Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin. It belongs to BBC.

I thank everybody that keeps track of this humble story and find in your hearts the goodness to appreciate it. My sincere thanks!

To larasmith – no, Arthur wasn't the only one that could calm her, Gaius could too! In my headcanon Gwen wasn't Morgana's maid as soon as she moved to Camelot, so that explains Gaius's thoughts about Morgana's arrival. The bracelet had an emotional meaning for Morgana, I think that's clear during the series. So, I just wanted to show that she has lost everything that comforted her, so she goes to the only place that she felt any familiarity with, in the absence of people she could rely on. Well, abusive parents can influence (and most of the times do so) in their children's personality. I think that Arthur's pratness was just his way of managing all his father's expectations, he had to make people miserable in order to feel better (like any normal bully). I also think that Uther might have encouraged part of the prattish behavior too and Morgana didn't have a say many times, as Arthur spent more time apart from her fulfilling his duties. About what Morgana will do to Arthur and Gwen, guess you'll have to keep reading this fic to know.

Morgana's love life will remain a secret … for some chapters! (I hope that you no longer want her dead)

To ladygoddess8 – Yeah, in theory Morgana was in a better position than Merlin, always were, but she didn't know that back in season 2. All she knew was that Uther had already told her that he wouldn't hesitate in breaking his promise to Gorlois if she stepped out of the line again (episode 1x08). So, she wasn't sure (I think before-death-Uther wouldn't burn her to the stake nor kill her, more like try to "cure" Morgana of her magic, but it's just my personal opinion). We know that Merlin had his mentors telling him not to say the truth, but that also means that he didn't trust her enough, neither was sufficiently brave to question her about her true loyalties, he preferred to just believe in the dragon's words (and I think Kilgarrah is a villain in the story, only one that is clever enough to manipulate the protagonist, but that's just my theory) and kill her. It pained him and it was his biggest regret in life (just see his final words to Morgana), but in the end he didn't take the risk, even though it was a painful choice, he went through the easier way – that was poisoning her. He wanted her dead and didn't even had the guts to do the deed himself, he just watched (while saving Uther!) when the knight attacked Morgana, that was extremely coward.

Seriously, there were so many times he didn't listen to them (Gaius and the dragon) why not just this time too? I think that the Dragon was saying the "prophecy" parts when Merlin's actions could actually settle this or that fate. He said that Morgana was dangerous and that influenced Merlin to be suspicious of her and keeping her in the dark. It's like in those greek tragedies. Part of the "fate" thing happens because someone (not the one that will do the bad thing) tries to avoid the fate and that action actually makes that horrible future happen, like in the Oedipus myth or when Merlin saw those visions at the crystal cave (3x05).

To Riy: thanks for the review. Now Morgana wants to be less emo. In this chapter she didn't even cry once! Yeah, Morgause's destiny will only be known at the next chapter though.

Chapter 10

At Camelot

Two days after Morgana's coronation

Morgana woke up, still in the white dress she wore during the previous day. When both sorceresses where accessing the Crystal of Neahtid's power – in fact only her, which lead to the discovery of another betrayal on her list, probably the most significant of them all – none had thought about getting ready for bed, even if it was already getting late. Maybe because witches function better after midnight, she thought sarcastically.

She rubbed her eyes, trying to fully awake. She was so tired last night that not even a single vision disturbed her slumber, even without any sleep-induce methods. Oh, guess I found a permanent manner to ensure a peaceful sleep – I just have to be emotionally battered every single day. Great!. She thought again.

Standing up, the young queen traced a plan of action for the day: first she had to get back to her chambers, even though she didn't want it, to get ready for the day and place that thing in a secure place until she could think about the best way to get rid of it and its effects. Maybe she had to talk to Gaius again, and that idea got her cranky. After what she told him, run for his help at the first sign of trouble definitely showed how weak and immature she was, exactly what he had called her, a child. No, she would find a solution for her own problems, she would no longer be a dependent naïve girl, waiting for her savior to rescue her. The last time she has shown such fragility her opportunistic sister saw the perfect chance to exploit her, mold her into a mindless bloodthirsty beast, whose sole purpose in life was to seek revenge – regardless if it was a just cause or an insane, hate induced quest like Uther's.

