan and less then a week to prepare for it, " I smiled kissing him.
The two of us took our leave and soon we met up with Uther in the dining hall. He smiled as we entered and Arthur helped me to sit next to him.
"Nessa you look beautiful today and are practically flowing of you don't mind me saying," Uther said smiling to me.
" Father! Ness and I have some news, " Arthur said aloud and Uther looked to the both of us. I smiled and held my left hand up and Uther clapped his hands and laughed in happiness.
"I am so happy for you both, I was worried my son would not ask you. We can't have my grandchild being disowned and not recognized as heir to the throne after Arthur.."
"Father, we know and Ness had something else to tell you," he said smiling to me and Uther turned to me a look of worry on his face . I smiled to reassure him everything was ok
" Seeing as my birthday is next week, I would like to marry Arthur as a birthday present. I know it is custom to have a grand ceremony but, I would love very much for a small simple gathering just our families and us. Of course Geoffrey as well to make sure it is legalized properly. " I said to him and he smiled to me.
"Nessa it is not customary however, I see no reason why we can't hold a small ceremony and possibly later a banquet to honor your marriage if that would be okay of course" he replied and I smiled and stood up walking as fast as my body would allow to him and hugged him tightly . I began crying in happiness and couldn't believe he agreed to the ceremony. Arthur stood and noticed my tears:
"Ness, are you ok?? Is it the baby?? What's wrong?!" He asked concerned
" Nothing is wrong, damn these stupid hormones, " I said laughing and wiping away a few tears, " I'm up just happy Arthur. "
He looked to me as if I was crazy an Uther laughed knowing well what was wrong with me.
"Son, it is perfectly normal I promise, your mother was an absolute sap when pregnant with you," he laughed and then clapped his hands, " now we must plan a wedding. Ness who would you like there? "
I smiled at him", I would like to have my mother, Guias, Merlin of course, and Gwen. Arthur has said of course he would like you, and Morgana and Leon there as well. It is just the ten of us that including Geffory. " I said to him
"That will be no problem at all. Where my dear would you like to hold the ceremony?"
"Here in the place hall will be fine or maybe the gardens, this time of year is beautiful and it is not too hot outside." I said to him
"Then it is settled, we shall have to wedding here, depending on the weather we shall have it outside," Uther said .
"Thank you so much! "Arthur said hugging his father and the three of us sat and enjoyed our breakfast. Soon it was time to go to my weekly visit with Guias. Arthur insisted on coming along and once we arrived I smiled to see my brother waiting for us.
" Merlin!! How was Ealdor? Is mother well? " I asked hugging my brother tightly making him gasp.
"God bless sissy, I can't breathe when you hold me so tight." He said and I loosened my grip slightly .
"I'm sorry"
" No it's ok, mother is fine she is coming for our birthday to visit next week and she sends her congratulations on the baby. She is not happy however that you are not married and having her grandchild out of wedlock. "
"Merlin, look at her hand," I heard Arthur say and my brother looked down .
"You said yes! You bloody well said yes! " he shouted smiling from ear to ear hugging me and kissing my forehead, " I am happy for you but Arthur beware if you hurt her you will suffer. " my brother said to him and Arthur smirked
"What are you going to do Merlin, then me into a donkey again?" Arthur asked laughing
" No, I'm not going to do anything, my sister however just may, " Merlin said
Arthur's faces paled and he gulped deeply. I couldn't help but chuckle at him. Letting go of my brother I went to him and hugged him kissing his lips tenderly.
"When are you trying the knot?" Merlin asked
That's when I panicked and muttered, Merlins looked to me seriously his mouth tight and eyes wide trying to understand me.
"What Ness, I didn't quite hear you?" He asked
" Our birthday next week, if that's ok. I want to as a present and I want you to walk me down the aisle. " I told him and he smiled to me
"Of course I will Ness, I would love to."
