Morgana embraced Gwen, it was good to see her friend again after so long, she had been sorely missed. Gwen seemed to have forgotten her reluctance around Morgana since the kiss. Perhaps enough time had passed?

Gaius came to see her and asked questions about how she had been healed. Morgana was vague with her replies. She had truly lost all respect for Gaius. He knew so much and did so little. He had known she had magic, people on The Isle said he used to dabble himself. His solution had been lies and doping her up, lest she know the truth. She had a right to know about her own body and given the situation it had been exceedingly dangerous not to tell her.

Seeing Merlin for the first time was hard. She thought she'd feel afraid, but when she had first laid eyes on him, now that he knew that she knew what he'd done, standing on the bank with the two horses, Morgana felt her muscles pull taut. She wanted to hit him, to yell. She comprehended immediately that Merlin had said nothing of poisoning her, which meant she had leverage against him, well two significant pieces of information anyway, but she wouldn't be telling Arthur anything yet.

Morgana had a bath, she soaked for as long as she could stand. She was conscious of the fact that she was stringing it out to delay her first interaction with Uther. She'd had a long time to prepare for this moment though, she just had to get through it.

This will be the last time.

Morgana had been practicing clearing her mind, concentration and ways to reinforce thoughts that calmed her. Ninianne had been teaching her for the past half a year. The High Priestess had told Morgana very early in her time on The Isle that her rage tended to blind her. That she would need to learn how to conceal what she felt. To think through her actions with the consideration of what would take the cause forward. Morgana had her moments when she forgot herself and reacted rashly on instinct. But, she was getting better. She never could have even attempted this before.

Morgana turned her thoughts to her last day of freedom. She had a tear-filled good bye with Mordred last evening. It was the first time she'd seen him cry. She kissed him and held him and made promises that they would be together again soon. And she fully intended to realize those promises, she knew what she had to do. Morgana and Mordred were incredibly close. His own short life had been so tragic. He had no memory of his mother or father. He had grown up with a stern old man who was raising him begrudgingly. When the old man died suddenly, Mordred was only six. He had tried his best to fend for himself. A druid man came to collect him, saying that he had been told to foster Mordred, and teach him to use his magic. Mordred didn't know how they knew, but the druids were right. He had liked living at the druid commune. Everyone was kind, and wise, and taught him many important things. But again, they had lived with the constant threat of discovery and he was never anyone's child, just an apprentice. When he had first told Morgana, she had held him to her chest, and cried for him, for what he'd been through. Mordred didn't cry though, he'd never known anything else. Morgana had resolved to show him a parent's love from that moment on, and she had been. Mordred seemed happier, more carefree. With her looking out for him meant he didn't always have to be so guarded and grown up all the time. Since The Isle was an island, they would go riding in any direction and end up at the water's edge, then spend most of a day talking, skimming rocks, looking at birds, whatever he wanted. Mordred never stopped amazing her with his abilities. Morgause and Alvarr were teaching him swordplay, battle tactics, archery. Morgana taught him riding, since that was her most expert skill.

Mordred said a strange thing to her in parting, "Don't tell Merlin I'm on The Isle with you, or that you've seen me at all."

"If you would like," She answered without consideration before adding, "But why does it matter?"

Mordred was calm as he explained, "Merlin believes there's a prophecy that an alliance between you and I will bring down Arthur, and Merlin always acts to protect Arthur."

Useful to know. Where on earth did Merlin hear that prophecy? She had just spent a year on The Isle with the best seers in the land. No one on The Isle had ever uttered a word of that to her. As much as Arthur made her so mad sometimes, she truly believed he was better than Uther.

Mordred also warned her not to underestimate Merlin. Morgana remembered how he had poisoned her, she wasn't likely to forget. She wondered just how powerful a sorcerer he could really be though? With no proper training for his gifts? Ninianne had studied her whole life and she was over sixty, surely, he would be no match for even Morgause. But she had promised to be weary. And Morgana kept her promises.

