A/N: Eep. Last chapter was too steamy for most, huh? Dah, well, when I was first writing this, my target audience was really 18 and over, but...I'll try to tone it down a little! lol Enjoy this next one!

Kalanie: Oh yeah, I know what you mean. Lourdes has a lot of self control, especially throughout everything that she's gone through. And then Lancelot doing that to her? Yeah, she's my hero for keeping her cool! lol Gawain's the cutest ever! Gah, I love the cute lil lion. Oh yeah, and Lancelot was definitely...satisfied. I mean, after everything that he went through? This was probably his reward! And yeah, I try not to write straight smut (although I can, lol), but I think the love scene needed a touch of tenderness and...even beauty, because it reflects L & L's relationship. She's not just a random barmaid. But it's good to hear that you read what was comfortable, because I don't write to offend! lol Here's another chapter for you!

DeathDealer210912: hahaha That's an unusual reaction! Cute, though! I'm glad you liked it. lol Enjoy this next one!

Kates: haha You used one word to describe that entire chapter...I love it! Bah, she's definitely lucky. If only I was born 1500 years before, maybe I would've had a chance! lmao Yaye for your art! I can't wait! Ugh, craptacular news about your laptop! Frig, I hate it when that happens...especially when you're working on a story or, even worse, like an essay for school! Hope you get it all worked out though! Here's another chapter for you!

Raging Raven: I like the consecutive reviews! haha You're too funny! It's cool that it didn't make you uncomfortable in any way! lol Enjoy this next one!

delusional anvil.: .winces. Yeah, I thought that some people would've been uncomfortable about reading a love scene. But then again, I'm writing a no-holds-bar fic! haha At least you read the first part and liked it! .smiles. hahah Don't worry! You do what you feel comfortable. And I'm SURE your husband (maybe a Hugh Dancy lookalike? .drools.) will LOVE LOVE LOVE you! lol

Uh oh. Galahad seems nervous. Take good care of him till he comes back! He still has work to do in this fic! LOL Give him a little massage, you know. .wink. That'll ease the tension!

And no, Galahad, I won't help you. Take it like a man! Grr! And you better act nicely...because I can totally ruin your life in this fic. Remember that. Anywhoo..another one for you! You might like this one, actually! LMAO! .hugs.

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CHAPTER 41

Lancelot gazed at Lourdes lovingly, searching her face as her sleeping form was still wrapped tightly in his arms. He couldn't help but smile, for she looked so peaceful, so serene. Even in her sleep, she seemed so content in his arms, as though it was where she always wanted to be. Lancelot could not deny that he wanted her to belong in his arms, that he wanted to wake up next to her, just like this, everyday for the rest of his life. This is probably what those Romans call 'heaven', he mused to himself, rubbing the side of her arm as he kissed her forehead. Lourdes shifted slightly, moving closer to Lancelot's warm body as she wrapped her arm around his waist and buried her face in his hard chest. The knight actually giggled at her tickling touch, making her mumble something incoherent and rest her hand on the side of his face. He smirked, kissing her cheek, nose, then resting his lips on hers. Lourdes finally stirred, unconsciously entwining her legs with his as her eyes fluttered open.

"Good morrow." Lancelot quietly greeted her, running his fingers through her entangled hair.

Unexpectedly, Lourdes pouted at this, mumbling something as she swirled around in the bed, back now facing him. As Lancelot lied beside her with his mouth agape, she pulled on the covers, rightly exposing him, and wrapped herself in a tight cocoon. "'Tis bloody early." she muttered, moving her head to a comfortable position on the pillow. "More sleep, please."

After his moment of incredulity, Lancelot burst out laughing, squinting his eyes and shaking his head at her response. "You are definitely not a morning person." He commented lightly, kissing the exposed nape of her neck. Leaning his elbow on the bed, he propped his head up with his hand, patiently waiting for her to turn around once more. He whistled as he waited. And waited.

...And waited.

"Bloody hell!" he cursed good-naturedly as he abruptly took the sides of her arms. In a swift motion, he pulled her body upon his, the lengths of their forms now facing one another. Lourdes let out a gasp as he did this, her hair flying wildly in the air, now fully covering her face. In a languid motion, she used a finger to part her hair, peeking at the knight with a tired look plastered on her countenance. Lancelot only gave her a smirk, cupping her bottom with his hands. "Now...this is more like it."

