Chapter 26: A Fight to the Death

War was approaching. But the Queen was in her chambers with her son. She undressed her son on her bed. "Let's get you nice and clean." She lifted him up and carried him to the middle of her chambers. There was a knock on her door. "Who is it?" She sighed heavily as she walked to the fire and knelt on the floor, next to the small bath.

"It is Carter." The voice spoke.

Elaine sighed and looked at her son. "Oh. We never get a moment's peace." Slowly lowering her son into the warm water. "Come in."

The door opened and Carter slowly moved into her chambers. "Oh, I am sorry, your majesty." He bowed to her. "I did not know that you were busy." He smiled down at Galahad. "It shall not take long."

She gave a small sigh and nodded. She lifted Galahad out of the water and wrapped in a towel. "What is it, Carter?" Standing up, gently bouncing Galahad in her arms.

"We've had reports from the scouts that Lot's army is moving in our direction and they will be here within two days." He spoke mournfully.

"Thank you, Carter." She smiled. "We are ready for him and his army. Is there any news on his numbers?"

"Not yet, your majesty." He shook his head and leant on his cane. "Sir Gwaine volunteered to discover the actual numbers." Elaine's heart pounded in fear when he had said Gwaine had gone. "I shall let you return to your other duties." Giving her a warm smile and bowing. He opened the door. "Oh Sir Lancelot."

"My Lord." Lancelot bowed to him. "Is it possible to see the Queen?"

"Yes." Elaine called out to him. "Come in." She smiled as he walked in. "You can help me bath our son."

Lancelot smiled as he walked in. "I'd be happy to." Closing her chamber door and moving further inside.

She smiled and knelt on the floor next to the warm bath. "Expect to get wet. He likes to splash." Chuckling as she took the towel off Galahad, placing it on the floor and in front of the fire.

Lancelot knelt next to her. "I'll brace myself for it." Watching Elaine as she lowered Galahad into the water, who immediately started kicking his legs and waving his arms. "I see what you mean." He laughed loudly as his son splashed them both.

Elaine placed her hand behind Galahad's back, to keep him sitting up. "I told you." She laughed again as Galahad splashed them more. "At least I know he gets clean."

He placed his hand on the small of Elaine's back. "Elaine, you're crying."

She turned to look at him, her lower lip trembling. "I'm scared. What if we lose?" Her tears mingling with the spots of bath water. "I am terrified for the people and mainly for Galahad." Looking down at their son. "I remember when Morgana had usurped Arthur's throne, Morgause threatened to take Galahad from me. What if they do that? I can't lose him!" She was now washing Galahad's torso with a cloth.

"You won't. Arthur is on his way to help you. You will not lose anybody. None of your people. Most certainly not Galahad." He gently rubbed her back. "I won't let it."

Elaine gave him a small smile, but he could tell that she was still hurting and still scared. "Thank you. I am glad I have my knights in shining armour." They chuckled softly. Their eyes locked together for a moment, only breaking away when Galahad gave a burst of giggles. "Sorry, darling. It seems he needs to have our full attention."

"I see." Lancelot chuckled and took the cloth from Elaine. He then started to wash Galahad's face. "He's got us both wrapped around his little finger."

"Yes." She chuckled. "But that's what I like." She smiled. "Could you get ready with the towel?"

"Yes." He nodded, reaching for the towel and held it up. "Ready." He grinned as Elaine lifted Galahad out of the bath and handed Galahad to Lancelot, who wrapped the towel around his son. "There we go." He rubbed Galahad dried. Galahad giggled as his father rubbed his curly hair.

"I'm glad you are here." Elaine smiled as she watched them both. "He loves you here."

Lancelot looked up at Elaine and smiled. "Me too. I love being with him. Ever since you left Camelot, I missed him terribly." Kissing the top of Galahad's curls.

Elaine smiled warmly. "You are welcome to stay here as long as you want to." She stood up, brushing her dress down, even though the front was soaked with water. "Stay in front of the fire with him. I will just fetch his nightwear." She walked to her bed and picked up Galahad's nightwear and his blanket.

