Arthur was shocked by his subjects' affection. Never, had they screamed in happiness for him. Women threw pastel petals at his horse. Boys offered Morgana flowers. Children chased after his horse. Morgana froze in amazement. She stared at her flowers like they were a bunch of snakes. She smiled weakly.

Igraine stood with her arms outstretched. Arthur dismounted. His arms slipped around his mother. She laughed as her feet spun around. Arthur's thumb brushed away her tears. Morgana smiled as she inhaled Igraine's familiar scent. Her arms made Morgana feel safe. Finally, she could trust her emotions.

Igraine grabbed her children's hands. She tugged them towards the castle door.

"Where are Leon and Lancelot? They have not fallen?"

"No, mother. They remained in Alined's land. You will see them soon," Arthur replied.

Igraine led her children towards the Council Room. Igraine licked her lips. Arthur tensed as his mother's eyes clouded with sadness. He noticed a slight tremble in her hands. "I thought morning would be better. However, I cannot allowed the past to hurt us." Igraine threw opened the heavy doors .Color drained from Morgana's face. Her legs felt weak. She thrust a hand into her dark hair. Tears filled her glowing green eyes. Arthur slowly moved towards William Gorlois.

"Mother, what trickery is this?"

"He's real, Arthur."

Arthur halted. His eyes searched for Morgana. Her body slightly swaying in shock. Quickly, Arthur closed the door. He carried Morgana to a chair. Morgana shook her head furiously.

Will said nothing. His eyes stared in disbelief. Were they not children? He missed so much of their lives. Morgana had her mother's eyes. Arthur was a replicate of Igraine. He knew nothing of their lives. What did Morgana like to eat? Her favorite color? How did Arthur brandished his sword? Regret entered his soul. He noticed Igraine slipped from the room. Yes, my little dove, run away. You're good at leaving.

"Arthur, congratulations on your campaign."

Arthur felt bewilderment. Gorlois died. He died in battle. He died with honor. He died for Camelot. How could he stand here?

"How?"

Gorlois dug his toes into a red rug. His hands bunched into fists. His brown eyes calm. He gave Arthur a faint smile.

"Uther sent me to war. It was difficult. Our battles were hard, brutal nights. Hot days without supplies. I sent a messenger to Camelot. I requested more knights. They never came.

"No, my father would have sent assistance. You were his best friend."

Gorlois laughed. "Really, your father was my friend? He sent me to my death. My knights' blood fed the ground. Death was my only friend."

Arthur placed a hand on his throne. "No. My father was a good man."

"Your father was a tyrant. He destroyed everything in his path. Your mother lives as a shell. You're a killing machine. Morgana fights beside you."

Arthur banged his hand. "You know nothing of me, Morgana, or my mother."

"I know your mother," Glorios spat." I know her well."

"You coveted your king's wife?"

Gorlois arched a dark eyebrow. "So, you don't know our story. Igraine was my first love. Our marriage was organized. I made one fatal mistake. I brought her to Camelot. Your father's heart filled with lust for her. He sent me away. He married Igraine as I led his knights."

Arthur's head shook in denial. "My mother adored my father. It was a love match."

"No, it was an obsession. Like his pursuit of Emrys. Like your pursuit of Emrys. You chase a myth to glorify your father. "

"People are suffering. I can help them."

"So, are you like him? Is there a woman that you can't have? She belongs to another. What would you do to have her?"

"No."

Morgana cried quietly in a ball. Her dark hair covered her like a spider web. Her mind raced in agony. Her mouth spoke silent words. How is my father here? He died. He left me. My father abandoned me.

Gorlois brushed a rough hand against Morgana's head. "I loved your mother. She healed my darkness. Arthur, do you have anyone to heal your darkness? I know what lives in you."

"You know nothing of me. You're welcome to stay in Camelot as long as you wish. Spend time with Morgana. Keep your advice", "Arthur gritted. Arthur threw his helmet as he stomped away.

Gorlois gathered Morgana close. "Forgive me, Morgana, I thought Uther would hurt us. My actions created mayhem in Camelot." Morgana's cries bruised his heart. "I love you, my daughter." Morgana's hand grabbed Gorlois' shoulder. Her head rested on his chest. Her heart raced. He felt like home.

"I've dreamed of this day, Father. I knew you would return. Nobody would listen to me."

Igraine's door frame shook. Arthur's face blazed with angry. Igraine swallowed. Arthur's hard eyes bore into Igraine. "Did you love my father?" Igraine shook her head. Arthur's breathed heavily. His fingers bent in rage.

"He adored you. He worshiped you."

"I was your father's possession."

"You were his queen. His wife."

"Yes, I was. " Igraine met Arthur's gaze. "What about Gwen, Arthur?'