With only a satisfied sigh from Lourdes, she wrapped her arms around Lancelot's waist before resting her head upon his chest. A doltish expression appeared on Lancelot's face, as the knight could barely believe that she was sleeping once more -- on him, no less! Finally deciding to give her a few moments of rest, the knight gave out a satisfied exhale before embracing her once more.

Their moment of tranquillity, though, was short-lived. A light knock on Lourdes' chamber door made both of their hearts jump, eyes wide as they looked at one another. Alert, Lourdes clamped a hand upon Lancelot's mouth as he began to say something to her.

"Lourdes?" They heard Lucas' muffled call through the wooden door. "Are you awake?"

"No?" Lourdes cursed to herself at her moment of stupidity as Lancelot tried his ultimate best to keep himself from laughing. Pinching him, Lourdes cleared her throat, and in the most normal tone that she could manage, she replied with, "I...I am getting ready, Lucas. I will be out in one moment!"

Lucas furrowed his brows as he heard faint ruffling coming from within her room. "Are you sure you are alright?"

"My room is a disaster, I..." Lourdes bit her lip, trying to think of an excuse. Though, ironically enough, she finished truthfully, "I am just trying to find the right garments to wear!"

Lancelot could not control his laughter anymore. Burying his head into the pillow, he tried his best to muffle it as Lourdes scurried about within her room, quickly grabbing her dress and hastily placing it on.

"Alright, well, we will be in the temple for the rituals." informed Lucas lightly. "Come as soon as you are able."

"I will!" Lourdes cried out quickly, her heart's pounding slowing just a little as she heard Lucas' fading footsteps. Trying her best to fix her tangled hair, she smoothed out her dress, turning to Lancelot. The knight only eyed her with amusement in his twinkling eyes, his arms crossed behind his head. She blushed as he laid there, body completely exposed to her observant eyes and no shame evident on his countenance. She cleared her throat, looking down slightly from his sight, before asking. "Do I look presentable?"

"You look better with no clothes on." Lancelot answered truthfully with a shrug, making Lourdes' blush increase even more. He rolled over on the bed, patting the empty space beside him. "Come."

Lourdes hesitated and replied, "Lancelot, we must..."

The knight only answered her with a childish pout. Lourdes crossed her arms tiredly, but he continued, unflinching, now batting his eyelashes for added effect. Laughing as she squinted her eyes, Lourdes placed the back of her hand on her mouth, surprised that she was unable to even fathom Lancelot acting in such a manner! Finally relenting to his masterfully executed pout, she grabbed his garments -- which were, rightly, thrown all over her bedroom floor -- and walked to his side. Instantly, he grabbed her in his arms, holding her tightly.

"Lourdes, you have to learn a thing or two about these...things." Lancelot stated bemusedly, giving her back butterfly kisses.

Lourdes twisted her head to face him, eyebrow raised. "And what are those things, sir knight?"

"You must savour the moment." Lancelot proclaimed, giving her an impish grin as he tilted his head to the side. "Or, relive it."

Lourdes cried out gleefully through her laughter as Lancelot pinned her to the bed, tickling her. With a swing of his arm, Lancelot covered them with the wrinkled bedsheet as they became lost in each other once more.

t t t

I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do
I will be strong I will be faithful
'cause I'm counting on
A new beginning
A reason for living
A deeper meaning, yeah

I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me

And when the stars are shining
brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish send it to heaven
Then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the
pleasure in the certainty
That we're surrounded by the
comfort and protection of

The highest powers
In lonely hours
The tears devour you

Oh can you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cause it's standing right
before you
All that you need will surely come

- "Truly, Madly, Deeply" by Savage Garden

t t t

"I am beginning to see a pattern here."

