Hey y'all. Sorry it took so long for this chapter to be posted, but it's a pivital chapter and I wanted everything to be perfect. Anyways, I hope you like it and I hope it's worth the wait.

PS. I want to thank all of you who reviewed last chapter. There's too many of you to name, but I will respond to all of your (at least those who didn't do annonymous reviews) reviews. Now, on with the chapter.

Chapter Twenty

Juliana stared at Gawain's offered hand. Around her, couples were readying themselves for the next dance.

Her eyes moved to his. There was nothing sinister there, only kindness and a hint of flirtation. Juliana saw nothing to fear within his eyes. And so, hesitantly, she took his hand. His grip was nothing like Galahad's. It was stronger, more confident. But, for some reason, Juliana did not like it better than she liked the way that Galahad held her hand. Gawain placed his arm around Juliana's waist, startling her. She tensed within his hold and loosened the fingers that wrapped around his hand. He chuckled.

"Relax," he whispered, "it's all part of the dance."

Juliana felt the heat rush back into her cheeks. Of course. How could she have been so stupid? She was so embarrassed, how could she act like such a child?

She quickly gripped Gawain's hand again, her own so small within his, and, hesitantly, placed her free hand on his broad shoulder.

The music swelled around them, and Juliana focused her attention on the steps to the dance. Gawain led her patiently, keeping his eyes focused on hers. With each step their bodies moved closer and closer until there was barely a breadth of air between them. Juliana found it difficult to breathe. She'd never been this close to any man besides Galahad. It was a different feeling, being close to Gawain, one that she wasn't certain how she felt about.

They danced around the room, letting the music flow around them. Juliana focused all her attention on the dance. She didn't want even the smallest part of her mind to wander. For if it did she was certain that it would lead to thoughts she did not want in her mind. Thoughts of a certain knight with mischievous eyes and a warm smile that she could fall so easily in to.

The music ended, but Gawain still held her firmly. Juliana fought against the desire to push away from him, uncertain of what he would do if she did. Another dance started and Gawain, once more, began to lead her through the steps.

Juliana's cheeks flushed with the heat of the room and the exertion of dancing, and, coupled with the heady scents of wine and flowers, she began to feel dizzy. She stumbled.

"Are you all right?" Gawain asked, catching her easily. His brow was furrowed in worry, and his eyes searched hers.

"I'm…I'm just a bit faint is all." Juliana replied, placing a trembling hand to her heated forehead. "I think I will just go outside for a moment."

She stepped away from Gawain, her footsteps unsteady. He placed a hand on her elbow to support her. Juliana steadied herself before smiling up at Gawain.

"I think I'm fine to walk now." She said, walking away before he could think to come with her.

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Juliana wandered out into the garden, the early winter breeze cooling her heated skin instantly. The moon overhead was full and bright, casting pale blue light over the flowers that were still hearty enough to remain in bloom. Stars twinkled in the ebony sky like diamonds upon coal, their light only adding to the beauty that surrounded her.

Feeling like a young girl again, Juliana raised her arms above her head and twirled in circles, letting the light of the moon and stars run over her body like the water of a cool stream. Juliana's hair flew about her like the flame of a torch. She felt giddy and happy and as if nothing existed but her and that garden. The troubles that surrounded her no longer existed, they were demolished by the beauty and serenity of the garden.

The crickets joined in with the music that spilled from the hall and Juliana was swept into the glorious sound. She found herself humming along, though she'd never before heard the song.

She continued to twirl, her skirts billowing out around her. If only Mother Superior could see her now, she would certainly know that Juliana could make it in this world, that she had not been beat. Juliana wished that she could throw the fact that she could survive into the old hag's face. Mother Superior had thought Juliana would come crawling back to the church, but Juliana had no such thoughts or notions. She would not return to the church, even if Mother Superior were on her hands and knees begging Juliana. No. Freedom, despite the heartache that Juliana suffered, tasted so much better.

A laugh bubbled up in Juliana's throat and she allowed it to pour from her lips. The sound of her laughter flowed together with that of the music and the crickets, creating a symphony within the garden.

Juliana closed her eyes and continued to spin, letting the magnificence of the night engulf her.

