Aurora hid under Gwen's swishy green satin dress when Merlin entered her borrowed chamber with an older woman wearing a stern expression. Gwen raised a sole dark eyebrow at a smiling Merlin.

"Good Morning, Merlin. What brings you to see us this morning?"

Merlin froze at Gwen's icy tone mingled in her sweet voice. He noticed glints of steel in her chocolate eyes. Merlin recognized Gwen's rights as a mother to her child. Honestly, the little girl had Arthur's nose and pout, but it didn't mean that Arthur fathered Gwen's child. This wasn't going to go over well with Gwen.

"Arthur, our sovereign, hired Ruth to work as Aurora's nursemaid."

Gwen's head tilted as she smiled bitterly at Merlin and Ruth. Her eyes rose to meet Ruth's calm blue eyes. " Arthur is not my king, Merlin. I was banished from Camelot, and stripped of my citizenship. I do not want it back."

Merlin sucked in his breath. He hated being Arthur's advisor at times like these. "He's changed." Merlin didn't expect Gwen to roll her eyes. He waved a hand towards Ruth.

"This is Ruth," Merlin offered.

"Hello, Ruth."

"Good Afternoon, milady. I have cared for royal offspring's for years. It will be an honor to care for your daughter."

A tight smile formed on Gwen's face. "Thank you, Ruth. Your services are not necessary. I plan to journey to Aurora's lands in a few short days. Please inform the king that I refused your services."

Ruth stared at Gwen dumbfound. She couldn't understand her words. Had the young lady not met the king? She is the mother of his only daughter, she had to know him intimately. One does not say no to Arthur Pendragon. His personality was fair and justice, but he was a harsh person when displeased according to her sister, who cares for a knight's children Camelot. He would not accept this without words with this foolish young woman, or was she brave? Ruth sighed softly. Obviously, the girl was still quite young , and she wore a wedding band. The king did not give it. Perhaps, it was best not to mention that at least not until the matter was settled between them.

"As you wish , milady. I will inform the king."

"Ruth, thank you very much," Gwen said sweetly.

Merlin rubbed his head as Ruth swiftly departed Gwen's chamber. He beamed when a small head peeked out from behind Gwen's dress to grin at him.

"Hi."

Aurora was a beautiful child; her brown curls were looser and softer than Gwen's. They hung in fat swirls at her neck. She waved happily at Merlin.

"Mama?"

Gwen peered down at Aurora.

"Yes, you can."

Aurora slipped from behind Gwen to race towards Merlin with her arms upraised. She smelled like sunshine as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her body wriggled in Merlin's arms until she found a comfortable spot. Her little hands explored his face gleefully. Merlin gazed deeply into her innocent eyes. He had seen such purity ever in anyone.

Gwen looked at her daughter. "Merlin," Gwen pointed at her friend. "His name is Merlin. Mer…lin. Mer…lin."

Aurora patted Merlin's face. "Erl… Erl."

Merlin's lips curved upward at Aurora. "She's very special."

"Yes, she is. Everything that I can hold in my heart is for her."

Merlin wanted to ask if Arthur too had the right to give Aurora his love. Merlin kept his thoughts to himself. He didn't want to push Gwen. She seemed on edge about something. He knew that she was relieved to be away from Melwas and his advances. Yet, she didn't seem at ease in Camelot.

Gwen and Merlin stood playing with Aurora for a few moments. Merlin couldn't ignore a wave of guilt washing over him. He shouldn't enjoy precious moments with Gwen and Aurora. Arthur should be here with Gwen and their child. Gwen might continue with her riddles on Aurora's parentage, but he knew that she was Arthur's daughter.

"Gwen, what are you going to do about Aurora?'

Gwen shrugged. "Her father, my husband has lands in Melwas' kingdom. We could go there. But, I would have to fight off Melwas. I don't know."

"What about Morgana?"

Gwen looked at Merlin with a puzzled expression. "I haven't seen her in over two years."

"You're back in Camelot. "

"Not for long."

"He won't allow you to leave."

