A/N: Wow, glad you all liked the last chapter! Well, if that made you all happy, then I certainly think this chapter will...take the cake. After all the tension... .cough. Anyway, discretion is advised though! It contains subjects not suitable for younger audiences. But if you read it, well, tell me what you think! . wink.

Also, if you get the chance, check out my Tristan/OC fic, "When Worlds Collide". Thanks!

Kalanie: I certainly enjoyed writing the last chapter! Lancelot's such a doofus, and I love that side of him! Bah, he'll recover! .winks. I myself am just happy to see that they're finally happy and that there's ROMANCE! haha But I totally would opt to be there in person to see it all happening. That would make my day! Anyway, here's to more chapters that I hope you'll like!

Kates: haha That was so adorable! By all means, express all your sentiments! I don't mind at all. As long as you're satisfied with things, then I'm good! Man, this story is getting long, and there's still at least 20 chapters to go. Geeze. But I hope this chapter will bring you even more gushy feelings! I can't wait to see your art! Thanks, and enjoy!

delusional anvil.: Don't worry, you read what you like! .smiles. You can totally have Galahad until he comes back. I suggest you breeze through this chapter and a few more others after this. I'll let you know when to keep your eyes open! .wink.

kdawn7: I know eh? If that was the punishment for all things wrong, bloody hell, I'd be a baaad motha fucka.

The fan: hahah Family jewels. It honestly has a nice ring to it...that's why I love it! I'm really glad that you enjoyed the chapter! Thanks so much for your kind words! Here's another chapter that I hope you'll like. Toodles!

Withered Lover: Ooooh yeah. Rough, for sure. lmao! It's funny, because all your questions are going to be answered in the upcoming chapters. I just finished writing a chapter that answers a couple of those. You'll see...alllll in good time, my friend! .hugs.

t t t

CHAPTER 40

Rated MA / 18+. Discretion is advised.

"I still cannot believe that they are together." Gawain remarked, taking another sip of his ale. He, Arthur, Bors and Dagonet sat together in a cozy Shinodian tavern, dimly lit with torches and wonderfully decorated with the Shinodian designs. Though many of the tavern-goers were indeed intoxicated, it was certainly not as rough and rowdy as the taverns in Sarmatia. The knights even mused that Shinodians seemed to act quite drowzy and quiet when they were under the affects of alcohol, never showing aggression towards their countrymen and countrywomen -- only affection.

Bors snorted, pointing a finger at Gawain's nose. "How do ye even know that they are?"

Arthur let out a contented sigh, patting the portly knight on the back. "C'mon, Bors, you saw the exchange between the two of them this morning." Arthur smirked, glancing towards Gawain and Dagonet. "One could not miss how they looked at one another, let alone how they acted with one another."

"Aye," agreed Dagonet wholeheartedly, raising his cup a little, "We all know how Lancelot is with women, but with the princess, he's...different. He seems to really care for her, eh? And I mean genuinely cares for her and her well-being." He paused, shaking his head as he chuckled at his realization. "He's actually chivalrous for once when it comes to women!"

Arthur, Bors and Dagonet gave out a chorus of chuckles. Though Gawain remained silent, swirling his ale around in his wooden cup. He became thoughtful then, about the situation that they were discussing. He was still confused about Galahad's actions, about his sudden disappearance. As one of his best comrades, truly, it did not take much for Gawain to notice that the young knight harboured feelings for Lourdes, even during their earlier travels and especially during his engagement to Isabella. A part of Gawain, though, thanked some higher power that Galahad was not here at this moment, to be a witness to the growing love between Lourdes and Lancelot, for he knew that the knight would not react nor bear the situation well. Gawain could only groan inwardly at this, hoping with all his heart that somehow, his three comrades will find peace and happiness in the end.

A nudge from Dagonet claimed Gawain's attention then. Seeing where the three knights' eyes were transfixed, Gawain's own eyes followed, then immediately widened. Entering the tavern doorway now was Tristan -- with Akira at his side. They talked quietly between themselves, seeming to not even notice their surroundings as they did. The knights glanced at one another incredulously until Bors shouted for the two to join them. Tristan and Akira glanced at each other briefly, then, almost unsurely, walked towards the table of knights.

"Well, I'll be damned." Breathed out Dagonet with a guffaw, nudging Arthur as the two made their way to them. "Seems like another one of us is taken with a woman."

