A/N: Okay! Next chapter! Fast update this time but I had extra muse and decided to use it on this chapter. Not much to say right now I guess.

Rockerforlife: I see you are rather excited for my decision :P And I can see you are mad at Lancelot for being so… unloving. As to why Lancelot didn't stay… it will be revealed in a later chapter. Unfortunately, not this one. Feel free to beat up on Lancelot while you're at it. Anyways, happy reading!

Xxroxy-dogxx: Dagonet likes her, not Tristan. I should've made that a bit clearer. Have a great time reading this chapter!

Raging Raven: Muaha! Thank you for sticking with me through this whole fanfic. I hope this next chapter pleases you.

WitheringSage: I agree with you… I want to take him a bit myself and I'm writing this. Don't know how that works but I guess it does! Happy reading!

Readerfreak10: Thanks Yes, I do think I have a point, haha. I'm no use to you guys dead. Have fun reading.

KnightMaiden: Nah, you're not rambling. You just have a deep desire to see everyone live… which isn't a bad thing. I'm still trying to decide for the final battle. Anyways, hope you enjoy!

Chapter 7: You Will Never Know How Much I Care

"Are we there yet?"

"No."

"Now?"

"No."

"Now?"

Arthur's grip on his horse's reins tightened to the point where his knuckles were white. "No!" he snapped, glaring at Latanie, who had her arm leaning out of the side of the carriage. It had been four days later and her fever had broken a few nights before. She was looking extremely better, considering she had been as pale as a sheet the other day.

Latanie grumbled and gave a look of sheer boredom. "There's nothing to do, Arthur. I'm tired of being stuck in this carriage."

"I know you are," Arthur said quietly.

"Can I please ride?" she begged.

Arthur felt ready to smash his head into the side of the carriage. "You're still recovering and your right ankle can't support you," he said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Oh, please Art! Just this once!" she whined.

"No!" Arthur replied sharply again. "And what did I tell you about calling me that?"

"Sorry," Latanie mumbled as she sat there.

Arthur shook his head. Latanie was the only one he knew that could push his patience so far. He also knew her spirit was what was talking now. She could never sit still for more than an a few minutes. She was the kind of girl who was constantly going, never stopping. He sighed and shook his head, looking at the people in front of them. He glanced back at her to see her gazing at Dagonet. "He'll be fine."

Latanie nodded and looked at him. "I know… I just worry about him."

Arthur frowned slightly at how quiet she was being. "What is going on between you and Lancelot?" he asked.

Latanie felt herself going a deep red. Was it not obvious? She sighed quietly. "Um… we have fallen for each other," she answered truthfully.

"Finally," Arthur mumbled.

"Excuse me?" Latanie stuttered.

"It's about time you two realized it. Ever since we were children, the other knights, and myself, knew you two would fall in love. You guys always teased each other and gave each other longing looks when you thought no one was looking," Arthur answered.

Latanie looked away. "Great."

"We're not blind, Lat," Arthur said.

"I know that," she shot playfully.

Arthur laughed, causing her to grin. Whenever something happened, he always seemed to know who did it.

"Okay, okay, you're right," she gave in. She still couldn't help but feel wary of Lancelot's loyalty. He had been looking at Guinevere the other day with a sense of longing.

Arthur shot her a smile. "Rest, you look exhausted and I know you aren't one hundred percent," he advised and moved away from the carriage to give the female knight some peace and quiet.

Latanie sighed and knew he was right. Fatigue was beginning to tug at her mind, forcing her to lie back down. She shifted slightly to get comfortable, seeing Dag awake. "You're awake," she said quietly.

He glanced at her. "Yes," he spoke.

"How are you feeling?" Latanie asked, sitting up again.

"Better than before," Dagonet replied, looking away for a moment. "And how are you? You fell into the water…"

Latanie hesitated slightly. "I'm doing better but still not one hundred percent. As long as you are not lying dead, then I know I'll make it. You scared us all, Dag." She glanced into his eyes to see that look of passion again. It startled her a bit but she gave no hint of seeing it.

"I did what I thought was right," he responded. "And, if you are not one hundred percent, you should be lying down."

Latanie allowed a smirk to cross her lips. No one had gotten Dag to talk this much except Bors. Was there something different about her? She didn't want to think that. "Perhaps, but you know me Dag; I don't like to stay down."

Dagonet let a small chuckle pass from his lips before wincing in pain. "Yes, I know."

"Just rest," Latanie said instantly. "I'll ask the Lady to bring you some painkillers." She began to rise only to have Dagonet's hand rest on her arm.

"I'm fine," he insisted and gently pushed her back down. "Your ankle is in no condition to be strained. It's still infected."

Latanie looked at her wrapped ankle to see the bandages seeped in crimson and a mixture of yellow that made her want to gag. "Yeah," she mumbled and sat back down. She gazed out the window and noticed Gawain riding near them. "Gawain," she said instantly. "Can you get Marius' wife for us, please?" she asked.