"How is he sleeping at night?" He asked curiously

"All the way through now." She chuckled and made her way to him. "He does wake up once or twice a week but normally falls straight back asleep." She smiled as she knelt next to him. "Is he dry?"

"And clean as a whistle." Kissing Galahad's cheek, who babbled happily. "I cannot believe he will be one year old soon." Kissing the top of his hair as he handed Galahad to Elaine, who smiled silently and dressed their son, who was getting sleepier in her arms.

Once he was dressed she stood up and slowly moving towards Galahad's crib. "He's getting too big for this." She smiled as she lay down her sleepy son. "We best leave him." Her finger gently stroking his cheek.

"But you find it hard to leave him." He whispered as he stood next to her, his hand on the small of her back. "It's what I feel when I give him back to you."

Elaine looked at him. "I'm sorry for that." Her eyes locking with his. "If things were different, everything would be all right."

"How do you mean?" He asked curiously.

"I'm royalty, Lancelot. If I were a peasant, it would be easier for us." She sighed softly and moved away from him and Galahad. "I do not know. I just think it would be." She shrugged her shoulders. "Come on. We best let him sleep."

Lancelot took one last look at his son, reaching down and pulling his blanket over him slightly, before turning away and following Elaine out of her chambers. "Elaine." He gently grabbed her hand, stopping her from walking away. "My offer of marriage is still open." Speaking low, so he was not heard. "I want you safe. I want Galahad safe."

She looked at their clasped hands and then up at his dark brown eyes. She always loved his eyes. "Oh Lancelot. I cannot." Shaking her head slightly. "If you had asked 6 months ago, I would have said yes without another thought." She raised her free hand and cupped his cheek. "Now, I would think about it for some time."

He stepped closer to her. "Please Elaine. My feelings for you have grown."

Elaine gasped and tried to step back but he only stepped closer. "Lancelot, please." Trying to pull her hand away from his.

"Please." He whispered softly, resting his forehead against her own. Both of them closing their eyes at the touch. "Elaine. I want us to be a family."

She was finding it hard to form the words. He was so intoxicating. "Lancelot." She whispered. But he did not give her time to start her sentence. He was pressing his lips against hers. For a split second, she kissed him back, but she had to push him away. "No." She said forcefully and moved away from him quickly. "You cannot do that." She turned her back on him and walked away. Guilt ran through her as well as anger. She could not believe that she had thought about accepting his offer and that she had nearly kissed him back. Neither could she believe that he had kissed her like that. She would have to tell Gwaine but she did not want to ruin Gwaine and Lancelot's friendship.

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

Gwaine had returned from his scouting mission and rushed through the castle corridors. He was searching for Elaine. She had to be told. Lot was getting closer and was only a day's march away. He sped through the corridors, his Camelot cloak billowed behind him as he walked. He was approaching the corridor, where her chambers were, and he heard voices. Elaine and Lancelot's. He thought nothing of it until he turned the corner. There they were, standing close together and kissing. His heart broke at the sight. Gwaine slowly backed away and stood around the corner for a moment before leaving. He knew it was too good to be true. Why would Elaine love him? He was nothing. Lancelot was the father of her son. Gwaine was just a knight.

"Sir Gwaine." A manservant spoke and bowed to him. "The Queen will be in the council chambers shortly."

"Thank you." Gwaine spoke, trying not to let his emotions overcome him. Never had he felt like this for a woman. Especially a woman of royalty. He always thought royalty to be mean, just like Caerleon had been towards his mother. He walked quickly back towards the council chambers. He entered the large room, to find Elaine and the council members already assembled. Gwaine walked forward, keeping his eyes on Elaine and bowed to her. "Your majesty. I bring grave news."

Elaine, who had been smiling, watched Gwaine in shock. "What is it?"

"I have reports that King Lot is only a day's march away." Gwaine spoke loudly and clearly. "His numbers are vast. More than we have."

