So, I received a request for two chapters today, and being the sap I am I'm gonna do it. See, reviewing has major perks.

Chapter 10

8 months later

As much as he tried, Merlin could still barely get Prince Arthur to tolerate his presence. He stayed by the Prince all day watching to make sure no one came to attack but they never did. Arthur had grown to tolerate Merlin, but he was still very suspicious of all those with magic.

Morgana tried to bridge the gap, but every time Arthur looked at her growing stomach he felt sick. He blamed his father for Morgana being married to Merlin and carrying a future dragonlord and king of Camelot. (Because a dragonlord's first child is always a prince.) He could see that Merlin wasn't evil, and that maybe magic wasn't innately evil, but he was still sour about being forced by a sorcerer to stay in Cymru instead of home in his own kingdom.

In short, the prince was still on his half-year temper tantrum.

Morgana was happy though, and the kingdom was at peace, so Merlin was happy too.

"I'm so hot Merlin," his lovely wife complained. "Can we please just go back to the castle?"

Merlin ignored her knowing how close they were. She continued to complain, but half-heartedly. She trusted Merlin to know what he was doing. (Even if that really was never the case.)

"Right over here there is a river we can rest at," Merlin lied nudging his horse in that direction. "Then if you still want we can head right back to the castle."

Morgana cheered in triumph until she turned the corner and found herself in a (literally) glistening pasture. "Merlin," she whispered amazed. "What is this place?"

"Apparently it's Merlin's secret hideout from court," Arthur shrugged revealing him, Mordred, and Gwen from behind some trees. "Happy Birthday Morgana."

As Merlin helped her down from her horse she planted a thick kiss, "Thank you Merlin."

"Hey!" Arthur protested. "We're here too."

"Oh shut up Arthur," Gwen told the Prince with a playfull slap. (Oh yes, what you're imaging is definitely true. The prince and the servant: Uther was not going to be pleased.) "It was Merlin's idea."

Arthur was pouting. "Well of course it was his idea! Do you know what kind of people know of enchanted meadows? Sorcerers!"

"Warlocks!" everyone else replied exasperated. A few weeks ago Gwen had learn of Morgana's magic, and now she was a major player on the 'Stop Arthur's Bigotry 1K15" team.

Arthur raised his hands in surrender as they settled down for the picnic Merlin had planned. "This is really nice," the (very pregnant) woman whispered her eyes tearing up. "Oh gods I'm crying again. Why do I always seem to be crying?"

She was always crying as of late, but considering she carried the future king of Cymru, it could be excused. "You're fine, my love," Merlin promised with a kiss. "We all know you're just happy."

She nodded, "I spent so much of my life a family-less ward, but look at me now. Look at all the family I have. A brother, a best friend, a husband, a son…" Morgana broke down completely, causing everyone, including her to laugh. "I love my life. A year ago I couldn't say that but I love my life."

Balinor had wanted to throw a huge festival to celebrate the princess' 18th birthday, but Merlin knew she'd be much happier with just their little group. He knew he was right when he saw the ecstasy on her face. So often royals used parties as a way to make the masses happy, even at their own detriment, but Merlin didn't want that for today. They'd have a huge festival when the prince was born in a month or so; Morgana deserved to be happy now.

"You really love it here, don't you?" Arthur asked when he and Morgana went out for a stroll just the two of them. "Even if you could you wouldn't return to Camelot, would you."

Morgana shook her head. "I loved Camelot, I did, and I love our father but here… Surely you've realized that just because there is magic here doesn't mean it's evil. And Merlin truly loves me and I love him and I love our child and… and I love being a princess! It sounds ridiculous because I was always a princess but for so long I didn't know and I just… I like my life Arthur. No, I love it."

Arthur, having realized that long ago, just nodded. "I'm glad you're happy and I just can't believe I'm going to be an uncle to the future king of Cymru… Wow."

"And if you don't hurry up and propose to Gwen you're going to end up being the uncle of the future king of Camelot too."

Arthur looked both horrified and amused, "I am not interested in Gwen, and don't you dare say I'm getting old and need to be in a rush to have children I'm barely 19!"

Morgana just shrugged and laughed, "Really though you and Gwen deserve to be as happy as I am with Merlin. Just think about being honest with yourself, okay?"

Arthur nodded, but both knew the boy was too afraid of retribution with Uther to make any sort of move. "We should get back to the others," Morgana realized knowing she'd be too exhausted to get back if they didn't turn now. "We probably need to get back to the castle anyways."

Arthur nodded and the two set back in silence. It was only when they approached they clearing that they realized they weren't the only things being silent. "Why aren't the bird's calling?"

Arthur drew his sword.

"Oh my gods," Morgana realized in horror. "They're all gone."