Chapter 36: This Is Our Time
Warning: Wedding night
Gwaine watched his wife as she argued with her advisers about her choice of husband. She could most certainly stand her ground. He did not have to say anything. Goodness! He loved her so much. Especially seeing her like this.
"I have made my decision!" She spoke angrily at one of her advisers. Only a few of them objected the marriage but thankfully the majority of them did not. "My cousin gave his blessings and I see no reason as to why my marriage should not have been allowed." She took her napkin off her lap and placed it on the table. "I have lost my appetite." Each of the men stood up when she did. "Good night, my Lords." They all bowed as she left the large room.
"Excuse me, my Lords." Gwaine left the hall and followed his wife. He went to their chambers and found her inside crying on the edge of the bed. "Oh Elaine!" He rushed to her, kneeling in front of her and placing his hands over her own. "Ignore them. Nothing will change what we've done and how we feel." His hand reaching up and caressed her cheek, rubbing away her tears.
"I know." She smiled down at him. She lifted her free hand and placed it over his. "They are frustrating. If this were Carter, he would be happy for me." She smiled softly.
Gwaine stood up and sat next to her, taking his hand from her cheek. Holding her hand in his. "You respect his decision above any other of your advisers."
"Yes." Elaine smiled. "He has been with our family for a long time. He is like Gaius." Staring down at their joined hands. "He has always been so kind to me. The other advisers seem so cold to me."
"I've noticed." He smiled and let go of her hand to stand up. Elaine followed his every move and blushed when he began to undress by taking off his jacket. "Sorry." He bent down and kissed her lips softly. "It is late."
Elaine stood up and moved to her trunk, pulling out her nightgown. "I shan't be long." Moving behind her changing screen.
Gwaine watched her disappear behind the screen. He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled off his boots. By the time he had dressed into his sleeping trousers, Elaine reappeared wearing her nightgown and her hair still loose. He took a deep breath as he took in her appearance. She was beautiful.
Elaine also took a deep breath when she saw Gwaine in only his sleeping trousers. His bare chest was distracting. She had never seen him like this. "Hello." She spoke timidly.
"Hello." He stepped towards her, taking her hands in his, raising them to his lips and kissing them both. "You look beautiful." She blushed bright red. "You do." He raised her hands to his neck. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her close to him. "I love you."
"And I you." She smiled and allowed him to pull her flush against his body. She tilted her head up towards him.
Gwaine responded by kissing her possessively, holding her tight against his body. She sighed softly into their kiss. Her heart pounding in her chest as she removed one hand from the back of his neck and running his down his chest, resting upon his breast. He broke away from her ever tempting lips. His forehead rested against hers. "Elaine." He whispered softly.
"Gwaine." She whispered in return, moving her hand up his chest and to his cheek. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment before Elaine stepped back slightly. He kept his hands at her waist as he watched her. She took her hands off him and brought them to the ties of her nightgown. She pulled them undone, swallowing nervously as the material became loose on her body. Her heart continued to pound in nervousness as she felt Gwaine begin to pull her nightgown up. She raised her arms for him to pull it off her body and over her head.
Gwaine swallowed hard when her bare body was finally revealed to him. He had dreamt about this moment many times and now it was finally happening. He saw her blush as he looked down at her body. "You're beautiful." She blushed again and turned her head away from him but he tucked a finger under her chin and turned her to face him. "You are." He kissed her softly and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against his body.
She snaked her arms behind his back and kissed his shoulder softly. She stepped away again, bringing her hands to his chest and running them down his body to the top of his sleeping trousers. Her nerves kicked in as she pushed the material over his hips. Her brown eyes were locked with his for the entire time she pushed his trousers off his body.
Gwaine stepped out of the piece of clothing. He kissed her once again but without breaking the kiss, he bent down slightly and lifted her into his arms, bridal style. She wrapped her arms around his neck and parted from his lips. He carried her to the bed, gently laying her down. She shifted over to allow him room to lay next to her. Once he was lying next to her, he pulled her close. His hand running up and down her arm as he kissed her.
Her own hand ran down his chest, coming to a stop at his pelvis. He pulled away from her lips. "Here." He whispered. He took her hand and moved it to his hardened member. She hesitated. "It's fine." He reassured her. Elaine timidly wrapped her hand around him. He nodded silently and allowed her to explore his body by herself. He moved his hand away. He moaned softly as her hand slowly moved up and down his member. "Elaine..." Gwaine moaned softly as she found her confidence and moved her hand a little quicker. "Stop." He pushed her hand away from him. "Lie back."