"Sure, Latanie. By the way, her name is Faora," Gawain replied and trotted to catch up with the woman.

Latanie nodded and settled back down, waiting patiently until she heard the door to the carriage open and the woman entered. "Dagonet is in need of painkillers… and I don't think new bandages would kill me either."

Faora nodded. "I told you not to be up but you did it anyways," she said sternly before fetching the supplies.

Latanie blushed in embarrassment and looked away. She caught a smile on Dagonet's face and returned it. "I can't help that I'm restless."

"It will kill you one of these days," Faora said and gave the painkillers to Dag before wrapping Latanie's ankle, washing it out in the process.

Latanie groaned and lay back down. "Don't, that hurts." She closed her eyes tightly, trying to block out the pain. She sighed in relief as her leg was lowered to the floor of the carriage. "Thank you," she said and watched Faora leave to go to her son. "Not too bad." She sat up again.

"You should sleep. Otherwise you won't heal," Dagonet urged.

"In a moment," Latanie said, giving him a small smile.

--Over to Lancelot--

Gah, she would never understand how worried he was about her those days ago. The panic had swept through him like the blood in his veins. He couldn't think of anything but getting to her. The panic in her eyes had been the one thing he never thought he would see. And fear; there was fear there as well. He had felt rooted to the ice until her cry of pain brought him back to earth. That was when his body started moving again, bringing him to her. He was lucky he had gotten to her; otherwise, she would've slipped into the icy grave.

A sigh left Lancelot's lips as he rode silently in front of everyone. He gazed around silently, his eyes landing on Guinevere. He loved Latanie with all of his heart but there was something about Guinevere that caught his eye. Shaking his head, he shifted and looked away from her. He felt bad for leaving Latanie so quickly the other day. He could tell she was in excruciating pain – pain he couldn't relieve. Biting his lower lip gently in thought, he knew he would have to make it up to her some how. His gaze landed on something colorful up ahead. That was unusual; there usually weren't any flowers at this time with all of the snow and every thing. He rode forward and saw a flower in the shelter of a tree root. Its petals were a bright blue with a light blue in the middle.

He paused for a moment before picking it, seeing there were a few more flowers on the plant. He turned his horse around and instantly cantered back towards the carriages. The delicate blossom reminded him of Latanie. She could be fragile and breakable but strong against the elements – just like this flower had done. A small smile came to his face as he turned the horse to walk beside the carriage. "Lady Latanie," he spoke, holding the flower out to a surprised Latanie.

Latanie turned her head to see Lancelot holding out the flower to her. "Lancelot, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed and took it. She closed her eyes and smelled it. It was beautiful. She tucked it behind her ear and looked at him with a smile. "Thank you."

Lancelot gave her a grin. "Anything for you, my love. Rest easy."

Latanie kissed her hand and reached out, touching Lancelot's own hand. She watched the knight ride away to rejoin the others. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she lay down, staring at the ceiling.

"You love him?" Dagonet's voice rang.

Latanie turned her head to look at him. "Yes, I do."

Dagonet nodded and slowly looked away. He tried desperately to hide the hurt in his eyes. He knew there was a smidgen of a chance that Latanie's love for Lancelot would fade but he doubted it would. When he gazed back at Latanie, he found her asleep. A small smile touched his lips. She needed the rest. Sighing quietly, he lay back down and fell asleep himself.

--Days later--

Latanie sighed softly as the carriage pulled to a halt inside of the wall. Finally! She grinned and sat up, struggling to get to her feet. Her ankle was healing although still unable to support weight. She was bright and alert, her cerulean eyes gaining that spark back. Ignoring Dagonet's protests, she hopped down the steps of the carriage, landing before the other knights. She could see the protest also lying in their eyes.

Dagonet rose to his feet and got out after Latanie, supporting her as they went over to the other knights. He reluctantly gave her to Lancelot, who eagerly supported her.

"Alecto, let me see you. You have triumphed! Young Alecto, let me see you. You are here!" the bishop exclaimed in joy.

Latanie snorted quietly, become rather wary of the bishop's actions. She glanced at Lancelot in a hint of disgust, seeing the same look on his face. She watched as Lucan ran to Dagonet, being swept up in the friendly knight's arms. She smiled softly and leaned against Lancelot to keep the weight off of her ankle.

"How is your ankle?" Lancelot asked.

"Healing," Latanie replied simply, shifting her weight onto her uninjured ankle.

"Our great knights. You are free now! Give me the papers. Come, come," Germanius exclaimed, gesturing for one of the men to come over. "Your papers of safe conduct through out the Roman Empire."

Latanie stirred in excitement, a look of victory placing itself on her face.

"Careful now, don't get too excited," Lancelot teased, steadying her.