It was Arthur she was worried about. He'd given so little, it was disappointing. And then that question about her being in love, she hadn't seen that coming. She couldn't decide what Arthur would think was worse, her being in love with a sorcerer, her own sibling or a woman?

She chose her most innocent looking dress. Uther liked her in white, hair out. And then her handkerchief, she couldn't forget that.


Uther was in his room writing at his desk. Arthur entered.

"I thought I told you to stay in your chambers until I…"

"I rescued Morgana," Arthur lied before pausing to allow the enormity of his words sink in, "She is here and safe, Father."

Uther stopped what he was doing and looked at his son intently, for signs this was true and serious.

Uther couldn't believe it, "Where is she? I want to see her."

"She's with Gaius, give her a chance to rest."

Father was impatient, "But she's… unharmed?" He was afraid to hear the answer.

"She's completely fine."

"How?"

Arthur had rehearsed the tale in his head, "There was a dissenter in Morgause's camp who told me where to find them, I crept in unnoticed in and rescued Morgana without alerting anyone, we got away without a fight."

"Unbelievable!" Uther was shocked.

Yes, it is unbelievable!

Arthur hated to deceive anyone, especially his father, but this lie was kindness.

"There will be no need for any more searches, the law regarding aiding sorcerers must be abolished, and let's forget about preparations for war against Morgause."

"Are you mad?" Uther asked, "You know where her camp is, we should send the knights this instant!"

"They will already have moved on by now Father. We have Morgana back. Let it go."

"You are speaking to your king," Father reminded him.

Arthur was ready, "You are speaking to the person who saved Morgana, be satisfied."

Arthur walked out, despite Uther wanting to ask more questions.


Merlin had managed to get as many details out of Arthur as possible. He relayed the information to Gaius as they ate lunch at the wooden table in their shared chambers. Basically, there's a whole island in the middle of those mists that can't be reached without magic.

"The Isle of Mists," Gaius nodded, "I heard about it, but I've never been there."

Merlin recounted his disbelief, "I went up and down in every direction, it was just air."

"Highly secret magics are used to keep The Isle away from the realms of men," Gaius said, "It can't be breached without the spell, and few know it."

"How powerful are they?"

Gaius didn't know. He was more intrigued by the content of the deal, "And all they wanted was for Arthur to swear to lift the ban on magic when he becomes king?"

Merlin confirmed.

Gaius continued to imply his surprise, "But Arthur didn't even promise that, and Morgana was allowed to return with him?"

Merlin shrugged, "That's what he said. What are they up to?"

Gaius seemed nervous, "I've got no idea, Merlin."


Uther was on the throne listening to Sir Leon read, what by the looks of it, must have been a boring report. She began walking towards them. Then he spotted her. The king looked positively giddy. He was out of his chair and striding over. She picked up the pace too, lest Morgana not look eager enough. They embraced. Her cheek up against his, he held her too tightly and for a long while, his hands roamed her back. He pulled back to gaze on her face as he liked to do. He had tears in his eyes. She was ready and dabbed the moisture off his cheeks with her handkerchief.

He held both her hands in his, "I… I… there are no words," He shook his head, his smile was as overjoyed as she'd ever seen him. He held her in close again, pulling her bosom into his chest. She could feel the bulge in his breeches as it pressed into her hip. He caressed her cheek. Morgana feigned her longing to be in his arms again.

How does anyone think I am just his ward at this point?

"Out! Everyone out!" Uther suddenly ordered.

The room was mostly empty anyway, the benches had already been moved out as court wasn't to be held today. Knights, guards, maids, all kept their eyes low and moved swiftly to the end doors.

Now, they were completely alone. This was what Morgana had been dreading.

No sooner had the lone escape route been barred by the guards from the outside, Uther couldn't control himself any longer.

"I've missed you."