Elaine turned and lay on her back. As she moved, her eyes did not leave her husband's face. Gwaine moved over her. She slowly moved her legs apart and Gwaine lay between them. "I love you." She whispered, stroking his cheek with her fingers.
Gwaine smiled down to her and took her left hand in his right hand, slowly raising it above her head. "And I love you." Bending down, brushing his lips across her cheek, moving to her lips. They kissed with all their passion. The knight was the first to pull away from her lips. He looked down at her and smiled softly. "You look like an angel."
She laughed softly and reached up with her free hand. "Thank you." She pushed a strand of his hair behind his ear. "You look... Fine." She teased him. "No. You look so handsome."
"Thank you." Kissing her once more. "Are you sure?"
"Gwaine. I am very much sure. It is our wedding night." She cupped the back of his head and pulled him into a searing kiss. They parted for air and she gave him a nod. She bit her lower lip when she felt Gwaine slowly press into her. She was shocked that it didn't hurt like it had with Lancelot, on her first time. The feeling was very foreign. It felt different.
"Elaine?" Gwaine whispered softly as he held his body still, looking down at her.
"Yes?" She held his hand softly and her other hand cupped his cheek.
"You seemed to be in a world of your own." He turned his head and kissed the palm of her hand. He gently pushed his hips forward, causing his wife to gasp and grip his hand a little harder.
"Again." She whispered, bending her legs either side of him.
Gwaine repeated his gentle thrust. "More?" He bent down and whispered in her ear, taking her other hand in his and holding it above her head. He felt her nod and he built up a small pace of repeated thrusts within her. The gasps in his ear told Gwaine that she was enjoying it. He lifted his head and looked down at her. He smiled when he saw her eyes were closed and her mouth parted slightly, small gasps emitting from her rosy lips. He lowered his mouth to her own, taking the lower lip between his own.
She untangled her hands from his and threaded them into his hair, holding him to her lips. This was most certainly different to being with Lancelot. Gwaine was a gentle lover. He whispered sweet things in her ear and gently thrust into her. "More." She cried out as a strange feeling built within her, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
"Yes, my love." He lay over her, his lips close to her shoulder and he began to make his movements a little harder and slightly quicker. He felt the beginnings of her ultimate pleasure. His hand ran down her thigh, feeling her soft skin against his hand.
"Oh!" She gave a mewl of pleasure, which was repeated when his hand caressed her breast. "Gwaine!" The pleasure growing from within her. Her legs tightened around him and she let out a cry of pleasure.
Gwaine's hips moved quicker as his lips caressed her neck and shoulder. "Elaine... Elaine..." He repeated as he reached the height of his pleasure and spilled himself inside her.
That is how they lay together for a moment. Her arms wrapped tight around him and her legs clamped at his hips. His forehead lay on her shoulder, his left hand gripped the bed covers and his other hand gripped onto her hip. "Gwaine." She whispered in his ear and stroked his back softly. Enjoying the feeling of the heat of his back under her hand.
"Yes, my love?" He finally raised his head and looked down at her.
"Nothing." She smiled. "Well, get off me." She ran her fingertips down his spine. She giggled when he gave her a swift kiss before obeying her.
He lay on his side and watched her. "Come here." He reached out to her and wrapped his arms around her when she moved into his arms. He kissed the top of her head as she settled into his arms. "I love you, my wife."
She turned her head up and looked up at him. "And I love you, my husband." Kissing him softly.
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The following morning, Gwaine awoke to the feeling of soft kisses being placed along his chest. He opened his eyes slowly and looked down to see his new wife pressing her lips against him. "Hmmm..." He sighed. "This is a very nice wake up." Looking at her through half opened eyes.
"Good morning." She smiled, returning to placing feather light kisses on his chest. "What shall we do today?"
"Don't you have Queen business to attend to?" He asked as he raised his arms and placed his hands under his head, looking down at her as her fingers trailed along his stomach.
"Not if I don't want to." Elaine laughed softly as she crawled up his body. "Good morning." Kissing his lips softly.
"A very good morning." Moving his hands from under his head and wrapped his arms around her, speaking against her lips. "How about a repeat performance from last night?"