Not long after Tristan and Akira sat with the knights, Lancelot and Lourdes entered the tavern, arms linked. Knowing that they would receive stares wherever they went, Lourdes kept her chin held high, royal and elegant, as she almost glided upon the ground that she walked on. Lancelot kept in pace with her, his countenance firm, expression neutral. Though, Akira and the knights could not miss the twinkle in their eyes as they looked upon one another once in a while, even the small smiles pulling upon their lips when they did so.

"Told you so." Gawain gave the rest of his companions a triumphant look, crossing his arms in victory as he cheekily grinned.

"You seem to have a lot of adoring subjects." Lancelot commented fiercely through clenched teeth as his eyes surveyed the establishment. Indeed, not only were Shinodian men staring at Lourdes, but they were staring at her, with some eyes twinkling with admiration and desire.

Lourdes immediately recognized the jealousy in Lancelot's tone. She squeezed his arm reassuringly, though her heart skipped a beat for his protectiveness over her. "My adoration is only for one man in this room." She smiled, then teased lightly, "And do not worry, 'tis not for the bartender."

Lancelot actually burst out chuckling as they reached the table of their comrades. Bors instantly pushed two cups of ale in front of them as they sat. "Drink up, ye two."

"No ale for me!"
"No ale for her!"

Akira and the knights were dumbstruck and even startled by Lourdes' and Lancelot's simultaneous outbursts. As their companions stared at them with slightly agape mouths, Lourdes and Lancelot glanced at one another, eyebrows raised. Clearing their throats, they both declined a second time, this time though, a little more politely and much more calmly. Bors nodded as he contentedly scooped the mugs into his arms once more.

"Yer loss, kiddies." He shrugged simply, gulping down both cups in mere seconds.

Lourdes could only smile at Lancelot, truly thankful for his genuine concern for her. Meeting her gaze, Lancelot wished that he could touch her then, but ultimately decided against it, as they were in the presence of both their friends and curious Shinodians. Interrupting their moment, Bors stood up on his chair, arms out in the air.

"Sing, Lourdes!" He cried loudly, hands flailing wildly in the air before grinning widely at the blanched Lourdes. "Shut up, everyone! The princess shall sing!"

"Bors!" Lourdes utterly chided through clenched teeth, looking around her. By the expressions on everyone's faces, Lourdes knew that she could not get away from them that easily, seeing as she had already opted out of dancing for them just yesternight. Finally giving out a sigh of acquiesce at their encouraging claps, Lourdes then stood, muttering to Akira and the knights, "I can sing better than I can dance, I can assure you that."

They smiled and laughed, clapping as they looked upon her eagerly. Lourdes closed her eyes briefly as she breathed out. As she opened her eyes once more, she saw the many pairs of eyes that were all locked to her. Through her nervousness, though, she found comfort in Lancelot's twinkling eyes, and she stared upon them intently as she began:

We were strangers, starting out on a journey

Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through

Now here we are, I'm suddenly standing

At the beginning with you

No one told me I was going to find you

Unexpected, what you did to my heart

When I lost hope, you were there to remind me

This is the start

And life is a road that I wanna keep going

Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing

Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey

I'll be there when the world stops turning

I'll be there when the storm is through

In the end I wanna be standing

At the beginning with you

We were strangers on a crazy adventure

Never dreaming, how our dreams would come true

Now here we stand, unafraid of the future

At the beginning with you

Knew there was somebody, somewhere

A new love in the dark

Now I know my dream will live on

I've been waiting so long

Nothing's gonna tear us apart

Life is a road that I wanna keep going on

Love is a river, I wanna keep going

Starting out on a journey

Life is a road that I wanna keep going

Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing

In the end I wanna be standing

At the beginning with you

Throughout her song, Lourdes never broke eye contact with Lancelot. The knight could only stare at her in wonder, a lump forming in his throat as he became progressively overcome with emotion. He could hear the sincerity in her voice, could see the tears of joy forming in her own eyes. In all his years, after everything that he had gone through in his lifetime, he had never been so deeply touched, deeply moved, by one song -- one woman. He recognized the knowing looks from the rest of the knights, and Bors' impish grin with them, as Lourdes finished. There were a few moments of dead silence, as if everyone was still recovering from the power and depth of the song. As Bors started to clap and whistle maniacally, the audience, which grew to quite a number as Lourdes was singing, quickly joined him. They whistled, shouted and cried out as Lourdes blushed profusely, taking a meek bow before joining her companions once more.

