Arthur had arrived back at the clearing with no Merlin in sight. The rain was now turning into a storm. With much reluctance he decided to go back to Camelot. Merlin would clearly be in Ealdor and with an ill father; Arthur had duties he could not escape from.

The ride back to Camelot had been a nightmare. The storm had picked up with the odd clap of thunder and flash of lightning. Arthur was grateful that his horse was so experienced. Arriving back drenched he made his way to his chambers; he called for a bath and sunk himself into it. The boy who had brought him wine a few days ago offered to clean his back but Arthur declined. He didn't want anyone touching him. Secretly he knew it was because it wouldn't be Merlin touching his back, kneedling the kinks out of his muscles. Scrubbing his back clean from sweat and dirt. Merlin had always known where to touch Arthur and the thought aroused him. The arousal made him even more confused. Merlin had magic but had not been executed. Merlin had insulted him and run off but had been kissed instead of being put in the stocks. Merlin had lit a wood on fire but instead of anger, Arthur felt sorrow. Sorrow that he wouldn't have Merlin's touch again. With eyes closing, the Prince knew he needed to sleep. Perhaps the rest would ease his mind and clear his thoughts. With a heavy heart Arthur climb into his bed and prayed that sleep would come.

The prince woke by himself but knew someone else was in the room. And that that someone was not Merlin.

"Good morning brother."

"Morgana. How on earth?"

"Well, I missed you so much; I just had to see you."

"Guards, Guards."

"No one can here you Pendragon. They are asleep."

"Oh another sleeping spellMorgause, do you know of any other? Don't tell me everyone is asleep so you can take over the castle again. Yet you will fail once more."

"I don't think so. This time is different and our sister will be Queen."

"Indulge me then, considering you are about to kill me."

Morgana put on a face of mock outrage "kill my own brother? Oh no I could never do such a thing."

"Of course you will, while I'm alive no one will yield to you. Leon told me what happened last time."

"They will yield. This time Arthur, they will have no one else to yield to. You simply won't exist."

Morgause was getting impatient, time to step this up she thought.

"As much as this is fascinating dear sister, it's time for the spell. You see Arthur, we failed before as we were not wise enough, however one wider than us showed us the true way. We will cast a spell so deep, so powerful that it cannot be easily broken. Rather than killing you, you won't exist. Everyone will think Uther has but one child, his beloved daughter, Princess Morgana."

"And when my poor father dies from overwork, the people will insist that I take the crown. For there will be no one else to guide them."

"Oh really? And who is this great thinker who has shown you the way?"

"Nimueh."

Arthur shook at the name.

"You see, Nimueh is alive and well. And she has shown us the way. She learnt that normal magic would not be enough to stop your destiny."

"And now you think you have the answer?"

"Yes, for this spell will be woven in the deepest magic of all. Love."

"You don't love me Morgana, you hate me."

"Dear brother, how can you say such a thing to a loving princess? It is not my love it is bound by. It is yours. And considering no one will know who you really are then your true love will never be reunited with you. The spell will continue. All we need to do is ensure that you survive for a year. Which won't be difficult when you are in my dungeons. I could keep you as a pet."

"Speaking of which, where is Merlin?"

"He is seeing his mother in Ealdor, she is sick."

"Oh this is too good, isn't it Morgause?"

"How?" Arthur was not in the mood for more games.

"The spell covers all of the five kingdoms. Merlin, Uther, even your precious Gwen, no of them will know you."

Arthur's mind was racing; he couldn't take on the witches with conventional means. He didn't have magic either his brain said. But a small voice helpfully pointed out the ring that Merlin gave him.

"Morgana, it is time to claim your inheritance."

Morgause lifted her hand up, the air died in the room. Arthur felt as if he was falling asleep. The last movement he remembered was rubbing the ring. Hoping that they did not see.