A/N: This story is set about twenty or so years before the show Merlin begins. I was reading some interesting fan fictions, and had an idea about how it was all started. This revolves around Uther and Ygraine's relationship, and Arthur's birth.

Title: La Naissance d'Arthur / The Birth of Arthur
Writer: soulful dreamer
Verse: Merlin
Major Characters: Uther Pendragon, Ygraine Pendragon, Gaius, Nimueh, Arthur Pendragon

The morning passed slowly as Uther sat in his throne room, tending to business as usual. His mind was upstairs with Queen Ygraine, and hardly here on matters of business. The line was slowing down, so Uther felt it safe to call the rest of the morning's business matters off so he could check on his wife. The citizens were disappointed, but informed that they would be the first seen in the morning. The room filtered out, and Uther remained behind, pausing a moment to glance about. This was his life. It was luxurious, yes, but no one knew what it was to be king. It was difficult at times to balance his family with his duties. He often wondered if his wife felt as though she was getting the proper treatment. But, in the most adoring way possible, Ygraine always made sure to inform her sovereign that he was, indeed, doing all that he could. She was far happier than she ever had expected to be.

"Sire," a voice said as they entered the hall. Uther turned to face one of his knights, who looked rather worn for wear.

"Sir Michael, what is it?" The king stepped forward to meet the knight halfway.

"It was a dragon, sire," he said, out of breath. "It slaughtered even more of the livestock, as well as the other knights and our horses sometime after the moon was full in the sky. I've only just made my way back after running all morning." Uther placed a hand carefully on the man's shoulder.

"You will need to see Gaius, first, and then I expect you to take a few days off to rest after your ordeal. Leave this dragon matter to me," he gave a quick nod and then motioned for one of his servants to escort the knight to the physician's quarters. Another knight stepped forward.

"I ask your permission to take a small band of soldiers to the village to help them in their time of need," Uther placed a hand on the knight's shoulder.

"I think that is a good idea, but first sign of this dragon, and you all must take cover," Uther said. The knight nodded, and then went with his orders. Uther was, finally, stepping away from his duty to check on his wife. It was as he reached the door that Gaius stepped in front of him in the corridor. "Ah, Gaius, just the man I wanted to see. You have experience with dragons, no?"

"I, personally, do not, sire, but I do know a man. He is known as a dragon lord," Gaius said. "He possesses the power to control dragons."

Uther nodded. "This dragon lord, what is his name?"

"Balinor, sire. He is in a nearby village. I can contact him at once for you." Uther gave another nod.

"Thank you, Gaius," he replied, glancing up at the physician, who seemed to have something else to say. "What is it? What's wrong?" The physician's forehead was creased with a deep wrinkle.

"The queen's fever has returned, and I fear it is not getting any better," he said, his voice low so no others heard their conversation. Uther did not say another word, but, rather, rushed up the many flights of stairs and through the dozens of corridors to get quickly to his wife.

/.\

Uther was absolutely smitten. Each day since his first walk with the Lady Ygraine, they spent time together after breakfast, either walking about the grounds, or admiring some piece of the castle or other. She'd even promised to show him the underground cave she came across in her first explorations. He continued spending time with Sir Tristan, as well, in the afternoons, either training, riding, or other forms of male bonding. He found Tristan to be quite the knight, and he was very loving of his sister. Uther was an only child, so he never quite understood the bond between siblings. He could only hope in his future that there were multiple children, so neither had to grow up as he did. He knew that it was expected to have a son, but part of him would love to have a daughter. In the future, he would learn that he was helpless when it came to a specific girl viewed as his daughter.

The celebration was only a day away, and Uther was hell bound on making Ygraine his. The morning started as usual, with he having breakfast with the siblings, and after court, he headed off on a walk with Ygraine. He noted that she walked a little closer to him today, than she had before, much like friends in confidence over a secret matter.

