Chapter 34: Given The Go Ahead

Arthur and Gwen had left for Joyous Guard two days after their wedding and Elaine was thrust into being the acting regent for Arthur. She knew it was not going to be easy but she did not expect resistance from Agravaine. She had been dealing with a farmer's problem over land dispute when Agravaine decided to interrupt them. "Is the disputed land being used at all?"

"No, my Lord." The farmer replied nervously. "Not all of it. Only a part of it."

Elaine wanted to reprimand Agravaine but she could not do that in front of so many people. "I suggest that you and the other person come to me tomorrow and we will discuss the matter then. It cannot be resolved if I have only heard one side of the story."

"Yes, your Majesty." He bowed to her and left the Hall. He had been the last of the people to come for an audience.

Elaine sighed heavily and stood up. "That will be all for a moment." She walked towards Agravaine. "A word please." The two of them walked out of the hall and they stood in a quiet hallway. "How dare you?" She said angrily. "I was dealing with the problem. You had no right and no authority to speak out of turn like that."

"I have every right to advise you."

"Yes!" She spat back angrily. "To advise me but not to cut across my authority!"

"Your authority? You have temporary authority but only until the King returns, you will be nothing but his cousin. You will ride off back to your small and insignificant country." He snarled angrily at her. He knew they were alone so he could bite back at her as much as he wanted. He stepped towards her. "When Arthur returns, he will be consulting me and not his naïve cousin."

Elaine raised her hand and struck his cheek. "How dare you?" Her anger rising. "You may be the King's Uncle but you are not mine! You will speak to me as a Queen and not your family." The pair of them were glaring at each other. "If you contradict my authority again, I will have you removed from the council chambers." She spun around and returned to the council chambers. She tried to remain calm but she could hear him following her and with Agravaine nearby, she was still angry. The morning of discussions continued when she sat down. Agravaine said nothing for the rest of the session but she could tell he was judging her every decision.

Elaine stormed into her chambers shortly after the audiences had finished. Gwaine followed behind her. "He is infuriating!" She shouted angrily as she sat at her dressing table.

Gwaine want to laugh at her anger but that was what she would not want at that moment. "Love. He is doing it to get a reaction out of you. I saw him smirking when you walked back into the hall." He stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Just ignore him and his snide comments."

She shook his hands off her shoulders and stood up. "I cannot." She shook her head and began pacing her chambers. "You did not have to listen to his remarks." She growled in anger and stamped her foot. She was trying to get rid of her frustration. "He is so infuriating!" She screamed a little.

"You said that." He walked towards her and stopped her from pacing again. "We are leaving soon." He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "You only have to put up with him for a few more days."

Elaine leant into his embrace and sighed heavily. "I wish I hadn't said yes." She laughed. "I knew I would have to work with Agravaine and I knew we would clash." She rested her hands on top of Gwaine's. "At least I have you and the other knights to keep me sane. I just do not trust Agravaine."

He bent his head down and kissed her neck softly. "I am glad we can help." Moving his lips up her neck, pulling her tight in his arms. "I will keep Agravaine away from you."

"Gwaine." She sighed softly. "I have things to do." Closing her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of his lips gently moving across her bare shoulder. She had purposely chosen an off-the-shoulder dress to tease Gwaine and she knew it was working as soon as she had walked into the hall earlier. He had not taken his eyes off her from the moment she walked into the hall. He turned her in his arms and pulled her tightly into him.

"Just relax and kiss me." He grinned as he cupped her cheek.

She laughed softly and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Well, kiss me."

"Yes, my Queen." Pressing his lips against her own, his hand moving from her cheek and tangling in her hair. He always preferred her hair to be down, so he could run his fingers through her golden locks. The kiss grew. The passion between them was incredible and neither of them knew how they could resist each other, especially being alone in her chambers.

"Gwaine..." She whispered when she pulled away from his lips. They each could feel the other person's breath on their lips. The feeling was intoxicating. Temptation rising in both of them. "You promised... I promised..." Her eyes flickering between Gwaine's eyes and his lips.