" Thank you bubba, I love you " I said to him smiling
"I love you too," he said, " come on let's go get you and the baby examined. " he said smiling his hand on my stomach.
The three of us opened the door to my uncle's chambers, and were greeted by him smiling at us looking up from his book.
"Children it's good to see you, please Ness come lay down and let me look you over." Guias said to us
I laid down in the bed and asked the men to turn away while I lifted my dress up and covered my legs up. Once situated I told them to turn back around. Arthur smiled and came back over to my side and held my hand as Guias examined me. Guias pressed in on my stomach feeling of the baby and then measured the size of me.
" Have you been throwing up still my dear? " he asked
"Yes but not as bad as before, this morning was the first time in three days."
" Have you felt faint recently? " he asked
"Occasionally but I always sit when I do and drink plenty of water," I said and felt all there pairs of eyes on me.
"\Why haven't you told me Ness," Arthur said worries my
" Because Guias said it was normal and I have been careful Arthur, I am fine. " I told him squeezing his hand tight and smiling.
"Have you had any other symptoms?" Guias asked and I looked at him self conscious about one of the symptoms. I didn't want to say it out loud and I simply pointed to my breast.
"Breast tenderness is normal as well Nessa it will get worse the further along you get. Your breast will grow in order to produce milk for your child," Guias said and I blushed in embarrassment .
"Soon you will develop cravings and your intimacy drive may increase. As far as I can tell you are perfectly healthy and measuring more than average already." Guias said smiling to me
"Thank you Guias, "Arthur said to him
Merlin cleared his throat , and all of us looked to him. Telepathically Merlin spoke to me
" Tell him, he will be thrilled, " he said
I smiled at him, "I will be patient brother, I swear your are an impatient ass,"
He looked to me and scowled, Arthur noticed and so did Guias.
"Will you two stop already, what did I say about being that being rude." Guias said to us and Arthur laughed.
"They are always doing it Guias, the first time they did it in front of me , I freaked out. Did you know they can connect to other minds that barely magical?"
" Fascinating, I did not know that, "Guias said and then looked to us both," You're peers are getting stronger I am quite proud of you both. "
"Ness tell him," Merlin said to me
I looked to Guias and as I did Uther held up my hand. He smiled big and hugged Arthur and I both,
"We are getting married next week on my birthday," I told him
" I am very happy for you both, " he responded and laughed out loud joyously
I couldn't wait to be Nessa Pendragon, and to be a mother. Today couldn't get any better for Arthur and I, our baby was healthy and we were getting married..
~The Wedding Day~
*Ness's POV*
I awoke in bed alone, apparently the night before the wedding the bride and groom should sleep alone. Today was the day I would marry Arthur!! I was so excited and nervous for today, I slept in Morgana's chambers last night so today she could help ready me myself today. My mother arrived just yesterday and was in my uncle's chambers with him. She cried when she saw me, her hand went to my stomach and she smiled. I was scared she'd be upset about the baby, but I was happy she wasn't. The past week had been hectic for us planning our wedding. Between the flower arrangements and the dress picking, I was ready to run off and elope with Arthur. Getting out of bed I looked outside the window and sat with my hands cradling my stomach. I couldn't believe all that has happened in the past year, my dreams had come true. I was marrying the love of my life and in a little over five and a half months I would be a mother. Looking around I could see Merlin already in the garden magically enchanting it. I smiled as he looked around cautiously hoping no one would see
"I caught you," I said telepathically to him. He looked up smiling to me and waved
" Happy Birthday sissy, " he said to me blowing me a kiss
" Happy Birthday Merlin, thank you for the wedding present, " I said thanking him for the beautiful garden he had decorated.
"Only seems right for a Prince marrying his Pincess, " he smiled
"How is Arthur?" I asked
" Running around panicked like a chicken with his head cut off, Guias had to give him a sleeping draught last night, " Merlin said and I could see he was laughing.