"They only did that because they knew I could have them beheaded if they showed me any disrespect." Lourdes muttered with a wink, causing everyone at the table to burst out into hearty laughter.

As Lourdes took a seat beside Lancelot, the knight had to use every ounce of willpower in his being not to, truly, pounce on her. She seemed completely unaware of how much she had inflamed Lancelot's passion, and she only looked at him with a soft smile, eyes twinkling as she observed him. Failing all resistance just a little, Lancelot could not help but take her hand and bring it to his lips, endowing upon them a lingering kiss. Lourdes immediately blushed, eyes darting to the curious and knowing eyes around them, before biting her lip and looking downwards. Lancelot's eyes did not fall from her form, and he used a finger to tilt up her chin in order for her to look upon him once more.

"That was beautiful." he stated in almost a whisper, tucking a strand of fallen hair behind her ear. He gave her a half smile, still struggling within himself not to take her into his arms at that moment and kiss her in front of everyone.

Feeling the same intense emotions as Lancelot, Lourdes inconspicuously moved closer to him, entwining their fingers underneath the table. Lourdes placed their hands on her thigh as Lancelot encircled his thumb on her palm, somewhat tickling her. His hand then began to caress her thigh, slowly massaging it. Blushing even more, Lourdes tried her best to pay attention to the story Bors was now telling them, shifting slightly as Lancelot continued his assault on her. Luckily for her, the wall was behind them, for she would be completely disgraced and shamed if anybody saw what the knight was doing to her! Swallowing, Lourdes could now feel Lancelot's hand moving higher, stopping at her back. Though, it did not rest there for long, for he began to play with the silk belt on her waist, trying to untie it teasingly.

"Princess Lourdes? Did you hear me?"

"What?" Lourdes exclaimed, clearly startled. At everyone's odd expression, she cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure as she replied as nonchalantly as possible, "I am sorry, Bors, but there is too much noise in here."

"I believe the princess is tired." Lancelot interjected coolly as he stood. "Would you like for me to escort you back to the castle, your majesty?"

Lourdes only eyed the knight briefly with wide eyes before masking her emotions with a smile. "You have read my thoughts, sir." She took his outstretched hand as she stood, bowing cordially to her comrades. "I will see you all in the morrow."

They all said their goodbyes to the pair, ensuing to smile and laugh at their lovable antics as they made their way towards the exit. Lancelot could barely even wait. As they exited the tavern, he pulled Lourdes into a dimly-lit alleyway and captured her lips fervently in his. With a sharp intake of breath, Lourdes returned the same passion as the knight was showing, quickly wrapping her arms around his neck. She bestowed upon him a barrage of kisses before pulling away.

"I am sorry, Lancelot, but I am quite tired." Lourdes gave out a small laugh, pinching the knight's nose. "It seems that you have read my mind after all."

"If you could read my mind, what do you think it would say?" The knight replied with a cheeky grin, earning a light slap on the arm from her. Extending his elbow to her once more, he led her back to the castle, making sure to keep a respectable distance from one another as they did so. Lancelot continued to observe Lourdes as she looked about her, eyes gazing towards the beautiful, indigo sky to the dimly-lit courtyard of her castle. She caught his surveying eyes for a moment and smiled, then bowing graciously to those that passed. Even in her fatigued state, Lancelot found her so intriguing, so beautiful. There was such an elegance about her, a melange of pride, honour and compassion, that could do nothing but draw him to her.

Although she did not show it, Lourdes could feel Lancelot's burning gaze on her, stirring something within her heart. She did not know why, but when they finally reached the door to her chamber, she felt her heart skip a beat and began to feel more nervous. Lancelot gave her hand a lingering kiss. Then, as he stood up straight once more, his orbs surveyed their surroundings. Seeing that nobody was in sight, he leaned in eagerly and kissed her briefly.

"Good night, my love." He whispered to her, lips still brushing upon hers. "May you have sweet dreams..." Lancelot cleared his throat lightly before finishing, "...of me."

Lourdes traced his lips with hers as she replied softly, "I need not dream, sir knight, for I already have you here with me."

Biting her lip as Lancelot smirked at her, she gripped the latch of the door, pushing it open. Though, before the knight could walk away, she clutched the sleeve of his tunic, pulling him back towards her. Lancelot eyed her questioningly, but she only gave him a smile. Without a word, she led him into her chambers, softly closing the door behind them.

