Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any characters, places or anything else that is affiliated with the stories of King Arthur. I am making no money from this.

They call me the Lady Elaine.

The gentle Lady Elaine, maiden of the lake. If they only knew how I detest that title. It is no insult to the Lady of the Lake that I deliberately omit those four words from my name. Rather my own covert insult to my husband, Sir Lancelot of the Lake.

It is strange how easily love can turn to hate. That the affection I willingly bestowed upon my Lord should fester within my heart until it became an undistinguishable child I will not own. Denied it's desire that child grew, first into furious anger and then miserable resignation.

In the first days of my marriage I truly believed I was happy. Then, I was a naïve little girl who was bewildered by her new station in life. The only guidance I received, the only person I thought I could count on was Lancelot, my senior in years and experience. How much of a fool had I appeared to him? Even now I flush mortified at the memories of that time.

Yet he was kind to me. Loving, caring even. We used to walk by the river arm-in-arm every evening talking about our lives. He told me all he wanted was to live in his father's house by the Lake. That place seemed like the most beautiful place to me because it was there he said he loved me.

"I love you."

"I love you Elaine."

It still hurts. I think perhaps it shall always hurt, deep down. Maybe in my future I shall be able to move on from this but now we both reside within Camelot I do not think I shall ever escape my pain. My beloved husband has a new Lady to protect though she has a knight already. I cannot compete with a Queen.

So I will not even try. Lancelot can have his Queen and his glory. As far as I am concerned he is no longer my husband. I shall take my fortune, my jewels and make my own future far away with my son. At the very least I can ensure he grows up untainted by this lecherous court.

My maid is waiting outside with my horse, ready for me to escape and find a new life. A life of justice, honour and glory. My son shall grow up knowing his Mother sacrificed everything to give him a life of meaning.

The armour is heavy on my shoulders as is my sword in my hands. Taking the helmet from my maid I look once more into the mirror and learn the face of the woman I have become. She is stronger; the girl I once was has died forever and this woman will not submit to him, or any man ever again.

Galahad is sleeping in the saddle in front of me. I hope he forgives me for taking away from his father. All I ever wanted was to give him a life of virtue.

"Farewell." I cry. Looking back to Camelot as my horse canters away I find myself at last able to smile.

I went to Camelot as the Lady Elaine, maiden of the Lake and wife to Sir Lancelot of the Lake.

I leave as the Lady Knight, defender of all innocents, mother of Sir Galahad the pure Knight.