Chapter 33: Sweet Silver Lining

The morning of Arthur and Gwen's wedding arrived. Every servant was rushing around to make sure everything was perfect and in place. The bride and groom were in their own rooms getting ready and Elaine was in charge of making sure things were perfect. She had been climbing the stairs to her rooms, when Lancelot came walking down. He was in his Camelot uniform with his arm in a sling. "Sir Lancelot." She smiled as she stopped next to him. "You look better." Stepping closer to allow a servant to pass.

"Thank you. I had a patient nurse." He smiled down at her.

Elaine laughed. "I do not know about the patient part." She laughed still. "If you'll excuse me, I have to get ready." Beginning to walk up the stairs but his hand gripped her lower arm gently. "Please Lancelot." Gently pulling her arm from his grasp and turning to walk up the stairs. She said nothing as a maid hurried past them. "I have to go." Rushing away from him before he could stop her or say anything at all. She entered her chambers and was greeted by a small body colliding with her legs.

"Mama!" Galahad shouted happily. "Look Mama!" Removing his arms from his mother and stepping away to show her his new outfit.

"Well, look at my handsome Prince." She knelt on the floor to see him better. "You look absolutely splendid." She held out her arms to him. "Come and give your Mama a hug."

"Yes Mama." He grinned and rushed into her arms, holding her tightly.

"Have you been good for Mary?" Elaine asked as she looked up at the maid.

"Yes, I have Mama. We played with my soldiers." He stepped away from Elaine.

Elaine stood up. "Thank you for watching him, Mary."

"It's a pleasure, your Majesty." Mary smiled.

"I will just quickly wash and dress. Once my hair is done, you can go to your family for the celebrations." Elaine smiled widely.

"Thank you, your Majesty. It is a lovely day for a wedding." She smiled as Elaine moved behind her screen, washing her face and neck.

"Yes it is." She pulled off her day dress and pulled on her regal dress. "Could you help me tie my dress, please?"

"Yes, your Majesty." Mary moved behind the screen and pulled Elaine's ties tightly. Once finished, Mary stepped back. "You look wonderful." Smiling widely as she followed Elaine into the room.

"Thank you." Elaine blushed.

"Mama!" Her son smiled broadly, standing up clumsily from his toys. "You look like a Queen."

"I hope so." Elaine laughed and sat at her vanity table. Mary began pulling a brush through Elaine's long, blonde locks. "That is Mama's job." She lifted her son onto her lap as Mary styled her hair for her. She wove white flowers in her hair.

"Finished." She smiled at Elaine. "You look beautiful." Holding up a mirror behind Elaine.

"Oh Mary!" Elaine grinned widely. "It is beautiful! Thank you!" She smiled widely. "Now go. Enjoy the rest of your day off."

Mary smiled and curtseyed. "Thank you. Enjoy your day too." Leaving the room, closing the door behind her.

"Right, my little Prince. Shall we go and see Gwen? Mama has a present for her." Elaine smiled at her son, who was relaxed in her arms. His head resting on her shoulder. "But I can see you are too comfortable." Kissing the top of his head.

He giggled softly. "Yes Mama. I like cuddling with Mama." Holding her tighter.

"Well, don't you want to give Gwen her present?" Elaine chuckled as he shook his head. "Don't you want to see the King get married?" Again, Galahad shook his head. "What about Papa? I know you want to see him."

"Yes!" He shouted in glee.

"But first, we need to see Gwen and then we can go and see Papa." She kissed his curls. "Come on. Jump off Mama's lap."

"Yes Mama." He smiled and climbed off Elaine's lap. "Ready Mama." Holding a hand up to her. Elaine smiled down at him and held his hand. In her other hand she had a small rectangular box. The two of them walked to Gwen's chambers. Galahad knocked on the door and when a maid opened the door, he just ran passed her. He smiled as he ran to Gwen.

"Well, good day, Galahad." Gwen smiled widely and bent down to greet Galahad. "My! My! Don't you look handsome?" Admiring his outfit, smiling widely before standing up straight. She looked up at Elaine. "I am so nervous."