They stood in the moon-lit room, barely breathing as they gazed at one another. Lourdes' heart pounded maniacally as the back of Lancelot's hand grazed the sides of her face, making her shiver. Even Lancelot's heart skipped a beat at her reaction, becoming more and more undone by her closeness. Breathing in his scent, Lourdes began to pull his tunic upwards, his arms slowly raising as she did so. As the tunic fell lightly onto the ground, Lancelot looked upon her with both question and passion in his eyes, never breaking her stare. Lourdes stepped forward, the lengths of their bodies now touching as she whispered,

"Lie with me."

Lancelot gulped, an incredulous expression now plastered on his face. He could not deny that this was also what he was thinking of, what he completely wanted to do. Yet, his conscience screamed out to him, and he desperately tried to make sense out of his thoughts. Cupping her face in his hands, he whispered, "Lourdes, I do not know if..."

She buried her lips on his neck, nipping and biting as she breathed out, "I give myself freely to you, Lancelot, with all my heart, my entire being." She smiled before she kissed him lightly. "Please, show me the passion that they speak of, the exchange between two people that utterly binds them." Lourdes embraced him then, now feeling the nervousness that was growing in her heart. When he did not respond after a few moments, she frowned, looking up at him dejectedly. "I am sorry, I..."

She did not even finish her sentence when Lancelot enveloped her lips in his, his utter need for her displayed in his hasty actions. How could he refuse her when she stood before him like this, almost trembling in his arms as she asked for him?

For him.

As he quickly untied the silk belt from her waist, he let it fall to the ground, stopping himself as he looked down upon her. Even in the dim light, Lancelot could see that Lourdes was blushing and highly embarrassed by this. Giving her a peck on the forehead, he assured her with the utmost sincerity, "We need not do this, Lourdes." He gripped the ends of her dress, keeping it wrapped around her body. "I will not force you."

The heat that radiated from his body made her shiver once more as she pressed closer to him, kissing his shoulders, then down his chest. He gave out an audible exhale, gripping the sides of her arms as if in support. Standing straight in front of him now, Lourdes released her garment, closing her eyes briefly as it fell into a heap onto the floor. She was now baring everything to him: her body, her heart, her soul. Lancelot looked at her with such passion, such admiration, that her longing to touch him only increased, igniting within her a powerful feeling of lust that she had never before experienced.

Tonight, Lancelot was hers.

Her knight.

Somewhat covering herself, Lourdes still seemed abashed by the situation. Noticing her trembling, Lancelot slowly lifted her arms from her, kissing her palms as if in reassurance. Eyes glazed over with desire, Lancelot untied the string of his breeches, then slowly let the garment fall to the floor. Lourdes immediately breathed in at his sight, and the shame that she was feeling was almost completely erased as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. She could feel him now -- all of him -- and the comforting warmth that emanated from his body.

"For so long, it pained me so much to know that I could not touch you, kiss you..." Lancelot admitted in a low tone, breathing in the scent of her hair. "Now that you are here with me, I almost cannot believe it."

"Believe it, Lancelot." Lourdes replied in the same manner, walking with him towards the bed. "I am not going anywhere."

Slowly laying her upon the mattress, the knight mounted her, resting his hands around her waist. She still seemed unsure of what she was to do, so the knight stroked her hair back from her face and breathed out. "I will be gentle with you."

Lourdes gripped his firm arms, gasping for breath, as he slowly entered her. It was as if they fit together perfectly, a union of two completely different beings, meeting together in one passionate moment. She inhaled sharply at this new sensation, one that began in discomfort, then slowly amounted to pleasure. He kept still as she held her breath, willing away the discomfort, sifting through it to find the pleasure. Consumed with passion, she bucked her hips upwards, moving even closer to him and sending another rush of pleasure throughout her body. She whimpered ever so slightly, her breasts brushing against his hard chest, his arms encircled around her waist, lips teasing her neck. His feather-like touch invaded her nerves, her conscience crying out for more. He began to rock with her, ever so slowly, the rhythm of their bodies in sync. Their breaths became erratic, hearts pumping at an incredible speed, as they quickened their pace. A stabbing pain began to afflict Lourdes, but she only brought him closer, fingers sifting through his curly locks, mouth desperately roaming his neck, jaw and lips. With laboured gasps, she kept her thighs wrapped tightly around his hips, the beating of her heart increasing, the pulsing in her veins becoming more evident. He groaned, almost roared, his cries of pleasure sending shivers down her back. Consumed with passion, he claimed her breasts in his mouth, making her hiss at the searing heat that emanated from his lips. Entwining their fingers once more, a moan uncontrollably escaped her lips, Lancelot's mouth continuing his assault on her as he kept moving upon her. She wanted to cry out for more of this pleasure, for more of this mysterious feeling that was slowly building up inside of her.

