A/N: thanks to Vuurvlieg for the lovely review :)

CHAPTER II

As evening approaches, a feeling of dread builds itself in the pit of my stomach. Dinner is over, and the knights have been dismissed. I leave the dining hall as quickly as I am able without causing any suspicion. My red cloak trailing behind me, I leave the castle inconspicuously and exit through the lower town. Once in the forest, I abandon the path and make my way into the dense undergrowth. Morgana will find me, I know that for certain.

It does not take her long.
"You seem to be quite taken with the young Pendragon King," she remarks coldly. I spin around. Morgana is dressed much the same as I last saw her, and her hair is even more tangled than ever though and she is clutching her side, no doubt where I so kindly stabbed her. I don't reply as to keep her from losing her temper. She snickers at my silence.
"No doubt you find him good and just," I hear the sarcasm piecing her voice. "A worthy king of Camelot. Well, you are wrong. He would see our kind destroyed, just as his father would. If he knew you for what you really were, you know things would be different." This comment, once again, brings back old memories. I know in my heart that she is sadly right. The sound of my voice surprises me.
"No," I interrupt, "No you're wrong."
"Oh, I'm right," she smiles. "And trust me, he will know. Soon enough he will know everything, Mordred." Is she threatening me? I would hope not, since my reveal of magic and just how powerful I am to Arthur would definitely ruin everything I had already built in Camelot.
"I don't believe that for a second, Morgana. I have Emrys on my side and I believe I can help him bring magic back to Camelot without war. Even if that is not the only reason you wish to seize Camelot from him, I truly believe that Arthur is still the greatest King Camelot has ever known." The mention of Emrys makes her face turn slightly pale.
"You know who Emrys is? Why haven't you mentioned this to me before?"

"Who he is does not concern you. It is what he is you should be worried about," I warn her darkly. Morgana laughs.

"From what I know, all Emrys is is an old man. He can not stop me, not even with you at his side." As she speaks, I don't even think she believes her own words. Her lip trembles for a moment before she steps closer. I take a step back in response. "Don't you realise that Arthur will never return magic to the kingdom? You will spend the rest of your life hiding who you are, or face exile. You must never use magic again." I must admit, her warning tempts me ever so slightly. Without magic, I don't have much to live for.

"What do you propose to do to change that?" I ask without thinking. This is obviously the wrong thing to say at the moment. Her facial expression changes drastically.

"A new ruler," she says. "One who understands your gifts, and would not punish you for them. Someone who knows the power of magic, and could wield it to build the greatest empire ever known." I know exactly where she is going with this.

"Are you suggesting yourself? You would kill Arthur to put yourself in his place on the throne of Camelot? I know you have tried this before, Morgana... the young Pendragon is strong and so is Emrys. It has nearly cost you your life, many times. Give up, Morgana. It's over." I turn to leave.

"I am not going to kill him," she catches my arm, eyes flashing dangerously. "It is not my destiny. It is your destiny, Mordred, to kill Arthur. And you can not escape destiny." With that she is gone, black cloak trailing her into the night. I am alone.

I am back in Camelot just as darkness falls. The town is eerily quiet, and the castle seems empty. As my mind turns over Morgana's words, I make a wrong turn down the hall and end up running into none other than Arthur himself.
"Forgive me, Sire." The words come out of my mouth sounding unlike myself.
"Quite alright, Mordred." The King smiles kindly. How could it be my destiny to kill this man? "How are you finding it in Camelot?" The question catches me off guard.
"It's... been quite a pleasure, My Lord. I appreciate the opportunity greatly."
"I'm glad. If you will excuse me, I have to find Merlin." And with that, I am left alone once more.