"Arthur doesn't have a choice, Merlin. I'm nothing to him except a painful reminder of the night before our wedding. I will not raise my daughter in this place with people whispering about her mother. These people whispering about her birth. I will not allowed Camelot to send my baby into a world of madness."

"He loves you. People wouldn't dare whisper about you. They fear Arthur's wrath. You were cleared."

"I love her more than Arthur, more than anyone else, Merlin. She doesn't see me like these people. I can't lose that. I've lost so much in Camelot. So, we need to leave Camelot. I don't want her here tainted with Pendragon history. Marred with their madness."

"Will you answer his questions about the baby?"

"No. I have nothing to answer about. Her father is dead. The father that made sure that we had food and shelter is dead. Ambrose adored her, and he's dead. That's all that she ever needs to know about her father."

Merlin grew impatient with Gwen. She couldn't be so selfish about Aurora.

"I didn't know my father. He died after I met him… a few days. I need so much more with him, love and time."

"Morgana knew her father and she became a monster, Merlin. Can I do that to her? Being a Pendragon drove her mad! Why don't you understand"

Aurora grew fretful and reached for her mother when Gwen's face formed a scowl. Quickly, Gwen struggled to contain her emotions. Merlin detected that Aurora seemed emotionally bound to her mother, more than most infants. Aurora reached for her mother. It was like she could sense Gwen's inner feelings. Aurora rested her head on Gwen's shoulder. Idly, she sucked her thumb as she rubbed Gwen's cheek.

"Merlin, she needs a nap. Do you think you could watch her. So, I could go speak with Arthur, your king."

Merlin nodded. They needed to speak and resolve this matter.

Gwen began to walk around in circles as she rubbed her daughter's tiny back. It didn't take long before Gwen's daughter drifted into a deep sleep. Gwen settled her into waiting cradle.

"This won't take long, Merlin."

"If you believe that, Gwen."

Geoffrey listened carefully to his king's delicate dilemma regarding Gwen and her child. The young lady in question did not have any desire to claim that their king fathered her child. She was married to another man. Geoffrey didn't know what to make of this. He had hoped that her return would help with the king's dark moods. He was fair and just. He was harsher than Uther in his judgments. They didn't execute people of magic any longer. But, Arthur dealt swiftly with his enemies. He didn't let anyone in his inner circle. The lessons he learned from Morgana and Agravaine, were ingrained into him deeply.

"Sire, I remember an ancient law. If a woman's male family member agrees to her marriage, the couple exchanges rings, and consummates the union. They are married under this very odd not invoked law."

Arthur rubbed his chin. " All of the above occurred, and her previous marriage?"

" If you invoke this law, it would never been valid."

"Find it."

"Sire, is this the path to take?"

Geoffrey stepped back from the darkness in Arthur's eyes. "Guinevere belongs in Camelot."

"It should take a day or two to find it, and draft parchment."

"Thank you, Geoffrey."

Geoffrey rushed away from Arthur's council room.

Arthur thoughts drifted towards Guinevere. Her eyes shone with love for him in the past. Now, they held contempt. He didn't know how to fix this mess. He knew that she was not leaving Camelot with his daughter. He knew Aurora was his baby. She would not deny him his daughter. She would not leave his life again. He would make amends over her banishment.

Arthur turned when he heard movement behind him.

"Sire."

Arthur smiled at Ruth as she curtseyed sweetly.

"Ruth, did you meet Aurora?" Arthur chewed on his inner lip. Merlin had to inform him of his daughter's name. Merlin told him that she was born at dawn. Merlin seemed to know everything after one day. He on the other hand knew nothing. He was fortunate that Ruth was here visting her sister. She was a perfect nurse to care for their daughter.

"Sire, she sent me away. Lady Guinevere informed me that she was leaving in a few days. My services weren't needed."

Arthur's blue eyes blazed with anger. "Ignore her."

"I wait for your orders, Sire."

"Enjoy the castle. Lady Guinevere will retain your services soon."

"As you wish."

888

Arthur tapped his fingers on his throne.

