Chapter 32: These Things Do Happen
The party from Corbenic left the castle just after the sun rose. Elaine was in a foul mood as she rode in the royal carriage with Galahad. She did not want to ride in the carriage. She wished to ride horseback but Gwaine had insisted that she ride in the carriage to be safer. They argued the night before and moments before leaving. She called him controlling and he called her stubborn. She eventually gave in as they needed to leave as soon as possible.
For the first hour of their journey, Elaine held onto the back of Galahad's tunic as he leant out of the window, watching the buildings, trees and people pass. She smiled as he waved to every living thing; including the cows and the sheep. "Come and sit down." Easing him away from the window and onto the seat next to her. "Are you excited to see your cousin?"
"Yes, mama. But why are we going?" He asked curiously, moving into his mother's side.
Elaine wrapped her arm around him, holding him in her side. "Your cousin is getting married to Gwen. Do you remember Gwen?"
"I do. I like her." He smiled sleepily, the rocking of the carriage, easing him into a sleep.
His mother looked down at him and smiled. "You sleep my darling. We have a long journey ahead of us." She carefully reached for a blanket and placed it over him. She turned her attention to the passing landscape and smiled to herself. Everything was going smoothly. She hoped. Gwaine rode past the window, looking inside. Elaine deliberately turned away. She knew she was being stubborn and that Gwaine meant well but there was no need for him to argue with her in front of the servants. She sighed heavily and settled into the seat of the carriage. The rock of the carriage also lulling her to sleep.
The carriage came to an abrupt stop, jerking Elaine and Galahad from their sleep. Gwaine opened the carriage door. "We're stopping for some food, your majesty."
"Thank you, Sir Gwaine." She nodded and helped Galahad to climb out of the carriage. Gwaine helped Galahad from the carriage and then held out his hand to Elaine. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, your majesty." He bowed slightly. Walking away from her as he helped to get the food together. Elaine watched him. The pair of them were very stubborn and they both knew that they would not apologise to the other first. The party sat together and ate together. Galahad sat in Elaine's lap and chatted away to anyone who would listen.
Elaine sat in silence, her gaze flickering to her secret fiancée. He too was watching her. She could feel the anger bubbling inside her when he kept smiling at her, whenever she looked in his general direction. "Galahad, get up darling. Mama needs to stretch her legs."
"Yes Mama." He smiled up at her and climbed off her lap. He moved to sit with Mary.
Elaine stood up and walked away from the small group. She hadn't walked far when she felt an arm wrap around her waist. "Go away, Gwaine."
"I've come to apologise." He whispered in her ear, guiding her away from the eyes of the group. "Please."
She stopped and turned to face him. She showed no emotion on her features but inside she was dying to wrap her arms around him and kiss him.
"Elaine. I'm sorry. I really sorry. I know how I acted was wrong and rude." He reached down and held her hand. He raised it to his lips. "Please accept my apology." Kissing the back of her hand.
She tried to keep her strong posture but she melted as soon as his lips pressed on the back of her hand. "Gwaine." Pulling her hand away and cupping his cheek. "I love you. With all my heart." Her thumb stroking his cheek. "But you have to understand that I am Queen and have to maintain an image of being superior. I don't like it and I know you don't like it either." She quickly kissed him. "I can't have my people see me arguing in public with the man I am courting."
Gwaine smiled and stepped closer. "I understand." He placed his hand on her hip. "You know me, better than most people. I'm hot tempered and if I get angry, I will fight my corner." He kissed her forehead. "That includes fighting with you. I do see you as a Queen but I see you as a woman. A woman that I love with all my heart." Kissing her softly. "To me, you'll always be Elaine. Not Queen Elaine."
Elaine wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him fully on the lips. None of the party could see them. The passion of the kiss grew. "Gwaine." She sighed as his lips dragged along her jaw and down her neck. "We need to go back. I'd like to arrive in Camelot before nightfall."
