Morgana threw the letter from her sister down, grumbling expletives that were more fitting of a tavern than a well-bred lady's chambers. Gwaine's presence had clearly been having a poor influence on her.

The words from Morgause's letter had begun to sink in, however. Much as she hated to admit it, Morgana knew she couldn't keep up the pretence that everything was perfect. She had a job to do and whether or not she liked it, she had allowed Gwaine to become heavily involved; in a way that meant their numerous liaisons were not strictly appropriate.

With an uncharacteristically gruff groan, she threw herself onto the bed, flinching as she landed on the cut in her arm. She really owed Arthur for that.

X-X-X

The familiar feeling of magic encased her as she woke. It was comforting and alarming at the same time; she couldn't figure out where it was coming from. She sat up further, gasping when she saw a hooded figure at the foot of her bed.

"Sister."

Morgana let out relieved sigh. "Morgause."

"Did you get my letter, Sister?"

"Of course and I fully intended to move the plan into its final stages today."

"Good. Cenred is beginning to wonder of you haven't turned on us."

"And you have let him think so?" Morgana sat up straighter, staring her sister down indignantly.

"He is not the only one wondering where your true allegiance is, Sister."

"With you, of course. Clearly, I am a better actress than you expected. How do you think I got Gwaine to fall in love with me so easily?"

Morgause nodded, turning towards the door. "I must go. Be sure to do what is expected of you, Sister."

X-X-X

The young ward paced outside the tavern, unwilling to enter it again if she could avoid doing so; the smell was ghastly. She was beginning to become rather impatient. She had been assured by Sir Leon that Gwaine had gone back to his room in the tavern after the knights had finished training.

As soon as he stepped outside the door of the tavern she grabbed his arm, covering his mouth with the palm of her other hand to stop him yelling. "It's me," she hissed in his ear, allowing her grip to slacken as she felt him relax slightly. She tugged him into a secluded corner, releasing his arm when she decided no one had seen them.

"What is it?"

Morgana breathed heavily, trying not to look at his all too trusting eyes. "I needed to see you. I'm scared, Gwaine."

He stiffened, pulling her as close to him as was physically possible. "What happened? Was it Uther?"

She shook her head gently. "Arthur. I don't think his actions yesterday were accidental."

"You mean when he caught you with his sword?"

"Yes. I was sure it was an accident. I'd never have dreamt Arthur would want to hurt me, only..." she trailed off, waiting for Gwaine to take the bait.

"Only what, Love?"

"The way he looked at me this morning...I'm not so sure anymore. I do not know what I have done Gwaine, but I'm frightened. Don't make me go back there!" She buried her face in his chest, soaking his thin shirt with her tears.

"I'll kill him before he hurts you, but you have to go back. The king will grow suspicious if you don't and Arthur already suspects there is something between us."

Morgana let out a terrified squeak at the mention of Arthur, grabbing fistfuls of his shirt. "Please, Gwaine!"

He stroked her hair softly, making soothing noises as he did so. "Morgana, we are going to have to compromise. Hear me out," he added as she squirmed. "You have to go back today but you can stay with me tonight. That way we can decide what has to be done."

She nodded, slowly releasing her hold on him. He looked down at her for a moment before lowering his head down to her level in order to kiss her.

X-X-X

The day passed painfully slowly, at least in Morgana's opinion. She tried not to listen as Arthur apologised continuously for the previous day's little disaster. A year before and she would have felt terrible for his guilt, now all she wanted to do was look him dead in the eye and tell him she was glad he felt bad and no amount of apologising could change what had happened. It was not just the wound on her arm- after all; it was a simple flesh wound that would heal. No, her real grievance was that he was planning to put a serving girl on her throne.

"Morgana, have I done something to upset you? It really was an accident; you know I wouldn't hurt you like that!" Arthur pleaded, catching her arm as she tried to make her way to her chambers.

Taking the opportunity, Morgana looked pleadingly in Gwaine's direction before turning to look at Arthur. "Let go of me!" she demanded, glaring at him.

"Not until you tell me what's wrong."

"My Lord, I don't think she wants to talk to you."

"Stay out of it, Gwaine," Arthur snapped, not looking away from Morgana who was becoming tenser by the second. The situation was becoming increasingly dangerous; she could tell by the way that Gwaine was watching Arthur. She knew that look all too well.

"Let go of me!" She cried again, trying to wrench her arm from his grasp. She gasped in pain having forgotten that he was holding her injured arm.

Without warning Gwaine lurched forward, slamming into the Prince with his full body weight. "Gwaine!" she screamed, trying to force him off Arthur. "Stop it!"

Her words may as well have fallen on deaf ears, neither of the men stopped, too busy trying to gain the upper hand in their frenzied fight. "Gwaine, please!"

Morgana breathed out as he paused, turning to look at her. "Stop it," she whispered, offering out a hand. She sighed as he took it, dragging him away from Arthur who was still on the floor as fast as she could.

X-X-X

She snuggled into Gwaine's side, wiping her tears against him warm skin. "You have to leave, Gwaine," she whispered, her voice hoarse from all the crying she had been doing.

"I can't leave you alone," he argued, sitting up and pulling her with him in the process.

"Yes, you can. You have to. I'm not going to watch you die at my father's hands."

"I'd rather die than leave you here."

"Gwaine…" she whispered, kissing his cheek gently, avoiding the bruises that were coming through where Arthur had hit him.

"Come with me?" He pleaded, pulling her onto his lap. "We could get away from it all; no one would have to bother us."

Morgana fought the urge to imagine a life in the country with Gwaine. "As lovely as that sounds, I can't. I am the King's ward; if I were to go missing, he would have the whole army after us. Trust me it has happened before."

Gwaine sighed. "You're right."

Morgana looked at him in surprise. Gwaine was one of the most stubborn people she had ever met; he never gave up a fight so easily. "I am?"

"I can't take you with me. If I can't take you with me I can't go," he explained simply, smiling fondly at her.

"What do you mean you can't go? Gwaine, you have to."

"I can't leave behind my heart, can I?"

She smiled despite herself, pulling him closer for a kiss, laughing as he flipped them over. She grinned as he pinned her down with an arm at either side of her face. It was rather a familiar position. "Have we reached an agreement, my lady?"

Morgana shook her head adamantly, turning her face when he bent down for a kiss. "Gwaine, stop it."

"Afraid that I'll change your mind," he winked cheekily, supporting himself with one hand as he turned her face towards his.

"Don't be ridiculous," she grumbled, annoyed at how easily he managed to manipulate her. That was her forte; she was meant to manipulate not be manipulated.

"I'm right. Again," he reminded her, kissing her quickly before she could reply. Try as she might she could not help but surrender to the kiss, pulling him closer without thinking. "Just as I thought," he mumbled, pulling away. "You can't resist me."

Morgana sat up, grateful that Gwaine had the good sense to move out the way or she would have had a sore head. "Oh really," she breathed, gracefully getting up from the squeaking tavern bed.

She pulled his discarded shirt on, turning round to find him propped up on one elbow, watching her with a raised eyebrow. "I think you, Gwaine, are the one who cannot resist me."

He chuckled as she stood expectantly in front of him, a hand on either hip, waiting for his answer. "I think you're right, my lady."

XXX

A/N Here's a new chapter from me (Kim). I hate to contradict my dear writing partner but I'd like to point out I am perfectly helpful! I hope you enjoy the chapter and please, please review! It means a lot, really it does…