AN: Sorry for the delay I've been really busy but here's another update for you all to enjoy. I spoke to Lara Smith and Embrasia about this chapter, it has some elements of 4x06, 4x09 and 4x11 but it will make sense, promise.

Gwen twisted her fingers together as she stood outside Uther's door. She hadn't felt like this since the day of Arthur's will reading when she had had to inform Uther that she had been named as Arthur's heir. Obviously this news was just as important as that announcement had been, if not more, but that did nothing to quell her nerves. Sometimes Gwen would visit the king if she had the time if only to check for herself how the king was faring and the answer generally was not well. It seemed as though the loss of both Morgana and Arthur had been too much to bear for him. Uther had always presented himself as a strong man but in reality, he was actually quite weak. It had only been his love for his children, the pillars of his strength which kept him going, without them, well, he was the man he was now.

Gwen smoothed her hand over her dress and absentmindedly rubbed her stomach which seemed to have gotten a little bit rounder over the past few weeks, a silent confirmation that yes, she was pregnant. With a deep breath Gwen pushed open the door and walked into the room. As ever Uther was sitting in his chair by the window, staring vacantly at the courtyard outside. Gwen walked over and took a seat beside him, moving the chair so that she was in his line of sight.

"Sire, I have something important I need to tell you." Gwen said. Uther gave no sign of having heard her and so Gwen pressed on as quickly as she could. "I'm pregnant Your Majesty and Arthur is the father."

Again Uther was silent and instead stared through Gwen as though he couldn't see her. Gwen cleared her throat and rested her hand on Uther's and tried to gain his attention again. "I said that I'm pregnant Sire with Arthur's child. You're going to be a grandfather."

Again Uther made no sign of response and for a moment Gwen was quiet, waiting for him to say or do something before she got up, squeezed his hand again and left the room. having looked after him for a year, she knew he was in one of his pensive moods and would not respond to anything he had been told even after another change of mood. She would have to tell him again at some point when he was in another mood however given that she had mentally prepared herself for some kind of outburst, Gwen would have been lying if she claimed his lack of response was better. Any sort of response would have been better than none at all.

As Gwen walked back to her chambers, Leon walked up to her holding an envelope. "This just arrived." Leon said as he handed it over. Gwen broke the seal on the parchment and scanned the letter quickly.

"It's from King Rodor of Nemeth confirming he and his daughter have set off for Camelot and should be three days ride away. We'll need to have everything prepared for their arrival." Gwen replied as she and Leon walked back to her chambers.

"Three days, that doesn't give us much time to prepare does it?" Leon asked.

"It should be fine, it's merely a matter of having some rooms prepared and ensuring the documents regarding the land are at hand for their arrival." Gwen stated and Leon looked at her.

"Did you tell Uther?" Leon asked.

"I tried but there was no response. I thought there would have been but I suppose no reaction is better than having him getting angry and upset." Gwen explained and Leon nodded in agreement as they reached the stairway and he headed off to help supervise the afternoon training session with the squires and Gwen headed in the direction of the library in order to get the documents required from Geoffrey.

Gwen was concerned with the meeting with Rodor, it would be the first major discussion regarding treaty arrangements and land ownership that she would have had with any of the other kingdom rulers. In the aftermath of Arthur's death and her being named as heir, she had met with several of the other royal families which had been extremely daunting experiences even though the monarchs had offered their support. This time however there was none of the general niceties, they were going to be discussing serious political matters and doing their best to avoid war. This was her first major test as the future ruler of Camelot.

No pressure or anything.

Morgana flicked through a spell book as she attempted to find something that could help her eliminate the usurper and its bastard who dared to take her rightful throne. Morgana stopped as she came across a promising section on mind-control enchantments. As she read through what was written on the page, she had a moment of inspiration and knew at once what she had to do. It would take careful planning as well as the correct tools she needed for this plan to succeed. Morgana began moving around her hovel at an increased pace. Time was definitely not on her side but if things went according to plan, as they ought to, then it would not be long before she rightfully took her place as queen of Camelot once more.

The day before the group from Nemeth were due to arrive, several knights were patrolling different parts of the forest. Most of them were being vigilant for any sign of bandits, smugglers or Morgana as well as those who were monitoring for any sign of King Rodor and his accompaniments. One of the knights stopped by the stream to allow his horse to drink and regain its strength and he took the opportunity to stretch his legs for a bit. He didn't see the black shadow move around the trees until it was too late and his world went dark.

"Wake up Sir Knight."

The words were followed by a heavy dousing of ice cold water. Gwaine shot awake, spitting water out of his mouth and looking around the darkened room in a daze. His arms were bound above his head and there was a painful throbbing lump on the back of his head. Gwaine blinked and Morgana stepped towards him. The sight of his foe and the predicament he was in could only be summed up by Gwaine in two words.

'Oh shit.'

"That's not appropriate language for a knight." Morgana commented. "Your discipline seems to have slipped since Arthur's death."