She kept her gaze fixed upon him. He could tell that she was frightened. "We best be prepared soon. As a precaution." She looked away from him and looked to Sir William, who was her first knight. "Will everything be ready?"

"Yes, your Majesty." He bowed to her. "I would be more confident if King Arthur and his army were here."

"And I." She spoke softly. "I suggest you all go and prepare yourselves for whatever may come at us." She stood up, as did her councillors, who bowed to her and left her alone. "Sir Gwaine. Please stay a moment." Everyone, apart from Elaine and Gwaine, left. She waited for the doors to close before she spoke to him. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, my Lady." He spoke with no emotion in his tone.

Elaine caught it. "What's wrong?" She moved towards him.

He remained standing, his eyes following her as she moved towards him. He took in her every feature. This was going to hurt. "I saw you and Lancelot."

"Oh." She cast her eyes downward. "I see."

"I will do the right thing and step back. The two of you should be together." Bowing to her and turning away.

"No!" She spoke angrily. "I do not want to be with Lancelot." Moving towards him, grabbing his hand, stopping him from leaving. "He proposed marriage again and he tried to convince me."

His heart hammered in his chest. He had hoped he had been mistaken and he was. "You do not want to be with him."

Elaine smiled. "I do not want to be with him." She entwined their fingers together. "I want to be with you."

"You do?"

"Yes." She laughed. "Are you going to kiss me?"

"Oh yes." He laughed loudly and bent his head down, capturing her lips with his. She flung her arms around him, holding them together.

The doors burst open. "My Lady!" Lancelot spoke but froze at the sight of Gwaine and Elaine. The couple broke apart, quickly turning to look at Lancelot. "Now I see." Closing the door behind him. "I see why you do not wish to marry me."

"If you would listen Lancelot, you would know that I do not love you as I used to." She shook her head, keeping her hand in Gwaine's, not daring to let go. Gwaine was doing the same. He was not going to let go of her hand. "I've fallen in love with Gwaine."

"What?" Both Gwaine and Lancelot said in shock. Both of them staring at her.

"Truly?" Gwaine looked down at her.

"I do." She smiled up at him.

"Stop!" Lancelot spoke sternly as he stepped closer to them both. "Forget this for a moment. But I have reports that Lot is closer than we thought. He shall be here by nightfall."

Elaine gasped and looked between the two knights. "We best prepare ourselves." Her hand gripping Gwaine's a little tighter.

"I'll post knights on your chamber doors to protect you and Galahad." Lancelot said protectively.

"Who said I was going to barricade myself in my chambers?" She stared at him in disbelief. "I will not sit back and listen to my people dying." She shook her head. "No, I will be helping those who are injured. I will not be idle." Looking up at Gwaine, who was giving her a small smile. He knew there was no way to persuade her any other way. "You two best get ready. Place Mary with Galahad and place knights on the door."

Lancelot nodded. "Yes. Of course." He bowed to her and left the two of them alone. Now was not the time to fight amongst themselves, he thought to himself as he began giving out orders to guards and knights.

Meanwhile, Elaine and Gwaine were still standing in the council chambers, slightly shocked. "Well, at least Lancelot knows." Gwaine chuckled as he held Elaine's hand.

"True." Elaine sighed heavily and turned to face Gwaine. "Thank you." Giving him a small and timid smile. "I just hope Arthur gets here soon."

Gwaine became protective immediately and let go of her hand, only to wrap his arms around her body. He held her tightly, giving her all the comfort that she needed. "Have courage, Elaine. Show your people that you will stand tall and that you will not bow down to some man."

Elaine giggled against his chest. "Thank you." She had her arms wrapped tight around his waist. "I am worried about Galahad's safety." She sighed heavily.

"He will be safe. Lancelot will make sure of that." He kissed the top of her head. "Come on. We have lots to do."

"Yes." She nodded slowly and stepped away from him. "Promise me one thing."

"Anything."

She raised her hand and cupped his cheek. "Be safe."