His hand that had been caressing her cheek, brought her face to his. He had so much pent up sexual desire. His tongue was savaging her mouth. His arms surrounded her waist and hoisted her up. Morgana wrapped her legs around his hips. He carried her over to the throne continuing to maul her as he went. He let her regain her footing, next to the ugly wooden chair. Morgana wasn't entirely sure what he had planned for her. His hands bunched the dress up from her waist until he could reach the hem. He raised the material up until she was bottom-half naked. He took a moment to look upon her form with that hungry, wild look that he got. Then Uther spun her around, she was facing the side of the throne and he bent her over. His sudden actions were quite a shock. She steadied herself by holding onto the throne's armrest.

Now Morgana couldn't even see what was happening. It was more distressing than even she had imagined, and she'd been picturing many varied and horrible scenarios. Her stomach was churning as she waited in anticipation of the pain. She felt Uther pressed up against her bare cheeks and could hear him unlacing his breeches. He took her as a hound takes a bitch. He buried himself in her to the hilt. Her flesh felt the burn of being penetrated when unprepared.

Get control of your anger.

Ninianne must have schooled her hundreds of times. Ninianne had Morgana focus on a scenario that helped to make her calm. She preferred to visualize her stabbing Uther repeatedly.

See how you like it! It did help.

Uther was thrusting so hard, tears came to her eyes and Morgana felt she might pass out. He couldn't control himself, he exploded into her only a short time later. She was grateful that his 'welcome home' was over quickly, at least. Uther seemed to regain some semblance of humanity after that. As if he'd forgotten she was an actual person and not just a sheath for his sword. He placed his hands on her shoulders in order to turn her to face him. He was now looking at the floor.

Once he had caught his breath he said, "I didn't mean to be so rough, you're just so… and I was… terrified I would never see you again…"

Morgana didn't say anything to that. But extended her hand to caress his cheek lightly. Morgana had learned from Ninianne that her voice tended to betray her when angry. Uther was so relieved by that simple gesture. Which only made her hate him more. He lifted her arms up and then peeled the dress off over her head. He took the time to admire her bust before beginning to squeeze her breasts with too much pressure for her liking. She did nothing. Then Uther sat down on his throne and patted his lap for her to come and sit. Which she did. One hand went between her legs, and she felt two fingers enter her. She was still sore. The other hand pinched her nipple. He kissed her neck.

"I've missed you so much," He spoke between kisses, "Morgause will burn for this, I promise you."

Morgana tensed, "Morgause didn't harm me," She decided to admit, "I was almost dead, she took me away to heal me."

"What happened?" Uther asked.

Merlin poisoned me!

"I don't know, I couldn't breathe, then I collapsed."

"Morgause used her sorcery to make you ill," Uther stated with confidence, "Then convinced you she saved your life," Uther summarized the version of events he was most comfortable with.

"No…" Morgana wanted to further defend her lover but was cut off by Uther's mouth swallowing her words.

Once it was on his terms again, he said, "Let's not disagree, I'm so glad you are home and safe."

He was now being gentle and comforting or as much as Uther was capable. She feigned her enjoyment at his touch.

He was done with her eventually. She thanked him, repeated that she had also missed him and was glad to be back. He kissed her good bye and she had gone back to her chambers. Morgana didn't think her performance was that convincing she was stiff from holding in all her rage, but Uther was so besotted with her, he saw nothing.

There was to be a banquet in her honor tomorrow night. She had a planned meeting with Morgause tonight.

The worst is behind me now.

She requested another bath. If Gwen thought her demanding for requesting two baths on the same day, she said nothing. Morgana wouldn't need to go to Gaius for more moon tea anymore since she knew how it make it herself.

Morgana began to remember the night before, when she was back on The Isle and safe. After Mordred had fallen asleep with her in her room in the healers' house, she had slipped out to see Morgause. They had stayed up almost all-night making love.

Everything between her and Morgause was so different to what she experienced with Uther. Morgause could be rough when she wanted to be, demanding, sometimes she would whisper the dirtiest things Morgana had ever heard into her ear while they were going at it. But Morgana always knew that a single word from her that she didn't like what they were doing, and she knew for a certainty that Morgause would stop. Trust made their love better, because it allowed Morgana to relax, to truly enjoy herself and let go.

