Nearly two months had gone by, and Melanie had grown drastically. Causing Gwain to become extremely protective of his wife and their unborn child.
Currently, she was sitting in their bed, reading a book as Gwain returned from patrol.
"How are you today, Darling?" He asked, sitting next to her. A gloved hand finding its way to her swollen stomach.
"I may lose my mind if I continue doing nothing." She replied, her hand falling on top of his. "I don't know if I can handle four more months of this."
"Not much longer, My Dear." He reminded, kissing her head. "Then you can return to your position of knighthood."
"Then we'll have a child to care for." She reminded him. "I may have my position back. But that doesn't take away from the tasks of motherhood." Melanie sighed. "What I wouldn't give to hold a sword again."
"All in good time, My Love." She rested her head on his shoulder and rubbed her stomach.
"She's been kicking." She said. "All day."
"Don't hurt your mother, Little One." Gwain said, moving so his face was above her stomach. "She only wants to love you." He kissed her stomach and tickled her sides, causing Melanie to laugh. "And your convinced it's a girl?"
"Mother's intuition." She smiled.
"Well, I don't have your mother's intuition, but I think we'll have a son."
"And why is that?"
"I just have a feeling." He rubbed circles on her stomach.
"Well, wether son or daughter, we will love them completely."
"Right you are, My Love." He kissed her stomach again. A knock at the door pulled him away from her. Gwain opened the door to reveal Merlin.
"Am I interrupting?" He asked.
"Not at all." Gwain assured. "What can we do for you, Merlin?" He stepped aside, allowing the warlock to enter.
"I only came to bring Melanie a draught." He replied, placing a vile next to the bed. "It should relax the baby at night so you can rest."
"Thank you, Merlin." She rose from the bed and hugged him. As she did, the baby began kicking furiously.
"She's a strong one, isn't she?" He laughed, putting his hands on his friends stomach.
"Am I the only one who thinks it'll be a boy?" Gwain asked.
"No." Merlin said. "Arthur thinks it's a boy as well."
"He's not wagering as well, is he?"
"He is."
"Wagering?" Melanie asked. "Who's wagering?"
"The knights are wagering on wether you're expecting a boy or girl." Merlin explained.
"Are they now?" Melanie raised an eyebrow.
"Sir Tristan is convinced it will be twins." He said. "A boy and a girl. Though we think it's only because he can't decide."
"And you've just let them do this?" Melanie gave a warning glare to her husband.
"I attempted to stop them." He defended. "But none of them will listen to reason."
"And you, Merlin." She turned to her friend. "Are you in on this wager?"
"Only for a few gold pieces." Merlin rubbed the back of his neck anxiously.
"I believe I should have a few words with our distinguished knights." Melanie stalked out of the room.
"Now, Darling." Gwain said, catching up to her. "Remember what Gaius said. Stress can harm the baby."
"Don't worry. I won't do anything too harsh." She continued down the hall and out to the courtyard. Where she found the knights. Minus a few who were on patrol.
"Melanie!" Perceval greeted. "What brings you out to the courtyard?"
"What's this I hear about a wager?" Every man in the yard froze and looked to Melanie as if she could still harm them in her current state. Which she probably could.
"We mean you no disrespect, Melanie." Leon assured. "It was only a bit of fun."
"Of course." She nodded. "I'll remember that when I'm able to wield a sword again." Any man who wasn't afraid before certainly was then.
"I tried to warn you." Gwain laughed as the knights looked at Melanie fearfully.
"I told you I wouldn't do anything too harsh." She said to Gwain as they walked back to their room.
"I'm sure you made their lives flash before their eyes though."
"That was the idea, My Love."