Leaving… she thinks that she can just walk out of my life with Aurora. She's my daughter. I was cruel. I was confused. I made a mistake. I forgave her for kissing Lancelot before I knew it was an enchantment. She ran away. She didn't give me a chance to explain. She can't keep me from my child.

Arthur's head lifted when a soft knock rapped on his council doors.

"Enter," he yelled.

Gwen stepped into his council room, the place of her greatest humiliation. Last night after her vivid dream of Arthur in Ealdor, she pondered his words that it was Morgana's mind trick. Poor Lancelot ripped from his eternal rest as a pawn in Morgana's twisted game. Nothing could ever be the same between them. He was right when he said everything that was cherished between them was gone.

"It's good to see that your manners haven't improved," Gwen remarked as she strolled towards Arthur with her hands clasped in front of her. "Merlin thinks that we need to speak."

"Guinevere," Arthur rose from his throne to greet her. His eyes roamed over her lovingly as the woman that haunted his thoughts strolled back into his life. His heart thumped slightly. His wanted to touch her as he whispered words of love into her ears. Those hidden feeling rose to the surface into his heart and mind.

Gwen ignored a wave of emotions as she stared into his blue eyes. She willed her heart to feel nothing for Arthur. She couldn't love him any longer. His love would be bring Aurora's doom. She ignored his outstretched hands as she stopped in the center of the room.

"Sire."

He hated when she called him "Sire." She's provoking me.

"Arthur, please… it's Arthur after everything. You called me Arthur when we made love."

"I was being used." Gwen rubbed her brow. "Thank you for clean clothing, and a place to stay. However, we aren't staying In Camelot."

Arthur clenched his jaw as he breathed deeply. She didn't even wait to exchange pleasantries. She just jumps right into an argument.

"Yes, Guinevere, the last two years have been challenging. Ruling is difficult. I hope that I'm fair and just king. I've missed you."

Gwen twisted her lips. "Well, as for my last two years, I lost my virtue to my former fiancée as he raced from his demented sister and uncle. He claimed that he loved and needed me. His eyes held forgiveness and love. So, I gave in. Then, he couldn't handle Tristan picking on him. He claimed that everything between was gone. I ruined everything. So, I left my kingdom. I met a wonderful knight named Ambrose. He clothed, fed, and took care of me. We married. I had his child. He went to spend time with his king, Melwas. Melwas sent my wonderful husband into battle, and I was left a widow with a baby. So, King Melwas claimed my child as his ward. He planned to force me into his bed. I have a wonderful daughter. Oh, yes, I'm not staying."

"Did Melwas touch you," Arthur whispered tersely.

"No, not for the lacking of trying."

Arthur hand shook in annoyance as he stomped in her direction her. "I'm sorry, Guinevere. I'm sorry that I hurt you. I'm sorry that I sent you away carrying my child. That doesn't give you the right to keep her from me."

"She's not yours," Gwen countered flatly.

""How old is she?"

Gwen's eyes widened. "She's eighteen months old."

"You've been gone for 27 months. She's mine. I can count."

" Is that a new skill? She could have come early, Arthur."

" Tread carefully, Guinevere. So, you quickly jumped into your husband's bed?"

"He was my husband." Gwen folded her arms across her chest. "That's none of your concern. Besides, did you not rush to make a marriage with the Princess Mithian from Nemeth, Arthur," she spat angrily.

Arthur blinked in dismay. "How do you know about that?'

"She came for a visit. One of her maids gossiped how she fell in love with the handsome young king of Camelot, two or almost three years. He broke her heart after a hunt in the woods. He was in love with his former fiancée, a daughter of a blacksmith. He gave her disputed lands as a peace treaty." Gwen waved her hands in dismay. "That's how I know about that, Arthur Pendragon! While I was kidnapped and held by Helios. You were having a good time! No, I am not staying in Camelot."

Arthur's emotions snapped. "You kissed Lancelot. What was I supposed to do...I forgave you . I was going to tell you that I wanted to start a life with you! You ran away from your home, friends, and family."

"My family is Aurora. My only friend is Merlin. My home is not here."

"What of Elyan?"

