Chapter 9: Proposal
The feast began. At the top table, Elaine sat between Uther and one of the Lords of Camelot. Next to Uther sat Godwyn, followed by Morgana, then Princess Elena and finally Prince Arthur sat on the end. Once seated, Uther and Godwyn immediately began to speak about the impending union between their two house. "It's a big occasion. The total joining of our two families." Godwyn spoke.
"Indeed, this union would cement what has long been an unofficial alliance between our kingdoms." Uther stated softly as he glanced towards Arthur and Elena, who were sitting awkwardly side-by-side.
"It would give me great pleasure. I can assure you, my heart lies with yours. As for their hearts, who can say?" It was obvious that Lord Godwyn was unsure about the alliance due to the feelings of the young people.
"No matter. The affairs of state take precedence over feelings. Arthur knows that. I'm sure Elena does too." Sipping from his goblet of wine as he looked over at the awkward Prince and unknowing Princess. Uther turned to his niece, who was pushing her food around her plate. "Elaine, are you well?" Placing his hand over her smaller one.
"I am, sire." Giving him a broad smile and returned to eating, hoping her uncle and Lord Godwyn would leave her in peace but it was not meant to be.
Lord Godwyn leant forward slightly. "I hope you are not too unwell, my Lady. I was hoping you would join me for a horse ride in the morning."
Elaine forced a smile. "I will be well enough for your company and a horse ride." Raising her goblet towards him, catching her uncle's eye, who gave a slight nod to her. She knew that nod was encouragement for her to keep Godwyn's attention. Godwyn returned the gesture with his own goblet.
Godwyn was about to continue his conversation with both Uther and Elaine but was disturbed by Elena's strange table manners. She had hiccups from the wine. "Oh dear. I seem to have, erm...had a little too much.." She was cut off by another hiccup. "...of what is in that glass." Hiccuping again while gesturing to her wine goblet. "What, erm...what is in that glass?" Her speech interrupted by her hiccups. The feast ended with very few awkwardness but all in all it was a success, according to Uther.
The morning of her ride with Lord Godwyn had arrived but Elaine found that her illness was getting worse and Elaine was doing her very best to hide it from everyone. She knew the reason but she did not want to admit it to herself. She wanted it not to be real as she crouched over the small bucket which usually lay hidden in the corner of her chambers but since the day Lord Godwyn and Princess Elena had arrived, she had kept it under her bed. Occasionally in the evenings she would find herself kneeling on the floor and heaving into the bucket.
She knew it was cruel to think and to say it but she hoped that she would lose the child. Uther would be heartbroken at her being so loose and having shared a bed with a man, who was only a knight of Camelot, someone who had risen from the ranks by protecting her life. Now she was crouching over the small bucket, her arm wrapped across her stomach and her other hand holding her blonde hair back.
Elaine did not hear Gwen enter her chambers until the young maid exclaimed at the sight of Elaine on the wooden floor. "My lady!" Dropping her sheets and rushing to Elaine's side and held back the young woman's long hair. "What is the matter? Is it something you ate?"
The Princess knew that she had to lie. Gwen would have to send for Gaius and then Gaius would immediately know what was wrong with her. "I think so. It will pass soon." Taking deep breaths and closing her eyes to stop the nausea from rising again but it did. "Oh no..." She groaned and her hand flew to her mouth. Thankfully the nausea stopped.
"Let us get you into bed and I will fetch Gaius." Gwen spoke in a panic as her hand rubbed Elaine's back in gentle and soothing circles.
"No!" Elaine cried and turned to face Gwen. "There is no need to disturb him." She spoke quietly. "Please don't..." She whispered in fear. "I cannot..." She stuttered softly and began to stand up with Gwen helping her. "I just... I..." Closing her eyes for a moment but she could not even open them again and her legs could not hold her weight any longer.
"My lady!" Gwen cried out and supported her swiftly, leading her to her bed. "I will have to fetch Gaius. You are extremely ill!" Helping the barely conscious Princess to lie down. "Stay here and I will get him." Making sure Elaine was comfortable before rushing out of the chambers and in the direction of the physician's quarters. "Gaius!" She called as she rushed through the wooden door.