"Leave her out of this!" Arthur screamed.

"Do you love her?"

"Yes."

"What do you have to offer her? She can't be your queen. Lucky for Gwen, she won't live in a palace. A cage of luxury."

"He gave you everything."

"I didn't want it."

Arthur struggled contain his rage. His lungs burned. His head was inflamed. "I don't know you."

Igraine placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder. He brushed her hand away. "I am your mother. I gave you life. I stayed with Uther because of you."

"My father was a good man."

"No, he was a monster. He destroyed people. He murder people in their beds. He was soulless."

"No. did you love Gorlois?"

"Yes, I did."

"It's not true."

Igraine flung her arms in annoyance. "Ask anyone. Everyone knows the story. Ask anyone about Uther's painful reign. Look at me. Look at my prison." Igraine flew to her vanity. Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds bounced at her feet. Vases crashed. Silken dresses ripped her wardrobe. "I was given every luxury except love."

Arthur jaw set. He smiled at his mother. He collected her jewels. Igraine watched as he quickly cleaned her chambers. His foot pushed vase chards into a pile. He pressed a kiss to his mother's cheek.

"Yes, mother, you're right. My father was a monster. I live to fulfill his dreams." Arthur's back sagged. "He was right. When you desire a woman or love her; you keep her close to you. I can't marry Guinevere."

"You could change the law."

"No."

"Guinevere will live in my castle. She will share my bed. My jewels will adorn her neck. My dresses will cover her flesh. My father was wrong in ruling his kingdom. However, his methods with you were correct."

"Arthur, she's too young."

"Controlling you was my father's most successful venture. Gwen will learn to like her new life."

"If, she says no?"

"I'll make life miserable. Did you say no, mother?"

"Yes."

"Obviously, you didn't convince anyone. Sleep well." Arthur strode from his mother's chamber.

Igraine trembled in fear. Our children pay for our sins. Igraine climbed on her bed. She cried until sleep claimed her.

Gwen sensed Arthur's indifference as she watched him eat his breakfast. His strong teeth chewed cheese slices. He drank sips of water. He ignored her. His eyes never met Gwen's face. He tapped his knife against his plate. He glowed in a white tunic. Arthur pushed his chair back. He crossed his legs.

"Arthur, I'll return later."

Arthur smiled. "No, Gwen, you wait for me. As I waited for you. I'm not ready. Eat something."

Gwen noticed Arthur had a new sword. Probably, King Alined's. A sign of Arthur's victory. Gwen's hands were numb. "Your mother needs me."

Arthur arched a blonde eyebrow. "Really, she has other maids."

"We have morning chats.

"About?"

"Things."

"Such as."

"Happenings in Camelot."

Arthur's teeth into an apple. He crouched loudly. "Do you know that Gorlois returned to Camelot?"

"Yes, milord."

Arthur frowned. "You chose not to inform me? You kept a secret from me?"

"I didn't have time yesterday."

"Yes, your passions were quite high."

Gwen paled. "Have I displeased you?"

"Don't ever keep anything from me, again," Arthur whispered softly. "Lovers shouldn't have secrets."

Gwen wiped her damp palms against her dress. "What's changed, Arthur? We were happy yesterday. I felt close to you."

Arthur shrugged. "Maybe, going home to Merlin. How does that work, Gwen? You live with Merlin. However, you share my bed."

Gwen rose. "Obviously, you are in a foul mood. Arthur. I will return later.

"My mood is perfect, Gwen. Your lifestyle is unacceptable."

Gwen crossed her arms. "What?'

"You share my bed. But live with Merlin."

"He needs a home."

"Of course, my darling. You need a new one. You aren't working for my mother any longer. My lover can't chose my mother's flowers. "

Gwen frowned angrily. "How will I support myself?"

"Your income will come from me. You will live in the castle."

Gwen waved her hands in displeasure." No, Arthur."

"I'm not playing games any longer. Gwen, your mistress. Okay, you came to my bed. Your mouth whispered my name when I made love to you. My shoulders were marked by you. Your soft moans rang in my ears, not Merlin's. You chose to become my mistress. As my mistress, you will live by my rules." Arthur hard blue eyes shot daggers at Gwen. "I will not be your fool."

Gwen exhaled. Her hands brushed away a loose curl. "So, we don't have a future, Arthur. I will not give my life to you. I will not give birth to your bastard children. I will not spend my life as your whore. I will not watch you marry. You won't crawl from your wife's bed into mine."

"Gwen, you are my whore. Accept it. Reap the benefits of an easy life. A maid does not have many options."

"A maid is better than a whore."

