In an instance, Morgana knew her father was hiding something from her. Uther could never hide guilt or unease from her sharp green gaze. She enjoyed behind the voice in Uther's mind that forced him to do the right thing. He shifted in his throne uncomfortably all while playing with its golden tassels on its fancy crimson drapes and running his hand through his thinning hair.
"Father, what troubles your mind?"
Sadly, Uther smiled at Morgana, his heart clenched for the love he held for his only daughter, remorse consuming him. Morgana was stubborn and passionate in contrast Arthur belonged to Igraine, fair and compassionate. Morgana made him feel special; she forced him to think about his actions. She wanted him to be a better king. She forced Arthur to come into his own to grow into a man with sets of his convictions. His son would be a better king than Uther would one day because Morgana was his sister.
How can I tell her that I am weak as a man, king, and most of all a father. I allowed Merlin Emrys to waltz into my kingdom, and make demands. At first, it seemed like a lovely idea. Morgana would leave my kingdom, giving me peace. Then, my heart shattered when I realized he took my child and there is nothing to stop him. My daughter will be an offering to please the Druid King.
Uther rubbed his eyes in defeat. "I love you, Morgana. I don't say it enough to my family. I do love you. Please forgive my weakness."
Morgana rushed forward to gather Uther's hands within her warm palms. "Father, what is wrong?'
"You're to be married."
Morgana dropped Uther's hands as her face questioning what she heard.
"Pardon me, Father?" Morgan exclaimed as shock raced through her mind.
"Yes, Merlin consulted the stars. You are destined to be his bride."
Morgana kissed Uther's cheek. "He's mistaken, Father. I'll fix this."
"He was quite sure of himself."
"So am I."
Morgana rushed to her mother's rose gardens, its flowers soothed her thoughts, cleared her mind when she faced troubled times. In Morgana's mind, her pending marriage to Merlin was troublesome. Morgana didn't have the desire to be the Queen of the Druids. She had planned to marry a random knight, and act as Arthur's chief advisor. She needed to guide Gwen in the murky ponds of Camelot's Court. Gwen was not ready to live without protection. Morgana's lip curled in disgust.
"He's skinny. His face is much too angular. His ears are big. He's arrogant and controlling. How dare he attempt to steal me from my home?" Morgana shrieked into the hot and blinding sunlight.
Trudging the gardens dark pond, Morgana through her favorite golden ball into it, ripples floated across the pond, reflecting her intense anger at the thought of Merlin controlling her life.
Realizing consequences of her action, she sighed. "How am I going to get my ball?"
"You can't retrieve a ball from a pond? I thought you were a powerful witch. Am I wrong?"
Morgana dark hair whipped around her face like a cape hiding her beauty. Her nostrils flared at his nerve and causal disregard for her privacy.
"This is my mother's garden. You should-"
"Should I find Queen Igraine, and ask her permission to smell her perfectly tended red roses? Or toss a ball like a spoiled child? This is beneath you."
Morgana clenched her fist as she stomped in Merlin's direction. "Merlin Emrys, King of the Druids, how do you know what's beneath me. You know nothing of me," Morgana spat angrily as her fist rose towards his face.
Merlin grabbed her wrist, and yanked Morgana into his arms. Her eyes widened when she realized that his body was hard like steel. "I know everything about you, Morgana. I know your likes and your dislikes. I know your dreams. I know what keeps you awake at night. I saw it all in your wide green eyes."
Morgana ripped her eyes from his blue gaze. "You know nothing."
"Why are you afraid?"
"I fear nothing."
"Except yourself."
"Hush."
"You will grow into yourself as my wife."
"I won't marry you."
Merlin released Morgana gently. "Fine, could you please tell Gwen to pack her belongings. We leave at first light."
Blinking, Morgana stared at Merlin like he was a ghost. "What do you mean?"
"If you don't agree to my proposal, I will end Gwen's marriage to your brother. Camelot will not prosper after Arthur loses Guinevere. My sister will die a slow painful fairy's death. Albion will be torn apart by war. Because you are selfish."
"You cannot do this! She's your sister."
Merlin smirked at his intended wife. "I can do anything that I want. Make a choice."
"What choice!"
"Watch your tongue."
Morgana brushed past Merlin as she raced out of the gardens. "Watch you back, almost husband."
Rich laughter coated her skin as Merlin laughed at her anger. "I plan to watch it every day with you."
A/N: sorry for the delay! School fell apart!