"Lancelot..." she whispered, fingers tracing the scars on his back, nails scratching, scraping lower and lower. This made him grunt in both pain and pleasure, now moving upon her more forcibly, increasing his pace. She bit her bottom lip in order to stop her scream, but it still escaped her lips, only encouraging him to kiss her once more. He moved with such grace, such experience, that a part of Lourdes became angry then, even jealous. How many women had he bedded before her? How many had fallen to his charm, his many wiles, his beguiling words? How many had screamed out his name in pleasure, just as she was now doing, moved under him, being claimed by his entire being? She had given him everything now, bore everything in front of him. She had given herself to him and had given in to the curiosities of pleasure, the throes of passion.

Lancelot noticed her sudden hesitation, the sudden distance that appeared in her eyes. He peered down at her worriedly, hands tracing her cheek in question. "Am I hurting you?" he asked huskily, brown eyes gleaming and still glazed over, hands tenderly playing with the tendrils of her hair. Lourdes shook her head in response, though the knight was still not convinced. He grazed his lips upon her face, stopping at her mouth. "Something is bothering you."

She could still feel him within her, and she trembled at the sensation, placing her hand on the side of his cheek. Seeing the concern and worry evident in his eyes, she decided to push those thoughts away from her mind, deeming them unimportant now.

They loved each other, and that was all that mattered.

Shaking her head with a small smile, she pulled him downwards upon her abruptly, making them both cry out in pleasure. Lancelot breathed in her scent, closing his eyes, mouth parted slightly to nip at her bottom lip as he began to move once more. The feeling that was building inside the both of them was almost at its peak.

"Lourdes..." Lancelot cried out, his hands roaming all over her body with reckless abandon. She could only gasp in response, this feeling within her becoming almost unbearable.

With one final thrust, they both experienced their release with a cry of pleasure, sending them both into the heavens. Lancelot collapsed upon her, breathless, as she weakly stroked his hair. As they both tried to catch their breaths, Lancelot kept his head upon Lourdes' chest, his fingertips tracing her body in a languid manner. She embraced him, kissing his forehead, as they continued to lie there, bodies still entangled, fingers entwined.

For many moments, they lied there in silence, concentrated only on the feeling of each other's bodies and their slightly audible breaths. Finally managing to move from her, Lancelot laid down beside Lourdes, wrapping her immediately in his arms. Pulling the covers over them, she rested her head contentedly at the crook of his neck, hands still roaming the knight's hard body.

"I love you." Lancelot breathed out huskily, resting his lips upon her forehead.

Lourdes tilted her head upwards, eyes lovingly observing him. With a smile, she responded, "And I, you."

Sharing one last kiss, they closed their eyes contentedly as they moved closer to one another, falling asleep instantly in each other's arms.

t t t

Tear me open at the seams.

Take everything you need.

Take my heart if you like the beat,

take my lungs if it's hard to breathe, to breathe.

"I'm not cold," she said,

but she's shaking as she's lying next to me naked.

Pulled the hair back from her face to let that smile heat this place.

And this feels so far from real.

I'm lost and I love it.

I can't take it, if you're waiting.

I am ready to tell the world about a girl

who showed me love again for the first time.

And it's everything I dreamed of.

Tell me what you thought about when you were breathing oh so loud,

screaming oh so loud.

Tell me if this is real.

I need to know before I get too close.

So here we lie in this beautiful mess of tangled sheets and beads of sweat.

With my heart in your hand and my neck in the other,

should I be scared or should I come closer?

But it's still beating and I'm still breathing.

You haven't hurt me yet.

Morning always comes too quick when you're around, when you're around.

You leave me lying here so they don't find us out, they'll find us out.

Tear me open at the seams, take everything you need.

Take my heart if you like the beat,

take my lungs if it's hard to breathe.

- "Still Breathing" by Cauterize

t t t

A/N: How's that for steamy?