This chapter has sex and violence. Read carefully.

"How could you lose your amulet, Merlin?"

Merlin mused over a few responses in his head. Let's see I'm responsible. I'm afraid of Morgana's father. My mind is a complete jumble.

"It's not lost. I left in Aredian's chamber. I'll grab it and meet you on the steps."

Gwen rolled her eyes. They ran towards the castle. Arthur stood on Camelot's steps talking with a dark haired man dressed in black. His cloak bore Odin's colors. Merlin pushed Gwen behind him.

"Merlin, why is he up? It's early."

"Go to Queen Igraine's chamber. Stay with her."

"I'll work for Aredian today."

"Okay."

They hurried into the castle's back door. "Gwen, be careful." Gwen smiled as she ran towards Queen Igraine's chamber. Merlin exhaled as he climbed the steps towards Aredian's apartment.

Arthur thought over Morded's words. Odin wanted to make peace with Camelot. He wished to end his reign in peace. So, he sent Morded as an emissary. Morded was known as death. A deadly, merciless foe. Perhaps, Lancelot and Leon should return to Camelot. Odin doesn't want peace. He sent Morded to analyze my preparations. I have no desire to wage a war against Odin. My body hasn't recovered from fighting Alined. Why is my mother here? Igraine smiled brightly. How can she awake happy? Oh, yes, my father is dead. Gwen walked slowly. Her eyes lowered. She hid behind my mother. Hiding from me. Really, Gwen stop staring at your hands. I doubt that they changed overnight.

Arthur noticed Morded's dark eyes trailing over Gwen. He controlled an urge to shove Morded. Maybe, Gwen should have different experiences with men. I doubt Morded would be a delicate lover. Or consider her delicate size? Yes, Gwen should learn a new harsh reality.

Morgana stared at Arthur incredulously. Say something, Arthur! Morded' eyes are full of lust for Gwen. When does Lancelot return? What happened between them?

Arthur smiled brightly. "Mother, how wonderful to see you. Did you sleep well?"

"Of course, my son."

"Mother, welcome Lord Morded to Camelot. He's Odin's knight." Igraine smiled warmly at Morded. He bowed and pressed a kiss on her hand. His eyes focused on Gwen. Igraine wanted to shove her away. She recognized Morded's gleam. Uther's eyes held a similar gleam. A pain throbbed in her heart. Oh, I have misjudged Arthur. His looks were never of lust or obsession for Gwen. His stare was of passion and love.

"Who hides behind you, milady?" Morded asked. His deep masculine voice felt cold in Igraine's head. Her mouth gave Morded a fake smile. "Guinevere, my personal handmaiden."

Morded caressed Gwen's hand as his dark eyes met hers. "Guinevere." Gwen curtseyed. She attempted to pull her hand away. Morded's hand was stronger, harder, and firmer than Arthur's or Merlin's. Igraine eyes implored Arthur to intervene.

"Gwen, why don't you show Morded to his chamber. He's going to remain for a few days." Igraine paled at Arthur's words. Morgana rose from her chair. Anger shook her slender body. "I'll walk with Morded. Gwen has a few chores to complete for me."

Morgana grabbed Gwen's elbow. "Follow us, Morded."

"Arthur, why did you allow Morded to view Gwen as a mere harlot for his lust?"

Arthur shrugged. "Mother, I told her that if she walked away from me. It was over. I would not protect her from harm. Or advances from men. She yelled that she didn't want to be my whore. So, maybe, she could learn something from Morded."

Arthur words stunned Igraine. Her eyes blinked wildly. "Arthur, you will regret your choices."

"Maybe.'

Gwen showed Morded around his chamber. Morgana stood stiffly next to his door. Her fixed on his actions. Morgana's fingers traced her knife. Gwen opened a window to release old hot summer air.

"Now, a servant will assist you, Milord."

Morded leaned against a table in the center of his chamber. He smiled seductively at Gwen. "Not you?'

"No, milord. I don't serve men."

Morded's fingers gripped his black goatee. Guinevere trembled as he watched her. She's nervous. Either a virgin or few lovers. She'll help past my time in Camelot. I can teacher her to please me.

Gwen smiled at Lord Morded. He's quite handsome. Completely different from Arthur. His shiny black hair gleamed. He was tall like Arthur and Merlin. His shoulders broad. A black goatee covered his chin. His eyes were black like the forest at night. Gwen didn't like the gleam in his eyes or the way he watched her.