Morgause had been the first person Morgana had told about her secret, voluntarily. Mordred had read her mind. It was a few weeks after Morgana had been let out of her sick bed. She had been having terrible nightmares, linked to anxiety and Merlin and being poisoned, not prophetic visions. She and Morgause had resumed kissing and learning about one another but hadn't made love again yet. Morgana was eager to learn how to please Morgause the way she had pleased her. They ended up talking about their first time together in the woods.

Morgana had made an off-hand remark, "I never knew sex could feel so good, until I met you."

Morgause smirked, "Well, tell… whoever you used to be with, how to do it so it feels good!"

Morgana knew she sounded bitter, "Trust me, he never listened."

Maybe it was how Morgana said it, or maybe her face gave too much away, but Morgause looked troubled, "Who've you been having relations with?"

And Morgana fell silent, she was scared to reveal the truth of what Uther had done to her.

"You don't have to tell me anything," Morgause immediately became sincere and comforting, "But, I hope no one made you do anything you didn't want to."

The way Morgause looked at her, a combination of pity and curiosity. Morgana pressed her lips together in a way that made them disappear and her eyes fixed on the ground. She felt ashamed. Morgause would have killed Uther if he had done that to her. She wouldn't have just put up with it. Morgause didn't push, for which Morgana was eternally grateful. Her sister just let Morgana know that whenever she did want to talk, she would be there, and she wouldn't judge, no matter what.

Morgana told Morgause that she loved her that night and they had relations for the first time since the woods. Morgana finally saw Morgause naked and got to touch her body in a way that excited her. Morgana had envisaged their first time in her mind so many times now, which helped her try to emulate what Morgause had done to her. The gentle kisses, the slow touching, the teasing, the way she had set her nerves on fire, how Morgause had stimulated her most sensitive places which had been overwhelming. It was still all new to Morgana, and so had it had its moments of awkwardness, and shyness on her part, but overall Morgause was pleased and returned the favor and they had slept all night in one another's arms.

It was another moon turn before Morgana had opened up. It was afternoon and Morgause had come from training future fighters and was wearing mail and her sword belt. Morgause liked to play games or make believe sometimes to keep their lovemaking exciting. Sometimes she would pretend to be a big strong knight who had saved a princess, and they would make love in character. They were alone along the bank, being given privacy by a circle of willow trees. They liked to come to this spot because of the beautiful nature and seclusion. Morgause had unsheathed her sword and thrust it into the ground. She was putting on a very demanding, manly persona and wanted Morgana to pleasure her, which Morgana had done from her knees. Once Morgause had been satisfied she had suddenly pushed Morgana flat on her back and aggressively pinned her to the ground by straddling her and pulling up her dress in a hurry to penetrate her with some hard object. The handle of a dagger? Morgana couldn't remember exactly. Morgause wasn't usually rough like this but Morgana was still working out what she, herself, liked. The whole scenario was off putting to Morgana, though she couldn't place why. She had smelled Morgause's sweat, which had led to her moving her face to the side in avoidance where she caught sight of the sword sticking out of the earth and it all came back to her. Her father's cairn, Tauren's death, Uther's promises, him forcing himself on her, the sword in the ground, his sword penetrating her.

Morgana screamed "Stop!" the way she repeatedly wished she had done that day.

Morgause didn't know what had gone wrong, but complied quickly, getting off her. Morgana sat up to catch her breath and then she just started to cry, uncontrollable sobs. Morgause waited before very slowly approaching her offering a hug. Morgana accepted the comfort and kept bawling into Morgause's mailed shoulder.

She finally talked about that first time Uther forced himself on her. The shock of it all, how much it hurt, the shame, the forced secrecy. Worrying about pregnancy, what it meant, if he would do it again. It poured out of her. The visions of fucking Uther that repulsed her when awake but aroused her in sleep in a way that was very confusing. Morgana elected to leave out that she had come to understand that she was seeing her mother's memories. She didn't want to tarnish Vivienne in Morgause's eyes. She didn't want to lie, but Vivienne was the closest thing her sister had ever had to a mother, and there was no reason to mention it.

