Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.

Chapter 11 – The Passing of Power

"I had to. I couldn't let her hurt anyone else simply for vengeance." She cried into his shoulder.

"I know. It's alright, Morgana. It's all over." He allowed her to cry for a time as Merlin joined him, while Leon and Elyan, who was the knight Morgana had not recognized, found something to cover Morgause's body.

"You were right, Merlin." She said when her tears had dried up. "I didn't want to hurt anyone. I simply couldn't live under Uther's reign of terror any longer, nor could I continue to watch as he put innocent people to death."

"I'm not entirely sure how to respond to that, given you overthrew my…our father. But in truth you did the same thing I did for Guinevere. Though you did it for much more nobler reasons than I." Morgana let loose a bitter laugh.

"It was my fault, Arthur. What happened with Gwen was my fault. I led Uther to you that day." Arthur stiffened, his arms tightening around her, though he did not push her away and she took that as a good sign. "I swear though, I never wanted her hurt. I…I was having dreams, visions, of her being crowned Queen. At the time I thought that she would just be another pawn in your game to destroy magic like Uther, so I thought it she was gone it would be better. I didn't want her hurt though. Banished is one thing, dead is another. I swear I meant what I said that day, the day you told me you would leave Camelot for her, that if you needed my help rescuing her I would help you." Arthur took in her words, mulling them over before deciding he believed them. Even after everything that had happened, he still felt that he ultimately knew this woman, and could feel it in his heart that she was telling the truth. She couldn't stand Uther's rule any longer, but never wanted to hurt anyone herself. This was what he knew to be true; a quick glance to Merlin also confirmed it.

"It's alright, Morgana. I forgive you. Whatever happened, it's in the past."

"I suppose. Congratulations by the way." Arthur looked confused. "It was kind of hard to miss that Gwen is with child, and although you all left together, I'm pretty certain the child is not Leon or Merlin's."

"Definitely not!" Merlin said scandalized, while Leon merely shuddered at the thought.

"But how did you know she is with child?"

"I went to see her, when Merlin and Morgause started fighting." Still they looked confused so she continued before they could interrupt her. "When Merlin gave his speech I needed to know with absolute certainty that he was right. Gwen had been my best friend since we were little girls, she has never hidden anything from me, and I know when she's lying, so I knew I could trust what she said. When she confirmed that Arthur did indeed know of your magic, Merlin, and that he intended to bring magic back to Camelot and stop the atrocities Uther started…that's all I've ever wanted. I came right back to stop Morgause."

"I'm sorry she's dead." Arthur offered his condolences, though it only drew a scoff from Morgana.

"No you're not. I know you too well, Arthur Pendragon."

"Alright, so I'm sorry that her passing saddens you, if not that she can no longer cause harm to Camelot. You do know me well, Morgana Pendragon."

"I'm not a Pendragon, Arthur. Uther may be my father by blood, but he has never been a father to me, nor would I want any association with him, even if he had claimed me as his bastard."

"I will not deny all the harm my father has caused, and I will certainly not try and force you to take the Pendragon name. I know how much Gorlois meant to you; he was your father, even if you do not carry his blood."

"However…?" Morgana knew there was more to his statement.

"However…you are not just of Uther's blood, you are of mine. And I am quite thrilled that you are truly my sister, Morgana. Even if the entire kingdom didn't already know, I would not allow you to try and hide the truth. You are my sister, and you will be known as such, and be treated accordingly."

"You really want me as your sister? Even after all I have done?"

"As Merlin said, you had the best of intentions, regardless of how things got warped along the way. And you set it right when you realized how wrong it had gone. You care for the people, and I could not ask more than that." Morgana's smile was watery, it seemed that after crying only rarely, that is all she was doing today.

"So now what do we do, Sire?" She asked, giving Arthur a mock bow.

"Now we-" Arthur cut off as a thought struck him. "Merlin, my father!" He could not believe that he had forgotten that his father was currently fighting for his life, possibly having lost that fight by now.

"I shall go see if there is anything I can do." Was the warlock's reply as he left the room. He did not promise that Uther would live, Arthur noted, but the new King knew that Merlin would do his best, if only because Arthur wanted it. After Merlin's departure, Arthur helped Morgana to her feet, while Elyan retrieved Excalibur.

"Thank you."

"And who is this?" Morgana asked, nodding to the Knight she'd never met.

"Oh, right you haven't met. This is my brother-in-law, Sir El-"

"Elyan!" Morgana cried, knowing of Guinevere's brother from their many discussions of their families.