I just need to leave. I'm happy that Lady Morgana accompanied me to his room. Merlin, please hurry. We need to leave this nightmare. Just forget everything about Camelot and Arthur.

Aredian cast hateful looks in Merlin's direction. He longed for a capable assistant. He would take anyone that care about their work. He had Merlin. Merlin with his heads in the clouds. Merlin couldn't tell time unless the day was over. Merlin created a tornado of mess around his cramped apartment. Merlin with puny arms. Merlin with his whining mouth.

"Merlin, help me move the couch."

Merlin dragged his feet towards an old green couch. He placed his shoulder under a musty arm. He waited for a signal to lift. Merlin grunted and moaned as they carried it across the room. Aredian lost his patience. He dropped his side near a window.

"Sweep the floor, Merlin!" Aredian stormed from his room.

Merlin petulantly eyed a straw broom. I do everything around here. Merlin, get this. Merlin, clean this. My lunch is too hot. My drink is too cold. The wine is bitter. Bring me a blanket. Where's my hat, Merlin? Merlin traced a picture in dust. A smile lit his face. He tossed the broom into a corner. Today is my last day. Clean your own floor, Aredian. Merlin skipped to meet Gwen. He didn't notice a white slip of paper lying on the floor.

Gwen sat on a back staircase waiting for Merlin. Her nails clicked against her teeth. Her foot tapped a nervous beat. Gwen exhaled when she heard steps behind.

"Finally, what took so long..."Gwen mumbled as her head whipped around. Her smile faded. Lord Morded gave her a seductive look as Gwen pushed closer to an old wooden rail.

"I didn't know that you were waiting."

"My day is over. I'm leaving"

"So, soon. I thought you might show me Camelot."

"Milord, a noble would give you a better tour."

Morded moved like a cat. His feet glided down the stairs. He smiled brilliantly at Gwen. His handsome face so charming. "I don't bite unless you ask."

"I would not ask, milord," Gwen whispered. I'm sure plenty of girls would accept your advances."

Morded shrugged. "You caught my eye. Maybe, it's your beautiful hair." Morded twist a curl around his finger. Gwen's scalp stung as she pulled away. "Or maybe, the innocence playing in your eyes mixed with curiosity. You wonder about things. Your breasts appear to be perfect. It's just something about you. I can't name it."

"I'm sorry, milord. I cannot help you."

Gwen's refusals inflamed Morded's desire. A large hand grabbed Gwen's wrist. He dragged towards her body. His hand clutched her waist as Gwen squirmed to flee his embrace. "No, No. No…"

Morded laughed darkly. "Please, milord."

"You'll enjoy it."

Morded painfully held a bunch of Gwen's dark hair. He attempted to place a kiss on her trembling neck. "Please, stop milord. I beg you."

Morded's felt something bang his head. He collapsed loudly. Gwen sagged against a railing. Merlin held a metal pitcher. His blue eyes wide with anger. His teeth visible. His hands shook with rage.

"Merlin," Gwen whimpered. "You hit him? You attacked a noble."

"I don't care, Gwen. Run home. Lock the door. Don't open it until I arrive." Gwen raced down the stairs. She left a trail of tears on each step. Merlin kicked Morded's ribs. He could hear knights rushing towards them. He tossed his weapon out of a window. He struggled to control his rage. He could feel his magic in his fingertips. A few words could damage the castle or kill a few knights.

Gwen stood in the doorway. She could hear Merlin yelling at Camelot's knights urging them to back away .Her eyes rose as she tried to catch a glimpse of Merlin. His magic isn't in control. He might hurt someone or himself. Please work. Tatiana give me strength. "Iceberg," Gwen muttered as she ran home.

Merlin sat on a pile of dry musty hay. Green mold covered his cell walls. He wiped sweat from his brow. He didn't know what happened. He felt calm, almost serene. In the corridor, suddenly his magic settled in his soul. He intertwined his fingers as he waited on Arthur to arrive. He will love seeing me in his cage.

Arthur listened to Aredian's report on Morded's condition. He would lived. He had a bruise and a cut on his head. His knights related a story of hearing a woman's cries, a thump, and Merlin staring at them like a fool. Arthur dismissed Aredian. He order his knights to bring Guinevere to the castle. Finally, he was in control. Merlin was at his mercy. As was Guinevere.