Gwaine had the sense not to respond and offer Morgana any other possible taunts. Instead she chose to pace around Gwaine and her hovel, speaking half to herself and half to him as she did so. Due to his grogginess, head injury and general confusion, Gwaine couldn't make out the majority of what she was saying but had enough sense of mind to know this had something to do with her latest far-fetched plan to try and take over the kingdom.

"Whatever you're planning, you can think again if you think I'd be willing to help you." Gwaine claimed. He would rather kill himself than hurt any of his friends. Arthur's death had brought them closer together, hardship it seemed, bounded the Round Table more than anything else. Maybe it was because it was first formed in a time of fear and terror, he wasn't sure. The point was that he would sooner hurt himself than hurt any of his friends. Especially Gwen these days considering she had the little one growing inside her.

Morgana looked at Gwaine and offered him a bone chilling smirk as she picked up a pendant and slid it around his neck, shaking her head patronisingly as she did so. Who said anything about Gwaine willingly helping her? Morgana stepped back and watched Gwaine's eyes lose focus before his head dropped. It rose again and Gwaine stared at her with almost vacant eyes. Morgana felt a sense of achievement at the sight of Gwaine. The first part of her plan was complete. Now it was onto the second and more difficult part.

"What must I do my lady?" Gwaine asked and Morgana's face hardened as she issued her mindless slave with the duties he was to carry out for her plan to succeed.

"How are you feeling?" Merlin asked Gwen as he entered her chambers in order to escort her to the front steps to greet Rodor and Mithian. Gwen bit her lip and showed Merlin her slightly trembling hands. Merlin clasped them and squeezed them tightly.

"You'll be fine," Merlin reassured. "How's the little one?"

"Fine, I haven't been made to feel ill so I would say he or she is content." Gwen replied as she tugged the fabric of her dress back so that it tightened around her stomach and offered some shape to the small bump that had been forming itself over the past two and a half months. It wasn't immediately noticeable but those who were aware of the situation could see it was there. It still felt so strange knowing that there was an actual person growing inside her.

"Did you tell Uther?" Merlin asked.

"Yes, he didn't respond." Gwen replied and looked at Merlin, knowing he would understand. "Is it strange that I'm actually disappointed that he didn't do anything? I know I shouldn't have expected him to say anything but still…"

"It would have been good to know he gave some indication he'd heard you." Merlin finished. "Even if he had yelled and accused you of witchcraft?"

"Anything would have been better than nothing." Gwen shrugged and glanced out the window again, checked her reflection and took a deep breath. "Let's go."

As the knights, Gaius, Gwen and Merlin stood on the front steps of the castle, there was nothing but silence as they waited on the imminent arrival of the Nemeth royals. Gwaine sneaked a glance at Gwen who was holding her head up, her nerves hidden behind an impassive mask that had been perfected over years of servitude. Gwaine could hear Morgana's voice in his mind, prompting him on what he would have to do.

"Gwaine, are you all right?" Percival muttered as they heard the sound of approaching horse hooves. Gwaine nodded and turned his attention to the arrival of ten horses. The riders were extremely unusual, eight of them wore black masks over their faces, one of whom had the Nemeth banner held aloft. The other two riders were draped in cloaks. The taller of the cloaked figures dismounted and removed his hood to reveal a man aged in his late fifties with almost white hair and a wise, lined face. King Rodor approached the horse next to his and helped the rider off and she removed her cloak to reveal long dark brown hair, a pale and beautiful face and a light green gown under her cloak. Princess Mithian gave the kingdom a cursory glance before she and her father walked towards the steps and Gwen walked down accompanied by Leon before she offered Rodor her hand.

"Lady Guinevere," Rodor said as he pressed his lips to her hand and Gwen curtsied slightly.

"King Rodor," Gwen replied as she turned to Mithian and clasped her hand. "Princess Mithian."

"Lady Guinevere," Mithian replied politely as both women quickly curtsied to the other.

"I hope you are quite well my Lady and I would hope that this meeting be under better circumstances than our prior meeting." Rodor said gently. The last time he had been in Camelot had been with his wife and daughter in order to meet Gwen. She looked different from the heartbroken but determined to prove herself woman he had met two months ago. The young woman still carried the grief of her losses but there was a sort of acceptance in her face that hadn't been there before. Obviously she had had time to adjust to the circumstances as best she could.

"I would wish that we can find a solution to this disagreement that suits everyone. I would also like to introduce you to Sir Leon, he is the Captain of the Guards and Knights here in Camelot and he, along with the other knights and guards would wish to do their best to ensure your safety and security at all times alongside your own guard." Gwen said as Leon clasped Rodor's wrist and bowed to Mithian who smiled at the polite knight.

"That would be most appreciated," Rodor said as Gwen and Leon escorted them into the castle. After showing Rodor and Mithian to the rooms arranged for them, Gwen and Leon walked towards the council room to prepare for the meeting.

"That wasn't so bad was it?" Leon asked and Gwen nodded. What she had always liked about Rodor was that he never made her feel insecure or pressurised about possibly ruling Camelot and instead during his prior visit offered her the chance to seek any sort of advice from him whenever needed. Nemeth wasn't a particularly powerful kingdom like Caerleon or Mercia but she welcomed the support anyway. That and Rodor's friendly nature seemed to have passed onto his daughter. Mithian was mature, kind and clearly never viewed her title of princess as an excuse of superiority unlike so many other women she had met.