He sighed in frustration. "If we must." He kissed her again.
"Gwaine." She moaned against his lips before pulling away. "Please, stop tempting me."
"Stop being so tempting." He laughed and stepped away from her, holding his arm out to her.
"Why thank you, Sir Gwaine." Looping her arm into his and he led her back to the party.
They arrived in Camelot just as the sun was setting in the sky. Galahad was asleep with his head in Elaine's lap. Mary was also asleep in the seat opposite Elaine and Galahad. "Mary..." Elaine spoke softly and tapped the young maid's knee. "We are here."
Mary slowly woke up, rubbed her eyes and looked out of the carriage. She smiled broadly. "Home."
Elaine watched the young maid, who was excited to be returning to Camelot once again. She had relocated to Corbenic when Elaine offered her a position. It was hard for the young maid to leave her friends and family. "Do you regret leaving Camelot?" Elaine asked curiously. "You can be honest with me. I will not be upset if you do."
"At first I was, your Majesty. But I think it was for the best. I've found my own feet." She smiled widely. "I have never thanked your Majesty for the opportunity. So, I thank you with all my heart."
"You are very welcome." Elaine smiled as the carriage came to a stop. "I will take Galahad. You go inside."
"Yes, your Majesty." Mary nodded and climbed out of the carriage.
Carefully, Elaine lifted Galahad's head from her lap, placing it on the bench of the carriage. She stood up and lifted him into her arms. She chuckled softly as he woke slightly but fell back asleep even when Elaine climbed awkwardly out of the carriage. "Thank you." She smiled to Gwaine, who helped her to steady herself as she climbed out of the carriage.
Arthur was waiting at the bottom of the castle steps. "Long journey for him?" Arthur smiled and kissed her cheek. "Come inside." He guided her inside. "Thank you for coming."
"I would not miss this for the world." She smiled broadly. "My cousin is getting married." She chuckled softly and kissed the top of Galahad's head. "We are growing up."
"We are." Arthur smiled and led her into the heart of the castle. "I have had your old chambers prepared and Galahad's chambers are next to your own."
"Thank you." She smiled softly, as the two of them journeyed to Elaine's chambers. "He can stay with me tonight."
"Of course." Arthur rushed forward and opened the door for Elaine. They walked in to find Mary in the room, already unpacking Elaine's belongings. She quickly stopped and curtseyed to them both. "I will leave you to it. Will you be joining Gwen and I for a meal this evening?"
"I would be delighted. Send someone to fetch me?"
"Of course." He kissed Elaine's cheek and left her chambers silently.
Elaine moved to her bed. Mary moved forward and pulled the covers back. This allowed Elaine to gently place Galahad onto the bed. "Thank you, Mary." Elaine smiled to her young maid. "You can leave my things. Go and see your family."
"Thank you, your Majesty." She curtseyed deeply and quickly walked out of Elaine's chambers, closing the door quietly behind her.
Elaine turned back to Galahad. She smiled down at her son, who was still fast asleep. She moved to her trunk of clothes and pulled out Galahad's nightgown. She turned to her son, who was still fast asleep. She chuckled as he twitched in his sleep. She moved towards him when a knock on the door came. She sighed heavily. Changing Galahad would have to wait a moment. "Come."
The door opened and Lancelot's head appeared around the wood. "I came to see how you were."
"Shhh..." She placed a finger to her lips and walked to her bed. "Come in." She sat on the edge of the bed, placing the nightgown on the bed and proceeded to take off Galahad's boots.
Lancelot moved forward and watched as Elaine placed the boots on the floor. "Did you have a good journey?"
She looked behind her and nodded. "Yes, thank you. Galahad enjoyed watching the outside pass by." She smiled as she slowly and carefully undressed her son.
He moved to stand behind her. "I've missed you both." He placed one hand on her shoulder.
"Stop it." She hissed at him and shrugged his hand off her shoulder. "I cannot be coping with you and your feelings. I understand about Galahad. He is your son. But I?" She dressed Galahad in his nightgown.