Elaine smiled widely. "It is natural." Walking towards the woman. "Could you leave us?" She asked the maids, who curtseyed, and left Elaine, Gwen and Galahad alone. "I have a little something for you." She held out the box to her.

Gwen smiled and took the box, opening it. She gasped at the sight of the silver necklace with the blue pendant. "Your majesty, I cannot." Holding it back to Elaine.

"No. It is a wedding gift from me." Elaine smiled, taking the box from Gwen and taking the necklace from the box. "It was my mother's." She smiled down at it. "I have never worn it. Blue is not my favourite colour. But it is Arthur's. My father told me that when Arthur was a boy and when my mother carried him, he would hold onto this necklace." Taking it out of its box. "Please, have it. Your something new and blue." Holding the delicate necklace out to her.

"I will proudly wear it and accept it." She smiled. "Could you?"

"I'd be delighted." Elaine put the necklace on Gwen. "Go and look in the mirror."

Gwen walked over the mirror and gasped loudly. "Oh! Your majesty!" Her fingers gently caressed the jewel. "It is beautiful." Turning to face Elaine, who, now, had Galahad in her arms. "Thank you."

"And enough of calling me 'Your Majesty'." She smiled. "You are marrying my cousin. You are to be family." She shifted her son on her hip. "You are to call me 'Elaine' from now on."

"Yes. Elaine." Gwen smiled. Someone knocked on the door. "Come in."

Elyan cautiously walked into the room and bowed towards Elaine. He smiled broadly at the sight of his sister. "You look beautiful." He smiled.

Elaine moved towards the door. "I will leave you alone." Carrying Galahad from Gwen's chambers.

Elyan bowed as Elaine left and turned to Gwen. "You look amazing!" He smiled to his sister. "Mum and Dad would have been so proud of you." Taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it. "Though I doubt they would have thought you would marry Arthur."

Gwen laughed softly. "Me neither."

"I have something for you." Reaching into his pocket and took out a small bag. "It was mother's."

She pulled on the drawstrings of the bag and reached inside. "Oh Elyan." She smiled as she pulled out her mother's handmade bracelet. "You had it all this time?"

"Yes." He smiled. "It has not left my side." Taking it off her and putting it on her wrist. "Can be your something old. I can see you have a something blue."

"And new. Elaine gave it to me as a wedding gift." She was still smiling as Elyan tied the bracelet. "Just need a something borrowed."

Elyan thought for a moment. "Here." He took off his ring and placed it on her thumb. "You can borrow this."

Gwen smiled and looked down at his ring, which he had made especially when he became a Knight of Camelot. "Thank you. I will wear it with pride." Kissing his cheek.

"Are you ready?" He held out his arm to her.

"As I will ever be." She smiled, looping her arm in his and the brother and sister left the chambers together.

The throne room was decorated with ribbons and flowers. Arthur stood at the top nervously with his uncle at his side. He looked up when the doors opened and Elaine walked up to the front with Galahad in her arms. He smiled slightly when she reached her place in the front. She placed Galahad on his feet and held his hand, while Lancelot held his other hand.

Arthur smiled at the thought of he and Gwen having their own children. In truth, he wanted an heir but most of all, he wanted a family. The doors opened again and Gwen and Elyan appeared. He smiled widely as they made their way to the top of the hall.

The wedding was beautiful and when the bride and groom kissed, the room cheered and clapped. The two of them left the room arm in arm to greet the waiting people of Camelot. The guests moved to the Great hall where the wedding feast was to take place. Lancelot carried Galahad and Elaine walked behind them with Gwaine. "You look beautiful." He whispered in her ear.

"Thank you."

"I like it when you wear purple." He continued to whisper in her ear as he led her from the throne room to the great hall.

Elaine blushed brightly as he spoke. She chuckled as she lowered her voice. "I love when you are in your knight of Camelot uniform." She kissed his cheek lightly. "You look very dashing." She giggled softly as he raised his eyebrow at her and smirked. "Behave." She whispered as he led her to her seat on the right hand side of the King's seat. She was technically still the heir of Camelot and still took her place on Arthur's right hand side. "Thank you." She smiled to Gwaine as he kissed her hand and left her to take his place with the knights. She looked around the room for her young son, who was sitting on his father's knee and being entertained by Percival. She smiled softly as she sat down.