"My Lady." He greeted respectfully.

"Gwen must be so happy to have you back…after four years!" Arthur and Leon chuckled at Elyan's shocked expression; they knew how protective Morgana and Guinevere could be of each other.

"Uh…" Although the two had never met, Elyan had known that his sister had gone to become the Lady Morgana's maid before he had disappeared, but he had not known just how close the two had become.

"Gwen is my dearest friend. Do not hurt her like that again." The threat was uttered with only a small trace of humour and Elyan knew that if he disappeared once again, Morgana would flay him alive, and she had the magic to do so. The three were interrupted as the doors opened, admitting Gwaine and Lancelot.

"The commanders of both Camelot and Caerleon's armies await in the courtyard, Sire." Gwaine said, trying to keep a straight face at addressing someone so without considering it an insult.

"As are many of the people who had not escaped the city when Morgause's army first attacked." Added Lancelot. "They are naturally confused." Arthur nodded and looked to Morgana who agreed that they would need to address the people. Offering her his arm, Arthur led the way outside, ignoring for now the shocked murmurs at seeing Morgana on his arm.

"I will keep this short as there is much to do." He started once the murmuring had stopped and all eyes were on him. "Morgause is dead, as is the immortal army of hers. The Lady Morgana, my sister, agreed to aid Morgause in ousting our father as she saw the atrocities that befell those with magic. No longer could she stand aside and allow them to continue. What Lady Morgana did, she did out of love for the people of Camelot, and a desire to see all beings, whether or not they have magic, live in peace and security. I cannot fault her for this, as it is the same desire I myself have. No harm shall come to Lady Morgana, or the perpetrator shall answer to me." He stared each and every person in the courtyard down, especially those from Camelot, daring them to blame Morgana for what had happened or try and seek revenge.

"I happily relinquish the throne and all claim I have to the crown to my brother, Arthur." Morgana added. "He shall be your King. Uncontested by me."

"What of King Uther?" One of Camelot's citizens shouted. It was understandable that they were still confused; they had not escaped to witness Arthur pull Excalibur from the stone, nor were they among the people who proclaimed him King.

"Our father currently fights for his life, we do not know if he will live." Arthur admitted. "However, should he live, he too relinquishes the crown to me." He explained no more, knowing that as soon as the citizens who had escaped returned, the story would spread quickly to those that had remained. Giving one final word to the armies' commanders to return to the castle where they had made their camp – Camelot's army to see to the safe return of the people, while Caerleon's army would report to Queen Annis – Arthur led the way back inside, being met quickly by Merlin.

"He lives, but he is quite weak." The warlock said before Arthur could even ask. "I did all I could, and perhaps Gaius can do more, I don't know. Nor do I know how long he will last." Arthur nodded solemnly, this was his father after all, though Morgana's face was impassive; she would never be able to forgive Uther.

"We've sent men to bring the people back to Camelot, now it is time I fetch my wife."

"Allow us to go." Leon said. "We will escort The Queen home. I do not think it a good idea for you to leave Camelot just now, even if only for a little while. The people need you here." Although he pursed his lips in displeasure, Arthur could not disagree with him. "But first, we shall get our newest Knights outfitted properly." Leon added once he had his King's approval. "It shall be Knights of Camelot that escort our Queen, not some random, dishevelled men." The First Knight of Camelot was back in his element as he surveyed his newest recruits. Leon had always been a fair, yet tough taskmaster to the knights, ensuring all was in its place and they appeared the part as much as acted like it; at some point each knight had learned the hard way that appearing before him in any state of undress or being at all unprepared was not a good idea.

"Allow me to fetch Gwen one of my dresses." Morgana said. "If Camelot's Knights are going to be escorting The Queen, best she too look the part."

"Are you forgetting Guinevere is with child?" Arthur asked with only a hint of condescension. "She may have been able to wear one of your dresses previously, but our child is too big for them now."

"No I'm not forgetting that I'm going to be an aunt, but you're forgetting I have magic." She upped the condescension level considerably. "A simple spell will see the dress fit her perfectly."

"She's right. I've used a similar spell several times to…enhance your clothes." Merlin inserted, earning Arthur's ire.

"Are you saying I'm fat?!"

"No!" Merlin quickly insisted, though no one believed him. "I'm saying that sometimes your clothes were a few inches short of perfection."

"Merlin…"

"Well what was I supposed to do? I learned my lesson after the belt incident, when you caught me putting another hole in it. Best to let you think you've stayed the same size all these years." Arthur glared at Merlin who was trying not to chuckle, though Gwaine had lost that battle.

