Warily, Gwen watched Arthur place heaping helpings of chicken, green beans, and red cabbage on plate. She stared keenly at her overfilled plate when Arthur sat it proudly before her.
"I can't eat all of this," Gwen muttered as she attempted to push it away. Arthur placed his hand on the side of her plate.
"You need to gain more weight," Arthur cajoled."Just try, I'll help." Arthur pulled her plate closer to him. Swiftly, he cut her chicken into bite sized chunks, and diced her vegetables.
"I'm not a child. Don't baby me."
Arthur scowled. "You're not a child. A child would be … easy. I could force you to eat all of it. My word would be law… you would have to obey. You're my wife. You're recovering from –a strange magical disease. You need to eat please."
Sighing, Gwen lifted her fork. She placed a bit of chicken in her mouth. It was a tender morsel of chicken- juicy and flavorful. Gwen didn't say another word as she quietly ate her food. Arthur viewed her cautiously to make sure every bit of food was placed in her stomach. A few days ago, she begged for real food. Now, she frowned whenever they placed food before her.
Gwen's hand wobbled when she reached for a goblet of wine. White wine splashed on a linen tablecloth.
Where's Merlin when I need him? I gave him the night off. I didn't want him hanging around... laughing under his breath or making comments.
Arthur prevented Gwen from grabbing a cloth to clean the accident. He removed a clean napkin from her hand. He mopped the wine from his table.
"I'm taking care of you. Not the other way around."
"Arthur…"
"Just don't fight me. Can you wait until you're well to argue or nag," Arthur urged sweetly.
Gwen couldn't resist the earnest pale in his sapphire eyes.
"Fine until I'm well. I don't nag.""
A small smile tugged at the corners of Arthur's mouth. "Then, you can be difficult and stubborn with me again."
"I'm not difficult."
"Actually, you're quite lovely, and I depend on your counsel. Your words inspire me to be a better man. You don't know the depth so my despair without you."
Gwen blushed. "Well… I guess I should have a bit of cheese, fruit, and bread. I can't keep my husband lonely."
Arthur rested his hand gently on Gwen's hand. He shivered when Gwen's thumb stroked his hand timidly. Gwen smiled at the heat in Arthur's eyes. Her heart fluttered from excitement.
"I'm not well enough," she whispered huskily.
"I'm not pushing for relations. I want a healthy wife and queen more than a lover. We waited this long… what's another day… week… month. "Arthur shook his blonde head. "Not a year… not a year, "he teased.
Gwen giggles mingled with Arthur's merriment.
Arthur guided Gwen around the lower towns of the citadel. It was a beautiful autumn day; a warm sun shone on her face. A green dress gave her a glowing appearance of health as they stopped and spoke to their subjects. Children presented Gwen with handfuls of wild flowers as she offered hugs, smiles, and warm wishes. Merlin suggested that the people of Camelot needed to realize that Gwen was slowly recovering her health. Arthur thought it was a terrible idea until Merlin pressed and browbeat him. Merlin's judgment was sound, and Gwen appeared to enjoy herself.
Arthur's arm rested on Gwen's waist to guide her as they walked. He could tell that she grew tired when she leaned back into his hands. Silently, he helped her back to the castle. He felt Gwen stiffen when they spotted Elyan returning to the castle. Gwen offered her brother a small smile.
"Hello, Elyan."
Elyan hoped that a shocked look didn't adorn his face. "Hello, Gwen."
Arthur nodded. He refused to press Gwen on her brother. She would make peace with Elyan on her own terms.
Two weeks later, Arthur twisted his lips in annoyance. Another messenger arrived from Melwas' kingdom. He proclaimed that his King had to postpone his visit until early in winter. Arthur found the change quite abrupt. Who would make such a journey in December? It was the end of September, and he wanted to wait months for a visit. Perhaps, it's better this way. Guinevere would be crowned queen by his visit. She'll be well to entertain King Melwas, and life would be back to normal for the inhabitants of Camelot.
Frowning, Arthur pushed a black thought from his head. Something was amiss. He couldn't figure out what was wrong. Deep in his heart, he ignored his inner warnings about his uncle. Never again during his lifetime would any person or thing anything place Camelot, Gwen or Merlin in harm's way. His life was so much better with Gwen and Merlin.
Arthur stroked Gwen's nose as she laid sleeping on their bed. Her dark hair tossed about on a starch white pillow. Gwen frowned in her sleep. Arthur caressed her wrist; he sighed in relief. He couldn't feel her bones any longer. He asked Gaius, if Gwen could travel. Gaius said Gwen had gained enough weight that she could leave Camelot for a few days, not a week. Arthur requested Henry and Mary prepare for their journey. He planned to sneak away tomorrow night. He ordered Merlin to say that Lady Guinevere was ill, and required the attention of her husband. People would think he was still at the castle. Merlin and Gaius could over see a Camelot for a few days.