-It's magic, Merlin. It's me. I . . . Morgana trailed off, her eyes wide and scared. She studied his face, trying to figure out how he'd take it. Would he believe her? Would he think she was only scared of her nightmares, just like Gaius did? And if it was the first one, what would he do? Tell Arthur? Or, even worse, Uther? The King claimed he loved her as a daughter, but was his love stronger than his hatred of magic? All these things went through her mind, together with countless memories of executions without trials, which hunts and celebration of the dead, unfortunate enough to have magic and Uther Pendragon as a king at the same time. Was telling Merlin anything at all a mistake? She couldn't take the words back… but then again this was Merlin. They were friends… right?
-Do you . . . Do you believe me? You think it's magic too? Please. I just need someone to say it so I don't have to keep feeling like I'm imagining it. Her voice was cracking now, tears of despair filling her emerald eyes. Merlin looked at her, contemplating whether he should reveal his secret or keep pretending to be someone he's not. Maybe if he told her, he could guide her, show her how to use her powers for good... Also, it would be nice to be able to be himself in front of at least one other person. But telling Morgana would change everything. He had less than a minute to make a decision, one that would turn his life upside down, for better or worse.
-I… I believe you. He said finally, after what felt like ages. Their eyes locked for a second, fear, hope, shock, and gratitude all mixed in hers.
-You do? But wait… you, you're not going to tell anyone, are you? Not even Arthur… Maybe I shouldn't have tol- Merlin closed the distanced between them by stepping forward and putting both his hands on her shoulders.
-Morgana, calm down. He said, staring into her eyes. You know you can trust me, everything will be alright, I promise you.
- But-but what if Uther finds out, what if he sees me using magic? He'll kill me, Merlin.
- He won't find out. I can guarantee it.
-But… she trailed off, realizing just now how close they were to each other. He noticed it, too, apparently, for he took a step back and murmured a "sorry"- How can you be so sure?
- Okay, listen, I'll tell you something but you have to promise me you'll keep it a secret. Morgana nodded, waiting. Gaius is the only one in Camelot who knows … Merlin started, examining his shoes. It was now or never. I, I have magic. He continued, still not looking up.
-You ha- you have magic? Like me?
-Uhm, yeah, kind of…
-For how long?
-I was born with it. It's why I came here, actually, I couldn't keep it a secret at home…
-And you've had to live with this secret all your life?
Merlin nodded, finally taking his glance off the floor. He had expected surprise, shock maybe, and he had even expected anger but he had most definitely not expected what followed. Morgana hugged him.
-You must have felt so alone… she whispered, as if scared that someone could hear them. She felt Merlin nod and his embrace on her tightened-I can only imagine. It will be different now. We'll have each other. You can teach me how to do things, like control my powers…
In that very moment, the door opened and they heard Gaius walking it. They quickly separated, Morgana backing away too far and bumping into the physician's potion table. Merlin stared at her for a few seconds. She wasn't the scared girl who came here terrified of her abilities. She smiled, genuinely, like she used to .
-Ah, and what is my favourite patient doing here again? Did the potion not work?-Gaius asked, putting some herbs on the table.
-No, I'm actually here to thank you. I'm feeling much better now-Morgana replied, stealing a glance towards Merlin and smiling conspiringly- Thanks again
- It is my biggest pleasure-responded Gaius-You should go back to the castle, now, it's getting late.
-I will see you tomorrow-Morgana smiled and left.
As she was walking towards her rooms, she finally started to realize what was happening. She had magic, and so did Merlin. It really felt a lot better to know she was not alone. She even allowed herself to believe that someday she would be able to be herself- her new magical self- without fear. That day was definitely not going to be soon, not while Uther ruled Camelot. But when Arthur became King… She knew him better than she knew herself, or at least she used to, and so she was sure that Arthur's kingdom would be different.