"I am looking forward to your celebration, sire," Ygraine said, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "From what I have heard, you throw quite a party." She gave him a small smile, to which he returned one of equal vibrance.

"Yes, well, my men and I do enjoy war games, at times, but there is always a chance to sit back and enjoy yourself. All work is never fun," he said. The lady absentmindedly looped her arm in his, a gesture that Uther would not take lightly. To this point, she made it firm that they were nothing more than friendly acquaintances. This action seemed to confirm that his technique was working. He would send flowers to her room every three days, and then a small sweet surprise the day before. The king could not help his feelings towards the woman. They fell silent once more; Uther's eyes looked down at hers, which were portraying a sense of unease. "Is something plaguing you, my lady?" He questioned, concern hidden behind his expression. Their walk slowed to near a stop, and the lady unlooped her arm from his.

"Well," she started slowly, finally finding the king's eyes with her own brilliant blue ones. "My brother and I return to Cornwall the day after the feast. I fear I am finding myself quite attached to Camelot." The king gave a small smile.

"As I have said to your brother, you are welcome here as long as you'd like. There is no rush to leave," he gave a light hearted laugh. "I have enjoyed your company immensely."

"Is this the king admitting to enjoying the company of a lowly knight and lady as, dare I say, friends?" Ygraine said, eyes wide. She was humored. For some time now, she expected the king's feelings for her, and while she felt that there could potentially be something between them, they did not have the time to nurture those feelings. The lady was harboring a secret that she was not willing to tell him as of yet. She had grow fond of the kind heart he had, and she did not want to be the one to break it. Uther noted another change in her demeanor as their walk picked back up. She remained quiet for the rest of their walk to the castle. He bid her farewell at her chambers, and then went on about his duties for the day.

/.\

Uther arrived at his wife's side only moments later, terribly worried for her condition. This time he did not care about the eyes of others. So what if he showed what some would consider too much concern for his wife? Ygraine was awake, but her coloring had disappeared. What seemed like nothing this morning when she woke him up had now come back in full force. He pushed the others out of the way so he could sit on the edge of her bed, as he did this morning.

"What is wrong?" Uther questioned. Ygraine, faithful as ever, just gave a weak smile.

"I am fine, my king," she said, placing a hand on one of his own. "'Tis but a small cold. Soon enough, I will be well and our son will be with us." The king tried to smile at the thought of the child within her womb. Nimueh returned with fresh water, quick to replace the damp rag with a fresh one on the forehead of the queen. Her eyes trailed to Uther, worry flashing in them before she turned her gaze to the queen. Was there something that Nimueh knew but was not telling?

"Gaius?" Uther questioned, glancing around the room. The physician was no where to be seen. He then remembered he sent him on a errand, to call for the dragon lord Balinor. He turned back to his queen as a cough resounded from her throat. "Get Gaius," he whispered to Nimueh, who nodded and rushed out.

"My lord," Ygraine said. "You must go, tend to your people. I will be fine." The king shook his head.

"I can not, not while you suffer," he said gently. "I am here until this sickness is over and our child has arrived. The kingdom shall understand." A smile formed on her lips. She admired her husband so greatly. He was a good man, and she could only hope should anything happen, that he would remain as such. He took the both of her small hands in his own; their eyes met for a long moment. No words were spoken. No words really needed speaking between the pair. Though their relationship had started as little more than the need for a queen, or so the kingdom thought, they were deeply in love. Uther would lose himself, he was certain, should anything happen to her.

/.\

"The king has taken an unusual interest in you, sister," Tristan finally said as he waited for her in her chamber. She was finishing up her preparations for the feast. She looked over at her brother, but said nothing.

"He is a kind man, who is lonely. Who could blame me for taking his company as he asks for it?" Ygraine said, an almost innocent glance in his direction. The two of them knew that whatever was there could never be. It was as Tristan feared. While he knew the king could bounce back from such an affair, he was not so certain of his sister. When she found someone that she bonded with, it was instantaneous. She opened her heart so easily and so fully; it was, quite honestly, a trait that Tristan envied.