Arthur's mouth sneered as he watched Merlin building a house of straw. He's locked in a dungeon. He's playing games. Now, I see why Merlin and Gwen enjoy games. They always chase each other. Play hide and seek. Or guess who? I thought it was because they are so young. Not much life experience. Have they seen other places? I doubt it. Games have rules. It feels good to win. I enjoy winning and control. Now, I have control of their little game. Merlin and Gwen broke the rules of my game. So, let's play.

Merlin ignored Arthur. He didn't feel like listening to his prattling about hitting a noble. I can't believe my destiny is tied to his. I can't believe that I have to master my magic to help Arthur Pendragon. Well, he was a lousy lover for Gwen. Actually, he was a good king. Everyone loved him. Camelot was a better place to live. Merlin grinned.

"Good evening, sire."

"Merlin!" Arthur yelled. "What were you thinking?"

Merlin rolled his shoulders. "It slipped."

"It slipped. You attacked a knight of Odin's."

Merlin gave Arthur a blank look. "Okay."

"King Odin is an enemy of Camelot! You could cause a war," Arthur roared.

"No problem. You'll be fine. You're a fierce knight."

Arthur grabbed a metal bar. His eyes full of hate.

"Now, that I think of it. Sire, you should say thank you."

Arthur dropped his hands. His blue eyes stared at Merlin in disbelief. "Thank you?"

Merlin's foot kicked a bunch of hay. "What time is dinner? Yes, I protected Gwen. Where were you, Arthur?"

Arthur rubbed his hands against his nose in frustration. His ear pricked when he heard Merlin's words. "What did you say?" Arthur inquired softly.

"You heard me, Pendragon. Where were you? Gwen is your lover. Why did I have to protect her? Isn't that your job?" Merlin watched Arthur's rage build. Deep inside, he knew it was wrong to deliberately bait Arthur. He had a few problems with Arthur and Gwen's relationship. His legs twitched.

"I said why didn't you protect Gwen! You heard me." Hope, he doesn't have the keys. Arthur crossed his arms. His sapphire eyes glazed over with jealous.

"She doesn't need me. She has you."

"She loves you. She cried every night when you were gone. You broke her heart. You just used her. She loves me like brother," Merlin screamed.

"How did you feel Merlin?"

"I wish I could view her with passion. I wish I could steal her heart from you. I wish my heart would long for her. I wish her touch could make me happy. It doesn't. I love her as you love Lady Morgana."

"Isn't that lovely, Merlin."

"You just don't get it. She needs security. She doesn't want to be her mother. Gwen will never admit it; she knows that her mother loved her noble. Her mother would spend hours with him when Tom was away. One time, she made Gwen have tea with him. Gwen claims she can't remember. She remembers."

"Yes, I know about Gwen's mother and Lancelot's father."

"Lancelot's father?"

"Yes."

Merlin stretched out his hay bed. He crossed his legs. He closed his weary

eyes. "I'm tired. See you in the morning, Arthur."

Arthur watched Merlin fall asleep. He couldn't believe Merlin dismissed him like a naughty child. I'm the king. What is going on around here?

Gwen paced around Arthur's chamber. She feared his reaction over Merlin and Lord Morded. Arthur's punishment would be serve. A knight said Merlin was in a dungeon. He committed a serious crime against Camelot. Fear grabbed Gwen's mind when Camelot's knights banged loudly on her door. In a stiff tone, she was informed King Arthur requested her presence at the castle. Slowly, she walked ahead of the knights. Her neighbors gave her sympathy looks. Rumors ran rampant in town. A knight ushered her into Arthur's chamber as another check for intruders. She could hear them talking outside the door.

Merlin would feel Arthur's rage. He hit a noble. This was her fault. She should have waited outside the castle. Gwen arranged Arthur's dinner on his plate. She poured a goblet of wine. I'll keep busy. I won't think about it. She removed dead flowers. She organized his boots.

Gwen heard Arthur enter. His wardrobe opened. A few clattering sounds.

"Not going to turn around, Gwen."

Gwen shook her head. "Why am I here, milord?"

Arthur walked circles around Gwen. She trembled. Her bun was messy. A faint red mark on her wrist. "Are you hungry, Gwen?'

"No."

"Did you have a bad day?"

"It was fine."

Arthur raised his eyebrows. Tears streamed out of Gwen's eyes. "So, you like Lord Morded."

