Her knees ache from kneeling in front of her pratty brother. Two guards stand to either side of her body, spears pointed at her throat. She will not back down, she needs this, she, unfortunately, needs him.
"Why are you here Morgana?"
Her jade eyes will not back down, but she will not move from her place on the floor. She needs him to know that she was ready to submit.
"I have told you Arthur. I have seen the error of my ways and-"
"Do you really think I will buy that? After all you have done? Do you think me a fool?"
She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She needs to gain his trust, get on his good side. She opens her eyes, trying to convey the remorse she…partially feels.
"I know you do not trust me Arthur, I cannot blame you. I will do anything you ask of me. There are things I have seen…visions of a better world. I don't want to go down a path that will bring our demise."
"What do you mean our?"
She looks at him pleadingly. Her eyes go gold and all swords are out pointing at her. Merlin is next to the king, his eyes gold and ready to take Morgana out if need be.
"You are on the battlefield with Mordred. Your sword is clashing with all the rebels around you. Mordred finally comes up close to you. His sword comes out and makes contact with your stomach. You dub over in pain. I scream out to you and with the last of my magic I push Mordred to the ground. You are bleeding everywhere. The fairies come for you, bringing you to Avalon. They tell me I am to be the protector of your body. You sleep now, only to return in the next life"
Her eyes go back to her normal jade color and she looks to the ground, small drops of water running down her cheeks.
"I have seen your demise, and I do not wish for it. Somehow…actually seeing you die breaks my heart."
She looks at him and for a moment the emotion of longing is reflected between brother and sister.
"I know I have much to make up for, but I am ready now. I have let my hatred and anger control my life for so long. Please, King Arthur, I beg of you to give me another chance. If you must strip me of everything and throw me in with the peasants so be it, but I will regain your trust. I will show you that I have changed."
Queen Guinevere looks to King Arthur with much skepticism, but also a hint of hope. The queen has always desired Morgana's return, even though she is weary, she still wishes to save her once lady. Arthur looks to his right, Merlin is seething. On no level does he trust anything she says. She is a liar and a monster. She has made all magic users into exactly what Uther preached against. He is the only one that has changed Arthur's mind.
Arthur considers both reactions. Both are weary, but his wife is willing to forgive. As much has he's come to trust and love Merlin…he is not his wife. Guinevere is his heart and compassion, Merlin his head. Today he must follow his heart instead of his head.
"I will permit you to return."
There is a universal gasp from the on lookers. All the nobles and knights brace themselves. They did not expect this decision.
"You will stay in the dungeon until I see fit to release you. When that time has come we will cross the bridge of your status. Also, you will give up Mordred to us. If you really want to prove yourself to me you will give me the man you have seen kill me."
Morgana looks down, ringing her hands in front of her face. She does not want to give Mordred up. He has been a good friend and close ally in this great time of need. She looks to her brother, her face a mask of pain. This is not what she wants. He looks at her and realizes that he is asking her to betray the only person she is loyal to at this time. He looks to the side, reserved.
"You do not need to tell us now, but you must give up his location in two weeks time. If you do not, I will have no qualms about executing you."
The guards hoist her up and carry her down to the dungeons. Arthur dismisses everyone but Merlin.
"What do you think?"
Merlin gives him a mocking gesture.
"What do I think? Seriously, Arthur? This is not a good idea. I mean really man she is obviously plotting something. You know she is going to try to kill you sooner than later. What could possibly stop her from taking you out at this point?"
"You."
It was a simple statement, but spoke volumes of how far their relationship has come. Merlin deflates a little.
"Ok look Arthur, I know you want your sister back, I understand, but you can't trust this."
"Merlin, I know where you're coming from but I'm putting her in the binding dungeon."
For a moment Merlin's breathing hitches. Even though he wants justice for some reason, knowing she is going to be going through a horrific experience as the binding cell upsets him.
"When are you sending her there?"
"Now, and I want you to watch her go in, make sure it works."
Merlin nods and leaves the king. Arthur sits alone on his throne for a minute longer by himself, what has he done?
It was awful watching her walk through the cell. The second she stepped through the threshold she dubbed over in pain. Her magic came out of her in golden ribbons and swirled into the ceiling, settling there. A torture to know your magic is so close but always out of reach. He only looks at her from the doorway for now. He knows she will not sleep well that night.
He goes to her the first few days and she is as angry as ever. She screams and throws anything she can get her hands on. She paces around him in circles, when he sits on the small stool in the middle of the room.
"Will you calm down?"
"Will you try to kill me again?"