A manservant came to her side. "Your majesty. King Arthur is ready."

"Thank you." She smiled and stood up with her goblet of wine in her hand. "My Lords, ladies and gentlemen. Would you please stand and greet his majesty King Arthur and his bride, Queen Guinevere?" Every person stood and applauded Arthur and Gwen as they walked into the great hall, arm-in-arm. "Congratulations, cousin." Elaine smiled as the two of them approached their seats.

"Thank you." Arthur smiled as Gwen took her seat. Elaine sat down next. "Please, be seated." He announced to the room. The feast began and chatter of the room grew louder.

"Mama!" A small hand pulled on her skirts.

"Come here." She reached down and picked Galahad up. "Have you escaped your Papa?"

"Yes." He giggled and relaxed in her lap.

"Did you eat your food?" She reached for a napkin and wiped her son's mouth.

"Yes Mama."

"Good boy." She kissed the top of his curly head as she continued with her own meal. After 15 minutes, she felt her son getting heavier on her lap. "Arthur." She whispered. "Is he asleep?"

Arthur chuckled. "Yes, he is." He smiled as he sipped his drink. "Do you want me to take him?"

"No." She smiled. "I will take him to his rooms." She held Galahad close to her as she slowly stood up. The people in the room stood up as she left the room.

"Forgive my cousins. The young Galahad cannot keep up with the celebrations." Arthur chuckled. The hall laughed too. "Please continue." He smiled broadly and sat down. He immediately drew his attention to his wife, who blushed when he whispered something in her ear.

Elaine walked slowly towards her own chambers and Galahad's. She hummed a soft lullaby as she walked.

"You know, you should not be wondering around the castle alone." A masculine voice spoke from behind her.

She smiled as she turned to face Gwaine. "Really? Why is that?" Turning back away from him and walking towards Galahad's chambers. "Could you open the door, please?"

"Yes, my Lady." He smiled and opened the door for her. "Well, there could be strange men lurking." He whispered as he stood in the doorway, watching Elaine as she placed Galahad on his bed. He watched as she pulled off her son's boots and pretend sword. He smiled when she sat on the edge of the bed and bent down to kiss his forehead.

She stood up, pulled his blanket over him and quietly moved away. "It's been a long morning for him." Leaving the room and silently closing the door. "So, Sir Gwaine. Why should I not be allowed to wander the castle alone?"

"There could be strange men around." He smiled and reached out for her hands, holding them in his own. "Strange men, who might not know that you are a Queen." Stepping closer to her.

"Really?" Laughing softly.

He dipped his head, his lips close to her lips. She smiled when she felt his breath tickling her lips. "Yes. I heard that those knights from Camelot can be trouble."

"I know." She smiled widely, her eyes flickering to his lips. "I heard about that Sir Gwaine. He is trouble. More than the others."

Gwaine nodded. His hand rested on her hip. "I heard that too." His hand snaking around her back and pulling her to his body.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I hear he kisses very well."

"Who did you hear that from?" His lips ghosting over her own.

"Some Queen." She smiled and could not take it any longer. She pressed her lips against his.

His arms wrapped around her waist and his lips moved with her own. Her fingers ran through his hair as she pressed her body against his. Gwaine groaned at the feeling of her body against his. "Elaine." He mumbled when he pulled away from her. "We have to go back."

"I know." She chuckled softly. "Let me find a maid to sit with Galahad." She stood on her toes a little more to kiss him again.

"Your Majesty." A deep voice spoke from behind them. They turned to see Lord Agravaine walking towards them.

"My Lord." She spoke softly and smiled a little as she stepped away from Gwaine, standing at his side. Gwaine bowed to him but remained silent. "Is there anything wrong?"

"No, your Majesty. I thought I would come and escort you back to the Great Hall." He said slightly, obviously ignoring Gwaine. "Would you like me to escort you back?"