"Gwen!" The physician spoke in shock at the maid rushing into his chambers with a look of panic. "What is it? Is it Morgana?"
Gwen shook her head and quickly caught her breath. "It is the Lady Elaine. I found her being sick and moments ago she fell unconscious. I think there is something seriously wrong with her."
"Right." He reached for his bag of medicines. "Best get there quickly." The two rushed from the chambers, passing Merlin, who watched them in confusion. Once Gaius and Gwen reached Elaine's chambers, the physician moved forward to Elaine who was laying on her bed and on her side. "My Lady, what is wrong?" Pressing his hand against her forehead. "You don't have a fever. My Lady. Do you know what is wrong with you?" Elaine remained silent.
Elaine nodded slowly as she kept on her side with her eyes closed. "You cannot tell the King. He will never be able to love me or trust me ever again." Tears began to fall from underneath her closed eyes. Her hand slowly moved to her stomach. "I am with child." Her silent tears turned to sobs. Gwen sat next to her and tried to sooth the frightened young woman by rubbing her back in soothing circles. "What can I do?" She said through sobs. "I cannot have a child! I will be shamed! My uncle will never speak to me again!" Her brown eyes fixed upon the older man. "Could you... Could you make me something that will cause me to lose the child?"
"I could, my Lady but anything I will make will be a threat on your own life." Gaius sat on the edge of the bed, pressing his hand against her forehead once again. "I advise you that you should tell the King." Elaine shook her head furiously but before she could speak Gaius spoke. "I believe your uncle will be lenient. He may keep you hidden from court but he will not cast you out. He loves you too much."
"He does love me but if I tell him about my child, he will disown me." Her tears falling fast onto her pillow. "I shall keep it a secret until the right time. I beg you both." She looked between her maid and the court physician. "I will be shamed. Please." The two glanced to each other and gave reluctant nod towards Elaine, who lay on her bed and silently crying. "Thank you." She whispered softly. "Gwen, could you send a message to Lord Godwyn and tell him that I am unwell?"
"Of course my Lady." Gwen nodded and curtseyed, leaving Elaine and Gaius alone.
"Rest, my Lady." Gaius placed his hand upon her forehead. "I shall tell your uncle that you are unwell. I will not say anything else. I promise. Though I do advise you that you tell the King about your unborn child." Elaine ignored him by turning away from him, her hand spread across her abdomen. Gaius silently left the Princess alone.
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When Arthur heard of his cousin's illness, he immediately made it his duty to visit her and make sure it was not serious. When he entered her room, he found her asleep in bed. She did look ill; she was pale and tired looking. He slowly moved into her chambers and sat on the edge of her bed. "Elaine?"
She stirred in her sleep, opening her eyes and fixing them upon her cousin. "Arthur, to what do I owe this pleasure of your visit?" Elaine remained laying down on her bed.
"Gaius told us you were ill." Clasping her hand in his, his thumb sweeping across the back of her hand. "Are you feeling any better?"
"I am still a little unwell." She spoke quietly, trying to hide her true feelings and emotions. "I think something from the feast made me feel like this. It should pass in a day or two." Pulling herself into a sitting position. "Was there something else you wanted?"
Arthur was about to speak but thought about his words. He was about to tell Elaine his father's intentions for him to marry Elena. "No. Just to see you." Lifting her hand and kissing the back of it. "Father sends his love but he is keeping Godwyn entertained. You are brave accepting an invitation to ride with Lord Godwyn." The two laughed softly. "I had to ride out with Princess Elena and that was... eventful."
Elaine laughed softly, the laugh not reaching her brown eyes. "I heard. I think I would rather ride with Princess Elena than Lord Godwyn." She moved to lay back on her bed, not wanting the nausea to return. "Though I did hear that Princess Elena beat you in a horse race."
"You heard nothing of the sort." Arthur let go of her hand and smirked slightly. "I let her go ahead to pick her some flowers."
"Arthur! You romantic." Elaine giggled a little. "So, what are you going to do with Uncle's wishes for you and Elena to marry?"
Arthur sighed heavily and shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know. The truth? I do not wish to marry her. The proper way? I should marry her." Running his hand over his face, showing his exhaustion.
