A/N - This chapter is for Mnemosyne77... get well soon m'dear...

11. Deaths…

Uther walked briskly down the dim corridor, an impatient stride to his step. Already he wished to be away from the castle and patrolling the surrounding land for weaknesses to their defences - but first he needed a word with Gaius and the court physician never seemed to be around when he was needed most.

As the prince descended the final steps that led to Gaius's chambers, he spotted the physician bearing an armful of fresh linen, walking back from the direction of the laundry.

"Gaius!" He called, waving the older man down as he broke into a quick jog to meet with him. "It seems you are an apparition of late, I have been searching for you for what seems like an age."

"My humblest apologies sire," replied Gaius archly, visibly bridling at this remark, "My duties do keep me exceedingly busy."

"Can't you get that sister of yours to fetch and carry for you?" Uther queried, gesturing to the pile of bedding.

"Hunith… was unexpectedly called home earlier than anticipated," Gaius informed him hastily.

"Of course, of course," said Uther dismissively, waving away his words in annoyance.

"As it happens I am glad I found you my Lord," Gaius continued, his expression taking on a guarded look, "I was in fact just coming to search you down…"

"You have news of a cure?"

"A cure Sire?" asked Gaius quizzically, confusion marring his brow.

"My brother… you have found a cure to his illness?" Uther explained impatiently, "Was this not what you wanted to discuss?"

"Regrettably… no my Lord…" Gaius paused for a second, unsure of how he should word what had to be said, "– I am sorry my prince but I have bad news… your child… that is to say Lonán's child… the baby… did not survive Sire."

A confusion of emotions flashed across Uther's face as this news sank in; first surprise and disbelief, followed closely by anger, then sorrow until finally the prince slowly sank back against the wall, his face blank and his eyes staring unseeing into the distance.

As the minutes stretched, Gaius reached out a tentative hand and placed it upon Uther's shoulder, gently shaking the prince and drawing him back from his thoughts. The younger man visibly shook himself, reining his emotions in and regaining control of his sensibilities as he straightened up and looked Gaius in the eye.

"When?" He questioned simply.

"This morning my Lord - you will forgive me, there was no time to inform you sooner."

"A boy?" he asked, the words wavering slightly with apprehension.

"No… a girl."

A flicker of relief crossed the prince's eyes. "What of the Mother?" he enquired, his voice betraying no hint of the emotion he had just displayed.

"She is recovering well, all things considered," the physician reassured him, "She is resting in my chambers."

"I would speak with her," said Uther decisively, already moving toward the wooden door in front of him.

"Of course my Lord," replied Gaius, hurriedly reaching for the large iron handle, "If you will just allow me to ensure she is fit for visitors…"

Uther nodded wordlessly and the older man disappeared behind the door, reappearing moments later and ushering the prince inside. As he approached the bed he took in the frail and haggard appearance of the woman whose very life force had once dazzled him completely. Her eyes no longer danced, her jet black hair hung limply around her shoulders and his heart lurched involuntarily when he noted the remaining swelling of her belly that had once housed their child.

Lonán's eyes fluttered open and she levelled her former lover with a cold and judging stare. Uther's purposeful stride faltered under the scrutiny of her gaze and he slowly stepped toward her bedside.

"Lonán I…I am sorry for your loss," he mumbled hesitantly.

"Only my loss, Uther?" she asked; her voice weak but still conveying the bitterness she felt within.

Uther looked down at the floor, hands clasped tightly behind his back, "Gaius tells me that you are recovering well from the ordeal?" he continued, battling through her barbed comments.

"As well as can be expected my Lord."

The prince nodded slowly as if pondering these words deeply, fiddling with the blanket at the foot of the bed as he did so. Clearing his throat loudly in the too-quiet room, he walked over to the small window, his back now to Lonán.

"I am sure you are anxious to be returning to your homeland," he began at last, clasping his hands rigidly behind his back, "Gorlois has agreed to accompany you and your maid to ensure your safe passage."

Lonán's mouth dropped open as she gaped wordlessly at Uther's back, unable to comprehend how cold he was acting and finding herself incapable of equating this man to the one who had promised her the world not too long ago.

"I'm sorry Uther…" she whispered quietly, her words thick with emotion and bitterest gall, "I never meant to be such a burden to you." Still the prince would not turn to face her, one gloved hand tapping listlessly against the other as he kept his gaze firmly fixed out of the window. "Did you…ever, truly care for me?" she asked tentatively.

Uther spun round, his eyes full of guilt and unspoken feeling. Taking a step forward he opened his mouth as if to speak, a few half formed words hovering on his lips before a dark look of resolve crossed his face.

Leaving Lonán's question hanging in the air, he walked briskly around the bed and toward the exit, pausing only when he had virtually reached the door, "I think it best that you journey as soon as you are fit… these summer months are best for the sea crossing."

With that he turned and exited the room gesturing with one hand for Gaius to accompany him. The older man followed him obediently into the hall, pulling the door closed softly behind him.

"What exactly are you doing to cure my brother?" he demanded, venting his anger at the poor physician and laying this charge at his feet with no warning.

"All I can sire!" exclaimed Gaius indignantly, completely taken aback by this sudden outburst, "His symptoms are unlike any I have seen before. For a time I suspected poison of some kind but now only I prepare his meals and still his condition worsens."

"What about magic?" asked the prince, his voice softening slightly as he got his emotions in check, "Some kind of curse?"

"Possibly," Gaius grudgingly conceded, still smarting at the implied attack on his skills as a physician, "I will consult with Abraith."

"Good," said Uther bluntly, "I want to be informed as soon as you have any more information."

"Yes sire," Gaius replied quietly, directing his words at Uther's retreating back as the prince dismissed him and ended the conversation without so much as a nod, before striding swiftly down the passageway.

Re-entering his chambers, Gaius took one look at Lonán's broken expression of exhausted misery and hurried quickly to her side. Sitting beside her on the bed he drew her into his arms with fatherly care and held her tightly as she sobbed against his chest, inconsolable in the face of so much loss…

Just a quick note to say that I am moving house this week and wont have internet connection for at least 6 days after that so it may be longer than normal till my next update... sorry guys! Thanks for all the support so far from my loyal regular reviewers: Mnemosyne77, Pink Koala, Foxie Roxie, WitchyWeasel and Mel1592. You guys rock GDx