He chuckled, sending shivers down the Queen's back. "You tempt me, my Queen."

Elaine smiled as she tried to step away from him. "Let me go, my knight. I need to stop your temptation."

"I prefer the temptation." Pulling her tighter into him.

She laughed loudly. "Behave." She kissed him swiftly on the lips and untangled herself from his arms. "Gwaine, my chamber door is open and if someone has seen us and word gets around Camelot, I will kill you myself. Before my cousin does." She laughed and moved away from him.

"It won't be long and we can be alone in your chambers without having to worry." He chuckled as he walked away from her. "I have to go, my love."

"Of course. I have to fetch Galahad from Lancelot." She sat at her dressing table and took off her necklace, placing it in her jewellery box.

"I will walk you. He is in the training fields." He smiled as he leant against the door frame. "I think he wants his son to be the best swordsman."

"What?" Elaine spun around to face him. "He better not be!" Standing up.

Gwaine laughed. "He's not. He's letting Galahad watch the training."

She let out a sigh of relief. "Galahad is not to learn until he is at least 7." Moving towards Gwaine. "He is still too young." She raised her eyebrow. "That is an order for you also."

He bowed deeply. "Of course, my Lady." He straightened up to find her standing up in front of him.

"Behave." She lightly hit his chest. "Are you going to escort me or do I have to risk my life walking through the castle to the training grounds?"

"I have thought about leaving you to find your own way but I would never leave a lady alone." He held out his arm to her. Gwaine led Elaine through the castle and out into the grounds.

- - - - – – - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Arthur and Gwen returned from their honeymoon. Neither of them noticed the resentment between Elaine and Agravaine. Though the other knights had noticed that Gwaine had become very protective towards Elaine. Elaine and her party were to be leaving Camelot in two days and she still had not spoken to Arthur about her wedding to Gwaine. She wanted to marry within the year. As King Vortigern was still being insistent of the two of them courting. He sent daily messages and daily gifts but she would send notes of rejection and returned the gifts.

"Elaine." Gwaine spoke softly as they sat in the fields outside of Camelot. Galahad was playing close by. "I think we should marry as soon as possible."

She was lying with her head on his legs. "Why is that?" Looking up at him. "How soon?"

"I was just thinking about protecting you from Vortigern." He sighed heavily. "He is getting too eager." Remembering the jewels he had sent her that morning, which she immediately sent back to him. "Also, I want to be married to you."

She sat up and moved closer to him. "You mean it?"

"I do." He raised his hand and cupped her cheek. "If we can, we should marry before we return to Corbenic."

"What? This week?" Staring at him in shock.

"If we can. Just a quiet wedding." Moving his hand away from her cheek. "We can wait if you wish to." Reaching to hold her hand.

Elaine let him but she sat in silence for a moment, looking down at his hand. She lifted her free hand and rested it on top of his. "I agree with you. Vortigern is becoming a nuisance and I wish to be able to marry who I want to. Not for the sake of my country or the man's country." She sighed softly, finally raising her eyes and looking at Gwaine, who was carefully studying her. "My father had always told me that I could marry for love but I knew deep down that he would rather me marry to secure the land." She sighed again and looked back at their hands. "I was a young girl when I overheard my father speaking with his advisers. He told them that he would arrange a marriage for me before my 21st birthday. My mother argued with him but he won the argument. Which was rare."

"Sounds like you and I." He laughed as he raised her hand and kissed the top of it. "Would you like me to speak to the King and see if we can marry here?"

Elaine smiled and moved closer to him. "Yes, please." Moving closer to him and sitting in his lap. "Be nice to him but do not let him bully you." She moved her lips closer to his until they were hovering over his.

He smiled. He loved it when she teased him like this. "Yes, your Majesty." He moved his lips closer to her own but she moved away. "Come on. Kiss me!"

"No." She giggled and climbed off his lap. "My son is too nearby."

"He's busy playing." Gwaine whispered as he pulled her back towards him.

