The rest of the journey was subdued, Arthur being particularly grumpy and brusque. They'd packed up early, exchanging little words. Morgana only had to glance at Arthur to learn his mood had not improved with sleep. Gwen looked weary and Lancelot was lost in his thoughts. There was a very awkward moment when they had to figure out who would ride with whom. They only had three horses. Morgana cringed remembering it.
Lancelot was the first to speak. "I'd be happy to share," he offered. Arthur shook his head passionately and said bitingly, "No, no. The mighty Lancelot must have his own horse."
Lancelot made no reply and Merlin rubbed his neck, unsure of how to smooth things over.
"Morgana you can ride with me and Gwen with Merlin." Arthur commanded, sweeping his arm to the side. Morgana opened her mouth to explain that she'd rather ride with any other companion than him, with the way he was acting, but upon seeing his expression, she merely nodded meekly. Even though he was being an ass she could tell he was only doing so because he was hurt by Gwen's actions. He had risked everything to save her and she could only make love-stricken eyes at Lancelot.
While he didn't want to ride with Gwen, he still wouldn't be able to bear her riding with Lancelot. Gwen mounted Merlin's horse behind him, giving Arthur an injured look. He ignored he and roughly pulled Morgana up onto his horse. She scowled when her hand bumped into his shoulder but said nothing.
Now she was riding with her head resting against his back, one arm looped around his waist. Merlin was directly behind them, muttering something about horses.
Tired of the perpetual silence, Morgana mutter into Arthur side, "You realize you're being a prat, don't you?"
Arthur shifted but stated ahead resolutely.
"Do you even know what hell Gwen's been through? Did you even bother to find out" She hissed.
Still the stony silence. "Of course you didn't. You should talk-" Morgana pressed.
"I don't need advice. Especially not from you." He snapped.
Morgana scowled and clamped her mouth shut.
They reached Camelot that night, the dark shielding their entrance. Morgana instructed Gwen to go home and get some sleep. Arthur had cooled off a little and bade her a courteous good night. He also offered Lancelot a place to stay, without a trace of bitterness.
Lancelot smiled at the offer. "Thank you, My Lord, but I must be on my way. I'm grateful for everything. I owe my life to you."
Arthur nodded, looking faintly relieved to hear the man was leaving. Lancelot clapped Merlin on the shoulder, bowed respectfully to Morgana and then his eyes slowly caught Gwen's.
Morgana cleared her throat and dismounted from Arthur's horse. "We'd better take our leave, right Arthur?"
Arthur cast an uncertain glance at Gwen and Lancelot but nodded. Morgana then mounted the horse Lancelot had borrowed and the trio rode on toward the castle.
Merlin left them once they'd entered the castle, because he lived in a different wing than they. Arthur walked Morgana to her room, as his was nearby. The moonlight was shining in from nearby windows and nearby guards were conversing quietly. When they reached her room, Arthur leaned against the wall next to her door.
Morgana paused, her hand on the door, "Don't look so sullen. We did it, didn't we?"
Arthur looked up, with an expression she couldn't really identify. "I know that. It's just-" He sighed and continued, "Get some sleep my Lady."
Morgana's lips curled. "Good night, My Lord." As she pushed the door open, she heard him mutter something and then slowly walk away.