Disclaimer: All characters belong to be BBC. No copyright infringement intended; I just wanted to play.

Set between episodes one and two of Season Two

Of Things Unspoken

Chapter One

As Guinevere stepped out from her cottage, the bright sunlight stung her eyes. She paused, resting against the doorframe, passing her hand over her eyes. Taking a deep breath and shaking her head a little to clear it, she began her journey to the castle.

The day passed slowly, all the more so for she seemed unable to encourage her sluggish movements into something more purposeful. She found herself pausing throughout the day, leaning against a table or resting her forehead against the cool stone of the walls just for a moment. Morgana seemed oblivious to any abnormalities in her behaviour, and, had she been more alert, Gwen may have questioned why her Lady was so distant.

oOo

Arthur's voice rang out across the training field, delivering concise instructions to the knights moving in unison before him. His day had been uninteresting; everything had progressed as normal. The Knights were developing well; Merlin had systematically juggled and dropped everything he'd been given to hold; and his father had ignored his opinion at the council meeting. All in all, nothing to write home about.

He returned his attention to his men.

oOo

The basket of cloth in Gwen's arms was heavy, much heavier than usual. Her back ached as she lifted it. She took a steadying breath and set off towards the main kitchen, willing her eyes to focus on the stairs ahead.

Arthur mostly ignored Merlin as they walked the corridor to the council chambers after the training session. Merlin had an ability to prattle unlike anyone Arthur had ever met, though he had grown fond of his oddly loyal servant. It was as they paused at the door, Merlin listing the jobs he'd been asked to do as if it were an odd thing to ask of him, that Arthur looked beyond him and spotted Guinevere.

Something was wrong.

oOo

Gwen slumped against the cool wall, the basket slipping lower in her arms. She heard her name called and tried to stand straight, not wishing to be accused of not working. As her eyes met Arthur's her sight failed and the world turned black.

Arthur had no idea he could move so fast as he raced towards the collapsing figure of Guinevere. Pulling her into his chest, one hand instinctively wound itself into her hair, cushioning her head as the other slipped around her waist.

'Guinevere?' His eyes darted from her closed eyes to her unmoving lips, expecting, hoping, wishing to see that embarrassed look he was so used to, but she remained still.

Scooping her up into his arms, he strode toward Gaius' chamber, barely aware Merlin was hurrying to keep up in his wake.

oOo

Gaius' chamber was empty.

Laying Guinevere gently upon the bed, fear began to swell in Arthur's chest. Her utter stillness sent chills to his heart.

'Get Gaius,' he instructed Merlin through gritted teeth. 'Now!' he bellowed as Merlin hesitated. His young friend darted away.

Alone, Arthur's calm, perfected by time in battle, began to crack. In the face of Guinevere lying before him, unmoving, panic began to rise in his throat.

'Guinevere?' he breathed, stroking a stray lock from her face.

She didn't respond. He gripped her small hand in his.

'Please…'

He leapt from her side as the door banged open, allowing Gaius to examine the patient.

He stood helplessly watching as Gaius pressed his hand to her hot forehead and clasped the cold hand. A serious look entered the old physician's eye.

'Her fever is running high,' he diagnosed. 'I need plenty of fresh cold water,' he said in a low voice to Merlin. Merlin disappeared at once.

Arthur fidgeted as Gaius attempted to make Guinevere more comfortable.

'What caused it?'

'I have a theory.'

'What?'

Gaius sighed. 'I've seen this only today. The Milner boy contracted a similar fever a few days ago. Gwen was visiting to offer any help she could. It's not unlikely that she could have contracted the virus on one of her visits.'

'Yes,' Arthur murmured. 'She never can resist a chance to help.'

If Gaius thought it odd that the prince knew such personal details of a maidservant, he didn't show it.

'But she'll be alright? The Milner boy recovered?'

Gaius could not meet the Prince's eye.

Arthur paled. 'Gaius!'

'I've just come from the Milner's cottage. I'm afraid the child passed away in the night.'

Gaius watched as the young prince deflated before him, his eyes snapping to the young girl lying motionless on the small bed.

'Sire, you should leave; if you should become infected - '

'No.'

'Sire, it's likely she contracted the fever while nursing the child, if you stay - '

'No.' Arthur's voice was firm. 'No, I'm not leaving her.'

Gaius looked at the Prince for a moment before bowing in obedience.

Comments are greatly appreciated; they're a lot quicker to write than each chapter, I promise!