Elaine sighed heavily and watched her cousin. "I think you should tell the King how you feel." Placing her hand over Arthur's and giving it a light squeeze.
"He will not listen. He will make me propose to Elena." Arthur pulled his hand away and stood up slowly. "I will leave you to rest. Will you be joining us for dinner?" Elaine silently shrugged her shoulders. "Elaine!" He chuckled lightly. "I will tell father." Bending down and kissing her forehead. "You are not warm. Are you sure you are truly ill or was it a ploy to not go horse riding with Lord Godwyn?"
Elaine dramatically put her hand over her heart and gasped. "Prince Arthur! You have seen through my plan! I can never hide anything from you!" Laughing lightly. "I am truly unwell Arthur but I will see if I am well enough to join you for dinner later. I promise. Right now, I need to rest. Gaius' orders." Giving him a timid smile. "I will send Gwen if I will not attend."
"Of course, cousin." He bent down and kissed her forehead again. "Rest." Running his hand over her blonde hair. He watched her for a moment as she slowly drifted into sleep. She must be truly ill. His eye catching the bucket which stood hidden under her bed and her arm lay across her stomach. "Sleep well cousin." Leaving her chambers silently, not to disturb her from her slumber.
The remaining royal family sat in the Council chambers eating their meal. "How is Elaine?" Uther asked Arthur. "Gaius said she would be up and about by tomorrow."
"Yes Father. She was quite pale earlier but she will be walking in no time. It is a slight illness." Arthur drank from his goblet for a moment before regaining his confidence. Gwen moved around the table, serving food and drink. "Father, there is a delicate matter I wish to discuss with you."
"Your proposal. Excellent! We must make a fuss. Women like that kind of thing, isn't that right, Morgana?" Uther spoke excitedly as he looked between his son and his secret daughter.
Morgana laughed slightly. "I have no idea. I'm delighted to hear the news, though." Smiling towards Arthur, who did not seem to be wholly happy.
"I couldn't be more thrilled." Uther grinned widely.
"She's a wonderful woman." Morgana smiled gently.
"She'll make a wonderful wife." Uther added.
Arthur shook his head slightly and nervously proclaimed, "No, she won't. Not for me, anyway. Father, I have tried to get to know Elena, but the truth is, I have no feelings for her. I'm, I'm sure she's a wonderful person, but I cannot marry someone I don't love." He fought his opinion on the matter.
"You can, and you will." Uther put it forward and returned to eating, not noticing the brief glances between Arthur and Gwen. "I will check on Elaine before bed." Dapping his mouth with his napkin and rising from his chair. "Goodnight Arthur. Goodnight Morgana." Leaving them alone before they could reply.
"What are you going to do Arthur?" Morgana asked curiously, her eyes secretly glancing up at Gwen.
"I do not know." Arthur shrugged and stared at his goblet, which lay in his hands. "Excuse me Morgana." Placing his goblet on the table and standing up, leaving Morgana alone at the table.
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Elaine was crouching next to her bed, heaving into her bucket. "Please stop!" She whispered to herself. "Please stop!" Her right hand holding the few strands of loose, which had escaped from her plait, strands away from her. The sickness stopped. Finally. She pushed the bucket under the bed and slowly stood up. Once upright, she walked cautiously to her washing bowl to rid the taste from her mouth and around her mouth. She stood in front of her looking glass. It was obvious that she was ill but as she turned to her side and ran her hand down her stomach, she felt nothing. There was no obvious signs that she was with child. Again, she turned to face her mirror, taking in her features. Her father told her she looked like her mother but Elaine's poor memory of her mother could not allow her to compare features.
"Elaine?" Uther spoke softly as he entered her room. Elaine caught sight of him in the mirror. "Elaine! You should be in bed." Rushing over to her and guiding her towards her bed. "Gaius insisted you to stay in bed." Helping her to lie on the bed and pulling the covers over her. "Silly girl! You know you are not meant to be out of bed."