Morgana told of how she had run off to the druids when she realized she had magic and how Uther had come to her the night she had returned. After Uther had married a troll and had the castle laughing at him, he came to her every night for a week to prove himself manly. How when she had stood up to him and he had locked her in her chambers for a month. She told the truth of how she had gone to Uther when Gwen was abducted to force him to send more men to rescue her, how she had deliberately sexually manipulated him. Though, Morgana didn't explain that the fight was over the affair or that she had tried to glamour Vivienne.

Morgana explicated between bouts of weeping that she had never felt safe. That Uther had begun to describe his attraction to her as Morgana's fault. That she had bewitched him. He couldn't live without her. He was ashamed to want her like he did.

Morgause listened in silence as she often did and had comforted Morgana. Morgause said that Uther had abused her, he had been a guardian to her since she was ten and should never have taken advantage of her in this way. That he was singularly responsible for his actions. That the power imbalance between them was inexcusable. He was a king and she, his dependent, and terrified due to her having magic. Morgana had never really processed just how much she had been through. At the time it had just been a matter of survival each and every day, of her doing whatever she could to protect herself.

Morgause's mind worked so wonderfully differently to Morgana's. Her sister encouraged Morgana to speak of her ordeal to Ninianne in a private meeting with only the three of them. What Morgause had seen instantly was useful information about Uther, specifically his weaknesses. How he could be outwitted, all in the service of plotting to bring him down.

Morgana struggled in the immediate aftermath, her desire for sex, even with Morgause whom she loved, had dissipated. It would be months before they would touch each other again in that way. Morgause remained her best friend and confidante who supported her through all of it though. Morgana did eventually begin to feel lighter.


Morgana was able to leave the castle undetected at midnight. It was a risk, but Uther was unlikely to want more again so soon. She wore her purple velvet cloak that covered her and concealed her face easily. Mordred and Morgause had already figured out what routes the guards walked and when so there wouldn't be too many surprises. Lila had slipped out around the same time and saddled Moonlight for her. Morgana needed to get to a cave north west of Camelot, it was a good two-hour ride and she would be making the journey at night. All of which gave her little time to get back before the castle servants were up and at their duties. Morgause said the location was important though so there was nothing to be done.

She made better time than she expected guided by the silver half-moon in the sky. There were two of The Isle's sworn protectors at the mouth of the cavern. Morgana knew both of them by sight and they let her pass. Her sister was standing over a bubbling cauldron.

"Sister," Morgause was pleased, they kissed in greeting.

It had only been a day, and yet Morgana's feelings of helplessness and constant anxiety were back. She didn't want to live like that, and had to keep reminding herself it was only temporary.

Morgause got straight down to the purpose, "How has your sudden return been received?"

"Uther didn't care too much where I've been," Morgana had an air of indifference, "Arthur lied to him about the circumstances."

"That's good," Morgause always thinking, always plotting, worked out their next steps, "The more Arthur moves from Uther the better."

Morgana reported, "There's tension in their relationship but nowhere near enough rebellion from Arthur."

"Does Arthur trust you?" This was Morgause's very important question.

"I think so."

Morgause was processing everything, "Did he say much after the visit to The Isle?"

"He wanted to know more about how magic works and exactly what the religion is, which I guess is progress," Morgana mocked, "But he didn't understand much, I tried to explain."

Morgause nodded, "His mind is rather closed, for now anyway."

Morgana displayed her vexation, "I tried to warn him that Uther's time was near, he practically laughed in my face."

Morgause was thoughtful, "Maybe it is better this way, when you are proven right, it might shock him into… a grudging respect shall we say?" She had a devious look on her face now.

Morgause had her cauldron bubbling and had prepared everything else in advance. She just needed the handkerchief with Uther's tears on it, which Morgana happily supplied.

Morgana didn't know much of this spell. Morgause explained that the mandrake root has many special properties and only grows on this mountain, the fresher it is when put into the memory release potion, the more effective it is.