"No. Arthur, please stop circling me. It make me nervous."

"Anything for you, my love. He sat on his bed as his eyes roamed over Gwen. He patted a spot next to him.

"No."

"Are you surprised, Gwen?" His fingers stoked his bed covering.

"About what?'

"I'm so very tired of our games. Did you honestly expected men not to court your favors?"

"I don't know."

Arthur sat up abruptly. "I don't know, Arthur. I'm afraid, Arthur. I don't need you, Arthur," he mocked. "You have learned that you need me. It was a hard day. Morded is big, deadly, and scary." Arthur's hands rested on Gwen's shoulder. "He's not like me. He doesn't like butterflies. He doesn't understand about gentleness. You're my butterfly. Except, you never let me catch you. Just flutter away to return another day"

"I didn't realize."

Arthur rubbed Gwen's shoulders. His hands felt warm. Gwen ran a hand across her face. Gwen felt her feelings for Arthur struggling to resurface from deep within her heart. Her heart pounded rapidly.

"Arthur, please remove your hands?"

"Oh, you don't like my touch any longer? How was Lord Morded?"

"I didn't like Lord Morded touch. It's not good for us to touch when where are alone."

A red rays streamed across Arthur's chamber. Camelot began to settle for the night. Stillness surrounded them. "So, you can't trust yourself with me?'

"No."

Arthur's fingers undid Gwen's bun. He untangled her hair. He arrange Gwen's hair around her shoulders. "I love you hair down. Did I ever tell you that I detest your bun?"

"No."

Arthur wrapped his arms around Gwen's waist. He felt so safe. "This is my fault. What happened today, I was irrational with you. Unfair. I didn't listen. I will make Lord Morded understand. No one will ever hurt you again." Arthur closed his eyes.

"I'll free Merlin in the morning. He was so very helpful. I'll take care of you."

Arthur wiped Gwen's tears away. "Why?"

"I love you, Guinevere. I'm a controlling, selfish person. My heart belongs to you. It hurt when Morded roamed his eyes over you. I wanted you to hurt like I did. It went too far. I'm jealous of Merlin. He knows so much about you. You keep so much hidden from me. Sometimes, I dream that you're going to disappear. I'll be alone."

Arthur spun Gwen around. He pressed hot kisses on her eyelids. "Show me that you love me, Gwen. Everybody screams that you love me. You never say it. Tell me."

Gwen whispered, "I love you," against Arthur's lips. Gwen pulled Arthur' tunic over his head. Arthur smiled as he untied her bodice laces. Desire ignited in Gwen's body. Arthur brushed his lips over her neck.

Aredian viewed his dirty floor with contempt. He spent hours away to avoid Merlin. Can't I have a clean chamber? Nothing from that boy. Aredian grabbed a broom. He swept loose herbs, dust, and bits of cloth into a pile. He looked for more dirt. His eyes spotted a note. Aredian stomped over. He plucked the offending paper from his clean floor.

"I missed a request. Arthur might grow angry." Aredian noticed the note was yellowing. Aredian flicked it. His eyes scanned feminine writing. "No." Aredian read the note again.

"Not possible."

Merlin was Emrys. Merlin would become the greatest wizard ever. Merlin was lazy. He was Merlin. Merlin would help Arthur. The Pendragons spent years looking for Emrys and he lived in Camelot for the last twenty years. Actually, it's amusing. Aredian smiled my position is guaranteed with this note. Aredian ran in search of Arthur. He jumped in joy. He was out of breath. Sweat poured down his face. Arthur's knights prevented him from entering Arthur's wing.

"The king is not to be disturb."

"I need to speak with him."

"In the morning."

Aredian wiped his forehead. He could wait until morning.

Gwen's fingers dug into Arthur's back as he slowly moved inside her. He whispered, "I love you ". His mouth moved down her damp neck. Gwen pushed her into a pillow. Gwen moaned with pleasure. "Arthur, I love you" . Arthur gripped her thigh. His mouth moved over Gwen's. A tear dropped from Arthur's eyes as he struggled for control. Arthur groaned breathlessly when Gwen bit his shoulder.

Arthur deeply kissed her. He pulled a sheet over her exposed breasts. Arthur stroked her hair behind her ears. "Take a bath. I'll return shortly. I have to deal with Morded and release Merlin. I love you."

"I love you, "Gwen whispered sleepily.