"He didn't even come to say goodbye. I owe him nothing."

"All of us, are full of regrets. Do we need to beg for your forgiveness?"

"You forgave me after Isolde died. It took her death for you to forgive me. Aren't I lucky? It's was just another sick plan of your sister's. You get absolved for using me that night in Ealdor. For treating me like a whore!"

"Morgana hurt all of us… you, me, and Lancelot. You're a not a whore. I don't know what made me say those things to you."

"No, your whole family hurt me, Arthur Pendragon."

"What?"

"Your father killed my father. I forgave you. I forgave you for Vivian. I forgave you for making me watch you almost marry Elena. I forgave your father ordering my death twice. I forgave your father slapping me. I cared your father after everything that he took from me. I ignored it when you walked away at Lancelot' death pyre. I did it for you! I forgave you when you said I wasn't good enough! I was not… appropriate. I forgave you," Gwen screamed harshly.

"Guinevere…"

"You couldn't forgive a kiss."

"It wasn't just a kiss. It was Lancelot. In your list of my horrible acts towards you… you forgot that I saved you and Lancelot from Hengist. I found you holding his hand."

"You broke up with me. MY father would never understand. You cast my feelings aside. I accepted your decision. I made a horrible mistake, and I allowed those feelings to grow for you. I saw a man that you could be! YOU WILL NOT HOLD HENGIST AND LANCELOT AGAINST ME!"

"So, what was I supposed to think?"

Gwen wiped away a tear. "I would have forgiven you had you kissed another. I don't have those feelings anymore. I can't do this with you again. If you have any love for me, say nothing when I will walk out of Camelot with Aurora, never to return."

"No."

"This isn't about the banishment. It's about tricking me…"

"You were willingly."

"You begged…"

"I needed you," Arthur whispered hoarsely.

"You ripped my heart out afterward. You cast me aside. You should have left me in Ealdor."

"Agravaine would have killed you."

"Now, you care!"

"I've always cared.

Gwen balled her hands into fist. "What is it about this room. Why do I have to cry and scream in here? I'm not that girl that begged you to love her and not send her away. She's gone. We have nothing left between us! I'm not asking Arthur. I'm telling you. I'm leaving!"

The sight of Gwen in such distress tore at Arthur's heart. He rushed over to gather her into his arms. He brushed her hands away as they attempted to slap him away.

"I can't lose you again. I can make this better. Give me a chance."

Gwen twisted her tear stained face away from his deep blue gaze. "No."

Arthur drew her into his arms . His mouth crashed down on Gwen's as his tongue sought entrance into her mouth. His tongue explored her mouth passionately as desire fueled his blood. Gwen's hand crept up Arthur's chest to rest on his shoulders as she melted into his arms. Her skin grew warm as she lost herself in a moment of passion. She could feel her love for Arthur spread in her soul as sensations controlled her mind. Arthur drank of her sweetness; it had been too long.

"Is everything okay, "Gwaine questioned as he walked into the Council room. Gwen jumped from Arthur's arms. She used the back of her hand to wipe her damp eyes.

"That changes nothing. I'm still leaving."

Arthur reasoned that Gwen needed to gain her composure ."We'll speak later. Don't doubt it"

'It won't change anything," Gwen muttered as she raced away.

Gwaine wanted to hug Gwen as she stomped by. He knew that Gwen wasn't the problem. Arthur was the problem in their relationship.

"Arthur, let's go to your chamber, and have a goblet of wine. We need to chat."

Arthur stood in shock as loneliness found him again. He only felt that feeling when she walked away from him.

"Come, Arthur."

888

Merlin didn't understand what was going on Aurora woke suddenly from her nap. Her screams of distress echoed around Gwen's chamber. She cried uncontrollably as she howled for her mother. Merlin couldn't calm her. Gwen ran into the chamber with tears slipping from her eyes. Aurora jumped into her mother's arms. Merlin drew both of them into his embrace as he attempted to calm them.

"It's okay," he soothed.

"No, it's not. It's never going to be okay."

"How about dinner with Gauis in my chamber. Just us and calmness."