No, refusing to accept other's views about herself meant that she had to face her demons, without anyone assistance. She owed it to her subjects, she owed it to all magic users, everyone that was persecuted just for how they were born. Her life wasn't only her own, her duties came before her personal wishes. And her most important obligation was to provide a safe haven, a place where everybody could be free and unafraid of injustice, a kingdom unrestrained by believes, and punishments for disagreeing with those notions, that imprisoned its citizens into a life of misery. That's what she thought, before she discovered her magic and the fear of persecution almost consumed every fiber of her being. Previously, she was brave, valiant, didn't doubt herself constantly, wouldn't think twice before helping someone in need.

Maybe I'm only a shadow of that girl and after everything that happened I can never go back. I guess that I'll do what it is truly right – not what Morgause manipulated me into believing that was correct – but this time deal with the consequences, all of them. That's probably what growing up means. That and providing happiness to those around me while dragging my bitter heart alongside. She thought to herself.

Sighing, Morgana left her brother's room and directed herself to her own chambers, stopping hesitantly in front of the door. She noticed that a maidservant was also there, with a tray of food and a confused expression, gazing at the queen, but apparently too afraid to actually move at all. Sighing again, the seer told the young scared looking red-haired woman:

"You must be a new servant, right? What is your name?"

The red-haired woman bowed before answering:

"Sefa, your Highness."

Morgana smiled weakly at the other woman and continued:

"Sefa, I won't have breakfast in my chambers. I'd like you to place that tray in another room and also prepare a bath there. When you're finished, come back here to call me, right? I'll pass more instructions then."

"Yes, m'lady." She bowed again and was already turning to leave, when she stopped and asked:

"Is there a room of your preference, your Highness?"

"No, Sefa. But I think that the third guest room shall suffice." Morgana replied.

The servant bowed once more and left.

The queen took a deep breath and dispelled the enchantment that kept the room locked, entering and magically locking the door again. She didn't want to be interrupted.

Her bed was a mess. There were scattered pillows, bloodstained sheets and pillows (the ones she used to stop her nasal and auricular bleeding) and perhaps a burnt mark in the mattress – fortunately nothing that actually provoked a fire.

She reckoned the room to find Morgause's bracelet. When she located it, she went to her vanity, picked a jewel box, emptied its contents in a drawer and, taking a random scarf, enveloped the magical artifact in the cloth, placing it inside of the small box. Then, she chanted "Hæftinge" and it closed.

She wasn't sure of what to do with it. Certainly, she needed to better inspect the spell's depth and influence, but touching that thing wasn't an option, yet it was necessary to determine the full extents of the bracelet's effects. She needed another magic user, one that she could trust that task to, and preferably one that had lots of knowledge regarding magic artifacts.

The first name to come to her mind was Gaius's, but she couldn't exactly trust him, not after all the lies he told her. Then, she came up with an idea. Morgause was exchanging correspondence with other priests, sorcerers, healers, druids, witches and warlocks. It was plausible that at least one of those wouldn't follow the same procedures of her sibling, nor the same believes. So maybe, she could employ their services for either know the true dimension of her sister treachery and, depending of that, commission a counter spell or something similar, that could get her totally rid from the burning rage that consumed her.

That was it. She was going to search Morgause's possessions for every little thing that could be useful and use it to her own cause.

Then, Morgana started choosing a new gown for the day, along with the jewelry and make-up to match her outfit. Also, she decided to empty her cupboard, as she would move her belongings to another room, and resolving to use it as an additional container for the cursed bracelet.

So, when Sefa finally knocked on her door and Morgana dispelled the locking enchantment, opening the door, the poor young maid was presented to a war zone. Her queen's chamber had a bloodied bed, with some burnt marks, clothing spread on top of chairs, table and vanity – which, by the way, also had its content scattered, as her ladyship kept taking things from it. The young servant – while trying to hide her shocked expression, unsuccessfully – asked her mistress:

"My lady, what happened here?"

"Oh, this?" Morgana questioned while pointing her index finger to her surroundings and continued "I'm thinking about refurnishing this room. As I must have said at some point, I no longer desire to occupy it, so we'll have to do some changes, like moving my possessions to another chamber, the third guest room is fine for the moment." Morgana replied with a reassuring smile that didn't fulfill its purpose, as the young serving girl remained unsettled. Then, Sefa inquired her:

"But, your Highness, that doesn't explain all the blood and burnt marks! Are you unwell? If that's the case, I'll fetch Gaius immediately to examine you, m'lady!" The red-haired woman said, almost in a single breath.

