A/N: My muse hasn't been as inspiring lately due to my current feelings to where the show is going, but finally I decided to write an AU storyline that takes place after season 3A with a few alterations, such as Hook not being in Storybrooke, giving SF with Henry the chance it should have gotten this season, and Rumbelle's relationship will receive it deserves. Archie will play a major role. Now, before I go on, if you're a Hooker who has no respect for Rumple and Belle, and has nothing but negative criticisms for me for not including your precious Hook why are you reading my story?

A/N: I would like to dedicate this story to my besties on FB: Nicole, Katherine, CJ M. and CJ S., Alexandra, TerriJ, TerriS. May you never give up hope just because of crap writing, and if you do I would everything I can to make sure to restore your hope.

Prologue

The stars winked in the velvet night sky as Morgana gazed out the window of her tower, lost in her own thoughts. Wrapping her arms around herself to soothe the chill that surrounded her, she waited eagerly as her lover, Merlin, to offer his affections. He used to be so attentive to her, kissing her sweetly on the neck, running his fingers through her curls that were as black as his heart had become, and making promises that once his other desires were fulfilled they would rule Camelot together. How ironic that her brother, Arthur's, most trusted advisor had turned against him, becoming his and Camelot's greatest threat? Political power was the only kind that could be easily corrupted, she mused smirking.

"What prey tell do you find so amusing Morgana?" Merlin inquired as studied the beautiful sorceress that shared his bed.

"Oh nothing, just how they once thought Morgause and I were the enemies all along. They underestimated you my love," she replied, "Now tell me my love, when are you going to be finished with your work? I'm lonely and bored."

"I promise I will be finished soon, but this is something I have to be precise with and I don't need distractions," he warned.

"Can you at least tell me what you're working on? Maybe I can help," she offered as she moved towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing it.

Merlin smiled sighing with lust filled satisfaction. "You could, but not this time. It is a very delicate potion and two sorcerers could cause a disruption. Besides, I wouldn't be able to concentrate with you beside me, tempting me." He smiled with a devilish grin on his lips

"Alright, I am capable of patience's, but hurry, I miss you," she said leaving one last kiss on his lips before departing.

Merlin sighed with a combination of irritation and relief that Morgana was gone giving him time to work in peace. She had become quite a nuisance these past few months with her voice constantly ringing his ear, but she was a powerful sorceress and she knew how to please him in his bedchamber, desperate women knew how to satisfy a man in bed, especially when they were determined to please.

Her absence paid off as Merlin was able to place right amount of the last ingredient into the time travel potion. After dropping the ingredient into the cauldron creating a ripple of swirls and turned a greenish color.

The first phase of his plan was complete. "Now, I can take care of any threats to my plans," he said smiling as he poured the liquid into the small glass vial. He corked it, twisted and shook the vial to make sure it was shut securely. If any of the potion was spilled it could open portals in places where they shouldn't create them resulting in deadly consequences. Holding it tightly, careful not to drop it, he placed the vial in a glass cabinet behind him, locking it up until the time came, which would be when darkness shadowed the sun.