"How can I not?"
Elaine stood up and moved to her trunk, beginning to unpack her things. "Please." Keeping her eyes away from him by busying herself.
Lancelot grabbed her arms and stopped her. He spun her around to face him. He kept his voice low and quiet. "I love you, Elaine! Why can't you see that?" He shook her slightly, his hands tight around her arms. "Chose me!"
"I'm marrying Gwaine." She said angrily, gritting her teeth to stop her from shouting.
"What?" He gasped and let go of her arms, stepping away from him.
"Gwaine and I are engaged." She whispered softly, rubbing her arms where his hands had gripped her. She took out her necklace from beneath her dress, showing a ring dangling from it. "Please, be happy for us." She begged him. Lancelot was about to speak when a knock rapped on her door. "Come." She spoke quietly. The door opened and Sir Leon entered her chambers. "Sir Leon." She smiled widely.
Leon bowed to her. "Good evening, your Majesty." He smiled widely. "King Arthur sends for you."
"I shall be there in a moment." She smiled. Leon nodded silently and bowed, leaving them alone. "Please go." She looked at Lancelot. "Galahad will be awake in the morning. You can see him then." She moved to the bed, making sure Galahad was warm enough before sweeping past Lancelot and walking to dinner.
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The day of the jousting competition arrived. Both Elaine and Gwen were nervous for their partners. The two of them sat in the royal box with Lord Agravaine, Arthur's Uncle. Elaine's father had told her, from a young age, that Agravaine was Arthur's Uncle, but he was not sure if he could be trusted and that imprinted onto Elaine. He was charming enough but she was not too sure about his intentions.
The tradition of the jousting before the King's wedding had been a tradition for generations. Usually it was a jousting tournament between the bride's family and the King's knights. But since Gwen was from Camelot and was not from a noble family, it was Elaine's knights jousting against Arthur's knights. Gwen sat in the middle of Elaine and Agravaine. The two women were on the edge of their seats as the jousting began, especially when their partners were jousting.
Gwaine may have been jousting for Arthur's knights, Elaine could not help but feel so nervous whenever he was jousting against her own knight. The final was drawing closer. Sir Cain was Elaine's knight who was in the final and he was jousting against Lancelot. Elaine was glad that she did not allow Galahad to watch the matches. Especially now. Her hands twisted in her lap as Sir Cain and Sir Lancelot readied themselves. The crowds were cheering but Elaine was deaf to the deafening noise. The pounding of the horses' hooves was the only sound that she could hear. The rode towards each other fast, lances stretched towards their opponent.
Sir Cain struck Lancelot. His lance splintered everywhere and Lancelot was dismounted. Both Elaine and Gwen were on their feet but Elaine rushed to the edge of the box. Gasps filled the stadium when Lancelot was unseated from his saddle. He hit the sandy ground on his back. Every person was on the feet, waiting for Lancelot to move. "Oh God..." Elaine gasped as many of the knights of Camelot rushed to their friend's side. They lifted the knight and carried him from the stadium. "I will go and see." Elaine spoke quickly to Gwen, who was sitting in her chair, eyes wide with fear. Elaine rushed from the royal box and went back to Lancelot's tent, where the knights had taken Lancelot to be treated.
"Your Majesty." Sir Elyan stopped her from going into the tent. "You should not go in."
"I need to know." She pleaded with him. "Is Gwaine with him? Let me speak to Gwaine."
Elyan nodded and disappeared back into the tent. Soon after, Gwaine emerged. "Elaine?" He pulled her into his arms. "He will be all right. Sir Cain's lance broke and a piece lodged into Lancelot's shoulder."
Elaine gasped in horror. "Will he be all right?" Her eyes looking towards the opening of the tent. A low groan came from within. She did not let Gwaine answer, she pushed past him and went into the tent. The knights were holding Lancelot to the cot as Gaius dabbed an ointment around the wound.