"Gwaine!" She laughed and pulled away from him. She quickly stood up and ran away from him. "Prince Galahad! Save Mama from the mean knight."

Galahad drew his pretend sword and stood in front of Elaine. "Stay away from the Queen." He threatened Gwaine but the young boy could not help himself and smile.

"Oh no!" Gwaine stood back, raising his hands in defence. "I am no match against Prince Galahad."

Galahad jumped forward and pressed his wooden sword against Gwaine's stomach. "Got you!"

"Oh no!" He groaned and held the sword to his stomach and fell back onto the ground. "I... Am... Defeated!" He closed his eyes but burst out laughing when Galahad dove on top of him. "Well played, Prince Galahad."

"Did I hurt you?" Galahad stared down at Gwaine with a wide smile.

"No." Gwaine laughed and sat up with Galahad in his lap. "You will be a strong fighter when you grow up."

"Will you teach me?" The young prince asked.

"When your Mama says I can." Looking towards Elaine, who smiled gratefully.

"When can I learn, Mama?" The young boy climbed off Gwaine and stood in front of his mother.

Elaine knelt down in front of him. "Here is my promise. On your seventh birthday, Sir Gwaine can begin teaching you how to protect yourself."

"Thank you, Mama." He hugged her tightly. He stepped away and picked up his sword and returned to play fighting.

Gwaine stood up and moved next to Elaine, wrapping an arm around her waist. "You do realise that he will remind us on every single one of his birthdays until he turns seven."

Elaine laughed. "I know." Resting her head against his shoulder, watching her son playing.

He kissed the top of her golden head. "We best go. It is time to eat and I can speak to the King."

"Yes." She nodded. "Galahad!" She called to her son. "Time to go inside." The boy bounded towards them and held his sword in one hand and each for his mother's hand with his other hand.

Arthur was in Council when Gwaine entered the hall. He remained at the back with the knights. Percival noticed that his friend was fidgeting a lot. "What is wrong with you?" He asked Gwaine. "Missing the Queen?"

Gwaine scoffed and shook his head. "I am missing her but I have to do something in a moment." His eyes fixed on Arthur, who was dealing with a problem at his borders. All the knights exchanged confused looks but it was Lancelot who watched Gwaine for a moment. He noticed his shifty behaviour and how he was constantly watching and listening to Arthur's every word. His friend, and rival, was acting strangely.

Arthur dismissed his council and Gwaine immediately moved towards his King, who was talking quietly to Agravaine. "Sir Gwaine."

The blood drained from his face as he found his voice. "May I speak to you?" His eyes flickered towards Agravaine. "Alone."

Agravaine bowed and walked away to give them space.

"What is it, Gwaine? You're nervous. You are never nervous." Arthur chuckled as he and Gwaine walked away from the crowd of people.

"When it comes to Elaine asking me to do something, I am always nervous." He chuckled too. "It is about our marriage."

"Oh right." Arthur said unsure about what Gwaine was going to say.

"We wish to marry very soon." He spoke quietly, so no one could overhear them. "Before we return to Corbenic."

"Oh right." The blonde king nodded slowly. "Why do you wish to hurry?" Raising an eyebrow.

"One person is the reason." Gwaine sighed heavily. "Vortigern is being persistent with trying to court Queen Elaine and he is not taking no for an answer."

"I see. So you think that marrying soon would stop Vortigern?"

"Yes. Elaine doesn't feel safe. So, if we marry, she will feel comfortable and safe from any pursuers." He smiled wryly. "I'm asking your permission for us to marry before we return to Corbenic. We will honour your decision, whatever it may be."

He gestured to a guard. "Could you ask Queen Elaine to come to my chambers please?" The guard bowed and left them. "Let's talk in private." He spoke to Gwaine and the two left the hall. They arrived in Arthur's chambers, where Arthur sat at his desk. They waited in silence for Elaine. "Come in." Arthur said when a knock came at the door.

The door opened and Elaine walked in. "You wished to see me, Arthur?"

"Yes." He nodded. "Close the door."