Gwen gave Arthur one last Look. She stumbled over a thick rug. Her feet marched towards Arthur's door. Arthur shoved her hard against his door. His hands tugged her hair. His lips hot felt hot on her ear. "Walk out of my chamber. It's over. Everything. I won't protect from harm. Men will make advances. My lips won't utter a word to prevent them. We do this on my terms."

Gwen shoved Arthur away. Her hand turned Arthur's door handle. "Goodbye, Arthur. " Gwen brushed a tear away. She ran down Arthur's hallway.

"Guinevere," Arthur screamed. Gwen froze. Arthur leaned against his door. "You were worth the wait. Tell anyone that you pleased your king. I will always be your king. I will always be in control of you. Remember that," Arthur spat.

Merlin felt uncomfortable. Morgana's father stood in Aredian's apartment staring at him. His brown eyes assessed Merlin's face. Critical eyes watched his every room.

"I knew your mother and uncle. They were good people."

Merlin smiled. "Thank you." His hands quickly arranged Aredian's draughts and ointments for delivering. His eyes drifted towards Gorlois. "Are you ill?"

"Do you know your father?"

Merlin shook his head.

"I know your father."

Merlin frowned at Gorlois. "Well, lucky you. Look, I'm working. Do you need to see Aredian?

Gorlois shook his head. I'm here to visit with you."

"I don't know you. "

"Your father wants to see you."

"No."

Gwen rushed into Aredian's chamber. Her eyes were red. Cheeks drenched with tears. Her chest shaking in sorrow. Her chocolate eyes drowning in pain. Her hands reached for Merlin. He rushed past Glorios.

So, is this his lady love? He almost reverent in his touch. Interesting. Maybe, she can help me get Merlin to Balinor.

""You need to leave."

"Of course."

He watched Merlin kiss Gwen's hair. He rocked her gently. His large hands rubbed her back. Gorlois left Aredian's chamber door cracked. His eyes peered into the room. The girl mentioned Arthur.

Oh, Arthur has a maid as mistress. Things must be tense in paradise. Poor Arthur, almost the King of Albion and he can't control his lover. William Gorlois jumped away from the door. He watched Gwen hurry away. Her hair flying like ribbons. He heard a crash in Aredian's apartment. Merlin sat collecting broken glass.

"Aredian's not here."

Gorlois arms folded. "Look, Merlin, I'm here to help you."

A glass splinter stuck Merlin's fingers. "Look, I'm busy. Just leave."

"So, you're running away."

'What?'

"I heard you. Going to sneak away. Your little friend isn't equipped for a life on the run."

"Mind you business."

"Look, she loves Arthur. Reveal yourself. Tell Arthur your true name. Arthur will take care of her. She could stay here. You could go to Balinor. She'll be waiting on your return. Learn magic from your father."

Merlin shrugged. He attempted to look confused. "Your words are trickery. We're servants. We will live and die in Camelot."

Gorlois walked out. "Make it easy on everyone."

"Milady, I need to speak with you."

Igraine patted a spot next to her. Gwen sat slowly. Igraine brushed hair out of Gwen's face. Gwen attempted to smile. Igraine noticed her swollen red eyes.

"What is it?"

"I'm leaving Camelot, milady."

Igraine covered her emotions. "Even, Arthur?"

"Yes, milady."

"I understand."

Igraine went to a dresser. She removed a small bag. Her eyes closed tightly as she kissed Gwen's forehead. "You'll need this." Igraine's bag felt heavy in Gwen's hand. "Milady, I can't."

"Yes, explore for me."

Gwen nodded.

"Will I see you again, Gwen? Your departure will have painful consequences for you."

"I know."

"I will distract Arthur until you leave."

"Milady, our associate is over."

"Gwen, obsession last a lifetime."

Gwen's trembling hand placed a note wrapped with Arthur's green crystal necklace on her table. Merlin held their bags under his arms. Gwen gave her house one last look. She fought a war of excitement and nervousness.

"Leave the stupid doll."

"Merlin!"

Gwen's hood covered her head. She blew out her candles. She gently shut her door one last time. Merlin and Gwen walked away from town.

"What was in the note?"

Gwen shrugged. "It said I love you. I asked forgiveness. Farewell."

"Morgana's father is strange. We can't trust him. He knows about me. "

Hard rain drops began to pelt Gwen and Merlin. They fumble through the woods. Merlin pulled her towards a tree stump. Merlin spoke a few words. The top cracked. Merlin dropped their bags into the stump. The wood clank as it closed. Merlin pulled Gwen towards their house.

Their clothes hung drying next to a roaring fire. Lighting cracked across a dark sky. Thunder roared like a lion.

"When did you hollow the tree stump?

Puck taught me. He uses them as a hiding spot."

"Camelot won't let us leave," Merlin.

"As soon as the storm breaks, Gwen."

Author's note: Two chapters left. Hopefully, I caught my typos.