"I think Sir Gwaine has that honour." She smiled softly. "I do have to find a maid to watch Galahad." Turning away from Agravaine. "Sir Gwaine?"

"Yes, your Majesty." He smiled and bowed to Agravaine. "My Lord."

Agravaine nodded his head and watched them walk away from them. He turned away and began to walk back to the Great Hall. He had only walked a few steps when he turned around and silently moved to Galahad's chambers. Quietly he crept into the room, closing the door behind him. He saw the young boy was fast asleep in his bed, not knowing that he could change the world. He would wait for the right moment before he took the boy from the castle and gave him to the people who wanted him. "Soon boy." Turning and silently leaving the room.

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The morning after the wedding, most of the entire castle and population had sore head. Especially the knights. "MAMA! MAMA!" A loud voice belonging to a small boy, who burst into her chambers.

Elaine groaned from her bed. "Galahad..." She groaned and sat up. For the night she had been persuaded by Gwaine and the other knights to drink with them. She was now regretting it.

"Help me, Mama!" He pulled at her bed covers. The bed was too high for him to climb onto.

She groaned again and slowly sat up. "One minute, darling." Rubbing her forehead and slowly climbed out of bed. "Come here." She helped him onto the bed and climbed back in herself. "Why are you awake so early?"

"I want to." He pulled off his boots and then lay next to his mother. "What is wrong, Mama?"

She chuckled softly. "Nothing darling." Pulling him to her. "Have you escaped your maid again?"

"Yes." He giggled.

"Tut tut." She shook her head and kissed the top of his head. "Come on. Get up." Elaine climbed out of bed but Galahad hid under her covers. "Galahad." She sighed as she began to undo her plait. "Up now!" She said more forcefully. "Right, I'm going to change and you best be out of my bed by the time I return." She rolled her eyes when he only giggled. She moved to her wardrobe and began choosing a dress. A knock came at her door. "Who is it?"

"It is Annie, your Majesty." She spoke through the door. "Is Prince Galahad with you?"

"Yes he is." Elaine chuckled. "You may come in." She walked behind her screen and began undressing. "He's hiding in my bed." She said when she heard the door open and close.

"Prince Galahad..." Annie chuckled as she pulled back the covers of the bed and was greeted with a burst of giggles. "Come with me. You need to finish getting dressed."

"Yes Annie." He giggled and climbed off the bed. "Goodbye Mama."

"Goodbye darling." Elaine called as she dressed into a pale yellow dress. Today was the day, she and Gwaine were going to tell Arthur that they were engaged. She pulled her boots on before moving to her dressing and brushing her hair. A knock came on her door. "Come in."

"Hello love." Gwaine smiled as he walked in, leaving the door open. "Are you ready?"

"No." She laughed. "But we have to do it sometime."

He stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, watching her brush her long hair. "Good morning." He bent down and kissed her cheek. "How is your head?"

"Sore." She laughed. "I blame you and the knights for corrupting me."

"I apologise." He laughed and stood back from her. "You look beautiful this morning."

Elaine stood up and walked towards him. "Thank you." She looked him up and down and shrugged her shoulders. "You look adequate."

Gwaine smirked and raised an eyebrow. "Really?" Stepping towards her. "I can change that opinion." He grabbed her and lifting her into his arms. He walked towards the bed.

"Gwaine! Don't you dare!" She struggled in his arms. "I need to look my best for Arthur."

"Say I look good too." He moved closer and closer to the bed. "Say it and I will put you down."

"You look good! You look handsome!" She said quickly and kept laughing. "Please Gwaine!"

"I shall put you down but for a price."

"Name it!" She laughed and struggled in his arms.

"One kiss." Slowly lowering her to the floor.

Elaine smiled widely. "Deal." Wrapping her arms around his neck. She waited for her feet to meet the floor and kissed him softly.

Gwaine ran a hand up her back and cupped the back of her head. The kiss grew and she pressed herself against him.

A loud cough pulled them apart. They turned to see Agravaine standing in the doorway. "Sorry, your Majesty. King Arthur is asking for you."