"Your majesty." Gaius looked up. "You do not want to see this."
She ignored the physician's advice and rolled up her sleeves. "I want to help." Moving to the head of the cot, kneeling next to Lancelot. She took the cool and damp cloth from Merlin and placed it on Lancelot's forehead. "Sometimes, Gaius, a patient needs a woman's comfort."
Gaius nodded to her. "Keep him calm."
Elaine nodded and knelt closer to Lancelot. "What did I tell you all?" She smiled down at him, holding one of his hands and her other hand kept the damp cloth pressed on his forehead. "The jousting was a bad idea."
Lancelot smiled warmly at her. "But do we ever listen when it comes to sport?"
She laughed softly and shook her head. "No, you never listen." Smiling and raising her eyebrow slightly. She looked up at Gaius, who nodded slowly and Elaine nodded back. "I need you to keep very still." Lancelot nodded and gripped her hand tightly. "I am here." She bent down and kissed his hand. Percival stepped forward, wrapped his hand around the large piece of wood, which was embedded in Lancelot's shoulder. Elaine gripped Lancelot's hand. The two of them kept eye contact until Percival pulled the piece out and Lancelot cried out. His eyes snapped shut and his hand gripped Elaine's painfully. "It's all right. It will be over soon." She placed the cool cloth on his forehead.
"He needs plenty of rest." Gaius said as he treated Lancelot's wound, which did not bleed much. "Once I have cleaned and dressed the wound, he can be moved to his room."
Lancelot winced as Gaius cleaned his sound. "Stay with me." He gripped Elaine's hand tightly.
"I will." She bent her head and kissed his knuckles. "Let me talk to Sir Gwaine for a moment and I shall be at your side." Letting go of his hand and leaving the tent. She smiled to see Gwaine waiting nearby. "Hello." She smiled and stood on her toes and kissed his lips.
"Hmmm... A very nice hello." He smiled, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her to him. Kissing her again. "How is Lancelot?"
"He is good. I am going to stay with him for a little while." She smiled, resting her hands on his shoulders. "I will make sure he behaves." She kissed him again. "Could you see if Galahad is all right?"
"Hmmmm..." He raised his eyebrow. "It will cost you." He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Two kisses."
"Fine. Two kisses." She laughed and kissed him softly. "One." She smiled and kissed him a second time for longer and more passionately. "Two." she said breathlessly.
"A very good two kisses." He smiled and moved to kiss her again but she placed a finger on his lips.
"You said two kisses." She laughed. "I have to go." She kissed his cheek. "Make sure Galahad is all right and I will see you at the banquet tonight." Kissing his other cheeks and moving away frm him.
"I thought I was only allowed two kisses. That was four!" He called after her.
She smiled at him as she disappeared into the tent.
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A/N: I promise a wedding will happen soon. ;)
Responses from chapter 31:
chescake: You can choose who you like. :) I like hearing what my readers prefer. Vortigern is going to be a pain in the ass! You wait and see!
La-Lucy: I wanted to show that Elaine was capable of standing on her own two feet without a man to advise her what to do. I don't think Gwaine told her about his family as it never came up. I love making you all switch between Gwaine and Lancelot because I feel the same too!
Kerry: I love bringing in complete assholes into the picture. Makes writing much more fun! I hope you liked this chapter. :) I loved writing it!
Lara smith: I love the BBC writers but they have been a bit useless when coming to strong female characters, they have only shown Gwen, Morgana (though she is evil) and recently Isolde. Arthur and Gwen's wedding will be a surprise! :D I think everyone's reaction to Elaine's engagement to Gwaine will differ to each person. I have written a very lovely Gwen/Elaine scene in the next chapter and I know you will love it!
PhantomForever112: LOVE YOUR NAME! :D I'm a Phantom addict! :D Lancelot may or may not have some happiness in the future! :P Sorry but I had to tease!