Chapter 2
Morgana gently undid the delicate gold buttons that embellished Aoife's clothes. The young girl bit her lip, holding back what she wanted to say. Once she was down to the lace petticoats, Morgana tucked her under the thick, fur blanket. Aoife finally licked her lips and spoke.
"Morgause doesn't like me." It wasn't a question.
Morgana hesitated before replying, "Morgause has always been very cautious, and she has good reason to be. Just give her some time, I promise she'll like you eventually."
Aoife smiled at Morgana, who was suddenly overwhelmed by the feeling that her heart was expanding to ten times its size. It reminded her of the way she used to care for Mordred, only even more intense. Could she already be feeling this much love for someone she barely knew?
*
Morgause stood on the partially ruined balcony, gazing out at the beautiful light display created by the forest fairies. It was so beautiful; she still wasn't used to it.
"I still can't get over how wonderful this place is."
Morgause jumped as Morgana appeared behind her, and turned to glare at her sister. Morgana ignored this and stood at the edge of the balcony.
"Aoife would love this. I'll have to keep her up late tomorrow night," sighed Morgana.
"If she doesn't do away with us all."
Morgana stared at her sister in anger. "Oh, for the love of Camelot! She's a child, not a murderer. I wish you'd stop being so paranoid and give her a chance."
Morgause ignored Morgana and turned back to the forest. Her face was hidden by the long, fair curls that cascaded down her shoulders.
"Morgana, you've only just met this child, but already you are prepared to argue for her. Isn't it all just a bit strange?" It sounded as though Morgause was crying.
Morgana was a little taken aback. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out as she tried to find an answer. Instead, she sighed and returned to her bedroom, where Aoife was now asleep. Morgause's last words echoed in her head as she undressed and pulled the spare blanket to the corner furthest from the window. Admittedly, it was a little strange. But how dangerous could one little girl be?
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
Morgause gently brushed her silky curls as she gazed out the window. Here, her tears could flow freely, away from Morgana's cold glare.
Morgana would never have chosen this life, it was true. Morgause knew she longed to be back in Camelot with her friends, living a normal life. But she had never acted this way before. She always listened to Morgause.
Aoife was dangerous; there was no doubt about it. She now had control of Morgana and could make her do anything. There was only one solution.
Morgause hesitated as she unsheathed the silver knife she kept in her drawers. Its thick handle was encrusted with sparkling sapphires and glistening gems. She clutched it tight in her pale hands as she made her way down the hallway, towards Morgana's room.