"Yes." She nodded. Her cheeks were bright red. "I shall be there in a moment."

"He asked me to escort you down."

Gwaine stepped forward and kissed Elaine's cheek. "I will see you there." He stepped back and bowed deeply to her before sweeping past Agravaine.

Elaine smiled to herself when the older man glared at her fiancée's retreating back. "I am ready, my Lord."

Agravaine turned to face her and held out his arm. "Of course." She looped her arm in his and allowed him to lead her to the council chambers.

"Uncle. Cousin." Arthur greeted them with a wide smile. Agravaine bowed and Elaine curtseyed.

Elaine removed her arm from Agravaine's arm. "Cousin." Moving towards him and kissing his cheek. "What did you want to see me about?" Stepping back from him and giving Gwen a large smile.

"As you know, Gwen and I are leaving tomorrow for our honeymoon. Thank you for allowing us to spend it at Joyous Guard." He smiled at her and moved to sit on his throne, he reached over and held Gwen's hand.

"You are both very welcome." Elaine smiled and bowed her head slightly.

"I was wondering if you would stay here and aid Agravaine in running Camelot." He asked cautiously.

"My Lord, I am perfectly capable of caring for the country during your absence." Agravaine stepped forward and stood next to Elaine. "Plus, Queen Elaine has her own country to run."

Elaine looked to her left to see Lancelot with Galahad in his arms. Her son looked happy. She didn't want to take that away from him. "I would like to stay. My country has a strong council, so I do not need to be there." Looking back at Arthur.

Arthur smiled broadly. "Good!" He stood up and walked to Elaine, hugging her tightly. "That is sorted." Stepping back from her.

"Could I speak to you? In private?" She asked him quietly.

"Of course." He smiled. "Come to the antechamber." He led her away from the crowds, who began talking quietly. "What is it?" He asked softly.

"I have some news. Very good news." She smiled. "I do not know how to say this but..." She bit her lower lip. "Not so long again, Gwaine proposed." Speaking nervously and avoiding his gaze. "I said yes."

"Right." He nodded slowly.

"Technically, we have to ask for your permission to marry." She smiled slightly. "So...?" Biting her lower lip again.

"Send for Gwaine." Arthur spoke with no emotion.

Elaine nodded and left the antechamber. She caught Gwaine's gaze and beckoned him into the antechamber with her. She held his hand as they stood in front of Arthur. "Arthur?" Speaking to his back.

"You wish to marry?" He asked, not turning to face them.

"Yes, we do." Elaine spoke for them both.

"When?" Now, he was slowly turning to face them.

"Soon." She spoke again. Gwaine gave her hand a small squeeze in agreement.

Arthur was now facing them. "Right." He nodded. "I will allow you to marry but we shall talk about it in more detail when I return."

Elaine looked at him in shock. "You are giving us permission to marry?"

A wide smile appeared on Arthur's face. "Of course I am!"

Elaine let go of Gwaine's hand and rushed to her cousin, flinging her arms around him and hugging him tightly. "Thank you." She whispered in his ear as they hugged.

"I would rather you marry someone you loved and someone who cares for you." He smiled as she stepped back from her. "Plus, you seem to be the only one to keep Gwaine out of the tavern."

She laughed and stepped back next to her fiancé. "I try to but last night he was the one who influenced me to drink."

"I noticed." Arthur laughed and shook Gwaine's hand. "Take care of her. She may not seem to need to be taken care of but she does."

"I will never let any harm come to her." He held Elaine's hand and looked down at her with such affection. "I promise."

The king nodded. "If you will excuse me, I have a few things to discuss with my council." He left them alone.

Elaine turned to face Gwaine and threw her arms around his neck. "He said yes!"

He lifted her up and spun her around. "He did!" He laughed loudly before kissing her softly in celebration. "We best return."

"In a moment." She whispered and kissed him softly.

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A/N: One wedding down, one to go? What you think? Nearly finished University! YAY! So more time for updates! Enjoy!

Responses from chapter 32:

La-Lucy: Thank you! :D I love writing the Elaine/Lancelot scenes