Bors burst out laughing at Gawain's comment, receiving a few looks from those that sat around them. In a temple not far from the main castle, the knights, Lothair, Lucas, Akira and a few other Shinodian peoples gathered, kneeling in front of low wooden tables, no higher than two feet. They sat in groups of four, the tables lined up in rows and columns. As the Shinodian ritual began, they quietly observed a Shinodian priest, standing in front of the group, arms in the air as he began to say a prayer. Though, as Gawain rightly stated, the group noticed the absence of Lourdes and Lancelot once more. Lothair and Lucas gave each other concerned glances before darting their eyes towards Akira and the knights. All they received, though, were the same unknowing expressions, coupled with shakes of the head and light shrugs. Exhaling loudly, Lothair placed his fingers upon his temples in frustration. The members of the royal family never missed this yearly ritual! Lucas had assured him earlier that he had indeed informed Lourdes about what was transpiring at the moment, and yet...where was his daughter?

As if in answer to his inward question, the main door of the temple flew open, revealing the laughing Lourdes and Lancelot. The two immediately halted their footsteps and speech, though, as they realized that all eyes that were in the temple had landed on them upon their arrival, including the priest himself. Lourdes had briefly made eye contact with her father, who looked at her in utter disapproval, before she broke the stare. Apologizing quietly, the two bowed apologetically to everyone present, then made their way to a table that was occupied only by Tristan and Akira. Lourdes was thankful that this was a good three tables down from where her father sat, because even if she wasn't looking upwards at him, she could still feel his cold, hard gaze upon her. Forcing a smile upon their arrival at the table, Tristan and Akira gave them silent bows in greeting.

"Where have you two been?" hissed Akira quietly as the priest began to chant once more. "Your father is absolutely livid!"

"We...I did not know the ritual was to start right away." Lourdes replied truthfully, eyes somewhat downcast as the three looked at her. She felt so tiny at the moment, utterly embarrassed by their tardiness -- especially since everyone in the temple had noticed. Seeing her dejected state, Lancelot frowned and began to rub her back in comfort, looking upwards as the ceremony continued. As he did so, he caught Lucas' inscrutable look, the Shinodian man's brows somewhat furrowed as his lips were pursed into a thin line. Lancelot felt slightly uncomfortable then, and he only managed to nod his head to him briefly before turning his attention back to Lourdes, Tristan and Akira.

"Fermez tes yeux et respirez lentement." The priest instructed as he, too, sat on the ground.

"What did he say?" Lancelot whispered to Lourdes, visibly confused. "I hope it had nothing to do with our tardy arrival."

"Close your eyes and breathe slowly." Lourdes, Tristan and Akira answered the knight simultaneously, surprising him. As he nodded,the four did as the priest had instructed, complete silence now enveloping the room. Nobody stirred, and they only breathed in and out, reveling in the tranquillity around them. All, of course, except for Lancelot.

The knight opened an eye, peeking at Lourdes from the corner of his eye. "I do not think I am doing this right." he informed her through clenched teeth, feeling a bit frustrated. "'Tis not working."

"It will not work if you keep speaking!" Lourdes muttered in the same manner, keeping her eyes closed firmly.

Lancelot shifted uncomfortably in his seat, shaking his body a little as he tried once more. As he closed his eyes, the memory of the night of passion that he and Lourdes had shared replayed in his mind -- definitely not eliciting any tranquillity in the knight's mind! He mused to himself how different it was with Lourdes, how he not only felt satisfied at the moment, but...complete. This was, indeed, a feeling that he had never felt before in his life. He knew that he would never forget the occurrences of yesternight, and frankly, he would never want to.

Lourdes couldn't help herself but open an eye to peek at Lancelot. She smiled, seeing how concentrated he seemed to be and at the irony that now, she was distracted by his presence and unable to keep her own concentration. Yesternight had changed so much -- nay, everything. She had willingly given herself to this man, this knight, and she was thankful that she did not feel a pang of regret. Neither of them could change the past, that was for sure. Though, their present circumstances have made up for everything that they had gone through; and truly, every problem, every situation, every emotion had brought them to this day, this moment.