The queen touched her shoulder in a delicate manner, trying to placate the maid's stir and told her:

"I'm touched for your concern, Sefa, but that isn't needed. I'm fine, I can assure you." Morgana told her, keeping eye contact. Realizing how improper was her action regarding their positions, Sefa once more was completely scared, so she lowered her head, assuming a submissive posture, and spoke to her mistress:

"Forgive me, m'lady, I, as a mere servant, am not and will never be in a position to question your actions. It is just that … m'lady, you give us all hope." Then she spared a glance at the queen, but swiftly lowered her head again, as if she thought she was indignant of her ruler's benevolence, and continued: "My father was born with magic and, ever since King Uther imposed the ban of magic, he has been running for his life. For as long as I can remember, we have been moving, never settling for more than a few months at a time."

She paused briefly to inhale some air and kept going: "He was formely a druid, so he has the marks on his skin, but disagreed with their pacifist ways. He thinks that people have to fight for what they believe in, but before me, my brothers and sisters were of age, he said he wouldn't risk the king's wrath to befall upon us, so he kept waiting." The serving girl spared another glance at her mistress, being more confident when she noticed that the emerald green eyes of her queen held an understanding look. So she added: "That's why, your Highness, that when you lifted the ban all of us were overjoyed with the prospect of a Queen that would be just, merciful and good, like everybody desires. Because you exist, because you are here, to save us, our everyday lives have been filled with hope. Hope that we will live in a better place, hope that my father have the right to be who he is, without being afraid." By then, the young maid glanced at the Morgana with tear-filled eyes.

"You no longer have reasons to fear, Sefa. I'll restore magic to its rightful place and I'll protect every one of my subjects. Camelot will be a place in which everybody can be free. Nevertheless, right now I need your help to move my possessions to the other room. Shall we?" Morgana said, while extending her arm to the door.

I'm not sure if this girl is telling me the truth or if she is an extremely talented spy/assassin sent by a neighboring kingdom. Her timing is just too much perfect, exactly when I need someone more experienced with magic she comes and present me one. If my previous experiences had taught me something is never to trust completely in a stranger, someone that you just met. Morgana thought.

Meanwhile, the maid grabbed her mistress's selected clothing, jewels, cosmetics and shoes, as the queen pointed at them, accompanying the seer through the corridor that led to the designed chambers, after the queen magically locked her previous bedchamber door. They chatted while on their way:

"So, Sefa, what is your father name?"

"Ruadan, m'lady." The red-haired woman answered.

"Can you send word for him? I desire to gather all the magic wielders that long to help me build a better Camelot for us all. I think your father might be just the type of person that can assist me in this task." Morgana said while smiling to her.

"Of course, your Highness!" Sefa squealed in joy, tried to bow and unbalanced herself in the middle of her euphoria, so Morgana grabbed her arm to prevent her from falling. A little embarrassed for her own clumsiness, but still too much happy to assume a courteous expression, Sefa continued, with a grin that almost made the corners of her lips touch her ears:

"It's a great honor for him, for all of us! Everybody at home will be overjoyed with the wonderful news!" Morgana thought that if Sefa had her hands free she would be clapping them, so she smiled genuinely at the girl, and said:

"Fine, Sefa." them changed her tone of voice, to a more commanding one, and added: "Now you must help me bathe and get dressed for the day. Later on, when you have gathered other servants to help you move my possessions, I will accompany you in order to pass new instructions and deal with unfinished subjects."

Sefa bowed again and replied:

"Yes, m'lady."

Both women arrived at their destination and the servant helped her mistress in her daily tasks.

Camelot's Council Chambers

Three hours later

Morgana was dressed in a green gown, wearing her crown and many other jewels, as well as her trademark red lipstick and eyeliner, with her hair parted right in the middle and her curls cascaded freely. She was surrounded by Camelot's noblemen and advisors. Most of the men held a silly expression on their faces, always grinning in an idiotic manner, probably due to Morgause's spells. The only ones that didn't act like mindless worshippers of herself were Geoffrey of Monmouth and Gaius, with the difference that the first was trembling constantly and the last was simply keeping a stoic expression.

I have to evaluate whose knights and nobles will stand by my side, after I have freed them from Morgause's control. It's necessary for some to remain enchanted, those that would never accept magic to roam free in this land again, but the others deserve a chance to show their value – and it's merciful, getting them rid of these silly faces. The queen thought.

Meanwhile, Sir Leon was speaking, obviously grinning like a dork:

"My queen, we registered two riots from yesterday to this morning. They were all vile magic haters, but were all arrested and now await for your just judgment in the dungeons." He said that, fisting his hands to convey his indignation towards the peasants.