"Ygraine," her brother said with an authoritative tone. "We must leave tomorrow. You have an obligation." She frowned and nodded gently.

"I will try my best to let him down easy." Her voice was soft; she was making an attempt at hiding her disappointment. But what was she expecting? A full on whirl wind romance and then for him to whisk her away and make her his queen? No. It was just not meant to be. She had to understand that.

People were all around the grand dining hall. Tables lined either side, with a table at the head of the room meant for the king and his special guests. It seemed as if all of the nobility of the kingdom were there. Ygraine was overwhelmed with the amount of people she was meeting. Her eyes would glance towards the king as he mingled with others, and then she would turn back to the current conversation. She was thankful that her brother kept her close by during the beginning of the party; she wasn't quite sure how she was going to break it to the king, but she knew that, by the end of the night, she would have to say her goodbye.

A trumpet sounded, signaling the official beginning of the evening. "If I could have all of your attention, please," Uther said, his voice resounding through the hall. There was a shuffling sound, and mumbles between people as they took their seats. Tristan and Ygraine were at the kings table, but off to one side of it, luckily not near him. The king grabbed his goblet and raised his glass into the air. "We are celebrating these five years of near peace under my rule," he said. "Here's is to many more years." With that, everyone in the room gave a toast, and then Uther sat, and the feast began.

Time passed and there was much food eaten, and much wine drunk. Ygraine found herself slumping in her chair a bit, the warm room and wine making her sleepy. She managed to keep her gaze away from the king since earlier. It was a force of habit for herself. She could not lead him on to think that it was possible. She felt the urge to relieve herself, and glanced around to ensure she could see a bathroom on her own. Her eyes fell to the king across the room, drinking yet another goblet, and talking to knights from another kingdom. About what? Who exactly knew? Taking this as a clear sign to relieve herself, she slipped from the room.

Uther had been having a most enjoying evening. The feast had gone off well; to his knowledge, everyone was enjoying themselves. Although there was one person he had yet to ask. His eyes scanned the table at the head of the room for her spot, but found the seat next to Sir Tristan empty. He met eyes with the de Bois brother, and lifted his goblet in toast, who returned the favor. Tonight was the night. He didn't exactly know what his plan of action would be, only that he would verbally express his wish to have her become his wife. His eyes continued to scan the room, but he was never able to find those brilliant blue orbs. Perhaps she stepped out?

Ygraine was returning from a quick trip to relieve herself. She carefully made her way back toward the dining hall, checking around corners for no reason in particular. She got paranoid sometimes when she wasn't being escorted. There was no telling what some drunken idiot may do after a few glasses. She paused a moment to flatten her dress when she felt a hand grab her by the arm and pull. She gave a startled yelp before being pulled into a secluded alcove.

Uther didn't mean to scare her, but he figured this was his last chance. "Shh," he said, placing a finger to his lips as a guard passed nearby. "I apologize, my lady," he said, his eyes gazing deeply into hers. "Ygraine.." He said, using her name on its own for the first time. "You are so beautiful.."

"Your majesty.." She said, attempting to interrupt. She could smell the wine on his breath; the heated gaze from his eyes was enough to make any weak woman sway.

"Uther, please," he said, smiling at her. He took one of her hands in his own. "I don't pretend to be a master in the way of romance, but I was wondering if you would..." She felt an emotion wash over her. Her chest was soaring into unfamiliar territory. He didn't finish his sentence, however, because she pushed herself forward and their lips met. He was shocked at first, but quickly warmed up to the kiss. His arms wrapped languidly around her waist and pulled her nearer. It was passionate, and romantic, and everything that Uther ever imagined it would be. Ygraine pulled away after a long moment and looked into his eye.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, mortified by her behavior. That was most definitely not appropriate for a girl of her stature. She'd never been so forward with anyone before.