"Yes, Rodor is quite friendly, as is Mithian." Gwen replied and Leon nodded.

"Indeed she is." Leon commented and Gwen looked at Leon, having picked up the tone of his voice. For the first time in the past while, a playful smile crossed her face. That tone of voice took her back to their youth together when she, Elyan and Leon had been the best of friends.

"Is there something you wish to tell me Leon?" Gwen said almost teasingly.

"No," Leon said quickly. Too quickly. Gwen smiled and wondered if she and Arthur had been as obvious as that in regards to letting people know about their feelings for the other. She hoped she hadn't been whereas she could imagine Arthur trying his best to keep his feelings hidden from his friends, especially Merlin. Then again, Merlin had always known how they had felt for each other.

"Of course there isn't." Gwen smiled as they reached the council room and she became serious again. "Let's try and get this over with."

Gwaine walked down the passageway, aware of the instructions the servants had to ensure the meeting went smoothly through the providing of wine for the men and women in the meeting if needed. He was aware of what Morgana had told him to do and that Gwen was not permitted to have much, if any alcohol due to her pregnancy. Instead she was to be given boiled and cooled water that was usually accompanied by some sort of tonic to ensure the baby's health. Gwaine rounded the corner and as he expected, Rowan was carrying a tray containing Gwen's jug of water along with a goblet. Gwaine walked up to the maid and offered her a beaming smile.

"I believe you may have forgotten this. Gaius asked me to give it to you to help Gwen and the baby." Gwaine commented as he pulled a vial from his pocket and handed it to Rowan who nodded and placed it onto the tray.

"Thank you Sir Gwaine," Rowan replied as she quickly continued on her way. Gwaine watched her go and, remembering his commands, went to ensure that he would be able to provide an alibi for whenever the plan came to fruition.

"My lady," Rowan said as she placed the jug, goblet and vial onto the table.

"Thank you Rowan," Gwen replied as Rowan poured some of the water into the jug. Gwen opened the vial herself and dosed herself with half of the tonic that Gaius made her. She had to take one half of it a day to ensure the baby was receiving all that he or she needed to develop. Gwen herself was still struggling to eat at times and so the tonic ensured the baby would be healthy. Pulling a face at the harsh tonic's taste, Gwen quickly sipped some of the water to help rinse the taste from her mouth as Rodor and Mithian entered the room to discuss the treaty along with the rest of the council.

Merlin stood in the doorway to observe the meeting. He had noticed over the past four years or so that whenever Camelot received some sort of visitors; something bad or troublesome usually happened. Whilst in a happier time his thoughts could easily be dismissed of as paranoia, this was not one of those happier times. It wasn't that he suspected Rodor or Mithian of having magic or wishing to cause Camelot harm, rather it was a case of wanting to be safe rather than sorry.

Merlin's eyes travelled around the room, silently and carefully taking in every detail of everyone in the room. Merlin couldn't shake off the feeling that something was going to happen. There was something not quite right, he just couldn't figure out what it was. Merlin's gaze caught Agravaine's and he looked away quickly. he knew full well that the lord was in league with Morgana but obviously Merlin couldn't accuse Agravaine; as Arthur's uncle, he was the last blood relative in Camelot that was connected to Arthur, at least until the baby was born anyway. All Merlin could do was wait and be ready for whatever evil Morgana had up her sleeve next.

"I understand your perspective Rodor but Camelot has just a legitimate a claim on these lands as Nemeth. What matters most are the people who live there. They have a right to the best possible protection which can be offered to them as well as the best chance for their livelihood." Gwen claimed as she felt her stomach clench horribly and nauseously.

"I don't disagree with that claim, however I feel that Nemeth can offer those people that chance." Rodor replied and as he spoke, Gwen began swallowing heavily, as though she was fighting the urge to vomit.

Gwen could feel the nausea getting worse. Only this time it was accompanied by painful abdominal cramps and a prickling of the skin. Her chest began contracting and she was finding it harder and harder to breath. Her head began spinning and her vision was becoming blurred and disoriented. Gwen pulled herself slowly to her feet and it felt as though her muscles had turned to stone and the movement caused her balance to falter and her head to spin all the more before it all went dark.

"My lady, my lady!" Mithian said as she got to her feet. Merlin and Leon had already hurried over as Gwen fell to the floor, shaking and twitching as she began to froth at the mouth and her saliva was tainted with red. Leon picked Gwen up into his arms and Merlin sprinted off to find Gaius, his physician's training and past experiences meant he knew what had happened to Gwen. Leon followed Merlin, the unconscious Gwen in his arms, leaving the other people in the room stunned with the unexpected turn of events. Merlin ran as fast as he could and crashed through Gaius's door where the physician was working. Gaius looked up as Merlin skidded to a stop, crashing into the table.

"Merlin, what happened?" Gaius asked.

"Gwen's been poisoned." Merlin replied.