"Don't worry, Sire." Leon too was sporting an amused grin. "We'll get you back on the training field. Losing a few rounds to me will see you in tip top shape once again." Arthur turned his glare on his First Knight who held up his hands in surrender and began making his way towards the armoury, barking for the others to follow him. Morgana disappeared for a few minutes and returned with a purple overdress that doubled as a cloak. The three then made their way back outside and asked for five horses to be brought around as they waited for the others. The Knights took their time and had clearly had some issues with their armour, as indicated by Leon's annoyed shake of his head, though Elyan's pleased look told them he had done just fine, which was no surprise given his father, and he himself, had been a blacksmith.

"We will return as quickly as possible, My Lord." Leon promised, taking the purple dress from Morgana and gently shoving it into a saddlebag.

"It is strange hearing you address me so after so many months of just being Arthur." He said, clasping Leon's hand in thanks.

"It is strange saying it." Leon agreed. "However, we are back in Camelot, and you are The King now."

"Just do not forget that Elyan is not my only brother-in-law, alright?" Arthur murmured quietly. Leon nodded sheepishly, though he was pleased at the request.

"We will not be long." He promised once more as he mounted his horse and led the way out of the citadel.

"If it will make you feel better I'll continue to call you dollophead." Merlin said as he and Morgana followed Arthur back inside.

"Shut up Merlin." The hours passed faster than Arthur thought they would. Morgana filled him in on everything that had happened since his departure; he met with the council, at least those that remained, though he simply informed them that great changes were coming before taking his leave; Geoffrey wanted to discuss the coronation, having been informed by Merlin that Arthur was now King; he checked on his father, who was unconscious, though still living; the Head Housekeeper and Cook asked to meet with him to discuss his living arrangements as well as if there would be a celebratory feast that evening...there was much to be done and he hadn't even been back a full day. After several hours Morgana took pity on him and agreed to arrange things with the Head Housekeeper and Audrey, the Cook, allowing Arthur to escape. He and Merlin went to the courtyard to await Guinevere's return, Arthur quite impatiently, knowing she should arrive within the hour.

"You seen the state of these boots?" He asked of Merlin when the conversation between the two of them hit a lull.

"Yeah."

"Well go and get something to clean them."

"Why? They're your boots."

"Have you lost your mind?" Arthur looked scandalized.

"I thought you believed in equality." He mockingly shook his head, faking sorrow.

"I'm sorry?"

"At the round table, you said-"

"Shut up, Merlin" Again they hit a lull, though instead of banter, Merlin decided on an actual question.

"How's your father?"

"I don't know." Arthur admitted. "It's been most of the day and he's still unconscious. I fear more for his state of mind when…if he wakes, than his physical health. Regardless of his affair with Vivienne and not claiming Morgana as his, he truly did love her. Hearing her say she hated him hit him hard; I could see it in his eyes."

"But are you really surprised?" Merlin had to ask. "I mean after everything he's done…you yourself said you would never forgive him if he executed Gwen, and yet he would have still gone ahead with it had we not gotten her out of Camelot."

"I know." Arthur's voice was tight, not liking that particular memory. "And a part of me will never forgive him for that, even if Guinevere is still with us. Hell, Merlin, a part of me even thinks it will be easier if he just dies! But he's my father, and I feel horrible because I don't feel as sad at the thought of him passing as I should."

"I'm not surprised. He turned his back on you, on his own son. He refused to see your love for Gwen, refused to acknowledge that she holds your heart and any action against her hurts you irreparably."

"Still…he's my father, and I love him."

"And for that reason you will do right by him, regardless of your inner turmoil, which, by the way, I would be concerned if you didn't have."

"But will that turmoil eat away at me? Will I constantly be second-guessing myself when it comes to my father? What's more, will I constantly be comparing my actions as King to his? Especially if he lives and watches me become a King he could never be proud of."

"You don't need his approval, Arthur. You have the people's approval, their love, and all the support you could ever need. You once said to me that you learned from your father how not to be King. You said so with no hesitation. Don't hesitate now. We've entered a new time, you're in charge now, you need to make things the way you think they should be. You're The King, not him."

"Yeah. I suppose you're right." He said distractedly for the person they awaited had arrived. Guinevere looked splendid on her white palfrey, dressed in Morgana's purple overdress, the hood down around her shoulders and done up such that their growing child was even more prominent as it opened just under her breasts – revealing her usual lavender dress – the fabric spreading around her belly instead of draping over it. Her brothers flanked her on either side, though rode slightly behind her, while the other three Knights fanned out around them. Arthur was vaguely aware of Annis riding in after them, her own guards following her, as he stood to go greet his wife, helping her off her horse and happily giving her a kiss.