Elaine laughed and reached up for the tie on the right post of her four poster bed, pulling the tie, to let the curtain fall. Gwaine smirked as she sat up and pulled the rest of the curtains around the bed, hiding them away. "My maid may come in."
"Now, I do not want anyone else to see you like this." His hand running down her bare back. "Only me."
"Until I take a lover." She teased. "Which will be never!" She cried when he flipped them over and he lay over her. "I promise. I will love no other."
Gwaine smiled down at her. "I promise to never love another like I love you." His lips descended on her neck and they were pleasured like they had on their wedding night.
Unfortunately, Elaine and Gwaine could not enjoy their first proper day as husband and wife due to the fact that Lord William had called an emergency council meeting to discuss her husband. "That man is infuriating." Elaine growled as she sat at her vanity table brushing her long hair. She had chosen to wear a lilac dress with long sleeves. Gwaine admitted to her earlier that he preferred it in her wardrobe and her in bed. She had scolded him with a smile.
"Do not rise to his level. Fight back by making your own decisions."
"I want you to be my head councillor." Elaine spoke quickly and turned on her seat to look at him. She looked over his appearance and noticed that he was dressed plainly, the way she liked him. He wore his brown trousers and a grey shirt. He always looked his best dressed like that.
"What?" He asked in shock. He had been sitting on the edge of their bed, pulling on his boots. In his mind, he thought he would only be her husband, nothing more.
"I want you to be my head councillor. I do not trust these Lords as much as I trust you. I know you will help me to make the right decisions." She stood up and walked towards him. "Please Gwaine. I need you."
Gwaine sighed heavily and nodded reluctantly. "I shall." Standing up, taking her hands in his. "For you. Not for your council or anybody else. For you." He lifted her hands to his lips and brushed his lips against her knuckles. "Are you ready?"
"No." She laughed softly. "But alas, I must." Stepping away from Gwaine but her hands remained in his. "Firstly, we must eat."
"That I can already agree with you. You built an appetite in me, your Majesty." He released one of her hands and allowed her to lead him out of their chambers.
"Why Sir Gwaine. Are you telling me that I tire you easily?" She raised an eyebrow as she let go of his hand and looped it in his arm.
Guards bowed to them as they walked through the castle. Gwaine laughed and turned, bringing his lips to her ear. "Oh you most definitely do but in the best way imaginable." Kissing below her ear.
Elaine shivered in delight and held his arm a little tighter. "Are you wishing to be reminded tonight?"
He kissed the sensitive skin below her ear once again. "I cannot see why not." Straightening up as they entered the great hall, where they were to break their fast. A modest breakfast of fruits and bread had been laid out for them. "Your Majesty." He led her to her seat.
"Thank you Sir Gwaine." She smiled as she took her seat at the head of the table. Gwaine sat on her left hand side. "Gwaine, you are allowed to decline my offer to be my head councillor. I just want to know that I have a trusted man on my council."
"Thank you." He smiled to her. "I will not decline your offer. My promise to Arthur was to protect you and being on your council will make sure that you are protected." He ate a grape and reached out to hold her hand. "I promise." She smiled at him and nodded silently.
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After they had finished their food, they walked to the council chambers. Elaine gripped Gwaine's arm in nervousness. "It'll be fine." He reassured her. "Stand tall like you usually do. Do not let them talk down to you."
"There. As my head councillor, you have given your first piece of advice." She laughed softly. "Well said." Leaning her head against his shoulder. "Don't sit there quietly. You are more than welcome to speak your mind."
He kissed the top of her head. "I will speak when I feel the need to."
"Thank you." She lifted her head and smiled to him. As they approached the council chamber, the doors opened and every person in the room stood and bowed to them. "Thank you my Lords." She and Gwaine walked to the head of the table. "May I ask the Lords on the left hand side," Gesturing to the men sitting on her left. "To move one seat up?" Reluctantly, they moved one chair upwards except Lord William. "My Lord William, that includes you."
"Your Majesty, may I ask why?" He remained in his seat and watched her.
"You are sitting in Sir Gwaine's chair." She spoke boldly and held the man's gaze.
Lord William stood and moved to the chair on his right. "May I ask why is Sir," He emphasised the 'Sir'. "Gwaine taking my seat?"
