They reached the room and Melanie was surprised to find it had been filled with glimmering candles. The bed was decorated elegantly with rose petals.
Melanie began to pull awkwardly at the sleeves of her dress as Gwain removed his chainmail and cape.
"Are you scared Melanie?" He asked, kicking off his boots. She looked down at her hands. He cupped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. "Darling, we don't have to do this tonight if you're not ready."
"I'm ready." She assured, pulling him close.
"Tell me if you need to stop okay?" He kissed her lips gently, running his hands along her sides. Bunching up the soft fabric of her dress in his hands.
He explored her body with extreme delicacy. Afraid that a wrong move may hurt her. He made sure she felt safe before anything else and took his time as he untied her dress.
When her gown hit the floor, she seemed to shy back. Standing before him in nothing but her undergarments.
"Do you want to stop?" Gwain asked. She shook her head. Their lips met again and Melanie removed his tunic.
There were many times throughout the night where Melanie seemed to be uncomfortable, and Gwain tried his best to make her feel better.
By the end of the night, Melanie was curled up beside Gwain.
"Are you alright my love?" He asked.
"Just fine." She assured, kissing behind his ear.
"I didn't hurt you?"
"No." She buried her face in his shoulder.
Eventually, when the candles had all died out, Melanie had fallen asleep. Her light snores filling the room.
Gwain couldn't help but marvel at the woman he held in his arms. Her hair falling on the pillow like a pool of gold. She was his. Fully, completely his. His wife, his one true love.
He soon fell asleep himself, visions of the future filling his dreams.