"How can I not be?" Latanie asked as Arthur approached the bishop and took the papers. Each knight held their head high as they received their papers. Latanie gave Arthur a smile as she took her papers from him. She clutched them tightly in her hand, her smile turning into a grin.

"Knights, you have served for fifteen years with loyalty beyond any other. You truly deserve what has been handed to you today. I ask, whatever you do with yourselves after this, you are not careless with your decisions," Arthur said firmly. "For now, depart to wherever you wish to go. Enjoy the freedom you now have. You can take this time to decide what you are going to do." He nodded his head and turned to leave.

Latanie bowed her head to him right before he left. Raising her head, she glanced at Lancelot, still smiling.

"I believe someone is in need of rest," Lancelot said, picking Latanie up without asking first. He grunted as her arms wrapped around his neck tightly. "If you're not careful, you're going to cut off my breathing," he teased.

"You aren't any use to me dead, love," Latanie teased, giving him a light kiss on the lips. "And I do not wish to rest. I now have my freedom and I'm going to bask in it. Let's go somewhere else peaceful."

Lancelot laughed. "Your spirit remains. Let's go to the pub and celebrate," he urged.

"I said peaceful, but I guess that works," Latanie laughed. "I'll have one mug of ale."

"Just one?" Lancelot teased.

"Yes, one and one only," Latanie affirmed as Lancelot carried her towards the pub. She sighed softly, laying her head on his shoulder. A part of her begged her to walk on her own. She felt helpless when being carried. When they arrived at the pub, they found the rest of the knights there. She laughed as Dagonet and Bors hit their glasses together and drank deeply from their cups.

"Latanie!" Vanora's voice rang as the woman hurried over.

Latanie struggled for a moment, forcing Lancelot to put her down. She hopped as best as she could to Vanora's inviting arms. She hugged Vanora tightly.

"I leave you alone for days and you go and get yourself injured," Vanora scolded. "I heard it was a brave, selfless deed."

Latanie laughed. "Who told you the story?"

"Bors," Vanora answered, causing Latanie to laugh even harder.

"You know how he is. He exaggerates in places," Latanie said, shifting her weight.

"And I heard there is a bit of romance spreading between two individuals," Vanora said, nudging her.

Latanie blushed and glanced at Lancelot, who had ventured over to the other knights with a mug of ale. "Aye, there is," she admitted. She glanced back to Vanora. She wanted to tell Vanora of her suspicions but decided it would best be left to another time. The sight of Guinevere caught her gaze. What was she doing here?

"Ah, I see the new miss does not catch your liking?" Vanora questioned.

"No, not particularly," Latanie mumbled and glanced over to Lancelot to see him gazing at Guinevere as well. "Hey Lancelot! Can I have some help, please?" she asked, watching his gaze jerk over to her.

"Oh my…" Vanora said quietly. "I'm sure it's nothing serious, dear. He's a man."

"One could never be so sure," Latanie said quietly as Lancelot got up to answer her calling.

"What is it you need?" he asked.

"Assistance in getting back to my room. I feel ill," she said quietly.

Lancelot gave a concerned look, his hand going to her forehead. "You aren't warm… what doesn't feel good?"

"My stomach," Latanie answered rather sharply, catching Lancelot off guard.

"Okay, let's go," Lancelot said, nodding to Vanora before picking Latanie up. He walked past Guinevere, not bothering to look at her. He shifted Latanie in his arms as he climbed up a flight of stairs, bringing them to the correct landing. "Here we are," he said softly, bending down slightly so Latanie could unlock the door and push it open. He walked in and pulled back the covers of her bed. He set her down underneath them, making sure to pull her covers up to her chin.

Latanie reached up and gave him a gentle kiss. "I love you, Lancelot," she said quietly.

"Are you sure something isn't wrong further than feeling ill? You're acting strange," Lancelot asked, his brown eyes full of concern.

Latanie nodded wearily. "Just tired," she said.

Lancelot nodded. "Get some rest then," he urged and turned to leave only to feel a tug on his hand. He looked back to see Latanie holding his hand.

"Please, don't leave. Sleep beside me tonight and I do not mean like the lovely barmaids you know," Latanie pleaded.

Lancelot hesitated slightly and looked at the door. He was sure there would be a bit of trouble if Arthur found them together in here. Arthur was very protective of Latanie. He nodded and waved off her hand so he could shut and lock the door. He kicked off his boots and took off his swords and armor before slipping into bed beside her. He gently took her into his arms and held her close to his body.

Latanie gave a small smile and snuggled closer, burying her face in his neck before drifting off.

Lancelot looked down at her for a brief moment, wondering how he deserved to have her. Shrugging the thoughts off, he laid his head down and fell asleep.

A/N: Okay, not a bad chapter, eh? I have a major idea for the next chapter so… stay tuned! R&R please!