"I am sorry uncle. I needed to move my legs." Laying her head upon her pillow and watched her Uncle as he moved a chair next to her and sat next to her, immediately grasping her hand firmly. "I had only just moved from my bed when you entered my chambers." Grasping his hand back but not as firmly as his hold. "I am sorry I could not join you for dinner."
"It is quite all right. You need your rest." Smiling broadly towards his niece. "How are you now? Well enough to join us tomorrow?"
"I think I shall be well enough." Elaine smiled brightly, again the smile not shining in her eyes but Uther did not seem to notice. "I hope Lord Godwyn was not disappointed with my not being able to ride this morning."
"Of course not. He understood that you were unwell." Uther gave her another smile. "You need your sleep." Lifting her hand and kissed the back of it. "I shall see you in the morning." Letting go of her hand and standing up. "Sleep my child." Immediately leaving the room and leaving Elaine alone, not letting Elaine speak a word to him.
She gave a heavy sigh and lay flat on her bed. Uther was definitely different from her father. Whenever Elaine was ill, her father would sit with her for hours until she was well again. When her mother died, Elaine remembered her father being with her constantly. He sat next to her when she mourned, hiding his own mourning. "Oh Papa... I am sorry." She whispered softly as she turned onto her side her hand resting on her stomach. "I am sorry to have shamed you." Silently weeping .
"Elaine?" Arthur spoke softly, his voice above a whisper as he moved further into the room. "Are you awake?"
"Yes Arthur." Elaine quickly wiped her tears away and turned to face her cousin. "Two visits in one day. I am lucky."
"I thought I best spoil you." Arthur chuckled and sat on the edge of her bed. "Father wants me to propose marriage to Princess Elena."
"And you do not wish to." Elaine finished the sentence for him and slowly sat up. "Arthur, there is something I wish to tell you." She sat up straight and against the head board. "If you do not propose to Elena, then Lord Godwyn will make an offer to me." Her brown eyes fixed upon Arthur's, who was looking at her in shock. "I will marry Lord Godwyn if you do not wish to marry Elena."
"Oh Elaine. I did not know!" Moving closer to Elaine, grasping her hand tightly. "I am sorry. You need to refuse to marry Lord Godwyn! You are the same age as Elena. It will seem strange."
"No Arthur. I will marry him. I do not wish to see you unhappy in your marriage." Elaine gave his hand another comforting squeeze. "I will speak with uncle. I will tell him that I will marry Lord Godwyn to spare you."
"I cannot let you do that Elaine! No! I will not!" His temper slowly rising.
"Lord Godwyn will be a kind husband and I know that he will care for me better than any other man, who comes to court me!" Elaine sat up straighter. Her eyes blazing with fire from the anger within her body. "No! I will marry him and you can be free to marry whoever you choose to."
"Oh my dear Elaine." Lifting her hand and kissing her hand. "I want you to be happy and choose the man you love to marry." Giving her a small smile. "Rest. You still look pale." Letting go of her hand and standing up. "You best sleep. We have a long day tomorrow." Without another word, he left the room.
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Elaine greeted the morning with her continuing morning sickness. It did not last long but it was still horrible. Thankfully Gwen was there to help her. The maid held her hair back and then held Elaine when her tears began to fall and her sobs started. "I cannot lie, Gwen! It will eat me up!"
"Tell the King. I am sure he will be lenient." Gwen spook soothingly, her hand rubbing Elaine's back and the other wrapped around Elaine, as the young Princess clung to Gwen. "Like you said, you cannot keep it hidden. What of the father? Does he know?"
Elaine shook her head. "No. He no longer resides in Camelot. I have no idea where he is." The tears fell faster. "I would not know how to tell him."
"What about Prince Arthur?" Gwen continued to comfort the young woman.
Elaine gave a loud sob. "I cannot! He will tell my Uncle." Moving away from Gwen, standing up straight. "I do not want them to know! I just hope that I will lose this child." Pressing her hand against her stomach and speaking angrily towards Gwen, who stood silently with no reaction. Elaine ran a hand through her hair as she shook with nervousness. "I hate this! Everything bad has happened to me and I want to wake up from this nightmare and be at home with my father!" Running her hands over her face as the tears fell faster and more frequent. "I want to..." She gasped and reached for her bedpost to steady herself but missed and she collapsed.