"I'll pass their sentences tomorrow, Leon. Today we shall discuss more important matters." Morgana said.

"Has any word arrived from our spies? How are Cenred, Odin and Caerleon taking the news? Are any of these kings preparing for war or have already declared it against Camelot?" She asked in a stern tone of voice.

"We have received a message, from our spy in Essetir." Leon told her, grinning. "He sent a bird, so the message got here in a short time. King Cenred was killed last night and now Lot reigns Essetir. King Lot blames our High Priestess Advisor, the lady Morgause, for the deed." Leon gritted his teeth and closed his fist hard – to the point that Morgana thought that could draw blood if he weren't wearing gloves – and continued: "That treacherous bastard, speaking ill of my beloved queen's sister. If I meet him, I'll crack his neck right away! How dare he!" He said indignant.

"Leon, calm yourself. What else did our spy inform us?" The queen questioned.

"That Lot plans to declare war to Camelot using that excuse. Apparently he had already assembled enough men to invade our kingdom – as if he already knew that we would lift the ban –, so we are expected to receive his declaration alongside with his army at our doorsteps." The first knight replied.

Morgana was content that even if he was enchanted, Leon could keep part of his own reasoning, unlike others of her "fan club" that were almost drooling with her mere sight.

"When he openly proclaims this war against us, others will follow. So we must reinforce our garrisons, and prepare for battle in many fronts." He said so almost sternly, but right after he spoke the last sentence, his silly grin took over again.

"What is more important, Leon, is how did he framed Morgause for Cenred's death. Everything, from Cenred's demise right after my coronation and lift of the ban, alongside with the fact that Lot swiftly maneuvered and reunited an entire army in a single day, is enough to estimate that this isn't an impulsive action. It was a long-term or at least mid-term plan. We all are aware that Morgause spent most of yesterday by my side and now is imprisoned due to treachery, but she didn't have any connection to Lot." The queen said.

"The message doesn't say much about the circumstances of Cenred's death. Only that it happened later at night and that the entirety of Essetir's court witnessed the Lady Morgause throwing a fire blast against the former king during dinner." Leon answered.

One more thing to ask Morgause, nicely. The queen thought. Keeping a stoic expression, she told them:

"Lord Cygnus, you're the most prominent lord of the eastern borders. You must send word to the minor lords, so that they assemble the peasants at the nearby fortresses."

Said lord replied goofily: "Yes, your Highness."

"You also must ensure that the villages' grain stocks are transported too. We are near Samhain, they won't be able to survive winter without their food supply."

"Yes, my liege."

"Also, send word to your son, Cygnus. I want him to form a group of five brave men and send a special patrol to scout Lot's army. They must depart tomorrow at dawn." She said.

"Yes, my queen." The lord replied.

"Geoffrey. I need you to gather the Purge's records. I'll exam them later. You must leave the books at the study. Also, I want you to register that Morgause is no longer my heir nor the High Priestess Advisor. In fact, you must change that title to Magic Advisor." She told the scrivener. Still trembling, he complied:

"Yes, my queen."

"Gaius, assemble any number of servant that you may require to produce healing poultices in large scale. Also, prepare medical kits for our soldiers, for them to take to campaign. The royal coffers shall pay for any materials that you need to acquire."

"Yes, my queen." The physician replied, raising one of his eyebrows.

"Leon, warn the other lords to enlist more soldiers for our army. Make sure that they receive a proper payment, from our coffers if needed."

"Yes, your Highness." He said with a silly face, but frowned and inquired her: "But how are we going to retrieve the money for that? Shall we raise the taxes? I do not think that's wise, my queen –"

"Sir Leon, that won't be necessary. In fact, the taxes must be lowered. The people is on the brink of starvation due to the excessive amount of tributes they pay us." Morgana said and continued as the first knight opened his mouth to say something else:

"You mustn't worry, Leon. I already have a solution for that matter. There's plenty of resources in the royal coffers." She assured him.

Almost everybody was appeased with her answer, except for Gaius and Geoffrey, the ones her sibling probably thought that were too much insignificant to actually cause any hassle in her reign.

"For now, you're dismissed." She told them, finishing the meeting.

As the men were preparing to leave, Morgana halted the first knight:

"Not you, Leon. I wish to speak to you in particular."

He nodded and approached her, as she also left her seat and looked around to make sure that no one was there, also chanting a silent spell to soundproof the council room.

"Béo ábródene fram ænig diht" Morgana chanted at him.

Suddenly, Sir Leon blinked and glanced at her alarmed, finally regaining his free will.

