Guinevere: Pendragon's Queen (Book 2)

Chapter 10

I awaken snuggled in Arthur's strong arms. We are holding each other close and I am content in our naked warmth beneath the sheets. I smile, I awaken snuggled in Arthur's strong arms. We are holding each other close and I am content in our naked warmth beneath the sheets. I smile, recalling our exploits in this room last night, so full of passion and intensity. Not only was it an incredible night together, but it could also be the start of a new chapter; having a child. Not just any child, but potentially an heir to the throne of Camelot. And I would be a mother. Something I hadn't thought too much about before marrying Arthur, but if I am to produce an heir, yes, I would be its mother. The more I think about it, the more the thought appeals to me. Time would of course tell if the outcome of our night together is a baby, but I find myself secretly hoping it will come to pass.

In more current changes, I did not have any nightmares last night, for the first time in weeks. It's only the first night I'd not taken Morgan's draught, having poured it out of the window yesterday, but I feel positive that I will suffer no longer. I feel stronger and more confident this morning as if Arthur's love has strengthened me somehow.

I slowly slip out of bed and put a robe on. The stone floor is cold against the soles of my feet, so I hop quickly to the large rug near the fire. It's burning low now, but there is still heat enough. I sit in one of the armchairs, curling my now cold feet beneath me and watch the low flames dance in the grate. The drapes at this end of the room are open slightly and the sun has risen. Birds are merrily singing their morning chorus, signifying the start of a new day.

There is a light knock on the door and Helena walks in with a tray of tea, cups and some fruit. I put a finger to my lips to let her know to be quiet and she nods and comes to where I am sitting, putting the tray on the table beside me.

"The King is still asleep, but thank you for bringing the tea, Helena. Are you well this morning?" I whisper.

"You're welcome, you Grace. I am, thank you. And you?"

"I'm wonderful, thank you. I shall get dressed myself this morning, as the King is here. I shall stir him soon, as no doubt he will have things to see to this morning. I shall seek you out a little later."

Helena smiles, "Of course, until later, your Grace."

I pour two cups of tea as she silently leaves the room.

The clicking of the closing door stirs my husband and he stretches and sits up in the bed. The sheets fall from his torso revealing his muscular upper body.

I grin; "Good morning, Arthur. Tea?"

Yawning he just about utters coherently, "Yes please."

Slowly he gets out of bed, wraps a sheet around his waist to cover his nakedness and joins me in the armchair opposite mine, "Did you sleep well, my love?"

"Better than I have in weeks, thank you. And you?"

"I think you know I did," he grins wolfishly.

All I can do is blush and giggle in reply.

We drink our tea in not an uncomfortable silence, enjoying the sweetness of it and the warmth of the fire in the hearth.

After some time, Arthur asks me how my day spent with my father and Enid was, to which I recanted the highlights and spoke of how I'm going to miss them very much. I told him I wasn't looking forward to tomorrow evening it being the farewell feast, less so to the following morning when we would say our goodbyes. I feel a lump in my throat as I speak; it's all feeling so final now. I have no idea when I shall see either of them again, nor my homeland.