She is always mocking him. He sometimes comes with Arthur, the king wants to see her progress. In front of Arthur she is different, not necessarily she is playing him but more scared of his reactions.
"How are you fairing down here Morgana?"
"Fine your majesty."
Every question is answered as politely and respectfully as possible. When Arthur leaves, however, she is back to acid retorts and saucy comments. He always finds himself running from her dungeon after only a few minutes.
It is about a month in when he comes to her cell, and realizes she has calmed down. She is sitting near the small window, her magic swirling above them. She seems, different. She looks over at him, those jade eyes of hers, so mysterious.
"How do we feel today Morgana?"
"Well I slept on a cement floor, I have a bed pan in full in the corner, and I felt frigid under the pathetic excuse I have for blankets. Oh I'm sorry am I supposed to say splendid!"
She was mocking him, but it was different, he felt different.
"Ok so I'm assuming you will not give your quarters a glamorous review?"
"How clever you are Emrys. Honestly, I should be at least allowed a bath. You do not treat prisoners correctly."
She huffs at him from the bench in the corner, crossing her arms in her haughty fashion. Still something is different.
"Something is different about you today Morgana."
"You mean the smell?"
They both smile in spite of themselves, in spite of the situation.
"I mean that something is going on with you. Did you have a vision?"
She looks a bit startled, and clenches her hands in front of her. She looks him in the eye and takes a deep breath.
"I've had the same vision that has plagued me for over a year."
"The one of Arthur's demise?"
She shakes her head.
"No, the one of my life."
"Your life?" The great sorcerer is bewildered.
"Yes, I told Arthur I wanted to come back because I wanted to save his life. That is partially true…but I also wanted to come back because of a different vision I've had."
"What was the vision about?"
She looks reluctant, but sends him a small smile anyway.
"I've been having visions of a baby."
"A baby?"
She laughs at his confusion.
"Yes you slow minded buffoon a baby."
He wants to come back with a harsh retort, but the sound of her laughter stops him. She is opening up. He shouldn't do anything to spoil this.
"What do you see in the vision?"
"It is simple. I am in a luxurious room sitting in a chair with the babe in my arms. I am rocking him and the only things I can see is a parchment addressed to me, 'Morgana High Priestess of Camelot.' I know it's a foolish wish but every time I see those words my heart swells. The babe is beautiful. I coo to him and tell him how happy I am to have come back to Camelot."
Merlin smiles at the vision, it sounds like a good dream.
"Do you know who the father is?"
"No, I only see me and the babe, but I know he is mine. I can feel it down to my fingertips."
"That is the real reason you came back?"
She looks hesitant but gives in to his questions.
"Yes that is the true reason. I want to make this vision come to pass. I want a good life. The only other things I see are of you killing me and Mordred killing Arthur."
Merlin nods and realizes it is time for lunch. He gets up quickly and exits her dungeon, looking back once to see her magic swirl around and pulse above their heads.
"So that's why she came back? Because she wants to have a baby?"
Arthur and Merlin are talking inside of his and Gwen's chambers, the queen sitting on the bed playing with Tom.
"I know it sounds ludicrous, but I believe her."
"So she is willing to give up the throne for a non-existent child but not to save me."
"She says that vision plays a factor but not as much."
"Children change you." Gwen says from the bed.
Both men turn to look at the queen who is playing with Tom. She looks at both of them and continues.
"Motherhood is the greatest thing to ever happen to a woman. A child is the physical representation of love between a man and a woman. Morgana wants that representation. She loves you Arthur, but she loves love more."
Both men look at her bewildered.
"Guinevere, not that I don't respect your opinion, but why the change of heart? Don't you loath Morgana…she did try to kill our son."
Gwen looks to Tom, rubbing his head affectionately.
"I would kill her if she ever hurt my son. The fact is that she hasn't. Morgana came here on her knees begging for forgiveness. I just don't want us to make the same mistakes your father did when it comes to those with magic."
Both men stared at the queen in awe. Sometimes, her compassion and love were bigger and more glorious than either man could comprehend.
Fin.
Ok so blame sfsf for this. Sfsf asked to know when Morgana told Merlin about her dreams and Balinor. So now your stuck with a multi-chapter fic, MUAHAHAHAH. It's nine chapters long and I'll be updating either every couple of days or whatever. It's finished and I can't help myself but put them out:D Anywho, Hope you enjoyed the first chapter! This is, of course, apart of the Bliss universe, but its the prequel. Its leading up to the knowledge of the baby, their marriage, and everything else...also if you know me you know there will be sexy times...so be excited! Enjoy! Happy Reading!
Hope to hear from you guys soon:)