He then waved bye to me and left my guess to find Arthur. I heard the door open and looked to see Morgana, Gwen, and my Mother carrying on my dress and shoes. Smiling I got up slowly and used my cane walking over to them.
"Happy Birthday dear, I can't believe my baby is so grown up and getting married ," my mother said hugging me .
"Thank you mummy," I said to her.
"Are you ready to get ready for your wedding sister," Morgana said smiling and I couldn't help but hug her along with Gwen and my mother.
The women helped me to bathe and do my hair. I was sitting in Morgana's robe at her vanity as Gwen fixed my curly hair smoothing it as she combed through it . She pinned my bangs back into braids and let my curls flow down both sides of my face. Morgana painted my face as my mother helped to prepare my dress. I looked in the mirror at myself and smiled at my makeup and hair, the girls had done lovely.
" Are you ready Ness to put on your wedding dress, " my mother asked and I smiled.
Today I refused to use the cane, slowly standing leaning on the vanity for support I stood and carefully made small steps without any assistance but my one leg brace over to my mother. The three women cried as the watched me for the first time walk without crutches, without a wheelchair, and without a cane. I say on the bed carefully removing the robe and allowed my mother to slip my dress over my feet, Morgana and Gwen helped me to stand as my mother buttoned each lace button on the back of my dress. Once finished the girls helped me over to the mirror where I stood and began crying as I looked at myself. My dress was Ivory and slightly form fitting in the torso. The A line skirt showed my stomachs slight bump and flowed to the ground. The neck was cut into a v shape and the capped shoulders flowed loosely on my arms. The back of my dress was see through lace material from my lower back up to where my shoulder blades met. Along the front out could see little silver embellishments along the waist of my dress. It was beautiful amd for once I felt beautiful. The three women cried as they looked at me, I smiled carefully dabbing my eyes front he tears beginning to well up. I heard a knock at the door and opening it with his eyes closed was Uther.
"My ladies. Is everyone decent?" Uther said and my mother went up to him and pulled gently on his shirt sleeve.
" Uther everyone is ready and waiting for the ceremony, you can uncover your eyes, " she said to him .
Uther uncovered his eyes and stared at my mother," Hunith I thought your were dead, it's so lovely to see you, " he said and kissed my mother's hand.
"You as well Uther, I apologize for my absence but I had to leave, " my mother said
"I understand Hunith, Ygraines death affected us all, I know you both were best friends. What made you come back today of all days? " he asked
" I couldn't miss my daughter's wedding Uther, didn't they tell you they we 're Guias's niece and nephew? "
"They did but it never registered to me that they were your children. I guess thinking about it, it does make sense," he laughed , " It would explain why Ness reminds me so much of Ygraine and you, I have liked her since the first time I laid eyes on her. " he said smiling to my mother and then looking to me. "You look absolutely beautiful, I know Arthur will fall in love with you all over again Nessa," he pulled a small box out from behind his back and walked over to me,"I have a wedding and I guess I should say birthday present for you, this was my mother's and I want you to have it. "
I opened the box to reveal a blue and silver Dragon hair pin, it was beautiful. The eyes of the Dragon were encrusted with blue shappires and the body was designed like the Pendragon crest. I smiled to him and hugged him tightly,
" Thank you so much, it is quite beautiful and I shall wear it today. " I said to him tears forming in my eyes
"You are quite welcome Nessa, Arthur said you loved sapphires so I saw it only fitting to pass it on to the next woman in our family." He smiled hugging me back.
Another knock was heard at the door and the five us turned to see my brother. As soon as he saw me his eyes welled up with tears and he smiled. " It is time Ness, Arthur is waiting for you, " he said.
Uther, our Mother, Morgana, and Gwen made there leave to there seats in the Garden. Merlin and I walked slowly and once arriving at the foyer doors he handed me a bouquet of white lillies and pink peonies. My breath hitched and I became very nervous, and Merlin could sense it.