"Are you alright?" He asked when they pulled apart, placing a hand on her belly. "Is the babe alright?" Guinevere shot him an incredulous look.

"You just won a battle against an immortal army and you're asking if we're alright?"

"Yes." Came his simply reply.

"Arthur, we're fine." She promised with a shake of her head. "More so because Morgana did not betray Camelot, and Leon says she is still here. So where is she?"

"Inside. I will take you to her, and get you out of this cold." He began to lead her into the citadel, not even given her enough time to do more than simply wave at Merlin.

"It is not cold, Arthur."

"There is a slight chill to the air, and I will not have you catching cold while with child."

"Yes, a slight chill, Arthur. That does not constitute cold."

"Regardless, in we go." Guinevere could be heard sighing as the two disappeared inside.

"It seems we are forgotten." Queen Annis said in amusement, accepting Leon's offer to escort her inside.

"I fear that there are times that all is forgotten when those two are together." Leon said by way of apology, earning a laugh from the visiting Queen.

"I do not doubt that you are right, Sir Leon." Merlin, who had remained in the courtyard while Arthur took Guinevere inside, offered a bow to Annis as they neared the citadel doors and said that he would show her to her chambers and have a maid sent up to tend her.

"I do hope you are no longer simply his manservant."Annis commented, noticing Merlin was indeed filling that role.

"It has yet to be discussed, My Lady." He replied amicably and without a hint of resentment that he was still acting the servant. As Merlin was showing Queen Annis to her chambers, Arthur and Guinevere had been directed towards his old chambers and sure enough they found Morgana there, directing a small contingency of servants who were pulling covers off the furniture, sweeping the floor, changing the curtains and making the bed.

"What is going on here?" Arthur asked, having never seen his room so busy before. The servants stopped at his voice and bowed or curtseyed before their new King while looking on their new Queen with interest as she hugged Morgana and thanked her for the dress. Guinevere, of course, knew almost all of them, having worked alongside them not too long ago. There was only one she did not recognize and surmised that the young man must have come to work at the citadel after her departure.

"Hello. It's good to see you all again." She greeted warmly. They returned her greeting with murmurs of 'My Lady' and 'Madam' which had Guinevere pursing her lips. She knew things had changed, it was unavoidable given whom she had married, but she saw no reason that they could not still be friendly with each other.

"Josephine. How are your parents?" She tried again.

"They are well, My Lady. They shall be honoured that you asked after them." Seeing Guinevere's frustration, Arthur wisely hid his laugh in a coughing fit, knowing how her pregnancy made her prone to bite people's heads off, while Morgana watched in amusement, wondering how her friend would handle this.

"Alright, enough!" She snapped, apparently deciding on quickly and to the point. She shot Arthur a look telling him his cough was fooling no one before turning back to Josephine who was a maid just a few years older than Guinevere herself. "Josephine, you and I have known each other for years. We talked and gossiped together, your parents had me around for dinner many times after my father's death…we were friends before. I understand things are different, for how could they not be? But please do not walk on eggshells around me nor claim to be honoured that I've deigned to speak with you or grace you with my presence, as we've done many times in the past for other nobles." Her sarcasm was quite apparent. "I am not entirely a different person, and though I know things cannot go back to the way they once were, I hope that we can at least still be friendly to each other." The maid's eyes were shining at Guinevere's words showing her that the woman whom had been her friend for years was still there. "John, Bess, Mathilde, and…" She paused, looking to the newcomer.

"Raymond, My lady."

"Raymond. The same goes for all of you, and everyone else in the castle." The five servants nodded, Raymond looking in awe at the woman he knew to be his Queen asking to be friends with servants, while the others were trying to minimize their smiles. "Besides, you should know by now that not even Arthur, with his large ego, holds himself above others." She directed to her husband with a smirk. "Just look at how he is with Merlin. He's been Arthur's manservant for years and yet they are more like brothers."

"Let's not go too far shall we, sweetheart?" Arthur all but begged. "Merlin and I brothers…I shudder at the mere thought." He did just that to emphasize his point, though neither Guinevere nor Morgana were buying it.

"Sure you do." Morgana scoffed. "Now if you would please excuse us. Your chambers have not been touched since you left – Uther's orders – so they require a bit of work before you can use them. Shoo!" Knowing better than to fight her, the two wisely did as instructed.

A/N - Review please!