Thanks so much for all the positive feedback on my last chapter...glad no one has gotten bored with the storyline yet. :) Also, I wanted to respond to AnonReviewFairy and ThunderSyrem, but because it was under anonymous, or guest, I couldn't. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you both for reading the story. And ThunderSyrem, you scared me...at first! lol. That was a good one. I'm so flattered you went back to read my other fic! :)

Hope you enjoy.

~Sara

Morgana walked tentatively into the throne room, with Gwen following close behind. Much to her dismay, not only Arthur was present, but a handful of the knights as well as other prominent members of the court. Erwan's entire face had paled to an unearthly shade of green…Morgana wondered if he would be sick. Glancing to her right, she inwardly moaned. Merlin and Frederick were off on the side behind Arthur.

"You requested my presence?" Morgana said stiffly to Uther, who was standing next to Erwan.

"It was not just I who called you here, but Erwan as well," Uther gestured for Morgana to step forward, but she stonily remained where she was.

"And what would Sir Erwan have to say to me that is so important?" Her eyes held a challenge as she crossed her arms and waited for Erwan's response.

Her effect had worked as Erwan's stuttering reappeared again. "L-l-lady Morgana. I have come to Camelot with a purpose, as I'm s-s-sure you are well aware."

"And what purpose might that be?"

"Morgana…" Uther said under his breath. "You have an audience."

"How very convenient for us both," she answered in a loud voice.

Erwan glanced awkwardly between the two as he worked up the nerve to speak again. "I have been made aware of the great alliance that would be formed if the two of us were…were..."

Morgana briefly closed her eyes. Please don't say it…

…."t-t-to be wed in m-m-matrimony."

An instantaneous murmur filled the room, but with one look from Uther a still hush immediately fell.

Erwan stumbled to his knees and took Morgana's hand. "W-w-would you do me the honor, Lady Morgana, of accepting my hand in m-marriage?"

The room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Morgana knew what was expected of her. If she refused Erwan, Uther would punish her greatly. Or perhaps she would be forced into marrying him if he would still have her. How could Uther act so harshly after her warning? He believed Erwan blindly without searching further into the matter. Usually any mention of sorcery would have him on his guard, but he seemed unusually lenient in this case. She couldn't be forced into a union with Erwan. She wouldn't be.

"No."

Erwan blinked, and for a split second, his countenance darkened. "I beg your pardon?"

"I said…no." She emphasized the last word strongly, making him rise to his feet.

The throne room was filled with murmurs once again as everyone looked to the king in anticipation.

"Morgana, how dare you behave so insolently. Apologize to Sir Erwan at once!"

"I will do no such thing," she said shakily, a crack beginning to form in her voice.

"My lady, if there is anything I have done to offend you…" Erwan began.

"Oh, but you have offended me. Your only purpose in Camelot has been to spy on me. Yes, I know your little secret."

Erwan paled. "W-w-whatever are you speaking of?"

"Stop playing innocent. It doesn't become you. But I will say one thing-you're a very good liar."

"Morgana, enough!" Uther grabbed her arm, but she quickly pulled away.

"I have given Sir Erwan my answer." Turning, she walked as confidently as she could down the long hall. Everyone stared in amazement as she ignored Uther's protests.

"Morgana, you have not been dismissed! Morgana!" Uther's face turned a crimson shade of red.

Without hesitating even once, she made her way swiftly out of the throne room.

Merlin and Frederick were together when the summons went out to gather in the throne room. Frederick had complained bitterly the whole time as they made their way down. He was certain Erwan had found a way to point blame back to him. But when they had reached the hall, Uther was smirking and patting Erwan on the back as if nothing remotely was wrong. Arthur was standing next to his father, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

"Well, I guess we can assume Erwan is not guilty in Uther's eyes," Frederick commented.

"They why are we here?" Merlin remarked, more to himself.

"Well, Morgana won't like it, that much I know," said Arthur, who had broken free of his father and Erwan.

"What do you mean?" Merlin asked.

"Erwan plans to propose."

"Propose? Already? He's only been here for what…four days?"

"Shh. Lower your voice. My father seems intent on Morgana making this match. Seems he's worried about her future."

"Yes, but marriage to that numbskull won't solve any of Uther's problems. He has no idea what he's getting himself into," Frederick whispered.

"What do you mean?" Arthur asked, turning.

"Erwan's up to no good, Arthur," Merlin said, wincing inwardly as he went against Morgana's wish to keep Arthur in the dark.

Their conversation was interrupted as Morgana entered. Merlin could tell by her strained expression that it was all she could do not to strangle Erwan, who was looking pitiably sick at the moment. Merlin braced himself for Morgana's reaction. While he knew she would be displeased, he wasn't prepared for her outright hostility toward both Erwan and Uther. But then came the uncomfortable marriage proposal, and the even more uncomfortable silence that followed. Poor Morgana. She really didn't have a choice, did she?

"No."

Merlin, taken aback by her response, glanced at Arthur, who looked equally as shocked. He glanced nervously between his father and Morgana. But he could hardly believe it when she boldly accused Erwan of spying on her.

"Now she's done it," Frederick grimly remarked as Morgana made a flippant turn and marched straight down the aisle and out the doors.

"I can't believe she defied my father so openly. What was she thinking?" Arthur said, concern lining his voice.

"That's just it; she wasn't thinking," said Frederick. "But I admire her spunk."

"Merlin, tell me everything…later." Arthur gave Merlin a pointed stare before he went to see what could be done to appease an angry Uther.

"Morgana, calm down!"

"I can't calm down, Gwen," Morgana said angrily as she slammed her chamber door behind both her and her maidservant. Gwen had followed her out of the room immediately, but Morgana would not be consoled.

"How dare Uther summon me like that, knowing what my feelings are. He's an arrogant pig!"

"Morgana, I know the extent of Uther's cruelty, but you must be careful."

"Why? Because I defied him? I've done it before."

"Yes, but not publicly. And you've never rejected an offer of marriage before."

"Because I've never had one until now!" Morgana said spitefully.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just worried for you."

"Uther can't force me to marry Erwan."

"That's just it, Morgana. He can. You are his ward and he views it as his duty to look after you…to provide for you."

"No, he just wants to have his way, like he always does." Morgana, as if in a daze, slowly sat down on her bed. "What am I going to do now? Everyone in the kingdom must think I'm a spoiled brat."

"No, on the contrary! You are the only one brave enough to stand up to Uther…something I could never do. And I think you made the right decision."

"You think I was right to turn down Erwan?"

"Yes, especially since he's a traitor to Camelot. If we can convince Uther that Erwan is guilty perhaps he will not be so hard on you."

Morgana nodded. "Yes…yes, you are right. Thank you for your support, Gwen. I'll need it."'

I know I promised you a jealous Merlin...it's coming soon! As well some more interesting developments. ;)