Gwaine guided Elaine to her seat and moved to stand in front of his own. "The Queen asked you to." Gwaine stared at the man, who was only a few years his senior.
"I have asked Gwaine to take a place on my council, since he is my husband, and I have asked him to be my head councillor." Elaine sat down and the men sat once she was seated. "Now, let us sort out this mess once and for all." Her gaze settling upon Lord William for a moment, fully knowing that he was the one complaining the most. "The council members shall each speak their view one by one." She turned to the councilman on her right hand side. Each of the men expressed their views. The main concern was that Elaine had not married from Joyous Guard or from Corbenic.
Lord William spoke last. "My main concern is your choice of husband. Sir Gwaine is not from a noble family. From what I know, King Arthur elevated him to his position."
"Yes he did." Gwaine spoke up. "But unknown to King Arthur, I am from a family of noble birth. My father, and his father before him, were knights in Caerleon's army." He spoke directly to Lord William. "Now my Lord, try and argue that my family are not from a line of nobles."
Lord William sat in silence. He had no other words.
Elaine looked around the table. "Is there any other business needed to be discussed?"
"Yes, your Majesty." Lord Rhydian spoke up. "There is concern from the farmers on the east side of the island. Their crops have been low this harvest. They wish to keep a larger portion than usual to survive the coming winter."
The Queen nodded slowly. "I am thinking about a horse ride today. I shall visit the farmers and discuss their concern." Smiling to Lord Rhydian, who nodded and smiled to Elaine. "Any other business?" They all shook their heads except Lord William. "My Lord?" Elaine directed her attention to the silent Lord.
"No, your Majesty." He shook his head, his eyes staring at the wood of the table.
Elaine stood up, as did the others. "If you will excuse us." She and Gwaine left the hall together. "Well, it was not as bad as I thought it was."
"You did brilliantly." He kissed her softly. "So? Riding?"
"Yes. Allow you to see the island better." She smiled. "Allow me to see the island better. I haven't seen it in such a long time."
"Let me go and change and fetch my sword." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her wedding ring.
"Could you bring me my riding gloves? They're on my dressing table."
"Anything for you." He kissed her hand again.
"I will meet you in the courtyard." She smiled softly. He let go of her hand and left her alone. She watched him climb the stairs to return to their chambers. She smiled to herself as she left the castle, asking a guard to ask a stable-hand to bring her horse and a horse for Gwaine. She smiled when a stable-hand brought her horse, Eirwen. She loved this horse to bits. It was a grey but her coat was bright white with a black mane. A bigger smile grew when she saw her father's horse being led into the courtyard. "Sealgair." She stepped forward a rubbed the muzzle of her father's horse. She felt another muzzle nudge her other hand. "Hello Eirwen." Kissing her horse. "I've missed you." She ran her fingers through the dark mane. "Has she been ridden often?"
"Yes, your Majesty." The young stable-hand smiled coyly at Elaine. "My sister has been learning to ride on Eirwen."
"Oh good." Elaine smiled. "How old is your sister?"
"14, your Majesty." He smiled nervously.
"She may continue with her lessons." She smiled and rubbed Eirwen's nose. "What of my father's horse?"
"The stable master has been riding him daily."
"Good. Thank you, Iwan. How are your parents?"
"They are well. Thank you for asking, your Majesty." He smiled a little. His head bowed a little when Gwaine approached. "The stable master suggested Sir Gwaine to ride Sealgair."
"He is a magnificent horse." Gwaine ran his hand down the neck of Sealgair.
"You can have him." Elaine smiled to Gwaine.
"Really?" He smiled broadly.
"Yes. He was my father's horse." Holding the reins of her own horse. "My father loved him dearly."
"Thank you." He kissed her cheek. "Here. Your riding gloves, my Lady."
"Thank you." Handing the reins to Iwan and putting on her gloves. "We shall be riding to the east, if anyone should need me."
"Yes, your Majesty." Stepping away from them to allow them to mount their horses.
The couple kicked their horses flanks and rode out of the courtyard.
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Responses from chapter 35:
Lara Smith: I think both Elaine and Gwaine could not wait for the honeymoon to start. As shown here, Elaine would rather take part in her honeymoon than her Queen duties. You will have to wait and see about Vortigern. He will make his appearance soon. There will be some Galahad/ Lancelot scenes in the next chapter. Very sweet scenes. As for Agravaine, he will be a pain as always but not too soon.