Arthur snuggle Gwen into his bed. "Sleep, a little more."

Arthur walked smiling towards his council room. His heart and soul were attuned. He felt happy for the first time in a long time. He would have Geoffrey change Camelot's laws. Queen Guinevere sounds amazing. Arthur felt he could rule the world.

Aredian stood waiting. Arthur smiled. Aredian couldn't dampen his mood.

"Aredian," Arthur sang. "How can I help you?"

Aredian smiled. "Sire, I found Emrys."

Arthur froze. His hands jittered. "Emrys?"

"Yes, milord, he's been here in Camelot for years."

Arthur smiled joyously. His life was perfect. Gwen loved him. Finally, Emrys was in Camelot. Wait a minute, did Aredian say for years. Anger intruded on Arthur's happiness.

"In Camelot for years?"

"Yes, sire."

Fury imploded in Arthur. "We were betrayed by our citizens?"

Aredian nodded proudly. "Yes, sire."

"Who is it?"

"Merlin."

Arthur's laughter floated around Aredian. He dropped into his throne. His head rolled in glee. "Oh, Aredian."

"Sire, it was quite a shocking discovery. Merlin is a bumbling fool. He's lazy. "

"You aren't joking?'

Aredian shook his long face. "I found a note written to Gaius."

"Gaius?"

"Yes, milord," Aredian unfolded his treasure," My dearest Gaius, I have given Balinor a son. His name is Merlin Emrys of Ealdor. Merlin is a delightful baby. Please tell Queen Igraine that I plan to remain with Balinor. She's a lovely woman. Balinor refuses to travel to Camelot. He has unresolved anger towards Uther Pendragon. I will write soon. Love, Hunith."

Aredian smiled smugly. He watched Arthur struggle for control.

"Aredian, a great reward is yours."

"Thank you, sire."

Arthur rose from his throne. He walked towards his Council room door. "Awake my mother and Lady Morgana. I want to see them now! Send a messenger for Leon and Lancelot," Arthur commanded sternly.

Morgana laughed. His mother shook her head in disbelief. Arthur's fury built. He read Hunith's note.

Morgana laughed again. Igraine stood in disbelief.

"Merlin is Emrys. Merlin is boney. Silly."

"Well, he's smart enough to hide from us."

"Maybe, he doesn't know."

Arthur assessed Morgana's words. "That does make sense. Gaius could have kept the truth from him."

"Mother, Hunith worked for you?"

"She returned from Ealdor with Merlin. He was a baby. Her lover abandon her. I couldn't remember his name. She refused to talk of it. I felt guilty. Your father took me to another kingdom. I was so excited to travel. I ignored her. She fell deeply in love."

Arthur looked around. This is incredible. I found Emrys.

"He must not be aware. He could have broken last night. Send a knight to check on him."

They remained in an uncomfortable silence. They could not accept Merlin was a great wizard. Merlin with his big ears. Skinny body, He's clumsy.

"Morgana, search Gwen's house."

"Is Gwen home?"

"No, she's with me." Morgana's eyebrow arched. Her hand waved at Arthur.

"Arthur."

"I'm going to marry Guinevere."

Morgana smiled. Now, Lancelot won't have to kill you. "You deserve love, Arthur." Morgana sighed, Arthur is so very happy today. He deserve to be happy. I wish for love. I want adoration in a man's eyes for me.

"I will return."

Igraine squealed delightfully. She hugged Arthur tightly. "I'm so very happy for you. Gwen is a wonderful girl."

"I love her, mother. Go tell the seamstress to make a wedding gown. Tell the cook to plan for a wedding feast. I need Geoffrey to change the law. Merlin will learn magic. Gwen will be my wife. Our future is bright."

Igraine thanked the gods. Her son had returned. She hadn't seen his eyes gleam with emotions since he was seven years old. Camelot would have a just, honest ruler. She happily went to complete Arthur's errands.

Merlin plucked straw from his hair. His back was stiff. He need water. His stomach rumbled. He fought a yawn.

Arthur twisted Gwen's necklace around his fingers. Sunlight sparkled off glimmering green crystals. So, she was going to run away with Merlin. They were going away. Leaving Camelot. A new life without him. How lovely.

Morgana watched Arthur' eyes coat with anger. He sat quietly. Too quiet. He was too calm.

"Arthur, things were over between you. She's so young. She probably wanted to start over."