The substance in the cauldron was thick and almost black. When the mandrake root was dropped in it sank immediately and Morgana winced as she heard a scream in her ears. Morgause was impressed, hearing the cries of the mandrake root, her sister informed her, was a sign of magic. The root needed to simmer awhile so they kept talking. Morgana reported Uther's idea of welcoming her back. Morgause looked so positively enraged, Morgana realized she shouldn't have gone into so much detail.

Morgause knew what she was thinking, "Never hide the truth from me. Don't carry this burden alone."

Morgana had smiled sadly and nodded.

Morgause squeezed Morgana's arm to soothe her, "It just motivates me more to see him fall."

Morgana thought back to what Mordred had said.

"If magical people can hear the cry of the mandrake root, won't Merlin be a problem?"

Morgause had forgotten that, and thought for a while before nodding, "He could ruin all of our plans." She began to tap her side absently, "Could you kill him?"

"I'm not sure how powerful he is," Morgana didn't hate that idea, Merlin had poisoned her after all. "He's one of us though."

Morgause turned cold, "That boy is not one of us!" She was adamant, "When he could have let Uther die, he chose to kill you instead, and he knew you have magic."

"So, he's a traitor?"

Morgause's nostrils flared as she spoke, "He's not one of us, make no mistake, Morgana."

Morgana wasn't decided on her feelings towards Merlin, he had helped her a number of times. He seemed like he cared and was just trying to do what he thought was best. Mordred said he protected Arthur, and had saved his life numerous times, that had to be worth something. He had also concealed that he had magic when she felt desperately alone and terrified.

Morgana wasn't ready for that drastic a shift from the plan, "But anyway, he's Arthur's puppy."

Morgause conceded, "And we don't want Arthur to lose his loyal dog, not right now, anyway," She waved her hand to show an end to the discussion, "Leave it with me for now."

"The mandrake root is like none other," Morgause proclaimed proudly, "It reveals the truth, the deep dark secrets that people conceal, that they tried to hide or lock away in their minds out of guilt or shame, the mandrake unlocks all, brings it to the surface with a vengeance."

"I thought Uther would lose his mind?" Morgana inquired.

"It depends on how bad King Uther feels when confronted with what he has done," Morgause smirked, self satisfied, "As to how much the truth will haunt him."

The blonde began to chant over the cauldron in a language Morgana was still only learning, she understood some of the words.

Morgause used a special stick to remove the mandrake from the thick oozing substance and it was dripping everywhere.

"I think I will be leaving a trail from here to Camelot," Morgana's spoke as if in jest, but her concern was real.

Morgause was unimpressed, "A little respect, Sister, it's not my first time!" Morgause produced a wine skin to put the root in.

Morgana smiled sheepishly, "I'm sorry I doubted you."

"You're forgiven," Morgause grinned.

Morgana looked longingly at Morgause, wishing she had more time to spend with her, but duty called. Morgana turned to leave but felt Morgause tug on her arm. Morgana turned and Morgause captured her lips, expressing a hunger and desperation she was feeling. Morgana noted how unlike Morgause it was, who was usually so restrained and collected. Morgana knew that while it couldn't be helped, this plan put her at risk, and that Morgause hated being unable to be by Morgana's side to protect her.

Morgana surprised herself by clinging to her sister's form so tightly she felt she'd never let go. She knew she had to break herself away or the sunrise would beat her back to Camelot. Morgause eventually put an end to the kiss by retreating, holding Morgana in front of her a moment to fix her hair and straighten her hood.

"Best be off," Was all Morgause said in parting and turned abruptly to resume her work.

Morgana rode back swiftly and made it before first light. Lila met her at the only unguarded gate to get Moonlight back to the stables without anyone knowing. Morgana crept into Uther's chambers and hung the root under his bed. He looked so peaceful as he slept blissfully ignorant of so much. She finally slipped back into her own bed just as dawn was breaking. She slept soundly until midday with dreams of Uther's downfall.