He placed his hand over her smaller one. "I will. I promise." He leaned down and gently captured her lips with his. Lingering for a moment longer, before pulling away and leaving her alone in the council chambers. Her heart and mind raced as she watched him walk away. This fight was going to be hard, especially with the number of her army against Lot's vast one. She stood for a moment longer and then moved. She needed to be ready.

Lot looked up at the castle with a large smirk. He knew his army would be able to crush Elaine's army within a matter of hours. There was a chance that Elaine had sent a plea for help to Arthur. Arthur would not be able to reach Corbenic in time. He took one last look at the castle and turned to return to his tent. Inside, there stood Morgana and Morgause. "Ahh. My ladies." He bowed to them both. "Thank you for coming."

"Why have you decided to do this? Before we had intended." Morgause was looking frail but she stood tall and stared at Lot.

"My patience was wearing thin and my spy was apprehended." He moved to his desk and took out a letter. "The letter is from my spy but it is sealed with Elaine's own seal." Showing it to the sisters. "I did not wish to wait any longer." Sitting at his desk, watching them. Taking in their every breath and movement. He trusted them but they had magic, so they were dangerous. "I trust you will not stand in my way."

"Of course not." Morgana smiled sweetly. She looked at her sister. "Gives us the diversion that we need."

Morgause nodded. "It does. I am still weak. Sister, I trust you will be able to perform the task."

"Yes sister." Morgana nodded and smiled. She looked at Lot. "We just wait for your attack to begin."

Lot grinned maliciously. "We attack in an hour."

An hour later, Lot and his forces attacked Corbenic but they found the resistance strong and were finding it hard to break through. Gwaine and Lancelot were in the midst of the battle with the other knights of Corbenic and soldiers. "Arthur better get here soon." Gwaine growled as he thrust his sword into the abdomen of an enemy soldier.

"Agreed." Lancelot grunted as he forced a soldier to the floor, hitting him in the head with the butt of his sword.

Inside the castle, Elaine was helping with the wounded, who were coming in thick and fast. She was not longer wearing a dress but she was wearing a tunic and leggings. This outfit was easier for her to move around in and in case they were attacked, she would be able to fight better. "We need more bandages!" She shouted as she pressed her hand on a knight's leg wound. "It will be all right, Sir Rupert." She tried to reassure him as a nurse came forward and began caring for the knight.

"Your majesty!" Sir William shouted as he rushed to her. "There are some attackers in the castle. I suggest you go to safety."

"No." She said sternly. "I am staying here. I will help protect the wounded."

"Yes, your majesty." He bowed and ran out of the hall.

Elaine looked upwards and silently prayed that Arthur would hurry up and help her. "Please Arthur. Please hurry." She whispered before returning to her duty for caring for the wounded. As the hours grew longer, the fighting grew louder and louder. "Guards! Ready at the door!" Elaine shouted, as she and the guards stepped forward with their swords drawn and ready to fight.

- - - - - - - - - - - - – - - - -

Morgana slipped away from the battle. Amy had told her how to get into the castle. She had slipped through an abandoned side door in the lower part of the castle. She quickly rushed through the abandoned corridors of the castle and ran up the stairs into the heart of the royal quarters.

"Stop!" A deep voice came from behind her. "What are you doing here?"

Morgana slowly turned, looking at the figure from under her hood. "Gwaine." She said quietly.

"Morgana." He sneered as he pointed his sword at her. "What are you doing?"

She raised her hand, her eyes turned golden for a moment and he was thrown against the nearest wall. He fell to the floor in an unconscious lump. "None of your business." She sneered as she continued on her way. She did not realise that Gwaine had quickly regained consciousness and was following her. Morgana had killed the two guards and two knights, who stood at Elaine's chamber door. "Too easy." She laughed as she took the key from one of the guards, unlocked the door and went inside.

Gwaine was close behind her. "Morgana." He groaned, his head still hurting after the impact with the wall.