Upon hearing the command from the priest, Lourdes took Lancelot's hand, shaking it slightly. Lancelot's eyes fluttered open as he contentedly smiled at her. Lourdes motioned to the cups of tea that were placed in front of them, nodding her head once in silent instruction for him to drink. Obediently, the knight complied, taking the cup into his hands in the same manner as Lourdes, Tristan and Akira. As the knight drank, the 'vile fluid', in Lancelot's opinion, seemed to burn his throat. His eyes opened wide in utter distaste and began to cough. With wide eyes, Lourdes rubbed his back as Lancelot pounded his fist on his chest. Seeing the puzzled stares around them, Lourdes only held her hand up reassuringly at their audience, quietly murmuring 'c'est bien' (it is alright). Her father eyed her with the same expression as he did upon her arrival, and, once more breaking the stare, Lourdes gazed at Lancelot worriedly, his coughs progressively dying down.

"I do not enjoy the taste as well," Tristan actually commented in a low tone, placing the cup down on the table in front of him, "but you do not see me coughing...Lancey."

Lourdes had to bite her lip in order to stifle her laugh, as did Akira. Lancelot only gave the now smirking Tristan a weary look before straightening up once more.

As the ceremony finally finished, they all stood and exited the temple in a slow procession. The ritual participants then gathered into the courtyard, mingling around and speaking with one another. Lourdes instantly gulped as she perceived her father walking straight towards her, face firm, hands clutched in front of him. Though, by some miracle or another, the priest who had led the ritual claimed his attention for a moment, speaking with him in confidence.

As Lothair nodded to the old man, he turned his attention to his apprehensive daughter, wagging a finger at her. "I shall speak with you later."

Swallowing once more, Lourdes winced as she nodded obediently, slightly relieved that her conversation with her father was postponed. Thinking herself lucky to escape his ensuing wrath, she joined Akira, Lancelot and Tristan once more. The four stood quite a distance away from the large gathering, enjoying the shade underneath a majestic willow tree.

"Looks like someone is in trouble." Akira commented, raising an eyebrow. Lourdes bit her lip, shrugging.

"You should have hugged him...or something." Tristan commented, biting a shiny apple that he had taken out from his pocket. "That would have confused him."

Lourdes huffed at Tristan's suggestion, slapping his arm. Lancelot immediately embraced her from behind, pressing his cheek onto hers as he glanced at Akira and Tristan. "Leave the princess be." he lightly defended, smiling as Lourdes took his hands in hers. "'Twas my fault that we were tardy, anyway."

"Should I even ask what you two were doing?" Akira coughed, a playful smile pulling upon her lips. Lancelot immediately cleared his throat, running his fingers through his hair as Lourdes looked downwards and blushed profusely.

Tristan leaned an elbow on Akira's shoulder, eyebrow raised. "You know, the two of you better be careful." The scout's watchful eyes surveyed those around them, eliciting a worried look from both Lourdes and Lancelot. He explained in a low tone, "We know what is going on between the two of you, but many Shinodians do not."

Lourdes furrowed her brows, clutching onto Lancelot's arm as she pressed her lips into a thin line. "I worry not about who knows and who does not. Who are they to judge what I do with my life?"

Tristan and Akira shared a look, both knowing the exact consequences of Lourdes and Lancelot's relationship being exposed -- nay, even just their relationship. The two seemed to be so blind to everything else around them -- even naive -- that they themselves did not realize what they were up against. Though, seeing as the two seemed to be quite content in each other's arms at the moment, neither Tristan nor Akira desired to continue discussing the subject further, knowing that they would only dampen their spirits; nay -- that they may break their spirits -- if they told them of what they knew.

"True." Akira said most uncomfortably, breathing out shakily. She took Tristan's extended hand, and as she cleared her throat, she managed to briefly claim the attention of the lovers. "Well, just remember that celebrations and rituals such as these are important, especially for members of the royal family. You need to ensure that you arrive, and arrive on time, for these occasions. Believe me, I have witnessed the wrath of King Lothair, and it is not a beautiful sight."

With an understanding nod from Lourdes, Tristan and Akira began to walk back towards the courtyard, joining the other knights. As the couples parted ways, Lancelot gave Lourdes a peck on the cheek, resting his head comfortably on the crook of her neck as he held her tightly. Feigning a smile, Lourdes couldn't deny the sinking feeling that was forming in her stomach.

t t t

"This is simply...beautiful."