"Lady Morgana … erh … Queen Morgana, what happened here? You have magic, not only that, you lifted the ban!"

"Yes, Leon. You were present at my speech, if my memory doesn't fail me." She answered a little annoyed.

"But magic is –"

"What? Evil? Tell me, Leon, do you think that the Druids, people that only wish to live in peace and actually help those in need are evil? Or do you think that a child, born with magic, deserves to be burnt in a pyre simple because of how she or he was born? Or else, do you think it is just to sentence to death every single person that merely talked to a sorcerer or served him or her a cup of mead?" She asked him, visibly irritated.

He merely denied by shaking his head. So, she proceeded:

"I just did what was right. I was born with magic and my own father would have me executed for it. So I did what any sensible person would: I put an end to this madness."

By then, he was clearly ashamed, but still protested:

"Forgive me, my queen, but I still believe that magic is a dangerous matter. Up until now I wasn't fully myself and I suspect that it has something to do with sorcery."

"You were enchanted by Morgause, to obey hers and mine every whim. She also incited you to be a fierce defender of magic users and enforce our laws." The queen answered. He was about to oppose her when she interrupted:

"She did it to ensure that a civil war wouldn't occur in Camelot. Everyone that she thought that had any power to influence others was dealt with. Mostly, she just enchanted them, molding their wills to obey our commands – at least that's what she told me."

"My lady, does that means that –"

"Yes, almost every lord is under her spell. But I bind her magic, so she can't change the original command."

"You must release them immediately!" He exclaimed.

"I'll do no such a thing. Haven't you heard me before? If I do so, I'm risking a civil war! We can't fight internally too! In the next months, it's possible that Camelot's soldiers must fight in four or more fronts!"

"My lady, I'm sure that some of the lords will be upset because you restored magic and your sister enchanted them, but I'm sure that we can convince them otherwise." He pleaded to her.

"Leon, think straight. Uther's prejudice has been imbued in those men minds for the last twenty-four years! Do you think that because this or that kingdom has declared war to us that automatically turn their loyalty to me, as their sovereign? I'm a woman, heirless and a witch to top it all – oh, and that isn't a self-deprecation statement, that's technically the word to categorize me, because I was born with magic and I'm a female. Tell me, Leon, what stops then to support another king or a charismatic noble in order to depose me? It happened before, Uther claimed the throne like this!"

He looked at her startled, noticing that she was making a lot of sense. Nevertheless, he still added:

"But Arthur –"

"My brother was always bound to big gestures that didn't solve anything. Surely, stop a harsh tax collection in public is a very popular measure, that makes everybody loves him, but in the end was ineffective. He couldn't change Uther's mind and the people still suffered, not that it was Arthur's fault, the king was enchanted by that Troll lady back then." She paused before continuing:

"What I'm doing or at least allowing, isn't correct in the perspective of the knights code's standards, nor in my own previous ones, but it's necessary. To oppose effectively our external threats, we must be internally stable or else the kingdom will fall apart."

"I'm sure that there are other ways to solve that problem, my queen. You are resorting to the very methods that made magic a fearful thing." The commander of the troops told her.

"Leon, I don't expect that you agree with me, nor admire, respect, like, trust or appreciate me in any way. What I demand of you is that you obey me, protect Camelot's people – including those with magic and their families – and, at last, express your true opinions about any subject. I am not the most well versed person in the arts of war, what I do know of it comes from the books I was able to smuggle and hide from Uther's view. Also, I don't need another mindless follower, that's basically what Morgause turned most of Camelot's nobility to." She said sincerely.

"My queen, I have sworn an oath to this kingdom. You are my sovereign, even though I don't agree with your methods. And I won't break my vows, I'll protect Camelot with my whole life, you can rest assured." Leon replied.

"Good. The content of this conversation is a private one, Leon. You mustn't divulge it to anyone, do you understand?" She told him, sternly.

"I do, your Highness." He opted for just answering that for the moment.

"So, now that we achieved an agreement, you are dismissed." She said and left the council room, walking towards her older sibling quarters. She had a lot of work to do, assessing Morgause's correspondence and later would pay her "beloved" sister a visit.

A/N: No more Emo Morgana for now? Yeah, I think that she has a lot in her hands, got plenty of work to do. She wants to be self-sufficient (not sure if that's the right word).

Seriously, only the first author's note was almost a new update! I have to stop that.

Meaning of the spell "Hæftinge" – fasten a lock.

And "Béo ábródene fram ænig diht" – be freed from any command