Morgana ignored him and moved toward Mary, who was holding Galahad tightly in her arms. "Give me the boy." She glared at the young maid. "Give me the boy." Holding her hands out towards Galahad, who was gripping onto Mary's dress tightly.

"No!" Mary stepped back. Keeping Galahad away from Morgana.

The other woman slowly withdrew a dagger. "I am warning you." She advanced on Mary, who turned, in order to keep Galahad away from Morgana and her dagger. Mary silently shook her head as she held onto Galahad protectively.

Gwaine had entered the room. "Morgana!" He warned her. "Leave them alone." His sword straight out ahead of him.

But Morgana was quicker, she thrust the dagger forward, stabbing Mary in the side. Mary cried out. She was in too much pain to keep a hold onto Galahad. Morgana swiftly took Galahad from Mary, before the young maid collapsed to the floor. "Thank you." Morgana sneered at the unconscious woman. She turned to face Gwaine, who was still holding his sword out at Morgana. He was acting because of the young Prince in Morgana's arms. "Such a troublesome knight." Her eyes turning golden again and Gwaine was flung around the room, crashing into furniture. She held a struggling Galahad as much as she could and left the room. Leaving Mary and Gwaine bleeding to death.

- - - - - - - - - – - - - - – -

The battle raged on. When all seemed lost for the protectors of Corbenic, the sound of blown horns announced the arrival of King Arthur with his defences. Elaine gave a sigh of relief as she fought off a strong soldier. Once she beaten him, she stood on a table. "The battle is over. King Lot's men, if you lay down your weapons, you will be treated kindly but if you fight you will punished severely." The majority of them gave up and threw their swords down. "Thank you." She nodded as guards went around picking up the weapons. She climbed off the table and made her way out of the Great Hall. The place was crowded with soldiers; both her own and the enemy's. Her heart pounded as she pushed through the people to get out into the courtyard. "Lancelot!" She called when she noticed the familiar man. She rushed to him and immediately threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "You are all right." She whispered in his ear.

"I am." He chuckled.

She pulled away from him, smiling. She looked around for a moment. "Where is Arthur?"

"He is helping with the controlling of the enemy." He smiled down at her.

She was no longer smiling. "Where is Gwaine?"

Lancelot's smile also fell. "We saw Morgana. She was going into the castle. We thought she was after you, so Gwaine volunteered to follow her."

"No!" Elaine cried. "She is after Galahad." She immediately turned and ran, closely followed by Lancelot.

Morgana had gotten Galahad to sleep and wrapped him in a comfortable blanket as she ran through the forest. She and Morgause had agreed to meet away from Lot's camp. It would be safer. As Morgana approached her destination, she changed from running to a walking pace. She looked down at the sleeping baby for a second before reaching her destination. Morgause was already waiting. "Sister." Morgause greeted her. "I see you were successful. Any trouble?"

"Only from the silly maid, Mary and from Sir Gwaine, the Queen's lover." Morgana smirked as she rocked Galahad. "We best return. They will soon realise that the Prince is missing."

Morgause nodded. "Lot was the perfect distraction." She smirked as the two sisters turned and walked into the deep forest, disappearing amongst the trees.

A/N: I know! I'm cruel. But it was planned from the beginning!

Responses from Chapter 25:

Charlotte13245: Dun dun dunnnn! :D Another cliffhanger! :D How you enjoyed this cliffhanger. :D

Kerry: Everything is slowly falling into place. Slowly but surely. Did you like the Elaine and Gwaine scene in this chapter? :D

Lucy: I think everybody guessed the spy. I wasn't very good at hiding it. LOL. I love writing sweet Gwaine as that is how I see him when he is around women. In my thoughts and writing, Elaine is putting her kingdom first as that is what she was taught and she is finding that hard as she is a compassionate woman and prefers to put her family first.

Chescake: I liked the seal part the best. Thought it was sneaky and tactical. :D You'll find out why Lot wants Corbenic soon. :D

Acklesaddict: This is an unexpected story. Lol. I'm glad you are enjoying it. :D