A twig snapped somewhere off to her right, and Juliana froze. The spell of the night was broken. Her cheeks flushed with fiery embarrassment and her arms fell instantly to her sides. She turned slowly to see what, or who, had made the noise. Juliana's heart stopped as her eyes met Galahad's. What was he doing out here? He should have been with the wench she'd seen him with at the tavern. Juliana didn't wish to see him, not now, not ever. But yet, there he stood, his dark, somber eyes reflecting the light of the moon, making them even more alluring.

They stood in silence. Neither speaking, both staring. Juliana's breathing came faster, harder as her pulse raced. He looked so handsome in the moonlight. And, despite herself, Juliana found her heart aching for him, her fingers itching to wrap themselves within his glorious curls, and her mouth watering for his taste.

"Juliana?" His voice rang in the deafening silence. He reached towards her, as if to take her in his arms. But Juliana could not allow herself to fall into his arms. For to do so would be to forget all the hurt that he had caused her.

The music from inside the hall suddenly died, leaving only the crickets to carry on the dance, and casting the garden into an eerie silence. Juliana breathed in deeply, wishing her heart would not beat so loudly.

"I…" her eyes searched the garden for an escape. "I have to go." She made a move to leave, but his hand quickly wrapped around her arm, stopping her attempt.

"Wait." Galahad pleaded with her. "Please, just let me say something before you run away."

Juliana dropped her gaze, suddenly finding her silk slippers fascinating. Galahad sighed, his grip loosening.

"Never mind," he said, his hand falling to his side. "Go. Go back and join the party."

Juliana moved to leave then paused. He looked so sad, standing there with his shoulders slumped and his head hung. The look of defeat within his eyes was too much for Juliana to bear. Her heart went out to him and she found her feet moving back in his direction.

She stood beside him, not sure of what to say.

Lord, grant me strength, she prayed. Put the words in my mouth to speak.

The silence seemed to stretch on forever before Juliana finally spoke.

"Why?"

Startled by her question, his eyes flew to hers.

"Why?" She repeated. "Why did you say you loved me?"

"Because I do." He confessed, his eyes securely on hers. "And I know I made a mistake running to Zephaniah when you didn't return my feelings. I have been beating myself every day for that decision." He continued in a rush. "But I was hurt- my pride was hurt."

"I didn't meant to cause you pain." Juliana replied softly. "I…I was scared. Not of you, but of my own feelings." Her cheeks colored at the confession.

Galahad's eyes glimmered with hope at her words. He reached for Juliana's hand and she let him take it. Juliana drew strength from his firm grip. And she needed that strength so desperately if she was to continue.

"I love you, Galahad." She whispered, her gaze never leaving his. "I have for so long, but I was too scared to confess it. Especially to myself."

Galahad pulled her close to him, his eyes shimmering with happiness.

"You do not know how I have longed to hear those words." He spoke quietly, his breath hot on her lips. Juliana trembled. His mouth was so close to hers and she desperately wished for him to press his lips against hers.

But she had no need to wish. For as soon as the thought entered her mind, Galahad's mouth crashed against hers in a loving and passionate kiss.

Juliana's knees buckled beneath the force of the kiss, and she was grateful for the arm that Galahad wrapped around her waist.

A loud cheer erupted through the garden. Startled, Juliana pulled away from Galahad's kiss and threw a look about the garden.

"What was that?" Galahad, too, was looking for the source of the noise.

Suddenly, Juliana burst into laughter. Of course, how could she have been so foolish.

Galahad stared at her as if she had grown another head.

"What are you laughing at?" He asked.

"I'm laughing at myself." She said between fits of laughter. At Galahad's perplexed expression Juliana's laughter only doubled.

"I'd forgotten," she said once she'd calmed, "that the King and Queen were announcing that they are with child."

"Arthur and Guinevere…they're…" Galahad let out a crow of approval and cheer. "Why that's wonderful news." He said, pulling Juliana back to him and kissing her soundly. "Very good news indeed."

Juliana laughed, but quickly sobered as Galahad wrapped her tightly in his arms. His chest was strong against hers, his heart beating in sync with her own.

"I supposed then," he continued, his voice low and seductive, "that we're not the only ones with good news tonight."

Juliana could only shake her head, too mesmerized by Galahad's eyes to say anything. With a feral smile, Galahad caught her lips in a kiss that could only be described as earth shattering.

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