"There is nothing to be sorry about," Uther said, still extremely taken aback by it all.

"King Uther?" A voice called from outside of the dining hall. "Your highness?" Uther stepped back from Ygraine and then into the view of one of his knights.

"Yes?" He said, trying his best to hide his aggravation.

"Some of the knights were wondering if you would like to say a few words before people depart. It is about that time," the knight said. Uther gave a gentle nod before glancing at Ygraine. He turned his attention to his soldier. "Of course, I'll be right in. Just a moment." The knight disappeared inside, but Ygraine had regained her composure. She stepped past him, even though he reached for her arm once more. She disappeared into the hall; he followed slowly behind. That was very close. It would have been most inappropriate to have been caught as such. Not so much for him, but definitely for her.

Uther gave a parting speech and people began to make their way away from the feast. "Wonderful celebration, my lord," Sir Tristan said as he stood by the king's side. "I am absolutely glad we opted to stay." He smiled at the compliment.

"Well, I do hope that you stay a little longer," he admitted, his eyes trailing to Ygraine in her seat. Tristan saw the gaze.

"Me, or my sister..." he said through gritted teeth. "..my lord." Uther could sense the protective older brother coming out of him. But he would assure Tristan that it was not just some fling.

"Sir Tristan, please, allow me to explain my interest in your sister," he said, his voice low as people continued to file out.

"Sire, I do not mean to disrespect you, but anything that compromises my sister's virtue is a threat, and I shall be forced to challenge you to combat." Uther let out a loud, bellowing laugh.

"That is preposterous, good knight," the king said, allowing his laughter to settle before turning back to Tristan. "I wish to take your sister as my queen." Tristan's eyes widened slightly as it set in. "Unless, of course, you don't think it proper for her to marry a king." Ygraine's brother was quiet for a moment, his eyes reaching that of his sister's before he turned back to Uther.

"It is not that, sire," he said, very slowly. "But... she is betrothed to be married to Sir Gothart of Engred upon our return to Cornwall."

/.\

"This isn't just a sign of childbirth, is it, Gaius?" Uther questioned. Ygraine had fallen asleep not long ago, finally in a place of rest rather than a wakeful sleep.

"I assure you, of the births I have seen, a fever this bad has not been a sign," Gaius said, glancing to the woman at his left. She was his healer friend, Alice.

"Nor I, sire," Alice confirmed.

"This is most unusual, then," Uther said, glancing back at the bed, where Nimueh remain in case the queen should wake. She stood and walked towards the group.

"Uther, you must think back to the way this child was conceived. It was not necessarily a usual conception," she said. The king knew all too well the lengths they'd gone to to have a child.

"You are right, perhaps that is the reason she's taken a fever," Gaius said, thinking it over. He didn't know much about side effects of that type of conception. There wasn't much written word on it. Alice broke away to check the queen just in case. Uther ran a hand wearily over his face.

"When can we expect the child?" He questioned.

"She has not had the normal signs of labor beginning as of yet, sire, but I would say any time now," Gaius said. Uther nodded. "I will keep a good watch, sire, I ensure you. Perhaps you should rest. You look dreadful, after the day you've had, it is understandable."

"No." His voice was sharp. "I will not leave her." Gaius bowed his head in respect, as did Nimueh. The two shared a glance as Uther looked away, neither understanding what was going on, but trying their best to ensure to health and safety of the queen and heir to the throne of Camelot.

"Gaius?" Questioned a frightened voice from the queen. Alice's face was wrought with worry. "She's bleeding!" Alice had drawn back the blankets to try and cool the queen off a bit more. Sure enough, there was a deep red spot forming around the queen's abdomen beneath the sheets.

A/N: I have had a cold the last couple of days, which is why I wasn't able to get this up until now. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have really enjoyed writing it As always, reviews are love. They do help me to know that people are interested. Thanks for reading!