Four months later

I was quite happy to flee my daily portrait sessions. Arthur wanted to capture my beauty during this important time. James, royal artist, claimed he could complete the picture from memory. Over the last four months, Arthur has been a different man towards me. I think he's forgiven me for the kiss. He arrives earlier to our chamber, and he reads to me by our hearth. His large arms wrap me in his embrace. Every day, he kisses my stomach. Our baby kicks against his palm to communicate with his father. Everything is right between us again. Finally a marriage based on love and trust.

Edward rolled his eyes as we walked another long corridor of the castle. Gaius told me to walk to aid my pending birth. I was quite surprised my little sweet grew to resemble a great pumpkin under my gowns. He constantly moved around especially at night when the rest of Camelot was fast asleep. A few times, his movements woke me, and I discovered Agravaine moving about the Lower Town. I mentioned it to Arthur a few times. I shouldn't be nosy.

My son delivered a sharp kick to my side; forcing me to double over in pain as I rubbed my belly to urge him to settle down. Reaching up, my hand pushed a brick on the side of the wall, leaning into Edward's embrace, we watched in amazement as a door opened before us.

"Edward, I didn't know Camelot had secret compartments."

"Neither did I, Gwen."

"Let's go explore."

Edward caught my wrist," Gwen, it might be dangerous."

"That's why I have you."

I didn't give him a chance to argue before I darted into the darkness.

I heard him sigh as he removed a torch form the wall and lit it. "Gwen, please wait for the light."

We walked until we spotted a gold handle in the darkness. Perhaps, the baby made me mad. Turning the door, light entered our secret hiding spot. I frowned when I realized it was Arthur's council room. I could never explain this to him.

"So, Uncle, I hear you have a lady friend."

I recognized Arthur's voice immediately from my hiding spot. I couldn't see his handsome face or anyone.

"No, whatever do you mean?"

"The baby wakens Guinevere at night and she spotted you walking around the Lower town."

The men of the chamber laughed at Agravaine's discomfort.

"I am a man, Arthur. This is a perfect opportunity to discuss an important matter… Guinevere and your child.

"What about my wife and child? The kingdom eagerly waits the birth of our child."

"Well, Arthur the child if a boy will be king of Camelot one day. Gwen is lovely and a kind soul, but she thinks like a servant. By telling you about my late night excursions, she displayed common values. What can she possibly teach a boy about diplomacy and Noble manners? Or a princess to marry a king or lord? Your possible daughter will find it acceptable to question her husband."

"He does have valid concerns," one of the Nobles grumbled

"Gwen is finer person than anyone in this room or Camelot, "Merlin protested loudly.

"Look at your own servant's behavior, your son or daughter can't be common, Arthur. I'm not saying Gwen won't be a loving mother. She will need help."

"Help, Uncle?"

"Assign a noble woman to oversee the care of the child to ensure that your future sovereign is trained in our Noble ways."

The room went deathly silent.

"What do you mean by assigned, Uncle?"

"The Noble woman will provide tips along with a nurse on the proper way to raise… not a Noble child but a Royal baby. Your child will have two mothers like a god mother. Just like I have been a surrogate father to you."

"Arthur, you aren't considering this," Merlin protested

"Milord, you can't take a child from their mother. You can't do this to your wife," Leon protested.

"Arthur, don't make a rush decision on this matter," Gaius warned.

"Arthur," Percy said, "She's your wife."

"Arthur, she's your wife, not mistress," Gwaine warned. "It will ruin your marriage."

"My uncle has a valid point. Gwen will need help rearing the future king of Camelot. It's an excellent idea."

"Really like Nobles rear their children. You give them to servants to raise. Gwen's perfect to raise a Noble or Royal child because she will actually nurture her child," Merlin yelled. "She will hate you Arthur. Pray for a boy. I doubt you will ever have another child with her, if you do this, Arthur."

'"Shut up, Merlin!"

"A perfect example of servants' behaviors."

A loud grumbling of agreement from the Council.

"So, Lady Morgana is a Noble and look at everything that she has caused. When was the last time a servant caused a war? A servant murdered another king? A servant attacked Camelot? Nobles are the true problem in every kingdom," Merlin ranted.

The Council Room door slammed shut loudly.

Edward wiped hot tears form my eyes," We should go back to your chamber, Gwen. I'm sorry."

"I shouldn't have been nosy."

My love for Arthur died at the moment. Nothing in my heart was loving for him. He planned to take my child- except my child will not be raised in Camelot. I'm going to pack my belongings and leave Camelot for good.