Arthur ignored Morgana. His face set in stone. His emotions contained a by a fine string. He walked slowly towards his chamber. He wanted to choose his words wisely. He didn't want to scare Guinevere. He wanted answers about her planned aperture.

Gwen smiled when Arthur entered his chamber. His mouth slightly lifted. His eye were melancholy.

"Arthur?"

Arthur's finger twisted Gwen's necklace. His other hand shook her note. Gwen stepped back. Arthur noticed apprehension clouding her features.

"You're running away with Merlin?"

"I needed a break. Things had been difficult."

"So, you dropped your great plans after last night, right?"

"Well, I thought you understood about Merlin. He's like my brother."

Gwen's necklace bounced on her cheek. It clicked loudly on the floor. Gwen moved away from Arthur. Bits of paper stuck in her hair. "I love you. I 'm going to marry you. I need to know that I can trust you. Is there anything else?"

"No."

Arthur wiped his face. His stomach felt queasy. She uttered words of love last night. I felt so close to her. She's my everything.

"Is Merlin, Emrys?"

"No."

Arthur's angry snapped. She lied. She can never meet my eyes when she's lying. Light vanished from Arthur's soul. He grabbed Gwen's face. His fingers dug into her jaws. Her nails scratched his hands. Arthur looked deeply into Gwen's eyes. He saw fear. He enjoyed it. It gave him power. Gwen thumped against the floor. She crawled away.

"You knew. You shared my bed. You owned my heart. You've been lying to me for him. You were going to run away with Merlin. You stole my life's dream. My heart bleeds for you. You're a filth lying whore. You're nothing special. Just a servant girl. What a fool that I have been for you!, "Arthur screamed. He stormed closer to Gwen.

Gwen struggled with fear. She breathed in short pants. Her dress ripped. Sweat beaded on her back. Arthur grabbed Gwen by her hair. He shoved her towards his door.

"Arthur, please understand..."

Gwen cried in pain. Her face throbbed. She bent over. Arthur's hand lowered.

Merlin sat up in bed. His sheets soaking wet. His chest heaving. He clambered from his bed. His knee hit the table. He collapsed in relief. Gwen slept sounding in her bed. Artemis pinned in her arms.

Merlin shook with fear. It was just a nightmare. She's okay. Nobody knows about me. We're leaving tomorrow. Rain, sleet, snow, dragon knights. We leave Camelot tomorrow.

Arthur swallowed a yawn. It was late. Morded spoke animatedly with his mother and Morgana. Gorlois sat drinking wine. My two enemies are staying in my castle and eating my food. Then, my best wine was poured for them. Morded wasn't here for peace. He's spying for Odin. I'm not ready to face Odin. In a year or two, I might ride into battle with Odin. Gorlois is a mystery. His doting with Morgana. Polite with mother. Actually, he's been a good advisor over the last few days. I don't know why he baited my emotions. I ruined my relationship with Gwen, again. My conversations with Gorlois and my mother paralyzed me with fear. I have nothing to offer Gwen. My father was King. He couldn't stop Gorlois from loving her; Igraine was his wife. I can't control her. Nothing binds us together. She's dependent on Merlin.

She runs to Merlin for comfort, not me. She' so open with him. What, if she falls in love? What can I do? It hurts without her. I'm afraid of loving her. Terrified of losing her. So, I hurt her. Nothing is the same without her. She avoids me. My ache grows deeper.

"Arthur," Morgana screeched.

Arthur cleared his thoughts. "Did you say something?"

"She is here."

Why does everyone arrive at night? Am I ever going to sleep? Arthur straightened his clothes. "Send a maid to freshen her chamber, Mother"

She was taller than Arthur expected. Her eyes glowed a serene blue. Sable dark hair framed an exquisitely beautiful face. She was slender. She generated power and elegance. His body felt nothing. He wanted short, curvy, cinnamon skin, curls.

"King Arthur." Her voice was deep, husky. Arthur rather hear Gwen' soft, sweet voice. He wished that he could look into her chocolate eyes. Pay attention, Arthur.

Arthur bowed, "Welcome to Camelot, Nimueh."

Author Note: this was my original ending except Arthur didn't greet Nimueh and Merlin didn't wake up dreaming. I felt Arthur went too far. He went crazy on Gwen. One more. Sorry for the tease! A more explicit sexual encounter was written to reveal Arthur's vulnerability with Gwen.