"My lady!" Gwen gasped in shock and rushed over to her, lifting Elaine's head into her lap. "Guards! Guards!" Two guards rushed into Elaine's room. "Help me get her onto the bed and one of you send for Gaius." One guard rushed forward and helped Gwen place Elaine onto her bed, while the other one rushed out of the room to fetch the court physician.
The remaining guard and Gwen remained with Elaine until Gaius arrived where both guards left. "What happened?"
"She collapsed again. This is ridiculous Gaius! The King needs to know before her stomach starts expanding." Gwen sat on one side of Elaine, while Gaius examined Elaine.
"We promised not to tell the King." He spoke sternly as he pressed his hand on her forehead. "My Lady?" He spoke softly as she stirred. "My Lady?" Speaking once again as she awoke fully.
"Gaius? What happened?" Elaine tried to sit up but Gaius put a hand on her shoulder.
"Stay lying down. You fainted." His hand on her forehead. "You need to rest."
"I cannot." She argued and tried to sit up. "Gaius, I need to leave this room." Sitting up and climbing off the bed. "The sickness and dizziness will stop? Right?" Asking him curiously as she stood up from her bed and moved towards her wardrobe, looking for a suitable dress to wear.
"It depends how many weeks you are. It would be best to see a midwife, my Lady." Gaius spoke calmly as he watched her freeze in her actions. "You should see a midwife. It is important for your health and the health of your child."
"I shall think about it." Elaine spoke softly as she pulled out a pale blue dress. "If you will excuse me Gaius, I have to be ready for the meeting." Moving towards her bed and laying out her dress. The physician left the room. He had so much to do. With Elena being possessed by a Sidhe and now Princess Elaine's pregnancy, it was going to be a hard time in Camelot. "I hope you can still keep this secret, Gwen." Elaine stood in front of her mirror, her hands on her stomach as Gwen tied her dress.
"Of course, my Lady." Stepping back once she had finished tying Elaine's dress. Gwen watched the young woman. "I do agree with Gaius. You should see a midwife. For the sake of you and your child." She gave a quick curtsey and left the room before Elaine could answer her.
Elaine pinched her cheeks to bring the colour back into her cheeks before leaving the room. "I can do this." She spoke to herself and took a deep breath before leaving her room. As she walked along the long hallways of Camelot, she thought about the idea of visiting a midwife. Being unmarried and Uther's niece was the main problem. How would she be able to go to a midwife without the midwife spreading the gossip or telling the King directly.
"Ah Elaine!" Uther exclaimed when she arrived at the Council Chamber. "You are looking well."
"Thank you sire. I feel much better." She lied and stood to the side, next to Morgana, glancing at Arthur, who was standing nervously at the top of the Council Chamber.
Arthur glanced towards Elaine and gave her a knowing look, which she returned with a nod. Elena stumbled up towards the top of the Chamber, with the encouragement from her maid. Elena stood on Arthur's left hand side and the Prince addressed the room. "I am honoured to be standing before you today in the presence of our dear friend, Lord Godwyn, and his wonderful daughter, Elena. The people of this kingdom are very dear to me. This place is my life. I hope one day to continue the good work of my father, and to make Camelot a place of peace and happiness." The room gave an applause from Arthur's speech and he continued. "It is my sincerest hope that you, Princess Elena, share these dreams. With this in mind..." He turned to face her and slowly got down on one knee. "I would like to ask you to do me the honour of being my...wife."
The silence was slightly painful as they waited for Elena's answer. She nervously looked towards her father, who gave a warm smile. She turned to look at Arthur. "I would be honoured to... To be your wife." She stuttered slowly and giving a nervous smile. Applause filled the hall and Arthur helped Elena stand up, holding her hand in his as the whole room applauded.
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Responses from Chapter 8:
Obsessed_With_Vampires: The whole baby plot is important. It is rather significant when the story reaches the part where Series 3 finale is. There will be some Gwaine/ Elaine around that time too. Glad you like it though. :D
A/N: Well? What you think so far? :D I'm trying my best to get it moving but it's not going well. =) Give a review and you will have a mention at the response section on the next chapter.