"I don't know."

"Please. "

"Fine."

8888

Arthur sipped his wine as Gwaine regarded him coolly. He didn't know exactly how to approach the subject with Arthur. Maybe, he should just keep his big mouth shut. No, Gwen couldn't be alone in the world with a small child. She needed protection from Morgana and other evils in the world. Gwaine gathered his courage.

"Arthur, everything that has happened is your fault. The blame is entirely at your feet."

Arthur drank deeply of his wine. "I was young and foolish."

"You were young and foolish and you fell into Morgana's trap. All of this was preventable."

"How?"

"You should have taken Gwen to your bed years ago."

"What?'

"Listen to me, you have this sexual tension… desire deep in your blood for her. You can't think when she's around. She haunts you. You allowed it to build in your heart and mind. You were always so careful with her. Not to allow your passion to break free. We allowed emotion to blind us with Lancelot's return. Just before your wedding... he appeared. We share the blame…we should have realized that men don't come back from the other side of Veil."

"We made mistakes with Guinevere."

Gwaine took a sip of wine. "Take her to your bed. Brand her as your woman. Make her understand that she's yours. Get rid of the sexual tension. Then, you can speak calm with Gwen.."

"About what?"

"Her first time was horrible. You tossed her aside. You were supposed to be gentle with her… soft words... candlelight. A few days later, you were supposed to take her again, and brand her as your woman. The third time, a gentle loving to show the depths of your love. You didn't do any of it. You just left your seed to grow."

"Gwaine…"

"Seduce her and clear your mind."

"That will add to my problems with Guinevere."

"It will end your problems with Gwen when she knows that she's a part of you.

"Gwaine…"

"Think about it."

" Let's say I'm seducing Guinevere, who would be watching our daughter?"

"I will with Merlin."

"Gwaine..."

"Do you want her ?"

"Yes."

"Do it."

8888

Merlin placed a bowl of mashed peas in front of Aurora before he went back into the kitchen to finish preparing dinner. Aurora's brown eyes widened in distaste.

"No…no."

"Aurora, mama like peas."

"No eat… no… cheese."

Aurora shook her head. Gwen paced the spoon in front of her mouth. She clamped her lips shut.

'Now, Aurora, eat…"

Gwen blinked as she stared down into an empty bowl. Licking her lips, Gwen looked for the missing peas. She couldn't believe that she made them go away.

What am I thinking? Why am I here? Magic isn't allowed in Camelot. Arthur's going to murder his own daughter because she has magic. I have to get us out of here. I don't know her magic was so powerful to transport us here. How else did we get here? Why isn't Arthur questioning us about magic. I just appeared here with a baby. Nothing makes sense. Magic isn't to be discussed in Camelot.

Gwen looked around to make sure that Gauis and Merlin weren't watching them. She exhaled when she spotted Gauis and Merlin mashing apples.

8888

Gwen stroked Aurora's face a she slept on her bed. Gwen knew it was dishonest to deny Arthur his daughter.

What can I do? I don't want to hate Arthur. But, we can't be a happy little family. He will never accept Aurora. Why did I allow him to kiss me? Another mistake in connection with Arthur. I need to pack our things and leave this place.

888

Arthur observed Gwen and Aurora in his mother's gardens. Gwen brushed flowers across Aurora's tender face causing her to giggle. Arthur knew that he should be with his family enjoying so many special moments in Aurora's young life.

"Gwaine," Arthur called. "Tell Gwen that I would like to go on a picnic with her."

Gwaine frowned. "Picnic?"

"What's wrong?"

"Not good for seduction… outside… last one almost made her lose her life. You took Mithian on a picnic. Just bad, Arthur."

"Just ask her."

"Dinner, Arthur. She will join you for dinner. I'll make sure of it. You know what to do…"

Arthur nodded. 'Don't tell Merlin."

Gwen shook his shiny brown hair. "Merlin knows nothing of the ways of women."

Arthur made up his mind; he would do anything to reclaim Guinevere.

A/N: Charlie, thanks for catching my typos.