"They're stars, Lancelot." Lourdes rolled over to face him, giving him a small smile as she placed a hand on his chest. She then grinned impishly. "They look the same wherever you are."

Lancelot lied comfortably on his back, arms crossed behind his head as he looked at her with mirth twinkling in his eyes.

"I did not mean the stars."

He tenderly caressed the side of her face with the back of his fingers, gazing at her so lovingly and longingly that Lourdes was almost overcome with emotion. She kissed his hand, moving closer to him as they continued to gaze up at the heavens. The thick blanket of night covered the sky, the diamond-like stars smiling down upon them in greeting as the crisp breeze lightly danced around them. They finally found tranquillity in this serene environment -- the soft grass beneath their bodies, the dim lights of the distant village, the warmth of each other's touch.

Lourdes moved her face closer to Lancelot's, breathing out contentedly. "This is heaven for me."

"You know that I do not believe in heaven," The knight kissed her forehead briefly, his lips lingering upon it as he finished, "but if you're what heaven looks like, then take me there."

"You always had a way with words." Lourdes grinned widely as she moved herself atop the knight, kissing his nose, then biting his bottom lip. "'Tis a shame that they do not work with me."

Smiling at the irony of her speech, Lancelot immediately crushed her lips with his, embracing her tightly as his hands roamed down her back. She smiled, reckless abandon taking over her being once more as Lancelot ignited and fueled the flame of passion within her. She loved this man for being able to do that, for being able to make her feel weak, yet strong, at the same time. His touch, his kiss, his very being brought so much pleasure to her, adding to the happiness that she was now feeling. She knew that she had to hold on to this with all of her power, with all of her might, for happiness is as fickle as love, its capricious nature rightly fearsome.

That capricious nature was fittingly displayed as they heard a stern voice call out Lourdes' name.

Immediately mounting off of Lancelot, Lourdes looked up in disbelief as she caught Lucas' dark, inflamed eyes, his jaw tightened as he looked down upon the two. As Lancelot stood, he cleared his throat in slight embarrassment, his heart also pumping in an erratic manner. Lourdes stayed still, mouth agape, speechless. Lucas stalked over to them, his hard, cold eyes never leaving Lancelot as he did so. Without a word, the prince gripped Lourdes' wrist tightly and began to pull her roughly back towards the castle.

"Lucas, what are you doing?" Lourdes began to protest, trying to squirm away from his grasp. His hand continued to clench around her wrist firmly, unyielding to her response. "Lucas, unhand me!"

He snapped his head abruptly to her, eyes still fervent with heightened emotion. He pointed a steady finger at her. "You disgrace yourself."

"Prince Lucas!" Lancelot called out pleadingly with squinted eyes, briskly following them. "Please, I..."

"Sir Lancelot, I suggest you stay where you are," Lucas said through clenched teeth, only halting briefly to give the incredulous knight a pointed look, "unless you desire to spend the rest of your time here in Kenji in a cell."

Unflinching at Lucas' threat, Lancelot continued to follow them determinedly, rushing forward in order to grasp Lourdes' hand, which she desperately held outstretched towards him. He could care less about what Lucas threatened to do to him -- the Shinodian man was hurting Lourdes, and he would not let that continue.

"Lancelot!" Lourdes called out in anguish, trying her best to jerk away from her brother's harsh grip. "Lucas, please! Stop this!"

"Guards!" Lucas yelled at the top of his lungs, motioning his head towards the coming Lancelot. "Take him to the dungeons."

Immediately after this command, Lancelot was grabbed by two Shinodian guards on each arm, two others rushing forward to point a menacing spear against his body. With gritted teeth and cries of anger, the knight tried to jerk away from the castle guards, but was held firmly in place.

"Lucas, do not do this! He did not do anything wrong!" Lourdes cried out pleadingly, turning back desperately to see how Lancelot fared. Her eyes were now brimming with tears, her vision blurry. "Lancelot!"

With tears cascading down her eyes, Lourdes was continually pulled by Lucas until they were inside the castle. In a swift movement, the doors were firmly closed behind her, shielding her eyes from Lancelot's retreating form.

t t t

A/N: .sigh. Whoever said life/love was perfect is an idiot.