Elaine closed the door and nervously moved to stand next to Gwaine. "I can guess what this is about." She put her hand in Gwaine's, who held it tightly.

"You guess right." Arthur stood up and slowly walked around his desk. "I can see your point." He paused for a minute. "I agree to it. Whilst in Joyous Guard, I had a few notes from King Vortigern about you. He seems like he will be a problem until you either marry him or someone else." He watched them both. His eyes flickered to their joined hands and to Elaine's face; whose eyes seemed to be pleading with him. "I will allow you to marry in Camelot and tomorrow, before you leave."

The couple stared at Arthur in shock until Elaine let go of Gwaine's hand and rushed to Arthur, wrapping her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Thank you." She whispered in his ear. "Thank you so much."

"I want you happy." He spoke softly as he hugged her back. "Gwaine can keep you under control."

She laughed when she let go of him. "He likes to think he is." She stepped back to allow Gwaine and Arthur to shake hands. She smiled when they embraced like brothers.

They parted and Arthur tapped Gwaine's shoulders. "Now, go and prepare what you need. I will talk to Geoffrey."

The engaged couple bowed and curtseyed to Arthur and left the room hand-in-hand. Once they were a safe distance away from any prying eyes, Elaine leapt into his arms and kissed him with all her might. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground. She squealed with laughter when he spun them around. "He said yes!"

He placed her back on her feet and showered her features with feather light kisses. "We have a lot to plan."

She shook her head. "No. It is going to be a simple wedding." She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her body against his. "You, me, Galahad, Arthur and a few other people. So, I need a dress and you can wear your Knight regalia. If you want to."

"I will." He kissed her forehead. "I think we should have only the knights, the King and Queen, Gaius and Merlin."

"And Mary." She chuckled. "But I do think that my son is an important role."

"Oh right." He laughed. "I am not sure about that Galahad. I heard he is trouble."

"I am not!" A young voice came from behind Elaine.

Gwaine laughed and knelt on the floor. "No, you're not. But your Mama can be."

"Yes." Galahad laughed and ran to Gwaine. "I'm not trouble. Papa says so."

Elaine laughed. "You have your Papa wrapped around your finger." She walked towards her fiancé and son, she knelt down in front of Galahad. "Have you escaped Mary again?"

"No, Mama." He giggled.

The sound of fast footsteps approached and a sigh of relief greeted them. "Oh your Majesty. He escaped me again."

"It is all right, Mary." Elaine smiled up at her maid. "I have to go to the dressmaker's in a moment, so could you get my things ready?"

"Yes, your Majesty." Mary curtseyed and left the three of them.

"Galahad, come with me." She stood up straight and held her hand out. "I have something to tell you."

"Yes, Mama." He held her hand and let her lead him through the corridors to her chambers. Elaine looked back at Gwaine and nodded to him and he followed them both.

They entered Elaine's chambers and Elaine led her son to her dressing table. "Come and sit on Mama's lap." She sat at her dressing table and lifted Galahad onto her lap. "I have some news to tell you."

"What Mama?" He looked up at her and smiled.

Elaine stroked her son's curls. "Mama is going to be getting married tomorrow."

"To Papa?" He asked with confusion across his features.

"No darling. I love your Papa because we have you." She kissed his cheek. "But darling, your Papa and I will not marry because we do not want to be together. Mama and Sir Gwaine love each other very much." Galahad stared up at her with his dark brown eyes. "Do you think Mama and Sir Gwaine can marry?"

"Why?" He looked at Gwaine and then at his mother.

"Gwaine and Mama love each other very much." Elaine spoke softly.

"So, will Gwaine be my new Papa?"

Elaine shook her head quickly. "No darling. Papa will always be your Papa. Gwaine will always be Gwaine to you." She smiled softly. "Don't you worry my darling. Papa will always love you. I will always love you. Do you understand?"

"Yes Mama." He smiled slightly. "Can I go and play?"

