The High Queen, Chapter 1 Summary

It is now wintertime in Lothian, and Morgaine is heavy with child. Morgause constantly chides Morgaine for not taking better care of herself and forces her to eat fresh meat at dinner. After the meal, Morgaine's water breaks and Morgause sends her off with the midwives to begin the lying-in. After Morgaine leaves, Lot reminds Morgause that Morgaine's child will be competition for their son, Gawaine, to be next in line to the throne of the High King. With much persuasion, Lot convinces Morgause to keep Morgaine's child from her once it is born. Morgause knows that if someone else fosters the child, Morgaine will never a bond with it and will be able to let it go.

Morgaine's labor lasts for many hours, and it is very painful and difficult for her. During the many hours...