" Breathe Ness, it will all be ok Arthur is going to cry when he sees you, " he said smiling and joking out his arm for me to take.
I smiled and took several deep breaths before taking his arm
"Are you ready," he asked and I nodded . He flashed his eyes gold opening the doors and I gasped at the view in front of me as we began walking into the garden.
*Arthur's POV*
The doors to the castle opened and tears came to my eyes as I saw Ness, she stole my breath away. God was she beautiful, as she approached I could she see was not using her cane and my hand came up over my mouth in shock. She was walking down the aisle nothing but her brace helping her. Her dress for her perfectly and I could barely see the small bump that had developed over the past two weeks. She was glowing and her hair was pinned back beautifully. Looking closely I saw the small Dragon pin and smiled to my father knowing week he had given it to her. Merlin walked her to meet me and once they arrived he kissed her cheek and left her to stand with me.
"Happy Birthday," I said to her and she smiled
" I love you Arthur, " she replied
The two of us turned to Geoffrey and he smiled looking to us both.
"Today we are gathered here to unite Arthur and Nessa in marriage. The two before me have fell in to love in a way many of us never have in a life time. Both from very different up bringings came together to show us that love conquers all," Geoffrey said aloud and then looked to us, " I am very proud of you both and honored to witness a love like no other. " he then turned and continued to read aloud. " Arthur and Nessa have prepared there own vows and wish to share them with each other, Arthur you first sire. "
Looking to Ness, I began to cry and let a few tears fall whilst I held her hand preparing myself to speak" Ness, I have loved you since the moment I met you and hit you by accident with my shield. I still remember the smile on your face when your brother Merlin, " I said glancing to him, " attempted to defend your honor and introduced us. Time after time, you have saved me and shown me what true love really is, I love you with all my heart and I can't wait for our baby to arrive, God blessed me with not just one Angel but two, and I promise to love you forever even in death my heart will forever be yours. I promise to everyday treat you as the princess you are and spend my life forever proving myself to you, for never will I be good enough to deserve someone as beautiful as you. "
She was tearing up now and her hands were shaking, I kissed her hands calming her down and told her to breath.
"Arthur, I never thought I was capable of being loved or in love as I much as I am with you. Your are my world and my everything Arthur. I was always afraid to be myself to anyone but with you I can. I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you, even though then I thought you to be a royal prat. You have become an amazing man and with each passing day my love grow a more and more for you. I can't wait to see the father and one day long I know you will be. You are the light to my darkness, the love of my life. I promise to love you forever and I would give my life for you all over again. I don't regret anything or care about anyone else as long as I am with you. I love you more than life itself and I will forevermore"
When she finished her vows, I couldn't help but break down crying and kiss her, we however were interrupted by Geoffrey clearing his throat
" Sire, we are not to that part yet, " he said chuckling before continuing, " if there is any reason for these two not to be wed I asked that you speak now... "He paused" Very well then, do you Arthur Pendragon take Nessa to be your lawful wedded wife in sickness and in health, for richer of for poor, till death do you part? "
"I do, forever and always," I said looking to Ness and saw her crying and I moved one of my hands to rest on her stomach making her smile.
"Do you Nessa Nicole Emrys take take to be your lawful wedded husband? in sickness and in health, for richer of for poor, till death do you part? "
"I do, until my heart stops beating and even then forevermore, " she said to me smiling and wiping away a few tears.
"By the powers vested in me and the laws of Camelot I now pronounce you husband and wife, Arthur you may now kiss your bride, "
I pulled her close and kisses her tenderly my arms wrapping around holding her head on place with one hand. I heard everyone clap and I released my hold on her only to drop down on my knees crying and kissing her ever growing bump. In was the happiest man alive and the luckiest to have such a beautiful wife.
"I love you sweetheart," she said to me as I looked up to her
" I love you more, my beautiful wife, " I said looking into her tear stained and and kissed her softly once more...
She was finally mine and I thanked God for every minute I have with her!!
To be continued...