"Yes darling." She kissed the top of his head and helped him off her lap. She waited until he was sitting in front of the fire playing with his soldiers. Gwaine stepped behind her. "He's confused." She sighed heavily.

Gwaine placed his hands on her shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. "He will understand one day. He's still young."

"Gwaine, I don't want him to feel like he has to replace his father with you. I want both of you in his life." She leant back against him. "Oh no."

"What?"

"We have to tell Lancelot." She sighed heavily. "That's going to be harder than telling Galahad." She reached for her brush and brushed her hair.

"I will tell him." Gwaine suggested.

Elaine shook her head and placed her brush back on the table. "No. I need to tell him." Leaning her head back and looking up at him. "I just need to. You can tell the others." She laughed softly. "I know that will be harder for you."

He laughed and stepped back to allow her to stand up. "They will tease me."

She stood up and walked away from her dressing table. "I will speak to Lancelot when I return from the dressmaker's." She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled. "Are you sure it is right for us to marry tomorrow?"

"There are two reasons why I want to marry you. First of all, I want you to be safe from annoying admirers. I get jealous easily." He chuckled, as did Elaine.

"The second reason?"

He said nothing. He kissed her fully on the lips. "That. I love you."

She smiled widely. "A very good reason." She smiled when he ran his fingers through her hair. "I have to go."

"Your wedding gown?" He raised an eyebrow at her. "Am I going to like it?"

"It isn't my wedding gown but I did have a new dress commissioned. I will wear it tomorrow." She smiled still and gave him a swift kiss on the lips. She reluctantly pulled away from him. "Galahad. Come."

"Aww! But Mama! I want to stay here and play with my soldiers." He pouted and looked up at her.

"You cannot stay here alone. Mary is coming with me." She spoke sternly.

"I will stay with him. I have not played soldiers for a long time." Gwaine moved towards Galahad. "Plus, I do not think Prince Galahad would like to go to the dressmaker's." He knelt next to the small boy.

"Oh no!" Galahad scrunched up his face and shook his head. "Please Mama. Please let Gwaine look after me." Both Galahad and Gwaine looked up at Elaine.

She only laughed. "Of course. I shan't be long." Kneeling in front of Galahad and kissing her son's forehead. "Behave. I want my chambers to be spotless when I return."

"Yes Mama." Galahad smiled at her and then soon returned to his soldiers.

"You behave." Elaine smiled at Gwaine as she stood up. "Have fun." Walking away from them, looking back at them before she left the room.

Having returned from the dressmaker's, Elaine made her way to the training fields. Elaine took a deep breath as she walked onto the training fields. Gwaine was already there but she was going to speak to Lancelot alone. Each of them bowed to her. "Sir Lancelot? May I have a word?"

"Oooooh!" The other knights teased as Lancelot walked away with Elaine.

"Ignore them." Lancelot chuckled when they were a safe distance away from the knights.

She smiled at him. "I usually do." She smiled nervously. "I have something to tell you."

"Sure." He nodded slowly.

"You know that Gwaine and I are engaged." She said nervously. "Arthur has given us permission to marry. Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" He raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"For many reasons." She spoke softly. "King Vortigern is becoming a nuisance and me marrying is the only way to stop him."

"I offered to marry you when you had trouble with Lot and you said no. Why now? Why Gwaine?"

Elaine glared at him. "I love him." Folding her arms across her chest. "I don't love you like that any longer."

"Any longer?" He asked in hope.

"I used to love you. I held onto hope that you would try and fight for me. You pushed me away. My duties pushed us apart." Elaine sighed heavily. "Please. Please be happy for me."

He sighed heavily. "I will be happy for you. If Gwaine makes you happy, I'm happy for you." He bowed to her. "I do have to get back."

"Yes." She smiled a little. She was not sure about his reaction but he had said that he was happy for them.

A/N: You liking that surprise? Don't worry King Vortigern hasn't completely disappeared.

Responses from Chapter 33:

La-Lucy: Thank you! :) Ahhh! You'll soon see about Agravaine's plans.

Kerry: Thank you! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!